Harry Potter and the Worth of the Soul

by xan519

As his sixth year begins, Harry is forced to take up his destiny earlier that anticipated. With Voldemort slowly taking over, everyone looks to Harry to lead them, all while Juggling school, friends, the seach for the Horcruxes, and teenage love. In the process, Harry slowly learns about not only himself, but the true worth of the soul! Harry/Susan

26. Chapter 25

Chapter 6

"WHAT!" Harry and Susan both yelled simultaneously. Shock emanated on their faces not believing what they just heard. Harry's worst fear had come true.

"There's more. Victor said they were leaving to Bulgaria as soon as they were married. That is if you can count on Hermione simply nodding absently as an acceptance of marriage!"

Harry shook his head in denial. "No, she wouldn't do that, she doesn't love him, and she wouldn't leave now! Something is very wrong with her. We've got to get her checked for spells or curses or something!"

"That's what I thought. Apparently Ron and a few others were not happy and after words were exchanged, people started taking sides, and then the next thing I know spells were flying everywhere. The whole school went haywire. It spilled out of the Great Hall and into the hallways of the school, and as you can see, eventually onto the grounds. It took me and the aurors over three hours to stun everyone, confiscate their wands, and settle everyone back into the Great Hall. That's where everyone is now. McGonagall is still trying to decide what to do."

"Did anyone get injured, seriously?" Susan asked, her hand covering her mouth in shock.

Tonks nodded. "Yeah, about thirty or so, including Hermione. They're all stabilized now and are all up in the hospital wing. Come on, let's talk to McGonagall and she can relate the story to you in full.

Hurrying into the great hall, Harry saw all the students, Hogwarts, Durmstrang and Beauxbatons sitting on the floor. Madam Maxine was speaking rapidly in French at her students with her face red in anger. She was gesturing with her arms all over the place. Her own clothes seemed singed from curses but as a half-giant, no damage to her personally. There were no tables or chairs to be seen except at the very front where the staff sits. Those adults who were at Hogwarts for asylum and safety were also sitting on the floor. Around the sides of the hall Harry saw all the aurors spaced out and keeping watch with their wands drawn. A couple other aurors were quietly getting witness statements. Nobody else made a sound. Looking closer, Harry saw that many students and adults had curses and jinxes that were yet to be fixed. One girl had celery for hair. Others had enlarged noses, feet, or ears. Furthermore were some who were missing body parts all together. Other students had morphed limbs or things sticking out of their bodies. In addition to that, nearly everyone had cuts, bruises, and injuries that would need to be mended. Most looked very uncomfortable, and when they saw Harry and Susan enter, remained silent. It was as quiet as a graveyard, the only sounds being heard were the whispers of aurors talking to students and the footsteps of him, Susan, and Tonks as they entered. On the staff table was a big box full of confiscated wands, and standing right next to it was McGonagall talking quietly with the staff and reading over some parchment.

"Those are the statements of the students we've interviewed so far. We're still trying to get everyone's version of events." Tonks whispered as they made their way to the front.

McGonagall took one look in Harry's direction and waved them toward the ante-chamber at the back, the same one Harry had entered in his fourth year after his name came out of the Goblet of Fire.

Once they were alone in the privacy of the small room, McGonagall waved her wand to conjure some plush chairs for them to sit in. McGonagall looked nearly as bad as Tonks did. Her hair was sticking out of its customary bun, and she had her own fair share of burns and cuts. She took a deep breath before trying to give them an encouraging smile.

"I'm glad you both made it back safely. When we saw the Portkeys signature disappear, we feared the worst, but didn't have time to investigate it, as I'm sure you are now aware." She made a sweeping motion with her hand toward the Great Hall. Before any response could be made, Ron, Ginny, and Luna were brought in with Tonks and Remus following. Besides the customary burns and cuts, Ron's face sported a nice white beard. One that looked like it came straight from a goat. When he spoke to greet Harry, his words carried a bleat that sounded very goat like as well. Harry half wondered if he was going to start gnawing on his robes. Ginny hobbled in using a crutch. Her left leg had been turned into plastic and made a hollow thumping sound when she walked. She also sported a huge unibrow that had to be pinned back lest it hang over her face and obscure her vision. Somehow, Luna had escaped without a single curse and sported not a single injury. She looked as pristine and unscathed as if she'd just gotten up for the day, but Harry had no doubt that she'd been every bit in the middle of the fray as everyone else.

"You being Head Boy, it is my duty to inform you of the events that occurred last night. These three have been escorted in to help fill in the gaps. Miss Bones, seeing as Miss Granger is temporarily unavailable to perform her duties as Head Girl. I'm appointing you in her place until Miss Granger is well enough to resume her duties. I'm awarding you this because you and Harry were the only ones who did not participate in the events last night, which is why you get the honor. Rest assured, Miss Granger will recover, but it may take some time, and I need all the help restoring civility to this school as quickly as possible.

Susan was shocked. She was Head Girl? She'd never imagined it. Granted it was only temporary, but still, at least it was something. But if it was necessary for her to be Head Girl for a while, just how seriously injured was Hermione? Before she could get over her surprise, Harry cleared his throat. Clearly his mind was on more important matters.

McGonagall began speaking of the events from last night, with Ron, Ginny, Luna, Remus, and Tonks ready to fill in any missing details.

"As you know, Miss Granger's party had gotten so big, that I agreed to the use of the Great Hall. I felt that this might be a good for the students of different houses to mingle. Not to mention that the school might not have many more opportunities to enjoy an evening of festive merriment…"

Flashback

Ginny, Luna, and Hannah were running around the great hall finishing up last minute decorations. Ginny seemed by far the most stressed and it resulted in her forcibly ordering around Ron, Neville, and a few other DA members.

"NO NO NO! This one goes here, that one goes there! Right?"

"Sorry Gin, I thought that this banner would be seen by more people as they came in." Ron said in an unapologetic voice while Neville simply sighed, taking the other banner he was holding to where Ginny had pointed.

Ginny groaned in frustration before running off to tell Seamus, Dean, Michael Corner, and Terry Boot to stop sucking the helium from the balloons and singing stupid songs.

A few students had trickled in, but the party wasn't due to start for another half hour. Ron had mentioned to more than a few people that he was this close (holding his thumb and finger a hair breadth apart) to simply just stunning Hermione and taking her the hospital wing to see what was wrong with her. She hadn't even come to the last DA meeting a couple days ago, and seemed like a zombie walking around, well, a zombie that was always in Victor Krum's company. While spreading the word around about his plan, a shadow loomed over Ron and his eyes went wide for a moment, but breathed a sigh of relief that it wasn't McGonagall.

"Oi, these are sum grea' decorations! I sure 'ope Hermione 'preciates 'em. Why she hasn't come down to see me, nah once since school started." Hagrid's voice boomed with excitement about the party, but sadness about her personality change. Ron and Hagrid talked some more for a few minutes until Ginny walked over.

Ginny engaged Hagrid in small-talk for a while before running off again at something else that wasn't perfect. Finally, the music started up, and more people arrived when the party started. The party was just getting in full swing when all the voices in the room quieted down and they all turned to see Krum enter the room holding Hermione's hand. It looked like he was practically dragging her in, as if she had no desire to even be there. Victor for his part was beaming. Ron couldn't help notice that Hermione took no notice of the decorations, no notice of everyone's eyes on her, only that she seemed completely and totally oblivious to anything.

"Merlin, whose Kneazle did she kill?" Tonks muttered to Luna who uncharacteristically had a serious frown on her face. A few people greeted the pair and Hermione smiled faintly to them, but said very little. She quietly sat down and once again was rubbing her forehead.

"Hermioninny haf not been veeling well lately." Victor supplied to those who inquired after her health. Those that offered to help with a charm or to walk with her to Madam Pomfrey were simply waved off by Hermione.

Before long, the party started getting back into full swing again. A dance floor was set up on one end of the hall and music was being played by the Creevey brothers who were taking turns being the DJ. Krum dragged Hermione to the dance floor a couple times, and there were moments when it looked like Hermione was her old self, laughing and socializing. But they were fleeting, and it always ended with her scrunching her face in pain before excusing herself to sit down. Ginny even spoke to McGonagall a couple times about her suspicions, of her being cursed, but the Headmistress said it was not within her rights to examine her without proof or approval.

"But she keeps easing her head like a headache! And look at her! It looks like she just got back from a funeral!" Ron pointed angrily at Hermione while the red on his face almost matched his hair, but McGonagall reproved him fiercely.

"MR. WEASLEY! I have told you I've done all that I can! Now if you speak to me like that again it will be detention!"

Seeing that he was getting nowhere, Ron stormed off. Luna was able to distract him somewhat so Ron could enjoy himself, but every so often he would stare at Hermione and get that look on his face like he wanted to slap her out of whatever was wrong with her.

'Ding ding ding ding'

The sounds of Victor's fork ringing against his glass echoed through the hall. Everyone's voices quieted down to turn to Victor who was standing next to Hermione.

"If I could haf everyone's attention." Victor cleared his throat and glanced at Hermione nervously before addressing the room.

"On behalf of Hermioninny, I vish to thank yu all for the party to celebrate her birfday!"

Applause rang out and Hermione gave a smile and stood up to thank everyone.

"Thank you. It was nice of you all to remember my birthday. I wish you all a good night."

Hermione started walking toward the door, but Victor put a hand out to stop her and after a quiet conversation she nodded and sat back down. Murmurs started rising from the crowd but Victor raised his hands and they all quieted down again.

"I vish to give Hermioninny my birfday present to her." Victor's hands were shaking as he reached into his pocket and pulled out small velvet colored case. Slowly he got down on his knee, causing many gasps and shrills to rise up. Victor opened the case and held up a lovely diamond studded engagement ring.

"Hermioninny, you know I luf you. I haf asked you many times, but I ask again. Marry me. Come Avay wif me."

The great hall was deathly quiet. Everyone waited with baited breath to see how she would respond. Hermione looked up from staring at the floor to Victor. Expressionless, she looked around the hall and her eyes landed on someone in the hall. Luna followed her gaze and saw she was looking at her fellow Gryffindors. Lavender, Parvati, Ginny, as well as a few others were staring back at her. Luna was about to look away when he saw another Gryffindor nod her head as if telling her to say yes. Luna did a double take, but Hagrid had moved into her field of view. It didn't matter, Luna knew who it was and wondered if she was somehow behind this. Turning back, Hermione slowly nodded her head.

"YES! She said YES!" Victor exclaimed putting the ring on Hermione's finger before hoisting her up and hugging her while twirling her around. Catcalls, applause, and cheers rose from the crowd. Many girls surged forward to admire the ring. Hermione seemed to try to engage in conversation, but her mind seemed to wander off before Krum put his arm around her and announced that they would leave for South America as soon as they were married. That brought many cries of surprise and others of disappointment. However, one voice rose above the others.

"THAT'S IT! I'VE HAD IT! SOMETHING IS WRONG WITH HER AND I DEMAND SHE GO TO THE HOSPITAL WING OR THAT SHE IS SCANNED FOR CURSES!"

Ron had his wand out and his voice carried over the hall. Walking toward Hermione, he stopped some fifteen feet away when Krum pulled out his own wand and stood in front of her.

"You vill do no such thing! She haf stated she vill not be scanned and you vill respect her vishes!"

"Get out of my way Krum! I don't want to hurt you."

Rallying behind Ron, a few DA members took out their wands and stood behind him, feeling that if Krum was outnumbered, he'd agree. McGonagall came surging to the front and stood between the both of them.

"EVERYONE, WANDS AWAY THIS INSTANT!" She looked around at the aurors and a few of them were standing around the walls patrolling the perimeter with their own wands out waiting for the moment of when to intervene.

"Aurors! Stand ready, but don't interfere until I say!" Tonks yelled. McGonagall looked shocked at her instructions.

"WHAT! I insist they intervene now!" She said to Tonks, who was walking to stand next to Ron.

"Ron is right, something is wrong. All she needs is to be checked over, and if nothing is wrong, then she'll be free to marry and leave as she wishes."

McGonagall looked torn. In her heart, she agreed with Tonks, but knew she needed to keep the peace regardless of whether the Ministry was around or not.

As Tonks was talking, many of the Durmstrang students that were staying at Hogwarts, as well as some Beauxbatons and other Hogwarts students slowly walked over to stand behind Victor. The adults in the room, those that had sought asylum at Hogwarts also started taking sides.

"Hermione has a right to decide what she wants!" Someone yelled from the crowd.

"She hasn't been able to choose anything lately because she's been cursed. Anyone with a brain can see that." Another voice responded, that sounded like Mandy Brocklehurst.

"Hermione, you're coming with me now, whether you want to or not!" Ron said. Hermione slowly stood up and started to nod before she quickly put her hand to the sides of her head and bent over screaming.

"NOOOO! Yes….I'll go…I'll…NOOOO….I Won't!" Hermione screamed again falling to her knees.

Victor knelt down before she stood up and assured him she was fine.

"I'm sorry. I'm…I'm fine…I…." She seemed so conflicted she could barely finish her sentences all while shaking her head.

Victor turned back to the crowd against him, raising his wand attempting to protect his fiancée.

McGonagall tried to steady everyone when a trigger happy Seamus shot a stunner at Victor. It was blocked easily and another badly aimed stunner was shot from behind Victor that hit McGonagall. She fell like a rock.

"NOW!" Ron yelled and seven stunners flew from his wand and of those behind him straight at Hermione. Hermione didn't even try to block them. She didn't even have her wand out. Neville, who was one of those who shot a stunner at her thought that if he didn't know better, she showed a brief smile welcoming the oncoming oblivion. Victor put up a shield, but it wasn't fast enough and five got through making Hermione fall to the ground. Victor turned and shot back causing spells on both sides to start flying. Screams and yells were heard above the pops and booms as everyone threw up shields, teamed up for protection, and threw out curse after jinx after hex. Ron sadly realized that any attempt to take Hermione quietly had just gone up in flames. Everyone was shooting spells and tempers were rising. Many students were taking advantage to shoot curses at those they held grudges with. Others used it as a means of practice. Still more took it as Fred and George would, that of creating mayhem. The Slytherins took the opportunity to take revenge against the Gryffindors. The adults that were there for protection were fighting in defense of their children or their particular house. Victor and the rest of the Durmstrang students had joined together and were currently battling some aurors. Madam Maxine was protecting her Beauxbatons students, but they were engaged in a fierce fight with a group of fourth and fifth year girls who had some issue with jealousy involving a boy or two. Filch was at a loss of what to do and huddled against the wall protecting Mrs. Norris while trying not to get hit by a stray curse. Peeves however, enjoying what he considered the greatest moment in school history, egged everyone on by telling rumors and lies in order to keep the battle going. Even Moaning Myrtle had popped in to watch hoping that someone would be able to keep her company in the bathroom pipes.

In all the commotion, only three people noticed that Hermione's face was turning blue on the ground. "Hermione!" Ginny ran up to her and saw that she wasn't breathing. She tried casting a spell at her lungs to give them air, but nothing happened.

"Luna, I don't know what's wrong." Ginny cried over all the turmoil. Luckily, they were near the corner and out of most people's field of vision.

"She's not breathing." Luna said calmly but her face showed that she was scared.

"I know that!" Ginny yelled back, "What do we do?"

Luna shook her head after trying a couple more spells, but then someone jumped in and started pushing on Hermione's chest.

"MALFOY! Stop groping her you pervert! You're hurting her!" Ginny yelled trying to stop him, but Luna held her back.

"No, he's trying to help her." They watched as Malfoy suddenly plugged her nose and kissed her.

"YOU'RE SNOGGING HER WHILE SHE'S DYING! I'M GONNA KILL…" Ginny didn't finish as Luna again held her back.

"No, Ginny, he's putting air in her lungs."

Ginny watched with fascination and worry while Malfoy resumed going from pumping her chest to breathing air in her mouth. Luna put up a shield to prevent any stray curses from hitting any of them. After a few more agonizing moments, Hermione's eyes opened and her back arched up gasping for air. Malfoy helped her sit up and patted her back while she coughed and breathed heavily. Ginny helped her while Luna resumed giving them cover.

"We're taking her to Madam Pomfrey right now!" Ginny said, and Malfoy nodded helping her up. Slipping out of the Great Hall, they just made it to the stairs when more than a few students ran out dueling each other. The battle was spreading through the school. A few took it outside while others were also moving up the stairs. Ginny, Luna, and Malfoy hurried to keep out of the line of fire.

"Where did you learn CPR?" Luna asked Malfoy while quickly escorting Hermione.

"What's that?" Ginny asked.

"Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation." Luna answered.

"Car-poodle what?"

"It's the Muggle way of helping someone breathe when they can't on their own. Like if someone was drowning for example."

Ginny shrugged at Luna's response but both looked to Malfoy for an answer. He sighed in thought before answering.

"My mother taught it to me. Said it was necessary to learn in case I was ever disarmed in a fight and didn't have the ability to heal someone."

"But you weren't disarmed." Ginny exclaimed thinking he was just using that as an excuse to snog and grope Hermione, but she couldn't fathom why.

"Actually I was. Crabbe and Goyle were behind me and grabbed my wand when the first spell was shot. So, I punched Goyle before running to hide behind some people before they could curse me, and then everything went crazy. Goyle's gonna be itching to curse me for that."

Ginny and Luna remained quiet with their own thoughts while Hermione seemed dazed, not paying attention to anything except taking steady steps.

After Hermione was lying in the hospital wing, Ginny told Luna and Malfoy to stay there and make sure Hermione was okay while she ran back out toward the battle still raging throughout the school.

Tonks was stunning students right and left, but saw it fruitless since, they were re-enervated by their friends just as quickly. On top of that, more than a few aurors had been disarmed or stunned. It was one thing for an auror to duel a single student, another to duel six or seven since many students had banded together. Trying to get the aurors and staff organized, booms and explosions were heard throughout the castle and even more were heard outside. Tonks was beside herself with worry. She knew of Ron's plan, but nobody realized how badly it would backfire. Now the entire school was warring with one another and she had no idea how to get it back under control. Finding McGonagall still stunned, Tonks got her back on her feet and set a plan in motion. All the aurors and staff split up in groups of ten and stunned everyone in sight.

"Stun first, grab their wands, and we'll ask questions later. Once everything is under control, we'll round up everyone back here. DO NOT give anyone their wand back! You…" She said pointing to a couple other aurors, "go find any first and second years that are hiding and round them up safely. We'll bring them here as well when things are normal."

Everyone nodded and began the long process. Tonks's group had the most difficult time with those in the DA, as they seemed the most proficient at defense. She was actually quite impressed, but also quite upset that they were not agreeing to stop fighting. The DA, for their part, only agreed to a cease fire when everyone else did as they were worried of being ambushed by Slytherins, a rival group of students determined to prove themselves against those in the DA, or Krum's faction of friends. Eventually, she was able to convince them to assist in getting things under control by asking them what they thought Harry would expect of them.

Tonks looked over the students sitting uncomfortably in the Great Hall. A few were asleep, but most had hexes and curses on them that made sleep too uncomfortable. A few first and second years were sitting unscathed, having hidden for cover when the fighting began. Looking around the hall itself, many of the windows were blown out. One entrance door to the Great Hall was hanging on a hinge. Portraits throughout the castle were damaged, along with the walls. There was once section of the third floor wall that had crumbled two feet high onto the floor. Concrete and dust was everywhere and on everyone. And Tonks didn't even want to think about the grounds. There were blast holes all over, and the outside walls showed significant damage on one side. After checking the defenses, she was horrified to see how close they were to collapsing. The shields were set up to only repel spells from outside of the school, not the inside. As a result, they were severely compromised. It would take days, maybe weeks, to get them back to where they were before. Checking the grounds beyond the shields, she was relieved there weren't any Death Eaters spying around. Otherwise Voldemort would already be here. Returning to the present and the students before her, she sat down in a chair and groaned at the soreness she felt. At least none of the students had perished, although a few were close calls, Hermione included. The battle was so out of control that she would have died if Ginny, Luna, and Malfoy had not seen her. Five stunners to her heart had stopped it cold. Tonks knew it wasn't intentional, and Ron said he had only planned for him and Neville to shoot, but word got around and Ron didn't realize how many were waiting for his signal. Looking over at Remus walking back into the hall, Tonks looked at her watch and saw it was near five in the morning. Remus had been helping in the hospital wing for almost two hours now.

"Everyone will live. Get some sleep for a few hours. The aurors have things under control." He said quietly. Indeed, the aurors and staff were roaming the Great Hall in shifts not letting anyone get up, per McGonagall's orders. Others were still assessing damage to the school. Nodding she looked over to Charlie who was taking his turn on guard duty before he winked at her. Smiling, Tonks closed her eyes for a brief respite and fell into a sultry dream about a red maned dragon.

"Tonks, wake up. Tonks!" Charlie gently shook awake. Tonks opened her eyes and got a grin on her face seeing her man first thing after a memorable dream.

"Hmm, come here you." She gently pulled him forward, but he pulled back smiling. Tonks's face showed a hurtful look, but he quickly explained.

"No time, we've got to get down to Hagrid's."

Tonks sat up quickly. "What's wrong, did another fight break out?"

"No, but Harry and Susan are coming back. And apparently they're not alone. Somehow they've brought a couple dragons with them."

Tonks mouth hung open for a moment speechless. Looking past Charlie, she saw the remnants of Harry's Patronus slowly fade away while Hagrid was impatiently waiting for them. Getting up, they ran past the students still sitting on the floor. Most of them had heard Harry's message as it echoed through the hall. A few didn't believe it, but when they saw two dragons flying onto the grounds through the broken windows of the great hall, the legend of Harry Potter skyrocketed even more if that were possible, while Susan's own legendary status was beginning to form.

"Besides," Charlie said running out of the castle, "You've got some nasty morning breathe…oww." Tonks hit Charlie on his forearm with her fist, but then quickly checked her breath and grimaced before shooting a small stream of mouthwash in her mouth with her wand. Running down to Hagrid, they indeed saw two dragons aloft, with Harry and Susan riding on the bigger black one.

End Flashback

Harry and Susan sat there quietly for a few moments afterward. McGonagall, seeing they had no questions yet continued on.

"Miss Granger was examined and Mr. Weasley was correct. She was the victim of an Indifference potion."

Harry glanced at Susan out of the corners of his eyes. Her suspicions were also correct.

"However, it was unique in its application that made it far worse for Miss Granger than what is considered typical. Poppy found a unique duplication spell attached to the fluxweed ingredient. This allowed the potion to replicate itself while still in her system. This way, it would not wear off after a day, but would remain a permanent fixture. Poppy tells me the constant headache she was experiencing was her attempt to fight off its effects. The conflict was causing her to use up her magic at an enormous rate. If Miss Granger had left Hogwarts as planned, she would have eventually become a squib in about a year's time. Fortunately, Poppy has eliminated the foreign element in her blood and her magic should be back to normal in a few days."

"How is she doing?" Harry looked up to McGonagall, the intensity of his eyes were piercing. She felt sorry for whoever it was that crossed Harry Potter and Hermione. She wasn't sure whom of the two she would be more afraid of. McGonagall let out a long breath before answering.

"She'll live. She's sleeping right now. Her heart took considerable damage and basically she's in the same position now as when she returned from the Ministry at the end of your 5th year. Poppy wants her to stay in the hospital wing for at least the next couple weeks, and no extraneous magic or exercise for at least a month after that lest her heart gives out. Is that understood? I want to be absolutely clear that any...future excursions outside the school will have to be done without her for the time being."

Harry agreed, not wanting to risk her life on another Horcrux hunt. They still weren't sure where next to look, but should something come up in their research, making Hermione stay behind next time would have been difficult.

"Who is responsible Professor?" Ron asked. Harry looked too angry to even dare to speak. Susan had put her hand on his arm hoping to keep his temper from erupting and it seemed to be working for the moment.

"We have yet to discover the culprit, but I plan to question Mr. Krum as soon as he is fully healed."

"I want to be there when you do." Harry spoke quietly, but his tone indicated that he wasn't going to be denied. McGonagall nodded her consent.

"Professor, I do not believe Victor Krum is the one responsible." Everyone turned to Luna waiting to hear her theory.

"Whenever Hermione would languish in pain fighting its effects, she would also start looking around the room for someone, even when Victor was by her side. It was as if the potion maker was controlling her somewhat from a distance, almost like she was in a hypnotic state."

"Who was she looking at?"

"Well Harry, the majority of the time, it was Romilda Vane."

Harry sat there in thought for a second before he jumped up out of his chair with his wand in hand.

"I hope she tries to fight back!" Harry angrily yelled intending to take her right now with everyone in the school watching.

Susan and Ginny jumped up with him and faced him in an attempt to calm him down. Tonks and Remus were surprised at how much faith Harry put in Luna's theory, as if it was fact. Even more so when considering some of Luna's wild stories were the subject of ridicule among her classmates for the past few years.

"Harry, look at me." Susan had both hands on his shoulders in a firm grip. "Harry, you can't just go cursing her without proof. Luna may be right, but we need to be smart about this. We can't have another battle break out with people taking sides."

"She's right mate. Romilda's a Prefect and she's quite popular. If we just go accusing her, it'll cause another rift. That's something we don't need Voldemort getting wind of." Ron's words were carried with bleats and other goat like sounds that would have made Aberforth proud. Ginny and Remus nodded, with the former looking like she was hiding her laughter due to Ron's current predicament.

Looking at everyone in turn, he reluctantly agreed. All together they decided that she'd be questioned discreetly.

"I can scarce believe it, a Prefect resorting to this…and against the Head Girl…a fellow housemate!" McGonagall shook her head looking thoroughly defeated. Wiping her eyes with a handkerchief, she stood up and stared at some of the trophies around the room. The morning light glittered on them sending reflections all over the room. Turning from the sunrise she was watching and making a decision, McGonagall abruptly turned and addressed those in the room.

"With the younger students now being assembled in the Great Hall with everyone else, I'm about to speak to all of the students, so if you would all please join me. I wish to speak on some things that have been running through my mind during the night. You may join Miss Granger and question Miss Vane when I am done Mr. Potter."

Harry was about to object for those very reasons, but realized that as Head Boy he would need to be there considering the circumstances. Together they walked back in the Great Hall and McGonagall cleared her throat while standing at the front of the staff table, the only table still in the hall. Harry surmised the other tables and chairs had been moved down stairs to the kitchens for the time being. All eyes turned toward the front when McGonagall cleared her throat to announce her intentions of addressing the room. She stood there silently for nearly a full minute gathering her thoughts before finally speaking.

"I am truly not sure where to begin. The events that have occurred during the night have left me speechless, appalled, horrified, and dare I say it, embarrassed to be your Headmistress. Never in the history of this school has a fight of this magnitude ever happened. Student's fighting for fighting sake, fighting against our auror security, damaging the school in ways that even you do not comprehend."

Many heads looked up confused at that last statement. A few people whispered and shrugged to each other while others simply showed the awful guilt of contributing to the fight.

"Our security charms and shields were as strong as they'd ever been…to those on the outside. It was a gross oversight on our part to not consider the damage they could receive from within. The ensuing battle last night nearly tore down all of our shields." McGonagall paused for a moment to let that sink in. More heads looked up as comprehension dawned on many faces.

"Yes, if there had been spies of the dark lord wandering the forest testing the shields, as there has been on many occasions in the past, they would have discovered this. Heaven forbid if Voldemort were here, he would have stormed the castle within minutes and those that survived would be enslaved, tortured, or worse."

McGonagall took out her handkerchief and dabbed her eyes again before continuing.

"It appears that I have failed you all on so many levels. Here I thought that simply trying to be as normal a school as possible would help keep us sane, keep us grounded, yet I should have seen how the ruination of our world around us affected you all. I failed to see the tension that has slowly been building and finally erupted last night. I failed to comprehend the pressure you were all under with death near to our door. I should have understood the constant worry you each have for your families and loved ones. The burdens you were each carrying, the worry you go to sleep with each night. I blame myself for being blind to your needs and not adapting to the circumstances around us. For that, I apologize to each of you. However, I am not so selfish as to assume all the blame. Looking out upon you, I see that all of us are to blame in some facet. Many of you fought without thinking of the consequences while more of you simply to take advantage of an opportunity. There were others that got caught up in the moment and the rest were simply defending yourself the best way you knew how. However, in light of all that, I have decided that individual punishments will not be assessed."

More whispers and audible surprises arose from all over. Nearly everyone thought that detentions would be served for the rest of the year, let alone seeing the hourglasses permanently empty. Looking over to the hourglasses, they actually were already empty since they had been destroyed and the gems counting house points were scattered all over the floor.

"However, such damage to the school cannot be ignored. Therefore, classes will be suspended indefinitely while everyone, myself included, will work to not only repair the damage, but to improve upon the defenses that have been so nearly destroyed. Each house and year will be assigned to repair a specific area with a teacher or auror giving instruction and supervision. We will make this school stronger than ever before! Does anyone here feel this punishment is unfair or wish to object?"

McGonagall looked around the room only to be met with more than a few nods. Nobody was going to complain about not having to go to class, even if it was for repair work.

"Finally, I believe that everyone here is in dire need of an outlet for their tensions and worries, lest any more duels break out. Therefore, I propose that we set up a dueling tournament."

Harry was surprised at this, but seeing the surprise on the faces of the other professors, apparently this was something McGonagall just thought of during the last few hours. Intrigued, he eagerly waited to hear more about this. He wasn't alone. Many smiles grew wider with students sensing the chance to prepare for the inevitable attack from Voldemort while eager to throw some good spells around in preparation.

"Students will be divided in groups of eighteen to twenty with at least three students of the same house within each group. Additionally, there will be at least two students from each year on a team. A round-robin tournament will be set up to see who can work together most efficiently in battle-like scenarios. Each weekend we will conduct a few duels while those not participating that day will watch and observe what works and what doesn't. In order to make this fair, however, those students known as the 'Ministry Eight' will be assigned to lead different teams and not be allowed to work as its own team."

A few breaths of relief went up as most felt that they wouldn't stand a chance if Harry, Hermione, Ginny, and the rest were all teamed up together. Harry was slightly disappointed, but understood the wisdom of it. Allowing the 'Ministry Eight' to be team leaders would be a great opportunity for them to lead in their own right. Granted, they'd already been doing it in part during DA sessions when they split off into groups to practice, but this was totally different.

"Harry Potter, however, will not be leading a team and will instead be lending his skills and knowledge among all the teams on a rotating basis. He will also help serve as a judge during the official duels on Saturday."

A few more students groaned, hoping to be on his team, but knew that it wouldn't be fair when everyone clamored to sign up for his team. Feelings might be hurt with the rest of the team leaders. Slowly, a tentative hand rose in the air.

"Yes Mr. Goldstein?"

"Are the groups assigned or do we get to choose?"

"I believe it is for the best if students are assigned to their team. That way, nobody will feel left out being the last one to be picked. I will meet with the Head Boy and Girl, the Heads of each house, and the Prefects to decide on the teams and when we will announce them to you. However, this is only going to happen when I feel the repairs and defenses of the school are adequate enough that you have earned it. Yes Miss Zabini?"

"What does the winning team get?"

McGonagall smiled at this before looking around at the other professors in the room listening.

"If I'm not out of line, and if the other professors agree to it, I believe that the winning team should have the opportunity to duel a team comprised of the Hogwarts staff. Think of it as a way to get some revenge against all the homework we've assigned to you."

Smiles grew into huge grins and a few students even rubbed their hands together eagerly. The chance to duel the professors without punishment was something everyone had wanted at some point or another.

"I advise you to take this seriously. If there is ANYONE…and I mean ANYONE that gets into another UNSANCTIONED DUEL, they will be escorted off of the Hogwarts grounds permanently. That includes not just students but also the adults, the aurors and Hogwarts staff. Nobody will be exempt. I will not have another incident of what occurred last night! THERE WILL BE NO EXCEPTIONS! ARE THERE ANY QUESTIONS?"

Everyone understood perfectly clear what she was implying. They'd be kicked out of the school to fend for themselves. Faces grew rigid with fear and others went pale white. Silence reigned around the Great Hall. Harry felt that he wouldn't have to worry about seeing another duel break out outside of the tournament and breathed a sigh of relief that he had one less thing to worry about.

"Oh, one last thing. Seeing as Miss Granger will be unavailable to perform her duties as Head Girl for the time being, I have assigned Miss Susan Bones to acting Head Girl until Miss Granger recovers. I expect you all to treat her with the same respect as you would Miss Granger, Mr. Potter, or any other Prefect. Now, those of you needing injuries, curses or jinxes fixed are allowed to leave and make their way to the hospital wing. Everyone else will return here at precisely three o'clock this afternoon after you've all gotten some rest. Trust me when I say you are going to need it. Your wands will be returned to you then. To the Prefects, please assist in helping those to the hospital wing. I also ask each Prefect to wait until everyone else is healed before getting yourselves fixed up, dismissed."

The shuffle of feet and groans prevailed as students stood up stretching after sitting all night on the hard stone floor. Eventually they were given cushioning charms, but it didn't make up for a nice soft bed. Most of the students slowly made their way to hospital wing while the rest stood up and wandered back to their common room seeing first hand for themselves the damage that they'd all caused and feeling even worse for it.

Harry and Susan followed behind everyone else walking to the hospital wing. A long queue was growing from the front doors to down the hall and around the corner. Madam Pomfrey would only help one person at a time, but did allow Remus and a couple others with healer experience to help in some of the easier cases.

"There she is." Harry whispered seeing the Prefects at the door allowing one or two people in at a time. Romilda Vane was there and kept looking in toward where Hermione was lying.

"Say nothing yet Harry. Let's wait till everyone else is healed and gone." Susan whispered to him and together they walked into the hospital wing. Victor Krum was sitting at Hermione's side and holding her hand. Other students on beds were asleep or resting comfortably from their more serious curses. A few had the customary privacy shields up so nobody could see or disturb them.

Quietly, they walked to Hermione's bedside and conjured a couple chairs opposite Krum. He looked up at them before nodding. They sat there in silence for a while. Hermione was asleep and looked peaceful for the first time since the year started. Her green-silver hair reflected the morning sunlight that shone through the windows giving it a kind of sparkly effect.

"I vanted so badly to belief that she truly luffed me." Victor said quietly without even looking up. He was holding her hand in his and with his other was covering his eyes.

"I think, in my heart, I knew that somefing vas vrong, but I vas tu prideful to admit it. The chance to marry her and keep her safe, live my life wif her, to be happy avay from all of this. I refused to belief that she vould only love me, only marry me due to bad potion." Victor looked up at Harry and wiped the wetness from his eyes.

"And my foolishness nearly killed her. I hope she can forgife me. I hope all of yu can. I fear I may never forgife myself."

Harry shook his head in disagreement. "I don't think anyone blames you. She was put under a curse that was meant to take advantage of your feelings for her. I may have reacted the same way if I were in your shoes. Anyone of us would have."

"Du yu know who haf done this?"

Harry nodded. "As soon as the students are all healed, we're going to confront her. If you want to be there, I think you have the earned the right to face her."

Victor gave Harry a half smile before nodding and returning his gaze to Hermione. Nobody said anything else for the next couple hours. Susan nodded off asleep with her head on Harry's shoulder, but Harry couldn't sleep. His eyes kept going from Hermione to the students being healed, patiently waiting. Soon enough, the last student was excused and the Prefects were getting healed. Ginny and Ron sat on one bed together while the others were sitting on other beds waiting their turn. McGonagall had turned up and quietly asked Madam Pomfrey to heal Romilda last. The nurse simply nodded in understanding, not needing to ask after years of working together.

Susan jerked awake from Harry nudging her and telling her that it was time for their own injuries to be healed. Wiping the sleep from her eyes, they were soon enough healed and watched Ginny and Ron getting off their bed to walk toward Romilda's bed who was getting her extra-long fingernails fixed. She also had horns sprouting from her kneecaps that sounded like foghorns whenever she took a step.

"There you go Miss Vane. Good as new. If you find any sensitivity in your knees or fingers during the next forty-eight hours, you let me know."

"Thank you Madam Pomfrey." Romilda was about to get up when she suddenly noticed that she was surrounded by McGonagall, Harry, Victor, and the rest of the 'Ministry Eight.'

"Miss Vane, I believe we need to talk." McGonagall said sternly. Madam Pomfrey excused herself while Romilda audibly gulped. If there was any doubt to her guilt, her visible reaction to those around her confirmed it.

"Can I at least explain?"

"Oh, you'd better." Ginny blurted out. Romilda glanced around at the angry expressions directed at her and realized she'd be lucky to not be expelled.

"It wasn't meant to go that far. I only hoped to direct Hermione's attention elsewhere, I didn't realize she'd completely go off the bend and ignore all of her friends! I only hoped that she'd find some romance away from Harry, and then I could swoop in and be the shoulder for Harry to cry on."

"What you did is inexcusable. I have half a mind to expel you right now."

Romilda nodded sadly as the tears started coming.

"Do you have any idea how close you came to ruining our world?" Harry asked in a silent but deadly tone.

Romilda got a confused look on her face. "What do you mean world?"

Harry stammered a moment trying to explain without giving away the prophecy or their search for the Horcruxes. Ron sensing the problem quickly stepped in.

"She's been leading the research into how to stop Voldemort. Without her, we'd be lost. If she had married Victor and left, we'd have no clue how to navigate through her notes and ideas. We've actually been kind of stuck since school started."

Ron was actually telling the truth. Since Hermione's increasing odd behavior, their Horcrux searching had been put on hold, until last night, as their attention had been focused on Hermione herself. Her notes were organized in just such a way that only Susan had a semblance of how to navigate through them. In fact, the trip to Godric's Hollow was the only thing that had been done in the near three weeks since returning to Hogwarts, and that was done at the spur of the moment.

"Not to mention that your actions resulted in the first ever school riot, something that if Voldemort had been aware off, would have attacked straight away. " Neville added.

Seeing everyone gang up on her, Romilda went on the defensive. "Look, it wasn't something that was done to aid V…Vold…Voldemort. I was simply trying to ease my way into Harry's good graces. How was I supposed know how the rest of the school would react. Besides, it was only supposed to be directed to Harry, not everyone."

"How did you make such an advanced potion anyway?" Luna's voice was calm and had a tender understanding to it which she hoped would help diffuse some of the tension.

"My grandparents own an apothecary in Greece. Their potion notes are quite detailed. I obtained them when I started first year in hopes of getting a head start for my potions classes. Professor Snape had quite a reputation." Her voice had gone from Defensive to meek to defeat.

"Did you make it all by yourself?" Susan asked. Romilda nodded. "It's been a personal project for the last year. I started it beginning of term last year. She looked up to Harry. "I am sorry, but I was doing it for you, for us. You're the Boy-Who-Lived. I was just trying to get an opportunity to compete for your affections, but that wasn't possible until Hermione was out of the way."

"How and when did you give it to Hermione?" Ron asked with his arms folded giving her a look of disgust.

"At the train platform before the Hogwarts Expressed left. I got there extra early and when I saw Hermione immediately rush off to her duties when she arrived, I switched the contents of her water bottle she carried with her when she wasn't looking.

Harry closed his eyes trying to reign in his anger. After ten seconds or so, he slowly opened them.

"Headmistress McGonagall, what would happen to her, in your opinion if she were expelled?"

All eyes turned to McGonagall who answered. "Well, seeing as she is actually one of the top potion makers in her year and quite possibly the entire school, she would be sought out by the Death Eaters and either forced into their service or killed. But that is simply a guess."

"My family still lives in Greece. There's no way I could get back to them if I am expelled. This school is all that I have left. You'd be sending me to my death. I'm not a Death Eater, I've never agreed with their philosophy seeing as I'm a half-blood. My mother's side is all Muggle."

"If I may say somefing?" Victor Krum said to the rest. Everyone had forgotten he was there from him standing quietly near the back.

"What she haf done is awful and nearly unforgiveable, but it is not right to send her avay to be captured and tortured. If you all agree, and Hermioninny agrees, she should stay here and make up for the damage that haf been dun. I'm sure ve all wish to be given second chance wif our own mistakes." Victor was staring at Harry the entire time, and when he finished, excused himself and went back to his vigil at Hermione's bedside.

"He's right Harry. Voldemort wouldn't show her mercy. That's what makes us different from him. We can't progress down the same path he would." Ron looked at Harry with an impassioned look and Harry turned to McGonagall.

"I trust that you'll administer the right punishment for her then?"

"Oh, I have more than a few ideas in mind, starting with her Prefect duties which will be terminated immediately." McGonagall held out her hand and Romilda sadly and slowly removed her Prefect badge. She gave it one last stare before her shaky hand held it out.

"I won't permanently assign another in your place. If you prove that you still earn the right to wear this by Christmas, I may consider returning it to you."

"I promise I'll do whatever I can to make up for it."

"I'm glad to hear it. You will assist your classmates in repairing the school. I will personally double check your own work and expect you to perform above and beyond that of your classmates. After that, we'll get together to decide on any future punishments. You may go."

"Yes Maam." Romilda quietly stood up from the hospital bed and walked toward the door. She slowed down and turned her head toward Hermione and whispered 'I'm sorry' before continuing on and exiting.

"The rest of you should get some rest before we commence repairs this afternoon. When I said to the school that you'll need it, I was not joking."

None of them had ever heard McGonagall joke about anything school related before. Actually, they couldn't even remember her ever telling a joke before, so they knew not to ignore her advice. Walking to his common room, Harry told the rest he'd catch up when he saw Malfoy sitting quietly on a bench by himself. Harry remembered it was Malfoy that had saved her life…again and without a word sat down next to him. Malfoy didn't even acknowledge him, but just kept staring at the floor. They sat there quietly for about five minutes before Harry broke the silence.

"Why?" Was the only word he asked, and Malfoy gave a snort in response.

"I'm not omniscient Potter. You'll going to have to learn to use more than one word sentences from now on."

Harry ignored the slight at his intellect. "Why did you save Hermione's life? You could have pretended not to see her and nobody would have known. With all the chaos going on, nobody would have suspected you'd seen anything."

"Let's just say that seeing death changes a person. When my mother was killed, none of the Death Eaters raised a finger. My Aunt Bellatrix just watched. She didn't even try to intervene. None of my friend's parents who were there did a thing. For me to sit there and watch Granger die, I'd be just as bad as they are. That night, I vowed to do all I could to get my revenge on Voldemort. Watching Granger die would have made me a hypocrite and I wouldn't be able to live with myself."

Harry looked at Malfoy but he kept staring straight ahead to the floor. While Harry didn't disbelieve him, he still felt there was more to it.

"That reminds me Potter, when are you going to include me in on your little club's plans. Leaving the school, secret missions, bringing back dragons, I know you're doing something to defeat him. I think saving Granger's life twice merits some trust on that."

Harry gave it some thought. Malfoy was proving that he was fighting for their cause now. Drumming his fingers on the bench, he came to a conclusion.

"I'll make you a deal. Start coming to the DA meetings…"

Malfoy laughed out loud at that. "Oh please, what do you teach there that I haven't already learned? I could probably out duel any one there. Well, you and Granger might give me a run for my money I grant you, but nobody else would even be a challenge."

"Prove it. Start coming to the meetings. You want revenge, well so do the rest of us. We all want to see him defeated. To do that, we'll need everyone as strong as possible. Prove how good you are. Help teach those you profess to be better than. You can't do it alone and neither can I, neither can anyone. It's a team effort Malfoy, the sooner you learn that, the better chance we have."

Malfoy was quiet for a moment while in thought. "Blaise and Ted have been trying to talk me into coming, and I could use some sharpening of my skills. I mean Crabbe and Goyle grabbed my wand right out of my hand last night when I wasn't looking. How embarrassing is that."

"Speaking of Crabbe and Goyle, have they been attempting to send out information to their parents? I've had Blaise and Theodore trying to keep an eye on them, but I thought you might know something they don't."

Malfoy just shook his head in laughter. "Those two don't know anything. If they did, they'd be too stupid to put in code and would simply use an owl not thinking it would be intercepted by the aurors first. No, it's Pansy and Millicent you need to watch out for. Milly may be lying low, but she's anything but loyal to the school. Pansy hasn't made a final decision yet about whom to side with and she's been wavering a bit lately, but you still need to be wary around her."

Thanks, I'll keep that in mind. Look, why don't you come to the DA meetings and I'll talk to Hermione, Ron, and the rest. If they agree, then we'll let you in on what we're doing, deal?" Harry held his hand out. Malfoy looked at it tentatively before quickly shaking it.

"Fine, but this doesn't mean you're now on my Christmas card list." Malfoy drawled as he stood up to walk to his common room. Smiling Harry stood up as well.

"Of course, it doesn't look like we'll be having a meeting anytime soon, what with fixing the school and all, but I'll let you know about clueing you in on our plans." Harry said aloud to Malfoy's back who simply put up his hand in response.

The next three weeks went by fairly quickly. While the first afternoon was spent making assignments and assessing damage, the real work began the next morning. From 6am to 10 pm, they all were worked tirelessly, with an hour break for each meal of the day. The professors, a few aurors, and Order Members were assigned different groups and monitored their progress in repairs, assisted in teaching effective methods, and made sure that all finished work was in every way superior then what it was previously. As for the shields, Tonks had enlisted the rest of the aurors, McGonagall, and Harry, and surprisingly, got in contact with Fred and George to give advice on ways to construct traps when the shields were being attacked. The twins, who ironically, had been running their businesses-black market style from the Shrieking Shack without telling anyone, were more than happy to oblige. McGonagall and Tonks were getting increasingly excited at how strong the shields were getting not to mention the brilliant ideas the twins gave in creating backlashes when certain spells were used. They were becoming much stronger than they'd been originally and hope was spreading that they just might actually have a chance at surviving. Harry had visited Hermione each day during lunch and dinner break. The first day she was awake, she crushed him in a hug while his vision became blurred in green-silver hair.

"Harry! I'm so so sorry. I know how you must hate me." Hermione pulled back and Harry could see her face was red and she'd been crying. "I talked with McGonagall and she told me what potion it was. I can't believe Romilda did that to me, but if you never want to talk to me again, I won't blame you."

She looked up to Harry with hopeful puppy dog eyes. Harry gently covered her hand with his.

"I'm sorry too. I should have been more insistent in getting you here. It's just that I thought you were so upset with me that I thought you hated me.

"I tried to fight its effects, I tried so hard, but every time my head would feel like it was splitting open and then I'd start doing things I couldn't control, like I was watching myself through some dense fog. You know I could never abandon you."

Harry nodded with a sly smile. "So you're really not marrying Victor…again."

Hermione looked over to the side table where the engagement ring sat. Harry looked at it before returning his gaze to Hermione's ring less finger and gently caressed it.

"Harry, Victor isn't the one I'm in love with. I think you know that my heart has been yours since first year. But, since you're with Susan…"

Harry saw the intensity of her gaze and with a smile leaned in.

"I'm not. I never was. I broke off the kiss you saw when all I could think of was you. I'm just sorry I was so stupid to not recognize your feelings or to tell you mine."

Hermione smiled and pulled him to her. Their kiss was gentle at first, tentative. Gradually it grew more intense. Harry felt Hermione's grip on his neck strengthen and their first real snog as a couple became something a bit dangerous when Madam Pomfrey came rushing in.

"Stop! You two! I must insist." Harry and Hermione slowly broke apart, disappointed they'd been disturbed out of their personal moment.

"My alarms attached to Miss Granger just went haywire in my office. Her heartbeat starting beating rapidly, too rapidly I'm afraid. Her heart needs healing and I can't have moments like this slowing her recovery. I am truly sorry, both of you. I am a romantic at heart. Not to mention my day in the wager was actually tomorrow, but that's not important. Light kisses are acceptable, but nothing more until her heart becomes stronger, okay?"

Reluctantly they both agreed to the wisdom in that. Hermione's heart was very frail but they promised that when she was better, they'd make up for lost time. So each day, he'd visit her and each day she'd take walks to regain her strength. Madam Pomfrey said that she expected Hermione to make a full recovery after Halloween.

During an afternoon break in the middle of October, the group was sitting in the common room. Hermione had been discharged a week prior, but instructed in only light spell work for the time being. Seeing as things were getting back to normal, their search for the Horcruxes resumed.

"I say we check out Malfoy Manor." Neville said. "The locket must be there."

Ron shook his head. "I still say he gave it to Narcissa. We should find out where she was buried in case she was wearing it."

"Maybe she wasn't wearing it and it's in her bedroom at her house." Ginny replied in defense of Neville.

"Maybe Draco has it then. He was there when she died."

"Malfoy would not wear a locket? I've told you that before!" Ginny said louder.

"I never said he was wearing it, only that he might have kept it!" Ron returned just as loud.

"I've never saw Malfoy with a locket at Grimmauld." Hermione responded. Ron than turned to her.

"You both think I'm barmy, but it was his mom's. We should at least ask him about it!" Ron was adamant in his belief and upset that Hermione was backing Ginny and not him. Hermione started to reply something that looked terse, but was interrupted.

"Okay, okay you guys. Give it a rest." Hannah was shaking her head with a small smile, glad that some things were getting back to normal amongst them.

"That reminds me, Malfoy wants us to include him in on the Horcruxes. I told him I'd consider it if he started attending the DA meetings. Once he signs the parchment, than we know we can trust him. Well at least more so than we do now."

"Did he agree?" Susan asked.

"Yeah, he seems to think the only reason he needs to come is to teach us all how to duel. Apparently none of us are much of a challenge."

"I call dibs first." Ginny yelled. "I'd love to put that ferret in his place. Are we still on for next Monday night?" Ginny's eyes gleamed with excitement as thoughts of different spells to use danced in her head.

Harry nodded. McGonagall had been very pleased with the progress everyone was making and rewarded them all with a day off on Monday. Harry admittedly had never seen the school looking so brand new. Floors were being scrubbed, suits of armor being polished to brightness never before seen. Dirt and grime that had been a staple of the school for what was probably generations was disappearing. The grounds outside were looking better than ever. Hagrid had never had so much help maintaining them. The dragons had indeed been moved to the forest, but not too far. He and Charlie took care of them and were making them ready battle ready. Filch was in high heaven. He ordered everyone about to make sure not a spot of dirt was missed and even he had a spring in his step. With the newness of the school, it seemed that everyone's mood was improving. On Monday with their day off, McGonagall said she'd officially announce the dueling teams and when the tournament would start, which had everyone giddy. The meetings about dividing up the teams had been pretty smooth for the most part. There was a lottery as to who would pick first and went from there. No team was allowed more than three from a house until all houses had at least three members. Also, they had to have at least two members from each year before they could get a third. That way, a team could not be comprised of all six and seventh years. After that they could choose freely. Durmstrang and Beauxbatons had lobbied for their own teams believing they would work together better as their own unit and McGonagall agreed.

Harry and Hermione being together as an official couple also added another happy element to nearly everyone. Some of the Durmstrang students felt Krum had been wronged, but Krum defended Harry and Hermione, saying he'd tried, but Hermione's heart belonged elsewhere. In a funny twist, it was Cho, who had arrived with a group of refugees a week after school started, that had comforted Krum and been seen in his company with increasing frequency. Finally, as a thank you to Madam Pomfrey for all she'd done to heal the students over the years, often with little gratitude, Harry and Hermione told Ginny to give her the winnings of the wager regarding Harry and Hermione seeing as she had actually won.

Susan, for her part tried to be happy for Harry and Hermione, but other than that did not dwell on it too much, although she often couldn't help but wonder what might have been. Instead, she focused her energies on the Horcruxes and translating the rest of 'Chronicles of Merlin' in case she missed something important as well as preparing for the excising of Harry's Horcrux on Halloween in a couple weeks.

Monday morning the school was teeming with excitement. While just having their first day off in weeks was one thing, the team announcements were forefront on everyone's mind. Judging by the sheer numbers, there looked to be about twenty-five teams total, including Durmstrang and Beauxbatons. As there were so many teams, additional leaders were needed. All the prefects were announced as team leaders and the rest were taken on a volunteer basis. Harry convinced Malfoy to take a team appealing to his ego and great dueling abilities he had bragged about. As a side business for the twins, and Ginny's insistence of being included, if the wagers were heavy concerning Harry and Hermione, it was nothing compared to what was happening now. Most of it was currently on who would be on whose team, but once that was decided, wagers on who would win would no doubt skyrocket. The twins took it upon themselves to spear up the betting, privately of course since they'd moved their business from Shrieking Shack to the school. Remus had needed the shack for his monthly transformations and the twins worried their supplies might get destroyed, so it was a convenient trade off when Remus offered up part of his office for their use.

"So Harry, do you have any say in which teams will match up? I can't wait to embarrass Ron!" Hermione said somewhat out of character. Team leaders only knew their own team and nobody else's since the 'draft' had been in secret. When it came time to choosing a name off of the parchment, only those students who were eligible to be picked would appear, than would disappear once chosen and the next person would see the names rearranged as to who was still eligible for their team. This was so not to tip off who the last pick was. Harry had seen the final list of teams, but couldn't remember specifics. His one impression from what he saw, however, was that Ron had actually picked a strong team and looked forward to seeing how he led them. Well, actually he looked forward to seeing everybody in action and how they work together.

"Attention everyone, may I have your attention?" McGonagall spoke up but her request wasn't necessary. As soon as she stood the room became silent as a grave. Harry couldn't remember it getting this quiet so quickly. All eyes shone with excitement toward the headmistress.

"The teams have been decided. If I could have the team leaders come up the front."

Voices whispered their excitement when all the team leaders strode quickly to the front. Those from Beauxbatons and Durmstrang didn't bother getting up because Beauxbatons was only fielding two teams while Durmstrang only had three and had already had their own teams divided. The adults and those Hogwarts students at the school who had already graduated, like the Weasley Twins, Cho Chang and Katie Bell, were given permission to field their own team and had already met a couple times to discuss tactics.

Harry saw all the 'Ministry Eight' near the front, as well as all the Prefects, and those who had asked to lead a team. Seeing a good twenty team leaders caused Harry to realize that not all teams would be numbered equally, but figured that one team having an extra person or two because of that just added intrigue to it all.

"Starting in alphabetical order with the last name, the team leader will read off their teammates. They will then be excused for the afternoon conduct team meetings, strategy, etc. I remind all of you, that there will be NO DUELING BETWEEN TEAMS OR INDIVIDUALS until the tournament starts. ANY DUELING WILL RESULT IN AUTOMATIC DISQUALIFICATION FOR BOTH TEAMS, AND THOSE INVOLVED WILL BE ESCORTED OFF OF SCHOOL GROUNDS. I HAVE TOLD THIS ONCE ALREADY, BUT I REMIND YOU AGAIN. DO I MAKE MYSELF CLEAR?"

Everybody remembered McGonagall stating that edict the morning after what was now simply called 'the Hog-War.' To be told disqualification would include the entire team took on a new meaning and everyone vowed to let their trash-talking be done when it mattered.

Hannah Abbot, her being first alphabetically, pulled her team list and started naming names. Cheers, groans, laughter, and disappointment were met with each name and continued so when Susan Bones was next to announce her team. And so it continued until the hall was empty of all the current students, each team meeting in different classrooms to get to know one another and decide how to utilize their strengths.

Harry stood up and went to the front to review the team's and meet to decide how to schedule the round-robin tournament. Harry had to admit, it was a great idea for house unity. There were no more than five students in a house on each team. Some only had four. Additionally, if things went well, and the teams all worked well together, they could then possibly be used in different areas of the castle to help defend it when the time came. It was a stroke of organizational brilliance and unity that McGonagall had come up with.

"As long as they don't all kill each other first when the tournament begins." She concluded before sitting down to hammer out the details.

That night, the DA was buzzing with excitement. Even the fact that Malfoy was there didn't do much to quell the excitement. Everyone was talking and comparing teams, mentioning different individual's tendencies and habits, and trying to score information about other teams' strategy. Only when Harry stood up to start the meeting did the room go silent to listen.

"Look, I've been thinking about this and I think it's only fair…uhh…"

Harry hesitated before glancing at Hermione who nodded her support.

"It's just that with this tournament now going on…"

Cheers erupted along with clapping. Harry smiled at the display and waited for the clamor to die down. He was worried about delivering news that might now go over so well, but decided to just jump right in.

"Look, in order to make it fair for everyone, and since I'm going around to each dueling team to help out, I think we should postpone the DA meetings for a while."

Harry looked around and the excitement around the room fell a little bit. Malfoy at the back simply shook his head in annoyance.

"I'm sorry, but I think it's not fair for you to have extra training while the other teams don't. I want everyone to have a fair chance. You are already that much farther ahead than the rest of the school."

A hand went up, but he started speaking anyway.

"What about the war? Isn't this club supposed to help keep us alive?"

Harry glanced again at Hermione who walked over from the side and took over. Nobody was surprised as this was usually the case in most meetings.

"Your team meetings will serve to replace the training you get here. This way you can still get your DA training as Harry goes around to teams and helps in your DADA classes, which allows you to still prepare as a team unit. And when Voldemort does come, we'll be that much more ready."

There were a few grumbles and complaints heard, and while not everyone agreed, they did understand the reasoning. As everyone filed out, Malfoy walked over.

"So, you drag me here to tell me that we won't be meeting anymore? I suppose this is your way of keeping me in the dark."

"Actually, we've agreed to let you in on our plans, providing you sign a parchment of secrecy."

Malfoy's eyebrows went up with concern but when he saw everyone else's name on it, he didn't seem too concerned.

"So, I just have to promise to never use what I learn from you to aid or inform Voldemort? No problem there…but what happens if I somehow break my promise?"

Hermione got a grin on her face. "You really don't want to know, trust me."

Malfoy hesitated on signing and looked at Hermione.

"You're right, I probably don't." He then signed his name at the bottom larger than anyone else on the parchment with a flourish.

"Part of me hopes he breaks it just to see the results of the curse." Ron joked quietly to Neville who nodded with a smile.

"Alright, I'm official, so what's been going on?" Malfoy asked seeing as there was no time like the present.

Harry was about to tell Malfoy to sit down when Blaise came running back in.

"Harry, Draco! You've got to come now. Crabbe, Goyle, and Milly just stated they're leaving! They're leaving the castle to join Voldemort, and have invited anyone else who wishes to join them! McGonagall needs you both, and you too Hermione!"

Quickly everyone got up and ran down to the Entrance Hall were the three Slytherins were standing in the doorway to the outside. Millicent Bulstrode was speaking to the crowd who had gathered.

"…army is being strengthened each day. Nobody here will survive. Our only chance is to join him now while we still can! Come with us and we will be shown mercy. For I swear, the next time you see us will be on the field of battle and there will be no leniency given to any of you!"

Murmurs went up amongst the crowd and a couple adults, along with three other students, all from Slytherin walked up and stood behind Crabbe and Goyle. Harry didn't know them as they looked to be third or fourth years. Suddenly, another two students walked forward who Harry recognized as Daphne Greengrass and Tracey Davis. Millicent gave them a welcoming smile, but Daphne seemed more upset than happy as she seemed to be half dragged by Tracey and appeared like she really didn't want to go. Her eyes refused to look up from the floor.

"Anyone else?" Millicent looked around and her eyes rested on another student.

"Pansy? Surely you're coming? You can't stay here, you know that."

Pansy seemed conflicted. She looked around and saw the stares of everyone upon here. She started to speak and took a step forward but paused.

"Pansy, don't do this. Don't follow them to death. You know that's where it'll lead." Hannah's voice rose out amongst the crowd and Hannah took a few step toward her.

"PANSY!" Crabbe yelled. "Come on, you're parents are expecting you."

Pansy again took a step forward but tears started welling up in her eyes. She clearly was torn.

"Pansy," Hannah said lowering her voice as she walked up next to her. "Whatever happens, you still have family here. Whatever happens, you'll be safe here."

Pansy wiped her tears with her sleeve. She looked around again and saw Draco, Blaise and Theodore standing off to the side. Pansy knew the sacrifices they had made. Of being cut off from their own families for joining the side they felt was right. Then her eyes fell on Harry Potter, The Boy-Who-Lived. Pansy wasn't a fool. She knew that Potter was destined to face Voldemort. She also knew from what her parents told her that Potter had survived encounters with Voldemort on many occasions, and she knew that if anyone could beat the Dark Lord, Potter would. She remembered the many long nights of discussion and debate with Draco, Blaise, Ted, Milly, Crabbe, Daphne, Tracey Davis, and Goyle about which side would emerge victorious and whom they should side with. She and Daphne were the only ones who were still undecided, but now her hand was being forced as Daphne's was. Her parents were Death Eaters and it was expected of her to be one was well, but after what happened to Draco's mother and knowing the type of world Voldemort would command, her heart couldn't do it. Silently she looked to Millicent, Crabbe and Goyle and shook her head, tears still streaming down her face.

"Goyle gave her a murderous look. "You've signed your own death warrant Parkinson! You all have! Come on, let's get out of here."

The rest of them gave her looks of hatred and disappointment as they turned their backs on the school and walked out the doors. Pansy started crying some more, but Hannah was there and pulled her cousin into a hug.

"I know we've never really gotten along, but…thank you…for not leaving me alone." Pansy said to Hannah who nodded.

"You're my only cousin. The only family I have here at school. I couldn't let you go without a fight."

Draco, Blaise, and Theodore walked over and Blaise pulled her into a hug of her own. Quietly they all talked off to the side giving her support.

As soon as those that had left had apparated away, McGonagall hung her head in disappointment. Wiping a tear from her eye, she took a breath and new resolve was seen forming in her stature. Quickly, her voice sprang into action as she addressed the aurors.

"I want each of those who left, their rooms searched and all their mail reread. I want to see if we can find any information they have relayed to the outside. Also find where each of them worked on rebuilding the castle. I want to know if they laid any traps, curses, or sabotage. The rest of you, it is getting late. I suggest you start making your way toward your common rooms."

Immediately the aurors sprang into action while the rest of the crowd slowly dawdled about until eventually the entrance hall was empty.

Pansy Parkinson was given a bit of renewed respect after that. Under the face of intense pressure, she chose to stay and fight with the school, with Harry Potter. Most knew the sacrifice she had made. Likely her parents would cut her off, threaten, or simply tell her that her punishment would be severe, if not final. A few entertained the idea that it was a setup and Parkinson was simply meant to remain as a spy, but that idea evaporated when she agreed to Veritiserum in an effort to silence her critics and ease the fears of her remaining doubters. According to Tonks, nothing was found in the rooms of those who left, however, some parts of the castle had indeed been left purposely weakened where Millicent, Crabbe and Goyle had been. Whatever damage was done was quickly and easily fixed.

As the days wore on, and the weather took to changing from autumn to winter, Harry found himself increasingly busy and was unable to sit down with Malfoy about the Horcruxes.

Each day, Harry joined Tonks for her DADA classes, but those classes were changed around for a couple dueling teams to be in the class rather than how it was scheduled before. Tonks and Harry would answer questions, give advice, and help in whatever way he could with their spells and wand work. The only thing he and Tonks refused to do was to give them ideas for new spells and strategy. That was their only DADA homework, finding new spells and ideas on their own and then asking for help in its application and wand work. It was done this way so to make it fair for everyone. Harry found that he enjoyed these classes as much as teaching the DA and for the first time in his life, questioned if being an auror was what he truly wanted to do as a career, assuming he lived to have one that is. Because of this arrangement, the current DA meetings were put on hold indefinitely, Harry not wanting to give the DA anymore of an advantage then they already had. Even the first and second years were asking smart difficult questions and working hard to get their spell work down, not wanting to be a weak link on their team. Of course, classmates still intermingled as they always did, but it became an unspoken rule not to talk about anything specific their own team was working on, only the tournament in general and other teams not involved in the conversation. Indeed, the school was uniting together like never before.

The morning of Halloween arrived with the announcement that the first duel would begin in three weeks time with the dueling schedule to be announced right after breakfast. This would allow teams to evaluate their competition and modify their plans according to the strengths and weaknesses of those they were opposing. The entire weekend would be devoted to it with each team dueling at least once. It was decided to be a double elimination tournament, thus giving each team a chance to redeem themselves and learn from their mistakes. A lot of teams had also taken the liberty to use the pitch and participate in approved supervised mock duels by themselves. One team would split up in half and practice against each other. Nobody dared duel another team for fear of McGonagall's wrath, in addition to not wanting to reveal some of their secrets.

"So Seamus," Harry inquired while buttering his toast next to Hermione and Ron. I hear you had quite the interesting experience the day you teams met." Seamus had been picked to be on Luna's team.

Seamus looked up from his mouth full of waffles and coyly ducked his head while swallowing.

"You heard about that huh?"

"Did you actually challenge Luna for leadership of your team?" Ron said smiling while shaking his head in disappointment at Seamus. Hermione smiled but simply listened.

"Well, I wasn't sure she would be an effective leader and I thought someone should say as much."

"So, someone meaning you then?" Harry replied.

"Yeah, she announced that anyone who felt they could lead the team better than her would be more than welcome to challenge her to a duel for it. After McGonagall arrived and approved the idea, I gave it a go."

"And?" Hermione said with a smile of her own.

Seamus signed and bowed his head. "She beat me in eight seconds. And for half that time, I don't think she even moved."

Harry, Ron, and Hermione all roared back in laughter. The rest of the hall turned in surprise, but became even more happy to see the 'Golden Trio' all laughing together. No one could remember when the last time was that they'd laughed like that as a group. Ron slapped Seamus on the back before shaking his head again.

"You should know better than that mate. Haven't you seen Luna in the DA?" She'd probably give Hermione a run for her money now."

Hermione nodded her head. "It's true; she may look small and timid, but never underestimate her power or she'll cut you down every time."

Ron smiled with pride that his girlfriend had become such a force to be reckoned with. If there was any team who was the dark horse in this tournament, it was definitely hers. Luna had been learning to use her Occlumency and Legilimency skills in conjunction with her wand work. Without lifting a finger she had broken through Seamus mind and made him confused as to which direction to shoot. When he had turned ninety degrees and stunned the blackboard repeatedly, Luna lazily took her wand from behind her ear, observed her fingernails for a moment, and stunned him. Nobody on her team knew how she'd done it, but nobody else dared challenge her again.

Susan and Hannah soon walked over and joined the trio when Seamus excused himself. They were all left to themselves, so they were able to speak freely about their plans.

"We're all ready for tonight Harry. McGonagall's given us permission to return to Grimmauld Place. We don't want anyone interrupting us unexpectedly and interfering with such a delicate spell." Susan had given her Head Girl duties back to Hermione, but seeing as Romilda was still earning her position back, Susan was given her spot as acting Prefect, if she wanted it. Susan had readily agreed, happy to lead in whatever chance she was given.

"When do we leave?" Harry asked Hermione who was in charge of the entire operation.

"Well, the spell is supposed to done between 10 pm and midnight, so I suggest getting to Grimmauld at least a couple hours prior to that, just in case."

Harry nodded and subconsciously rubbed his scar. It still prickled from time to time to his never ending annoyance, but nothing substantial had seeped through. Occasionally, he'd get a flash of a pounding headache, but it would quickly subside, no doubt to Voldemort regaining his emotional control back and not wanting Harry to know what was going on. Still, when that happened, he'd have the remnants of a headache until Madam Pomfrey gave him something for it. It had happened at least once a week since school started.

"It's quite a heavy spell to work out, are you sure your heart can take it?" Ginny asked with concern knowing Hermione's heart was still mending, although getting stronger each day. Hermione bit her lip before quickly taking a large spoonful of her oatmeal to prevent her from answering.

"You don't know do you?" Hannah queried. Hermione shook her head before swallowing.

"Well, it's just that I need to be there to do it, I need to be there to help Harry. I'm sure I'll be fine."

"Hermione, this is a dangerous spell. We don't know how it will affect you. What if you're heart gives out right in the middle of it. What would happen to Harry then?" Neville said with some urgency.

Hermione looked to Harry and took his hand in hers. "I guess I didn't think of that."

"Look, someone should be there in case something goes wrong. Perhaps Madam Pomfrey can spare an evening to be there, you know, just in case." Harry gave Hermione a hopeful smile but she shook her head.

"Harry, we have to keep what were doing secret. She'll probably start asking too many questions. We can't risk it, even for her.

"What about you? We can't risk you either! I can't lose you, not now. I need you!" Harry retorted with concern on his face. Hermione's heart nearly melted at seeing Harry so worried about her, his face full of love toward her. Nodding slowly, she decided to compromise.

"Look, everyone else can monitor my vital signs and if things turn for the worse, than we can stop…Okay? I promise I'll stop."

Hermione looked around at everyone before they reluctantly agreed.

Finally, the time came for them to go to Grimmauld place and set things up. With any luck, by the times the day was over, they'd be one step closer to destroying Voldemort.