Harry Potter and the Foreign Magic

by La Morraine

Harry's sixth year is anything but calm: another fraud as DADA teacher, Umbridge on the loose, Voldemort wants revenge, new friends and allies come forth. The Malfoys behave strangely and Wiccans prowl Hogwarts ... SLASH HP/LM/DM, SB/RL, Veela!Malfoys

10. Chapter 9

Disclaimer: Please see part 1.

Thanks: My thanks go, as usual, to all the faithful readers who take their time to read, review and subscribe to the story. You guys are really awesome and make my day with your comments! Thanks a lot for so much feedback!

And of course I also thank my wonderful beta Licelli who helped me through all the small and big mistakes and explained grammar and things to me (again and again *g*).

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Chapter 9

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During the next few days the house was unusually empty. Snape, Dumbledore and McGonagall had returned to Hogwarts to prepare lessons and refill the stocks of things they needed for lessons.

Sirius and Remus both finally kept their word and started to teach Harry, Ron, Hermione and Ginny everything they thought was important. In some ways it was worse than school – they barely left the warded room on Monday at all – but in all the other ways it was so much better. Harry felt unusually free and bouncy with all the strong magic he performed; was allowed to perform. Sirius also wasn't shy to teach them some basic spells of the Dark Arts, such as some mean trap spells they hadn't found in the books of his library earlier, or some attack spells that could set the body of an enemy on fire without actually harming him. It was a relatively mild curse that only served to knock people unconscious with a sensation overload of the nerve system.

During their free time, they visited Buckbeak in his attic, fed and coddled him, trying to ease his loneliness.

Wednesday afternoon, the day of New Year's Eve, finally allowed the four of them to relax a bit. Harry mourned the break; Sirius would make a wonderful teacher if he just were exonerated from the charges laid against him he hadn't committed. He was demanding and expected a lot of them but he also was helpful and supportive. He didn't expect them to do everything right at the first try but rather tried to explain the theory to them patiently and then see how far they could go with that. Only then the practical work started. And the method worked really well for all of them.

When six o'clock approached the house suddenly filled with people. Ministry workers arrived in swarms and Harry recognised some of them as members of the Order. The others, Ron told him, must be as well, otherwise they wouldn't be here. Fred and George arrived with a sparkly show in one of the fireplaces of the Living Room, only to be pushed out of the way by a clumsily following Tonks. Moody rushed out of another fireplace at exactly the same time, catching her with a clever spell. The roaring laughter at the little show only confirmed Harry's suspicion that they all knew each other. It would be an exhausting night to meet everybody.

Mrs Weasley cleaned the visitors who had come by Floo with a quick spell. Remus and Sirius where nowhere to be seen. Harry suspected they had annexed the kitchen for Remus' secret baking.

Fifteen minutes later Dumbledore arrived. He had come through the Floo, too, and he apparently had used the same Floo powder as Fred and George, because the funky, glittering soot sparkled around him and in his beard and robes for a full three minutes. After him McGonagall and Snape stepped out of the fireplace. McGonagall was clad in merry Scottish Tartans and looked expectantly around, whereas Snape wore his usual black robes and his usual forbidding expression.

Next to Harry Hermione started to fiddle with the hem of her rather short skirt - Ginny had needed one hour to talk her into wearing it because Hermione had thought it too short for her liking. However, Ginny could be very convincing if she wanted to be, and now Hermione was wearing it.

Personally Harry thought that she looked extraordinarily cute in her short skirt and tight red top. They were so unlike her and yet so fitting that the others really couldn't help but notice.

He smirked. She had the ungrateful task to hand Snape his hand reading at midnight. It was something she did and did not look forward to, and it made her skittish. Having been forced to wear skimpy clothes obviously didn't make it any easier.

"Hermione!" said George loudly when they approached them, "You look wonderful!"

Hermione jumped at the sudden noise and squeaked.

"Whom do you want to kill tonight, 'Mione?" Fred asked, sounding scandalised.

"Oh sod it!" said Ginny smugly. "It's New Year's eve, give her a break!"

Fred and George both raised their hands and tried to look innocent. "Alright, alright, just teasing," said Fred finally when Ginny continued to stare at him.

George grinned at Hermione who was beet red in the face by now. "Alicia, Katie and Angelina will follow later, guys! Isn't that great?" He clapped his hands together. "Ah, all the beautiful girls this year! The Cordleys brought their daughter, too."

Grinning, the twins took off in the general direction of the loudest noise.

Harry and Ron excused themselves and mingled amongst the crowd on their own. Ron introduced him to a lot of people he knew through his father. Everybody regarded Harry with interest but thankfully no one was acting like a hero worshipper. In fact he was introduced to so many people, mostly family members of aforementioned Ministry workers, that it was impossible for him to remember all their names.

Halfway through their struggle, Dumbledore took pity on them and presented Harry and Ron the rest of the Order members. Stunned, Harry realised in a peaceful second that Snape and McGonagall guided Hermione and Ginny through the crowd as well.

"Ah, Harry, how is school?" Doris Crockford asked. Harry had met her in the Leaky Cauldron the first day he had gone to the wizarding world and she still looked the same.

"Uhm, okay I think," he replied, shying away from her toothless grin.

"Harry, I don't think you've ever met Dedalus Diggle properly," said Dumbledore. His eyes twinkled merrily behind his glasses as he dragged Harry away from Doris Crockford and over to the plump, excited wizard who was already fingering his wand as if he wanted to shower the Living Room with shooting stars right now.

Harry looked at a shrugging Ron, begging silently for help or at least some mercy. From the corner of his eyes he could see Hermione who seemed to enjoy herself in Snape's company. McGonagall and Ginny where nowhere to be seen but Harry guessed they were off to some colleagues of Mr Weasley. Diggle started to chat happily and Harry drowned him quickly out. Dumbledore was mostly talking to the man, anyway.

Suddenly loud music started to play. Apparently Fred and George had found the entertainment system. Laughter rang through the house and the guests made their way to the refreshments which were lined up at the far side of the room. Dumbledore expressed his worry for the much-loved lemon-flavoured punch and left Harry and Ron to themselves.

"Oh no, look, Ginny left Hermione alone with Snape," hissed Ron when he noticed the two striding through the now almost empty room.

Harry resisted the urge to tell Ron that Hermione was more than capable of looking after herself; he knew it was futile. Ron was astoundingly skilled at only seeing what he wanted to see, and if he wanted to see Hermione in danger he would see it until somebody either beat some sense into his head or he understood by himself. Whichever came first.

The loudly ringing doorbell announced new guests and Harry excused himself to get the door. He elbowed his way through masses of people with whom he mostly had just exchanged some pleasantries. When he passed the kitchen a strange smell tickled his nose. Sirius and Remus were still in there, so Harry guessed they were still busy preparing whatever cake Remus wanted to prepare. He decided not to wonder about his godfathers' strange doings.

Opening the door after peering into the spyglass, Harry wondered anew if any Death Eater could be so dumb – or so brave! – to actually try his or her luck with coming through the front door. Stranger things had happened. A gush of icy cold air hit Harry square in the chest, so he quickly admitted Angelina, Katie and Alicia in. The three girls were obviously chaperoned by Professor Sprout who nodded cheerfully at Harry when she got in the house.

"Hello Harry," she said loudly in a rather futile attempt to be louder than the blaring music. "How are you? I trust your holidays have been fine so far?"

Harry took her cloak and put it away, smiling genially and successfully avoiding the question. Sprout waddled into the Living Room, happily greeting friends and colleagues. Alicia, Angelina and Katie handed their cloaks to Twinky, all the while looking around the entrance hall curiously.

"So, this is the house of the infamous Sirius Black?" whispered Katie in awe. "Wow, it looks great! When do we get to see him?"

Harry grinned, feeling more at ease with just the girls than with Sprout. "Soon. As soon as he's coming out of the kitchen, I guess."

He ushered the girls into the Living Room and got them drinks. Soon Hermione, Ron and Ginny joined them. The tension bled out of Harry, now that he had some more people here that were younger than thirty. Katie, Angelina and Alicia got a serious talk about appropriate behaviour from Dumbledore and then they begged Harry to lead them through the house and show all the rooms to them. The group happily left the adults behind and did a quick tour of Harry's home. It was only two more hours until midnight, anyway. Ron bickered with Hermione about her short time alone with Snape of all people. Katie, Angelina and Alicia didn't say anything about that but listened with rapt attention.

When they got back half an hour later, Fred and George suddenly popped up from nowhere and stole Katie and Angelina for a moment. Alicia laughed and shooed the hesitating girls away.

"Go already!" she scolded playfully. "I'm fine with Harry and Ron and the girls, really."

"That I can believe," said Fred and bowed mockingly. He and George offered Katie and Angelina their arms and wandered off into a secluded corner.

Alicia looked around again. "I really can't believe I'm here!" she said in astonishment. "First I thought everybody was nuts when they said I could visit you here, Harry! It was so sudden!" She grinned excitedly. "But now I really believe that Black is innocent and – Oh my freakin' god!" Her dropping jaw and pointing index finger gave Harry a fairly good idea what she was seeing.

Sirius had entered the room, and apparently Alicia was instantly smitten with him. Sirius was really looking good today, even more so than usual. His black, shoulder long hair was shining softly and his clear-cut, handsome face glowed in contentment. Black slacks and a whine red shirt completed his imposing appearance. Harry allowed himself a smug grin, although he felt a bit troubled on Remus' behalf.

"This is your godfather?" breathed Alicia incredulously. "Oh my god, he's gorgeous!" She stepped around Harry and squinted to see Sirius better.

"He's with Remus, so you better forget it," said Ron in a bored voice.

Right then Remus strutted in, winding his arm around Sirius' waist and smiling at Tonks who'd just managed to spill her punch all over McGonagall.

Alicia's face fell. "Why are all the cute guys gay?" she asked, disappointed.

Hermione huffed. "Oh please, as if you'd stand a chance. He and Sirius have beentogether since their school days."

"That was beautiful, Hermione," said Ron and rolled his eyes. Alicia and Hermione both poked him for that and Harry and Ginny snickered behind their hands.

Sirius excused himself when he spotted Harry and swaggered over. "Hello there," he said, looking at Alicia. "I don't believe we met before. I'm Sirius Black." He extended his hand and Alicia shook it breathlessly. Sirius caught Harry's grin and smirked back.

"Alicia Spinnet," said Alicia softly. "Er, you have a very nice house, Mr Black."

"Thank you," replied Sirius politely. "I'm glad that the countless hours of de-Doxy-ing and cleaning finally paid off."

Remus came over, having finished his little chat with a completely embarrassed Tonks. He smiled at Alicia. "Miss Spinnet, if I'm not mistaken?" he queried.

Alicia nodded. "How are you doing, Professor Lupin?" She looked to her left and right and then looked back at Remus. "I really wish you were still our teacher; that Blackadder woman is driving me mad." She patted Harry on the back. "If it wasn't for Harry we would die very young and very stupid."

"I'm very proud that you're continuing your training in the DA," said Remus quietly. "It came to my attention that Dumbledore doesn't know about it and I actually believe it's for the best. This way Fudge can't accost Dumbledore and you can train in peace."

"If Umbridge continues her … conquest," said Hermione disdainfully, "then we won't have much to learn in the future because she'll know what to look for. So we better do it before it's too late."

"I bet Malfoy would sidle up with her again," said Ron hatefully. "That little ferret has nothing better to do with his time, anyway."

Hermione sniffed. "He's just doing it to placate us. If Umbridge would go against him too he'd help us."

Sirius chuckled. "Ah, it's almost like the old times," he said into Remus' hair. "But of course it's always the others that have all the fun." His eyes twinkled mirthfully when he looked at them. "I wish I were a student once more. And just think about the possibilities if we could work together with Fred and George!"

"You still can," Ginny pointed out. "In fact, I know they would be interested in collaborating; you are the infamous Marauders, after all."

Remus looked mildly interested. "Really? Well, that's one way to earn a living." He smiled at Sirius and squeezed his hand. "Siri always had most of the initial ideas and James and I fine-tuned them. It was rarely the other way round."

Sirius shrugged. "I never was one for subtle plans. I envisioned the outcome." He smiled broadly at Harry and his friends. "Well then, how about some muffins after midnight, kiddos?"

"Why after midnight?" Hermione asked, instantly suspicious.

Remus lip curled. "We don't want you to miss the fireworks."

"You'll like them," said Sirius. "Now we have to go and meet the Mallorys. They can get a bit tetchy if we ignore them for too long."

"Weren't they the ones who gave you Twinky?" Harry asked curiously.

"Yeah," replied Sirius, looking around the room a bit distractedly. "Anyway, they're quite the snobs and I have to maintain my status as the last member of the noble Blacks."

"Sounds as if they believe in the Pureblood doctrine," said Harry slowly. "Why are they in the Order?"

"Actually they went to Durmstrang," supplied Remus eagerly. "But as every good Pureblood they pride their independence and refuse to bow to Voldemort. Voldemort is an obstacle so they conspire with us to get rid of him."

"They're good friends," said Sirius reassuringly when he saw his young charges frown in incredulity. "Sure, they are snobby and sometimes really get on our nerves, but they know what they want, have valuable contacts and stand up to their decisions." He shrugged. "Well, at least I like them, if that's enough for you."

"At least somebody has got a brain," muttered Ron not so quietly. "If they are clever enough to turn from You-Know-Who others must be as well. Unfortunately not all."

"Just say that you think Malfoy won't change sides anytime soon," huffed Ginny.

Hermione rolled her eyes. "Really, Ron, your grudge against Malfoy is bigger than Harry's. I can't believe Harry is supposed to be Malfoy's arch enemy. It should be you."

Sirius leaned against Remus. "Well, Dumbledore certainly hopes that several of the old families will come around in time, if only to save their own hide."

"I do hope the Zabinis will come to their senses," said Harry bitterly. "Blaise is a really good friend of us and I would hate to see him suffer."

Hermione snorted in agreement. "The worst part is not that he could go to Voldemort in the end but that the Ministry might come down on him when the war is over. Provided we win, of course." She smiled a crooked little smile that reminded Harry greatly of Snape. It was almost cynical. "We need to get Fudge and the other morons out of the way first so we can finally live in peace." She started to pace, gesticulating with her arms. "If only we had a reliable Minister, then we could do much more than those petty power plays."

Harry noticed that her wand was tucked away in the waistband of her skirt, a curious sight. Just then Hermione pulled it out and started to wave around with it, emphasising her point.

"I wonder what Umbridge will come up with. If she dares to set foot into Hogwarts again, she'll not live to tell the tale. I will think of something to make her regret her puffed-up, power hungry plans!"

"Cool, can we help?" said Fred. He, George, Angelina and Katie were back from their talk and eager to join the conversation.

"Of course," said Hermione smugly. "That will teach the old bitch a lesson or two."

"Language, Miss Granger," said Snape who was passing them by. He halted shortly and sneered at them. "As much as people might share your sentiment, sometimes it's wiser to keep silent until the moment is right for a … strike."

"Yes, yes," she said loftily, waving him away absently. Harry was astounded that Snape didn't seem to be irritated by her behaviour. "Of course we wouldn't discuss plans while she's around. But I hope nobody in this house will drop a hint to the stupid bint."

"I certainly hope so, too, Miss Granger," replied Snape coolly and strode away.

George slung one arm around Katie's shoulders and the other around Hermione. "Wow, seems like you and the old bat have something in common, after all."

Ron barked a laugh. "You should have been there when Umbridge sat in our Potions class."

"Yeah, we really didn't know who should drop dead first," said Harry. "But in the end I guess I wanted Snape to come out on top. Imagine her as a teacher in Hogwarts, and permanently."

Everybody shuddered in morbid delight. Then Hermione pushed her wand up her left sleeve (she always drew it like one would draw a sword from its sheath) and huffed deeply, throwing George's arm off. "Well then, I suppose we should get back in there before they send somebody to fetch us."

The others agreed readily and together they marched back into the Living Room, nodding at people left and right. Fred attached himself to Harry after he had got a glass of fire whiskey from Twinky. Eager to hear everything about Saturday's outing, Harry dragged Fred into a corner and looked at him expectantly. George was straggling with Katie and Alicia but looked over to him and waved cheerfully, indicating that he would join them any moment.

"How was it?" Harry asked excitedly when George was finally with them. "Snape was thoroughly sozzled on Sunday, so spill!"

The twins laughed sinisterly. "Well, royally pissed would be more fitting," said George and smirked evilly. "Our first stop was, of course, the Leaky Cauldron. We took our first pint–"

"Or it might have been two–"

"Anyway, we got along really well," finished George.

Fred snickered. "Good old Snape is quite the burner when he's loosened up, really. He's got that dark kind of humour–"

"Sarcasm," threw George in helpfully.

"-and he got on about every single person we saw," said Fred, cuffing his brother good-naturedly. "And then it got interesting."

"After the fifth pint we decided to move on to wine. I don't think anybody ever heard more about Snape's personal life than us," said George proudly.

"Yeah, wine loosened his tongue, making him so melanchooolic," cooed Fred.

"Hogwarts was our main topic, really, and you won't believe what we heard about Dumbledore. Apparently he and McGonagall have quite a liaison. Of course nobody knows about that," said George.

Harry gaped. "That's not true, is it?" Doris Crockford smiled at him from afar and Harry quickly looked away, not wanting to encourage her to come over.

"Oh, but that's just the beginning!" said Fred cheerfully. "Remember, Harry, you're playing with the big boys here. Everything is scandalous and delicious, just as we like it."

George sighed theatrically. "Then he went on about Flitwick and his improper relationship to some weird birds on Fiji–"

"Thank God we were too drunk to remember that properly," said Fred and shuddered. "He was quite elaborate about that."

"Did he talk about business with you?" Harry asked, eyes gleaming in excitement.

"Not at first," admitted Fred. "But after the three of us emptied the first bottle of Gin he was more amenable to it."

"We proposed him his own lab for temporary research," said George, sniffing. "We told him he could come and go as he pleases as long as he tries to find solutions for our problems. And the salary wasn't that bad, either."

Fred laughed appreciatively. "Well, the git told us he had money enough from his family; his bastard of a father hadn't managed to bring it all to waste; and he wouldn't need the money. The old snake seems to have some serious issues there."

"It's obviously not the money," muttered Harry. "But I shudder when I think about his reasons to stay and teach at Hogwarts. Somehow I really don't believe in the gratification of teaching. Not when it's about Snape."

Fred and George chuckled. Then Fred cleared his throat and continued. "Of course we asked him what else he would want for his admittedly precious services."

George knocked his glass of whiskey back and grinned like a Cheshire cat. "He wouldn't talk, the greasy git, but Fred and I both thought that with a bit more alcohol even Snape would come up with something he wants. So we went to another bar and filled him up with cocktails." He snickered evilly. "Don't tell anybody that he has a rather obscene fondness for melon cocktails."

Fred smirked. "Yeah, gone are the rumours about mint or brandy."

"Although we do have to concede in the Single Malt department," said George regretfully. "Anyway, we really tried to get something out of him but in the end the bastard just told us to owl him and come up with some good ideas."

Fred snickered. "We were so smashed that we had to use a Muggle cab, and believe me, some Muggles can contort their faces really weirdly."

"I can't even remember fully how we got back to our flat," said George and shrugged. "I think Tom got us there. "All I know is that we dumped Snape in my room and crashed in Fred's bed together."

"All in all we have been remarkably unsuccessful," resumed Fred, but Harry found that he didn't sound particularly sorry about that. "We might just repeat the evening."

Harry rolled his eyes. "There you go on a tour with Snape and accomplish nothing?" he asked.

"Nothing is too big of a word," said Fred in a mock-hurt voice. "We did hear a lot of valuable gossip; play nicely and you'll get a copy."

Harry snorted in laughter. "You actually wrote that down? How?"

"Protocol Quill," said George proudly. "Comes quite in handy, especially when your interview partner is unsuspecting and spilling a lot of beans." He winked. ,,We've got everything about Fiji after all."

"And it's funny too, you should see what the quill made of our speech when we were too pissed to talk normally." Fred combed through his longish hair and smiled, obviously rather satisfied with himself and his brother.

"That would be a nice joke for your shop," said Harry, smirking. "Invent something that simulates inebriation and deliver a Protocol Quill with the set. It could be a game like speaking difficult words."

"Those quills are expensive, but I think we could come up with a good substitute," said Fred. "We'll see if the idea is worth our wile. If so we'll pay for it, of course."

"How convenient that we're talking about it," said Harry, "Ginny was hinting that you'd like to have Sirius and Remus in your team."

"Well, if they are interested," said George delicately.

"Oh, bloody hell, they are our role models! In our first year at Hogwarts we served so many detentions with Filch, and he told us all about the famous Marauders, that we decided to live up to that standard!" Fred actually fanned himself. "Their noble deeds will always raise my spirits."

"Those two are the reason why we dropped out of school and decided to finally get a hold of our dreams and start our business. It would be a dream come true," said George longingly. "We would learn from the best, after all."

Harry leaned a bit closer when a tipsy Madam Sprout swayed by. "Sirius is really unhappy when he's alone in here. You could just talk to him and Remus and see if they want to do it. I have a feeling it would take their minds off our problems for a while."

"Speaking of problems, Harry," said Fred quietly and leaned closer, "Do you think you could get some more photos of Hermione?"

"For what?" Harry asked suspiciously, narrowing his eyes. "I won't give you any more ammunition against her."

"Against her?" George asked incredulously. "It's for us! Do you think we could blackmail her for looking cute and sexy?" He shook his head and shared a smirk with his brother.

"No, Harry dear, we thought about a small present for Snape," said Fred. "And here are the advantages: First of all, Snape is integrity personified when it comes to students, so a photo of Hermione would never make the rounds. The second is that 'Mione would never know because Snape would never give it back; he would give himself away if he did. And the third advantage is, of course, the shock element. If anything we could blackmail him into accepting our offer."

"Because of the incriminating material you send him?" Harry asked dryly.

"Exactly," replied Fred happily. "We would offer you a huge favour in return, Harry. Anything you need."

Harry found himself thinking about it and cursed under his breath. "Dammit," he whispered, "That's not fair! Hermione would kill you if she ever found out! Besides, she's my friend, I can't do that!"

"Just think about it, Harry," said George with a huge grin. "You would make an old man happy. And maybe Snape would even change his view of Hermione."

Harry hung his head. The idea appealed to him, even if he was shocked that he thought about it at all. Finally he glared at Fred and George and said: "I will think about it. But don't pester me."

The twins nodded gratefully and promised him a copy of all the dirty little secrets they had heard on Saturday. Harry excused himself, all the wile berating himself for his decision to help the twins. On the other hand, it would be nice to have something to blackmail Snape with.

When he met with Ron, Hermione and Ginny he couldn't look Hermione in the eyes for a few minutes. Thankfully their attention was attracted by an overzealous Diggle who shot shooting stars across the Living Room and a hooting and squawking Mrs Weasley, who unwittingly had eaten one of Fred and George's Transfiguration Toffees. Out of the door Harry spied the Mallorys apparently having a lot of fun throwing eggs at Mrs Black's portrait. Their daughter, a twenty year old woman, was supporting her parents with loud whistles and obscene shouts. Mrs Blacks shouting and screeching now included blood traitors and disgraces to the Dark and a many things more. Laughter rang through the whole house and Harry felt a zip of happiness shoot through him.

Grinning, Harry fetched a bowl with chips and offered some to his friends. After a good laugh it was much easier to face Hermione. Even though she didn't know it, Harry was sure the twins' plan could actually work. It wasn't as if Snape would develop a crush on Hermione just because of a few photos, anyway. And Harry would make sure that no offending pictures of a too-naked Hermione would make the round. The one of her in underwear was quite enough. He pondered that he might have to ask Ginny or Colin for photos, though.

They spent an hour wandering through the masses of people. Harry was surprised how different the members of the Order were. Some were rich, others poor, a lot of them were pro-Muggle and pro-Muggle-borns, others, like the Mallorys, were quite snobbish and obviously Purebloods. The one and astoundingly strong connection they all had was their hate for Voldemort and their wish to bring him down for good.

Harry had to shake hands everywhere, and almost everybody asked about his friends and he gladly introduced Hermione, Katie, Alicia and Angelina. The Weasleys were, of course, well-known in the Order. Kingsley Shacklebolt greeted them with his deep voice and asked if everything was all right at Hogwarts, just asthey were approaching the refreshments table. Harry and Hermione expertly evaded the question about the DA but admitted that they would form a resistance if Umbridge should come back to Hogwarts.

"Dolores Umbridge," said Shacklebolt slowly, scratching his chin thoughtfully, "She's a danger to our community. After her sacking this summer, Fudge was quite subdued for a few weeks, but unfortunately the Mediwitches in St Mungo's got her back together and he allowed her to come back to the Ministry. Don't ask me how he got that through! The Wizengamot certainly was not amused."

"Since when did Fudge respect the law?" Hermione hissed bitterly. "He already went against the Hogwarts policy that states that Hogwarts is independent in choices of teachers and curriculum." When her friends looked at her blankly she huffed in annoyance. "Honestly, when will you read 'Hogwarts: A History'?"

"The young lady is quite right," said Shacklebolt, frowning. "Those laws have existed for hundreds of years already; it's a scandal that Fudge is going against them now."

"I think Fudge has a thing for Umbridge," said Harry. Ron shuddered in disgust, just as Ginny and Katie. "That would explain a lot."

"Pity that the Centaurs didn't finish her off," said Hermione coldly. "She, for one, would deserve it."

"Political murder, 'Mione?" Gorge asked, grinning broadly. "I thought you were better than that?"

Hermione snorted and straightened her skirt. "I'm quite aware that sometimes an exception is in order. And if not in this case I don't know when it ever was justified."

"Hear, hear!" crowed Fred and George in unison.

"I wonder what Umbridge did to rise so drastically in Fudge's favour," said Hermione slowly. "Maybe sleeping her way up the ranks …" Harry and Ron boggled at her. They had never, ever heard her say such crude things – although she certainly was right; how else could Umbridge have managed her skyrocketing career?

"Fudge and Umbridge, what a pair!" said Fred and George dramatically as if introducing someone during a theatre play.

"Scary how she could regain her power so quickly," continued Hermione icily, ignoring the twins' cheers. "If Fudge is able to manipulate the Wizengamot, I don't really want to know what he's planning next."

"Maybe Fudge wants to start his very own monarchy," said Ginny and giggled. "With Umbridge."

"Uuuh, isn't it dirty?" George and Fred sing-songed, waggling their eyebrows obscenely.

"Ewww," said Ron, scrunching up his face in disgust. "The thought alone makes me sick!"

"Fudge and Umbridge, wouldn't that be a wonderful story for Rita Skeeter?" Hermione asked with glittering eyes. "If she has the balls to write it, that is." She looked at her friends who looked at her a bit oddly. "What? I told you I wanted her only involved when it is necessary. Now I think it is necessary." She crossed her arms defiantly and glared back.

Shacklebolt laughed deeply. "Well, Hermione, it certainly would wreak a bit of much needed havoc in the Ministry." He wiped his earring and bowed lightly. "Please do write to Rita. Your little feud with her is legendary in certain circles, and I long to see the next round."

Hermione smirked smugly and crossed her arms triumphantly. "I will, just you wait. Maybe she's actually able to dig up a bit of dirt."

"And we could write our own article and give it to the Quibbler," said Ginny excitedly. "Maybe the Ministry will get some Howlers again."

"Some?" Shacklebolt asked. "The last time you took action my desk was scorched off from all the explosions! Not to mention the abuse my poor ears got!"

"If we are to get things to work, you'll just have to live with it," said Harry cheekily. "But it's for the greater good."

"I gathered as much," conceded Shacklebolt, chuckling. "Well, kiddos, I'm off to Moody and Tonks. Don't do anything stupid, all right?"

The twins complimented Shacklebolt away, then they huddled together. Harry looked at his friends expectantly, and they all grinned back at him.

"Do you think we can make this work?" Harry asked quietly.

"Discrediting Umbridge?" Hermione asked. "Oh please! Of course! What would be difficult in doing that?"

Fred looked at his watch. "Oh dears, only ten minutes until midnight!" he said excitedly. "We should come up with a really cool new year's resolution!"

"Offing Umbridge," said Ron snidely.

"Offing You-Know-Who," added Ginny grimly.

"Kicking Malfoy's ferret ass," said Angelina.

"Getting Crabbe and Goyle expelled," said Katie.

"Kissing Malfoy," said Alicia dreamily.

Everybody gave her a look.

"Kiss him?" Fred asked.

"The ferret?" George asked incredulously.

"Yes, well, he's really growing into his looks lately," said Alicia. She didn't even sound defensive, Harry had to give her that.

"The girls are going mad," said Ron and shook his head.

"I would rather kiss his father if I had a choice," said Hermione dismissively. "But seeing that he's an evil git I'd rather not." Now it was her turn to be stared at. "Well, he has something," added Hermione when Ron started to pull gross faces.

Alicia sighed in agreement. "Mmh, his hair, or his eyes … simply gorgeous."

Ron made gagging noises while the twins listened with rapt attention to what Alicia was saying. Harry involuntarily had to think about The Kiss and shuddered. Horrified he realised that the shudder was not exactly born from disgust. And he was even more horrified when he relived in his memory about flowing white blond hair.

"Seven minutes," said George cheerfully. "All resolutions set, ladies, gentlemen?"

"Yay!" the group cheered.

Secretly Harry had a whole bunch of wishes and resolutions for the new year; some of them were confusing and even scaring him, but he wouldn't back down. His instinct sometimes knew things ages before his rational mind did. That was one of the reasons why he didn't bother so much with learning and research. He was a bit slow on the uptake, but his gut was always right. Pity that he tried to squelch it as soon as he felt it because it frightened him most of the times. There had been that one time where he had allowed his instinct to take the lead, and it had helped him greatly. The one time when he had gone against all rational thought and just listened to his heart – the time when he had allowed Sirius to say his part, back in third year.

It was still one of the moments that allowed him to produce a powerful Patronus. He loved Sirius beyond reason; he was family. He had been from the second he had confessed his horrible past and the role he had played in his parents' death.

Actually it had started much earlier. Sirius had sent him a broom for Christmas, and somehow Harry had known that it was okay, that someone had sent it who cared deeply for him. Hermione, of course, had seen it a little bit differently.

Other things came to his mind, such as the knowledge that he should partake in the Trimagical Tournament although he had been far too young then. It was just a feeling that he should be there, and he was, and he had seen why. That he hadn't been able to save Cedric was still haunting him, but after two years he was slowly learning to live with it.

Frowning, he shook his head and cleared it from the hazy bits of his jumbled thoughts. Now it was amere two minutes until the clock would chime and they all would start working to live up to their resolutions.

Across the room friends and families locked eyes; Remus and Sirius stared at Harry and he stared back, the Weasleys crowded around their group and looked, waving happily. The chatter died down, the last seconds flew by …

"Ten!" shouted the occupants of the Living Room.

Harry knew that the next year would bring a lot of excitement, problems, but also new opportunities, maybe even love. And certainly danger.

"… Six! Five! Four! Three! Two! …"

Harry smiled broadly at his friends and squeezed Ron and Hermione's hands. In their excitement they had each grabbed the hands of their neighbours and built a circle. Harry knew that they could make it work, they would come out of this problem alive.

"ONE!"

Everybody cheered loudly, corks were popping out of sparkling wine bottles, Dedalus Diggle was shooting his shooting stars through the room, setting a curtain on fire. Fred and George went to light some of their own fireworks, even dared to go out on the dirty Muggle street and shoot their special rockets into the sky. With amusement Harry watched as they charmed the rockets to explode over the Ministry of Magic.

"Well, we can't give our hideout away, now can we?" Fred said, grinning, when Harry asked him about that.

Ten minutes and a glass of Butterbeer later Harry talked to Hermione, trying to raise her courage enough to get her to go to Snape and give him his palm reading. He conveniently had brought the one for Dumbledore and McGonagall as well and planned to hand them out as soon as Hermione was on her way.

"Give me a Butterbeer," she demanded weakly when he persisted. "I want to be at least drunk when he's glaring me into dust and ashes."

Harry handed her a bottle and she drank it down in one go. "That was not very lady-like," he admonished playfully.

"Oh, sod it!" said Hermione forcefully. She shook her curly hair back and straightened her skirt one last time. "If I die under fishy circumstances please inform my parents and set up a nice funeral," she said dryly.

"Run along already," laughed Harry. "Or he'll disappear before the party has really started." Besides, he thought, I want to see his face when he reads his prophecy.

Hermione approached Snape steadily. Harry, who only saw her back, imagined that her face was set in that determined expression he knew so well. When she was only six feet away Snape turned and regarded her coolly. Thankfully Harry didn't stand too far away to miss their talk.

"Miss Granger," said Snape slowly. "How wonderful to see you." The sarcasm couldn't be more cutting, but Hermione just stepped closer and raised her chin. "Well? What do you want? I do hope that whatever sordid prank you plan to carry out won't take too much of my time."

"Don't worry," said Hermione with such a pleasant voice that Harry nearly choked on his Butterbeer. "I wanted to give you something, actually." She held the scroll with her predictions out and waited for Snape to take it.

Snape's black eyes looked at the scroll of parchment disdainfully. "Miss Granger, you as a know-it-all should know that I wouldn't touch anything coming from you and your precious friends, unless it is homework." He tried to wave her off, but Hermione was persistent.

"Professor," said Hermione reasonably, as if talking to a child, "if I wanted to prank you I'd have less obvious ways to do it, don't you think? No, this is a hand reading I did. Every teacher is getting one."

Snape's left eyebrow threatened to disappear under his less-than-usual-greasy hair that looked a bit dishevelled (Moody had wrestled with him earlier, to Snape's undying embarrassment). "Ah. And why would I want to know what's coming to me next?"

Hermione turned slightly and allowed Harry to see her from the side. Now she was smiling. "Well, for one, I did your reading. And secondly, it could be something good for a change."

Snape's sour face indicated that he very much doubted that anything good was coming to him. "And why have you done my hand-reading, Miss Granger? I thought you dropped that disquietingly vague branch of magic years ago."

"Oh, I did," said Hermione, "but reading a hand isn't as fishy as staring into a crystal ball or burning herbs or," she smirked at Harry, "digging in birds' innards."

Hesitantly Snape took the offered scroll and breached the red wax seal. "I refuse to take this seriously," he said after a moment of reading, "But I shall be thankful that you didn't predict my imminent and painful death right away."

"I'll be watching," said Hermione cheekily, "To see if the things happen as I predicted them."

Snape read further. At one point he blanched, at another he sported some very uncharacteristic red cheeks. Harry was guffawing inwardly; Snape must have read the part about love and happiness. When Snape was finished he gazed at Hermione thoughtfully. "I presume only you can make a prediction sound like an excerpt from an Arithmancy textbook." When Hermione smiled, pleased with herself, Snape said, "That was not a compliment."

Hermione sneered. "But I take it as one. Thank you very much, Professor."

A rather inebriated McGonagall stepped up to them and hugged Snape's stiff form enthusiastically. "Happy New Year, Severus! Let's hope that you'll make it through this one as well as the last one!" She raised a bottle and urged him to drink from it. "Oh, and you already read your hand-reading! Is it good?"

"As good as can be expected," said Snape coolly. "Now take that bottle out of my face."

"But I insist," said McGonagall and giggled. "Here, take a drink."

Snape scowled. "It smells like a very ill-concealed potion. What do you want with that? What is it?"

"Prude," hiccoughed McGonagall.

Snape took a sip; Harry knew he only did it to get rid of McGonagall. "What is this?" he asked again when he was done.

"Here, Miss Granger, you too," said McGonagall gleefully, ignoring Snape's suspicious question. "We'll have so much fun tonight!"

Hermione quickly sniffed the liquid and then shrugged. She took a sip of whatever stuff was in the bottle and handed it back to McGonagall then.

"Ha!" crowed McGonagall triumphantly. "You both drank the Kiss Cocktail! Now you have to kiss!"

Harry blanched, as did Hermione and Snape. Ron rushed to her side immediately. Dumbledore, Shacklebolt, Moody, Tonks, Sirius, Remus and a lot other people of whom Harry didn't remember the names, crowded around the unfortunate pair.

"Albus! Stop it that instant! It's indecent!" demanded Snape, cheeks flushed with fury and embarrassment. Fred and George next to him cheered loudly.

"Yeah, stop it!" cried Ron angrily. "You can't let him kiss 'Mione!"

"I'm sorry, but the rules say that you have to kiss if you've drunken the Kiss Cocktail," said Dumbledore genially. "Now come, Severus, allow yourself some fun."

"Why Hermione?" howled Ron in despair. "How could you, Professor, how?"

McGonagall pretended not to hear him. Instead she glared at Snape and Hermione. Sprout next to her grinned broadly.

"You should kiss," said Fred helpfully. "Really. Or the Cocktail will build up a compulsion to make you do it. It's our latest invention and we assure you that it works."

Snape glared at Fred. His mouth was set in a thin line. Hermione, on the other hand, looked flushed and wide-eyed.

"Minerva, you'll pay for that," growled Snape acidly. "I'll get you back, just you wait." Then he simply swept down on Hermione and kissed her right on the mouth. Several cameras flashed.

"It's your own fault if you can't recognise a simple Kiss Cocktail," replied McGonagall smugly when Snape stood upright once more and wiped his mouth with his black sleeve.

"And how, Kitty, was I supposed to do that?" Snape shot back angrily, completely dismissing the dazed Hermione. "I just heard that this god-awful cocktail is part of the Weasley stock. And seeing that I never had the chance to see it before–"

"Well done," said Dumbledore, leading Hermione and a raging Ron gently away from Snape and McGonagall. "The task is accomplished."

Harry quickly led Hermione and Ron away from the centre of attention. Hermione looked as if she couldn't believe what had just happened. And Ron's tomato red face looked astoundingly unhealthy.

"Why, what," stuttered Hermione, touching her lips slowly.

"That greasy git!" roared Ron. "How dare he kiss her like that!"

"Ron, McGonagall tricked him into it," said Harry quietly. "It's all right, 'Mione."

Hermione slowly woke from her stupor and blinked at Ron and Harry. "Wow," she said. "I never, ever thought he would do that to anyone. Ever."

Harry chuckled. "You know, of course, that I will want a photo of that."

"Photos?" Hermione asked weakly. "Oh my God, I'll never live this down …"

"No, you won't," said Ron angrily. "But fortunately Snape won't, either!"

Ginny, Katie, Alicia and Angelina strolled up to them. Each of the girls had a look of tremendous pity for Hermione. And when Fred and George joined the group, the chaos was perfect.

"Oh, how awful of McGonagall to do that to you, 'Mione!" said Ginny sorrowfully. "You must be out of your mind after that … attack!"

"Come to think of it, no, I'm not," said Hermione crossly. She crossed her arms and glared at each of them.

"It was a dare," said Katie with conviction. "I bet somebody dared McGonagall to slip you that drink."

"Snape and Hermione sitting in a tree, KISSING," sang Fred and George together. "Awww, it was so cute!"

"That was your invention!" yelled Ron, whirling around to face his brothers. "It's-all-your-fault!"

Hermione turned to Harry and frowned. "Call me tipsy if you want, but am I the only one who isn't annoyed about the whole thing?"

"I guess you are," replied Harry, shrugging. "I mean, I don't understand it either. Everybody knows how Dumbledore gets about pranks."

"At least Snape saved me from losing my face. I'll eat a broom, complete to the twigs, if they haven't invented a compulsion that makes the drinker beg like a little slut." Hermione pulled a face at that and shuddered. "No, I'm infinitely grateful that he had it done and over with. Besides, why does nobody think of his dilemma? Ron acts as if he'd ripped an arm off of me or something."

Harry shrugged again, and then he spotted Dumbledore just a few metres away from them. Sirius and Remus were walking amidst the crowd as well, so Harry jumped at the chance to give Dumbledore his and McGonagall's palm reading before he went to his two godfathers.

Remus carried a large plate around. On it a mountain of muffins were piled. Mrs Weasley shot him a very dirty look across the room, but Remus seemed unfazed, especially now that Sirius shielded him from her glares. Harry wondered if these muffins were the reason for the cold war between Mrs Weasley and Remus, so he decided to just ask.

"Is that what you were arguing about with Mrs Weasley?" Harry asked, staring pointedly at the muffins. To him they looked perfectly fine.

Remus snorted. "Yes. Although I can't understand why! Here, take one, you'll like it."

Harry accepted the offered muffin but didn't eat it yet. "What's so special about them? Anything I should know?"

"Well, we spiked them a bit," admitted Sirius.

Remus sighed. "Usually we put some herbs into them … just for New Year, you see, but Molly got all bothered about it."

"What herbs?" Harry asked distrustfully. "Do you mean you have put some … pot into these muffins?"

"Not exactly pot," said Sirius defensively. "Over the years we abandoned marihuana and tried magical plants instead. There is one that enhances your mind but doesn't addict you to it."

Harry honestly didn't know what to say to that. He sniffed cautiously on the muffin and turned it over a few times. But it looked perfectly innocent and delicious. "What's the name of the plant?" he asked finally, tired of having to ask every single detail.

"It's blue poppy," said Remus. "Blue poppy is a magical plant that is usually used in calming draughts or healing drafts. We just use it raw for our muffins so it allows you the same experience as marihuana would but without the ill side effects like red eyes or the slight addiction." He sniffed. "Sirius and I wanted to let you experience it by yourself and without making you hide."

"And there are really no ill side effects?" Harry asked. "Oh well, I'll try one." He suddenly grinned. "I can't believe it, my godfathers bake cakes with pot! Just wait until Hermione hears of it!" He grabbed a few more muffins and went back to his friends, offering them a muffin each.

After munching the muffins Harry quickly discovered that the herbs made his head swim a bit and he felt generally pleasantly drunk. He still had, fortunately, enough wits to see his friends experiencing the same.

"What-what was in that muffins?" demanded Hermione with a slightly slurred voice. "Don't tell me they were drugged."

"A bit," admitted Harry and grinned. "But don't worry, you won't have a big head tomorrow."

Ron giggled. "Cool, Harry. Absolutely brilliant! D'you think Mallory's daughter would fancy a dance?"

Fred and George, who were dancing with Angelina and Katie already, encouraged Ron with whistles and catcalls.

"Dancing, what a good idea!" said Hermione suddenly, her face lighting up. "Maybe I can get Snape to dance with me." She giggled happily and made her way through the room.

Harry had the suspicion that Hermione didn't take the drug well at all. In his opinion this was as close to insanity as dancing with a rabid Hippogriff. But as the good friend he was he obediently followed her. Her choice of partner, however, was not unreasonable since seemingly everybody else was already taken and on the floor and dancing, even Dolores Crockford was swaying to the melody, together with a bald, fat wizard that had a beard like Santa Claus himself.

Hermione found Snape astoundingly quickly, and she actually asked him to dance. Maybe it was fortunate for her that she really didn't take the drug too well because she fainted before Snape could even open his mouth. Scowling, Snape caught her and called for Sirius.

"Here, take her to bed, mutt," said Snape angrily. "And here I thought not even you could stoop so low and give the children drugs." He frowned at the sleeping Hermione in Sirius' arms. "What did you put in your muffins, anyway?"

"Blue poppy," replied Sirius. "Nothing to worry about, alright?" He lifted Hermione up easily. "I'll take her to bed."

"See that you do," spat Snape and stalked away.

Harry, feeling rather wobbly himself, decided to follow Sirius and see Hermione to bed. Just when he left the Living Room he saw Fred and George dancing wildly with their girlfriends. They didn't seem to have problems handling the special muffins. Harry sighed and started to climb the stairs. He felt weightless and weighed down by thoughts at the same time; it was a funny sensation.

The second floor was calm and dark. Sirius didn't bother to light every lamp. He just carried Hermione into her room, laid her down on the bed and pulled the covers over her slim frame. Harry regarded him curiously and Sirius smiled.

"I guess it's a bit too much for the two of you. Go to bed, Harry, it's okay. If the others get tired too, I'll bring them up. Okay?"

Harry nodded and hugged Sirius tightly. "Happy New Year," he mumbled into Sirius' shirt. Then he stumbled to his door, opened it and grinned cheekily. "Have a nice night."

-------

The next morning Harry had a perfectly clear head. His body felt fresh and restless, as if itching to do something after such a night of fine sleep. And he was hungry. Despite eating so much the day before, Harry's stomach growled loudly. He laughed happily. Even though he didn't really tolerate the blue poppy all too well, at least the lack of side effects was true.

Whistling, Harry jumped out of bed and hopped under the shower. He wanted to see Hermione first thing this morning. He hoped she would be over her embarrassed about her own courage last night. And since she had just drunk a bit of Butterbeer she wouldn't have much of a hangover either.

When he came down to the kitchen Hermione was already there. She sat in her chair, making herself as small as possible and drinking her coffee without looking up. Mrs Weasley and Twinky were preparing a late breakfast. Harry greeted them and sat next to Hermione. Just then he noticed Snape, who was sitting across from Hermione and looking terribly smug.

"Morning, Professor," mumbled Harry, somewhat deflated.

"Potter," said Snape curtly. Hermione still didn't look up. Instead she just gripped her cup tighter and tried to duck her head even more.

Harry frowned. Mrs Weasley piled pancakes onto his plate and poured him some coffee. It was too silent in the kitchen for Harry's taste. The ticking of the big clock was making him irritable, and Hermione wouldn't speak with him. Brooding, he started to shovel his pancakes into his mouth, washing them down with his coffee. Snape wasn't bothering him all that much; the man stared at Hermione in obvious malicious amusement anyway.

"You should eat a bit more, Miss Granger," said Snape suddenly, startling Harry and Hermione badly. "If you have a low toleration for blue poppy you should give your body important nutrients to make up for the failure yesterday."

Hermione blushed hotly and tried to hide behind her mug.

"Severus, leave her alone," admonished Mrs Weasley tersely. "I believe the children learned their lesson yesterday, right?"

"Yes, Mrs Weasley," said Harry quickly before she could prattle on.

"Maybe Miss Granger would like to tell her classmates about drugs when she's back at Hogwarts? That would make for a wonderful Potions class …," continued Snape as if he hadn't heard Mrs Weasley. "And maybe that will teach her a lesson not to pass out on her teachers again." Hermione's blush got even worse and Harry gritted his teeth. "Not to mention all the dangerous effects, like losing her common sense." He sneered at Hermione. "Let's hope that this will never occur again."

Hermione's grip on her coffee mug became so hard that her knuckles turned white. Harry threw his cutlery down and stood up. "Thanks for breakfast, Mrs Weasley. 'Mione, come on, I need help with my Transfiguration essay …" He pried the mug from Hermione's stiff fingers and dragged her out of the kitchen.

The house was eerily quiet. Harry wondered if the guests were already gone or still sleeping.

"Oh, he's hating me for yesterday night!" whimpered Hermione when they were back in Harry's room. "And he'll rub it in my face every chance he gets."

"Well, you did ask him to dance with you, 'Mione," said Harry carefully.

"I know!" moaned Hermione in despair. "And I honestly don't know what made me do it! I swear, I'll never do drugs again, ever!"

Harry chuckled. "Look on the bright sight, 'Mione, I bet Snape didn't have anybody ask him to dance for a long time."

Hermione pulled at her hair in aggravation. "Fortunately I was out of it before he could reject me," she said bitterly. "I honestly don't want to know what I would have done then."

"Maybe it was for the best," agreed Harry. "But you really shouldn't worry so much. You did a lot of things lately, like fighting with Snape. Nobody will hold it against you when they hear that McGonagall tricked you into kissing him."

"I'll still never live it down," said Hermione glumly. "Just wait until Malfoy hears of it, or worse, Pansy Parkinson!"

Harry had to admit that Pansy Parkinson was indeed the worst gossip at Hogwarts, together with Parvati Patil and Lavender Brown. But having lived through some really nasty rumours concerning himself, Harry knew Hermione would survive it and laugh about it sooner or later. They were only young once, after all.

Then they heard footsteps outside the room. First Ron's and then Ginny's; the siblings walked quietly along the corridor. Hermione and Harry looked at each other; Ron and Ginny had tried for years to get the better of Fred and George.

It seemed they deemed 'now' for the perfect opportunity. With a shouted "AHA!" the twins' door was ripped open by Ron, only to be followed by an even louder "AAAAAAAAARRRRRGH!" Then there was a huge bang and insane laughter.

"Awww! Ickle Ronnikins tried to sneak up upon us," cooed Fred. "How brave, and how stupid."

Harry and Hermione rolled their eyes and went to see what the twins had done now. From the stairs trampling could be heard; Mrs Weasley made her way up, presumably to scold her unruly sons. When they saw Ron and Ginny, Harry and Hermione broke down laughing and holding their stomachs. The siblings sat on the floor, covered in a pink, sticky goo.

"Cool, huh?" George asked smugly. "This is our new Super Slip Slime, Harry. We'll give you a sample soon."

Fred stepped up to Harry and Hermione and smirked. "We can serve you with any colour you wish, although the neon-coloured slime is the most embarrassing stuff. Plus it doesn't get off for days."

"Save me a ton," said Harry, not quite joking. He wondered if it would be a good idea to prepare some areas with the slime when Voldemort and his Death Eaters should attack.

"Noted," replied George and winked.

Mrs Weasley panted heavily when she finally arrived on their landing. "Fred-George-down-now!" she hissed menacingly. "And you go shower!"

Fred and George shared a short smirk before they followed their mother down. Ron and Ginny cursed loudly when they tried to get up but failed spectacularly. The Super Slip Slime made them slide back every time they managed to put so much as a foot down. First it was funny, but soon Harry and Hermione saw that they had a problem. None of them could do magic to spell the slime away, and Harry wasn't sure that the slime could be spelled away without problems, anyway.

Finally Harry went down to get Sirius to help them. In the kitchen Mrs Weasley berated Fred and George soundly for their irresponsible behaviour in their host's house. Harry thought that Sirius and Remus would applaud the twins for their new invention. Fortunately Sirius and Remus were already up and dressed. Harry hated to walk in on people. When he told the story to his godfathers both snorted in amusement and followed him back up the stairs.

"Ow, does Molly really have to be so loud?" said Remus and covered his ears when a particularly loud shriek of Mrs Weasley sounded through the house.

"You just drank too much last night, darling," replied Sirius rather unsympathetically. "So, this is the mess the twins made?"

Ron and Ginny glowered at Sirius but kept still. Remus prowled around the large puddle of goo, slipping a finger through it and sniffing it carefully. Hermione giggled when Ron scowled even more.

"Mmh, strawberry, Padfoot," said Remus cheerfully. "You know, maybe the twins could even sell this stuff in Sentinel's S-"

"I don't want to know it!" said Ron loudly, covering his bright pink ears and slipping promptly off himself. "Do not, under anycircumstances, complete that sentence!"

Ginny sniffed disdainfully. "I won't eat strawberries for a very long time!"

Sirius and Remus shared a deep look that made Harry and the others uncomfortable, and then Sirius pulled out his wand and sighed theatrically. "Well then, if I must remove the slime …"

"We can get a new batch," said Remus soothingly. Ron tried to cover his ears even harder while Ginny and Hermione gaped at the two men.

"Oh well. Let's see … Evanesco!" said Sirius firmly. Nothing happened, but the goo turned a brighter shade of pink and started to glow. Sirius laughed happily. "Wow, they managed to find the formula, Remi!"

"Most interesting," agreed Remus. "Mmh, what about … Esfumado!"

The goo started to pulse but didn't vanish. Sirius and Remus stepped closer and eyed the slime cautiously. Just then Fred and George came back up the stairs. Both were holding their ears and grimaced at the inquiring faces that greeted them.

"Mom told us to take it off," said Fred miserably.

"The woman has no sense of humour!" said George morosely.

"Care to share your secret?" said Sirius cheerfully.

"Yes, please," hissed Ginny angrily. Her formerly red hair was now completely soaked and looked decidedly pink.

Fred and George took out their wands and pointed it at the slime. "Only if you don't tell anybody else," said Fred.

"Yeah, where would be the fun if you did?" said George.

"Together, Forge?"

"Of course, Gred."

Fred and George raised their wands a little and then said sharply, "Muddlewush!"

The slime instantly vanished, leaving no trace behind. Ron and Ginny stood up immediately, dusting their pink-free pyjamas off and stalking back into their rooms. Harry, Sirius and Remus looked at the twins in wonderment.

"Muddlewush isn't even a word!" protested Hermione. "That's really mean!"

Fred grinned and bowed deeply. "Why, thank you. The slime shall amuse lots of people for a long time. Wouldn't it be stupid to just tell them the word?"

"If there's an emergency the people can owl us and they'll get the spell. But not before," said George. As an afterthought he added: "Well, we had to create an emergency office, otherwise the Ministry wouldn't approve of our products." Both twins pouted at that.

"I'm not sure the Ministry should approve of anything that comes from you," said Hermione snidely.

"Yeah, well, there's always Kingsley who pushes our case a bit … We are not alone," said George happily.

"Otherwise 'Weasleys' Wizarding Wheezes' wouldn't be what it is today," agreed Fred. "I'm surprised that Fudge didn't try to get us by now, after all the trouble we caused Umbridge …"

"Maybe he needs our taxes," said Fred smugly. "The old codger wouldn't know what to do against us if we presented the possibilities to him ourselves."

"Now, the Malfoys are something completely different," said George, suddenly very serious. "He and his bitch wife only need to bat an eye and we would have a swarm of Aurors searching our business for illegal stuff."

"Which we have, of course," said Fred proudly. "But until now Kingsley will make do, and we are very grateful for that."

Harry snorted. He knew about one or two occasions when the twins had been grateful for something. But then again, someone who protected their beloved business certainly deserved their gratitude.

Ginny and Ron re-emerged from their rooms, freshly showered and dressed in suitable clothes. Hermione considered them before she turned on her heel and went into her and Ginny's room. Not a minute later she came back out, wand in one hand, study plan in her other.

"Let's do something productive," she said to Harry. "And you," she indicated Ron and Ginny with her wand, "can come up when you're done with breakfast."

Harry smirked. "I bet your mom made you an extra load of waffles." Ron's face brightened and he dashed downstairs. Ginny followed him, a bit more dignified, but not by much. When they were gone Harry turned to Hermione. "And what do you want to practice today?"

"The Confundus Charm, somehow my focus is off with my new wand," replied Hermione immediately, "And I want to try wandless magic."

"Too bad that we have to go back to our shop," said Fred regretfully. "We would like to attend a few more lessons, Harry. Well then, your order is noted. Bye." Fred and George waved cheerfully and then retreated to their room. Hermione sighed in displeasure, although Harry really had no idea about what she could be annoyed.

"Alright, let me get my wand and then we'll start." Harry quickly got his wand, and together they climbed up the three storeys to the warded room.

Ron and Ginny joined them half an hour later, already laughing about the prank the twins had played on them. Harry was feeling exceptionally well, as if the start of a new year had given him new energy.

Their lesson was interesting and productive, and they managed to reacquaint themselves with a lot of basic spells many of which could be used in battle.

Hermione, for one, discovered, that they could use a grinding spell for maiming some Death Eater's foot. The spell was mainly used in Potions class when the ingredient they intended to grind was too delicate or too expensive to grind by hand. It was a damage that could be easily healed by a professional healer but not so weak to be useless.

The day was quickly over. Harry didn't even really notice when Mrs Weasley called them down for lunch, or when Snape swept one last time past him, sneering at Hermione, before Flooing back to Hogwarts. The twins had left after breakfast, unnoticed by Harry, Ron, Hermione or Ginny, but in a cloud of green, stinking smoke, and for dinner Mr Weasley was finally back from the Ministry. He looked so rumpled that Harry decided he must have had a lot of trouble there. He silently wondered what he had done there but refrained from asking Ginny or Ron; they clearly had no idea, either.

During the following few days Hermione made them do all their remaining homework, reminding them that the NEWTs were only one and a half years away. Ron and Harry mocked her good-naturedly but sat at their workload nonetheless. Ginny tagged along, thrilled that she was included in all their conversations about Umbridge and Fudge.

In their homework-free time they locked themselves in the warded room and practised a lot of spells from their new study program. The others would be glad to have a few people show them how they worked, and Harry had an idea how he could shut Zacharias Smith up for at least a month.

Harry also thought a lot about how his pocket mirror should work. He had quite a few ideas onhow to decide whether somebody was trustworthy or not, and when he was finally satisfied he went to Remus and Sirius, and both helped him charm the mirror. Harry tried it out immediately. To his great relief the charm worked flawlessly. The mirror was slipped into the free back pocket of his jeans, ready to be used at any time.

-------

On Saturday Sirius morosely looked over the breakfast table at Harry. Remus patted his arm in consolation, but Sirius didn't look as if he wanted to be consoled.

"Siri, he has to go back, and you know it," said Remus softly. "Dumbledore wants him back in the castle so nobody will know he was away in the first place."

"I'm not stupid, Moony, I know that," growled Sirius irritably. He looked longingly at Harry, and Harry looked longingly back.

"I don't want to go, either," said Harry quietly. "And I wish I could stay during the summer."

Hermione looked decidedly in her book and not at the scene in front of her, but Harry knew that she felt sorry for them. Ron's concern was visibly displayed on his open face, and Ginny sighed in pity.

Mrs Weasley clucked her tongue. "Now, boys, it's not the end of the world! You can see each other during the Easter break."

Sirius grunted in disagreement. "No, Dumbledore said it would be too dangerous to let Harry out of his reach again. He didn't like the incident in Muggle London one bit."

Mrs Weasley pursed her lips. Harry knew that she thought about something to say, but she knew, as well as them, that letters were out of question, as were visits at Hogwarts. She, of course, didn't know about the mirrors he and Sirius possessed, but then again he wouldn't tell her about them if he could avoid it.

They finished breakfast in silence. Harry, Hermione, Ron and Ginny walked up to Harry's room to help him pack while Mrs Weasley stayed in the kitchen to clean up, despite the perfectly capable house elf.

"I will talk to Sirius about Buckbeak," said Harry while throwing some shirts into his bag. "I hope he and Remus can convince Dumbledore to allow the mission, otherwise Sirius and Beaky are being driven insane, always cooped up in the house."

Ginny nodded. "Yeah, the poor thing has been sitting in the attic the whole time. I daren't think when was the last time he was let out."

"Yeah, we'll help you, mate," said Ron lamely. He still held a great deal of respect for Buckbeak and his sharp talons.

"Thank you," said Harry, putting socks and a pair of jeans away. "Now where's my pullover?"

"On your bed," supplied Hermione helpfully. She retrieved it for him and stuffed it into the bag. Something meowed from under the covers, and Hermione squealed. "Crookshanks! Where have you been?" Harry couldn't even remember having seen the cat around. Hermione hadn't mentioned him so he must have stayed in the girls' room.

Ginny giggled. "I bet he was hiding from all the noise of the New Year's Party."

Hermione stroked Crookshanks fluffy, big head and then proceeded to caress him under his chin. "My poor baby. Where all the people too loud for you, darling?"

Her crooning made Ron roll his eyes, but Harry smiled and closed the zipper of his bag with a determined movement. Then Remus and Sirius came in and demanded a last few minutes with Harry alone. Grinning, Hermione, Ginny and Ron left. Crookshanks meowed from under Hermione's arm, a bundle of contentment.

When they were gone Sirius embraced Harry and held on him tightly. "I really wish I could be there for you," he said quietly.

Harry, who was squeezing back rather tightly himself, shrugged. "You are. And we will get Pettigrew somehow, you'll see. And as soon as you're cleared and pardoned I'll come live with you two."

Remus patted Harry's hair and sighed. "We're sorry, Harry. We know how much you hate the Dursleys, and we tried to get Dumbledore to let you come to us last summer, but it didn't work."

Harry nodded. "Yeah, he said my aunt is protecting me. As long as she lets me live there and I can call it home Voldemort won't find me."

Ha!" snorted Sirius angrily. "As if they needed Voldemort for that! That bitch Umbridge set Dementors on you! I'll get her for that, even if I have to spend another twelve years in Azkaban!"

"Now," growled Remus darkly. "Don't even think about it, Black."

Sirius slumped a bit, crushing Harry with the weight of his arms. "All right, all right," he muttered. "But Harry, promise me to mirror-call as often as possible. And if something strange happens, tell us."

"I will," promised Harry. "And you tell me if you find some good Wiccans." Remus and Sirius nodded, grinning. Harry sighed. "And would you, please, let Buckbeak go back into the Forbidden Forest? Hagrid is missing him terribly."

Sirius pulled back, raking his hands through his hair. "I know I should, but he's a good friend. Who will make sure he isn't killed on sight? Fudge still has this death sentence for him."

"He's smart," said Harry firmly. "He'll fly back without being seen, and nobody will dare go into the forest just to kill him. Besides, Hagrid told me there are some really odd beasts in there that nobody is brave enough to face."

"What if those beasts kill him?" Sirius asked, a hint of hope in his voice.

"They won't. But boredom will kill him eventually," Harry pressed on gently. "How often can you let him fly, over Muggle London no less? And when did he catch his last prey himself?"

"You sound like Remus," said Sirius quietly. "And Lily. She never wanted us to hold animals that belonged in the wilderness."

"And she was right," said Remus. "Sirius, Buckbeak has lived here for two years already, and if we coop him up any longer he might die from it."

"You won't stop pestering me, will you?" Sirius fell back on Harry's bed and stared up at the canopy. "Okay, I'll let him go, but I'll go with him."

Remus sputtered in outrage. "You can't possibly mean that, Sirius Black!"

"I'll see him to that forest," Sirius insisted stubbornly. "And then I'll take a Portkey back. You better talk to Dumbledore about that, otherwise I'll have to Apparate, and you know I still have to buy a new wand at Ollivander's."

Remus sighed in defeat. "Fine, I'll tell Dumbledore about your completely ridiculous and insane plan. Don't get yourself killed, Black, I'm warning you."

Harry could tell that Remus was severely pissed when he rushed from the room, slamming the door in the process. Sirius laughed and sat up suddenly. "He's like a mother hen sometimes, isn't he?" Harry remained mute, just cocked an eyebrow. "Oh well, do you have anything left to pack?"

"No," said Harry. "Everything I brought is in my bag. I'm leaving my presents here, okay?" He grinned. "Everything but the broom kit. It's fantastic! I can't wait to try it out."

"I wish I could come visit you," said Sirius wistfully. "In your third year I almost died to see you fly. I just had to. I'm still sorry for scaring you."

"Well, the Creeveys have found a way to film the matches, don't ask me how. They already said they want to film the match Gryffindor against Slytherin. Maybe I can send it to you."

"Cool!" said Sirius in astonishment. "And is it really like the Muggle movies?"

"Yup." Harry smiled. "Okay, I have to go. Remus is waiting I guess, and you blackmailed him enough for a day." He hugged Sirius and then got up. "Let's go."

Sirius shooed Harry out of his room and took his bag. Again it looked as if he was carrying something of minor weight around, although it was heavy enough to strain Harry's arm after carrying it for too long a time. Not that he had to since he had come here with a Portkey and would leave with one.

In the Living Room everybody was there to see Harry off. Mrs Weasley handed him a huge bag of leftover Christmas cookies, Mr Weasley shook his hand, telling him to take care. Ron hugged him awkwardly whereas Ginny and Hermione both jumped him as if he would never come back again.

"We'll see you at school," said Hermione, smoothing the wrinkles she had made into his shirt. "Try to practise some more and kick Smith's ass."

Harry just smirked and ruffled her already bushy hair even more. Remus beckoned Harry over and Harry hugged Sirius again and told him to be careful when he brought Buckbeak back in the Forbidden Forest. Then it was almost time and Harry stepped up to Remus, putting a finger on the old, dusty toy horse. It was the size of Remus' hand and was made of wood; Harry irrationally thought that Dudley would have never played with a toy like that.

"Okay, Harry, three, two, one–," whispered Remus.

Then there was a pull behind Harry's navel and they were gone from Nr 12, Grimmauld Place in a heart beat. Just a second later Harry's feet collided painfully with the cold stone floor of Hogwarts.

"Oof!" grunted Harry. The pain seared up to his shoulders, but at least he had managed to stay on his feet this time.

Remus next to him put the horse away and calmly offered him a steadying arm. Grateful for the support Harry took it. Remus even carried his bag.

"So, what will you do with the last two days of freedom?" he asked softly.

"Try some new moves," said Harry weakly, trying to keep his breakfast down his throat. "'Mione made us do all our homework so there's nothing else to do."

"Good," said Remus. "I assume you already covered a bit of your study plan?"

"Yeah, a bit," replied Harry and raised an eyebrow. "But you won't go to Dumbledore now, will you?"

Remus chuckled. "Of course not. I promised, besides, you are the troublemaking nephew I never had, so we have a certain tolerance for mischief and secret affairs."

"Cool. Does that mean you'll shower me with sweets every time you see me?" Harry grinned impishly, feeling much better already.

"You might be the troublemaking nephew I never had, but I certainly won't spoil you. You've got Sirius to do that." Remus grinned back, patting Harry's hand that was looped around his arm. "We're there." He turned and looked Harry in the eyes. "Take care. Sirius wants me to tell you not to annoy Snape too much. He has hada bit of trouble with the Death Eaters lately, so give him some peace."

"Okay," Harry ground out reluctantly. "But let me annoy Blackadder. She deserves it just as much."

Remus just shrugged. "If you want to. The best thing that could happen would be if she left Hogwarts at the end of the year."

"Just like every other DADA teacher so far," said Harry and rolled his eyes. "Don't give Sirius a hard time because of Buckbeak. He'll miss him, and he hates to be in the house all day."

"I don't think he'll be at home too often," replied Remus airily. He then smiled and pulled Harry in a tight hug. "Take care and call us as soon as you can, okay?"

"Okay." Harry took the bag from the floor. "Are you going to see Dumbledore now?"

"Yes. Want me to greet him or something?" Remus pulled his coat around himself, idly playing with the sash.

Harry smirked. "Actually, no. I'll see him soon enough."

"Well then, take care, Harry." Remus waved and turned around, walking down the corridor at a leisurely pace.

Harry watched him until he had disappeared and then turned around to the Fat Lady to give the password.

"Isn't he a sweetheart?" the Fat Lady crooned longingly. "Little Remus Lupin."

Harry cuffed her frame playfully and told her the password, making her giggle. He quickly stepped inside and climbed up the stairs to his dorm. It was time to unpack and do something useful. Now he could do magic without having to fear the Ministry's decree about underage magic. He quickly spelled his things out of the bag and back into his drawers and trunk, then he took his study plan and sauntered out of Gryffindor Tower to find the Room of Requirement. Dobby would surely help him if he asked, so he wished for some cushions and then called for Dobby.

-------

Sunday evening came loudly and with some excitement. First the carriages arrived, spewing happy students out. And then a steady stream of children from eleven to seventeen clambered into the castle, bringing mud and coldness with them, but also laughter and talking. Harry, who was standing a bit aside to admit them all in, could almost feel the thrum of energy the hundredths of students brought with them.

Harry looked for his friends, but all he got to see was Malfoy who swaggered up to him, smirking in an infuriatingly smug way.

"Why, isn't that Saint Potter who had to spend his holidays here?" Malfoy asked. Harry thought his voice sounded more meaningful than his words allowed. "How was it, Wonder Boy, to be all alone on Christmas?"

"Not all that bad, Malfoy," replied Harry coolly, "Especially when I didn't have to see your ferret face."

Pansy to Malfoy's left bristled angrily, but Malfoy silenced her with a cool wave of his hand. The blonde's eyes travelled down from Harry's face to his neck, resting on the pendant he wore on a leather band.

"Nice necklace, Potter," said Malfoy slowly, looking back up and directly in Harry's eyes. "And so unique."

Harry's face grew hot. He knew exactly what Malfoy was playing at: he had worn the pendant at their outing in Muggle London, and Malfoy must have seen it there. Sometimes Harry thought he was so stupid it hurt.

They stared at each other, daring the other to say something, to give the secret away. But surprisingly Malfoy didn't seem to want to share with Pansy, Crabbe and Goyle. At least not yet.

Finally Malfoy turned away from Harry, smirking. "Gods, Potter, if paying you a compliment gets your tongue like that I would have started a lot sooner. It would have saved me countless times of your brainless blundering." He swaggered off, and his three cronies followed obligingly, snickering madly.

Harry's face was still burning when Ron and Hermione found him five minutes later. He quickly led his friends up to their common room. He was dying to tell them about it but wondered if they would make more of it than it was. He wasn't in Muggle London anymore, was he? So Voldemort couldn't do anything to Harry, even if Malfoy told him that he had been there, in the same restaurant as his prized right hand man.

They had one hour before dinner started, and Harry's news would be told in thirty seconds, so he beckoned Ron and Hermione on his bed and told them what had occurred down in the hallway.

"What? Malfoy recognised your pendant?" Hermione asked. "Ha. Trust the Ferret to spot something of value." She huffed. "And you do know that you mustn't wear this ever again when you're disguised."

"Yeah, I know," said Harry.

Ron cocked his head. "You wore Bill's pendant in London? Wait until I tell him about that, he'll laugh himself silly."

"I don't think that this should get out," said Hermione briskly. "I mean, Malfoy can't do anything since they aren't in London anymore, but still."

Harry grimaced. "Malfoy will take care of that when he sees fit to do so," he said. "As if he could keep his mouth shut. He didn't tell Crabbe, Goyle and Parkinson, though." Harry thought that Malfoy's remark about him and compliments were nothing his friends would be interested in, so he quickly changed the topic and jumped up from his bed. "Let's go, it's almost time for dinner."

"Yeah, I'm hungry," agreed Ron wholeheartedly and jumped up eagerly.

"When are you not, Ron Weasley," said Hermione in exasperation and rolled her eyes. But she pocketed her wand nonetheless in the sleeve of her shirt, pulled her robe's sleeves down and stood up as well.

When they stepped down into the common room Dean, Seamus and Lee were teasing Neville with his Remembrall. But it was a friendly teasing, not the malicious teasing Malfoy had done in their first year.

"Come on, Neville, you don't need it," said Dean. "I've got to remember Ginny's birthday and I know I'll just forget it with all the homework McGonagall and Snape will give us."

"Yeah, and we know how Ginny gets when somebody forgets her birthday," said Seamus and glanced meaningfully at Ron. Ron subconsciously caressed the back of his head and grimaced. Hermione smirked. "Anyway, can we have it, Neville? We promise to give it back as soon as her birthday is over, alright?"

Neville looked doubtful and embarrassed. "What if I forget something important? I don't want to step on Snape's toes."

"You won't," said Hermione forcefully. "We'll help you remember everything."

"Speaking of remembering," said Harry and grinned. "The next meeting is next Saturday." He pulled his wand from his pocket and spelled date and time on the fake galleon. Everybody in the DA carried their galleon with them at all times; they had agreed on that in case they were in need of an emergency meeting.

"Cool, I wanted to pull my wand and try out all the time, even on Boxing Day," said Seamus cheerfully. "But I missed my lovely boyfriend very much, too …"

"How is it to go out with Blaise?" Harry asked with badly veiled interest.

"Oh, he's wonderful," said Seamus dreamily. "Smart, interesting, beautiful …"

"If you like boys," said Dean and shrugged. "He's not so bad."

"I like him" said Harry with a final tone and looked at each of his friends. "Anyway, I think you'll like what I have in mind." He turned to Ron and Hermione. "Shall we go then? I can hear your stomach growling, Ron."

The three left, leaving a bickering Seamus, Dean and Neville behind. Harry knew Neville would lend his friends the Remembrall eventually; he was just too friendly. But his friends loved him for his big heart and tried to help him when he had problems.

"Do you think Dean will get Ginny something nice for her birthday?" Hermione asked thoughtfully. "I mean, they have beendating for almost a year now and it's getting serious."

"If he does so much as lay a finger on her I'll kill him," grunted Ron sourly.

Hermione rolled her eyes. "Honestly. She's almost sixteen, Ron," she said. "Give her a break."

"And should I give you a break, too?" said Ron in a clipped voice. "Vicky isn't here to see you after all, right?"

"I'm not seeing Viktor!" cried Hermione and blushed. A few students, who were standing in their way, snickered. "I'm not, Ron! We're just good friends."

"Ha, as if you could be something else, with him in Bulgaria and you here at Hogwarts." Ron crossed his arms and scowled moodily.

Hermione lowered her head angrily and refused to look at Ron until they had reached the Great Hall. Unfortunately they had to pass by Malfoy and his gang, and the blonde could be rather perceptive at the most inopportune moments

"What's up, Granger? Lover's spat?" Malfoy sneered. Pansy and Goyle snickered in amusement.

Hermione flashed him an angry look and stalked away, but Ron whirled around to Malfoy and balled his hands to fists. "Shut your foul trap, Malfoy, or we'll announce your engagement to Parkinson in front of the whole school right at the fest."

Malfoy paled a bit and scooted away from a suddenly simpering Pansy. "You do that and you'll not live to see the next day, Weasel," hissed Malfoy, mortified.

Ron sneered smugly and turned to follow Hermione. Pansy tried to grab Malfoy's arm but Malfoy shook her off every time. Goyle and Crabbe watched the activity with the same stupid interest a dog paid a bone it couldn't reach.

Harry cocked an eyebrow in amusement and chuckled softly. "You know, Malfoy, if you're embarrassed about your girlfriend, just say so. Just for you we will increase our funny remarks. Honestly."

Malfoy glared at Harry, hissed at Pansy and stalked off. Harry grinned and went away to join Ron and Hermione at the Gryffindor table. Both were still brooding, but after giving Malfoy some of his own Harry felt simply great. Hungrily he shovelled fish and chips into his mouth, watching Malfoy who played morosely with some salad and potatoes. Blaise had apparently pushed Pansy aside to keep Malfoy some company, but his unconcerned and even cocky expression told Harry that he was either not very sorry for Malfoy's dismay or even outright amused at his expense.

"What's up with you?" asked Angelina who sat down next to Harry. "You seem to be in a good mood."

"I am," replied Harry and put some fish on her plate.

"So, next Saturday is our next meeting? I'm looking forward to it," said Alicia quietly, sitting down at Harry's other side. "Oh, and the party was great. I'm sorry for Hermione, though. Fainting in Snape's arms like that. Wait, I have some pictures somewhere I meant to give you on the train … I figured too late that you wouldn't come with us." She rummaged through her pockets and produced two pictures. "Here. It is so cute!"

Harry took them, ignoring Hermione's death glare. One was of the infamous kiss, initiated through the even more infamous Kiss Cocktail, courtesy of the twins. Snape's face showed a strange mix of emotions. For one he clearly had been a little bit drunk already when McGonagall tricked him into drinking from her bottle. Then there was annoyance. And then something Harry couldn't quite place. Hermione's face was easier to decipher. She was shocked and surprised, but not entirely unpleasantly so. Harry wondered how much she had drunk when Snape had accompanied her through the massof people. Both clearly didn't look as revolted as they probably should have, but then again, it only helped to make the picture more interesting.

Harry choked on a swig of pumpkin juice when picture-Hermione looped her arms around pictue-Snape's neck and kissed back in earnest and picture-Snape wrapped his arms around Hermione's waist to keep her close and hold her up against him.

Angelina laughed smugly. "They're going at it all the time, really!" she said, causing Hermione to blush even more. "I bet Snape didn't have any for years!"

Alicia smirked. "And I bet Hermione would die to get some."

Harry saw that Hermione was pulling out her wand and hastily took the other photo. It showed indeed in best wizarding photo style how Hermione staggered up to Snape, said something and promptly fainted after doing so. Snape caught her, scowling profusely at Harry.

"How does he do it?" Harry asked, amazed. Picture-Snape was still glaring as if daring Harry to say something.

"He's Snape," said Alicia and chuckled. She leaned closer. "Do you want them?"

"Hell, yeah," murmured Harry, glancing at a murderous Hermione. "I would even pay for them." He stuffed the photos in his pocket and poured Angelina and Alicia some juice. "By the way, where's Katie?"

"Oh, she wanted to write a letter to George," said Angelina. "She misses him a lot. Not that I don't miss Fred, but it's good to have a small break from him every now and then." She scooted closer and giggled. "Especially when they always come on to us together." She rolled her eyes. "Did you notice the way theytalk when they want to confuse somebody? It's creeping me out!"

Harry laughed. "Yeah, but I think it's cool." He remembered fondly the numerous occasions where Fred and George had done their infamous twin-talk, and somehow he never got tired of hearing it.

Then Seamus, Dean and Neville bustled into the Great Hall and took seats around Ron and Hermione. Colin and Dennis Creevey pouted but made room for them nonetheless, and Lee managed to squeeze in next to Alicia. After a friendly wave all four boys started to devour their dinner.

Later at night Harry was lying awake for a long time. In one hand he held the photos of Hermione and Snape, in the other his wand. Soft light shone on the glossy surface of the pictures. Harry pondered whether Snape was so sour because nobody seemed to like him or whether he was so sour because nobody liked him for having to act like a complete git. Harry knew that Snape had to favour his own house to show Voldemort some loyalty; Harry wondered how long Snape would be able to keep it up. The lying, the spying, the fear for his life. Was he ever tired of it all?

On those photos Snape seemed more carefree than Harry had ever seen him. He still hated the man, but he would be damned if he would deny him every little pleasure. And if it meant to have Hermione go through some embarrassing moments, well …

Shuddering, Harry waved the light away.

Now I just sounded like Dumbledore, he thought in disgust. Ugh. I need to apologise to 'Mione first thing tomorrow.

----------

Monday morning came slowly. In Harry's dorm everybody had a hard time getting up. When they finally did they were ten minutes later than usual and argued who got to use the showers first. Harry finally gave up and used a cleaning charm on himself and a refreshing charm for his clothes for good measure. Trying to comb his hair and brush his teeth at the same time, he slipped into his trainers and spotted his schoolbag. They had Charms first thing in the morning, and he had yet to stuff his homework into his bag. Flitwick might be a nice teacher, but he punished torn up homework just as every other teacher did.

"Harry! We are going to be late for breakfast!" screeched Hermione impatiently. "Come on, I need my coffee!"

Harry stumbled into the boys' bathroom and rinsed his mouth. "I'm coming!" he yelled downstairs. He made a mad dash to his trunk and started to stuff his books, some parchment and a quill into it. His ink bottle tried to hide behind his Potions textbook; Dean had spelled it yesterday night so it could walk and squeak little phrases. He snatched it and threw it into the bag, too. When Hermione yelled again he finally found his Charms homework under a pile of notes for the DA and quickly snatched it up.

Hermione and Ginny led the grunting and protesting group of boys into the Great Hall. Several students from the other house tables laughed at their dishevelled appearance; most of them were in the DA. Harry and his friends ignored the jibes that came from the Slytherin table and helped themselves to oatmeal, toast and kippers. They had found out that ignoring them made them only more angry whilst they could laugh themselves silly about their anger. It worked well and until now the Slytherins hadn't found out that they served for countless moments of amusement among the Gryffindors.

After breakfast they made their way to Flitwick's classroom. On their way Cho suddenly appeared in a corridor and stared at Harry. Harry pretended not to notice her and brusquely walked away. Only one minute later, when they had rounded a corner, Seamus caught up with him.

"Hey mate, what's up with you and her? Trouble?" Seamus asked quietly.

"No. There's nothing with me and her," said Harry shortly. "Nothing at all."

But Seamus was persistent. "And why is she looking at you like that?"

"I don't know," hissed Harry, now slowly getting angry. "Look, I know I'm not good with girls, all right? Just drop it."

"Okay," said Seamus, sounding a bit hurt.

The whole troupe marched into the classroom and spread over the room, each student taking their seat. Hermione and Ron sat to Harry's right and left side, their favourite position to talk to him. Hermione could nudge him awake if need be and Ron was far away enough from Hermione to sleep undisturbed.

"Hello, welcome back!" squeaked Flitwick happily. "I hope you all had a wonderful New Year. Now your homework, please. Accio!" With swishes and whooshes parchments from all over the room sailed to Flitwick, burying him under a pile of scrolls. "Thank you," he squawked. Flitwick shrunk the scrolls and stuffed them into a bag. He then jumped onto his chair and looked at them. "Open your books on page one hundred and thirty two, please. Today we will learn the first of five obscuring charms."

Professor Spout greeted them similarly. She winked at Harry, Hermione and Ron before she collected the holiday assignment, and thanked them for a wonderful party after everybody was gone from the room. Harry and Ron just shook their heads while Hermione giggled behind her hands.

Professor Blackadder's lesson, however, was something everybody plainly could do without. The woman looked just as she had before the holidays. She wore a dark red cape and rings with some gems on her fingers. Her long, dark brown hair was braided and hung down her back.

When everybody was seated Blackadder stood up and smiled at them benignly. "Hello students," she said in her calm voice. "I trust you all came well through the New Year's festivities and are now fresh and eager for the next steps in our lessons." She pulled her wand out and let a screen unroll itself. "Today I'll tell you a bit about the rules for Grounding. Please take out parchment and a quill and pay attention."

Hermione raised her hand impatiently. "Professor, I could tell what Grounding is and for what it's important–"

"Not today, Miss Granger," said Blackadder. "Somebody competent should introduce you to the finer branches of Wicca Magic."

Hermione snorted unsubtly and crossed her arms, not even trying to pretend that she was willing to take notes. Blackadder, however, ignored her attempt at boycotting her lesson and started to drone about Grounding.

"The first rule for Grounding is respect," said Professor Blackadder mistily. In that moment she reminded Harry greatly of Professor Trelawney. "You must respect Nature and focus on the elements. Grounding is important before each and every ritual; you must be cleaned of all negative and disturbing energy. Now, you can use these plants …"

Harry tuned Blackadder's endless rambling out and started to doodle on his paper. He drew Buckbeak, Hagrid and even Malfoy in his typical, sneering manner. When the bell rang, Ron nudged Harry out of his stupor. If Hermione's tight face was any indication he hadn't missed anything of importance. And really, as soon as they left the classroom Hermione erupted in a tirade of heated, indignant spluttering.

"And I heard at least three plants that are absolutely not used in any ritual, Grounding, or other practice! I can't believe she's even allowed to teach! Just wait until she wants us to try the rubbish she teaches us!" Moaning and ranting she stalked to Gryffindor Tower, dragging Ron and Harry with her.

"Was it really that bad?" said Ron quietly when they emptied their bags in their dorm to put their book for Care of Magical Creatures in.

"I don't know," replied Harry tiredly. "All I remember is, that this hour went by very slowly."

Laughing, they went down to the Great Hall for lunch. Luna passed them by and asked how the first lesson had been. Harry tactfully explained that she might be disappointed. Luna seemed to understand perfectly well and went to her table, sitting next to Cho Chang.

Hermione sat next to Harry and helped him, Ron and herself to soup. "Cho looked as if she wanted something from you, Harry," she said. "I hope she'll stay away from you; we don't need any more trouble right now."

Harry picked at the thick, white beans and his sausage and frowned. "I don't know what she wants. I thought I made it perfectly clear what I thought about the whole thing."

Ron laughed. "Wow, Harry, your first stalking girlfriend!"

"She's not stalking," said Harry darkly. "And she's certainly not my girlfriend." He shoved a spoonful of soup into his mouth and chewed morosely. "And I don't think we ever were … you know, together. The one date we had was awful, and I really don't want to do that again, ever."

The door that led directly up to the Head Table banged open and Snape strode in. He looked positively lethal, and Blackadder, who was unfortunately seated next to him, scooted away a foot. Snape sat down gracefully and managed to glare at Harry all the time while he did so. Harry wondered what crime he might have committed this time. Then Snape's dark gaze flickered over to Hermione and Ron before he scowled and gulped down a glass of a liquid that suspiciously looked like red wine.

"What's up with him now?" said Ron in bewilderment.

"That looks bad for us," mumbled Hermione. "Did you see his glare?"

"I wonder if we should commit suicide right away or wait until he gives us a reason," said Harry.

Seamus patted Harry on the shoulder before he stole his sausage right from his plate. "What have you done now?" he asked cheerfully. "Did you, er, borrow something from his cabinet again?"

Harry swatted Seamus and summoned his sausage back with a quick, wandless spell. Nobody but him and Seamus had seen, and the boy was suitably impressed. "No, we didn't," said Harry firmly. "Now please refrain from raiding my plate and get your own food, will you?"

Seamus gaped at him and went back to his seat after a few seconds. Harry felt ready to burst because it had worked, even if it was just a sausage he had summoned. He ignored Hermione's and Ron's inquisitive glances and started to eat his prize. Now he was suddenly very hungry, and not even Care of Magical Creatures with the Slytherins could change that.

After finishing lunch, they went out of the castle, together with their fellow Gryffindors and the Slytherins. Seamus and Blaise walked together, not caring that Nott and Pansy glared at them. Harry wondered if the two would start holding hands soon; as it seemed they had no sense of secrecy and that they were not ashamed of their relationship. Malfoy didn't look as if he cared at all whereas Crabbe and Goyle turned around a few times to boggle at the pair disbelievingly.

When they finally arrived at Hagrid's hut (the walk down there was dangerous because of all the ice, and Dean had almost slipped at one point, sliding precariously on the edge of the hill) everybody was shivering and cursing about soaked trousers, shoes and cloaks. The heavy clouds looked as if they would soon grace them with a lot of new snow.

Hagrid emerged from his warm hut. Fang followed him eagerly, running straight to Harry, Ron and Hermione to nuzzle their legs and sides.

"'Ello students!" boomed Hagrid happily, "Welcome back ter yer second term. I hope yer all made some goo' wishes fer the new year."

"Of course," said Malfoy maliciously. "For example that we get another teacher for this stupid subject!"

Hagrid pretended to not hear him and turned to indicate a paddock that lay a bit nearer to the Forbidden Forest. "Terday we will start on the 'Arpies, kids. Wonderful creatures, just a bit, erm, wild. Now, follow me if yer will …" He started to stomp down the narrow, icy pathway, shoving snow out of his way with his mighty boots.

When they arrived at the paddock, several students let out strangled gasps. On the wooden bars of the fence sat, like huge vultures, five black Harpies. They were cowering together in the cold and looked like ruddy crows.

"Uuuh!" said Lavender Brown. Harry wondered if this was her standard response to everything new or strange she saw.

"Merlin, they are so ugly," said Malfoy disdainfully. "The ones we have at home are a lot better."

"Ah, yer have experience with 'Arpies, then?" Hagrid asked with a hint of maliciousness behind his voice. "Then yer won't mind telling us a bit about 'em."

"Of course not," said Malfoy and sniffed. "Harpies are the biggest of the winged beasts in Great Britain. Contrary to dragons, they have all the characteristics of birds, only that their faces are those of women. Harpies usually live in countries that are warmer than ours, which is why we don't have any deaths due to Harpy attacks. But it is said that a small Harpy population settled down in the south of England.

"Harpies usually use their voice to shriek, which is, next to their less than beautiful appearance, why people don't like them. It is not commonly known, however, that Harpies can sing as sweet as a Phoenix if they want to. They can't heal wounds but soothe the mind and even bring sweet dreams. The only wizard that was ever able to befriend a Harpy was Merlin himself."

Hermione raised her hand and Hagrid motioned her to speak. "Harpies are, despite the myths, dangerous creatures that live to kill. Their main prey are Fire Lizards, dragonets, even Unicorns if they can get them somehow. Humans who hear their voice are paralysed with fear. Their shriek is not unlike that of a banshee, only that it is not as strong.

"Harpies are also rather intelligent and can, like Phoenixes, carry heavy weights over long distances. They have a life span of approximately one hundred years and usually don't come near humans. But there are reported cases of child theft, and it has been proved that they were raised as the Harpies' own. It is a proven fact that these children grow up to be full-fledged Harpies of their own and continue the line. Scientists still argue about whether all Harpies are turned children or if Harpies have a way to reproduce themselves without stealing human children."

"Then I have some news for you, Granger," said Malfoy haughtily. "The Harpies we have at home are purebred for eight generations. They had no possibility to transform children." He smirked. "And this bit will interest you: True Harpies have a much greater resemblance to vultures than the mix-breeds. My theory is that they slowly lose their ability to contain magic if they don't assimilate wizards into their population. They are also weaker and can't use their voice to paralyse their prey."

Hermione stared at Malfoy in astonishment. "So the true form of a Harpy is a vulture? Why did I never read anything about it?"

Malfoy smirked. "Granger, you can't know everything." He shrugged elegantly. "Well, father meant to write a book about the whole thing but I guess he didn't want to spoil his reputation as politician." He sneered when Harry and Ron coughed ominously. "So it is highly unlikely that you'll ever find anything about the topic that is worth reading."

Just when Harry started to wonder about Malfoy's relatively neutral tone of voice, Pansy Parkinson latched onto his arm and sneered at Hermione. "Bad luck, isn't it, Miss Know-It-All?" she asked sweetly. To her great annoyance Hermione just rolled her eyes.

"Parkinson, if there was something worth my while about Harpies I would have already read it, I assure you," said Hermione haughtily, regarding Pansy with utmost disgust. "But not everybody is so lucky to have Harpies at home," she sneered at Malfoy, "and study their mating habits extensively."

Malfoy blushed pink and shook Pansy off his arm violently. "Why, Granger–," he snarled.

"Ten points ter Slytherin an' Gryffindor," said Hagrid into the tense moment, successfully breaking the impending fight off. Hermione and Malfoy relaxed visibly but were still glaring at each other. "Now lets go ter 'em an' see if they want ter eat something …"

The whole class followed him reluctantly to the big beasts. Harry shuddered when he saw the ugly faces of the Harpies. Their eyes were big and brown; intelligence shone out of them, but it was the kind of intelligence that made good predators. They made small, shrieking noises when Hagrid approached.

"Now careful," said Hagrid. "Yer can come near 'em, it is too cold fer 'em ter attack yer properly."

"Now I feel much better," said Ron sarcastically.

Harry grinned. Hagrid beckoned them closer still, and now the girls became anxious. Lavender refused to go near the sharp talons first, then Parvati stopped, along with Millicent Bulstrode and Nott. Hermione stepped bravely forward. Pansy glared at her and tagged along, all the while trying to get Malfoy's attention.

"Yer can feed 'em with 'ese dead Fire Lizards," said Hagrid confidently. "Go ahead, they can't do nothin' in this weather."

A Harpy shrieked sadly as if confirming Hagrid's sentiment. All five glared at the approaching students.

"Lovely," muttered Dean sarcastically. He weighed his Fire Lizard and then threw it at the Harpy in the middle of the bunch. Its head snapped up and caught the sailing dead Fire Lizard in its mouth. The other Harpies twittered indignantly.

Seamus snickered. "At least they can catch their food." The Harpy made wet crunching and slurping noises while eating the Fire Lizard. The girls shuddered in disgust.

"I wouldn't come near that beast if it was the last of its kind," muttered Hermione darkly, throwing her own Fire Lizard at the Harpy next to the one Dean had just fed. Three heads shot up and ripped the poor thing apart. "Ewww, gross."

Malfoy, who stood next to her, smirked. "Afraid, Granger?

"Certainly not, Malfoy," hissed Hermione back. "I just refuse to go near a creature that would love to rip my hand off."

Malfoy's eyes glittered strangely and Harry quickly positioned himself between Hermione and him. "Don't even think about it, Ferret," he growled.

Malfoy smirked and turned away to take a Fire Lizard from Goyle. "What, hero-boy, do you think I would stoop so low and push the Mudblood?"

"Yes," said Harry rudely.

"Why, I expected more from you, Potter," drawled Malfoy, flinging his Fire Lizard exactly at the fifth Harpy to the right. "I would push you first, of course."

"Of course," said Harry haughtily, stepping closer and bumping into Malfoy. Crabbe and Goyle stepped menacingly closer, but a well-aimed glare from Harry made them stop dead in their tracks. "And what would Voldemort say to that?" he inched even closer, poking Malfoy in the side with his wand, just so that Hagrid couldn't see what he was doing. "Do you think he will reward you if you take his fun away?"

"What are you talking about?" said Malfoy harshly. He shook slightly, and Harry knew it was not from the cold.

"Don't you want to kill me, Malfoy?" Harry asked quietly. "Go ahead and tell me, I think I can handle the truth."

"You are crazy, Potter," hissed Malfoy. He looked away and to Crabbe and Goyle, but the two just stood there, petrified. When no help was forthcoming, Malfoy looked back at Harry, the grey eyes slanted and his face screwed in an expression of disgust and fear. "Leave it, you loon!"

"Coward," spat Harry icily and let go of Malfoy's cloak. He turned around and stepped back to Ron and Hermione, who both looked a bit pale and shaken. Harry slipped his wand back into his sleeve, unnoticed by his friends, and slung his arm around Hermione's shoulder, squeezing reassuringly. Crunching sounds behind him told Harry that Malfoy was walking away.

"What did you say to him?" Ron asked quietly. "He looked as if he'd seen a Lethifold or something."

"Nothing special," replied Harry. "He's just a coward."

Hermione looked and him and Harry knew she wasn't believing him. Fortunately she didn't ask, so Ron gladly dropped the subject and threw his Fire Lizard at the left Harpy. "Look at them, they are so disgusting," he crowed. "I hope Hagrid will be done with them soon."

"For disgusting creatures you sure look enthusiastic about feeding them," retorted Hermione and rolled her eyes.

"You don't understand that, Hermione," replied Ron smugly. "You're a girl."

"Thanks for reminding me, Ron," said Hermione and turned away, muttering softly to herself.

When Care of Magical Creatures was over, Harry and his fellow Gryffindors trudged up the hill, back to the castle. Madam Hooch was already waiting for them, but she was in no particular hurry as it seemed.

"Hello students," said Hooch cheerfully. "It's good to see you back here. Now, in today's lesson will be rehearsing everything we have learned so far. Longbottom, if you're chickening out now I'll personally spank you with my favourite broom."

Neville blanched while Seamus crowed, "Wicked!" The others laughed good-naturedly and patted Neville on the shoulders.

Madam Hooch blew into her whistle and pointed at the red blanket she'd spread out on the snow-covered grass. "Now, build a line, and Potter, you really can step onto the blanket!"

The class laughed again, and then they started Apparating with practised ease. Harry relished in the feeling of moving from one place to another. Soon, after everybody managed to Apparate themselves, Hooch vanished behind the castle, ordering them to Apparate to her. Lavender Brown almost splinched herself when she attempted to Apparate to Madam Hooch. Parvati was able to pull her back in the last second, but it shook both girls quite a bit. Hermione, who had overcome her fear, snorted and muttered, "Concentration!" in Lavender's ear, much to the girl's indignation.

But the rest of the lesson passed by without problems. Lavender calmed down enough to try again, and then it worked well enough. When they were done they wandered back up to the castle, through the aisle the Slytherins had made earlier.

Harry pulled Hermione away from the others. "We have detention tonight," he said quietly, quirking a smile at her. "Do you have any idea what he'll do? I have no idea what I've done to deserve it."

Hermione smiled wryly. "Well, you know Snape. I bet he'll lecture you about going out to Muggle London and running into Death Eaters." She smiled broadly. "But we know it's not your fault, and Snape knows it, too."

Harry offered her his arm when they came up to a glazed over, icy patch of grass. "Mmh, but still. I don't believe Snape is worrying about my health. I bet he was crestfallen when he learned that Malfoy didn't kill me on the spot."

"Don't say such things," chided Hermione. "Snape is worrying about you, whether you like it or not. He's just a funny way of showing it."

"Very funny," said Harry darkly. "Well, I'm curious what he has in store for you, 'Mione."

"I am, too," said Hermione and smiled wickedly. "I shall use my brain to annoy the hell out of him. He certainly deserves it after his stunt at New Year."

"I don't see how you can be so happy about all that," said Ron grumpily. "Just watch out for your fingers and hair, he might steal some."

Laughing, they climbed up the many stairs that led to their common room. The Fat Lady looked at them expectantly. "Password."

Hermione snorted. "United powers." She entered first when the portrait opened. "Honestly, could Dumbledore get any more tacky?"

"He could," said Seamus, grinning broadly when he climbed through the hole after her. "For example with something like 'We love Slytherin.' Wouldn't that be scary?"

"You can't imagine," said Dean cheerfully. "Now, where's Ginny?"

Dean wandered off to find his girlfriend. Ron looked after him but decided against saying anything. Harry and Hermione silently breathed a sigh of relief. Neville, who was the last to enter, stumbled over his feet and crashed into the common room. The portrait slammed shut behind him.

"Ow," said Neville. He scrambled up and hastily went up to the boys' dorm.

Hermione sighed. "Shall we do our homework, Harry? It's not that much," she hastily amended when she saw the look on his face.

"Fine. But then I'll challenge you to Exploding Snap." Harry made to trudge up to his dorm, too. "Give me ten minutes, alright? I need to get out of these clothes."

Hermione nodded and so they parted ways. Harry met Ron in the dorm room. He was talking to Seamus and Dean about some Quidditch practice. When they noticed Harry they asked him if he wanted to join them, but Harry declined. He knew he needed to do his homework if he wanted to pursue a serious career as, well, something, and since they weren't playing again until April, he figured he could afford to concentrate on his studies for a while. Besides, he was still frozen and needed to warm up first.

And so he sat down on a plush couch, strewing books and scrolls of parchment all over the table while the other boys ran out to train for their next Quidditch match. Hermione next to him muttered something under her breath, digging through her own pile of parchment for a certain piece of information.

"Harry, you in there?" Hermione asked when she was done and Harry hadn't moved at all. She even waved her small hand in front of his face.

Slowly Harry woke from his inexplicable daze and looked at her. "Huh? Yeah, yeah, I'm here. Let's get started." Distractedly he picked out a random sheet out of his small pile of assignments. "Why don't we start with Charms? That's easy enough."

"If you want to," replied Hermione, cocking her head.

Harry shrugged the last remnants of that strange drowsiness off and dipped his quill into his purple ink. It was a present of Mrs Weasley and was supposed to show him eventual spelling mistakes. Harry, who had been quite a good student at grammar school found it a bit offending, but then he had seen the penmanship of some fellow students and reckoned it wasn't all that far off of Mrs Weasley to assume that he didn't care much about it, either.

And suddenly time flew by so quickly that the bell, ringing for dinner, surprised them. Harry flung his quill down and jumped up, stretching extensively. Several joints popped and only then he recognised how cramped he had become, sitting there for hours and not moving.

"How can you bear this?" Harry asked. With mild interest he saw Lavender and Parvati leave the common room, chattering excitedly with each other.

Hermione shrugged. "I make do. And I started doing Yoga a while ago. It really helps to relax."

"Yoga?" Harry asked, aghast. "I would never have thought–"

"Well, yes," said Hermione, shrugging. "It's nothing special, just stretching and some meditation. With my lack of sleep I need other sources of rest."

Harry's incredulous face softened. "You really should sleep more and work less, 'Mione. It's not fair to give you all the work."

"I'm doing it, am I not?" said Hermione and shrugged lightly. "You know I'll say something if it gets too much."

Harry snorted. "Yeah, the last time it took you only eight months to realise that you were overdoing it." He really thought back to third year fondly, but certain things they didn't need to repeat, the thing with the Time Turner, for example.

"Well, now I'm quicker on the uptake," said Hermione stubbornly. "And now let's go, I'm really hungry."

Harry sighed in good-natured exasperation and followed her out of the common room. Students were pouring down the moving stairs and along the ancient corridors to get to the Great Hall. Harry noted the relief among the other students, now that the sprigs of mistletoe were gone. Not that he blamed them, Crabbe and Goyle's attempt to molest fellow students was still a very sore point in their minds.

The huge doors that led into the Great Hall were wide open and welcoming Harry and Hermione. Almost everyone of their friends was already seated and eating, so Ron and Seamus squeezed aside to make room for them.

"So, what do you think the greasy git will make you do?" Ron asked when he was done wolfing down his first plate full of food. "I mean, he can't go too hard on you, 'Mione, and Harry, well, he didn't even do a thing to deserve it."

"I really don't know," admitted Harry.

"You have detention, Harry?" Dean asked. "However did you manage that during the holidays?"

"Oh please, as if that's important," said Hermione impatiently. "Snape never needs any excuses to get nasty."

"Too true," said Parvati. She looked at Hermione, her face an unreadable mask. "At least you are giving him reasons, aren't you?"

Hermione blushed a little, although Harry really couldn't see why, and quickly turned away to pile grilled tomatoes onto her plate. Ron and Harry shared a look, and then shrugged. Harry decided to dig in. If Snape wanted something special from him tonight, like Occlumency practice, he would at least be able to repay his efforts with a ruined carpet.

The loud chatter of his housemates was somehow calming him a little. Colin and Dennis had worked on their movies over the holidays and were now handing the copies out. Each piece cost six sickles, and Harry thought they were well worth it. His fond musings, however, were quickly disturbed when the brothers approached him and happily offered a copy as a late Christmas present. Especially Colin was making cow eyes, and it unnerved Harry greatly.

"Thanks," mumbled Harry when Colin and Dennis insisted that he take the picture frame.

"Oh, anything for you, Harry," said Dennis excitedly. "Colin and I are thinking about a movie about you, you know. It would be a mega-seller!"

"Oh, Harry," chirped Hermione, right on time. "We have to go now, or we're going to be late for detention with Snape."

Relieved, Harry said goodbye to the Creeveys and quickly slid off the long bench. Hermione followed him out of the Great Hall. Ron, Dean and Seamus bid them good luck, attracting some attention to their departure.

"Thanks," said Harry to Hermione once they had rounded the first corner. "I don't know how they're doing it, but they're freaking me out."

"Understandable," replied Hermione gently. "By the way, we're ten minutes early. Do you want to come down with me, anyway?"

"Yeah, what would I do in ten minutes?" said Harry and smiled. "But I'm still rather hungry. Care to go down to the kitchen later?"

"Alright." Hermione pulled her wand out of her sleeve and lightened the dark corridors. "Oh my, why can't Snape put some more lamps in his dungeons?"

"I bet he's taking the risk of students breaking their necks," retorted Harry dryly. "The more are dying the less he has to teach." Their steps echoed in the cold and dark corridor, and a few spiders scurried out of the bright wand light.

"How cynical of you," said Hermione teasingly. "Don't you think that Snape has at least one single compassionate bone in his body?"

"One, maybe," conceded Harry. "But it's a really small one, like the smallest bone in his right ear."

"Oh, you!" Hermione giggled and pulled her cloak tighter around her body.

They arrived at the door of Snape's office. Since neither was very keen on going in earlier than they had to they settled for waiting until eight o'clock came. Surprisingly, two minutes to eight Crabbe and Goyle shuffled up to them, prodded by an irate Malfoy.

"I swear, you two big oafs are thicker than Dimble's Dry Paste," said Malfoy, fuming. "Now stay here, understood?" Crabbe and Goyle grunted in reply. Malfoy dusted his hands off, clearly disgusted about their stupidity. He then looked disdainfully at Hermione and Harry. "Potter, what did you do now?" he asked in exasperation, his face shining with malicious interest.

"Oh, I'm still breathing, I guess," said Harry nonchalantly.

Malfoy looked at him strangely, but he caught himself quickly and turned to Hermione. "And Granger, your little feud paid off, I see. How long do you have to sit it out?"

"I doubt that you don't know it already," replied Hermione calmly. "But if you must know, two months, Malfoy." She waved her wand a little, causing Malfoy to take a small step back. This, however, did nothing to lessen his haughty attitude.

Malfoy's mouth quirked up in a little smirk. "Ah, I see." His grey eyes glinted in Hermione's wand light. "I bet you like him, Granger. Why else are you so keen on having detention with him?"

"I'm not keen on–," Hermione tried to protest, but she was interrupted by the opening office door.

"Why are you still standing out here?" Snape asked in his calm, dark voice. "Crabbe, Goyle, get in at once. Potter, Miss Granger, you too. In with you." He glared at the passing students and then turned his attention to Malfoy. "Mr Malfoy, I do believe you have better things to do with you time. Refrain from keeping Potter and Miss Granger from appearing to their detention in the future."

"Yes, Sir," said Malfoy easily. He smirked at Harry who was loitering behind Snape and smirked right back. "I wouldn't want them to miss out a single minute, after all. Good evening."

"Good evening, Mr Malfoy," said Snape in a breathy voice. He then closed the door and turned around to Harry and Hermione who were hanging their cloaks away. "Miss Granger, wait in the room next door for me. Potter, come with me."

Harry and Hermione looked at each other, and then both shrugged. Hermione left the office through the door Snape had shown her, and Harry followed Snape into a little lab room. He really wondered what Snape had in store for him, especially since the room seemed to be neat and nothing was set up for him. Crabbe and Goyle stayed behind, looking stupidly around as if they hadn't seen Snape's office before.

Snape closed the door with a lazy flick of his wand and then turned around to Harry. Harry quickly took everything of the room in before he met his teacher's eyes.

"Well? What do you want me to do?" He waited a second before he added, "Sir."

Snape sneered. "Potter, you know as well as me that you haven't earned this detention – for once. Anyway, I needed you here. You will supervise Mr Crabbe and Mr Goyle tonight, as every Monday and Thursday for the following four weeks. I do believe that this task will not require a lot of concentration, so I'm also giving you a chance to up your grade in Potions."

"Wow, how nice of you," said Harry sarcastically.

Snape sneered again. "We'll see if you're finding me nice when you're done tonight. Over there is a book for you. It's about NEWT level potions, so I suggest you take a good look at it." He now smirked and slowly stroked the folds of his black robe that fell down his arms. "Or in it, rather, Potter."

"So you're giving me a head start for classes if I look after Crabbe and Goyle," resumed Harry, slightly incredulous that Snape would do such a half-legal thing.

"Well, I'm occupying your study time, Potter. I might as well compensate for it," replied Snape smugly. "And for once I can be sure that you're actually doing something for classes."

Harry scowled at him. "And you're keeping me out of your hair when you're getting on with Hermione."

"That's not your problem, Potter," said Snape darkly. "Unfortunately Dumbledore was, ah, quite insistent that Miss Granger and I lay aside our differences. I would have loved to hand her over to Filch, Merlin knows the girls' bathrooms need a good scrubbing."

For a second Harry felt rather smug about the fact that Snape needed him to supervise Crabbe and Goyle while he was talking to Hermione. But why he couldn't have asked anyone from his own house was beyond him. Maybe he feared that they would spend the time dallying around. The only thing he knew was that Snape would be rather caught dead than have that kind of conversation with a Gryffindor in front of students of his own house.

"What shall Crabbe and Goyle do tonight, then?" Harry asked. "I mean, there are no cauldrons to be cleaned."

"Think, Potter, just this once," said Snape impatiently, unfolding himself and standing straight. "For those two writing is more horrible than anything that requires working with their hands. Make them write, paint, whatever."

Harry grinned. "Yes, Sir."

Snape scowled at him. "Well, I'll come get you around midnight. Behave, Potter, I want no accidents. And if you should, by any chance, need parchment to take some notes, in the top drawer is some."

Harry decided to start the 'Disgustingly Nice to Snape' campaign immediately and gushed, "Oh, how considerate, Professor! Thank you so much!"

"Five points from Gryffindor for your cheek, Potter," said Snape coldly. Then he turned on his heel and left the lab quickly.

Harry was still chuckling when Crabbe and Goyle trampled into the room, looking stupidly around. He let them stumble around for a bit before he pushed himself away from the table he had been leaning on and regarded them intensely.

"Potter," said Goyle, letting his knuckles crack ominously. "What are you doing here?"

Harry smirked. "Good that you're asking. I am to supervise your detention."

Crabbe sneered. "Really." He and Goyle shared a look, and then both stared back at Harry. "And what if we don't want to obey you?"

Drawing his wand casually, Harry looked at the two Slytherins coolly. "I suggest you rethink that last statement, Crabbe. Otherwise it could get nasty."

"Make us," growled Goyle angrily. "I bet everything they say about you is just rubbish."

Harry's eyebrows rose considerably. "Oh? What do they say about me? Do tell, I'm all ears."

Goyle grunted. "You're just like that blond guy, Blockhead or so. Acts all high and mighty and is a stupid head in reality."

"Wanna bet on that?" Harry asked loftily.

Crabbe and Goyle looked at each other again, grunted and balled their meaty hands to fists. "Yeah, we do, Potty Pothead," said Crabbe.

They advanced on him, their intent clearly visible on their pudgy faces. Harry easily ducked away under the first blow, sidestepping the two without much of an effort. Years of stepping away from Dudley finally paid off as he kicked Goyle into the back of his knee and made him sag to the floor. Then he poked Crabbe into the neck with his wand, making the fat boy instantly whine like a kicked puppy.

"Now listen, you two idiots," murmured Harry darkly. "You will do as I say, or you'll regret it. Understood?" Crabbe and Goyle both nodded slowly, beady eyes glancing at Harry warily. "Good. I really have no time for you." He let Goyle get up and walked slowly to the table where Snape had placed the book he was to read. "Now sit down."

While Crabbe and Goyle squeezed into chairs Harry opened the top drawer of the desk and indeed found parchment, some bottles of ink and quills. He levitated some of each to Crabbe and Goyle and then ordered them to write 'I won't attack girls anymore' two hundred times.

"I'll check that," said Harry sternly. "Maybe you should number your sentences. Can you even count?"

Crabbe and Goyle threw him a subdued but still loathing glare as they uncapped their ink bottles. Harry opened Snape's book delicately and put his own quill next to it. It would be a long night, filled with boring potion receipts and two Slytherins for company.

Four hours later Harry was through the sixth potion in the book. Punctually Snape emerged from the other room and came to get him. He collected Crabbe's and Goyle's work and then sent them off to their dorm. When they were gone, he skimmed over their ink-smeared parchments and raised an eyebrow.

"Interesting choice of line, Potter," drawled Snape. "Simple and aiming for effect. How often did you let them write this?"

"Before they decided to throw their ink bottles at me it were two hundred," said Harry and shrugged.

The corners of Snape's mouth twitched, just as Hermione was approaching them slowly. "I see. That would explain their rather black appearance."

Harry crossed his arms in front of his chest. "They asked for it, Professor. They really did."

Now Snape really smirked, surprising both Harry and Hermione. "I have no doubt in that, Potter. I'm just surprised that they're still intact. What spell did you use?" He scanned the detention's result again and then pulled a displeased face. "Two hundred lines did you say, Potter?"

"I don't want to know," muttered Harry tiredly. "If I were cruel enough I would bet on forty-eight lines, not more."

"Then you're generous," replied Snape, throwing both rolls of parchment on a table. "You may go. Miss Granger, be here at eight o'clock sharp tomorrow."

"Yes, Sir," said Hermione quietly. She looked tired and a little worn out. Harry suspected she had been arguing with Snape the whole time. And to imagine that she had two whole months of detention like that made Harry feel very sorry for her.

"Potter, same time on Thursday." Snape whirled around and started to stride out of the lab. "And come up with a better line. Dictate, if you must, or hit their fingers with a stick. I don't care." He nodded shortly at Hermione before he left completely, leaving the door slightly ajar.

"So, how was your first detention with Snape?" Harry asked gently.

Hermione sighed and put some scrolls of parchment on a table. "Draining, somehow," she admitted. "We talked a lot, and about everything we wanted to argue about. We started with Dumbledore, and you wouldn't believe how much Snape can rant about Dumbledore."

"Actually, I do," mumbled Harry, looking at the scrolls Hermione had placed next to his hand.

"Well, and things … progressed from there. He said it was my fault that we were stuck in this, and then I countered that he should teach in a friendlier manner towards students, and then he went on about me being a know-it-all, and I called him irresponsible … The list goes on and on, really." Hermione took a deep breath. "Anyway, I think we had a good start. At least we were talking, not yelling, and he even attempted to be reasonable." She then cocked an eyebrow in amusement. "And how was your detention?"

"I swear, if Snape files this on my report, I'll kill him," growled Harry. "He made me supervise Crabbe and Goyle, and I had to threaten them into it beforehand!" He angrily ran a hand through his hair and messed it up even more, not that it wasn't standing on end already because he had kept doing that while reading Snape's book. "I can't believe he slipped out of it like that! One could almost think he wanted to be alone with you."

Hermione giggled. "Oh, Harry, how that sounds!" She sobered slightly, but her eyes were still glinting happily. "But I think you're right. I guess he wanted to be alone so nobody would disturb us. Dumbledore wants us to talk this through, and I swear, if Snape has his mind on something he carries it through!" Hermione giggled again. "But if you had Dumbledore on you case you would also rather do as he suggests than find out what's coming instead."

"What will you do, now that your evenings are cancelled?" Harry asked carefully. "I mean, you use to study then, and do your homework."

"I'll reschedule," said Hermione simply. "And what I'm not managing throughout the day I'll do during detentions with Snape, whether he likes it or not. If he has a problem with that he can go to Dumbledore." She smirked cheekily. "Besides, Snape has some books I would do almost anything for to get my hands on."

Harry rolled his eyes. "It's always the same with you. When will you learn some manners and not raid the libraries of strangers?"

Giggling, Hermione collected her scrolls and shrunk them quickly with a wave of her new wand. It gleamed golden in the lamplight and seemed so out of place in Hermione's small hand. Harry's eyes rested on it for a few seconds before he pulled himself visibly together.

"So tired?" Hermione asked softly.

"Yeah, I'm sorry," replied Harry quietly. "Let's go back so we can get a few hours of sleep." He even decided against visiting Dobby in the kitchen, although his stomach was grumbling in protest. Somewhere he surely had some last Chocolate Frogs leftlying around.

Later, when he lay in his bed, Harry was contemplating his fate. Snape had put him on a leash, making him watch over Crabbe and Goyle. Snorting softly, Harry turned around, facing Ron's bed. His best friend was snoring steadily. Snape truly knew how to kill two birds with one stone, or three birds, or four … Trust Snape to find a way to occupy Hermione, Harry and Crabbe and Goyle all at the same time and prevent them from doing mischief.

Then Harry yawned and decided that it was time for sleep. Before he thought about anything else he grabbed his wand and quietly pulled out the most important thoughts from his head, for example The Kiss, or where his godfather was hiding. When he was finished after a few minutes he evened out his breathing and concentrated on his defence mechanisms. Even though he had continued to delete Snape's memories from his mind, the most important parts were still there, helping him a great deal with his training.

Busy with his thoughts, he was quite unaware of the moment he left the world of the waking and slipped over into a restful sleep. His wand still sat in his right hand.

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End of chapter 9