Sorry for the delay. I am trying to do upload 1 chapter per week, but as I said before - work is just that work. Come December that should not be as much of a factor.

Thank you for your comments- I appreciate the constructive criticism. I had been spelling Lily with 2 L's - which I have not gone back to fix, but will soon. The other issue of spelling out numbers smaller then ten - not a huge issue for me as long as I don't start a sentence with it; and again I will review previous chapters for it.

Mr. Beta is getting interested in the story - I hope to keep him and everyone entertained. I have another 70k words written but not uploaded because I double and triple check for errors and content.

Thanks again for reading - take a moment to let me know what you think.

b.

Albus was in his most shimmery and gaudiest dressing gown, umm, I mean to say wizard robes. The two schools had been welcomed and they were sitting waiting for the headmaster to finish his remarks. "As you, all know the Triwizard Tournament had been canceled for many years. We are happy once again to reinstitute it with the three most prestigious schools on the continent. A couple more things you should know, there is a restriction and no one under 17 can enter the tournament. Once you willfully enter your name you are entering into a binding magical contract. Should you not fulfill the requirement of the contract, then magic itself will either remove all magic from you or kill you outright. There will be protections to prevent anyone under 17 at the opening of the tournament from entering. If you have any questions please see your head of house. And finally, this is supposed to foster the spirit of cooperation between our schools I expect every student and faculty member to extend all courtesies to new friends. Now everyone tuck in and enjoy yourselves."

Neville signaled Harry and the two headed towards the Slytherin table. They sat down in some empty spots. Neville nearer a couple of attractive young ladies, Harry across from him several seats down, not speaking watching everything at once, sending his magic out in a kind of radar.

"What is it you want freak? Come to get makeup tips?"

Neville was happy that someone had taken the bait. These Slytherins never seemed to learn. Casting a wandless silencing and sticking charm, Neville replied. "Why Mr. Bole I am afraid you misunderstand. I have no knowledge of makeup or grooming tips that you so desire. There are a lot of women here though that I am sure would be able to assist you."

Bole's eyes got big but Harry acted before anyone could help Bole, not that they would, being Slytherin they would naturally take a wait and see outlook. Having prearranged this with Neville, Harry cast a wide area compulsion so the girls in the immediate area would want to help this poor wannabe.

"Ladies!" Neville raised his voice just a bit. "Mr. Bole has expressed an interest in helping look a bit more feminine. He just asked me to help him with makeup and nails. I'm afraid I have no interest or knowledge in this area. In the spirit of cooperation and friendship are there any ladies that can help him?"

His eyes everywhere, Harry had noticed one older looking blonde Beauxbatons girl's eyes raise at his spell but she visibly relaxed when she caught the rest of the spells. She smirked and went back to her observation of all activity around her. The other thing he quickly caught was simultaneous smirks from Greengrass and Davis. Neville had told him they were both uncommonly intelligent and beautiful.

Every girl in the surrounding area said, "Aww," and they all rushed to surround a surprised and apparently very shy Lucy Bole. Neville smirked as he saw the girls around him pull out their wands, in consultation in mixed English and French. His hair was lengthened and styled in four or five different ways in a minute as several girls thinned his eyebrows and applied makeup and colored his nails. While he had an unobstructed view of him he added a compulsion for Lucy as he was to call himself want to act, dress and become more girlish but only while he was in the presence of a pretty girl or lady. Otherwise the compulsion was not active would not be seen. Before he introduced himself to Daphne and Tracy, he saw Lucy smile and his shoulders relaxed. Since his compulsion took effect he canceled Harry's silence and movement charms.

"Miss Davis , Miss Greengrass. I am Neville Longbottom. May I have a seat and converse with you?"

The two girls looked and silently communicated as only long time friends could. "Of course Mr. Longbottom. Please be seated."

The other males of Slytherin mostly hidden by the gaggle of girls that continued to surround Lucy and tell him how brave he was for letting his true side out. Some watched either in horror and/or confusion. Some in complete disinterest except for how this would benefit them.

"That was quite the show you put on Mr. Longbottom."

"His rudeness offered me an opportunity to meet you both. This was much more an agreeable way to make your acquaintance. I am almost positive that had he not have been rude to me then he would not be as happy as he is right now."

Lucy looked hugely different and was hugging the girls and he could be heard thanking them. Many smirked and outright laughed, but it was pretty Lucy that left the great hall in the presence of 2 gorgeous Beauxbatons girls.

Neville had seen Snape move his head one way and the other trying to see past the human tidal surge that had surrounded everyone to no avail.

"If I may be so bold; would I be incorrect in saying that Mr. Bole could be considered getting his comeuppance?"

"No, I would say your analysis is spot on. It is most difficult for a lady to maintain her virtue in the den."

"Indeed? There had been rumors of course, but rumors can never be trusted." His voice had dropped an octave. Harry and his two ladies felt a spike in Null's magic. "Let me not tarry and put either of you in further difficulty," their eyes flashed a quick show of relief as he spoke that. "I will however admonish you ladies that no matter which lady or which house; if there is any difficulty call out to Hogwarts and either Lord Potter or I will respond."

"Truly?" Daphne said. But in a tone to indicate, "yeah right."

"Indeed ladies, both Lord Potter and I are heirs To Godric, the castle itself answers and calls to us. There is no door that will not respond. Even in the deepest of the den. And if that door is sealed magically," he stood and snorted. "Then there is no door that will not respond, one way or the other." Gently taking the back of their hands he lightly brushed his lips on the back. "I look forward to continuing in a conversation with the both of you."

He went and sat next to Hermione and Luna, while Harry sat for a full minute unmoving, not spelled or anything, just still as he watched the ladies leave and ensured that no one was following them.
-

While Harry and Neville were engaged at the Slytherin table the human garbage pail picked up his plate and moved next to the 2 ladies. Both of them inhaled with the sudden surprise and prepared to defend themselves. "Ron, is there something I can do for you?"

He held a finger up sampling the fish soup that was in the bowl before answering. "I understand a bit more now." He started before eating some more. Hermione and Luna were staggered that the weasel may have learned his lesson.

He continued, "It's not your fault, though. Obviously me as a pure blood would be your first choice but you can't help who you bond with."

Her voice dripping with ice, "How kind of you."

"No really and I am looking for a way to free you. You too Looney no one wants to be with that self absorbed Potter."

"Indeed?" The normally calm Luna was nearly ready to hex Mr. Oblivious right then and there.

"Yeah. I'll do the both of ya. It will be good for you."

Barely able to restrain herself, she answered while Ron now ate directly from the communal bouillabaisse bowl. "So what do you need from us?"

"Well, I need to know how to greet them don't I?" His tone indicated that was plainly obvious and anyone should have been able to deduce his needs.

Finally realizing he had changed the subject of the discussion, he was now talking of the Centaurs. Where before the girls had wondered if they were going too far in the education of a prat, now all governors are released and they left it in Fate's hands. "Here's what you say Ron. This will mean a lot to the Centaurs. You tell them, 'Venus must rise."

Luna saw his eyes begin to glaze over. She slapped the table startling him, "Ron! This is important! You cannot forget these exact words. It could mean your life."

That got his attention. "What do I say again?"

Luna stopped Hermione from speaking by going first, "You say, 'Venus must rise and it must rise in me. I am your mare-bridge."

Hermione mad as hell a second ago nearly choked on her sudden laughter and hid her face in her napkin. "Repeat it Ron. We need to hear you say it. It's that important. You must say this exactly right."

Ron didn't realize the seriousness of it until then. Already he saw tears start to fall from both of these bints. Both girls were eagerly awaiting his repetition. "Venus must rise and it must rise in me. I am your mare-bridge."

Luna also had a sudden choking fit that Ron ascribed to the import of the words. These were 2 of the smartest witches in the castle they knew what they were about. "How was that?"

"Almost perfect," Hermione said. "Say it again, but this time when you speak the second sentence hesitate and look at your feet as if shy and overwhelmed by the Centaur's power."

They had him repeat it 3 more times before declaring it perfect. He even looked demurely down at his feet at the appropriate time. By the time he was done the 2 girls had tears streaming down their face as both had their napkins covering their mouth as if they were trying to feed it to themselves. Misinterpreting their tears as approval and hope he said, "Relax girls by the time I am through I'll give you both a right shagging as befits 2 bints in the presence of a pureblood."

The two, their chests heaving fell onto each other supporting one another as they could not stop laughing into their napkins. Ron seeing Neville returning left proud of himself and repeated the magic phrase over and over.

Neville just sat down and the girls were still destroyed. The twins suddenly sat near. "We know he's a prat and deserves further punishment. But he is our brother and we will not see him hurt."

Their concern was evident as the twin speak was not present.

The girls got themselves under control after considerable effort and answered. "No. It shouldn't. Tell you what," Hermione said. "We will leave it up to you. We will tell you the entire plan. As angry as we are with him, if you think it goes a step too far you can end it."

The girls laid out everything that was said near verbatim.

Gred and Forge looked at each other deciding. In stereo they said, "Joke em if he can't take a fuck."

The next morning was an off day. No training whatsoever. Harry and Neville were working harder and longer on the wandless silent spells and they were very draining. Like any other muscle, it needed to be utilized but also given rest. Neither would do any wandless magic for the next week, and only the minimum needed with their wands. Null sat in the common room, not sleeping but not awake either. He was barely conscious as he detected another in the room near him.

"Lord Neville?" Luna was hesitant and spoke just above a whisper.

He smiled, no matter how powerful she was she was still a shy and sometimes timid girl. "Yes my Lady Luna. How can I help you?"

"I have been meaning to ask this a long time, but I have never been alone with you before. Can I ask you a question?"

He opened his eyes, this sounded serious, "What can I do for you?"

She was almost afraid to ask. She loved her new family and didn't want to see it fall apart.

"Go ahead Luna." He could see her fear on her face. "We'll work it out. Ask your question."

She stood in the center of the common room and watched him. She loved him like a brother and knew in a different reality he would have been her loving husband. Gathering her courage she asked, "Why does my Harry hate you?"

"Is that it? Oh Luna come here and give me a hug." He opened his arms and she ran and hopped into his lap and grabbed him. "Luna, Harry doesn't hate me. This is what's called 'guy-speak.' We don't go around say we love each other. And in many cases won't even acknowledge each other." He made sure he was looking directly into her eyes. "Harry and I are brothers in all except blood. He loves me and I him, but we will seldom acknowledge it."

"That's okay then." Much happier now that she understood. "Ooh," she said suddenly. "'Mione is awake and so is little Harry and she is playing with him. I am going to have Harry kissing my happy place as he wakes up. See you Nevy." As she ran into her bedroom.

Neville chuckled, "TMI Luna." Under his breath he added, "I love that little girl."

"Love you too!" Came her voice from far away. A moment later a head and her naked shoulders appeared from the bedroom. "By the way, your girls are going to kidnap you today. Make sure you let them."

With the 2 other schools in attendance and it being a Sunday breakfast, lunch and dinner were pretty much 1 long continuous event. Come when you want, eat what you want. The quartet had sat down and it wasn't 10 minutes that Professor McGonagall came to the table, "The headmaster requests your presence, Mr. Potter."

Harry wiped his mouth and threw his napkin down, "Very well. As my head of house will you accompany me?"

She was momentarily taken aback. "What? No demand for your companions to accompany you?"

Harry returned her gaze quizzically, "Why interrupt their breakfast? Ready professor?"

He stood and left the deputy headmistress in his wake. She had to hurry to catch up to him. She didn't do so until he got to the Gargoyle statue. She thought she would humble him as he waited near the statue and make him apologize and wait on her.

"Well?" He said to the gargoyle. "I am going to give you 5 seconds to move before I move you. And If you think I am counting down you are mistaken."

The statue snarled at him and jumped out of the way. The professor stood gobsmacked and watched the young lord bound up the stairs 2 and 3 at a time. Once more she had to hurry to keep up.

Without ceremony, he opened the door and walked into the headmaster's office and was greeted with, "Potter you arrogant arse. I will see you expelled this time."

Harry ignored the bat hiding in his usual corner. "You wanted to see me, headmaster?"

"This looks very, very bad Harry. I'm afraid that you may be expelled this time. I'm not sure there is anything I can do." The headmaster affected his most serious/concerned look trying to once more manipulate.

"What looks very, very bad?" Turning to Professor Snape, he asked, "You didn't lose anymore Slytherins, did you? I remind you that I told you the headmaster can help you find them."

Pointing to a chair he said, "Sit down Harry and let's see what we can do to keep you here."

Harry sat and waited as the enforced silence designed to make him nervous only irritated him. "Well? Does someone want to tell me what I supposedly did now? Is there a student missing from one of the other houses? Maybe the visiting schools?"

"No, no I am afraid one of our top students has been cursed."

"Really? I am very sorry to hear that. "Who was cursed? Are they alright? Is there something I can do to help?"

"Minerva, if you would please."

From behind a curtain came a still very pretty Lucian Bole. "He was found with 2 Beauxbaton students. In a state of undress." Minerva added.

Bole was quiet, he had heard Potter's questions of concern.

"Two? Mr. Bole. I hope you have no pain or anything. But if looking like that gets you 2 pretty girls then I bet there are hundreds of other guys who wish they were cursed similarly. Beautiful stick indeed."

Bole looked up and for the first time in a while smiled. This was not lost on Snape, who saw that his prey may once again escape him. "Potter, It is your fault."

"My fault? Like you lost your students? My fault that Mr. Bole spent some happy time with 2 pretty girls." He looked at Lucy, "While I would like to take credit for setting a bloke up with a couple of pretty girls, really not something I know much about. If the girls were happy in your company and you in theirs then I would congratulate you on learning how to be happy."

Snape was really angry now. "This could be considered line theft!"

"Wow. I am still lost here. I fail to see any damage to Mr. Bole." He turned to him, Look I am not your enemy and am not insulting you or demeaning you. From my perspective, they seem to think that I had something to do with your time spent with a couple of girls. Is everything working okay? Do you feel fine, yeah?" Harry nodded, concern for Mr. Bole plain on his face.

"Yeah, everything worked fine." And had to add as few guys in the world could fail to add, "All four times."

Harry smiled, "very good job. As I said must be a beautiful stick for them not to be able to leave you alone." The two lads chuckled.

"Mr. Potter," The headmaster rallied to get control once more. "The fact remains there is a curse on Mr. Bole and it could be considered line theft."

Harry sighed, "Okay, I still don't understand that part of it. You three have well over 100+ years of magical experience. Mr. Bole and I between the 2 of us don't have a decade. But I don't like to see anyone ill. What does this curse do? And how does it relate to me?"

"Because you put it on him Potter and I will have your head!"

"Ignoring that for the moment. Headmaster? What does this curse do?" Silence permeated the room, as this time The headmaster was on the hot seat. "Headmaster?"

Mentally cursing Snape's hatred and his desperate and foolish grab for control over Potter. After a full 30 seconds he answered, "We don't know."

"You don't know? Are you sure it's even there? Or are you looking to insult Potter of Potters?" Harry let an edge climb into voice. He looked pointedly at his head of house.

She cast the detection charm, once and then a second time. She looked to the headmaster and shook her head. He then did the same thing.

"Well?"

"It seems we can't find any curse."

"What?" Harry's voice got louder.

"Potter watch your tone with the headmaster!"

"Shut it Snape!" Snape's eyes bulged in rage as Harry stood up and stared him down. "You are now talking with Lord Potter. Up till now I have listened and tried to see what I could do to help. You scared this poor young man half to death with thoughts of curses on him and the guy was just spending time with a couple of girls. And then you accuse me of cursing him."

"Harry, we..."

"Stop headmaster. I have told you I now invoke my rights of lordship. Deputy headmistress..."

"Yes Lord Potter."

"What say you about this?"

"I ...ummm."

Harry turned to her his eyes almost radiating the power within. "You tell us every year that we are family and we should go to you for help. If it had been anyone else other than Lord Longbottom or myself, that could have very well ruined a young wizard or witch. Isn't it your job to be our advocate in these situations? Minerva, very soon you will have to decide whether you are loyal to Hogwarts or to a man. Choose wisely."

Harry ignored the three adults. Snape sputtered but knew to speak further would only hurt his overall aim and could conceivably see him barred from the castle.

Dumbledore's mind moved at light speed looking for new strategies, options and fall back positions to try to save this mess. While Minerva cursed herself, Snape, Potter, and the manipulative old goat fucker.

Putting up some privacy wards so they couldn't be overheard. "You okay?"

Lucy looked at him amazed. He just stood up to the 3 biggest powers in Hogwarts and soundly thrashed them. The whole time instead of displaying the traditional animosity between Gryffindors and Slytherins, he showed that he cared for him as a person and especially reviled the Slytherin head of house and the headmaster for scaring him needlessly. "Yeah I'm fine thanks."

"You're welcome. Look you have no reason to trust me, but I will help you if I am able. I'm told that it is not safe in the snake pit for anyone that doesn't act or look like everyone else and especially for the female members of Slytherin."

"That's true, even some girls preying on other girls. I confess that I have been a party to some of that." Lucy had tears in his/her eyes as the memories pulled forth and warred with his new opinion. Hesitantly he asked, "Look you don't think less of me for liking the makeup and the clothing do you?"

Harry smiled kindly. "Look I'll let you in on a secret that people around here are trying to hide. Everyone is the same, and everyone is different. Purebloods, half bloods, and muggle born. Some like this, some like that, some are good some are bad. Most of us are in the middle. A person can't change the past, only learn from it. Who am I to tell you what to wear and what to like? If it makes you feel good and it doesn't hurt anyone else then no one should interfere. Are you going to be okay in the pit? You may want to be resorted."

"I'll be okay for the short run. I have some friends who will look out for me."

"Good. Call me if you need help. There are plenty of good people from all classes in all houses." Harry dispelled the privacy wards. Just then the sound of a bell pealed through the entire castle.

"What was that?" Snape snapped.

"I'm not sure professor. Probably you losing some more house members. Remember if that's what happened I was right here with you."

-
Minerva pounded on Flitwick's door. Her angry brogue heard through the entire wing. Filius didn't even interrupt her. He let her rant and broke open the bottle of firewhiskey they each kept for just this reason. Despite all of the years they've known each other he still hadn't learned more than a few words. What he got from her ranting was,"goat fucker, stupid hateful bat, and several times, that damn Potter boy."

When she finally ran out of gas she downed one shot, a second and then a third before she could even talk about it. "You know Filius I never was one who liked to be corrected."

"Few do Minny, it's a failing in many of us."

"But I especially hate it when it is a teenaged boy who in 30 minutes time showed me my last 45 years have been wasted following the wrong drummer, verbally spanking me and telling me to straighten up before it's too late."

"What did you do to him?"

"To Harry? Nothing. He's right. Let me give you a blow by blow. You're going to like this one. And we better get Pomona in here, she's going to have a new girl in the in the house.
-

AT THE SAME TIME

They watched Harry leave the deputy headmistress behind. If he had moved any faster he would be jogging. They chuckled as they heard MacGonagall curse and run after him.

"He's a pip. You know that? He instinctively knows which buttons to push to get people pissed off."

"It's a gift of his. Most of the time he doesn't even realize it."

"I don't know 'Mione. I think he half planned this one. He mumbled something earlier about fixing Minerva."

"You ladies done?"

Their appetite sated, they started back the trek to their apartment. Neville was going to take one of the many shortcuts when Luna shook her head. "Not today Nev. We need to go this way," She said pointing the long way.

"You're sure?" He asked over his shoulder leading the way.

It earned him a slap on the back of his head and a giggle. "Of course Nevy."

"Nevy?"

"Yes Nevy," Luna said determinedly. "Forward on to destiny!"

Sometimes knowing a seer was so confusing.

In the lead, Neville turned a corner only to find a wand pointed at either ear. Hooded, one of the voices said, "Lose the bints or die Longbottom."

Neville smiled, it was a good thing Luna had warned him earlier. It would have destroyed him to hurt these precious two.

Hermione started to point her hand at one of the hoods but Luna stopped her. "Don't 'Mione. This is supposed to happen. Relax."

"Unfortunately I cannot comply. I have made a vow to protect these two."

"Not doing a very good job are you?"

Neither hand wavered. Neville was impressed with them. He could feel their power. They each held a spell ready to use if needed. As far as plans go, it would have worked well. At least the first part anyway. Just like Harry, Neville routinely sent his magic out in a wave and he could "feel" the bodies ahead. Anyone else would have been caught surprised. "Miss Greengrass, Miss Davis. Wonderful work. Very intimidating."

Daphne pulled her hood down exasperated. "You knew!"

He smiled and nodded, "I knew. The greatest Seer since Helga is a close friend of mine. There is a hidden classroom right through this mirror. May we adjourn there so I may introduce everyone?"

Davis pulled her hood down. A beautiful brunette. He eyes flashed with frustration. "Might as well Longbottom.

He smiled disarmingly at the two pretty girls his infatuation rested on. "It was a wonderful try. Flawless execution."

Daphne snorted, "Save it." Her crystal blue eyes flashed with thanks even though her words didn't.

Moving to the mirror he tapped once in each corner with his wand and then twice in the middle. The mirror flickered and then disappeared. "Step through it will reappear once we enter."

Hermione interrupted. "We will meet you in the common room Neville. You take care of business."

Neville stood straighter and his voice suddenly had an edge. "You will not leave Lady Hermione. You are in my charge. I have given my word to your lord."

"One of the elves..."

"They are ill Lady Hermione. You will stay with me. Is that understood?"

Luna sent waves of comfort to Hermione and communicated to follow her lead. This is an area where Hermione was completely out of her depth. Luna curtsied, "Yes my lord," and stepped through.

Hermione followed suit, though far less willingly. Neville gestured with his hand palm towards the entranceway. "Ladies?"

The two Slytherin girls also curtsied and preceded him into the room.

As soon as he stepped through the mirror reappeared and it looked as if a piece of glass. The room itself, though unused for hundreds of years had not one speck of dust in it. There were some old fashioned desks and books that hadn't been perused in a long time.

Hermione stood shamefaced. Luna had had some quick terse words with her before Neville stepped through. She curtsied deeper this time, sorry for her stubbornness. "Forgive me my lord, I was wrong."

Neville's heart melted. He had been truly upset with her. She may be the brightest witch in a thousand years, but had not received any formal training and was just now starting to learn the culture. "Come her 'Mione." Opening his arms. "There is a reason for everything. Sometimes Harry and I may be in a situation that requires instant obedience. While this certainly was not one of them, I do not want to debate every decision I make, understand?"

"Yes my lord," she said kissing his cheek. "Luna, Hermione would you ladies go through these books for me. There may be something here that Harry and I could use. I am going to put up some privacy screens. If you need me just call out."

"We won't bother you my lord," Luna said.

Neville put up the privacy and silencing spells with a few casual waves of his wand. "I recognize a few of those. They are auror level aren't they?"

Neville shrugged it off. "I know someone in the government. They come in handy."

Neville indicated a couch on the other side of the room and asked the ladies to be seated. He could see several questions in their eyes.

"How long have you known about this room?"

"Just as I turned the corner. Hogwarts told me of it. It saw there was a need and provided the information to me."

Tracy seemed a little reluctant to believe. "Ladies I told you Harry and I are the heirs to Godric. The castle is tired of all of the divisions within it and has tasked Harry and me with straightening things out." They looked as if they wanted to believe. "Here let me show you. Only Godric's descendants can call forth his fabled sword. Do you want to see it?"

They nodded in spite of themselves. Holding his right arm up he snapped his fingers and the sword appeared in hand. He showed them the blade with the runes inscribed up and down and on both sides. The sword gleamed with a light of its own. Tossing it up into the air it disappeared as suddenly as it appeared.

Daphne decided to tease a little. You were pretty free with Lord Potter's betrothed. What if word would gets back to him?"

"Daphne!" Tracy exclaimed scandalized.

Neville waved it off, "Thank you, Miss Davis. Miss Greengrass is just trying to have a bit of fun with me. I'll tell Harry myself. We are brothers. We trust each other. With our lives and especially with the most important things." Giving a significant look that included all four girls present. Changing tacks he continued. "You know it's not even Hermione's fault." The girls waited for him to continue. "She was trying to give us some time alone and didn't want to be a burden. She had forgotten that I am responsible for her safety when Harry is not around."

"Surely a short five-minute walk would see them safe in their room."

"The first night, someone tried to kill Luna. She very nearly died. Harry being Harry did the first thing that popped into his head and challenged Flitwick to a duel. Don't forget, he may be Lord Potter but he was raised muggle and no one had given him any lessons in etiquette or culture."

"So as her head of house he challenged him," Daphne continued.

"Correct. And he didn't follow the forms exactly but it turned out it was the right thing to do. The reason why I tell you this is because I want to put my cards on the table as the muggles say. May I be blunt?" They both nodded, "until you tell me different I am going to refer to you as Tracy and Daphne." Again they nodded. They were drawn to this wizard like a moth to a candle. They tried to deny it but couldn't. "Things are moving quickly. Not all that is happening is good either. Even now battle lines are being drawn and I don't want to see you hurt. I'm attracted to you both and I suspect that we are meant to be bonded."

The girls glanced past Neville to look at Luna and Hermione who sat reading through the books resting comfortably on each other. "I'll be honest, I've seen you both since first year and always wanted to talk to you but was afraid to. I think we are made for each other and I believe we are so much more together than apart. But I will not enter into any relationship unless you are fully cognizant of all that entails." His eyes were almost pleading but his words were firm. "I wish to join with you, but this is who I am and my life is not certain."

The girls had spoken late into the night for several nights. The decision had been made a long time ago. Only if they were completely turned off would they refuse him. But magic was pushing them as much as it was pushing him. "Please my Lord Longbottom. Greet us as is proper and let us see if magic indeed moves us towards one another."

Neville had never expected the ice princess to be so open. But he quickly corrected himself, this was Daffy. Soon to be his beloved. "Come my loves, let us seal our union with a kiss." Gathering them into his arms he kissed one and then the other and then back and forth. Each kiss lasted longer and longer as the three started to finally move towards what had been delayed for several years.

Luna felt it first. She elbowed Hermione. "Look. It's happening." They saw the light grow and grow until it burst forth bathing the whole of the room in a brilliant thousand candlepowers of light. As the light burst forth The castle itself welcomed the newest bonded with a happy peal not heard in anyone's memory.
-

Harry had just returned and met the new triad as they were just sitting down. The girls sighed and began to stand again. They were looking for some snuggle time. "No. please sit. We can lie to everyone and tell them we did everything by the book. Or if it really important we can do the formal stuff later."

"You really are clueless aren't you Potter?"

If she thought she was going to get an argument she was surprised. "Completely. And if anyone tries to tell you differently please straighten them out."

She giggled in spite of herself. Neville found that he liked the sound of it. "And if you want any ceremony, let me formally introduce you to my Hermione, she is the brains of the operation, the smartest with of this or any age," he said kissing her. "My 'Mione. And my soul, my Luna. Without them, I am everything my detractors say, completely without use or merit."

"Shut up Harry. You are so much more than that and you know it." Luna interjected and finished with another kiss to her love.

"I kind of like this method Harry. You may be on to something. This is my Tracey, my conscience and my Daffy. She is my strategist the truest Slytherin since Slytherin himself."

Luna couldn't help herself. This was momentous and only she knew how important it was, but she wasn't allowed to tattle about it. So she did the next best Luna thing. With a happy "squee!" She ran and jumped pretty much on the other three laps and gave everyone hugs and kisses until they relaxed and started to laugh. Hermione was a moment behind her and further complicated the hugs and hellos, and in no time the girls were chatting a mile a minute each saying something at the same time and each hearing the other 3.

"You'll have to bring them up to date"

"Yeah, that's a lot. Several hours at least."

"Tell you what. My girls and I will take a long walk after an extended dinner. Your girls deserve some alone time with you."

"Not a bad plan. I'll get one of the Hogwarts elves to cater dinner in here."

"Were you planning on moving in together or is that too fast?"

Neville shook his head. "Just like you, not up to me. But I would prefer a similar arrangement as well as this as the joint common room." He turned his head and saw the girls inspecting Harry's bedroom. "Looks like the girls are ahead of us."

"They always are." Harry smiled. "I swear. Sometimes I think I am just a pawn to their mind soul thing. If I don't respond to reason, then they break out their heavy weapons, hugs, kisses and if necessary tears."

Hermione leaned over and kissed him on his cheek. "Who told? You weren't supposed to figure that out yet."

He stood, "Let's give them some alone time. They have a lot of decisions to make. Besides, I haven't seen Hedwig and I want to send a message to Serius."

"Silly Harry," Luna said taking her turn to kiss him. "Daff and Trace have already made all of the decisions. Just they haven't told Neville yet."

"Luna!" Tracey hissed. "Don't give away our secrets!" Her words were terse but there was a smile on her face.

"Don't worry about it." Luna in snuggle mood hugged Harry even tighter. "As your bond deepens he leans on you both more and more instinctively. Kind of like a drug. Except this is the good kind."

"Drugs! I forgot. We need to see the devil twins too."
-

A smile on her lips, once more she cursed that damn Potter. "Filius, that boy is everything those Mauraders were and more. Right in Dumbledore's office. He told Snape that he was going to lose 2 more Slytherin and more or less dared him to prove that it was him."

"Who did Severus lose now?"

"Greengrass and Davis. His 2 brightest witches; and I expect Bole to request a new house some time today. It will be too dangerous for him now. Especially with Snape looking to blame someone."

"Him?"

"Him. Her. I care not for distinctions right now. I don't think he knows at this point."

"Probably a 'him'. I understand Olympe was most put out with the two witches."

"She was. But she at least foresaw some of this and every girl had to take a potion before being allowed to come here."

Filius was gauging his friend to see if she could handle the newest information. "Do you think you are up to hear the latest Longbottom Potter debacle?"

Her face blanched. Not saying a word she pulled her favorite bottle and a couple of glasses from her desk. "Harry had since day 1 given me gray hairs. It's in his genes. But Neville was such a good boy." Emptying the bottle she threw it over her shoulder. It unerringly flew to trash. "Do you know how much of this shit I've gone through this year?"

Filius inspected his glass and waited for Minnie to start to drink. "I wonder how much of the company those 2 boys own? It's almost as if the more trouble they cause you the more gold they make."

Minnie's spit take missed him completely. "So what did they do now?"

"Well, a week or so ago they almost started another goblin war. And then just yesterday they shut the bank down entirely."

"Damn it Filius don't tease me right now. They were here the entire day! Now you tell me they somehow closed the Gringott's bank down without leaving the castle?"

Flitwick held his hand up indicating he was speaking truth. "My word Minnie. In front of 50 goblins Lord Longbottom and Lord Potter almost declared war with clan Gravel. Without any weapon they got the teller, the worst example of a goblin I have ever met; to then back off his claim and then declare feud between the clan and house elves. Guess whose house elf it was?"

She sighed. "Dobby."

"Right in one. Later Lord Longbottom admitted to my cousin to casting a silent/wandless curse on the teller."

"Oh Merlin."

"It gets even better. My cousin likes the 2 boys and wasn't going to do anything about the magic. But being true to Gringott's he had the teller cleansed and the spell removed."

"Okay crises averted, right?"

He shook his head no and made her wait while he finished his drink and helped himself to more. "Nope. The next day. The entire clan was affected by the same spell. Every time they remove the curse from one another then is attacked. The order masters are going spare trying to sort this out."

Intrigued she leaned forward, "what does this curse do?"

"Every time a grovel clan member. That's the boys are calling the clan instead of Gravel. The goblin will be cursed with loud and very odiferous flatulence."

She snorted. "Smelly farts? That sounds like a simple boyish prank."

"You don't get it, do you? Those farts closed the bank down. No customer could enter and conduct business. What about the treaties about the wizards having access to their gold. What happens if Gringott's can't open for 3 days. How about a week or a month? Simple prank? A prank where you just swore that the boys were here the entire day."

The amber liquid was depleting fast. "I'm going to need a new bottle tomorrow at this rate. Merlin those two. Well Filius since you are having fun at my expense, here's one for you. What's tomorrow?"

"October 31st. Why?"

She interrupted him, already a little affected by the sweet firewhiskey. "The 31st. Anniversary of Lily and James' death. Every 31st of October something happens and life begins to get exciting around here. Let's see if you are still entertained tomorrow."

"Oh Merlin. But you have to hand it to them. Life is certainly more interesting around them."

"And now its 6 of them. All of them at or near the top of their year. Both in knowledge and application."
-

Five of the six were sitting and joking and laughing. Dobby and Winky were back none for the worse for wear. And they were joined by Tracey's elf Misty. Luna was in her thousand yard stare. The one that gave rise to the loony nickname. She snapped back to reality. "Oh shit. Shit shit shit. They will kill the dumb arse." Luna stood and grabbed Hermione and Daffy's hand and pulled them towards the nearest bedroom. "Hurry Trace! We've got to save our lords!" Once the four girls were in there the door slammed and the boys could feel the privacy wards spring up.

"Dobby! It's not going to be a day for pumpkin juice. A couple of butterbeers please."

The 2 bottles appeared and the guys sat waiting for a briefing. The door opened and now all four of them were wild-eyed. "No fucking way I'll kill him myself," Daphne said shedding her robe and running into her own room to finish dressing. Not that he really was trying to see, but Harry noticed a cute butt in a black bra and panty set before the door closed.

They all came out about the same time. Neville asked, "Anyone want to tell us what's going on?"

The girls froze in place looking back and forth at one another. Finally, Hermione stepped from the pack. Needing to be a bit formal following her earlier mistake, she curtsied, "Please my lords, ask no questions. These are matters that should be left to us your ladies. If we need further help we will always consult you." She looked at the other girls, "Did I get that right?"

They all nodded, "Perfect." As a group the girls began to run out the door, but not before once more curtseying to their lords. Before they were out of earshot the guys heard. "MacGonagall will have to help."

Her eyes bleary from too much alcohol. She saw the wild-eyed look and knew that today was going as predicted. "Come in girls have seat." She waved her wand and the two seats became four. "What's going on?"

"Luna had a vision," Hermione started. "Today at the feast Ron is going to try to kill Harry and Neville."

She didn't say a word. She knew they believed it, but she needed to be convinced and then decide on a course of action.

Tracy jumped in. "You know she's a seer right."

"I am well aware of her talents Miss Davis. Professor Flitwick is particularly impressed with her abilities. So now that we know this why don't you tell the boys and warn them."

"It's not about warning Neville or Harry." Daphne snapped. "That moron is a tiny candle compared to my Neville's forest fire. If the boys know, they will be forced to kill him. And we don't want them to bear that burden of killing a former friend."

"I remember the last incident. You may be right." Almost smiling at the 'my Neville' comment.

"If my lord found out that Ron had already told us he was going to do us," her fingers made quotations in the air. "He would be dead already."

"He did this after the last episode in the dining Hall?"

Hermione and Luna nodded solemnly. "And since Mr. Weasley has never learned to keep his mouth shut. The next time he opens it would be his last."

"Correct," came the response in quadraphonic sound.

"You ladies may be on to something. Your concern for your lords is justified. Okay. What would you have me do? What are your plans for Ronald?"

The four looked at each other they had discussed this in the bedroom and all the way down here. It dovetailed with their current plans nicely and only added a certain amount of urgency to it.

"We expect Ronald to be disowned. He will become a slave to house Longbottom and to House Potter. We will require another small room in our lord's quarters for the slave."

"It is most unusual for more than one house to own the same slave." She really didn't like to see one of her students, a lion especially become a slave, but she quickly realized it was better than death and Azkaban almost guaranteed death as well.

Daphne shrugged. "He is a slave, or will be. Nothing more. There will be no quarreling over a useless piece of property."

"Agreed," the other 3 said, again at the same time."

She had to see the level of commitment. "Kind of callous, don't you think?"

"How many chances does he get?" Hermione exploded. "He was once my friend too. Or at least I thought he was. And now he wants to kill our lords and husbands and you worry whether he is being given a fair deal?"

The 3 girls comforted her. "You are all correct. If he makes the attempt as you predict then we will proceed as you want. Go. Get out of here. I am canceling classes for the rest of the day."

Curious Tracey asked, "Don't you need to ask the headmaster to do that?"

She smirked. "He will be busy at the bank all day. Something else your lords had a hand in I suspect. Go on girls I have a lot of floo calls to make."
-