A/N1: Standard disclaimer; see chapter 1 for details.
Steadman's eventual castigation of his wards for decamping on a rescue run had been tempered by the fact that, number one, they had a plan and, number two, no one was harmed (or worse). Also to their credit was that they had been accompanied by older students as back-up and Nurse Pomfrey's claim that their prompt retrieval of Ginny had made her hospital stay minimal.
So by the time of their final Hogsmeade meeting of the school year, that scolding was ancient history and other topics were on the agenda.
"How are things in Ravenclaw?" Steadman asked Hermione.
"A bit subdued," she replied. "The students, especially the older ones, are almost in a state of catatonia at Marietta's expulsion. Cho's involvement also greatly shocked them, since before this all came out she appeared to be headed straight towards a prefect position in two years."
"A vivid example of poor judgment in choosing someone to follow."
"Yes, sir," Draco agreed, "would that my father had learned that lesson earlier."
"Ah, but young Mr. Malfoy, your sire has proved that it is never too late to turn one's life around."
"That's right," Neville said, "and the Prophet has even suggested him as a candidate for Minister, since elections are later this year."
"If Uncle Lucius gets to be minister, then we'll have to have all the doorways widened," Harry cracked, "because Draco's head will never fit through them."
The two boys commenced the totally male ritual of hitting the other's upper arm with a fist, and only paused when Steadman spoke once more. "It will be interesting to see how Miss Chang allows her suspension and probation to affect her."
"Well," Draco said, smoothing his ruffled fringe, "I bet Diggory won't look her way after that bit of collaboration."
"Yeah, Hermione," Harry turned to her, "the field is clear for you now!"
Face red and hands clenched, the girl advanced on the two. Neville caught her by the shoulder. "Now, Hermione, there's no need for violence."
Impetus stalled, her irate attention zoomed in on the boy who generally irritated her the least. "Maybe not today, maybe not tomorrow, but soon…"
"Why're you including me in this?" Neville asked plaintively as the others observed.
"Don't think I didn't hear what you were yelling when you whooshed out of that web. 'David Copperfield', indeed!"
Nothing that she threatened was able to curb the hilarity of the trio–plus Steadman.
On the trip to London, Percy informed the quartet that his sister was having sessions with a mind healer and that they would continue over the summer. "I'd like to thank your guardian for helping Professor McGonagall persuade my parents of the necessity."
"It was a bit of a job"
"Especially with Mum"
"Since she was of the opinion"
"That it was a critique of her parenting."
"The reason he was so knowledgeable is that I had to undergo counseling for a good while after my living situation changed," Harry explained, trying not to go into too much detail of his less-than-pleasant past.
"We won't let Gin-Gin hear about that"
"Or she'll take it as"
"Another sign that you two are destined."
"Indeed," Percy agreed as he shoved his brothers down the passageway; really, their twin-speak could grate on one's nerves at times. "Thanks again for all you did, helping when you really weren't obliged."
"Not at all," Hermione nodded as he appeared to be ready to resume to prefect patrol.
"Yeah," Neville put in, "we just love late night flights through giant spiders' webs."
"Admit it, Nev," Draco pounded him on the back, "you're finally hooked on flying's adrenaline rush."
"I wouldn't call it…"
Percy interrupted. "Actually, the Ministry is going in and removing the acromantulas during the break. Things could have gone very badly that night."
"They're not really much of a loss," Harry noted with an eyeroll.
"Except Hagrid considers them pets and was complaining at the top of his lungs about how 'misunderstood' they are."
"This is the man who tried to housebreak a Cerberus," Hermione stated drily.
"That would have to be a pretty big house," a voice intoned behind her.
"Siegfried and Roy!" she jumped and shouted. "Luna, when will you stop sneaking up on me?"
"When it ceases to be amusing," the blonde responded placidly.
Meanwhile, the boys were wheezing with laughter at the sound of their female friend finally joining in their alternate cursing.
The Express was within a half hour of entering the London Metropolis when Hermione was reminded of something. "Neville, didn't you receive an owl this morning at breakfast?"
"Yeah," he replied, "but I was busy coordinating the summer party arrangements with Justin, so I jammed it in a pocket."
"You have free time now," Draco pointed out.
The other boy exhibited little enthusiasm. "It was from Gran; she probably just told me what side of the platform she'll be on." He slit open the envelope. "I hope Uncle Algie stays away this summer also."
"Well, last year he was in the tundra hunting for plant samples, so maybe… Nev?" Harry sat up straighter. "You okay?"
The others' attention all focused on the boy, who was staring at the parchment with a gobsmacked expression while tears ran down his cheeks. He looked up with a shaky smile. "They're starting the treatment on Mum and Dad this summer." He swallowed. "There's a chance I can have them back!"
A/N2: Coming soon–Noblesse Oblige: Consolidation.