Hermione awoke to screaming. Her bedroom door was thrown open, and Daphne Greengrass leapt on her, bouncing on the bed happily.

"He's coming home today!" The black haired girl sang happily. "He's going to be in my arms again, because he's coming home today!"

Hermione didn't even have to guess who Daphne was singing about. She grimaced as Daphne jumped up to dance wildly on the bushy haired brunette's bed. Hermione tried to avoid being stepped on by the overly zealous girl, nearly tumbling out of the bed in the process.

"I get it, you're excited. But those of us who are not madly in love would like some more sleep!"

"Oh, come on, Hermione." Daphne giggle as she fell flat on her friend's bed. "Can you honestly say you're not the least bit excited to see Harry?"

"At this very moment…" Hermione began, but one look from her friend told her she would be fooling no one. "You couldn't have waited for the celebration for a few hours?" She groaned, covering her head.

"Nope!" Daphne said, smacking her friend on the bottom. "Now, get up! We've got lots to do. I have got to look fantastic for when he shows up!"

"Did you really need to smack my hind end?" Hermione complained indignantly.

"If I were a boy, you wouldn't be complaining." Daphne sang. "In fact, you might really like a good spanking." Daphne ducked quickly as Hermione threw several pillows at her.

"She's not as bad as Lavender," Hermione thought. "But, I hope I'm never so annoyingly chipper when I do find love."

The black haired beauty stuck her head in the bedroom again. "Up and at 'em, Granger!"

"I will strangle you. I swear it!" Hermione said grumpily.

Daphne's good mood seemed to be contagious, however. After a quick shower, Hermione joined Daphne who had been looking through her wardrobe for the perfect outfit in which to welcome her boyfriend home. Hermione was able to distract the girl by dragging her down to breakfast where Mrs. Greengrass and Astoria were in similarly chipper moods to Daphne's. They kept giggling and making strange faces at one another.

"Ok, what's with all the winks and grins?" Hermione finally asked.

"We're anxious to see how Mister Potter embarrasses my husband this time." Aurora chuckled. Astoria choked on her orange juice. "My youngest and I have a bet on how long it takes for Cyrus to put his foot in his mouth."

Hermione now joined in the laughter. Cyrus joined them, completely oblivious as to the reason for the laughter.

"I see everyone is in fine spirits this morning." He said, settling himself down. "Can I ask what is the reason for the merriment?"

"Nothing special, my love." Aurora smiled knowingly at her clueless husband. "Just womanly things."

"Ah, I see." he nodded. "The mysteries of the female mind."

"And, the ignorance of the male mind." Astoria said softly. Hermione nearly spit her eggs all over the table, and Daphne coughed loudly into her napkin.

"What's that, dear one?" Cyrus asked of his youngest, who neatly shrugged and gave a kind smile to her father.

"Here's the paper." Cyrus smiled as a brown owl swooped in to deliver the news. Mr. Greengrass paid the owl and immediately unfolded the paper. His light smile faded almost instantly. "Oh, dear."

"What is it?" Aurora asked of her husband.

"There was another attack. It was on the Bones family."

Hermione and Daphne looked up. Cyrus began reading the article.

ATTACK ON BONES FAMILY COMES WITH A WARNING

Aurors were called to the home of John Bones, Brother of interim Minister of Magic, Amelia Bones, just after nine p.m. last evening to find the home in near ruins. The only witness able to speak on the attack was youngest daughter, Susan Bones.

Susan, 16, suffered only minor injuries during the incident. She had been with her boyfriend when the attack began, they had been away from the house at the time, and are not sure how the Death Eaters got through the wards set around the property. Susan, and her boyfriend, Blaise Zabini, 16, entered the house in search of Susan's parents, finding them bound and enduring the Cruciatus curse.

Susan told Aurors that lead Death Eater, whose identity is still unknown, subjected her parents to the Torture curse, before she and Zabini tried to fight.

Aurors report that whoever this Death Eater was, he was extremely powerful, and it is rumored that it may have been You-Know-Who himself.

Both John and his wife Annabelle, as well as Zabini, suffered major injuries, and while both of young Susan's parents have been stabilized, Zabini's condition remains as of this printing, quite serious.

"Dad, I need to go to St. Mungo's, now!" Daphne said standing up. "He's one of my closest friends, and I have to see if he's ok."

"He's my friend, as well." Hermione said. "Please, Mister Greengrass."

"It's ok, girls. Get dressed, and I'll take you." Aurora said, looking to her husband, who simply nodded.

A quarter of an hour later, Hermione and Daphne were standing outside Blaise's room, comforting a very tired looking Susan Bones. Her eyes were very puffy from crying and her face was dirty. She hadn't changed her clothes, and she still smelled of smoke.

"I don't know who he was, but he was so cruel. He touched my face and I wanted to vomit, and then he…he tore a piece of my mothers cheek off." Susan told them, before breaking down into fresh sobs.

"What happened to Blaise?" Daphne asked gently.

"We got Banished through a wall, and fell from the balcony to the floor of the Entry Hall. I was fine. But Blaise…" Susan looked away, hand covering her mouth. "He got something else. Like he got cursed and Banished. He had this big piece of wood in his chest, I thought he was going to die. They've been working on him all night. They just told me before you got here that's he's going to be ok."

Both Hermione and Daphne let out a long sigh of relief. They looked to Susan, who mirrored the sentiment.

"They haven't let me in to see him yet, but just knowing he's going to be ok…I don't know what I would have done if he…" She couldn't continue.

"Do you have any idea who this lead Death Eater was?" Hermione asked.

"No. He seemed somehow familiar, but his voice was modified through some spell, and his eyes were glowing red." Susan said tearfully. "It might have been him. V-v-v-Voldemort."

"Susan?" Came a concerned voice.

"Stacey!" Susan said rushing to the young woman. Susan and the tall slender blonde woman embraced tightly. The blonde pushed Susan back a bit. "How are Mum and Dad?"

"The healers say they'll be fine. They even healed Mum's cheek, but she's going to have a scar. Oh, Stacey, I've never been so scared."

"It's ok. You're going to stay with me until they're out." Stacey said, pulling her younger sister into another hug.

Susan nodded and then saw her friends watching. She wiped at her eyes, and smiled softly.

"I'm sorry, guys, this is my sister Stacy. She graduated Hogwarts the year before we started. Stacey, this is Hermione Granger and Daphne Greengrass, friends of mine and Blaise's from school."

"It's nice to meet you both." Stacey said politely.

"I'm sorry it's under these conditions." Hermione said sadly.

"Come on, red. Let's get you home. You can shower and get some sleep, and we'll come back tonight and check on everyone." Stacey said gently.

"Tell Harry I'm sorry I won't be there with you all." Susan said.

"Harry Potter?" Stacey asked.

"Yes." Susan nodded. "He invited me and Blaise to come stay with him a few days."

"I'm sure he'll understand." Hermione smiled.

"I'd be surprised if he didn't show up and check on Blaise himself." Daphne reassured the redhead.

"You'd be right."

Everyone turned to she the messy haired, green eyed boy standing before them.

"HARRY!" Daphne said, throwing herself into his arms. He held her tightly, kissing her gently, before pushing her back so he could look on her. He had missed her so much over the past month, and had been anxious to see her. She was more beautiful than he remembered her being.

But this was not the homecoming Daphne had imagined. For one thing, she wanted to look amazing, and make the boy wish he'd never left her alone, not wearing old jeans and a t-shirt she'd just thrown on. She hadn't even brushed her hair.

Second, she had imagined him coming to her home and having a nice long snog, instead of a hospital waiting room. Yet, he was here now, finally. Back where he belonged, and they would have time for a proper greeting later.

"When did you get back?" She asked.

"A few hours ago. Right when Remus got the paper, actually. I would have been here sooner, but we had to make a stop at the Ministry." Harry said quickly

"Well, I'm glad to see you." Hermione said happily as she hugged her best friend.

"I'm so sorry." Harry said, hugging Susan. "If there's anything you need, just ask."

"Thank you." Susan said gratefully. She introduced Harry to her sister, and after a very short conversation, the Bones girls left. Susan was wobbling dangerously as she walked, obviously exhausted. Hermione explained that Susan had been there all night, questioned by the Aurors and Merlin knew what else. Harry agreed that the poor girl needed rest.

"Any news?" Harry asked.

"Susan said that everyone's going to be okay, but it was close with Blaise." Hermione said.

"Has anyone been in to see him?"

"They're not allowing visitors yet." Daphne shrugged.

Harry went to the door and poked his head in, but snapped it back quickly. A young healer came out, looking quite stern.

"Mister Zabini isn't ready for visitors yet."

"My apologies. He's a friend, and I just was worried." Harry said.

"He will be fine, right now he needs a lot of rest."

Harry turned to look at the two girls who had watched the whole scene. He just shrugged, and led them down the hall where Sirius was talking with Alastor Moody.

"Sirius!" Hermione smiled brightly and hugged the older man.

"Hello there Hermione!"

"Congratulations on being cleared." She beamed.

"Thank you. I'm still trying to process it all. But it does feel good to be able to walk around among real people. And this must be the lovely Miss Greengrass. What a pleasure to meet you in person." Sirius bowed low, and shook Daphne's hand.

"I thought you said he was a dog?" Daphne elbowed her boyfriend in the ribs. "He's quite charming."

"Oh, trust me, this is just an act. You didn't see him on the French Riviera."

"Now's not the time for besmirching my good name, sir." Sirius said, waggled a finger.

"It wasn't you're name I was besmirching. It was your already questionable reputation."

"I see you two had a fine trip, then." Hermione grinned.

"It was." Harry's smiled. "Except for all the times my guardian here tried to poison me."

"You know, you try and expose some people to new things…" Sirius threw his hands up. "For the last time. I'm sorry about the squid!"

Hermione couldn't help but smile. It was painfully clear that Harry and Sirius had not only enjoyed themselves, but had truly bonded. And now, as she watched Daphne snuggling into Harry's arms, and her contented smile, Hermione knew that her friends' worlds were complete. Even with all the sad tidings, Hermione felt a little happy.

"Listen, we have some things we have to do, but I'd like to come get you this afternoon. Will that be alright?" Harry asked, drawing away from Daphne as Sirius finished his conversation with Moody.

"You mean I have to wait longer?" Daphne whined.

"It's only a few hours. I promised your father I would come get you myself. Do this thing properly. That'll be the soonest I can do it."

"Alright. Mother's waiting to take us back anyway. Let me write you directions. You never find me with out them." Daphne asked. The girl got some paper and a quill from the healers station and jotted down the instructions on how to find her home, finally giving them to her boyfriend.

"Great. Remus and I will be there at one o'clock. Be ready." Harry smiled and kissed her gently. Daphne held him tight against her for a long moment, committing the moment to memory.

"One o'clock." He repeated and then he and Sirius were gone.

"I can't believe he's really back." Daphne said, as she and Hermione went in search of Mrs. Greengrass. She was wrapping her arms about her, thinking about her messy haired boyfriend.

"You knew he was coming back today. You woke me up singing about it." Hermione wanted to slap her friend.

"Yeah, and look at me. I'm a mess." Daphne frowned.

"He didn't seem to mind. He barely looked at anyone else. He doesn't care how you look, just that it's you."

"I know, I just wanted to show him how much I missed him."

"You mean by putting on some slinky dress, and having your hair done up and all that?"

"Yeah."

"Trust me when I tell you it wouldn't have made any difference. You could see it in his eyes the moment he saw you. That kiss was so passionate, it made me curl my toes. When he has you alone tonight, and he isn't so worried about what's happened here, he'll show you exactly how much he missed you."

"Oh, we are so finding you a boyfriend." Daphne smiled smugly.

"Harry!" Mrs. Weasley smiled warmly as she embraced the young man, who had emerged from the fireplace. "I see that traveling abroad has agreed with you."

"It's good to see you, Mrs. Weasley. Sorry to just drop by unexpected. Is Ron around?"

"Yes, he's up in his room. I hope you can help him, dear, he's been terribly depressed. I know you two had a bit of a falling out, but I can't help believe he's truly sorry." Mrs. Weasley said, a hint of sadness there.

"Well, I'm here to find out. Excuse me."

Harry was up the stairs and knocking on his best friends door a moment later. He heard Ron's grunt, and opened the door, peeking inside.

"Harry!" Ron said stunned at seeing his former friend standing in his door way. "I was sure I wouldn't see you until term began."

"Well, I had to come by. Sirius and I talked a lot about you while I was away. I feel that I, well we, owe it to our friendship to try and work this out. As stubborn and bigoted as you've been, you've always been there when I needed you the most."

"No, I haven't." Ron said, shaking his head. "I've been there for fighting at your side, sure. But when it really counted, when you needed my support, I abandoned you. When you needed me at your side, like in fourth year. I was too angry and jealous to see the truth until it was nearly too late. Last year…Merlin, last year I let my fear get the best of me. All the time you were telling us how powerful and destructive fear was, and here I was, letting it control me. I let my fear of losing your friendship to people I didn't trust drive a wedge between us. And you were right about the Slytherins all along.

"I'm not a very good friend, Harry." Ron said sadly.

"But, you've just admitted your mistakes. So long as you don't repeat them, and you grow from this experience, you can become a better person, and a better friend."

"Luna's been saying the same thing." Ron commented.

"Luna?" Harry asked.

"It's a long story." Ron shrugged.

"Look. I know this is last minute. But, would you like to come stay with me at my house? I've got to warn you, Daphne and Tracey will be there. If you don't feel comfortable, then tell me now."

"I appreciate the offer. But maybe later. There's something I need to figure out, and I don't know if going away is the best idea. I'm trying to change, and one of the things I'm changing is to not run away from things." Ron said. He looked at his dark haired friend, offering his hand. "I appreciate the visit."

"You know things will never be the same with us." Harry said, taking his friends hand.

"No. But maybe they'll be better."

Harry smiled brightly at his friend. "I hope so. I have to get going. Write me if you want to come out. I'd really like having you there."

"I will. As soon as I get…stuff figured out. Thanks for this, Harry. I needed to tell you all that stuff. I would have done it when term began, but now maybe we can get together before then."

"Until then. See you, Ron. And, good luck."

Ron heaved a satisfied sigh after Harry left. A great weight had been lifted. Perhaps things between them would be better. Ron was determined to make it better. He knew that he would have a very hard time with it, but he'd thought about it all summer. If Harry could change and make himself better, why couldn't he?

Ron had already begun his journey. He'd been reading a lot this summer. He'd started with his old school books. Ron was determined to master spells he'd struggled with. His father had been helping him with it all. Mr. Weasley had found Ron one night sitting on the floor of his room surrounded by spell books and notes. He'd asked Ron about it, and his youngest son had come clean about how he'd been feeling and his determination to be the friend Harry deserved.

Luna Lovegood had spoken to Ron several times since she'd admitted her feelings to him. He'd never made fun of her since that day, but instead welcomed her insight. She'd helped Ron with some of the things on his mind and was helping him to see beyond labels.

Ron sighed as he thought of the slightly mental blonde girl. She was something indescribable to him. He couldn't define her in words. She always saw through his defenses and cut right to the heart of the matter with no preamble. Ron was beginning to see that the "Loony" thing was an act. He had caught glimpses of the real Luna several times, and found that she was a charming, thoughtful, and fun person. Ron always came back to the day she had told him how she felt about him, and how honest and forthcoming she had been.

Ginny had spoken to him about the pretty blonde several times since. She hadn't nagged or berated her brother, but talked as one human to another. Ron figured that Ginny was just trying to help, and knew that taunting her brother would only serve to aggravate him. Ron had spent a lot of time alone this summer, much as he had done near the end of the term. It was the only way he felt he could work things out.

Now that he'd spoken to Harry, and that seemed to be better, he could now focus on the other two things he'd been mulling over. Becoming a better student, and human being, and the mystery that was Luna Lovegood.

Tracey Davis watched her boyfriend tend to his plants. He was always so delicate and gentle and precise when he tended to them. It reminded her of how he was with her. She liked that he was so tender with her. His eyes danced merrily whenever she kissed him, and when he held her, she always felt so safe, and cared for. Tracey had known it for a long time, but it never stopped amazing her how wonderful Neville Longbottom was.

She had been nervous and embarrassed when she'd pinned him to the wall of Greenhouse Five and kissed him so forcefully. He'd been like a scared rabbit when she told him that he would be escorting her to Hogsmeade. She had been told later by Hermione Granger how he had been utterly frantic with nerves the night before. And yet, she had never known it during their date. He had been very kind, and gentlemanly. She had actually been rather impressed by how confidently he carried himself.

"Neville." She said, watching how the young man turned to face her. He had become more of a man this past year. Gone was his baby fat, and a more muscular build was emerging. He was no Quidditch star, but he suited her just fine. His hair was cropped short, and neat, and his face looked less fearful, and awkward. Neville Longbottom had shed away his boyishness.

Tracey held up her slender hand and beckoned him to her with one well manicured finger. Neville didn't need to be told twice. He approached the beautiful blonde girl who had decided he was worthy of her, and wrapped his arms around her.

"You needed me?" he asked softly. Tracey nodded, a small smile adorning her gorgeous face, her blue eyes sparkling brightly.

"I just wanted to tell you that I am in love with you." She said sweetly. Neville lowered his head and kissed her tenderly for a moment. His heart still pounded madly in his chest whenever they kissed. Neville had never understood why in the world someone as amazing as Tracey Davis would choose him, but he never asked her. He knew that you never questioned the will of destiny.

"This is so touching." A jaunty voice said. The two teenagers broke their kiss and turned to see who had chosen that moment to interrupt them.

"Harry!" Neville said in surprise.

"When did you get back?" Tracey asked. "Have you seen Daphne yet?"

"Yes. Will be going to get her a little later." Harry said as he hugged both his friends in turn.

"I read about Sirius being cleared. Congratulations, mate." Neville smiled.

"Yeah, he had to go to the Ministry and fill out some paperwork, so I'm running a few errands. I just saw Ron, and had a little chat. By the way, Happy Birthday, Neville."

"Thanks."

"Don't thank me yet. Wait until after tomorrow. We are going to have quite a day. I hope you both are ready." Harry said looking at the two.

"Yes, we're all packed, but we weren't expecting you for a few hours." Tracey commented.

"Well, there's been a few plan changes. I was going to get Blaise and Susan first, but…"

"Have you seen them?" Tracey wondered.

"I did. As soon as I found out I went to St. Mungo's. Blaise is out of the woods. We'll all go see him in a few days. Hopefully they'll let him have visitors. Anyway, since things have spiraled out of control, you two are the first on my 'to retrieve' list. We're going to meet Sirius at the Ministry, and then we have some things to do. I'm sure we'll have lunch at some point, and then tonight we'll get Hermione and Daphne."

"What about Ron?" Neville asked.

"He declined the invitation. He's going through some things. We had a good heart to heart, and I think he's changing, but we'll see. He mentioned Luna, do you guys know anything about that?"

Both Neville and Tracey shook their heads, just as confused as Harry appeared to be.

"Maybe the little pixie is getting to the redhead." Tracey shrugged.

"What a strange couple." Neville remarked.

"Might be just what he needs." Harry said. "If someone as...unique as Luna can't get him to see the world in a different light, he is truly beyond hope. Alright, daylights wasting, and I have loads to tell you guys. I guess I should wait until Daphne and Hermione are with us, though."

Harry led the others out of the greenhouse and into Neville's house were they gathered their things and Tracey thanked Neville's grandmother for her hospitality. Then, one by one, the three teenagers flooed to the Ministry of Magic.