Chapter 12 – Susan

The new week started with a surprise when the students filtered into the Great Hall at breakfast. A new person was sitting at the staff table and it was someone that a few of them knew, Tonks. Harry caught her eye and she smirked and gave a little wave before continuing to eat. He went and sat between Hermione and Ginny and the table was already buzzing about the pretty young witch at the staff table. For the day, Tonks had toned down her usual punk flair and instead opted for blond hair with just a bit of pink highlights. Ginny was the one who voiced the most likely possibility.

"I wonder if the Ministry sent her to teach DADA? An Auror would certainly be better qualified than Umbridge and better than our past professors, except maybe for Professor Lupin."

Harry nodded, agreeing that Ginny's guess was the most likely. When Dumbledore stood toward the end of the meal, he briefly introduced the new Professor Tonks and confirmed what they had already surmised. In the wake of Umbridge's arrest, the Ministry had yielded to Madam Bones' suggestion of an Auror to take the position, and had allowed her to assign the person of her choosing. Harry personally thought that he would have to thank Madam Bones. Having Tonks in the castle would make their Occlumency lessons easier, plus he knew that Tonks would actually teach students to realistically defend themselves. Unfortunately, he didn't have DADA until the next day, so he would have to wait to talk to the new professor.

The rest of the day went by normally with the usual sniping from Malfoy and harassment from Snape being the only sour notes. Harry made up for it by having Dobby help him take a walk with Luna around the lake before dinner. Although she was a bit difficult to understand at times, Luna was incredibly sweet and as smart as Hermione. During their walk, she talked a good bit about her mother, as well as the accident that had killed her and injured Luna in the process. Her father had never been the most grounded, but losing his wife had been too much and he disconnected from reality even more afterward, often leaving his daughter alone to fend for herself. It gave Harry a unique perspective to understand Luna and why she was the way she was. When their walk finished, Dobby delivered them unseen to a side hall near the library and they exited so that it appeared they had just been in the library studying. They met up with Hermione and Ginny along the way, further eliminating anyone of suspecting a new romance might be blooming.

The following day brought the much awaited first DADA class with Professor Tonks. When Harry and Hermione entered, she was perched on her desk at the front of the class, legs swinging. Her hair was pinker than it had been before and she was wearing the modern cut half robes that were popular with Aurors and duelists for freedom of movement. She gave off a hip, cool vibe. Once everyone found their seats, she gave a brief welcome speech and was about to proceed when a hand in the back of the classroom stopped her.

"Yes, Miss…?"

"Abbott mam, Hannah Abbott. I was just wondering when you were going to take attendance? I have a friend in the hospital wing and I'll need to take her assignments."

"Yes, I was informed about Miss Tinker's accident. Thank you for collecting her assignments. As for attendance, every classroom in the castle has a charm on the door that is tied to my student sheet and will mark your attendance. Professors who call roll do it so that they can become familiar with faces. Truthfully, having to remember twenty plus names all run together doesn't work for me. We'll all come to know each other as the class progresses. Now, about your books. The books Madam Umbridge had you purchase are useless. I've got another lot of books on order with actual defensive techniques explained. After discussion with the board and Ministry, these will be paid for by the school since you've already bought the other books. You will have to return them at the end of the year, unless you wish to purchase and keep them. Now, I've reviewed what you've studied so far on defense and it has been haphazard at best. I want to get a better feel for what you actually know, so we are going to spend the day with a round of dueling. In these duels I want you to only use stinging and tickling hexes offensively. You may use whatever defensive methods you wish. Everyone on your feet, let's begin!"

Everyone quickly stood and soon found their desks swept to the sides of the room. Tonks split them up evenly in an apparent random pattern, although Harry noticed she separated houses and friendships as much as possible. Once the first round of duels was complete, she took the winners and paired them off, then repeated it again as the group was whittled down. Hermione was one of the last six, but then she slipped and Dean got a lucky stinging hex in on her. The next round left only three combatants, so Tonks had Harry sit out and wait for the winner from the other two. Dean just barely came out ahead and then faced off against Harry, who everyone had already seen was by far the best of the group. Dean barely had time to duck the first curse before a barrage hit him and he was down, laughing as three tickling hexes hit him. Tonks applauded and stepped forward.

"Very good Mister Potter, ten points to Gryffindor. Now everyone, let's talk about what you learned during your duels and while watching others duel…"

"The rest of the class was spent in animated discussion of various techniques, with all class members allowed to equally voice opinions while Tonks helped to elaborate on the usefulness or risk that the techniques carried. By the time class dismissed, everyone was excited about their upcoming year in DADA and hoped their new professor would be staying. As the class began to leave, Tonks held Harry and Hermione back. As Harry stepped over to her desk, he saw a class list with notes and numbers beside each person. Harry grinned. He had thought she was testing them.

"Yes Harry, our exercise today had a secondary motive of allowing me to get a feel for everyone's capabilities. I am trying not to be biased by prior friendships, but you are by far the stand out in the class. I won't single you out every day, but some days I may ask you to assist me. Especially if we have odd numbers. I have personally found that helping others is a great way to hone my own skills. Will you be alright with that?"

Harry readily agreed and then he and Tonks began to discuss her plans for the next class, where she would start with shielding techniques. She already knew that Harry had above average shielding from watching him and Hermione practice over the summer, so Harry was going to alternate practicing with those in the class who seemed to be struggling. While he and Tonks talked, Hermione sat down to do some homework. While she worked, she watched her boyfriend and their new professor working together. They had a shared passion for the subject and it was hard to believe at times that there was nearly seven years age difference between them. Of course, Harry had always been quite mature because of the way he was raised. As he and Tonks worked through the class list, her idea of adding Tonks to their group was reinforced. She knew the young Auror got along with the other witches, and she and Harry definitely seemed compatible. Having her as a professor would complicate things. Well, Tonks would be the last they would try and she would think about how to work it out.

After a half hour or so of discussion with Tonks, Harry and Hermione left the classroom and retreated back to the library, where the others soon joined them as their various classes finished.

The rest of the week passed quickly with the workload of OWL year starting to make its presence known. Harry and Hermione continued with their morning runs, but knew it wouldn't be long before the Scottish weather drove them indoors. In addition, the Room of Requirement conjured up a well-equipped weight room that they used a couple of times a week. Ginny and Luna joined them for morning runs most mornings, but the others weren't up for waking that early. All of the group though found the weight training interesting and Harry and Hermione eagerly passed on what they had learned from Craig.

As for personal relationships, Harry had taken time with each of the girls as he could, but Hermione was the one who he saw the most. They snogged a fair bit in the late evenings, but each was missing their intimacy. On Friday night he decided that she needed her own date night since he hadn't taken her on a walk like the others had enjoyed. With Dobby's help, he made sure the Room of Requirement was ready and led his first girlfriend to it after they finished their afternoon studies. As soon as they stepped in the room, Hermione was smiling. Harry had specified the room in detail and now he led her to a table for two under low hanging antique glass lamps. The table was dressed to perfection with silver and crystal. As soon as they were seated, Dobby appeared wearing a full waiter's tux. He carried a bottle of white wine that he opened and let breathe while they talked. The rest of the meal passed in languid splendor as they took their time to work through a fantastic five course French menu. At the end, they both praised Dobby, who looked like he would burst the buttons on his shirt.

With dinner complete, Harry had been unsure about his next idea, but figured that Gryffindors charge forward. With that in mind, the room filled with the sounds of music and he took Hermione to a small dance floor that had appeared. He still was not great at dancing, but reveled in just being able to hold Hermione to him. They whispered lightly to each other as they circled the floor slowly and Harry thought he was in heaven. He liked and cared for the other girls, but this was his Hermione.

As the dancing wound down, they parted just a bit and then came together in a drowning kiss that consumed them both. When they separated for air, Harry was surprised that the room had changed again without his direction. Then he saw the smirk that Hermione gave him and realized where the design for the elaborate bedroom that they now stood in had come from. Taking her hint, he pulled her close and kissed her again as his hands began to wander and soon unzipped the back of the simple black dress that she had worn for the evening. She was not idle as his shirt came untucked and his buttons undone. The music had started again and they move lazily around the room to the simple tune while clothes were discarded and a hundred light kisses met any bare skin that lips could find. When Harry began to kiss her breasts, Hermione moaned and led them back to the bed. Once there, she laid back and gave him a saucy smile that told him exactly what she wanted. Grinning, he dropped his trunks and then crawled over her. As their lips met again, he slowly entered her, savoring her moan of delight that met his lips. While his body screamed for release, Harry held back and set a slow pace, much like that of their dance. He built up the pleasure until his love was begging for more. At that point, he sat back and pulled her legs up as he drove himself deeper and gradually sped up just a bit. The change in position was perfect as Hermione soon threw her head back to whimper through her first orgasm. Surprisingly, Harry found himself holding out as he continued to work her. As she neared her second crescendo, he felt the burning pressure that signaled his own release and joined her as a mutual wave of ecstasy embraced them both. As the tremors faded from their bodies, they collapsed together in delightful bliss.

Sometime later that night Harry woke to the feel of his lover's hand working him back to full hardness. He still had enough presence of mind to grab his wand and cast a tempus, finding that it was well after curfew. Hermione was busy running her fingers through the small thatch on his chest and leaned up to kiss him before completely surprising him.

"I know what time it is Harry and I don't care. I've missed sleeping in your arms."

Harry groaned, but then thought of a solution as he called for Dobby. The elf appeared, but had his hat pulled down to cover his eyes, causing the young lovers to laugh.

"Dobby not be wanting to intrude on Lord Harry and his love. Dobby not be seeing anything. What can Dobby be doing for master?"

"We're going to stay here tonight Dobby, but we need to make sure no one knows. Can you help?"

"Oh yes! Dobby go and charm your beds so no one knows you is missing."

With that the elf popped out and Harry returned his attention to the witch who had just crawled down to kiss his weeping cock. Smiling, he surrendered to his love.

It was mid-morning the following day before the young couple had Dobby pop them back to their dorms, after a lazy breakfast in bed. Since it was Saturday, Ron was sleeping in as usual, but Harry's other dorm mates were already gone. Hermione had her own dorm free so that no one noticed her late 'awakening' when she appeared from behind her drawn bed curtains.

After a bit of studying, the Gryffindors joined their other friends at lunch and everyone knew that there was nervous tension. The day was designated for Hermione's talk with Susan about possibly joining the coven. While she and Susan talked, the others except Harry were due to continue research with some books that Hermione had recently received from the headmaster. Harry meanwhile had Quidditch practice. Lunch passed quickly and Harry gave Hermione a fortifying kiss as they all got up to leave the table. The Hufflepuffs were also getting ready to leave and Hermione went to wait just outside the door of the Great Hall. Thankfully, Susan was only with Hannah and Laura, so the audience was less as Hermione stepped forward.

"Hi Susan! I was wondering if you had a moment to talk? I want to double check something with our Runes homework."

"Sure Hermione. Han, Laura, you go on ahead. I'll see you outside in a bit."

Once the other two witches had left, Hermione led Susan into a nearby classroom and began casting heavy privacy wards all around. Susan's eyes grew large as she continued.

"Alright Hermione, what gives? Certainly not Runes homework."

"No, something infinitely more important. I need to ask you something first though and I want you to be completely honest. Don't worry about me being upset. How do you feel about Harry?"

"What? I don't…"

"Please Susan, honestly."

"Okay, well, Harry is great. He's definitely at the top list of eligible wizards for our year. Maybe one or two from the older years are equal to him. I know this isn't news to you though. I suppose I had a crush on him last year. Then this summer I got to see more of him. He really hates the fame and such, but he does what he has to, what is right. He embodies a lot of the qualities of a fairy tale knight without trying. If he wasn't with you, I'd be happy to date him, if he would have me. But anyone who knows the two of you knows who has had his heart for years."

"Thanks for being candid Susan. I wish Harry and I had seen what everyone else did sooner. Now I have another question that may be a bit shocking but will also probably start to clue you on where my thoughts are going. What is your opinion of multiple marriages within wizard society?"

"Damn…sorry. So you're looking for a second wife maybe for him? Look, the idea is not that difficult. I have to tell you though that I am probably looking for a consort contract if I can. I made my peace with the idea maybe a year ago. I am the last of the Bones line and we are a Most Ancient and Noble house like the Potters, Blacks and a couple of others. I don't want the line to end and I am the last Bones since I don't think Aunt Amy will ever marry. I also know that it means that I will have to be happy with a comfortable relationship, versus a loving marriage. You're muggleborn, so I know the idea is probably strange."

"Actually, at the beginning of summer it might have been, but I've been studying more about pureblood traditions. What I am about to tell you next is as much as I can tell you until we can verify that you have good mental shields. Still, I need your oath that even what we discuss here will not go further."

Susan seemed momentarily shocked and then nodded as she drew her wand. Hermione led her in the oath and then continued as she explained about Harry being the one to defeat Voldemort and needing help to do so. Then she explained about her research into covens and her decision to form a seven person coven, including those who had already agreed. By the end, Susan was beyond stunned and Hermione gave her a couple of minutes to contemplate. Finally, Susan was able to reply.

"Alright, wow, I had not expected all that. I suppose the idea that it has to be Harry to take care of Voldemort isn't too surprising with everything that has happened to him though. Still, we're taught that covens are dark magic. I can understand what you are saying about why that idea has been perpetuated. I have to admit, the idea of being with Harry in a consort contract is appealing. I know he would treat me well. You mentioned a relationship with other witches and being open as well. I can't say I have much experience, but I have experimented a bit. Gods, this just seems crazy to consider. Still, it is intriguing. Look, I don't think I can answer right now. I appreciate you deciding on me. I understand now that you've been testing and analyzing us throughout the summer. Can I have time to think on it?"

"Of course. This is a major decision. Thanks for considering it. Also, I have some books that I'll loan you with information that might help. When you are ready, let me know. We won't move forward with our seventh member until you have."

Susan nodded and thanked her as Hermione dissolved the privacy wards and they stepped out of the room and separated. Rather than join her two friends, Susan decided to take a walk outside by herself to think about all that Hermione had told her. Meanwhile, Hermione went outside to watch Quidditch practice. Ginny was there, as well as Luna, and she briefly mentioned that Susan was still considering the proposal. Both seemed fine with that, after all such a big decision shouldn't be made quickly.

After practice, Harry flew over to give Hermione a passionate kiss. He looked at the other two and wanted to kiss them as well, but settled instead for two quick blown kisses with his back turned to anyone else that may be watching. Then he left for the showers, which Hermione assured him he needed.

That night was designated to be a special night with Harry for Luna. He had contemplated a dinner like he had done for Hermione, but Luna needed something different. So, she ate with him and others at the Gryffindor table and then the two supposedly went their own separate ways. In actuality, Dobby popped them up to the top of the astronomy tower for his surprise for her.

The night was perfect, with just a bit of a chill and wonderfully clear with all of the stars visible, as well as the Milky Way. A blanket was laid out with flower petals scattered on it and a bottle of champagne set with a chilling charm. While the tower was popular with couples, Dobby had worked his elf magic to set a repelling charm on the lower stairs so that no one would disturb them. Luna may not seem to be the most romantic, but even she squealed a little bit when she saw the setting. Harry then pulled her to him and kissed her gently before helping her to sit on the blanket. The champagne was poured and they sipped it lightly as Luna leaned against Harry and they spent an hour or so just talking. As they each finished a glass of champagne, Harry called for Dobby and his next surprise appeared, complete with Dobby's usual style. Arrayed in front of them were seven crystal bowls, each with a different type of pudding. Luna seemed awestruck for a full minute before turning to Harry and kissing him thoroughly. Then she picked a bowl and began to sample. She alternated taking spoonfuls and feeding spoonfuls to Harry as she savored each. The bowls weren't large, but by the end they were both more than full as they laid back on the blanket to cuddle. As they did, an invisible Dobby appeared to clear the empty bowls away.

After a few more minutes of passionate kisses, they realized that the time was getting late and reluctantly decided to end the evening and call for Dobby. Harry wished Luna a good night just as the elf took her back to a hallway not far from the Ravenclaw tower. Seconds later, the elf returned for Harry and deposited him near Gryffindor. Harry thanked Dobby once again and then made his way to the common room with a grin on his face.

The new week dawned and Susan continued to contemplate Hermione's proposal. Meanwhile, the usual schedule of classes and homework continued. Hermione thought it was a bit surreal in a way. One moment she would be focused on her schoolwork like any schoolgirl and the next she was planning the downfall of a dark lord and building a coven.

The usual routine was broken on Monday afternoon when Harry received a summons to the headmaster's office. He thought that perhaps Dumbledore had new information to share, but when he arrived, he was surprised to see Madam Bones waiting with Dumbledore. She saw his confusion and addressed him as soon as he took the seat that the headmaster offered.

"Good afternoon Lord Potter. I have some news that I thought would be better delivered in person. It will be in the Prophet tomorrow and I thought you should have advance warning."

With that, Madam Bones stepped forward and handed Harry a couple of sheets of parchment. He looked them over for a minute and began to grin as he became aware of the import of what he was holding. One parchment was an official acquittal for Sirius on all charges, with trial deemed as 'unnecessary due to corroborating evidence'. The other parchment was a warrant for the arrest of Peter Pettigrew. The description on the warrant was even updated with his animagus information, as well as his silver hand. Harry jumped up and let out a small whoop before reaching to shake Madam Bones' hand.

"This is fantastic! Thank you so much! I had thought this would take longer and would need an actual trial."

"Well, that was considered, but given the flimsy evidence to begin with, combined with your memory, the judicial committee of the Wizengamot preferred to take care of this in an expedited manner. I will say that the fact that the heir of House Black had this perpetrated on himself greatly upset the committee. The Minister isn't entirely happy, but now he's ready to pin the blame on his predecessor so that's mollifying him somewhat."

"Now if he would just believe me about Voldemort's return."

"Well, that would mean big problems for him and Cornelius is a man who doesn't like problems, big or small. Anyway, your memory was viewed by the committee, as well as several senior Aurors and I can guarantee that not everyone will stay silent. Personally I am doing what I can with my current resources to increase training and recruiting. I wish I could do more, but without the Minister on board, I'm limited. I also am using your memory to focus attention on the persons named in the graveyard, even if they're behind masks. None are really a surprise, but this gives me a good reason to increase pressure on them. We may even find out where the Dark Lord has made his base."

"That sounds good. I know you are trying to do what you can. I've been getting some instruction in politics and I understand it a bit more than I used to at least. Can I ask a favor?"

"You can ask. Depending on what it is, I might be able to help."

"If you find out anything about the Dark Lord's current location, can you let me know?"

"Really? I know you are skilled for your age, but I hardly think you are ready to raid the Dark Lord's base."

"Mister Potter, I really think you need to focus on the other items we've discussed…"

Harry turned and looked at Dumbledore, setting his jaw firmly.

"I understand headmaster, and those items are being addressed. Madam Bones, I have no intention of raiding Voldemort's base. Yet. I simply want to stay informed. He seems to have an unnatural interest in myself especially."

"Alright, I'll keep you informed if I can, as long as it doesn't jeopardize our operations. I know Auror Tonks has been training you on Occlumency. How are your shields?"

"Tonks says that my shields are quite good, maybe only a handful of top Legilimens could break through. Of course, Voldemort is one. Except he would need to get eye contact with me for a good minute, which I don't intend to allow."

"Well that's good to know. It gives me a bit of comfort in regards to sharing information. I don't know what else you and Albus are working on, but if it can help us, please share information with me as well. You should know I'll be discreet."

"Of course, I'll think on that."

"Very well, that's all I have for now. The Prophet will have the news on the front page in the morning. Also, we are almost done gathering additional evidence on Dolores. She is under house arrest right now and not very happy about it. Due to the pending charges, her vault is also frozen. The trial should be in the next week or two and you will receive a summons beforehand."

With that final information, Madam Bones said goodbye and left via floo. Harry had a lot to think on, but first he needed to focus on Sirius. Dumbledore seemed to realize where his thoughts were.

"I take it that you would like to make a quick visit to give Sirius the news now?"

"Yes. Except first I want to tell Hermione. I'd like her to come along."

"I understand, but I can't authorize that without her parents' permission. Sirius is your godfather, so you can visit as family, but he is no relation to her."

Harry frowned. Why did he have to be so rigid sometimes? Oh well, he didn't have time to argue. At least the next weekend was a Hogsmeade weekend. Maybe Sirius could meet up with them then.

"Fine. May I at least floo to his house and deliver the news?"

"Yes, go ahead. One other matter before you do though. I have been quite busy with additional business over the last couple of weeks. I would like to meet with you on Sunday and discuss more of Tom Riddle's background like we discussed at the end of June."

Harry nodded in the affirmative and then proceeded to the fireplace, calling out number 12 Grimmauld Place as the flames turned green and he stepped through. Seconds later, he stumbled out into the sitting room and heard the familiar chime that alerted Sirius that he had a visitor. His godfather walked in shortly thereafter.

"Harry! Good to see you! But why? Is everything alright?"

"Yes, everything is fantastic! Madam Bones just visited me at school. The news will be in the Prophet in the morning. All charges against you have been cleared and a warrant is being put out for Peter."

Sirius stood staring at Harry in numb shock. He began to tremble a bit and Harry thought he might faint, so he stepped over and grabbed his godfather, leading him to a couch to sit. Then he turned to the nearby bar and poured a shot of firewhiskey. Sirius remained silent, but accepted the drink, downing it quickly. As his ears began to steam, he looked up at Harry and finally smiled.

"You did it pup! You got me cleared. I'm free!"

Sirius then found his feet and stood to embrace Harry. They stayed hugging for a full minute before Sirius released him.

"We need to celebrate! Can you stay?"

"I wish I could Sirius, but Dumbledore only allowed me to come briefly and he wouldn't let me bring Hermione. She still hasn't heard. Next weekend is a Hogsmeade weekend. I thought maybe we could celebrate then?"

"Brilliant! I'll arrange it with Rosie at the Broomsticks. Bring anyone you want."

Sirius still seemed in a bit of shock, so Harry gave him one more quick hug before going to floo back to the headmaster's office. Dumbledore spoke to him briefly and then Harry left to find Hermione and deliver the news to her.

Harry found Hermione with several of their friends in the library. Knowing that the news he wanted to deliver would not be conducive to the quiet that Madam Pince demanded within her domain, he asked to speak to her elsewhere. Seeing the grin on his face, Hermione couldn't refuse. Ginny and Luna decided to join them while Parvati and Padma stayed to continue studying. They didn't go far before finding an empty classroom to meet in. As soon as they entered, Harry grabbed Hermione and swung her around.

"Fantastic news Mione! Madam Bones came to tell me herself. Sirius is free!"

Hermione's small scream was echoed a second later by Ginny while Luna clapped in unison with them. Once Harry set Hermione down, she demanded details and he gave her the rest of the story, including the upcoming celebration at Hogsmeade that next weekend. Once everyone calmed down, they left for the Gryffindor common room to give Ron and the twins the news as well.

The rest of the week breezed by for Harry and his friends. Even Snape's usual remarks couldn't get Harry down. He also had dinner in the Room of Requirement with Daphne on Wednesday night. The meal was fabulous and then they retired to a comfortable lounge where they cuddled and talked, with kisses intermixed while they did. Hands wandered a bit, but nothing too far, as Daphne was still a bit more reserved than the others, despite the one unusual episode that she had participated in a week earlier when the other witches had been present. They discussed that and she admitted that something in the magic had been different then, although she was careful to reassure Harry that it was nothing against him. It did seem to be a portent for the future of the coven. The time was good though for Harry to get to understand her more as she dropped more of her ice shield and he learned more about her upbringing and why she appeared as she did.

Thursday morning saw another date of sorts when Ginny announced that she was going to go flying the next morning since she didn't have classes until ten. Harry also had his first class period free and she happily agreed to have him join her. What she didn't know was that he had made additional plans with Dobby as well. They met in the common room and then headed out into the brisk morning. The Quidditch pitch was still glistening with early morning dew as they began a few laps and then worked on some trickier maneuvers. It felt good to have the wind blow in their faces, and they enjoyed a friendly competition as they tried to out fly each other. Once they were both chilled and out of breath, Harry waved Ginny down and they landed in the center of the pitch. Once there, he called for Dobby and the elf appeared with everything that Harry had arranged for. Soon he and Ginny were seated on a blanket radiating a warming charm while the happy elf served them a full breakfast spread. Ginny was surprised and thrilled as they enjoyed a private breakfast as the sun came over the hill and began to warm the pitch. Once they were done eating, Dobby disappeared with the dishes and they still had enough time to lay back on the blanket and snog for a bit before having to return to the castle.

Later that day, Tonks rescheduled her Saturday lesson with them for Thursday night in deference to the Hogsmeade gathering on Saturday. When she arrived for the lesson, all of her Occlumency students were starting to meditate. She quickly halted the exercises and had another plan for the evening.

"Alright everyone, time for a pop quiz of sorts. I need to see where everyone is at. Harry and Hermione have been tutoring with me for the longest, but the others have some experience from your families. I might as well start with Harry. I'm going to give you three tests. First, I'll try to read you with warning. Second, I'll read you without warning at some point while we duel. Third, I want you to try to read me and then I will use your attempt to rebound back on you. You have five seconds to prepare, starting now!"

Harry took a deep breath and sunk behind his shields, which he already had up and ready. He was starting to check them when he felt something crash into them. Then the intruder backed off, only for Harry to almost immediately feel something new, a more subtle probing, like a knife looking for entry. He was happy that he was able to repel the probing without expending too much effort.

"Very good Harry. And you don't look too much the worse for wear. Now, I'm not the strongest Legilimens, but you should hold up given the little effort that took you. Now, let's duel…"

Harry and Tonks soon took up their familiar dueling positions as they began a heated battle around the classroom. A bit over a minute in, Harry felt a small probe that got more insistent. It took more effort to repel the attempt while dueling and he got clipped by a stinging hex once, but he maintained his shields.

"Alright Harry, let's stop here. I don't want to wear myself out. You slowed a bit while keeping the shields up, but not bad. Something to practice. Now, I know we haven't done much with this next exercise, but you know the principal of legilimency versus occlumency. Go ahead and try to read me."

Harry nodded and sent a searching probe at Tonks. He hadn't worked offensive mind arts as much as defensive, but he soon recognized the formidable barriers that his tutor had in place. Her unique skills seemed to translate to her barriers, which changed shape as he pushed against them. Then he was suddenly propelled away and was hit with her counter-attack. She almost slipped in, but he threw up his own shields and stopped her before she got further than his first layer of defenses. Tonks nodded and took a deep breath.

"Excellent. Better than I expected. Now, let me try Ginny. You've had the least training of anyone here. Maybe give me a break after Harry."

Tonks' tests with Ginny went well on the first and not bad on the second. On the third though, Tonks managed to get through her shields completely before being thrown out after seeing a few images. Still, she didn't do badly. After Ginny, Tonks took five minutes and a pepper up potion before moving on to Luna. The tests for Luna went even quicker since Tonks didn't even recognize what she did for shielding. However Luna's defenses were constructed, they were so foreign that the Auror couldn't even figure out how to penetrate them. After Luna it was Hermione's turn and she did almost as well as Harry, leaving Tonks wondering if she wanted to try Daphne. After a break and some chocolate she went ahead and Daphne was also quite good, although she slipped a bit during the duel. All told, everyone had shields ranking at least seven out of ten on an Auror scale. That put them all at a Junior Auror level, which indicated that they would be cleared for operative level intelligence, but not lead level intelligence if they were in the DMLE. They each had work to be done, but Harry quietly thought to himself that he would be able to share more information with the other coven members soon.

By the end of the testing, Tonks took another pepper up and declared the evening done. She was looking a bit worn, but the exercises had been quite helpful and everyone's morale was boosted.

The following day was Friday and saw everyone anxious for the end of classes. This was magnified by the upcoming Hogsmeade weekend that had the entire castle buzzing. As Hermione and Harry were leaving the Great Hall after lunch, Susan came alongside them and asked to talk. Hermione grinned and led the way, looking for an empty room that they could use. Once they found a space, she warded the room with heavy privacy wards and then turned to smile at the Hufflepuff.

"Alright Susan, I hope you don't mind all that. Better to be safe after all."

"Of course Hermione. Especially since you probably know what this is about. I've been giving a lot of thought to what we talked about. I've also read the material you gave me about the history of covens. It still seems strange after what I've learned, but I realize history is not always straightforward. This hasn't been an easy choice, especially since I know that you couldn't tell me everything yet. Still, I can see the potential power of the coven and if it will help defeat Voldemort, I think it's a more than worthy goal. It helps that I'm friendly with the others involved. Plus there's Harry. I don't think it will be a surprise if I said I've had a bit of a crush on him. I mean half the school probably has. Also, I have my family to think about. I want to carry on the Bones name. If this becomes something long term and I can get a consort contract, then that will be the best I could hope for. I know Harry would treat me well. So, I guess what I'm saying is that the pros outweigh the cons and I'm in. I have to ask though, Harry are you really sure about this?"

Harry smiled and reached to take Susan's hand.

"Yes Susan, I'm sure. I took some convincing myself, but I yielded to Hermione's immensely superior wisdom. I feel honored that each of you is offering this. I will do my best to always treat you fairly and appreciate each of you. I want to make sure you know though that Hermione will always be my first love. I believe I can come to love each of you, especially as our magic works together, but she is my Lady Potter."

"I understand. That is how it should be for a lord. Truthfully, what you are offering me is more than I could expect from almost anyone else. I know we are still early in all this, but if this does turn into something more permanent, then you will need to discuss this with Aunt Amy."

"I know. The plan right now is to perform the ritual on the winter solstice. We have time until then to research more and spend time together. If all develops as we intend, then I plan to talk to each head of house."

Susan nodded and Hermione stepped closer to take her other hand.

"Welcome then Susan. Since it's Friday night, we had all planned on meeting in the Room of Requirement after dinner. Dobby is going to serve dessert and we can spend time together. Harry has been making a point of trying to have dates with each of us, which I'm sure he'll do with you on your own soon, but if you come tonight you can get to know everyone more. Oh, we're also all going to meet at the Broomsticks tomorrow for lunch. Harry's godfather, Sirius Black, is celebrating the charges against him being clear."

"That sounds like fun on both accounts. This is all a bit awkward yet, but I know it will get better."

With the plans all made, Hermione gave Susan a hug and then Harry did as well. They then dissolved the privacy wards and separated to go to their afternoon classes.