Chapter Ten: Summer's Ending

Hermione and I were walking through Diagon Alley one late morning during the last week for summer, buying the required books and materials she would need for the school year that she still needed to buy. We were going to be meeting her mother and Roni at the mall in a couple of hours to buy dress robes.

Making our way through the crowded alley, we hurriedly entered our next to last shop. The book store. Knowing it would take a majority of our time, I dawdled, surveying the choices with a casual eye as Hermione raced into the throes of the shelves, looking for those on her list and those not on her list. I would've rolled my eyes if I didn't know that I'd be the same if it was a muggle bookstore instead.

"Ready?" she asked me two hours later where I sat, sprawled lazily in a chair, pushing my glasses up as I read a book that I had grabbed on the differences of muggle and wizarding society which was highly out of date.

"Sure," I replied, following her to the register to buy the books we picked up. "I think I should skip that dress shopping you plan to do. You should have a girl's day out."

"And you're saying you're not one of the girls?" she asked rhetorically. She sighed. "Do you have ulterior motives?"

"Many, but just one for now," I replied with a dark frown. "The house is empty and this could be the only time I can right my lungs."

"But you promised that you'll do it when I'm there with you," she pointed out, glaring.

"Mione, odd duck of my even odder heart, I've done this without anyone around before," I pointed out at her seriously. "I'll be fine." I gave her a long, hard stare. "This may be the only chance I get in a while to do this."

She huffed after a few minutes and threw her hands up in frustration just as we headed out of the store, "I give up. You're more stubborn than a steer. Fine, kill yourself. See if I care."

I rolled my eyes as her dramatic personality was forced, her eyes not hiding the spark of humor in them. She had settled down in the company of Roni and I. Albeit, she was a huge prankster when provoked. Remus and Sirius had recently found this out in the past week after dumping a pail of water over her head as she played with Asha in the back yard.

She had been so mad that she determined to rig the alarm clock into making the heightened sound that only dogs hear… only ten times worse. Her father had helped a bit. It went off on the hour, every hour, starting at one in the morning. Sirius's morning snacks had turned dicey when she sneaked a gender changing, voice changing potion combination in his two usual morning snacks. He had walked around as a woman, clucking like a chicken. Mind you, the last prank happened in the middle of the night. Apparently she had put a timer on two pails of water, disillusioning them and making sure that they didn't smell at all, floating them above where both men slept. The entire house woke up to shouts of angry gurgles and sputters.

No one ever said she didn't know how to up the stakes.

Mira had replied with blueberry pancakes, muffins, and just plain blueberries in a bowl in congratulations the following morning when Hermione arrived earlier than expected. She was giddy and eyed both men triumphantly. Both looked away, muttering amongst themselves in feverish impatience.

I never laughed so hard even at one of the twin's pranks and they were good. Admittedly, I was biased. Using muggle and wizarding pranks in combination was always to be admired.

"I can see you're so heartbroken," I chuckled, following her through the crowd, catching a few (what I surmised to be) first years pointing in awe of the alley, shopping for their last minute items.

"I can tell that you're not," she replied with a roll of her eyes, grasping my hand and dragging me to the robe shop.

"And why should I be?" I asked cautiously. "I didn't really like the idea of you witnessing what I surmise as the worst next three to five hours alone in the bathroom, gagging up tar." I shrugged. "I didn't think that's a girly thing to do. Forgive me for such an over-presumptuous thought on my part."

"No need to get touchy," she replied calmly, ignoring my sarcasm. Having dealt with my quick temper many times over, she treated it as though you'd treat a little barking dog. She turned to look at me before entering the store. "Are you sure that you want to stay home? No one will blame you for suddenly changing your mind."

"I'll take the easier road," I replied, patting the side of her face gently. "Besides, I need to spend time with those I feel home with. Albeit having you gone does put somewhat of a damper on that."

"Oh, I knew that you were so in love with me," she giggled, pulling me along with her inside.

"You're foxy," I laughed, giving her the best smile I had in my arsenal.

"No, I'm not," she growled playfully.

We followed the worker to the back room for Hermione's measurements. I sat in a chair at the side, writing in the book that Roni and I had been exchanging back and forth since I started Hogwarts. It was a book that kept us updated on one another's thoughts. It was a gay thing to do, so to speak, but it did keep us up to date with one another. The entire book had a mix of English and French.

"Are you sure it'd be fine to leave you alone today?" she asked suddenly, her expression turned in worry from where I could see it in the mirror.

"I'll be fine, my lioness," I growled warningly. "Now beat to your own disco and stop worrying."

"Beat to my own disco?" she asked, shooting me an outright amused expression over her shoulder.

"I thought it amusing to say," I chuckled sheepishly before looking up at the entrance of the worker and two customers.

"Oh, for the love of all the unholy," I heard Hermione mutter darkly.

"Hey, Daphne, Theo," I greeted with a cheery smile, pausing from writing in the book momentarily.

"It's so divine to see you in good health," Daphne greeted back with a smile, leaning down, allowing us to kiss each other in greeting.

"You look better," Theo agreed with a raised brow before turning to flash a charming smile at Hermione who glared in reply. "Hello, Granger. Fancy seeing you here."

I looked in surprise as I noticed the slight lift of her upper lift in a snarl. I leaned back in my chair and studied her pointedly, making her look over at me with a peeved look. I raised my brows.

"Is there an explanation that I should be fishing for?" I asked, bewildered.

"No, and don't ask," Hermione hissed, looking at me pointedly.

"Not at the moment, I won't," I promised, looking in complete confusion. "However I'm going to harass you later." I put the book away after clicking my pen close, slipping both into the bag slung on the back of the chair.

"Harry, did you know there's 46 chromosomes in a human body, arranged in 23 pairs?" Hermione stated casually, avoiding eye contact with Theo.

"Yes," I replied in complete hilarity. "Imagine that." I gave her an amused stare. "And they're genes that determine sex and characteristics an organism will inherit from its parent."

"Exactly," she agreed, smiling over her shoulder as the worker measured Daphne who watched with a long, hard stare of hilarity. "It's fascinating, isn't it?"

"Quite," I agreed, laughing. "Did you know that fish have eyelids?"

"No," she replied in puzzlement. "I never knew that. Did you know that the Mona Lisa has no eyebrows?"

"I hardly doubt that," I stated. "Think of all the restorations that it had to go through. Her eyebrows were probably just covered completely over time."

"Perhaps," she conceded.

"Bees have only five eyes, I believe," I stated lazily.

"Crocodiles cannot move their tongues," she shot back.

"Blue is thought to be a fair color to wear in the desert because of its association with cool water in some parts of North Africa," I shot right back, smirking.

"Weird," she commented as Theo started to bubble with laughter. She shot him a glare. "What?"

"The two of you throw out more information than a professor," he stated matter-of-factly, amused by the both of us. "However I have no idea what chromosomes or genes are."

"Neither do I, if it's any consolation," Daphne stated, smiling as she was finished being measured; the worker left the room with a roll of her eyes. "What do you plan for your dress robes, Hermione?"

"I'm shopping in the muggle world," Hermione replied sheepishly, running her hand through her hair, pausing to give me a pointed look. "Harry was supposed to join our friend Veronica, my mum, and I, but he finds the whole thing utterly dreary."

"Gee, thanks," I muttered sarcastically. "Twist my words."

"Have you gotten your dress robes?" Theo asked, curious.

"Nope, I'd rather go au naturel," I replied lazily.

"I can see a lot of detentions in your future," Daphne stated haphazardly, stepping down from the stool and coming to stand next to Hermione. "I think a cream would suit."

"Really?" Hermione asked, focusing on her image and (from what I could tell) imagining the color on herself.

"T'would be very becoming, my lioness," I answered casually, giving her a smile.

"Personally, I would believe that she'd look good in anything," Theo stated in boredom, smiling lazily as he leaned into the wall next to me.

The three of us turned to look at him with stunned silence. That is to say Daphne and I looked at him with that rather than Hermione. Instead the quirky Know-It-All gave him the deadliest glower I've ever seen come from her.

"Okay," I sighed, standing up from the chair and gathering my bag. "I'll be washing my hands of this utterly weird situation."

"Don't you dare leave me, Surendra Harrison James!" Hermione hissed suddenly, making me freeze to the spot.

"The lady doth protest too much," I muttered in genuine sarcasm, turning to look at her. "You're explaining everything when we are at work tonight."

"Depends on whether I want to or not," she growled before the worker came back in with Hermione's robes and asked us to follow her.

"Bye, Daphne, Theo," I bid as Hermione gave a nod to Daphne, ignoring Theo completely as she left the room.

I gave the two Slytherins a puzzled look before quickly following after her. Hermione was blushing madly as she paid for her robes, shoving them into her bag hastily. I pursed my lips and followed her out of the store.

"Someone wants you," I teased in her ear, leaning over her shoulder.

"Back off, Harry," she warned me, shooting me a glare.

"You like one another and you don't know how to act, huh?" I asked, wrapping my arms about her shoulders and hanging on her as we walked.

"You can't let things go, can you?" she sighed, hugging one of my arms to her.

"I'm like a dog with a bone," I chuckled softly.

"Yes, but it's my bone," she pointed out sarcastically. "Leave it alone."

"Theo and Hermione, sitting in a--OW!" I yelped as she elbowed me in the ribs.


I was rolling on Roni's bed, laughing hysterically, tears nearly falling from my eyes. Roni was crouched down on the floor beside her suitcase, emitting howls of laughter. Blue-Hair stood in the only clear corner of the room, leaned over laughing.

"You're so horrible," I laughed, sitting up and looking at Blue-Hair. "I can't believe you'd tell someone that."

"It's not like he didn't have it coming," he replied, laughing.

"You still shouldn't have said it," Roni giggled crazily.

"I'm not going to apologize for my opinion," Blue-Hair chuckled, leaning against the wall in casual laziness. "He asked for it after all. I didn't realize he expected a liar instead of truthful sarcasm."

"You don't realize much of anything," I pointed out bluntly.

"I'm not exactly the best person for much of anything besides pissing others off," he growled playfully.

"Too true," I laughed, shaking my head. "But you do have one heck of a sense of humor."

"Thanks," he chuckled. "I'm glad you approve."

"I've always approved of your sense of humor," I told him seriously. "No matter how mundane it was."

"To hell with mundane," he chuckled, looking out the window. "You have to see the new kid moving in next door."

Roni and I raced over to the window to see who he was looking at. Next door to the Singh house was a large group of movers and vans. I had known we were getting new neighbors, but I hadn't realized them moving in today. Considering I had slept over last night, I hadn't been back over. It was late morning after all.

The guy who Blue-Hair had pointed out to us was tall from the looks of things. He had that blue-black hair and a face that slightly resembled James Dean at first glance. I rolled my eyes, pulling away from the window.

"Mmm… looks like Christmas dinner," Roni remarked lightly, returning to her packing.

"More like my next piece of--" Blue-Hair stated.

"I don't want to hear about it," I growled playfully, gathering my sketchbook and bag. I looked at them both. "I've got to get home and get ready for work."

"But we'll see you tonight?" Roni asked, concerned.

"Of course," I laughed. "I'll be there. I need a night of dancing."

"Then see you later," they bid as I left, waving them off.

I left the house after bidding Roni's mum farewell, accepting a kiss to the cheek which I returned in kind. Walking across the street, I ignored the movers and neighbors. That is until I heard giggling and a puppy yipping happily.

Two seconds later, I saw Asha running full speed towards me with a little girl that looked all of four years old chasing after her, a bright smile on her face while her blue-black hair was bound in bouncy pigtails. I stooped down and scooped Asha up into my arms, letting her lick my chin in greeting. I scratched her behind the ears, laughing. She was wiggling right out of my arms in excitement.

"What are you doing out here?" I murmured to her. I looked down at the little girl that paused and looked up at me cautiously. I gave her a warm smile. "Hello."

She smiled brightly back, "'Owdy! My name's Belle. M'four n' a 'alf."

I gave her a puzzled look of amusement. "And quite the most intelligent girl I've laid eyes on. Already doing fractions." She gave me the brightest smile I'd ever seen and I couldn't help but smile back. "My name is Surendra, but everyone calls me Suren for short." I crouched down and placed the puppy on the ground before she wriggled out of my arms and fell. "I see you've already met Asha."

"Belle!" I heard someone call from next door until the guy that we all had been viewing from the window in Roni's room appeared.

"Renny!" Belle giggled, racing over to him.

I straightened to my feet and greeted what I guessed was her older brother affectionately as he picked her up and listened with a nod which he returned. I looked at my watch and noticed what time it was. I sighed before deciding I really needed to get ready for work.

I was saved by the bell as Mira peeked out the front door and started calling for me. I scooped up Asha and headed inside. I wasn't sure if what I did was rude or not, but I really did have to get going despite everything.

When I finished getting ready, I followed Mira out to the car, a bag on my shoulder with a change of clothes inside. I waved at Belle as she waved at me from where she was playing with bubbles. I slipped into the car with ease and felt ominous feelings tingle my skin.


That same evening I was at the last local party. Hermione arrived later by herself. Roni, Blue-Hair, and I had been there for over an hour already, making our way through much dancing and group gossip. I waved in reply at her smiling face when her eyes landed on us, but she waved me off, choosing to talk to a group of guys she had taken to chatting with when attending the parties.

"I'm going out for a mock-drag, luv," I whispered in Roni's ear after another hour and finally getting bored with the group of people around me.

I tugged on Hermione's hair as I went past, making her lightly shove me away, laughing. I stepped outside and went to lean against the side of the house that was immersed in shadows. I pulled a long sip of the spiked cola that I held in my hand. Feeling a nice, pleasing buzz, I closed my eyes. I was still aware of everything around me, but the buzz relaxed me more than a bit. Something I needed at the moment.

Half an hour passed by, the music and the partying still holding strong. I could hear laughter and shouting. It brought a wistful smile to my face. No matter how much I tried to remain within all that social behavior, I realized I just had to get away most of the time. Gather my thoughts. Perhaps just tune out the world while enjoying it at the same time.

Roni suddenly appeared in a frantic frenzy, "I can't find Hermione!"

It jolted me out of my pleasant buzz instantly and I straightened after pushing myself off the wall, flicking my lighter close and shoving it into my back pocket. "What do you mean you can't find her?"

"I was going to join the conversation she was having with the blokes and they told me she wandered off minutes beforehand," she explained frantically, trying to breath calmly, but not succeeding in the least. "They thought that she might have gone looking for you and that she was acting rather strange."

"You got a knife on you?" I asked quickly.

"More than a knife," she replied with confusion before comprehension dawned on her.

Her eyes developed a blood-thirsty glint and her lips pursed, making her angelic face more of the fallen variety. I motioned her to follow and I searched the surrounding outside, but found nothing. I growled as I stalked into the house, heading upstairs immediately.

I immediately heard pained weak whimpers and headed to the door at the end of the hall, slamming it open and walking toward the guy pinning my weakly struggling friend against the wall. Something in me snapped at the sight. I grabbed him by the collar, hauling him back before slamming my fist in his stomach before trading his face.

Roni pulled Hermione to her as I beat the guy something rotten. He got a few hits in once he collected himself to think, but I was taking advantage of his already wounded state as it were. He tried to hurry downstairs, but I caught up to him, slamming a kick to his lower back, sending him sprawling in a yell of pain to the ground.

"Merlin," I heard a familiar voice gasp from the front door, but I was too intent on my current victim to care.

I grasped the guy by his hair and pulled him up after crouching down beside him. "If I ever hear of you doing something like this again here or any other place to anyone, I'll show you that the Spanish Inquisition have got nothing on what I will do to you when I find you. Are we clear?" He wobbled his head while wincing in pain as my grip tightened in his hair as I jerked him about. "I'm glad we've come to an understanding." Then I slammed his head into the floor repeatedly, drilling the message through what could perhaps be a thick skull just to make sure it penetrated.

When I was finished, I straightened, and punted the guy in the ribs, making him give an almighty shout of pain. I then turned to Hermione and Roni as they took the last step off the stairs toward me. Hermione looked like she was forcing herself to stay awake to the point where tears were streaming down her face. She was also clearly distraught.

"Are you all right?" I asked her, lightly brushing my hand across a swelling hand mark on the side of her face.

She nodded before letting whatever was effecting her take her into oblivion. I caught her just before she hit the floor. I looked at Roni. She nodded, eyes gleaming murderously as she proceeded to have her own fun with the guy.

No one stopped us. No one would. It would be a cold day in hell before they helped the guy. As it was, most of the people nearby looked furious. Someone that tried such things was not welcomed in the least. It would not be surprising if they later took out a little revenge. Any sort of thing that could ruin the party for us all. It wasn't exactly legal what we were doing. We'd all get busted just because someone wanted to attempt rape.

Yes, there would be retribution amongst this group. I could see it in their eyes. I had no doubt that the guy's streak of unluckiness to be caught would run its course for a very long time. No doubt we wouldn't be seeing him for quite some time after this night.

I looked at the front door where it was framed with a familiar redhead. I nodded to him as I swept Hermione up in my arms bridal style and nudged Roni with my foot, catching her attention.

"We're leaving now," I stated firmly, leaving no room for argument.

She nodded as she got to her feet and smiled distantly. "That we are."

We headed out, the redhead following hurriedly after us. "What in the name of Merlin is going on?"

I looked back at him too calmly, "Why hello to you, too, Charlie. How's the family? Why are you here?"

He replied wasp-like, eyes narrowed, "You did say that at eleven it was okay to arrive. We just arrived half an hour earlier." He shot me a look that held all the older brother anger in it. "I came to retrieve you after your guardian Mira started to worry. I told Ron to stay. Looks like I was right in doing so. He probably would have killed that guy."

I looked to Roni. She replied with an uneasy smile. "I think he used Rohypnol. I've heard he had some insomnia problems; I've heard they've been prescribing it lately for those cases."

"Rohypnol?" Charlie asked in confusion as I felt my justified rage boiling furiously.

"The street name for it is roofies," I growled angrily before turning to Roni. "And he could have been prescribed on any other benzodiazepines. The other two he could've used was Restoril or Midazolam. They're also of the hypnotic benzodiazepines." I shot her a nasty look. "We can't just jump to Rohypnol, Roni. It may be so well used, but we shouldn't not include the others as possibilities."

"I know that, but depending on the times of this occurrence…" she began, but fell silent, looking close to guilty tears. "I should've kept a closer eye on her."

"Don't go all guilt-tripping yourself," I admonished hurriedly. "If you're guilty, then I'm certainly at fault in this as well." I shot her a comforting smile that was more forced then anything. "But we couldn't have been prepared for this. Sometimes, things just happen. It's nobody's fault, but the attempted rapist."

She nodded as Charlie looked at us in contained anger and confusion. "What is going on? What is this Rohypnol you're talking about? And what has it got to do with anything?"

"Rohypnol is a date rape drug," I stated with a glare at him. "It incapacitates the victim and prevents them from resisting assaults, such as sexual, in this case. It can cause the individual a loss of memory of the events while under the effect. We call that grade of forgetfulness in the muggle world anterograde amnesia, in this type of case." He nodded slowly, still looking furious, but not as confused. "If she was, indeed, slipped Rohypnol, then given our time frame, we were lucky to prevent any acts after she ingested it. Given that he probably slipped it in a drink she had in her hand without her awareness and given her leaving the group, our time frame was rather well played. It takes the sedative effects approximately fifteen to twenty minutes to appear after being ingested." He nodded, concern showing in his eyes as we drew closer to my home. I turned to Roni. "If it is Rohypnol, then it should fade in four to eight hours."

She nodded thoughtfully before shooting me a look of worry. "You look thoroughly thrashed, my love."

I felt like it, too. My jaw throbbed. My left eyebrow had received a slice through it after having been slammed into something that I couldn't quite recall. The blood was dripping into my eye slightly and the rest of my face. At least I could safely say that the other guy was looking a lot worse than I was. I tightened my hold on Hermione as Roni opened the door for me, hurrying me inside while Charlie followed closely. Roni brought up the rear and closed the door, locking it securely.

I hurriedly placed Hermione on the couch in the living room where Mira, Sirius, Remus, and Ron were gathered around talking. They all looked up in horrified surprise when they saw me. Charlie had already sat down, proceeding to do diagnostic spells on the girl whom he pulled halfway into his lap. Roni had raced to the kitchen and returned with a damp clothe that she handed to me. I instantly went to Hermione and started rubbing off my blood that had gotten on her.

"What are you doing?" Roni asked with dumbfounded surprise. "That was for you, you pounce."

"Let's all recall that my bloodstream has got basilisk venom in it," I answered with a glare at her. "If it gets near any orifice, it might kill her. Not that we've ever proven it to actually kill someone through those particular means, but let's not be unwary, shall we?"

"Oh," was all that she said in reply as I finished my scrubbing of Hermione's face.

"What happened?" Mira repeated for the fifth time, this time though she was angry.

"Well it started as such a fine night--" Roni began to explain as I left the room to get cleaned up.

I made my way into the downstairs bathroom and started washing off my face. I looked terribly thrashed. I dabbed at my face with a wince. I then cleaned and wringed out the cloth while staring at my reflection. I looked over at the doorway where Sirius stood, watching, waiting.

"I'll live," I stated seriously as I met his concerned eyes head on. "Unfortunately, so will the other guy."

He chuckled with a dark gleam in his eyes, "Yes, I suppose that would be unfortunate."

I let all the emotion drain from my face, leaving it blank. "I don't fancy the idea of someone doing that. Especially doing it to my sister. I shall not abide by it."

"I see," he conceded, knowing that he couldn't argue or reprimand me in such a situation because he knew me well enough to know I wouldn't care for an opinion. He looked at me with the same dark gleam in his eyes. "I would probably have done the same if it had been your mother or one of my cousins as much as I am loathe to admit." He gained a darker glint. "Especially if it had been my baby brother."

"I thought you didn't like your family, Sirius?" I asked with a cautious tone.

"I may not like them, but I certainly wouldn't let it happen to them," he stated darkly, grimacing. "I grew up with them though. They're still family. As they say, 'Blood is thicker than water.'" Then he shot me a tired grin. "And I was always a bit overprotective of my baby brother no matter how much we tended to hate each other at times."

"Is Anicetus around?" I asked silently, suddenly wondering if I was going to be tackled or not.

"He's completely wiped out in your bed," he replied with a dark look as he rolled his eyes. "Moony says he was swamped in trying to get things together in the last five days since the Ministry harassed him on new standards to keep the club open."

I growled, "The only reason they're doing this whole standard thing is because he's the only non-human that owns a club in Sinner Alley. The other clubs are operated by wizards even though the entire alley is infested with non-humans." I sighed tiredly, running a hand through my hair. "They wouldn't harass him so much if he was just a wizard." I rolled my eyes. "Gods, like they would care at that point."

"You're starting to channel your inner revolutionary," Sirius stated with amusement before pulling me out into the hallway and pushing me towards the stairs. "Go take a shower and then come back down."

"Okay," I sighed as I headed up the stairs, pulling off my shirt in the process before undoing my jeans as I entered my room.

I kicked off my shoes near my desk while placing the jeans and shirt in the hamper for the moment. I pulled out clean boxers, socks, light blue jeans, and a V-neck t-shirt of charcoal grey, setting them aside for the moment on my desk. Heading to the bathroom, I hurriedly took a shower and returned with a towel wrapped about my waist to pull the clothes on quickly.

Looking over at the sleeping form on my bed, I frowned when I realized that he had his hair bound in a tie. I walked over and sat down, taking out the tie and running my fingers through it. Smoothing it out as I looked down at him with concern. He looked a bit ill from all the running around that he had been doing. I looked up as I heard someone at the door.

"Harry?" Ron called lightly.

"You can come in, just don't make any loud noises," I answered with a sigh as I kept running my fingers through the werewolf's long hair.

"Who's that?" Ron asked as he came further into the room, eyeing the great lump on my bed.

"That would be my personal werewolf Anicetus Abandonato," I answered. "He's out cold from what I've gathered."

"But why's he on your bed?" Ron asked with confusion.

I turned to look at him with a thoughtful frown. "He likes sleeping in my bed."

"I've missed a lot, haven't I?" he asked suddenly with a frown and a calculating gaze.

"Quite a bit, actually," I sighed tiredly as I noticed that Asha, my puppy, was sleeping next to Anicetus, his arm loosely wrapped around the sleeping form. I smiled gently. "It seems that he now likes my puppy, though."

Ron leaned over and spotted the little rascal and chuckled, "I'm guessing this means they've formed a truce."

He must've guessed about the war between the werewolf and the puppy. I leaned over him and swiped the long fringe out of his face and frowned as I barely brushed my fingertips underneath his eyes, noting the black. Ron coughed.

"Er… I'll meet you downstairs when you're finished with whatever you're doing," he chuckled nervously before heading quickly out of the room.

"Strange," I muttered in Arabic before going about checking on my snakes that were sound asleep for some strange reason.

I rolled my eyes before making sure Hedwig's food and water bowls were full. Then I made sure that everything was in order on my desk and that the cloak of one werewolf was refolded and placed over the back of the chair. Checking on my personal werewolf once more, I brushed his hair out of his face before finding myself being pulled into a sleepy, gentle kiss. I forced myself not to wince at the pressure when his hand ran along my jaw as the other wrapped about my shoulders, pressing me against him.

"Have you eaten?" I whispered as I pulled away to look into his eyes.

"Not in a couple days, I think," he murmured sleepily. "I'm not really sure."

"Do you want to sleep?" I asked after another kiss. "Or do you want something to eat?" I bumped my nose with his. "You don't look very healthy, Ani." My eyes narrowed. "In fact, you look downright ill."

"Food?" he stated questionably to himself as if it was a difficult coin toss between his two options.

"I need an answer, not a question, Ani," I murmured as I looked at him with amusement. "If you want food, you're going to have to get up and go downstairs. You can relax on the couch in the living room while I make you something." He blinked sleepily at that. "What sounds good to you?"

He turned his head and yawned, answering, "Anything you make will do."

I scooped up the puppy and tweaked Anicetus's nose playfully, "Then get up and come down there with me."

He grumbled as he got up from the bed after I started heading for the door. He practically sleepwalked down to the living room, emitting mutters and growls of annoyance. I smiled fondly at his behavior. He was rather too adorable when he was completely out of it.

I headed to the kitchen and whipped up a few chicken fajita omelets from the leftovers from the night before, placing them on a large plate while carrying smaller plates with the silverware on top. I went to the room and placed it on the large coffee table. I retrieved the pot of green tea and cups on a tray and brought it back with me. Then I went about pouring him a cup and fixed his plate up for him much to everyone's amusement. I rolled my eyes before retrieving some mandarin oranges that I peeled while cooking the omelets. I placed the bowl next to his plate.

"You spoil him," Remus stated sleepily.

"He needs the nutrients," I replied matter-of-factly.

Charlie still had Hermione in his lap much to my amusement and great concern. Mira and Roni had disappeared while Sirius and Ron sat talking quietly together; Charlie inserting something occasionally, frequently shooting Sirius a suspicious glance. Anicetus blinked at everything before his eyes landed on Hermione. He sniffed the air and then growled.

I placed a hand on his shoulder as I sat on the floor beside him, apparently Remus had taken to sprawling in slumber across the couch on his stomach much to my great annoyance and amusement. "She's fine. The drug will wear off in a few."

He turned to look at me, more wide awake than before, and growled as he grabbed my chin. Tilting my head every which way to examine the damage, he let out a throaty growl that rumbled through the room, making everyone and myself still. I forced him to let go of my chin and growled in return.

"I'll live," I stated for the second time tonight. I gestured at the food. "Now eat. You're going to need your strength and you can't have that if you don't eat."

He grumbled, but did as he was told. I made up my own plate, eating as I stared at Hermione, keeping a close eye on her. I finished my plate after a few minutes and closed my eyes after setting the plate aside. I noticed that Sirius and Ron had helped themselves to the last two omelets as Anicetus began eating the mandarins.

"When did Hermione get a tattoo?" Charlie suddenly asked after running a hand over her hair, pushing it to the side, revealing the dragon.

I shrugged noncommittally, "You'll have to ask her."

"Or I could just beat it out of you?" he jokingly suggested, earning a glare from Anicetus.

"I wouldn't do that if I were you," I stated lightly, grinning in reply.

"Hermione has a t-tattoo?" Ron asked, mirth dancing in his eyes as he bore a wide grin.

"T'would seem so," I replied lazily, looking up at Remus as he hummed, smiling dreamily to himself. "But it's probably a fake. We have fake types you can get in the muggle all the time."

I took the finished plates with me into the kitchen, cleaning them quickly after a few minutes of solitude. I noticed Roni sitting on the floor with a box of peppermint ice cream, humming to herself as she stared off into space with glazed eyes. I took the spoon from her grasp as I plopped down beside her, taking a spoonful out of the box and eating it thoughtfully.

"I can't believe someone would do such a thing," she stated softly. "I mean, I know it happens. We've always heard stories, but--"

"To actually see it happen makes it more real, I know," I finished for her as she took back the spoon.

"I feel so guilty," she breathed, bursting into tears.

"Don't, please," I begged, brushing her tears away after setting aside the box of ice cream and the spoon. "Don't cry, Minx."

She snorted, tears flowing, "You haven't called me that in years."

"We'll have to change that," I stated, wiping her tears before reaching for the ice cream and handing it back to her. "Eat the comfort food."

"And live the life," she murmured more to herself than to me before stuffing a large amount of ice cream in her mouth. She sighed.

"Take my bed for tonight," I suggested as I pulled the ice cream out of her protesting hands and put it away after taking a spoonful myself and tossing the licked clean spoon into the sink with precision. "I'll go retrieve Hermione. You'll be bunking with her, methinks."

"Okay," she replied silently, getting to her feet slowly and rubbing at her eyes. "Are you sure your wolfers will approve of that arrangement? He does seem rather attached to your bed. Amar's room would do if you'd prefer."

"Yes, I think that would be a lovely arrangement," Mira agreed as she entered the kitchen. "I've tried to get a hold of her parents, but they've asked to be not interrupted tonight in their hotel in the Caribbean."

"At least you tried," I chuckled darkly. I looked between both. "I'll go retrieve Hermione now and take her up there. Roni, go change into something of mine for bed. I'm sure a mini and a halter really don't feel comfortable for sleeping."

"Another raid of Harry's underwear drawer?" she asked, a twinkle of mischief suddenly appearing in her sad, guilty eyes. She pumped her fist into the air with glee as she raced out of the kitchen. "Raiding underwear, yay!"

"She's utterly mental," Mira muttered to herself as she retrieved a pack of blood as I exited the room to retrieve Hermione.

I yanked her away from Charlie after an argument of pros and cons about her not being in a room filled with men and carried her up to Amar's room, placing her in the bed, making sure she was tucked in. Roni came in dressed in my largest shirt (that originally belonged to Amar) which skimmed her mid-thigh, showing off her legs effectively. I kissed her on the cheek before letting her retire to bed. Asha trotted beside me, her face in a doggish grin.

I went back downstairs and noticed that Anicetus had now taken to sprawling across it, Remus sprawled awkwardly on the floor, rubbing his neck as he sat up with an annoyed expression. Sirius frowned however you could see the laughter in his eyes while the two Weasley brothers howled with laughter. Mira was nowhere to be seen, but I could hear her on the phone, talking about a shipload of shrimp for the next party.

I rolled my eyes and went to take back the rest of the stuff into the kitchen, but was pulled down onto the couch and found myself being dragged underneath Anicetus's heavier form. I looked up at him with amusement.

"You know, if you wanted to jump me, you should do it without so many eyes around," I mused with a smile.

"I can smell your exhaustion," he stated softly.

"You know that still creeps me out," I murmured, trying not to yawn. I rolled my eyes and turned my head, yawning. He was smirking when I looked back at him. "All right, you've had your fun. Now let me up. I've got some contacts to take out once I finish the dishes."

"Always so busy," he murmured in my ear before tugging on it with his teeth. His hair curtained his actions from the other's views. "One would think you're avoiding sleep."

I breathed heavily, "You would avoid it too if you've dreamed things I do."

"Yes, that may be true," he conceded, now smirking devilishly. "But currently, my dreams consist of you and what I will do to you if you ever give me the chance."

I gulped with wide eyes as my face filled with fluster while he looked at me with predatory ones. I took a long deep breath before growling, "You're a bloody dog."

He grinned winningly, eyes dancing with mirth. "Indeed."

"Get off of me, you bloody pervert," I growled, shoving him off unsuccessfully.

"Stop struggling so much," he murmured in my ear. "It's tantalizing." He swiped his tongue along my neck and I groaned. "Stay with me." He bit down, hard.

I hissed and I wasn't sure what I said but he bit down harder still. I whined as he did so a little bit harder until he let go, lapping at the bruised flesh soothingly. He then captured my lips in a kiss. He pulled back, tossing his hair over his left shoulder and lowered himself back down, kissing me a bit more roughly.

It was just as it got really silent did I notice anything wrong.

Pushing Anicetus away, I glanced at the others. Sirius sat, glowering at Anicetus with pure menace while Remus was looking at the ceiling, off in his own world and ignoring all of us. Ron was gaping openly while Charlie just looked on with purely analytical eyes, taking in the situation calmly.

"You're gay?" Ron threw out bluntly, eyes wide with shock.

He must not have been fully thoughtful of circumstances earlier. Though I couldn't blame him. I wasn't exactly very open about anything to do with my likes or dislikes, gender-wise.

"No, I'm not gay," I replied rather darkly.

"Then what was that?" he asked with a glower. "Because you certainly weren't acting like you were straight just a second before."

I narrowed my eyes, "If you have a problem with me being bisexual, then please, by all means, say what you want to say."

"I didn't know you're bisexual," Remus stated as he peeled his eyes from the ceiling to look directly at me with curious wonderment.

"Well it's not exactly something people talk about in civilized conversation now is it?" I pointed out in sarcasm, feeling sort of insulted by Ron's abrupt exclamation. I turned back to Ron who was glaring at me with heated fury. "Do you have a problem with it?"

"No, I do not have a problem with your preferences, I just don't understand why you kept it secret from me," he growled. "So what else have you been keeping secret?"

I visibly winced, knowing now was the time to come out with it rather than later. "About that…"

"What?" he growled, rising to his feet, looking down at me.

I pushed Anicetus off of me and got to my own feet, facing him with a stubborn stance. "I'm not returning to Hogwarts."

"What do you mean?" he asked in befuddlement.

"I'm not going to Hogwarts at all, Ron," I stated meaningfully.

"You're joking, right?" he exclaimed with sudden anger. "What do you mean you're not returning to Hogwarts?"

"I'm staying at home to finish my muggle education," I stated honestly, wincing as his face turned from furious red to a ripe plum. "In the meanwhile, I'm being tutored by Uncle Remy for my wizarding studies."

"Excuse me?" he shouted with rage. "Why do you want to finish you're muggle education? You're a bloody wizard! You should be learning magic with the rest of us!"

"Yes, that may be the case," I conceded with a calm look at him with an equally calm tone which was totally fake because I was practically twitching with sadness and anger. "But I want to finish my muggle education. It's not a matter of being a wizard."

"You want to be a muggle?" he asked incredulously.

I snorted. "Ron, I'm as good as a muggle. I was raised in the muggle world. Things here make sense. I want to go into a muggle profession."

"Oh? And what would that be?" he snarled.

I took a step back, with my hands up in surrender. "I've always dreamed of being a muggle photographer slash free-lance journalist. I'm going to graduate in the muggle world to do just that. It's not my fault that you can't accept that."

"Don't turn this on me," he snapped.

I noticed that everyone was watching us trade blows. "I didn't turn it on you. I'm just saying you're being unreasonable. I would support you in any venture you would pursue. Why can't you do so for me?"

"Dumbledore--"

"I don't give a damn about what Dumbledore has to say in the matter!" I snapped in sudden rage. "He does not run my life and I do not need to run my bloody ideas by him. This is my decision and I'll be thrice damned before I allow anyone to say otherwise." I shot him a nasty look. "He is a Headmaster and the only authority he had over me is whatever involved my schooling at Hogwarts." Anicetus placed a calming hand on my back and I closed my eyes for a moment and breathed. I looked calmly at the redhead once more. "And after the things he has pulled, I shall never trust him to be involved in any of my affairs."

"Oh, and what did he do?" Ron asked rather snappishly.

"He's tried to have control in my life where he is not wanted," I snarled. "Remember when you called the Dursleys?"

"Yes, why?" he asked.

"Your parents told him that I wasn't at the Dursleys and he came here to convince me to go back, saying that I shouldn't do so-and-so to my relatives to make them angry," I hissed. "He told me in not so many words that I was being unreasonable. That I must've provoked my relatives. I've never provoked them." I looked away before looking back into his eyes with my burning ones. "Have you ever had to pull glass from your hands and arms after you've been shoved down while carrying an armload of dishes?" I lowered my voice. "Have you ever been beaten until you're black and blue and shoved in a fucking cupboard under the stairs, bleeding and crying for something that you know won't come?" I forcibly kept my eyes connected with his as I fought the tears. "I have. I have and more." I let out a dry laugh. "Tell me what the fuck it was that I did to deserve that because I'd like to know." I lowered my voice. "I'd like to know." His eyes sparked with a deep pity that set me off completely. I bared my teeth, livid. "I made due with the card I was dealt. Don't look at me with your fucking pity. I neither need nor want it. I survived as I always have and will continue to do so despite other's wishes." Everyone looked abruptly taken aback. "Fuck your pity."

It took several minutes of hard breathing to regain a semblance of calm. It didn't help that everyone had stared at me with wide eyes. I knew that they weren't use to me concentrative and utterly enraged. Even when I was annoyed, I would lose control of my magic. This time it laid in wait, so to speak. I could feel Anicetus hand slip under my shirt, his warm hand splayed against the skin of my back, his other placed at my hip.

Ron looked down for a long moment before meeting my eyes once more. His brother leaned forward and asked, "How does Dumbledore fit into this?"

I looked at him, "He had the monitors and means of knowing all this was happening and yet he did nothing. He might as well had been the one doing it." I looked back at Ron. "If Hermione has seen the scars, you must have as well? How many do you estimate I have? Quite a few, I'd like to think."

"You keep them mostly covered," he murmured. "I've seen you perform the glamour to cover them." He took a shuddering breath. "The lower half of your arms are the worse."

"The glass was a bitch to get out," I replied in a low, distant voice. "Took me a couple hours and I had to bandage them with a cut-up old shirt." I looked up, shaking myself of the depression and horrible nostalgia that crept into my mind. I forced a cheery smile on my face. "I was adopted by the Singhs."

"You mean that lady in there adopted you?" Charlie asked, knowing to follow the topic change quickly for which I was thankful.

"Yes," I replied with an even more forced smile before gathering the things I had came to get in the first place. "Excuse me, I'll be off cleaning now."

Anicetus had followed me into the kitchen and as soon as I placed the dishes in the sink, I started scrubbing them clean before drying them off and putting them away. I turned on my heel and headed for the door that led to the backyard after grabbing my shoes and hurried to the tree which I climbed up easily. My personal stalker-man sat at the foot of the tree, peering up at me.

"Are you planning on coming down?" he asked.

"I think I'll just set up shop here," I replied, softly, knowing that he could hear me perfectly.

"I hardly think a kitchen will fit up in that tree of yours," he noted lightly. "Or a darkroom, for that matter."

"Technicalities, I assure you," I chuckled, smiling in appreciation to the humor he was providing.

"How about you come down?" he chuckled.

"Do you think you could behave yourself if I did?" I asked, smiling as I looked down at him.

"Depends on what you mean by behave," he replied teasingly.

I rolled my eyes, "You know what I mean by behave."

"You'll have to remind me," he stated with a smile up at me.

"That will lead to nowhere but badness," I growled, narrowing my eyes. "I'd rather jump the fence."

"Then why don't you?" he asked straightforwardly.

"Because I didn't think of it until now," I replied sheepishly before climbing a bit higher into the tree and jumped the fence in a clean, smooth movement, landing on the other side gracefully.

"Surendra!" Anicetus growled from the other side. "Come back here now."

"No, thank you," I replied softly, starting to head toward the forest.

I felt his hand at my shoulder suddenly and I paused, looking up at him in confusion. He growled, "That wasn't a question as to whether you felt like it or not. That was something of an order."

I noticed his eyes melting completely into those of his wolf. I gave a breathy laugh of incredulity, "You're not my boss, wolf. Back off." He didn't remove his hand, but tightened his grip, pulling me back to face him. "I don't belong to your pack so you're not my Alpha. For that matter, just because you have complete Alpha temperament on your side does not mean you can walk all over me. I'm not a submissive bitch. Back off."

He closed his eyes and let out a harsh breath. When he reopened his eyes, they were normal; a tiny hint of the wolf, but not much. I didn't know I was sort of tense until I relaxed.

"I know that," he replied with a calmer voice. "But you do have a tendency to run away and sleep in the forest after an emotional explosion. You've done it before."

"Passed out in the forest really," I countered with a glower up at him. "I just need to walk."

"You couldn't do so inside?" he asked with narrowed eyes.

"After what I said do you really expect me to go back inside?" I hissed, poking him in the stomach. "I mean, really. Sirius is probably hell-bent on revenge. Remus is still bewildered at the fact that I'm bisexual. Charlie's probably thinking through everything before the famed redheaded temper flares. Ron is acting for all the world like I am betraying him by not telling him things. I mean, what the hell am I supposed to do? Let them give me pity where it's not wanted? Let Ron take his horrid temper tantrum out on me? I'm not--" He pulled me toward him and kissed me thoroughly. When he pulled back, I looked at him with bewilderment. "What was that for?"

"You worry too much," he murmured, kissing me again. "And you smell amazing when you're angry." He nibbled on my lower lip, tugging it, drawing a moan from me. "And for someone who doesn't care for other's opinions of himself, you sure do not act like it."

"I try not to," I breathed in honesty, "I can't help it." I turned my face away and laughed bitterly. "I'm a fucking insecure backside artist."

He grabbed me by the chin and made me look up at him. "You are not a bad person, luv." He kissed me gently, caressing my face with his roughened hands. "We all have our faults." He chuckled against my lips. "My wolf, for example."

I started to laugh dryly. "Yes, that frisky wolf. Always been your most annoying quality."

"I'll admit he's a bit of a bastard, but he does have an endearing quality," he murmured.

"And what would that be?" I asked.

"You," he whispered.

"I'm your endearing quality?" I asked incredulously, pulling back. I laughed. "Your definition of a good quality is sort of misconstrued."

"Werewolves are always so misconstrued," he stated in playful impatience before picking me up and putting me over his shoulder, heading toward the house.

"I can walk by myself, you know," I huffed impatiently.

"I prefer to keep a very close eye on you, luv," he chuckled, entering the house without much problem. He must have had the spare key! "You tend to disappear if I don't keep my hands on you."

I rolled my eyes and grumbled darkly, "Gee, I wonder why."

He set me down at the foot of the stairs and pulled me into another kiss. He then rubbed his face against my own. For some strange reason (that was unbelievingly irregular), this intimacy calmed me down despite everything that was going on.

"Excuse me," Ron interrupted.

Anicetus and I looked over at the redhead. He looked nervous. I felt a growl vibrate Anicetus's chest as he hugged me to him.

"Yes?" I asked apprehensively.

"Can I talk to you?" he asked, eyeing Anicetus, but I knew the question was directed at me. "Alone, preferably."

"Um…" I looked up at Anicetus and his arms got a bit tighter. I looked back at Ron. "Sure." I gave him a pointed look. "Can you give me a second?"

"Of course," he replied, suddenly looking at me with a shared look before heading into the kitchen.

I turned back to Anicetus and kissed him after tugging him down by his hair. Pulling back slightly, I just stared into his autumn gold eyes. He started to smile before bumping noses with me.

"Do not be too long," he murmured.

"Wasn't planning on it," I stated thoughtfully before wandering into the kitchen.

"You had the biggest crush on Oliver Wood, didn't you?" Ron deadpanned.

"He had the sexiest accent and arse in the school," I replied bluntly, rolling my eyes. "However that faded after first year because from then on I just wanted to off him."

He rolled his eyes and sighed heavily, "I'm not going to say I'm not angry with you because I am."

"Fair enough," I muttered.

"I'm sorry about the phone call and everything that followed," he apologized softly.

"Don't be," I chuckled dryly. "It wasn't your fault."

"It isn't yours either," he stated seriously.

I looked up at him and smiled weakly, shrugging. I had heard this conversation from the twins and him the summer before second year started. The three of them always made sure to keep what they saw a secret, but always made sure I was all right. It was a bit annoying really.

"I'm serious, Harry," he growled.

I looked down and licked my lips, eyes burning. I choked with laughter, "Actually, he's in the other room. Try again."

"Harry," he reprimanded lightly. "You know what I meant."

"I do," I grumbled, rubbing at my eyes.

"You're not going to cry again, are you?" he teased, wrapping an arm about my shoulders, dragging me along to the living room.

"If I do, I'm breaking your nose," I warned.

"So who's the beater in the relationship?" Ron asked playfully as we entered the living room.

I paused, closing my eyes, "I so hate you right now."

"Consider this payback for not telling me anything this summer," he stated casually, parting with me to sit with his brother.

"That's just evil," I stated seriously before leaving the room hurriedly to go and take out my contacts and put on my glasses.

Returning downstairs in the living room, I paused at the doorway. Ron was in full older brother mode. It was a sight that I sometimes found endearing, but not often. He was sitting next to Sirius and his brother and making a complete ninny of himself.

"And if you hurt him, I'll bury you," he stated darkly, glaring at Anicetus who looked at him with raised brows, smiling wolfishly.

"I'll remember that," he replied lightly, not even bothering to take Ron serious just to make the redhead shut up.

"I mean it," Ron growled warningly.

"I know you do," Anicetus chuckled, his eyes sparking with mirth.

I rolled my eyes before continuing into the room. Anicetus eyes glued onto me and I went to sit next to him, curling into his side. I looked at him plaintively.

"What he means to say is that if you hurt me, he'll castrate you," I stated bluntly, grinning impishly. "Then he'll roast your member and feed it to you after he stuffs it with flecks of silver."

He just stared at me before stating carefully, "Did Hermione come up with this idea?"

"No," I answered, smiling. "It was a spur of the moment, but it did get the point across. No?"

"Indeed," he replied before leaning in to brush his lips across my ear. "You wouldn't actually let him do that, would you?"

"I honestly don't know," I replied softly.

The night continued into one of those nights of conversation. We all fell asleep in the living room. It was nice comparatively. Especially when they acted like the earlier argument was to not be mentioned or referred to at any time.

Roni snuck downstairs near dawn, dressed in her halter and skirt, tiptoeing through the living room to me. I woke up as she whispered her farewell in my ear, kissing me softly on the temple. I tugged on her hand before she could leave.

"Tell her over 21 or nothing," I whispered. "I'm not going to argue over this anymore." I gave her a pointed look. "Is 21 all right with you?"

"I really don't care," she murmured softly, crouching down so our faces were nigh touching. "As long as you're there to help, I'm okay. This whole thing doesn't bother me in the least. I was aware of what occurs in an old family and have accepted some of the stuff they force feed me." She leaned forward and kissed me on the forehead gently before pulling back with a soft smile. "Don't let them see a weakness, little brother. Only strength."

I nodded and watched her leave. I took a deep breath and let it out slowly. I heard the shower upstairs turn on and I sat up, looking up at the ceiling curiously. My eyes then caught sight of the book in the built-in shelf under the coffee table.

Snatching it, I started to grimace. The Story of O by Pauline Réage. I started shaking my head in disbelief.

"Who in Mayberry's twisted verse is reading this sadomasochistic romp?" I questioned to myself in a low whisper.

"Me," I heard whispered in my ear.

I whipped around and beat him over the head with the book. "You will not read this ever again! Bad, very bad wolf. Bad. Bad. Bad."

He grabbed both my wrists and kept hold as he laughed in amusement. "I was joking with you, Suren. I can't even read French."

I paused, "Oh, right." I glanced at him with annoyed eyes. "Then whose is it?"

"Well I can only think of four people that we both know that can read in French," he replied calmly, smirking.

"Well it's certainly not me," I stated assuredly. "I've already read this book and was most appalled albeit shocked in an uncanny fascination that something like it exists. Sirius hates anything to do with sadomasochism. Thinks of it in abhorrence. Roni has already read it and found it quite the read. Nevermind that she holds a weird fondness for it. Hermi--" I paused, rolling my eyes. "I can't hit her with a book."

"You read this book?" he asked, snatching it from my hand and perusing through the pages.

"I picked it up and started to read it," I replied sheepishly. "It was one of those times where you're so shocked that you can't stop reading it until you're finished. Then for a few hours you'll sit there thinking about it, trying to reason that you just imagined the whole thing."

"I see," he chuckled, tossing the book onto the top of the coffee table. He pulled me into his arms and rolled onto his back with me lying on top of him. "What's it about? It has to be bad because you've never been so passionately against a book before."

I gave him a summary and watched his expressions closely. It slid into puzzlement to outright surprise and then back into bemusement. He smiled at me when I finished.

"And you read this?" he chuckled.

"I plead the fifth," I replied sheepishly. I went to get up while saying, "But that's neither here nor there. So if you'll excuse me, I need to go check on a certain lioness."

"Are you quite sure that's wise given recent developments?" he asked, sitting up, tugging me back by my wrist that he latched onto.

"Hermione won't freak out by the sight of me," I assured him before disappearing to the top floor just as the shower turned off.

I headed into my room to change into my running clothes and waited for her to come in. She treaded into the room, dressed in only a bra and underwear. I looked down in favor of tying my shoes after meeting her eyes.

"I'm fine, Suren," she stated matter-of-factly. "A little shaky, but I'll be fantastic after I eat something. I assume that will be when you get back from your morning run."

I looked back up at her as she turned away, digging into her trunk for clothes. "You can always make something."

"No, I think I'll wait," she replied, smiling over her shoulder. "My hands are shaky."

"Do you want to join?" I asked, concerned as I rose to my feet and walked toward her.

"No, I'm good," she sighed, leaning against the wall, clutching her clothes to her stomach.

Placing a hand on her arm, I leaned in and kissed her cheek, "I got your six, lioness."

I pulled away and headed for the door, Asha at my feet, panting happily. I paused at the sound of a sniffle. Her voice came out strangled.

"T-thank you, Harry," she murmured.

I gave her a smile. "I'm going to ward the room so nobody can come in and bother you. Relax and read. Play with the muses or Wally. I'll be back before you know it."

"Promise?" she whispered.

"I'll run like the wind," I chuckled.

She snorted, "Go away then."

I rolled my eyes, smiling and headed out. Asha kept up with me on my run and on the way back, I stopped and let her do her business. When I reentered the house, I noticed that everyone was just starting to wake up. Anicetus looked like he was trying to read an article from a magazine. Asha, however, didn't let him as she proceeded to jump into his lap, gaining his attention affectively. I noticed that Crookshanks was curled up on Sirius's chest as he slept. Satan and Nitya were proceeding to dive bomb Remus.

Hurrying, I took a quick shower and went to dress in boxers, jeans, socks, and tight V-neck shirt of navy blue after taking down my room's wards. Hermione had a pair of baggy jeans on with a knitted white sundress on over it. Currently, she paged through my sketchbook, looking at the pictures curiously.

She looked up with a sunny smile.

"Is it time for breakfast now?" she asked pleasantly, setting aside my sketchbook and running a hand over Isa's hood as the cobra slithered about her shoulders. Bella and Eva were about her legs.

"Yes," I chuckled, pulling her to her feet and wrapping an arm about her waist. "What sounds good?"

"Anything really," she sighed heavily, leaning into me.

"Then I'll make a specialty of mine," I stated matter-of-factly.

"Oh, and what's that?" she asked dryly. "Peppermint delight?"

"Do not joke about the mint obsession that I have," I chuckled. "It's better than what most people obsess about. Like Uncle Remy's chocolate obsession, for example. I'm pretty sure that it is not at all healthy for him to consume considering his canine alter ego."

"I don't think he cares all that much," Hermione replied conversationally.

"I was going to make spiced waffles with caramelized apples," I chuckled. "And a side of bacon."

"Oh, my hero," she giggled as we entered the kitchen.

"Don't call me that," I grumbled, going toward the cabinets to collect ingredients as she went to sit at the bar. "You know I hate it."

"Yes, well, I never liked to be called Mione so I think we're sort of even," she replied jokingly.

"You make light of it all you want, but until people get their heads out of their arses, I'll probably have to suffer through those horrid hero nicknames," I pointed out dryly. "I'm not a hero. I'm just always at the wrong place at the wrong time and have terribly great luck at eluding the enemy, trying to save everyone in the process occasionally, so to speak. That luck's not going to last forever." She gave me a pointed look. I shot her a scowl. "I'm not a hero."

"Yet you're so great at the role," she replied wispily, giving me a dismissive gesture.

I rolled my eyes, "I just don't want you gits getting yourselves into situations that leave you hurt."

"And you are constantly trying to take care of us," she pointed out with a smile. "In fact, you may dislike people, but you still try to make sure they're all right. Remember when Anicetus was around right after you two met. You purposely slashed him with a knife during your first argument."

"I'm still of the opinion that it was purely accidental," I stated lightly.

"Of course you would," she mumbled dryly, rolling her eyes. She gave me a pointed look. "When you noticed how bad the cut was, you went for the jar of honey. Then you washed his wound, slathered honey on it, and then bandaged it with conjured bandages." She made a noise of amusement. "Albeit you never apologized--"

"I'm not apologizing for something that was accidental!" I growled.

"Not that he would even if it was on purpose," Amar chuckled as he entered the kitchen from outside the side door, clad in only knee-torn jeans and a worn maroon shirt, exuding the smell of chemicals.

"Which it wasn't," I followed closely, nodding furiously.

"And sure enough he sticks to his story," Anicetus grumbled, carrying an angry Crookshanks in one hand. He had since discarded his shirt and looked like he'd been about to shed his pants as they were unbuttoned. "And, luv, I have to be honest with you. Your habit of picking up strays is getting to become a bit of a nuisance. This cat, for example, is evil."

"He's mine," Hermione corrected with a raised brow. "And why is he evil exactly?"

"He used me as a scratching post," he grumbled, eyes downcast and glaring at the culprit in question.

The culprit took a swipe at him. In return, he wolfed out, snarling in warning. Crookshanks hissed right back, swiping again. Hermione pursed her lips as he let out a louder snarl, shaking the feline.

I went to him and he stilled, still glaring at said culprit. I took Crookshanks from his hand and smiled when the feline started to purr with pleasure, looking at Anicetus with a pleased kitty look. I noticed the scratches on Anicetus's stomach and the blood.

I looked at Crookshanks and purred, "Naughty Crookshanks."

The smashed-face, bushy, long-haired feline purred in reply.

Sirius walked into the room and Crookshanks jumped out of my arms to trail behind my godfather. The cat jumped into Sirius's lap after he sat down at the table. Anicetus let out a small growl. Hermione giggled.

I turned to look up at Anicetus and tugged him by his arm over to the kitchen counter. I pushed him into it before going to retrieve the first aid kit. Feeling sort of mischievous, I got a wad of cotton and put some disinfectant that stung like hell that Mira personally made on it before applying it to the scratches. He made a low hissing noise that had me smiling slightly.

"Is it me or are you always fighting with the cats in this house?" I murmured as I set aside the cotton wad and went to put the first aid kit away.

"Well they started it," he muttered grumpily.

"I don't care who started it, I'll finish it," I growled, glowering up at him as I returned to check on the scratches.

He chuckled, wrapping his arms about me loosely, "Oh, really?"

I rolled my eyes, "Be quiet. I don't want to mess up this spell because you're being distracting."

He shook slightly with laughter as I concentrated, murmuring the spell that I learned from Mira. The spell was entirely in Arabic and completely hard to do if one wasn't concentrating. I finished the spell and blew softly on the scratches, letting the magic heal him.

I pulled back and went to throw away the wad of cotton in the trash before going to the sink to wash my hands. Then I went back to making the batter for the waffles, ignoring the heated pair of autumn gold eyes watching me. I put down the stirring utensil once I finished the batter a bit too harshly before going to get the waffle maker out.

"Would you please go put on a shirt if you're just going to stand there watching me with that stare?" I snapped suddenly, not able to ignore him any longer.

Mira started shaking with laughter, I noticed, as she prepared the apples after setting the pot of tea to heating. He then proceeded to sneak up behind me, wrapping his arms about me before burying his face in my neck. The shadow on his face tickled my neck making me shiver. I noted the others entering the kitchen as he continued to nip and nuzzle my neck.

"Do you have anything for a sore throat?" Ron asked, his voice a bit roughened.

"Why?" I asked absently. "Did you deep throat someone?"

A sudden silence swept the room. I paused, confused. I looked up from what I was doing and noticed everyone gawking at me. I felt Anicetus go completely still.

"What?" I asked, surprised.

Amar smiled, shaking his head, returning to his newspaper and tea. Mira looked at the ceiling, suppressing a smile by the looks of things. Remus and Charlie both had their heads bowed, refusing to look up, but shaking. Sirius was outright gawking. Hermione had both her hands pressed against her mouth, her eyes shut tight while her face turned red while she shook rather violently. Ron was looking down, his face buried in his hand and bright red. He shook ever so slightly.

I gathered an agitated expression when Anicetus nuzzled my neck again and chuckled, "Never you mind, luv."

I rolled my eyes, pulling away from the oaf of a werewolf, went to the spice cabinet, and pulled out the container of cayenne pepper. I got a small glass, filled it with water, and sprinkled some cayenne pepper into it. Then I went over to Ron and handed it to him.

"This'll help," I grumbled as he took the glass.

I trailed back over to where I was cooking and scowled at the waffles I was making. Anicetus decided to resume his administrations much to my frustration. That is until I reached back and grabbed a fistful of hair and yanked. He growled in reply. I could even feel fangs against my neck.

"You either stop and go take a shower or so help me, I will make your life a permanent hell of frustration," I threatened, feeling rather annoyed now.

"I hardly think you could," he stated matter-of-factly. "You usually make me greatly amused, not frustrated, after all."

I pondered on his words and came up with a plan. It was war. I should use all available causes at hand. Albeit this would probably get me killed, but the reasonable part of my brain was not yet working up a solution. Instead I turned to look at him after letting go of his hair.

I pressed my hands against his chest and using them to trace the lines of muscle gently, teasingly. Leaning forward, I tugged his hair and pulled him down into a hungry kiss before moving to his neck. I bit him harshly making him groan. Then I licked and nipped elsewhere about his neck, then his throat, and back again.

Moving to breathe heavily into his ear, I murmured, "Don't make me send you to the shower with a hard on, you arrogant tosser. Trust me when I say it'll make you frustrated beyond belief. Especially if I cast a spell to make sure it stays until you hump the hydrant at the school a couple miles down." I rubbed my face against his, suddenly enjoying the effect I was having on him if his heavier breathing was anything to go by. I pulled back and pecked him on the cheek. "Now go take a shower. You stink like a dog."

I then proceeded to the sink, washed my hands, and went back to making waffles, blushing madly all the while. I noted Remus watching with amused eyes as Anicetus stood there, looking for all the world confused. Albeit, he was clearly frustrated if the growing glint in his eyes was anything to go by. Mind you, he looked thoroughly turned on.

Suddenly he let out a string of slews in Greek before stalking out of the room, throwing me furious glances. I ignored him as best I could. Amar coughed, bringing my attention to him.

"I must say you are playing this war quite well," he stated off-handedly. "Though I might suggest to be careful on how you go about certain situations. You almost lost the position of control with your administrations."

"I have to agree, my sweet childe," Mira sighed, finishing the apples setting them to the side as I made the waffles.

"He looked like he was going to jump your bones," Hermione stated with a smirk. "However he did also have that look of him wanting to bend you over his knee and give you a right spanking."

"Changing topics," I mumbled pointedly, making everyone laugh.

"Congrats on that piece in the newspaper," Charlie chuckled. "I was in the Ministry when the papers arrived that morning and you could hear the fit that Umbridge had from where dad was working."

"Yeah, that's what Ani said," I laughed. "I don't think I once caught him frowning that day, funnily enough."

"He was practically frolicking, Harry," Remus laughed. He turned to Charlie. "He caught sight of Umbridge at the start of her fit and thought it to be the funniest thing he's ever seen." He paused for a moment. "Scratch that, the second best. He said Harry dancing around in triumph, thinking people aren't looking when he does it, is the funniest thing he's ever seen." He chuckled, looking conspiringly at the redhead. "I must agree."

"Oh, shush you," I muttered, deciding to ignore everyone.

"I've seen him do that," Ron stated with a smile. "It is rather amusing."

"He's an utter geek," Hermione added happily.

"Like you aren't one either," I grumbled.

"The Goblin Thief is at large again," Sirius stated, reading Amar's issue of the Daily Prophet. "Looks like he stole another dagger made by the goblins." I didn't look up at all, feigning boredom at the news of the event.

The conversation turned every so often. I ignored it as I cooked, finishing quite a few minutes later. Then I hurriedly cooked the bacon. After finishing, I put them on the table where they all grouped, talking and laughing. We were interrupted by a loud snarl and a thump upstairs and presented with two soaked cats streaking into the room.

"Damn cats," we heard above us and at this point I had to bury my face in my hands, laughing.

"Does he always have such a problem with the kitties?" Ron asked, chuckling as he looked up at the ceiling.

"Yes," Hermione answered. "I don't know why though. Remus gets along with them just fine."

"Remus tries to get along with everything," I muttered, rolling my eyes. "Even when he shouldn't."

"I'd like to say the same for you," Remus replied with a pointed look.

"It's Mira's fault," I pointed out, listening intently on the slew of Greek being grumbled above us. I went to lean against Sirius after grabbing a waffle from the stack. "He's utterly entertaining when he's irate, don't you think?"

I noted my godfather rolling his eyes. "You'd like to think so, wouldn't you?"

"Of course, he would," Remus agreed. "He riles him up all the time to enjoy the show."

"I'm not that bad," I muttered. "Besides, he deserved that."

"Yes, what with the walking around with no shirt and his jeans unbuttoned," Hermione remarked casually in a dry voice. "I can see how he deserved the foreplay. I'd probably be doing it as well if I was in your stead, but, alas, I am not." She shot me a wicked smile. "That man has the sexiest torso I've ever seen though. Wouldn't you agree, Harry?"

I gave her a look. Ron started laughing. I noted an oaf of a werewolf leaning in the doorway, brows raised and him watching me expectantly. I gave him a look before looking back at Hermione who was gaining an amused expression.

"I've always thought Adrian Paul shirtless was more fetching," I stated dismissively before finishing my waffle.

A low, throaty growl reverberated through the room and I gave Ron an amused look. He shook with laughter. I shrugged, smiling.

And Anicetus said I couldn't frustrate him.


It was early morning when everyone started to head out except for Amar. Remus left first with Sirius, both going to the latter's family home to check and assist on its progressive cleaning that was taking place by the family house elf. Mira was the last to leave, winking at me as she left out the front door with a bright smile. Amar had brought down my research paper, notebook, and two pens, one red and the other black, to work on. Hermione arrived downstairs not an hour and a half later having slept in just as I was finishing the Indian snack Bhel Poori.

"So what's on the menu tonight?" she asked as she entered the kitchen slowly, Isa wrapped about her shoulders, Nitya and Crookshanks at her feet.

"Well the snack is done now," I replied, pointing to the finished food. "We already have the crudités with Lemon-Pested Goat Cheese Dip done and ready to be served at a later time and will suit Italian food addiction for now."

"What else?" she asked, leaning against the bar, tossing a long braid back over her shoulder.

"Remus likes Mediterranean so I thought Radicchio Salad with Oranges and Olives," I answered with a bright smile. "Sirius mentioned in passing that he had developed quite a liking for Moroccan food before going to Azkaban so I'm thinking Arugula and Mint Salad with Oil-Cured Black Olives, Oranges, and Ricotta Salata. The main dish is Greek and is a Spit Roasted Leg of Lamb with Preserved Lemon, Saffron, Olive, and Vinairette."

"And dessert?" Amar asked with surprise as he looked up from my paper, smiling in bemusement.

"Buttermilk Panna Cotta with Berries and Vanilla Sabayon."

"You have possessed my heart utterly, my little one," he stated with the largest smile he could muster. "There is no one, but you."

"Of course not," I laughed in mischief. "Why would there be when you've told me I make this dessert even better than Mira?"

"We were to never mention that," he chuckled mischievously. "She'd be heartbroken."

"No, she wouldn't," I laughed. "She'd become competition."

"That Greek dish isn't for someone very important, is it?" Hermione teased, drawing my attention to her with a glower.

"You shush," I growled. I brightened, ignoring the correlation between the dish and a certain werewolf. "I've never made anything Greek before." I looked at the top of the cabinets and saw a box of peppermint. "Darn werewolf."

"Don't even think of climbing onto that counter, little one," Amar warned lightly, humor lacing his voice. "I'll punish you with more Algebra and Geometry."

"That's cruel," I stated, pouting at the box as Hermione patted me on the arm in sympathy.

"Which reminds me," Amar drawled, rising to his feet and instantly reappeared to have moved everything to the bar, him sitting in a stool calmly.

"Here we go," I muttered, rolling my eyes.

"I was going to ask if you wanted to take your graduation test this October instead of in the spring. Your mathematical and English skills are quite up to par. I think you'll do very well."

"Are you sure I should try my hand at the test this early?" I asked with sudden unease, feeling terribly uncertain.

"My little one, you surpass most even at your age in both subjects," he stated matter-of-factly. "Due to your constant want to learn things, you have made your way through many levels in each. Besides, I taught you your skills in English. I am sure of your passing in that topic. I've learned that much from reading your papers."

"Math's a toss up though," I followed with a glower. "You said so yourself the other day that I'm a bit behind in Algebra."

"You're doing college level Algebra, little one," he stated with impatience. "Of course you'd be a bit behind. It's not the same as they teach it in the younger years."

"I think you should do it, Harry," Hermione inserted with a supportive tone. "It'd be good for you. If you want, I can try to do it too. I'm sure Dumbledore would allow it. I mean, shouldn't muggleborn's have the right to have something to fall back onto after graduating in the wizarding world?" She grew thoughtful. "It's too bad that the wizarding world schools just focus on wizarding when we live in a time where having both worlds' education would indefinitely benefit both societies."

"I see a new idea springing forth," I chuckled as I went to the fridge and pulled out a bag of leafy spinach and opened it, eating a bit while watching Hermione grab the notebook Amar had and the black pen and started writing in it hastily.

"It's amazing what she comes up with during our discussions," Amar noted with an affectionate smile toward the younger girl. "She could literally change our entire world with the progression of her ideas." He turned a thoughtful gaze at me. "We should inform Lord Dalca of a potential."

Hermione paused, looking between the both of us in confusion. "What do you mean by a potential?"

"I think we should adopt you into our clan, little lioness," Amar replied seriously.

"A-adopt?" she asked, her eyes wide with shock.

"It would benefit our clan with someone of your intelligence," Amar explained. "Our Lord would be happy at the new ideas that you are developing. You could do many things with our clan's help." He smiled. "Do not worry. You'll be considered of the Singh family, little lioness. We do not want you harmed by the others in the clan. Surendra, bless my little one's heart, would not allow it nor would Mira or I."

"Are you sure?" she asked in puzzled surprise. "I do not wish to be a burden upon your family or the clan."

"Never a burden, little lioness," Amar reassured with a smile, "you are a light among dark times. We all need your light. You will make us stronger by your ideas alone."

"Hermione, really, you're never a burden," I chuckled, amused by her idea of herself. "I've told you before, you may be a Know-It-All, but you're my Know-It-All. It can be a hassle living with a Devika, my lioness, but I love you nonetheless like a sister I never had. You're my mate and nobody will change that."

Her eyes shimmered with tears as she launched herself at me a moment later, "I love you, too, you big goof."

"I told you she wanted me," I told Amar jokingly.

She punched me in the chest lightly, wiping at her eyes furiously, smiling, "Gross."

"You fancy me, I know you do," I pointed out playfully, dancing away from another punch.

"I do not," she argued back just as playfully, laughing.

"Let's get the desert ready," I chuckled, starting to collect the ingredients.

After a few hours, Sirius and Remus returned. Hermione and I were practicing glamour spells on one another, trying to get a specific look. Several times we ended up making each other look like the Crow. We both looked up after canceling our spells to see the two watching us with amusement.

"What are you two up to?" Remus asked, eyeing the both of us suspiciously.

"Nothing," Hermione answered instantly.

"We're about to make dinner though," I followed, smiling while getting to my feet.

"And it'll be a great treat," Hermione added with a grin.

"Isn't all the cooking in this house a great treat?" Sirius remarked as he went to sit down at the table.

"Don't get scrappy," I muttered as I retrieved the snack for Remus and him.

Then I went to start both the salads with the amazing help of Hermione. Before too long, I started on the lamb, knowing Mira and Anicetus would be showing soon. It wasn't too long after the table was set and everything was ready when they both entered, laughing about something or another.

Mira gave me a quick hug after showing me the bottle of white wine she purchased. She went to go and open it as Anicetus leaned down to sniff my neck. He licked and then nipped before pulling me into a kiss.

"You smell too much like Hermione," he murmured.

I pulled away from him, smiling cheekily, "That's because Hermione and I decided to elope come morning."

He laughed, "Oh, I'm sure that'll last."

"Just wait," I chuckled. "You'll see."

"Sure I will," he growled, pulling me over to a chair that he sat down in before yanking me into his lap. "And you'll no doubt be separated within the following week due to some silly argument. I see that forever is quite not like you imagined in this case."

I paused, looking at him. "I'm supposed to be the sarcastic one here. Not you."

"I didn't get that memo," he replied, chuckling. He put his chin on my shoulder. "Is that lamb I smell?"

"Yes," I answered happily. "I've never cooked lamb before so if you decide on any criticism refer to Amar."

"And why should I refer to him?" he asked, confused.

"Ask," I told him seriously.

"Amar, why should I not criticize the little coyote's cooking?" he asked, turning his attention to the vampire that turned to give me a dark look.

"Blood and vinegar," he replied seriously. "That is all you need to know." He gave the werewolf a pointed expression. "Only Mira is truly allowed to criticize."

Anicetus turned back at me with a mildly surprised expression. Amar and I never stooped to pranking one another. What I did was out of character. Mind you, I was a tad bit distraught and unreasonable when I did the deed. I told Anicetus this primarily because I had outgrown such reactions.

But he didn't need to know that last part of the outgrowing thing.

Dinner started and we all sat down. I tried to sit between Amar and Mira, but Hermione beat me to it. Instead I sat right between the two werewolves. Dwarfed by the looks of things. I scowled as Hermione glanced at me before covering her mouth with her hand, shaking and emitting squeaks of laughter.

"Yes, yes," I grumbled, "I look like a dwarf compared to these two ninnies."

"I'm not a ninny, I'll have you know," Remus stated matter-of-factly as he looked at me with amused eyes.

"Do you even know what a ninny is, Uncle Remy?" I asked with raised brows.

"Well, no, but--"

"I rest my case," I chuckled.

He pursed his lips and gave me a pointed look as Amar shook with silent laughter. Mira rolled her eyes as Hermione just shook even more with laughter. Anicetus placed his at the back of my neck and squeezed gently.

"I know what that means and I'm here to say that I am definitely not a ninny," he stated frankly.

"So says you," I replied, turning to look at him seriously.

"Suren--"

"Ani, give up," Hermione giggled. "He's trying to get a rise out of you and you're letting him. He does the same thing to Percy, Ron's older brother."

"I see," Anicetus grumbled, rolling his eyes.

"Gee, thanks Hermione," I muttered, "I almost got him all riled up."

He removed his hand from my neck and instead put it on my knee, "You can rile me up later, luv."

I rolled my eyes, "Moving onto the eating portion of this program."

Two hours later after a wonderful dinner, we cleaned up and retired to the living room. Anicetus was reading while I leaned against him as we sat on the couch. His arm was looped with mine while I traced patterns into his palm, listening absently to the conversation between the others. Hermione leaned back against my legs, reading one of her textbooks quietly, pausing to write down notes in the notebook beside her.

Remus and Sirius were discussing the latter's family home and the heavy cleaning needed before it was sanitary with Mira and Amar inserting their thought's on the matter. Amar was still reading through the research paper, adding notes of red words filled with criticism. I ignored it in lieu with my current fascination with Anicetus's hand.

Finally, I took back my arm, freeing his hand, and nudged Hermione. She looked up inquiringly. Her eyes filled with a touch of surprise.

"Want to go for a walk?" I asked, filling slightly restless all of a sudden.

"Sure," she replied with a questioning glance again.

She got up and put her book and notebook on the table to retrieve later. I got to my feet, feeling Anicetus lightly brush his hand across the small of my back in a comforting gesture. Hermione and I both left together, heading out into the starlit street, walking companionably.

"Are you all right?" she asked, taking my hand into her own.

"Yeah, just needed to walk," I replied, smiling at her. "I'm going to miss you."

"I'll write to you daily," she promised, smiling at my odd behavior.

"Just isn't the same," I stated softly. "I'm going to miss just hanging out, goofing off, and having fun with you. You're kind of like my security blanket against the world."

She laughed, "I've recently realized that. Are you sure you don't want to come to Hogwarts this year?"

"I'll be fine," I dismissed quickly and sheepishly. "I'm just being silly."

"But that's why we all love you," she giggled, leaning into me. "And do not worry. I'm sure you'll find someone else to protect you from the Big Bad Wolf."

"Funny that you mention that," I chuckled, "you're the only one that keeps him in line."

"You'll be fine," she reassured me. "Better than fine, I suspect."

"You suspect much," I chuckled in a low voice. "None of that reassures me however."

"You're just being an uptight prat," she told me matter-of-factly. "I don't know why you don't just call the war over already. You're obviously falling for him despite all your protests."

"Aren't you supposed to be on my side?" I asked, laughing incredulously.

"Oh, no," she laughed, eyes glittering. "I'm not on anybody's side. I have my own side."

"Please don't tell me you want me too?" I whined, looking at her with pleading eyes.

"Ew," she replied, sticking out her tongue in distaste.

"Thank goodness," I breathed happily. "I can't deal with the bookworm chasing me as well. It'd piss him off royally that I'd pick you, my foxy girl."

She poked me in the ribs, laughing, "Of course that would be quite the problem, wouldn't it? He'd never be able to get in between us."

"Neither would Theo," I stated, sidestepping the punch she tried to land on me following my words.

"Would you leave it alone," she hissed, eyes narrowed.

"He's nice enough, my lioness," I remarked casually, heading toward the swings, sitting down in one.

"His father is a suspected Death Eater," she whispered in my ear. "He could end up getting himself killed for any relationship with me."

"I'm sure he knows that," I replied, looking at her with surprise. "I'm sure he's thought of all the consequences, but if he wants to, perhaps--"

"Perhaps nothing," she hissed. "I don't want anyone killed because of an association with me."

"My feelings exactly," I murmured.

"Ani can take care of himself, you know?" she questioned softly in my ear.

"I don't want anyone hurt because of me," I murmured.

She gave me a sympathetic smile before brightening, "Let's play tag."

I started laughing, "Are you serious?"

"Yes," she laughed, pulling me to my feet and tugging me toward the forest. "Come on. It'll be fun." She giggled. "When do we ever get to really play tag at Hogwarts?"

"I'm not even sure that the wizarding world even knows what tag is," I laughed.

"Then we must not lose focus," she giggled, completely serious. "Come on, let's go."

I laughed as I followed her into the forest, enjoying her presence greatly. When Hermione was being playful, everything was fine. It was refreshing to have her around. It was like capturing a childhood I never had.

Chasing her back and forth for almost two hours, I had almost too much fun. We raced out of the forest, stumbling after one another, covered in twigs and leaves. Laughing, we both collapsed into the house, landing on one another and wrestling. We stopped after a few minutes, gasping for breath and relaxing.

"I'd like to know just one thing," I chuckled breathily.

"What?" she asked, pausing to look at me.

"Why are you always the top?" I asked in a quite serious tone.

It took all of one second before we both burst into a fit of laughter. She laid her head on my shoulder and sighed after pausing to close the front door with a mild kick. I let out a breathy chuckle, relaxing.

I started singing nursery rhymes making Hermione start laughing. She pushed off of me and got to her feet.

"Tag," she giggled. "You're it."

Notes:

Another chapter. I hope you enjoyed it. The threat of a hard on... yeah, that came absolutely out of nowhere. No se. It was an idle threat, just so you all know. Harry has a bit more modesty than that.

Now it's time to get to the real juicy bit of the story... yay! And to those comments from all of you, thanks. I'm glad you're enjoying this story. I was surprised how many like it. I will get back to answering, but right now it is bedtime. So I bid you peace out.

LEAVE COMMENTS! (they do help)

And to Pisces199, I'll get back to you as soon as I can.