A Revelation

Disclaimer: See Chapter 1 for Disclaimer and other pertinent information

Chapter 12

Hogwarts

They found the Security Wing hallway was next to the suite. Gunny and Anne had the first suite and the others were just down the hall. They had a large common room/meeting room. A portal led to a valley that held a firing range, weapons testing area, and a building for training classes, that included a large bathroom with showers. Gunny had a free hand to set it up any way he wanted.

Harry was surprised at how much better the castle looked with electric lights, but he was amazed at the Chamber of Secrets. The Chamber had a classroom, dueling room, running track, gym with showers, and a large swimming pool. Instead of two chambers, it was now one large one. Harry thought it was a ₲150,000 plus well spent.

26 July – First breakfast after Florida

Harry and Hermione joined Pomona, Minerva, Poppy Pomfrey, and Filius Flitwick at the head table.

"Good morning Professors."

"Good morning Harry, Hermione how was your trip?" Pomona asked.

"Enlightening and successful, it had several highlights the brightest was Remus Lupin was cured and has the ICW certified blood test results to prove it. He also learned how to cure others, Madam Pomfrey I didn't think to ask him if he could teach that to you, so you may want to get with him about it. I know it took him about 48 hours, but that may be based on how long he had the disease. The castle has a whole new look with the lights don't you think?" Harry asked liking the new look.

"Yes and it's a lot easier on the eyes when reading," Pomona said.

"How's the hiring coming along?" Harry asked letting his curiosity show.

"I only need one more for muggle studies. Arabella Figg, and her friend Megan Spencer, will teach that class but I'm still looking for a third," Pomona responded with a smile.

"Headmistress, please tell me you didn't tell her she could bring all of her cats into this school." Harry shuddered.

"No I didn't. Like everyone else, she's limited to one pet or familiar. She found good homes for the others. I owe her ₲5, since she bet that would be the first thing you asked." Pomona stated with a smile.

"Yes well being baby sat at her old place and surrounded by what seemed like a hundred cats wasn't a pleasant experience. Yes, I know there weren't that many. But at age four, counting wasn't the thing I did best. I'm pleased for her, she's a good lady with a heart of gold. Do we have any issues to discuss?" Harry asked hoping for the answer he would receive.

"Not really Aurora Sinistra says the DVDs she's seen are amazing and agrees that the class can be held in the day time. Harry just so you know the people you recommended were hired because they were the best applicants. I think your dream of making this the best school is off on the right foot and has a great chance to succeed." Pomona replied.

"Great. I have something for you, Professor McGonagall, and the Heads of House," Harry passed out a new version of the Map. "Tap it with your wand and say I swear I am up to good deeds."

After they did that, Harry said, "As you can see everyone is in the great hall. Now tap it and say search Gunny."

"That locates Gunny anywhere inside the school wards. You can search for all Ravenclaws or any other House or group of students. If you want to determine which broom closets are in use a simple search broom closets does that. Tapping an area and saying zoom will enlarge that area. Tapping the edge and saying zoom normal returns it to normal." Harry said as he taught them to use a modified Marauders map.

"That's a masterful bit of charm work Harry." Filius stated.

"The idea came from the old Marauders Map that is now retired. Hermione and I took the idea and added the search and zoom features. Lady Hogwarts provided the information on the castle which you see about one third of. She keeps the unused parts in stasis, and has them locked down until they're needed, but we can easily handle 1000 students. You may have noticed she locked down the dungeons. The new potions classrooms on the 7th floor are well lit and ventilated." Harry said with a smile.

"Yes we know, I tried to show Anne and Lisa the potions lab and to my surprise I couldn't get into the dungeons. Fortunately, Lady Hogwarts told me where they were. Imagine my surprise to hear a voice in my head. I almost wet myself and cursed you at the same time," Pomona replied trying not to giggle and succeeding.

"I'm truly sorry about that, but in my defense I was quite busy at the time," Harry said with a grin.

"It looks like the security force is settling in," Pomona remarked while watching the map.

"Yes, they're going to be learning the ends and outs of the castle and how to get from one spot to another rapidly. After Christmas, we should have another eight of their friends. Next summer we should top out at 51 including Gunny. It needs to be made clear to all their mission is to protect students, staff, and Hogwarts in that order. These men normally take no prisoners if they put someone down its very rare that person is able to get back up. Gunny is in a class by himself, and at least four of the others could make Mad Eye look like a wimp. If you look closely at the stripes on their sleeves, it will give you an indication of their skill level. However even that's misleading because some have specialties and others haven't been in the service long enough to gain the next rank." Harry conceded and sipped his water.

"Gunny was in the top one percent of all enlisted Marines. Their motto of "Semper Fidelius or Semper Fi, means Always Faithful. That and 'leave no one behind' are the codes they live by. Corporal Rogers says Gunny can make you feel lower than whale shit on the bottom of the ocean and never raise his voice. He also says that if Gunny says 'the Lord may have your soul but your ass is mine' that pain is a short time away. Master Sergeant Mitchell's favorite is 'your ass is grass and I'm the lawn mower'. Headmistress, these are battle hardened and extremely dangerous wizards. They may not act like it and will be friendly to a point, but when it comes to security they're all business." Harry told Pomona in a kind but still forceful way.

"Harry if Voldemort does come back, well even if he doesn't I'm glad they're here. I thought Albus should have done something long ago. There is no way two prefects can provide security it didn't even make for a good show. I suppose they'll have the right to give detentions and such?" Pomona asked indicating her support for the change.

"No they'll put students on report and let the Head of House deal with it. The doors to the common rooms will be locked down ten minutes after curfew. Anyone out after that gets to spend the night in a cell in the dungeon, a very unpleasant experience that they won't want to repeat." Harry said with an evil smile.

"Headmistress I've spent some time with the wives and they are trained in hand to hand combat as well as muggle weapons and wands. They're nowhere near the level of their husbands but I doubt if the Death Eater Inner Circle including Bellatrix LeStrange could take one of them," Hermione added.

After breakfast, Harry and Hermione took the team and their wives on a tour of the castle and grounds. They saved the Chamber of Secrets for last and gave them the password to use their portals. Gunny suggested an indoor pistol range since all guns had silencing charms so sound wasn't an issue. Harry called Dobby and Gunny told the little elf what was needed. They put it in the northwest corner on the wall that was nearest to Myrtle's bathroom.

They spent Harry's birthday at an amusement park then had a big dinner with the Minister and others invited. Hermione invited the Royal Family and was surprised when they appeared through a portal. The Royal Family was awed by the castle and Lady Hogwarts talking to Harry and Hermione. For the most part, they kept to Harry's request of only cards or small gifts except for the Firebolt from Sirius and Remus. Hermione gave him a gold chain with a medallion that had his coat of arms on it. The team went together and got him a full set of gear, his uniform had one star on it. Then they paid him a high complement and started calling him the old man. Then they had to explain it was a term of endearment not a slam. Anne told them they had other words not for mixed company they called a commander they didn't like or respect. Gunny whispered something to Mad Eye and got a smile and a nod.

Sirius and Remus met with the twins several times and they came to school two weeks early to get caught up for their past lack of study was the official reason. The Goblins located an older brother and younger sister of Myrtle's and split the money equally between them. Ragnok told Harry that they were relieved to find out what actually happened and thanked Harry for what he had done and the Goblins for the effort it took to find them. Ragnok added the two didn't seem all that interested in the money although it would make them more comfortable.

Harry began training with the team. He was a fair shot with a pistol but not great. However, he was deadly with an M4 carbine out to 400 yards. On full auto, it took him three days to learn to squeeze off 3 or 4 rounds and put at least two in the head of a dummy. Hermione took to the pistol and a recoilless shotgun like a moth to a flame. She let Harry know in no uncertain terms she would have his back along with Dora.

28 August 1993 – Hogwarts

As the new students and their families arrived, they were greeted by the Headmistress, Harry, and Hermione. When the last family arrived, they were all escorted to the Great Hall where the Headmistress introduced Harry and Hermione as the owners.

Harry started, "Welcome to, or back to, Hogwarts. This year brings many changes hopefully for the better. As I said, last year that this is a school and therefore it's a place of learning. As such, there is no place for bullying or bigotry. If you don't like these policies there is the door, it opens out. Hermione, the Headmistress, and I have gone to a lot of trouble and great expense to try to provide the best for the students and therefore demand your best effort in return. Everyone here today has read and signed the paperwork, well at least signed it. Would the security team please stand. Miss Tonks is my Director of security her second in command Sergeant Major Gunny Powers a retired United States Marine. His team is all former US Marines. When it comes to security what they say goes period," Harry paused a moment.

"As I told the Headmistress, these men are all battle-hardened veterans. Run afoul of one at your own risk, if you live you'll be out of here the heartbeat after you're able to travel never to return. They're here to protect you as students not to coddle you. Simply follow the rules and their directions and you'll do well," Harry took a sip of his water while he let that sink in.

"This school had the lowest pass rate on OWLs and NEWTs in history. That is not acceptable to me and shouldn't be to you as parents or students. What this means is that fifth and sixth year students will have to work even harder than normal. However, you will have help and study guides to insure that you are studying the correct material. There will also be study groups and clubs to help you get caught up. Every class has three teachers, two for years one through five and one for the last two years. Every teacher has at least one Mastery, or is writing their thesis to complete it. Each of the security team also has at least a Mastery in Defense most have two or more." Harry paused again and looked around.

"When you tour the dungeons take a close look at the cells because if you're out after curfew that's where you'll end up sleeping. All common rooms will be locked down at 22:10 on the nights before classes and 23:10 on Friday, and Saturday nights. The first time you break curfew it will be handled by your Head of House. If there is a second time you will be suspended for one month, a third time gets you a one-way ticket out of Hogwarts. The time reveling spell is Tempus if you don't have a watch. Fist year students will learn it after dinner when they meet with their Head of House. Now for the good news I give my fiancé and co-owner of Hogwarts Lady Hermione Granger-Hufflepuff-Galahad the floor." Harry said and sat down.

"Thank you Harry. Lady Hogwarts did Lord Gryffindor speak true?"

"Yes my Lady."

"Thank you Lady Hogwarts. In addition to the clubs Lord Gryffindor spoke of, there are also Physical fitness, arts and crafts, household management, chess, Quidditch, and clubs for each class are being started. If there is enough interest in football, baseball, rugby, or basketball those clubs may be formed. The M Team, our security, force has volunteered to hold dueling clubs for first, second, third year students. They will group fourth and fifth, and sixth and seventh year students together for a total of five dueling clubs. By the time you sit your OWLs or NEWTs, you will have used every spell used on the tests by the ICW testing committee. This is meant to catch up those of you who have had less than good Defense Instructors in the past. Moldyshorts placed a curse on the Defense Against the Dark Arts name and classroom. The Goblin curse breakers have removed the curse but we chose to change the name and classrooms anyway." Hermione paused for that news to sink in.

"For those of you who like history please feel free to form a club, you now have three teachers with Masters or are Master candidates in World History. Divination is now an optional course if you are shown to be a seer. The Department of Mysteries or ICW seers will provide the test. See your Head of House for more information on that. The ICW does not provide OWL or NEWTs in Divination and we will not provide a rest period and grade it any longer. Astronomy is also an elective course and will be taught during the normal class hours. The astronomy tower is now off limits and is being used by the M Team. Lady Hogwarts did I speak the truth." Hermione asked then sat next to Harry.

"Yes my Lady."

The meeting was over and people mingled with each other and the staff. All was going well then Molly Weasley approached Harry and Hermione.

"Harry…"

"It's Lord Gryffindor and Lady Hufflepuff, Mrs. Weasley."

"Oh never mind I want Ron back in Hogwarts and I want it now," She stated firmly.

"Your wants are not our concern. However the answer is no, actually make that hell no," Harry stated his anger almost at the surface.

"Surely you can't deny him an education over a small misunderstanding," She said her voice rising.

"Mrs. Weasley would you like to see the twins and Ginny graduate?" Harry asked politely but firmly.

"Yes of course." She sputtered.

"Good, I said no, Ronald Weasley will not come back to Hogwarts and the subject is closed. Mention it again and you'll find yourself in the English Channel about one quarter mile out from the cliffs of Dover. If I permitted Ronald back the chances of him living 48 hours are slim and none. I clearly told him if I lay my eyes on him, he's a dead man. I meant it then and I mean it now Ronald Weasley had best stay away from Hermione and me. Now do my fiancé, you, and me a favor and get out of my sight before I throw you out of Earldoms forever. Ronald made his bed now he has to sleep in it," Harry said and turned his back and walked away.

"Ronald would do better running into Harry than me. Harry will kill him quick, but I'll drag it out and make sure he suffers more than the Longbottoms did," Hermione added then caught up with Harry.

"Molly, get it through your head those two can and will do what they said. If they don't then Tonks, Remus, Gunny, or one of the team will if they manage to beat me to it. Albus and you set Harry up to meet Ron and he and Hermione know that. Then you and Ron were paid to spy on Harry. Harry thought for over a year Ron was his first and best friend. The Chamber of Secrets where my godson saved your daughter's life and almost died because of your youngest son changed Harry for the better." Sirius said and paused gathering his thoughts.

"If that young man can hate, he hates Ronald and you, through that you're both high on the shit list the rest of us maintains. Those battle-hardened men on M Team think the sun rises and sets in Harry and would gladly sacrifice their lives to save his. The second best thing you can do is speak to Harry only if he speaks to you first. The best thing you can do today is to hug your children and get the hell out of here before one of these men or women decide to take you out." Sirius stated and turned his back and walked away.

Molly looked at Remus and he nodded. Gunny just stood there as if measuring her for a coffin. Molly scurried to her children, hugged them, and went through a portal home.

The Burrow

Arthur came home white faced. "Arttie what's wrong?"

"I asked Mad Eye why Harry had it in for Ron and got shown a series of memories including some of Dumbledore and Snape's trials. What the fuck was on your mind when you agreed to do what Dumbledore asked. And just so you know, Ronald has been lying all summer. His actions nearly got everyone killed and Voldemort back with a young body. If I was Harry, I probably have killed Ron. RONALD, GET DOWN HERE NOW!"

"Yes Dad."

"You have until you're 17 to get your act together or I'll throw you out of this family. If you lie to me again, I'll throw your ass out of here. You will get your OWLs, you will learn etiquette, you will no longer eat like a hog, you will only eat two helpings, and you will work around this house or I'll disown you and throw you out. Just so, you know I watched the memories Harry, Hermione, and others provided. I know how close you came to getting us all killed and the dark lord returned in a young and powerful body. Fuck up once more and you're gone forever." Arthur stated forcefully.

"But…"

"But nothing, get down here with your charms book and I'll give you an assignment," Arthur said interrupting Ron.

"Mum said I was going back to Hogwarts."

"Well as usual your mother's mouth wrote a check her ability can't cash. If you really are in a rush to die I'll take you to the Hogwarts gate and watch what happens when the wards grab you. Since you're not allowed in any of Harry's Earldoms it shouldn't take long." Arthur stated.

"Why is it he…" SMACK

"Shut your jealous mouth. That young man has what he has because his parents died protecting him or he earned it. What the hell have you done but piss and moan about how little you have. Well there is a solution to that it's called hard work and by God you will learn what those two words mean or I may kill you myself it will probably less painful than what Harry or Hermione does to you if they see you again." Arthur said on the verge of really losing his patience with his youngest son.

It was after 23:00 when Ron went to bed he had studied more in one evening than all summer. If that wasn't bad enough when he started eating his father backhanded him and knocked him off his chair and put him to studying at the table with nothing to eat. The next morning his mother did the same thing, and he only had one mouthful, and tried to say how good it was. After de-gnoming the garden and pulling weeds by hand, he was sat back down at the table and told to study etiquette and charms. The first lesson was on eating and what things to avoid at all costs. After missing the last two meals, he decided to try what he read and received two sandwiches, juice, and a cookie for lunch. While it wasn't all he wanted he found by chewing it slow with his mouth closed it seemed to be much more than he thought. At dinner, he got two helpings and one piece of pie for desert. Ron received a letter from Ginny and the twins.

Dear Ron,

You wouldn't believe how much this place has changed. Dad would be in heaven we have electric lights and quite a few of our classes use muggle projectors that show moving pictures with sound. Our classes have two professors and it's almost like having a tutor. There are no more than twelve in any of our classes. In charms class we get to see the wand movement in slow motion as the incantation is said, and then we get to practice under the watchful eye of a Professor. Transfiguration is the same way. But potions is the biggest change it's on the seventh floor and is well lit, there are no periods longer than one and a half hours. We study the ingredients, and how they are supposed to act together when combined. We found out why there is a certain order to put things in a cauldron. I know now how certain proportions and stirring direction matters so much. You'll be surprised to know Neville is at the top of his class in potions. His herbology skills help him a lot. He helps us second years in our study club.

All Quidditch teams have new brooms and the model is based on the position so all the seekers have Firebolts. Of course, they belong to the school. Our head of house is Sirius Black with Remus Lupin as his assistant. Did you hear Remus was cured of his lycanthropy in the U.S.? He's teaching the cure to Madam Pomfrey. Write me back and I'll answer. Fred and George want to add to this.

Hey little bro,

As Gin-Gin said, you wouldn't know this place. Classes are really good and the way they're taught it's easy to learn. So far, our longest essay has been 200 words, the Professor said if you can't make your point in 200 words you can't make it in 10,000. You probably heard about the M Team that provides security. They are 25 of the baddest assed dudes on the planet. Sergeant Major Gunny makes Mad Eye seem like a pussycat.

We are working with them on a special project. We got invited to Gunny's office, and he has this huge poster behind his desk chair that reads: Yea tho I walk through the valley of death I fear no evil because I'm the baddest M*****f**ker in the valley. The deal is Ron, George and I believe he is the baddest dude of them all and they are all bad asses. Even the youngest has his Defense Mastery they have an updated version of the Marauders map and know everything that goes on in the castle. Marietta Edgecombe got caught out after curfew and they had her caught within ten seconds of being alerted. She spent a miserable night in the dungeon sleeping on a concrete slab with a single thin blanket and no pillow. Since she was on probation, she was expelled immediately the next morning by Headmistress Sprout. Her mother apparently came charging up to the gate and a fishing boat in the English Channel plucked her out of the cold water.

The nest morning Harry gets a Howler and he just kept eating, when it opened, it was almost too quiet to hear but it was Mrs. Edgecombe griping about her daughter being expelled. Harry calmly as you please answered with his own howler telling the woman her bitch of a daughter broke probation and was expelled as the result if she didn't like that she should have chosen another school or read the rules of the probation she signed that she had read and understood. He then waved his wand over the envelope and it disappeared. When asked by Gunny what he had done Harry say, "Family secret that amplifies my voice by a factor of ten and sends it directly to the receiver." I imagine Dad got to hear it as well as the rest of the Ministry."

Ron I'll tell you now you'll be wasting your time asking us to ask Harry to let you back in school. Bro he wants you dead for what you did. Fred and I are on probation and we are not going to risk expulsion for something that has no chance of success.

Ginny, Fred, George

Ron decided he would answer later.

When Arthur got home Molly asked, "Arthur what's wrong you look tired and strung out?"

"We've been laughing most of the day and my sides are sore," Arthur replied.

"What happened that was so funny."

"The Edgecombe bitch got fired for sending a howler on Ministry stationery," Arthur replied.

"That doesn't sound bad enough to fire someone over."

"Molly like Ron you need to think before you speak. Let's say for sake of argument I send you a howler saying I want Ron on the Quidditch team, what's the first thing you hear?"

"From Arthur Weasley?"

"No, you hear Ministry of Magic the Desk of Arthur Weasley Director of Muggle Artifacts." Arthur told them. Then he asked them, "Now you tell me am I acting as a citizen or a Ministry official?"

"Well it would be hard to tell from that."

"Now suppose that's all Cecilia Diggory heard as she left the Great Hall, is she going to tell her friends you and I had a disagreement or that I'm in trouble with the Ministry?" Arthur asked and Molly got the point.

"More than likely the latter and a vicious and untrue rumor about you gets started that affects your career." Arthur stated.

"So now you see why it's a big deal. Now suppose this howler is to the head of an Ancient and Most Noble House someone only heard the first part. Or worse what if is to Earl Potter-Gryffindor-Ravenclaw-Slytherin?" Arthur asked with a smile.

"Arthur, tell me it wasn't and Harry didn't take this as an Act of war," Molly said holding her hand over her heart.

"Well it was to Harry, but he didn't take it as an act of war. He fired back a howler to Mrs. Edgecombe that was heard throughout the Ministry. It had some kind of amplifying charm so it was heard deep in the Department of Mysteries. You know how far my desk is from the Minister's office, well I heard her loud and clear. Saying Amelia was pissed is like saying the sun is hot. Kingsley drug Edgecombe into the Minister's office and marched her back to her office giving her ten minutes to clear her desk. Rumor has it Marietta Edgecombe broke curfew and was expelled since she was on probation and was warned any rule breaking and she would be expelled. She and her mother signed the paperwork saying they both understood the rules," Arthur stated.

"Dad you may want to read this from Ginny, Fred, and George. It's all there but what they left out. I have a feeling Marietta ran afoul of the M Team and they probably straightened her out. Luna told Ginny this summer there were big changes coming. And with the dark lord trying to return it made the school the safest place in the world," Ron said and handed the letter to his Dad.

"Well Molly rumor has it Edgecombe went to Hogwarts and demanded entry and ended up in the English Channel off the cliff of Dover." Arthur said and shook his head trying hard not to laugh.

"Arthur, Harry and Hermione warned me to shut up before I ended up there, at the time I didn't think much of it but there's no doubt they meant it." Molly answered glad she shut up and left.

"Molly, leave those two alone and you as well Ron. Mad Eye and Kingsley says the M Team are professionals as near a warrior mage as there is without actually being one. Some say there are two warrior mages in place right now and biding their time waiting for Voldemort to return. I know for a fact Harry took Mad Eye down more than once while practicing dueling and battle fighting." Arthur asserted and sipped the tea Molly placed in front of him.

"The other thing I found out was from Bill the money we received from your family and mine being killed in the last war was paid by Harry. Ragnok and Ted Tonks finally got him to agree to keep half by saying anything less was an insult to those who died and they were right. Harry said he didn't need the money and that not all the money in the world would bring his parents back, or makes him happy. In one stroke of the pen, we went from ₲52 in the vault to ₲6 million all because of Harry. So I'm telling you both, stay away from him unless he approaches you and speaks directly to you first. Ronald you can learn if you apply yourself, your change in table manners shows me that. The next chapter in that book is on friendships, how to develop and keep a friend. There will be a test when you finish that chapter so I suggest reading it more than just once." Arthur said kindly and patted Ron on the shoulder.

"Yes Dad." Ron replied but deep down he knew he blew the best thing he would ever have by losing Harry's friendship.

Hogwarts Christmas break

The term went fast for all. There was a small birthday party for Hermione. Harry got her a diamond necklace and earrings and caught hell for spending so much money. He told her it was a family heirloom meant for Lady Potter and got kissed breathless for that.

The new classes were well received. The muggle Professors had set up a class where they taught the students about the muggle money system then had to purchase items and make change as both a buyer, and a seller. They showed them memories of shopping in malls and places like Harrods, Versace, Louis Vuitton, Gucci and other luxurious places. Then they showed the similar styles at cheaper prices but lower quality. That brought about a discussion of mass production.

They were also showing a movie per night. When they showed Pearl Harbor, the student found it hard to believe that so much destruction was caused by so few in such a short time. Then Gunny stopped the disk and told them. "Students this happened fifty years ago, they have things now that make these look like a stinger versus a Killing Curse. At the end when the atomic bombs blew up, the students were amazed that things like that existed.

Gunny said, "What you saw at the end are now used to start a bomb at least 300 times as powerful. If one exploded over London, the deaths would be counted in hundreds of thousands. I have called in an air strike and had the pilot release a bomb seven miles from the target, and I put it in a window, the window I wanted it to enter. The only thing left of the four-story building was rubble, and no one survived. Nearly thirty wizards died in the building, and they had some nasty wards around it. I was over 600 yards away when it blew, and was covered in ash. I've been told there are some here that think muggles are backward animals. Well, nothing could be further from the truth. You're watching a muggle movie on a muggle projector. Keep one thing in mind worldwide the muggles out number us by almost 4000 to 1. If we went to war with them, these are not odds that we could survive. Now you have thirty minutes until curfew, have a good evening."

Slowly but surely wizard attitudes toward the muggles were changing. Parents were getting interested in what the children were learning. Pomona was asked if the parents could visit during Christmas and see these movies the children talked about. Pomona, Harry and Hermione agreed, and decided to show the Battle of Britain, Terms of Endearment, Star Wars IV, and Beauty and the Beast in that order on 28 December.

Harry and his group had a nice but quiet Christmas, which was what they wanted. Dora forgave Remus. He politely asked her to dinner at a London restaurant on 1 January, and she accepted. Sirius asked Septima Vector for a date and she accepted. Harry and the M Team gave Sirius and Remus lots of advice on how to treat ladies on the first date. They took it all in good humor, and then asked Harry when he was going to ask Hermione for a date.

"We've gone out almost every weekend since my birthday. We go to dinner, movie, or dancing depending on what we feel like doing. Dan and Emma escort us where we want to go then pretty much leave us alone. So what is you two's excuse?" Harry retorted but with a grin.

The old Marauders shut up and left the two alone. Hermione sniggered and said, "We're awful to them"

"Love they both talk the talk then sit down, they need to walk the walk as well. I know Sirius is struggling but he's been out about six months and needs to start living again. If I need to build a fire under him, I will. It's for the greater good after all." Harry said with a slight crooked grin.

"That's bordering on being one step to far Harry James Potter," Hermione huffed with her hand on her hips and the look on her face.

"Yes dear"

Movies in the Great Hall

Nearly all the students and parents showed up for breakfast on 28 December. Pomona explained the four movies selected and the reasoning behind their selection. The first was about muggle history that some wizard present might have had fathers or grandfathers involved in. The second movie gave an idea of recent muggle living conditions. The third was science fiction produced as entertainment for all ages and was fiction about space and other planets. The last was animation entertainment meant for children and young at heart since it was actually a love story.

When the Battle of Britain ended, Gunny asked those who had family in that war to stand and about 25 percent stood up. "Please keep in mind this stuff actually happened only on a scale much larger than a movie could show. I would also remind you this movie was about the 1940s. As I told the students, they have advanced tremendously since then. The bombs you saw dropped can now be guided from men and women on the ground. They can also be released over five miles away and the aircraft doesn't have to be close to, or over, its target. You also may know Himmler as Grindlewald since that was his real name."

Terms of Endearment brought wet eyes to many of the witches. But the point of how muggles did things in their homes without magic was clearly made.

Surprisingly Star Wars was a hit to both men and women. When asked if such was possible the wizards were shocked to find out there was a space station orbiting the earth as well as hundreds of other satellites that took pictures and provided muggle communications. When asked about robots, Gunny said they weren't that sophisticated yet but there were some used to do dangerous jobs.

Beauty and the Beast was a big hit with the younger children but liked by all. MSgt. Mitchell tried to give them an idea of the amount of work that went into making an animated movie. Hermione showed a crystal of her and Harry watching a new Disney animated movie being made using computers. She shocked them when she told them how much the movie cost to make versus how much it made.

It turned out this was one of the more popular things the school did, and most of the parents thanked the staff individually. The parents would get another shock when they saw their children's grades and told how they fit within the ICW standards. Dumbledore's reputation took another hit even from his past supporters.

Spring Term 1993

On 17 January, Harry and Hermione sat their first of 12 OWLs, which would take the entire week. They were being tested in Paris by the Education Department of the ICW. These were grueling tests and near murder if you didn't know the material. Their scores would be sealed until they ask them to be released or they turned 16. When Hermione produced a corporeal patronus, the examiner almost fainted. When Harry did it with his off hand, and threw a stunner through the stag with his wand hand, all she could do was sputter amazing work.

Harry had taken Arithmancy O++, Astronomy O, Charms O++, COMC O++, Defense O++, Herbology O, Muggle Studies O++, Potions O+, Runes O+, and Transfiguration O++. Harry had 24 OWLs.

Hermione had taken Arithmancy O++, Astronomy O+, Charms O++, COMC O+, Defense O+, Herbology O++, Muggle Studies O++, Potions O++, Runes O++, and Transfiguration O++. Hermione had 27 OWLs.

They set up an appointment to take their NEWTs beginning on 16 May.

"Hermione I'm so proud of you I don't know what to say. I mean the highest number of OWLs ever I think that deserves dinner at La Tour D'Argent tomorrow evening." Harry said and kissed his future wife.

"You're so sweet and Harry 24 OWLs is quite outstanding yourself. What did your Defense practical duel take, 3 seconds and their top Auror down? We qualify for Os in NEWTs in the subjects we have O++s in without taking the tests. If we get the same scores on our NEWTs and turn in dissertations we have our Masteries in those subjects." Hermione told him almost bouncing up and down.

"Hermione there is no if it's when." He replied and found himself with her lips pressed firmly to his. That was something he truly liked above anything else (at least for now).

"Alright Yoda lets go give Mum and Dad the news and get reservations for tomorrow evening." Hermione said after releasing Harry's lips.

"I think the best part was when we arrived Monday the examiners knew we were wasting their time. Well maybe it was the surprised look on the Auror's face when you took him down with a patronus and stunner." Hermione said with a smile.

Dan and Emma were elated for the two children and Harry thought Emma was going to croon when he told them where they want to eat the next evening. Emma spent nearly 20 minutes extolling the virtues of La Tour D'Argent to Dora who said, "It's just a restaurant Dobby probably can do as good or better."

After the meal the 22nd, Harry got a lot of kisses from an ecstatic Hermione. Harry agreed with Dora. It was just a restaurant, which served too little food for a lot of money. But it made his Hermione happy and that was what counted. For two days, they drove Sirius and Remus around the twist by shrugging when asked about their scores. When they finally gave in, Sirius' 'holy shit' could be heard ringing through the Gryffindor suite.

Harry had a small growth spurt in February he moaned and groaned for two days about his muscles aching. After what they did to Sirius and Remus about their scores Harry got no sympathy from them. On 26 February, they began testing the twins and the Marauders gas balls and shrapnel balls. The shrapnel balls worked and were devastating if exploded 50 feet over a group of dummies. The gas balls just didn't hold enough fuel to stop an Inferi.

"Guys how many fuel ball are you putting in these?"

"Ten"

"OK double their size and try five instead of ten, and only duplicate them twice. That will make fifteen if we can explode them about 20 feet over the Inferi it may work. It's too bad we can't use phosphorous and penetrate their bodies before exploding them or explode them on contact."

With the cold came more time on the pistol range although they kept up with rifle practice every two weeks in all kind of weather. One day Harry was looking at his pistols magazine and the ammunition box, and thought runes and an ever filling rune on the magazine and a duplicating set of runes on the ammo box. He went to his desk, drew the two set of runes, and asked Hermione what they would do together.

Harry grabbed the paper with the runes and Hermione yelled, "Hey!"

"You'll get it right back I need to add a couple of runes to both sets." Harry said and took off.

Twenty minutes later Hermione was looking over the runes and said, "Well this set un-shrinks whatever and will keep the carrier full. This set duplicates whatever after it reaches the line of runes and shrinks the carrier and its contents. My question is why not an expansion charms on the inside to keep the original size like our trunks."

"That's just one of the many reasons I love you. Think about the duplicating runes on a box of ammo and the other set on the magazine." Harry said with a huge smile on his face.

"A full magazine in a gun that never runs out of bullets, let's take this to Gunny." Hermione replied and grabbed his hand.

Gunny's eyes lit up and he said, "Simple and elegant and all it costs is some time to see if it works."

End chapter 12

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