Disclaimer: We're sure that the real J.K. Rowling has enough money to have gotten the flu shot. We, and our children, unfortunately, did not receive it in time. So, we really don't own it. At all. (coughs)

A/N: Sorry for the long wait, everyone. We're hoping to have Chapter 12 up by tomorrow, in retribution for our lapse.

Chapter 11 - The 'Sodding' Hat Speaks Up

The group sat in the hospital wing waiting for news about Draco. As Madame Pomfrey emerged from the curtained bed, the silence was ominous. She smiled at the assortment of students in front of her as she sardonically shook her head.

She said, "I never thought that I would live to see the day that Gryffindors and Slytherins were both in my infirmary, willingly, over the welfare of the same student. You children never cease to amaze me. I have some good news for you. Mr. Malfoy has not been as badly injured as he first appeared to be. Although three of his ribs and his nose are broken, he, luckily, avoided puncturing his lungs and has not had any internal bleeding. He also is showing signs of a slight concussion. Thank Merlin for that exceptionally thick skull of his."

The group quietly snickered at this comment, while the Mediwitch continued, "Because he has experienced a head trauma, he needs rest. I will release him in the morning. For now, go back to your rooms and let me care for my patient.'

As they turned to leave, a groggy voice could be heard yelling, "I'm fine! Leave me be! If you want me to rest, then would it not be prudent for you to stop sodding POKING ME!"

The tension in the hall was broken as the students erupted into streams of laughter.

Harry said, "I think we can safely say that Malfoy is fine. He seems to be charming Poppy already."

Hermione stopped and looked at every person present. "I think that we should meet in the morning and go see Professor McGonagall after breakfast. Draco isn't safe in his dorms anymore. We need to figure out other arrangements. I don't want to see any of my friends harmed by small-minded, arrogant trolls." Everyone could see her beginning to lose her temper and took a step back. Blaise just looked on, fascinated in the change of her demeanor.

Harry looked at Hermione and noticed that she was still continuing her verbal tirade. "And I would bet anything that it was those former lackeys of his and that horrendous Theodore Nott that did it. I'm right, aren't I, Blaise?" At Blaise's nod, Harry took charge.

"Hermione," Harry began, "We're all upset, but terrifying the portraits isn't going to help. McGonagall will know what to do. Get some rest. Blaise, why don't you come up to our dorm. You're probably not very welcome in the dungeons right now."

Ron gave a loud sigh and rolled his eyes as he muttered, "I think I should go talk to Trelawney. It seems that it's in my destiny to spend the entire year rooming with Slytherins."

"Out with the old, in with the new", retorted Blaise, with a grin. "I swear, Weasley, we're not all as bad as we seem."

Neville certainly didn't seem to believe this statement, as he shrunk away from the grinning Slytherin. He mumbled to Ginny, "I didn't think it was possible, but Slytherins are scarier when they are smiling instead of smirking."

Ginny laughed and walked to Harry as she addressed Blaise. "It seems like this year is going to be filled with fresh starts. In the spirit of that," she began as she extended her hand, "I'm Ginny Weasley, nice to meet you. And I apologize if I've ever hexed you in passing. I seem to do that quite a bit to your house", she finished with a mischievous grin.

The others followed her example, Neville being exceedingly more cautious than the rest.

Blaise looked around at his companions and said out loud, "Bloody hell. I'm standing in a corridor with Harry Bloody Potter and company, in the middle of the night, saving Draco's arse. I'm a sodding Gryffindor!", he blurted. "Sorry, did I say that out loud?", he asked sheepishly.

The group laughed as Ron smirked wickedly and said, "Oi, Zabini, you said it yourself: 'Out with the old, in with the new'. We're not all as bad as we seem, either."

Laughter was heard echoing through the hall, until Blaise said, "Sorry about that. It's just that if you told me this morning how different life can be in a matter of hours, I would have said you were nutters. Nothing against all of you, but it's kind of an unwritten Slytherin code that we are not to associate with overly noble Gryffindors. Snape tells us that it would be bad for our health. Now, not only am I associating, but I seem to be turning into one."

Harry composed himself and said, "It's alright mate, everyone sees the error of their ways sometime. Come on everyone, back to the dorms. Tomorrow is going to be a long day."

Luna, who's hair had been being held back by a quill, pulled the writing utensil from her hair and said, "I'll write to Daddy tonight, about….. What we talked about earlier", she finished wisely, avoiding Zabini's questioning gaze. "He always responds rather quickly, so we'll be well on our way to proving the theory."

As Luna turned to walk toward the Ravenclaw Dormitory, Neville, who had been gazing at Luna longingly from the moment her hair had been let down, piped up, "I'll walk you there, Luna. I wouldn't want you to be alone if any nargles were to jump out at you".

Before anyone could suppress a giggle, Luna turned and threw herself onto Neville, pressing her lips heatedly against his. When she withdrew herself, Neville's face was filled with awe and happiness.

"Thank you, Neville", Luna replied, as if nothing out of the ordinary had just happened. "I'd like that, a lot".

As they walked away, hand in hand, Ginny giggled and said "Put them together, and they make one, normal person. I think it's perfect."

Harry held his arm out to Ginny and said, "My lovely Ginerva, may I have the honor of escorting you back to your dormitory?"

Ginny laughed and answered blushingly, "Thank you, kind sir."

Hermione looked at the pair with a wistful gaze, as Ron said, "Blimey, even Harry is using the Slytherin approach."

Hermione rounded on him and scathingly retorted, "Using a bit of charm might help you Ron. Blaise, Harry can show you to their dorm after you leave ours. Let's catch up to them."

Blaise acquiesced and Ron slowly followed the pair down the long corridor.

After leaving the girls for the night, Harry, Ron and Blaise headed to the Head Boy Dorm, wondering what the new day would have in store for them.

Morning came too quickly, as far as Harry was concerned. With a groan he woke to the harsh light of day and woke Ron and Blaise. The three made their way to the Great Hall only to find Hermione, Ginny, Neville and Luna already there waiting for them. Harry motioned for Blaise to join them at the Gryffindor table for breakfast.

Looking unsure, Blaise reluctantly sat down, and the group began discussing what to say to McGonagall about Draco's fate at Hogwarts.

Harry became curiously quiet and began to look around the Hall, before saying, "Um, does anyone else notice that we seem to have left the entire school speechless?"

As the friends looked around, they saw that every pair of eyes in the Great Hall, teacher and student, was trained directly on them.

Hermione said, "I guess we do make an odd sight, 5 Gryffindors, 1 Ravenclaw and a Slytherin sitting together isn't an everyday occurrence. Unless of course, it's in detention with Professor Snape."

The group burst into raucous laughter as the silence in the Hall was broken by the voice of Professor McGonagall.

"Students, students, if you can stop gawking at the Gryffindor table for a moment and turn your attention to me, I have several important announcements to make." The tone of the stern professor's voice let everyone know the matters being addressed were definitely serious.

She continued, "I'm sure that many of you have noticed that you have yet to have a Transfiguration class. Unfortunately, I had not foreseen the amount of time becoming Headmistress would entail. I had originally thought that I could continue to teach along with my other responsibilities. This is not the case. Therefore, I would like you to welcome your new Transfiguration instructor, Professor Nymphadora Tonks. Professor Tonks is an accomplished auror and we are quite lucky to have such a talented witch on our staff."

As Tonks entered the Hall, the thunderous applause of the Gryffindors drowned out any other sound in the room.

Tonks blushed, and nodded her thanks to Harry and the others, as she made her way towards the Head Table.

As she found her seat, Professor McGonagall once again turned her attention to the students. "Now, the next matter of business concerns the amount of discord within our school. It is no secret that there has always been a degree of animosity among certain houses, but this can no longer be allowed to continue. Yesterday morning, I had a very enlightening discussion with a concerned student regarding certain school functions which add to this rivalry"

Harry and Ron cast knowing looks at Hermione, remembering her lateness to Potions the previous morning. Ron's look was almost fearful as he quietly asked, "Oh Hermione, what have you done?"

Hermione did not answer, she merely focused all of her attention on McGonagall. This, in itself, made Harry become a bit afraid of what was about to happen.

McGonagall's voice became very hard as she continued, "Yesterday, I was unconvinced that drastic methods were necessary. I believed that the competitive nature between the houses was just that, but after last night I have been forced to change my perspective. Many of you may not be aware of this, but, last night, a student was attacked. These attackers were members of the same house as their victim. The specific attackers have yet to be identified by the victim", she added, glaring toward the Slytherin table, "But, I can assure them that when they are named, that they will most undoubtedly face expulsion from the school. I find this behavior disgraceful and intolerable. This cannot be allowed to continue. I will not abide students being injured because of childish rivalries. We, as teachers, need to eliminate any possible source for these enmities. To this end, it is with a heavy heart, that I must officially declare, that Hogwarts will no longer engage in Quidditch."

The students in the Hall rose in anger and disbelief, while sending murderous looks at McGonagall.

Harry noted silently that the looks McGonagall was getting looked increasingly similar to the look Ron was giving Hermione.

"Students, quiet please! You all know how much I enjoy Quidditch." She sent a sly look up the table towards Professor Snape. "And especially how much I enjoy seeing that cup in my office every year, but we all must make sacrifices for the sake of unification. That being said, I find it imperative to keep the house cup in my office, until such a time where sports can be reinstated".

At that, Snape rose to his feet in anger, seemingly ready to spring an attack upon Minerva, but he was quickly pulled back into his seat, and restrained by Nia.

Harry began to chuckle at the situation. Snape looked ready to kill, McGonagall had a satisfied look on her face, Hermione looked like a deer caught in headlights and Ron looked outraged. Secretly, Harry was a bit pleased by the announcement. Between training the D.A., searching for Horcruxes, Hermione's endless research sessions, adopting Slytherins and trying to have private moments with Ginny, he wasn't certain that Quidditch would fit into his schedule. Because of this, he felt the need to try and save Hermione before Ron made him short one best friend.

"Ron, mate, I know you're mad, but you have to think this through." Harry stated slowly. "There's going to be a lot going on, especially in the next few weeks. We probably would have had to resign from the team. Mione did us a favor. If we can't play, at least we know that the Slytherins won't be able to win the cup either. And it's going to stay in McGonagall's office…just imagine how mad Snape is right now."

Almost instantly, Ron seemed mollified and his mood brightened considerably. "Well, I guess that's better than nothing. By the way, Mione, next time you have one of your brilliant ideas, please give us a bit of warning."

Breakfast passed quickly and without any further disruptions. Harry subtly signaled Tonks to follow the entourage behind him, and the group headed towards the Headmistress's office.

They arrived at the gargoyle to find Professor McGonagall waiting for them.

She grinned conspiratorially at Hermione and said, "Miss Granger, I must say that I had my doubts, but I'm sure this will be for the best. Personally, I don't think that I have ever had so much fun aggravating Severus before."

Everyone chuckled as they entered and found seats.

McGonagall began, "Mr. Potter, I assume that there is something of importance you wish to discuss regarding Mr. Malfoy. And that, somehow, all of these people are involved in it?"

Harry cleared his throat as he addressed her, "Yes ma'am. None of us believe that it would be safe for Malfoy to go back to the Slytherin dorms. Some of them would love to have another chance to finish what they started. Especially since he's not exactly hiding his association with us. We need to make other arrangements for him. Maybe he could stay somewhere else in the castle? Zabini too."

She sighed before asking, "And where does Mr. Zabini fit into this?"

Harry answered, "Zabini is the one who got Malfoy out of there. When we found them, he was trying to get Malfoy to the infirmary. He's probably as well liked as Malfoy about now."

Professor McGonagall looked appraisingly at Blaise. "And you Mr. Zabini, where do your loyalties lie?"

Blaise blushed under her gaze. In a quiet voice he responded, "Ma'am, my family has always declared neutrality. They have never sided with one group or another. That is part of the reason that they are still looked upon with esteem. My personal feeling is that neutrality is not the best course of action. When we face the final battle, I would be proud to stand fighting alongside any person in this room. If You-Know-Who wins, no one will be safe, including those who claimed neutrality. I want my family name to be looked at with pride, not disgust. In order to do that, my only choice is to stand against him."

Ron and Harry exchanged incredulous glances. They both knew that they were thinking the same thing: 'Was it really possible to have two Slytherins with actual depth?'

McGonagall smiled and said, "Well then, I think that we need to come up with new accommodations for both yourself and Mr. Malfoy. Does anyone have suggestions?"

A voice from above said:

"Times are changing,

And people are, too.

Perhaps a resorting,

Would favor those two?"

Heads turned towards the direction of the voice as the room found themselves looking at the Hogwarts sorting hat.

McGonagall stammered, "A resorting? I have never heard of such a thing before! Is it possible?" she asked, as she turned towards the portrait of Armando Dippet.

The portrait answered, "Yes, my dear Headmistress. It is quite uncommon, but not unheard of. You see, many students have preconceived notions about what they should be, before they ever arrive here. As they mature, they may find their personal ideals are no longer compatible with the house they were originally sorted into when they were eleven."

Hermione interjected, "That will help us solve the problem at hand. But, the fact remains that Draco and Blaise are both targets. They will need more protection than just switching houses. I do have a small suggestion that could alleviate any further problems.'

"Oh no", Ron began, "here we go again. Another brilliant idea, I wager…Oi! Ginny, I swear, you're as bad as Mum!", he complained as Ginny's hand, yet again, connected with the back of his head.

"Yes, Miss Granger", McGonagall addressed her favorite pupil. "I'm sure that your idea will be beneficial for everyone. What do you suggest?"

Hermione threw a tremulous glance at Harry and Ron before beginning. "Well, since both Blaise and Draco have stayed in the Head Boy Dormitory already, why don't we just make that their permanent accommodations for the year? That way, they would always be with at least one of us, as well as limiting their contact with possibly nefarious students."

Ron groaned as he said, "Maybe I should just take over for Trelawney. I was just saying that something like this was gong to happen. I'm destined to spend the rest of the year with Slytherins."

The sorting hat spoke up again:

"Perhaps not, Mr. Weasley.

The line between Slytherin and Gryffindor is very thin.

Many times it is hard to see

Where one ends and the other begins."

Ron looked around confusedly. "Is it just me, or does that hat remind you of someone?"

Harry and Hermione laughed as they both said, "Dumbledore and his riddles!"

Harry added, "I keep waiting for it to offer me a Lemon Drop."

McGonagall stifled a smile as se said, "Enough fun and games for the moment. Mr. Zabini, if you would be kind enough to go to the Hospital Wing and wait for Mr. Malfoy to be released, I'd thoroughly appreciate it. I would like you both to return here to be resorted, then move your possessions into your new accommodations that were suggested by Miss Granger. When you retrieve your personal belongings, Professor Aberforth will accompany you. I believe that he has been itching to get into the Slytherin dorm since the start of term, to have a little fun. I'm sure that it will be a memorable experience."

Blaise thanked his new friends and exited the office to wait for Draco's release from the fanatical Mediwitch.

McGonagall then looked at the remaining students. "Am I to also assume that there are further developments that I need to be apprised of?"

Harry answered immediately. "Yes. We were speculating last night, and Hermione has come up with a theory of where we can find another Horcrux. We would like to take Professor Tonks and Moony for the day, and have a small field trip. I'll let Hermione explain the details. It always sounds a lot better when she does it."

As Professor McGonagall listened intently to Hermione's idea, she gave Tonks a small nod. Tonks passed by Harry and said quietly, "Remus and I will meet you at the Qudditch Pitch in half an hour."

It was then that Harry noticed Hermione finishing her discussion with McGonagall.

Minerva looked at each of them before saying, "I think that this is a good possibility, and I wanted to thank you for honoring my request to be kept aware of developing situations. I know that you all want to go, but I must insist that Mr. Longbottom, Miss Weasley and Miss Lovegood remain here."

"But why?", "That's not fair", "We want to be a part of this!", Neville, Luna and Ginny simultaneously exclaimed.

"I know", McGonagall said, "but this is only the first of, what I'm sure will be, many excursions. It is too early in the year to create a plausible excuse for the absences of so many students, especially in such a noticeable group. Harry, Ron and Hermione will be gone for a few short hours, at most. They can tell you everything upon their return. What I am in need of from the rest of you is important. It is your job to help Mr. Zabini and Mr. Malfoy settle in, and then your mission begins. You are to create as many distractions in the next few hours as humanly possible. It will help to draw attention away from the others who are missing. I will deal with the teachers. Go now, you all have your instructions."

"You know something Gin?", Harry asked his girlfriend. "You just got the mission Fred and George would kill for."

"A free pass to reek havoc at Hogwarts…that does sound like a project for Weasley's Wizarding Wheezes. Excuse me everyone, I think I have an owl to send. Hogwarts is about to have some visitors." Ginny said laughingly. "Neville, Luna, I'm going to get us some reinforcements, you two wait for Blaise and Draco. I'll meet you at their common room."

"OUR common room", Ron cried, indignantly.

As she was leaving, she grabbed Harry's hand and pulled him into a secluded alcove. She kissed him deeply and passionately before gazing softly into his eyes. "Harry, I love you. Please be careful. Today is the day that it all really begins. Know that I'm waiting here for you when you come back."

"Gin, I'll always come back to you. I love you and I won't let anything come between us."

With one last passionate kiss, the pair separated and headed in opposite directions.

"Ron, Mione, are you ready for this?", Harry asked. Seeing their determined faces, Harry nodded and said, "Then let's go find ourselves another Horcrux."

pegasusbabi : We're glad you like how it's coming along. Thanks for reviewing.

Mrslovett: We always appreciate constructive criticism of any kind, especially from faithful reviewers like yourself. Let us know when you post your fic. We'd love to read it. Thank you.

Mini JKR: We looked over Book 6 again, and are still going to stick with our original plan. We couldn't find any evidence that suggests that all the horcruxes were actually created before his fall in Godric's Hollow, but we may just be overlooking something. Keep us apprised, we appreciate the feedback. Thank you.

Pink Luvin Goddess: They'll wind up at Godric's Hollow eventually, that's for sure. Thanks for reviewing so faithfully.

The Hour Before Dawn: Sorry the update took so long. Get ready for Chapter 12.… we should be done writing it in a few hours. It's always great to hear from someone new. We're also happy that someone appreciated "Potter Patrol". We giggled for awhile over that. J. still cracks herself up over Fleur's "Eet smells like a poopie"…….. she's still standing alone on that, so far. Thanks for reviewing.

Spacehog26: If you'll notice, there's a new Transfiguration Professor, thanks to you. We really appreciated that. Thanks again for knowing Harry Potter so well. You saved our butts on that one. Thanks for the review, as well. You rock.

BellatrixCarter: We still squeal with happiness every time we read your review. Thanks so much for your kind words. We appreciate it.

Bribbie: Okay, is this chapter an A? Or an E? Please don't give us a T. We'd be horrified. Well, with all of these Slytherins around, we have a feeling that Ron is going to get his act together rather quickly, at the risk of losing Hermione. Thanks for your faithful reviews. We look forward to hearing from you.

Monai: Yeah… we guess the mental picture isn't exactly to everyone's liking. Don't fret for Draco….as you can see he's almost around to being back to 'normal'. Thanks for your review.

HugeHarryPotterFan: You were absolutely right about why Ginny didn't get caught by the Ministry. We've also heard the speculation about Harry being a Horcrux, or his scar, at least. We've decided not to go that route in this story, because we want to avoid a good flogging (Poor JKR is right, if that's what she ends up doing). The Ron wanting to be blind line is one of our favorites, too. We're glad someone else caught onto it. Thank you so much for your input. It's much appreciated.

Amber: It's nice to have you back. We hope everything is well with you. Thank you for reviewing. We hope to hear more from you soon.

Locathah: Thanks for letting us know what you think.

The Fic Lord: Yup, she's the Heir alright. Now, the real question is, will it be at all relevant? The hat's going to be a HUGE help, actually, regarding the whole Luna thing. We really want to just blurt everything out now, but we won't. But, yes…. You're on target. Thanks for reviewing.

Me: Funnily enough, we cracked up at your little picture of Draco lying unconscious. But, you're right….. He looks freaky with no face. Thank you for your unique review.

Joe: Yes, we certainly have added our own little things in, here and there. We're happy to have hooked you. Hopefully, we'll be hearing more from you regarding some of the following chapters. Thanks you for reviewing.

Treck: Um,…. Thanks? We'd just like to say " ." to you, too.

DramaQueen04: Yay! It's always great to hear from someone new. We're glad you're enjoying Abe and Nia. Thank you for reviewing.

Broadsword: It's nice to have you back. We totally love being defended! We agree that our version could be logical…. Thanks for that, and the review.