Chapter 52
The Study Group, Part 3


Author's Note: Some people have said they disapprove of the direction I'm going with Draco Black. Unfortunately for them, I have many things planned when it comes to him, but his next important scene doesn't come till near the Yule Ball. So for now, I'll keep him condensed to a few mentions until I need him for his important scenes. Read on...


Saturday, June 4th, 1994

(Harry)

Sirius' announcement cured the sadness that had come in the aftermath of Neville's letter, and changed to a bit of happy celebration, and discussion of Quidditch. Mrs. Weasley invited Sirius to have a spot of breakfast. Fred, George, Percy, and Bill arrived at different times, and all of them reacted differently to the announcement: Fred and George danced together in a sort of rumba, chanting they were going to the cup, until their mother made them settle down; Bill clapped Sirius on the back in thanks, and Percy only smiled and said he was looking forward to it, if it didn't interfere in his plans for the summer.

Harry, Ginny and Sirius were all finished with breakfast at the same time, and walked outside for a bit of fresh air and private conversation.

"So... any news of Malfoy?" Harry asked.

"You're still on about him?" Sirius asked, "This is great news! We're going to see a huge Quidditch match! A big one!"

"And it will probably be the same results as it was the last time around," Ginny said, "To Harry and I, this is no big deal. We know what happens."

Sirius opened his mouth to speak, but Harry raised a hand.

"We're not telling you so you can bet on the match, Sirius," he said.

"Party crashers," Sirius mumbled. "You're taking all the fun out of this, you know. I was ready to see you thrilled –!"

"We are thrilled," Ginny said. "We would be even more thrilled if you could give us good news about Malfoy."

"Well, there is none," Sirius said, bluntly. "Haven't gotten a peep from him. He's still out there, doing what ever the bastard is doing when he isn't kidnapping kids or setting Dementors on castles-slash-schools. We have a couple spare, but excellent, Aurors in front of Grimmauld Place in case Malfoy does find a way to get past the Fidelius Charms. If he does decide he wants his filthy hands on Draco again, he'll regret it. Other than that..."

He shrugged.

"What about Barty Crouch, Junior?" Harry asked.

"I remembered him, don't worry," Sirius said, "He's still at his father's house. He's probably under the Imperius Curse. And, as much as I hate the man for putting me in Azkaban, I am going to be the bigger man here."

"What does that mean?" Harry asked.

"Simple," Sirius said, "I am going take a particular interest in Crouch, Senior over the next twelve months just to make sure he's alive to see the next twelve years, and more."

"Very mature of you," Harry said.

"Easy, kid," Sirius said, grinning, "You wouldn't want to see me mature."

Harry laughed and shook his head.

"Harry, what if Lucius knows Barty Junior is alive?" Ginny asked, "What if that is his plan? To go after him?"

Harry looked from Ginny to Sirius again. "What do you think?"

"Obviously he has different plans than he had over the past few months," Sirius said, "He led me to his forest manor, and let me find Draco."

"At Durmstrang," Harry said, thinking back,, realizing it was important, "Before he died, Karkaroff was planning on taking me to Voldemort, probably as an apology for the past twelve years. Karkaroff seemed to be trying to convince Malfoy to help him. Malfoy was focused on Draco, but he was also mad at Pettigrew for leaving him. Maybe Malfoy's going the route of Karkaroff's plans. What if he, too, is trying to find Voldemort? Or, perhaps, he is trying to round up the whole gang of free Death Eaters to bring them to his Lord."

Sirius raised his eyebrows, then grinned as he looked at Harry. "This is exactly why I can't wait until you're an Auror again. Good thinking, kid. I will bring that up at the Ministry."

"Good," Harry said, "Sirius, you're sure Draco's okay? I mean... Malfoy just... let him go? Just like that, without any hidden motives?"

"Narcissa assures me Draco is fine," Sirius said, "You've seen him too. He's been here most of the past week. You've seen him more than me. How does he seem to you?"

"Quiet," Harry said, "Except when he is doing schoolwork."

"That isn't all, though, Harry," Ginny said, "Remember?" She turned to Sirius. "He acts... odd... around me. And not just me. Hermione, Luna, Tonks."

Sirius only nodded, but Harry could see a look of recognition in his eyes.

"That is nothing to worry about," Sirius said, "Draco and Narcissa are dealing with that on their own."

"Dealing with what?" Harry asked.

"Sorry, kid," Sirius said, "Can't tell you. It is their business. Other than his odd behavior you noticed, I'm sure there is nothing else to worry about."

Don't pester him about it, Harry, Ginny said, He'd tell you if he could. It is not his secret to tell.

Fine. I just wish I knew what was going on.

"So... how's Amelia?" Ginny asked, "I thought she'd come around here sometime to see us."

"She's busy. She has more important things to worry about at the moment, not that you two aren't important to her. But as Minister, this year is very important for her. The Quidditch World Cup is actually happening even with all the drama, and the Triwizard Tournament will happen as well."

"Both events are important in our end-game," Harry said.

"Exactly!" Sirius said, "Let me deal with Malfoy. You deal with your mission, and schoolwork."

With that their conversation was over, and the three walked back inside.

Harry? Ginny asked, as she and Harry returned to the kitchen table, You haven't told Sirius about everything that happened at Durmstrang, have you?"

What do you mean? Harry asked.

I heard everything that went on in that office, Harry, Ginny said, Karkaroff didn't just want to take you to Voldemort. He was planning on trying to persuade Voldemort to keep you alive. He was hoping that you could be the best Death Eater, if he had his way.

Karkaroff is dead, Ginny. It doesn't matter what his plans were anymore. By this time next year, Voldemort will be a memory, and our mission will be over. That is all Sirius needs to know about.

Ginny frowned, but Harry didn't back down. He knew he was right about this. He didn't need Sirius to worry needlessly, he was busy as it was. He didn't need more distractions.

Sirius would be staying all day, since he had the day off from his own job. Percy seemed to take an interest in the Auror, and Harry decided it probably had to do with his NEWTs. Ginny seemed to notice it too.

At least his mind is off of Penelope Clearwater, Ginny said, I figured out that was why he was ignoring everyone this past week. His own type of grieving. As long as it doesn't lead to complete estrangement from everyone, he can do whatever he wants.

It does seem to be leading down that path...

It won't happen again, Harry. I'll kill Percy myself if it does. I was witness to his and Dad's colossal argument last time. Experiencing it once was enough.

After breakfast, Harry, Ginny, Hermione and Bill moved to the sitting room to resume to Arithmancy project. Ron was persuaded by his mother to work on some Divination revisions, since his friends were doing schoolwork too. He was grumpy about it, and Harry could hear him stomping up the stairs all the way to his room.

"Arithmancy is a lot different than when I took it at Hogwarts," Bill said, "Magical cores – we didn't study those until sixth year."

"It is Dumbledore's doing, we think," Harry said, nodding to Ginny, "He knows about the Soul Bond, of course, and he wanted us to know how powerful our magical cores are -"

"Before you turn fourteen," Bill said, nodding, "I see. Still... this is meant for sixth year students. I can see why you're having trouble with it. I assume you know your colors from the Gossamer Rainbow?"

"Red," Harry said, while Ginny said orange, and Hermione said purple.

Bill whistled. "Red and orange. Pretty high up there."

"We know it is either level seven or eight," Ginny said, "It is between Vector's and Dumbledore's."

"What about purple?" Hermione asked, then after a moment shook her head, "Never mind, I want to find out on my own."

"And that is what I'll teach you," Bill said, "Which is exactly what Vector would have taught you as well, so it isn't unfair to the rest of your class that I am your tutor here."

Even with Bill's help, it took three hours for Harry, Ginny and Hermione to finish up their tables that resulted in finding out their magical core levels. Hermione looked at her results in shock.

"This doesn't make sense at all," Hermione said.

"Hermione," Harry said, "Just because you're smart, does not mean your magical core may be high..."

"I'm not talking about that, Harry," Hermione said, "These results... magical cores are not discovered using the three magical numbers!"

"Of course not!" Bill said, "not every number in the Gossamer Scale adds, subtracts, divides or multiplies to those three numbers."

"But – I thought -" Hermione stammered. "I mean – this is what I've been doing for months! Trying to use those tables -"

"Let me guess," Bill said, "You haven't gotten very far trying to solve it using the tables?"

Hermione frowned and shook her head.

"This is why magical cores are sixth year material," Bill said, "This is complicated stuff. The tables you learn about in third year is amateur stuff compared to NEWT-level teaching."

Hermione frowned and nodded as she looked at her piece of parchment.

"What is your magical core level, Hermione?" Ginny asked.

"Four," Hermione said, smiling, "Not exactly what I expected. But a lot better than one or two. How about the two of you? Did you figure out which was which?"

"It was rather obvious from the start," Ginny said, "Mine is seven, and Harry's is eight. We should have known really. I mean... Harry's older and his fourteenth birthday is coming soon."

"I'm one number below Dumbledore," Harry said, shrugging.

"That doesn't really mean much, Harry," Bill said. "In the Gossamer scale, eight and nine are – well – compared to a regular scale, they're far apart as one and ten are. If everything about the whole Age of Consent thing is exactly what I read about, you might be level ten by your fourteenth birthday. Or maybe not until Ginny turns fourteen. Nobody knows, at least, not since the Flamels died."

Harry nodded. He felt strange. He now knew what his magical core was, and he didn't feel different at all. Like Ginny said, he had known it from the start, really. It had been obvious – obviously since he was older then Ginny, and closest to the age of consent, his magical core would be more powerful.

"Well, my work is finished here," Bill said, "I'm going to go stretch it off. Been sitting here for over three hours, and starting to feel it!"

He chuckled lightly, stood up and walked out of the room.

"Harry?" Hermione asked, "What did you mean earlier? About my knowledge, and the magical core."

"The magical core affects your magic, Hermione," Harry said, "Not your knowledge." He looked over his shoulder toward the kitchen, then turned back to Hermione and lowered his voice, "In the old timeline, your other self – she wasn't exactly the best dueler in the class, even though she was the smartest student. She wasn't... Auror material, I suppose."

Hermione frowned. "I can see that, I suppose. Book smarts are only one thing, right?"

"It doesn't mean you aren't strong, Hermione," Harry said, "She – your other self – she was strong. She knew her magic, had excellent skills. But – well – consider this. I was quite surprised that you were the first to summon your Patronus. Your other self – it was her most complicated spell."

Hermione blushed and smiled. "So... what does that mean?"..

"All this training we've been doing," Harry said, "Occlumency, dueling, all of it. It probably did a lot more for you. Your magical core – I wondered at first if it would be a two."

"I suppose I should thank the two of you then," Hermione said, chuckling.

Harry and Ginny smiled.

"What are friends for?" Harry asked.

Hermione smiled too.


After the pressure of discovering their magical core levels was lifted, schoolwork, studying and revising became much easier for Harry and Ginny. The study group resumed on Monday, and the schedule became monotonous as the days went on.

Harry, Ginny, Hermione and Ron had the unfortunate task of telling Luna about Neville's letter. All throughout the discussion, Luna's dreamy stare remained etched to her face. She only said it was fine and she hoped Neville was having fun. Still, Harry and Ginny knew how she felt about Neville, and knew she wanted him to notice her again. But as long as Neville was still grieving Daphne, they knew Luna would just have to wait.

The study group finished their assignments by the end of the second week of June, and began revising for their exams, which would be arriving by owl post sometime during the third week of June. Fred, George and Percy were all cramming for their OWLs and NEWTs, which they would take on the third Saturday and Sunday of the month. Percy was holed up in his room most of the time, except for meals. Fred and George seemed less worried about their exams, and were quite cheerful around everyone. Ginny seemed to think this had more to do with their Wizard Wheezes, and less to do with exams.

Unlike the first weekend of the month, the following weekend was spent with rest and recreation. Ron had been looking forward to practicing Quidditch all week, and Harry and Ginny had asked Sirius to bring over their brooms and a couple of outfits designated for Quidditch. So after breakfast on Saturday, Harry, Ginny and Ron headed up to the paddock with their brooms in hand.

"Been looking forward to this all week," Ron said, when they reached the paddock; he set his broom on the ground, then begun doing some stretches. "You realize we haven't jogged at all since we returned from Hogwarts? I'm going to be out of shape by September! I'm a sure-shot at starting Keeper this year with Wood gone. I've already planned on watching the Keepers at the World Cup for some good tips."

Harry and Ginny looked at each other, with amused expressions.

You didn't tell him? Ginny asked.

I thought he knew already. I thought it had come up before. I guess not.

"Ron, I'm afraid we have some bad news," Harry said.

Ron paused his stretches and looked at Harry. "What are you talking about?"

"You do remember us talking about the special tournament going on at Hogwarts this year, yeah?" Harry asked.

"Yeah sure," Ron said. "Going to be exciting to watch. Hope it doesn't interfere with Quidditch much -"

Harry and Ginny looked at each other, and unfortunately Ron caught them.

"What are you not telling me?" he asked.

"Ron," Ginny said, "There isn't going to be any Quidditch at Hogwarts this year."

Ron raised an eyebrow, then grinned, and chuckled. "Funny. Nice joke, sis."

"I'm not joking, Ron," Ginny said, "The Tournament replaces it."

Ron's jaw dropped as he looked from Ginny to Harry with a pleading look. Harry only nodded. Ron sputtered.

"But – but – they can't do that!" he said, in outrage, "Surely McGonagall will say something! She's dedicated to Gryffindor winning the cup! We would have won the cup this year if it wasn't for the Dementors! It isn't like the Tournament will interfere with the matches -"

"Actually," Harry said, "The third task of the Tournament will take place on the Pitch."

Ron scowled. "Still, there could be matches in between the tasks. That is not bloody fair! My first chance of being starting Keeper for all three matches and – ugh! Up!"

His broom levitated into the air. He mounted it, and flew off into the sky.

"He took that well, didn't he?" Ginny said, grinning.

"Bout the same way he took it last time around," Harry said. "Maybe a bit more intense this time, since he actually gets to play."

"Oi!" Ron yelled from the air, "Enough talk you two. Going to stop me from playing at home too or something?!"

Harry and Ginny grinned at each other, mounted their brooms and flew into the sky.

Ron's anger from the revelation of no Quidditch matches over the next year at Hogwarts only made his playing intensify. Harry and Ginny played against each other, Chaser versus Chaser, with Ron playing Keeper against the both of them, trying to stop both Chasers from scoring. Ron performed excellently, catching most of the Quaffles coming his way, even from Ginny who he had always had problems against when she scored against him during practices at Hogwarts. After two-and-a-half hours, the match ended with Ginny winning 60-50, though Ron was decidedly the best player of the game, catching eighty percent of the Quaffles thrown his way.

Fred and George had arrived fifteen minutes before the match ended, and had watched the final minutes take place. They cheered and clapped Ron on the back as he landed on the ground with Harry and Ginny.

"Our little brother has skills, Fred!" George said, "You might just be better than Wood, Ronnie."

"Might take some practice," Fred said, "But we'll train you up good! Maybe we could get another shut-out like we did this past year."

"Not going to happen," Ron muttered.

"What was that, little brother?" George asked.

"Doubting yourself now?" Fred said.

:"No," Ron said, "Not at all."

"Then what is wrong?" Fred and George said together.

"Don't know, do you?" Ron asked. "Quidditch is canceled for the next year at Hogwarts."

As Fred and George's jaw dropped, Ron walked past them and marched toward the house.

"That's nothing to joke about, little brother!" George yelled.

"What got into him?" Fred asked Harry and Ginny, "Of course Quidditch isn't canceled!"

"Yes, it is," Harry said.

"They can't cancel Quidditch!" Fred and George said.

"Well, they did," Ginny said, "It is being replaced."

"By what?" Fred and George asked together.

"Sorry," Ginny said, "Can't tell you. You'll find out in September."

"How did you find out?" Fred asked.

"Sirius told us," Harry said.

"Marauder privileges," George said, "Should have known."

"Let me remind you, Harry," Fred said, "It was us who rescued that map of yours. That makes us honorary Marauders."

"You're the one who called it Marauder privileges, not us," Harry said.

He and Ginny brushed past Fred and George, who were sputtering nonsense, and headed back toward the Burrow.

"You really think we should keep the tournament a secret from them?" Harry asked.

"Let them stew for a while," Ginny said, "They'll guess what it might be, and get it wrong. It'll keep them occupied for now. Same thing happened last time, except it was Ron and I guessing as well."

"Ah, the perks of being a time traveler," Harry said, grinning.


The final Hogwarts packets were set to arrive on Wednesday of the third week of June, so that Monday and Tuesday, the study group spent each whole day cramming through the revisions. When Wednesday came around most of the group was confident, even Draco who said he felt he had studied enough to get passable grades to make it to fourth year.

The packets arrived during breakfast, after Hermione, Luna and Draco had arrived. After the packets arrived, with letters informing them that the exams and the homework from the previous packet were all due by the following Monday. It was decided then that the study group would split up their exams over the next three days.

Mrs. Weasley suggested – almost in an order – that each student split up in pairs in different rooms so they were not distracted by anyone. Ron and Harry remained in the kitchen, while Draco and Luna took the sitting room; Ginny and Hermione made their way to Ginny's bedroom.

Harry and Ginny agreed, mostly for Mrs. Weasley's benefit, who seemed to have suspicions that the pair would be working together through their telepathy, not to use their telepathy during the exams. Harry recalled most of the exams from the previous timeline; Arithmancy and Ancient Runes the only exception. For Ginny, the exams were similar but different to what she remembered during the last timeline, especially with Defense, since it was two different Professors who had put the exams together.

By the time their exams were completed late Friday afternoon, all six members of the study group seemed happy with their efforts.

While the study group had been working on their own exams, Percy, Fred and George were doing their own cramming for the big exams they'd take at the Ministry. Again, Harry and Ginny suspected that the twins weren't putting much effort into it, recalling the three OWLs a piece they had earned, which upset their mother.

Early Saturday morning, Harry and Ginny were both wide awake and up before breakfast was even being made. Ginny had woken up first, and in his awakening mind, Harry noticed that Ginny seemed to be on a personal quest. The Bonded pair were in the sitting room, and Ginny kept looking at the ceiling, and Harry could barely hear her in his mind, though she seemed to be talking to herself.

"Well, looks like I'm not the only Weasley child up early this morning," Percy said, as he made his way from the stairs to the sitting room, "Good morning, Ginny, Harry. Something on your minds."

"Decided to get up early," Ginny said, "Wish you luck on your NEWTs."

"Thanks," Percy said, smiling, "Something tells me I'm going to need it."

"You alright, Perce?" Harry said, "You haven't exactly been yourself these last few weeks."

Percy frowned. Harry thought the older boy might retaliate or something, and even Ginny looked wary. Then Percy shrugged and smiled.

"You'll understand when you take your NEWTs, Harry," Percy said, "I feel rather lucky having been able to study outside the confines of Hogwarts. You two probably won't have that luxury."

"Luckily, it is a few years away for us," Ginny said, "So we have time to prepare."

"Good morning, Percy!" Mrs. Weasley said, "I am preparing a big breakfast for you and the twins before you have to go to the Ministry. Need to have your nourishment!"

"Thanks, Mother," Percy said.

"Where are those boys?" Mrs. Weasley said, looking at the ceiling, "Fred! George!"

"We'll get them, Mum," Ginny said, "Come on, Harry."

Harry shrugged and followed Ginny up the stairs.

You're up to something, Harry said, as they neared the landing where the twins' room was located.

Just making sure Fred and George are well prepared.

Ginny stood in front of the twins' bedroom door and knocked on it.

"Oi, Fred, George!" Ginny said, "You better be awake!"

There was no answer for a moment. Ginny raised a fist to knock on the door again, and it opened. Fred peered in the doorway.

"Merlin, Ginny, you know you sound like Mum sometimes?" Fred said.

"Let us in," Ginny said.

"We're still in our pyjamas!" George said from inside the room.

"Let me in or I'll tell Harry how I've come to see you in far less!" Ginny growled.

Harry snickered. Fred's eyes widened.

"You wouldn't!" Fred and George said in union.

Ginny crossed her arms. Fred whimpered and opened the door all the way. Ginny and Harry walked inside.

"What do you want, sis?" George said.

"Just come to make sure you are up and ready for your OWLs," Ginny said.

"Couldn't just check up on us at the breakfast table?" Fred asked.

"Sure," Ginny said, "But I'm not sure you'd appreciate Mum hearing what I am about to say."

"And what's that?" Fred and George asked in unison.

"You're planning on failing your OWLs, aren't you?" Ginny asked. "OWL and NEWT levels don't matter when opening a joke shop, do they?"

Fred and George looked at each other in horror.

"How do you know that?" Fred asked.

"I have my ways," Ginny said. "I know you've been working on what is known as Weasley Wizard Wheezes!"

"How did you find out about that?" George asked.

"You've been snooping in our room!" Fred accused.

"I have not," Ginny said, "Like I said, I have my ways."

"Same way you know Quidditch is canceled this year?" George asked.

"Yes," Harry said, "However, we can't tell you how yet. For one, you're not ready. For another, we don't need that sort of information getting out to people who shouldn't know."

"We know about your Bond," Fred said.

"What secret could be worse than that?" George asked.

"Trust us," Ginny said, "We have other important secrets. Let me give you some advice. Try your hardest on your exams today. Otherwise Mum will get suspicious about your joke shop plans. What do you think she'll do if she finds the stuff your working on?"

Fred and George looked at each other in horror.

"That's right," Ginny said, "She'd cast them into oblivion."

"But... we haven't studied that much!" Fred said, "The exam starts in an hour!"

"That is your problem,"Ginny said.

"Why are you telling us all this?" George asked.

"I completely support the idea of your joke shop," Ginny said.

"As do I," Harry said, "Everyone needs a laugh."

"Mum, however," Ginny said, "Probably wants you to get some Ministry suit jobs."

Fred and George shared disgusted looks on their faces.

"Keep her oblivious," Ginny said, "And you'll succeed. Good luck, boys."

Harry followed Ginny out of the room, leaving the twins with dumbstruck looks.

I do wish we could tell them we're from the future, Ginny said, as she and Harry headed down the stairs, It would save them heaps of trouble. But as you said, they're not ready.

I'm not too partial about more of your family knowing our secret. Not yet. Not until after Voldemort is gone. They don't need to know what we're getting ourselves into.

You're right. Mum would try to stop us. And it would only mess us up.

And that is not a risk we can afford right now.


Finally, Year 3 is done!

I was thinking of having one more scene involving Percy and what he is up to (hints about this were seen in the previous chapter). But that can wait for a little while.

I kind of hit a snag when it came to the exams, so I only did a small summary of it. Hope that was okay with you!

Finally, we are in the summer before Year 4! I have been waiting ages for this! First stop: The Department of Mysteries! This is going to be a bit difficult to write, however. Been going over it in my head, and it just seems so complicated! Hopefully it will all work right!

Hope you liked this chapter!