Author Note: This is a lovely chapter filled with the gathering of the new group, Some serious moments, some comedy and
it also has a happy ending.
===xxx===xx(Chapter begins)
The next morning at breakfast Hermione had come in wearing her knickers and a loose robe, Harry was a bit concerned but when no one else reacted he relaxed a bit. He had put on athletic pants and a t-shirt at least.
"Really Harry its just mom and dad. Its not like there's a crowd out here." Hermione laughed as Emma and Dan chuckled.
"Sorry the Dursleys did not go around half-dressed, thank god." Harry heartily exclaimed
"From what I remember seeing them at the station I have to heartily agree. She has no chin and he has entirely too many." Emma shuddered.
"Really buddy, let's not have that kind of mental image at meal times..Although why do I suddenly have an urge to go to a luau?" Dan declared in mock sincerity.
"Really dear, no. Bad Dan. We shall have to futterwacken vigorously for a comment like that." She admonished him with a finger shake...
"Ohh really? Then I shall make sure my borogoves shall be all a mimsy.." He sang with his eyebrows waggling.
Harry looked back and forth between them then at Hermione who was stifling giggles. Hedwig was sitting at a place at the table looking at everyone with a studious dignity.
"Something wrong Harry?" Emma asked sliding a piece of bacon into Dan's mouth as he leaned over with his lips puckered for a kiss.
"Uh, no. Just not used to adults acting like this. The Dursleys did not, well they didn't do much when it came to showing affection. Even in private."
Dan shook his head, "A life without happiness or love is not a life well lived."
Harry nodded his head, "Yeah I guess that makes sense.
"Of course it makes sense." Dan blustered. "Bloody well."
Harry laughed along with Hermione at that point. "Okay you two shouldn't you be getting to the office. There are teeth that need dealt with."
"Ahh yes the great British dental crisis goes on." Dan said finishing his coffee, "Wish us luck in the war against cavities."
Giving the Granger parents hugs Harry and Hermione watched them start to leave before Dan stopped, "Oh almost forgot. Paul will drop by this afternoon to check on things."
"Okay dad. We should be okay but thank. Will Terry be with him?"
"I don't think so. He said something about getting an audition for a role in some musical off Piccadilly."
"Oh that would be cool."
"Yeah, okay have fun at the orgy Caligula." He said going out laughing.
"Your parents are really nice. Strange sometimes but nice." Harry said wistfully.
Hermione turned and held his hand, "I'm sure yours would have been great too. After all doesn't everyone say that the Marauders were some of the best practical jokers in the history of the school?"
"Yeah." At that point a flurry of owls were flying into the kitchen through the window causing Hedwig to hoot and ruffle up to assert her dominance.
Harry and Hermione rounded up the birds and got the messages off their legs. A few strips of bacon and some encouragement from Hedwig and the owls were gone within moments.
Hedwig made a grunting noise then flew off to her perch in the Den.
"I think Hedge had her beak get a bit out of joint with the sudden invasion." Harry joked.
"Yes well. Maybe give her some treats once she calms down. Let's see what's going on in the wizarding world." Hermione said spreading the paper out while Harry looked at the letters the people they had asked to come had replied with.
"Well most of them agreed to come and at least hear us out. Some of them are a bit more concerned about the rise of Voldemort than others but they'll be here today."
"That's good. Oh look the Ministry is beefing up security and urging people to do so at their homes as well. About time. The Auror division will begin investigating marked death eaters and the trial of the Ministry attackers will be in a few days, starting with Malfoy." She read out loud.
There was a knock at the front door causing the two of them to look up at the clock, "Its only seven thirty, who is here this early?" Hermione frowned, "You're dressed go see who it is while I cover you."
Harry nodded and walked to the front door while Hermione took a position in the entry hall with her wand in one hand and a kitchen knife in the other. Looking through the side window he smiled as he saw the tweedy suited figure of Professor Lupin.
Opening the door Harry grinned, "Professor. You're here early."
"Yes well I know you had friends coming over at ten and wanted to be here early enough to get some occlumancy practice in. Uh may I come in?"
Hermione from behind Harry called out, "Yes Professor. Although are you Professor Lupin?"
"Well that is a good question Hermione. Given transfiguration and poly-juice it might not be a bad idea to not be quite so trusting when opening doors Harry."
"okay so how do we know its you?" Harry suddenly felt a bit concerned.
"Well the easiest, yet least secure is to simply ask me a question only you and I would know."
"Like what my dad's nickname was?"
"Stags was his nickname. Indeed. Like that."
"Show him in Harry." Hermione said as she stepped out of her alcove. She had tied her robe but Remus still blinked rapidly when he saw her as it was short and thin enough that her figure was not hidden.
"Uh Hermione you uh. Well I'll just wait in the sitting room while you get dressed." He stammered awkwardly trying to avoid looking at her.
Hermione laughed, "Its okay Professor. I trust you to behave, but I'll be back down in a few." She chuckled as she walked upstairs.
"C'mon professor I'll show you to the sitting room." Harry gestured for the professor to follow him.
"I thought you couldn't do magic in this house?" Remus asked in confusion.
"We can't. She just looks like that out of the school uniform."
"Oh my." Remus sighed. "I didn't realize the uniforms hid the figure that well."
"Yeah I was a bit surprised when I came here too." Harry nodded his agreement as they settled in the sitting room. Remus was drawn to a the family portrait of the Granger's hanging on the wall. It showed Hermione from a few years ago so she was still undeveloped but Emma was not hiding her figure at all.
Seeing the look of recognition on his professor's face Harry asked, "You know her mother?"
"That's her mother? Oh. She looks like someone we met once a long time ago at your father's stag party."
Hermione walked in wearing a mid thigh length dress with appropriate underwear. "She wouldn't happen to have been a stripper by the name of the Manchester Minx would it?"
Remus cleared his throat, "Well yes. She was quite the energetic young lass. Sirius was quite smitten with her and tried to talk her into doing more than giving just a lap dance."
"Yeah mom didn't do anything sexual and she was married to dad by then so doubly so." Hermione chuckled sitting by Harry.
Remus blinked a few times as if he was processing Hermione's words, "Oh my. Well. Small world I suppose."
"Why? Just how wild did this stag party get?" Hermione leaned forward to listen.
Remus glanced then looked away like he had seen the sun, "Well she uh. Sirius paid for a private dance room and her and couple of her friends put on quite the show. Do you really want to talk about this?"
"Well it involves Harry's dad and his godfather so yeah. And Mom's not ashamed of her job."
"I thought she was a dentist?" Remus blurted out.
"She is. She just likes to dance on the weekends for the fun of it." Hermione shrugged.
"Oh well. Uh as I said Sirius took quite the shine on her. She uh well was quite the dancer. Your dad agreed that was one of Sirius' better ideas to go to that club."
"Maybe I'll see if she can get you tickets to her next performance."
"Well uh. Thank you I suppose. I'm not sure how Dora would feel about that."
"So you and her are getting serious?" Harry grinned showing his professor mercy by changing the subject.
"Somewhat. Its been going okay. We've been mutually comforting each other over Sirius and talking. We have a lot in common it seems."
"Yeah. Wow. You know I'd love to be a meta-morph. You could change the size of your boobs for what you need, They could be work sized, practical sized and fun sized at a whim." What made Harry laughed was that she used her hands to give a graphic example of her definition of each of those sizes. Her fun sized was a bit further into the produce department than her current size, Harry noted that for future exploration.
Remus raised his eyebrow like he hadn't thought of that, "I suppose that would be possible. Hermione."
"Okay so you're here to teach me Occlumancy?" Harry asked bringing the topic back around to the purpose.
"Not just you, but Hermione as well. Although you are the primary focus right now." Remus said shaking his head out of where his thoughts had strayed. "From what I gather Severus used his rather blunt force method of trying to teach, which as could be expected failed?"
"Just a bit. I noticed you didn't bring a pensieve?"
"Because I'm going to teach you to try and build a defense inside your mind by the basics, not sink or swim. Occlumancy is more about detecting and deflecting mental probes, clearing your mind of distraction and emotion. Also as this is a muggle house the Ministry would detect the magic and Hermione would get a rather unpleasant owl post." The Professor noted.
"I'd like to avoid that." Hermione pointed out.
"So what do I need to do." Harry asked.
"Clear your mind of thoughts and relax."
===xxx===xx
At Hogwarts Albus was having a breakfast meeting with Madam Bones.
"Albus I appreciate your invitation however I am a very busy person with the return of Subject A we are trying to lock down the Ministry."
"You are also failing to plug all the gaps are you not?"
Madam Bones gazed levelly at him, "And how do you know that?"
"Well the mere fact that I do should tell you that there are gaps in your security."
"Some of your Order members are on my teams?" Amelia glared at him,
"Yes. I confess. I do have people who work for me within the Ministry. Alas I fear the other side does as well." Albus calmly stated.
"You know I am not entirely comfortable with extra-legal organizations, even if your intentions are benevolent they can be an abusive agency very quickly." Amelia reminded him.
"I know that Amelia and you have my word that we share the same goals. I want to put an end to the Death Eaters and the Dark Lord himself. We are working towards that goal."
"And you want my help why?" Amelia crossed her arms as she leaned back in her chair.
"Albus smiled, "It is rather obvious is it not? You are the head of arguably the most important and powerful part of the Ministry. You see things, you hear things. It would be quite beneficial to us if we are both working with the same information. Plus I can do things for you that may not be quite able to be done by your people."
She considered his words for a few moments, "Very well Albus, I will help you. However I want a contact on the inside though. Someone I can trust."
"Well I do believe Kingsley Shacklebolt has proven himself quite trustworthy."
"Kingsley? He's one of yours?" Amelia raised her eyebrow.
"Yes. He is. I will tell him that you are to be given all he has learned and be ready to work with you."
"Thank you Albus. Let's hope we can get this resolved before things get as bad as they did the first time around." She said as she stood.
Standing himself Dumbledore nodded, "Yes. Unfortunately it may already be too late. He has many years to stew in his anger and rage. I fear he will wait only so long before making his next move. Be careful Amelia."
"Indeed Albus. You as well." She said then flooed back to the Ministry.
===xxx===xx
Hermione had sat quietly paying attention to Remus as she studied the Occlumancy relaxation techniques as well. They had been working at it for several hours when the doorbell rang, "I'll get it." Hermione sprang to her feet nimbly and quickly. Flashing her knickers when she did.
Looking through the curtains she saw Lavender and Luna standing on the front step. Luna was carrying a large picnic basket and thermos jug. Opening the door she paused, "We're supposed to ask a security question only I don't really know what to ask you."
"That could pose a problem Hermione. Although I don't know you either, especially with breasts like those." Luna observed staring at Hermione's breasts.
"You saw me yesterday with them Luna." Hermione said in amusement.
"I know but I thought you had gone to the store and were carrying fruit home."
"Uh well no the only melons in this shirt are mine." Hermione shook her head, "And my eyes are up here Luna."
"Sorry. You have to admit it is a rather obvious difference from the usual appearance you present."
"Among other things yes. Hello Lavender."
Lavender had been standing by quietly observing Luna in amusement. "Hello Hermione. I'm not sure either other than I hope you and Harry are enjoying the effects of the potion."
"Oh immensely." Hermione sighed with a happy expression. "C'mon in. I'll take a chance that you're not here to kill us all right now."
"True. Where can I put this?" Luna asked hefting the basket.
"Uh we can go into the kitchen." Hermione said heading that way.
"Hello Crookshanks." Lavender said as the cat fell into position following them.
"So what's in there Luna?"
"I brought some leftover Jumja Root in yamok sauce and Gurdyroot tea as you missed it yesterday. I also brought some other things that I thought people might like to try."
"Oh, well thank you. You can leave anything that needs to be kept cold in the refrigerator." Hermione pointed to the device when they entered the kitchen.
Luna looked around and put the basket on the table, "All of the items are in stasis containers. And before you ask they are self powered so it does not register as magic being used. I made sure with father before coming here."
"Thanks. I appreciate that. So some items won't set off the underage magic detectors?"
Luna nodded, "True. The trace is actually in our wands as a taboo that is registered in the Ministry. It is supposed to be turned off when we reach adulthood but it actually isn't. As for magic detectors around muggles they are not activated by self-powered magic items, house elves or those authorized persons."
"So a house elf won't set off the magic detector?"
"Not unless they want to." Luna confirmed.
"How do you know that?" Lavender asked.
"I spend a great deal of time talking to them at the Castle. They are very nice people but its too bad about the curse." Luna sighed setting several packages on the counter.
Hermione frowned, "Curse? What curse?"
"Maeve the queen of the fairies cursed them to be servants of wizards for ten thousand years. Only the ones with the strongest will can overcome the curse and be free, otherwise they can die."
Hermione looked at her in shock, "So when I was trying to free them I was. Oh no."
"Don't worry they had encountered other muggle-borns with that sort of zeal before. They were annoyed but did not take it personally."
Hermione looked dejected as she frowned thoughtfully.
Luna looked at Hermione intently, "Don't worry. They did appreciate you caring about their treatment and are very proud of the actions Harry did for Dobby as well as your concern for Winky."
"Oh well. I guess I should talk to them about things first then shouldn't I?"
"It would probably be a good idea. So what are we going to do since we cannot use magic here?"
"Well we'll talk about what the plans are when everyone gets here ok? Harry and Professor Lupin are in the sitting room working on something."
The other two girls nodded and sat chatting for a few minutes until the doorbell rang again, Hermione opened it to find Neville and Susan standing on the other side chatting. "Hi guys."
Neville's eyes bugged out as he stared at Hermione. Susan shook her head laughing. "Hi Hermione."
"C'mon in. You okay Nev?"
Swallowing he nodded, "Yeah just still getting used to the way you look. Okay. Lavender and Luna are in the kitchen, Its on the other side of the dining room."
"Thanks." Susan said as she and Neville walked in.
Over the next half hour the rest of their guests arrived and filled her kitchen. Luna had opened the food cases. Everyone had settled in chatting and relaxed. Ernie Macmillan had almost had a seizure when she opened the door as he saw her figure. Dean Thomas and Seamus had both tried flirting with her only to be shot down in flames. Katie Bell was surprised to see her but otherwise shrugged. Cho was polite and hid any reaction to Hermione's figure when she opened the door. She did seem a bit nervous and awkward when she found out Harry was here but otherwise joined the others in the kitchen. Terry Boot was quite happy when Hermione opened the door until she mentioned that Harry was here and the others were in the kitchen.
"You're the last to arrive so I'll get Harry."
===xxx===xx
Harry came into the kitchen with Hermione and Professor Lupin. He noticed the dozen people standing or sitting around calmly and smiled. Going to the table he looked over the food with a curious expression, A bowl of long roots that looked like a cross between a horseradish and potatoes with a bright yellowish orange sauce intrigued him.
"Hey what's this?"
"That is Jumja Root and Yamok Sauce. Since you didn't get to have any yesterday."
"Oh nice. Thanks Luna." Harry said taking one and chewing a large bite. "Interesting flavor. I like it."
Ernie looked at Harry incredulously, "You actually like that? Yamok sauce is disgusting. The Goblins make it from a boiled fungus."
Luna huffed, "I'll have you know it is very nutritious, shelf stable at a wide range of temperatures and beneficial to the immune system."
Harry shrugged, "Tastes sort of like lemony mint garlic sauce. And you said the roots were Jumja? Not bad. Sort of a starchy potato with a bit of sweetness. Here you ought to try this Hermione." He said holding one out to her which she carefully took. After a bite she smiled politely, "Not bad I guess."
Luna beamed triumphantly as Harry took the bowl since no one else wanted any.
"So what are we going to do here?" Ernie demanded, "I thought the DA was only for dealing with Umbridge."
"It was. However with the return of Voldemort we are going to be creating an advanced DA. One that is more for fighting and defending our friends, our families and ourselves. We'll have more support and help from certain sources. This means we will also be taking the battle to them from time to time, but mostly we are going to be ready to defend. To fight." Harry explained looking at Hermione who nodded.
She smoothly took over, "Now this new group is by invitation only. All of you showed a great deal of skill and ability in the DA. Some like Neville and Luna fought alongside us at the Ministry and we would trust them with our lives. That's the sort of group this is going to be. Once you're in you're in, no backing out for the duration. You'll sign something that the muggles called a non-disclosure agreement that will keep you from revealing our secrets and if you think what happened to Marietta was bad try breaking this one." Hermione said with a slight bit of a threat. Cho pursed her lips but didn't say anything.
"SO think it over for a few minutes but if you want to help fight, if you want to help defend our world from these vipers then sign up. Otherwise its been nice having you guys over for lunch but we have work to do."
Neville looked around, "So how come Ron and Ginny aren't here?"
Harry looked at Professor Lupin who sighed, "The Weasleys have had some health issues that would prevent them from joining."
Luna tilted her head, "That would explain why Ron draw wrackspurts like flies to honey."
Harry waved his hands in awkward agreement, "Uh yeah. Something like that. They're in Saint Mungo's right now getting some treatment and hopefully will be better. But we can't wait for them we have to do this as soon as possible. He's going to be gathering strength and so must we."
The others talked among themselves although Luna and Neville stepped forward and took the pen Hermione proffered. Signing quickly under Harry and Hermione's names. Professor Lupin signed as well.
Lavender and Susan were both quick to sign followed by Terry Boot. "You can trust me Harry."
Harry shook his hand as he stepped off to the side. Ernie stepped up and signed next, "We must do our duty as our conscious drives us." he pronounced as he joined Terry to the side. Harry just nodded sagely.
Katie Bell signed next, "Yeah. I'm in. We need to get this done."
Seamus and Dean both signed next. They didn't have anything pithy to say but signed grimly.
Cho was the last one to have not signed yet. Harry looked at her sympathetically, "Hey Cho. You in or not?"
"Will I be given a chance to find the one who killed Cedric?"
"We'll do our best. I can't guarantee it." Harry admitted.
"But I'll be able to help take out his friends and allies though?" Cho's tone of voice was flat and cold.
"Uh yeah. You okay?" Harry asked knowing his own emotional issues that simmered below the surface.
"I'm fine. I've just been doing a lot of thinking for the last year." She yanked the pen from Harry's hand and signed her name in large bold letters.
"So when do we start?"
"Okay let's go get comfortable downstairs and we'll tell you what's going on."
===xxx===xx
They reconvened in the exercise room which was next to the playroom downstairs.
"Okay since we'll be a fighting force this means we will practice physical fighting, magical dueling, and using weapons. We will focus on teamwork too."
"Wait a second Harry, this is a muggle house. NO magic. So how can we do all that?" Ernie pointed out rather superciliously.
"Well I happen to own a magically protected and hidden house. We can cast magic there with no interruptions or problems." Harry returned just as haughty.
"You have a magically protected house?" Ernie asked doubtfully.
Harry lifted his right hand with the Black family ring on it. Ernie gasped when he saw it as the others murmured in confusion or surprise.
"Wow. That's a family ring so that means that yeah he's got a house, guys." Neville approvingly said.
"Yeah my godfather left it to me so we will go finish cleaning it up and get things set up for training." Harry crossed his arms imperiously.
"Oh good. So is it on the floo network?"
Harry nodded, "Yeah but its at #12 Grimmould place and that falls under the secrecy agreement you just signed. Because it doesn't register on the network records from what I was told."
Remus nodded, "The house is an old Georgian Brownstone that was acquired by the family of Harry's godfather long ago. It has had many many protections on it. Including the biggest one the wearer of that ring can allow or disallow anyone to come and go from it. By any means."
Everyone seemed to find that information impressive and accepted they would be safer there.
"Now we're going to have to come up with a training schedule. One day physical, one day weapons, one day spells, one day tactics. We're also going to try and see if we can figure out how to get some more equipment. So if we can we'll train on that too." Hermione explained.
"Cool. So what kind of physical training are we going to be doing?" Lavender was curious.
Seamus said something to Dean that caused him to laugh suddenly. Hermione glared at him, "What was that Seamus?" She sweetly asked causing Dean and Terry to take a step to the side away from Seamus.
"I uh. I asked if it'll give the girls a body like yours."
Hermione smiled wickedly, "Maybe. If they work at it. But that'll be up to them, and it wouldn't hurt you either mister skinny butt. Assuming you can keep up."
"Yeah right what's so bad about the shape I'm in. I'm pretty healthy."
"Really can you do this?" She slid down into the splits with one leg in front of her and one behind her until she was flat on the floor, then she spun her legs around in a scissor move and sprung back to her feet in a fluid sinuous action. She then swung her leg up until it was pointing roughly straight up to the ceiling. She then swung it back down with her foot against her thigh standing on one foot.
"This is after three years of flexibility training and exercises. I can't guarantee you will get this good but we can worked on your endurance, flexibility, speed, and general strength." Hermione explained casually holding her position.
"You did this at school?" Katie gasped. "Why didn't anyone find out about this?"
Relaxing back to having both feet on the floor Hermione shrugged, "Because I didn't want you to. And seriously how many people really pay attention to what's going on in that castle. There are empty rooms sitting dusty and unused like crazy all over the place. Plus the room of requirement. So you can find all kinds of quiet corners to do things."
Seamus chuckled a little bit but not enough to earn Hermione's ire. Luna agreed, "Most magicals ignore physical exercise due to magic keeping them healthy and uninjured. Also why lift weights when you can cast a lightening charm to make things easier to carry."
"Right Luna. Those of us who play Quidditch have to get a little bit stronger arms and legs to hold onto the broom plus stomach muscles but other than that we don't get much exercise."
"So you going to teach us these exercises?" Katie asked.
"Yeah and I can make copies of the books I have when we get to Grimmould and I can cast spells."
"Okay. That sounds good. So what can we do here to get started?"
"Well we can work on some stretching exercises, basic stuff to try and avoid pulling a muscle." She said glaring at Seamus knowing he was probably going to make a smart-alec comment.
===xxx===xx
Hermione was leading everyone through a stretching exercise routine when the doorbell rang. "Okay everyone take five that's probably my uncle Paul. He was going to come over and check on how things were going."
Hermione came back with her uncle who grinned when he saw Remus, "Hey Reggie. Wow! Long time no see." He said grabbing Remus in a hug.
Remus looked very panicked as everyone watched him stammer a bit "Well I uh. I think you have me confused with someone else sir." He managed to get out. Paul looked at him closely then around the room before nodding, "Ahh I see. Sorry yeah. You do bear a close resemblance to someone I had a very good time with a few years ago."
"Well then he must have been a very lucky and happy man." Remus said with the ghost of a grin. Hermione raised her eyebrow at Harry who nodded. Luna was sitting on the floor grinning.
"Yeah. I know I was. Anyhow guys. Lets see what we got to work with."
Hermione introduced all of her friends to her uncle who then talked about knives and knife fighting. Remus had stepped off to the side and seemed to be lost in thought.
By the time the Granger parents had returned from the office the teens had all figured out that a knife could be a very dangerous thing even to a wizard as Paul walked them through various techniques.
When Emma and Dan came downstairs Remus looked at her with recognition as she smiled at everyone, "Wow this is a nice crowd."
"Yeah I have a good feeling about this crew they all seem like they got a good grip on things." Paul agreed.
Dan smiled, "Well that will be good news for the good guys then."
"So who all is going to stay for dinner?"
Most of the teens had to go home but thanked the Grangers for their hospitality. Luna and Lavender both agreed to stay if the Grangers didn't mind. Dan taking Luna to the kitchen to talk to her about some of the leftovers she had brought.
Paul shook his head, "Nah Terry and I had plans to go out tonight. If he got the part we're going to celebrate and if he didn't we're going to commiserate."
"Oh yeah. So how about you Mr Lupin?"
"Well I should probably go. I wouldn't want to intrude Mrs Granger. And you can call me Remus."
"Oh it wouldn't be an intrusion then Remus. You're helping the kids out so we owe you at least dinner. Plus you look awfully familiar."
Remus laughed awkwardly, "Well I guess it must be I just have one of those faces."
"I suppose. Harry could you help me with something upstairs?"
"Uh sure Emma." he shrugged and followed her upstairs.
Paul shook Remus' hand, "Hey maybe we could get together for coffee sometime, I'll introduce you to Terry."
"That sounds nice. I'll get your number off of Hermione later. I really should be going though." Remus smiled again.
Paul nodded towards the stairs, "Well hey, I'll walk you out then."
"Thank you that would be fine."
After they left Lavender chuckled, "If I didn't know better I'd think Professor Lupin and your uncle knew each other."
"Oh I would bet on it."
"So this dancing thing. Can you show me some of it?" Lavender shyly asked.
"Yeah c'mon."
===xxx==xx
"Uh what do you need help with Emma?" Harry asked.
"Do you have any pictures of your godfather and this Mr Remus when he was younger?"
"Yeah in my photo album. Its upstairs in Hermione's room."
"I don't think Hermione would be upset if you called it your room too. And do you mind if I see them?"
"No I'll be right back."
Emma watched Paul and Remus walk out chatting. They seemed to both be talking around the subject of having known each other. Which made her amused.
Harry came back down with the album. Emma and he moved to the sitting room where Harry found the picture of his father and his friends. "That's Sirius, Remus and the one that betrayed them Peter."
"Oh my god. I remember these guys. They had a major blow out one night at the club. That Sirius guy thought he was so charming and suave. Kelly said he was good but so full of himself."
Harry chuckled, "Yeah I guess that kinda sounds like him."
"Remus. Those scars on his face made him memorable. He was so quiet and shy I took a liking to him. I knew he uh wasn't really into things so I hung out with him most of the evening."
"You mean he didn't, uh. He wasn't"
"If you're asking if he got turned on by us he was. I could tell when I gave him a lap dance, but he was at least polite about it. The chubby fellow Peter I thought Annie was going to smack him senseless before the night was over. Amazing what you can remember when you think back about it."
"And my dad?"
"Oh he was a nice guy. He went through the motions and enjoyed the show but we could tell he was only there to humor the ring leader as he kept looking at his watch when he thought no one was looking."
"It was their stag party for dad according to Professor Lupin."
"Yeah I think his friend Sirius had referred to him as the condemned man." Emma said without thinking. She looked up when Harry sniffled.
She moved over and took him into a hug, stroking his hair she softly crooned "Shhshhh. Its okay Harry. I'm sorry. I didn't think about it."
Harry calmed down after a few minutes, "I'm okay Emma." he whispered causing her to squeeze him tightly once then let go, "It's okay. Thinking about how happy dad must have been and how Sirius would have been acting. It just makes them more real I guess."
"Well that's good then." She smiled. "Now you want to go see what Dan has cooked up for dinner or go see what Hermione and lavender are doing in the basement?"
"Uh I think I want to be alone for a few minutes." He said looking at the photo album.
Emma kissed him on the forehead, "Ok dearie. But no brooding okay? Otherwise I'll get Hermione to spank you." she teased.
Harry smiled wanly, "Okay. No brooding. Just some quiet contemplation?"
"I think we can have that." She got up and walked out leaving Harry to think and look at the pictures.
===xxx===xx
Dinner was excellent as Dan had incorporated some of the vegetables and fruits Luna had brought into a salad course. The other course was a chicken casserole which Luna nibbled on.
"So are you a vegetarian Luna?"
"No not quite. However I do generally like to know if the animal gave permission to be eaten or at least was treated humanely."
Hermione looked at Luna curiously, "You can talk to animals?"
"No unfortunately that is a skill I do not have. But I can sort of understand them."
"oh okay.
"So your little group turned out okay?"
"Yeah, but I can't talk about it unless you sign the paper dad."
He shrugged, "Okay. Looks like Paul signed."
"Yeah. So you and mom going to sign?"
"Of course dear. We're not going to just abandon you now." Emma said as she signed the paper.
"So tomorrow we're going to Harry's house in London and see about getting it ready to be our headquarters basically."
"Sounds like a plan. Who all will be there?" Dan asked.
"Professor Lupin, Lavender, Luna, Neville, and Susan will be there with us."
"Okay. Well at least there will be a responsible adult." Emma sounded relieved.
"We also told Uncle Paul so he or Terry or both of them might come by." Harry pointed out.
"Nice. So what will you be doing?"
"Cleaning up, arranging things, getting it set up. We need a magical practice room, a physical training room and an exercise room. Professor Lupin seems to think we have the space in the house but we'll have to adjust things a bit." Hermione explained.
"You're okay with this Harry. Seems like you're awfully quiet."
"Well Hermione has a good idea and plan so I don't really need to say anything right now. When we get to the house tomorrow we'll probably have a discussion to work things out in more detail."
"Good set of teamwork then. Unlike Emma and I where she has all the brains and beauty and I have the extraordinary charm, brawn and humor."
Emma reached over and patted his arm, "Yes dear you keep believing that."
Daniel faked clutching his heart, "Oh she doth wound me, her words do pierce me like an arrow."
"Now behave yourself dear or no dessert for you." Emma said demurely.
Daniel sat up straight and calmed himself, "Yes dear. Quite so." He said in his best BBC presenter voice.
Hermione shook her head with a laugh.
After dinner Lavender said her good nights and went for home.
"So Luna how much longer do you want to stay?" Hermione asked.
"Father said I could take all the time I needed so I do not have to leave unless you want me to."
"Oh well. No not really. I was just going to do some more stretching exercises and then maybe do a full routine on the pole as I worked with lavender a little bit."
"Worked on the pole?" Luna asked in confusion.
Hermione explained about pole dancing and the exercise benefits as they walked downstairs.
"And that's how I got such a toned body with a strong core."
"Oh that makes a great deal of sense. May I try?"
"Sure but let's do some stretches first. Harry can do that too."
Their stretches done Hermione told Luna how to do some of the basic moves while Harry started to leave, "You do not have to go Harry. I do not mind if Hermione doesn't."
"Uh well."
"I am not going to take any of my clothes off and as I am not wearing a dress you will see less of me than you do Hermione."
Hermione laughed, "Yeah sure stay Harry. This might be fun."
Luna and Hermione worked on some of the basic moves while Harry sat on the couch and watched. Luna had a natural flexibility which was impressive Harry noticed causing a lump in his trousers he hid with a pillow when they looked over.
After twenty minutes or so of working on the moves they stopped and Hermione let Luna go through the moves on her own. She moved with the grace and poetry of a feline. Hermione came over and sat beside Harry, "Well I think she's a natural." She leaned into his ear and softly said.
"Oh that's cool." Harry croaked out.
"Are you alright Harry?" Luna asked as she came down from the stage to stand by them, slightly covered in a light sweat.
"Yeah I'm fine."
"Then why are you clutching a pillow to your abdomen?" Luna was looking askance at him.
"No reason. Just its comfortable."
"And hiding his erection." Hermione laughed.,
"You found this to be sexually stimulating?"
"He's a teen male Luna. Of course he did."
Luna's eyes got larger, "You found ME to be sexually stimulating?"
Harry's mouth dropped open and no words came out as Hermione watched him in careful amusement, "Uh well. I. You are a. I mean to say that."
"Yes he found you sexually attractive Luna."
Luna grinned a huge smile. "Oh. Thank you Harry. Compared to Hermione I do not feel that I am that sexually stimulating. Especially as my breasts are small enough I do not wear undergarments at all."
Harry gave out an odd low pitched groan.
"I think I better help Harry take care of something Luna. If you want to spend the night you can use the spare bedroom."
"No I should probably go home and meet you tomorrow I would not want to distract from your coitus."
Hermione chuckled as Harry made another groaning noise. "I'm not sure we'll have coitus but I was going to give Harry a hand at least."
"Wouldn't he be more relieved by having coitus instead of manual stimulation?"
Harry by this point was sitting there with his eyes closed counting the uses of Dragon's blood to himself to try and distract from the conversation that was taking place right in front of him.
Hermione nodded as she tried not to laugh, "Maybe we could conduct an experiment if you want. I mean that is the Ravenclaw thing right?"
Luna agreed, "True. I have caught several of the other Ravenclaws experimenting with sexual gratifications at various times and in various permutations."
Harry stopped breathing momentarily as he opened one eye to see what Hermione was suggesting. "what sort of experiment?" he asked in a low voice.
"Well Luna could manually stimulate you then I could take you upstairs and have, coitus with you, and you could tell us which is more relieving..." She said with a naughty grin.
Luna looked at Hermione with an especially happy grin, "You would allow me to do that?"
"Well I mean if Harry was okay with that I wouldn't be upset. But only if Harry was okay with that." Hermione said seriously.
Luna turned to Harry, "Would you like it if I did that?"
Looking at Hermione who shrugged, Harry just nodded. Luna smiled and knelt beside him. Hermione moved the pillow out of the way allowing Luna to lower Harry's waistband and reveal himself to her.
"Oh my. That is a very nice one."
"Have you seen very many Luna?"
"Only a few of the other Ravenclaws like I said. I would estimate Harry's is slightly above average." She said taking it in her gentle grip. Harry didn't know what to do with his hands so put them on the back of the couch while Luna stimulated him and Hermione watched. His eyes rolled back as he enjoyed himself. Soon she had achieved her goal which did result on her blouse having some souvenirs of Harry on it.
"Sor, sorry about that."
"It is alright Harry. I would have been more concerned if you had not done so as that could have indicated a medical condition or that a succubus was stealing your emissions." Luna said wiping her hand on her shirt.
"Oh uh yeah."
"So did you find that very enjoyable?"
"Uh yeah. It was very nice."
"Very well. I'll see you tomorrow. Enjoy your coitus." Luna said standing. Hermione helped Harry get himself put together and stand up.
"We'll see you tomorrow too." Hermione said giving Luna a hug, careful not to get her shirt wet.
"Yeah see you tomorrow." Harry gave Luna a side hug as well.
"Do not forget to tell me which gave you more relief Harry the coitus or the manual stimulation."
"okay. I'll remember."
"If he doesn't I will." Hermione said.
Walking Luna out she said goodnight and caught the knight bus.
Harry sighed, "Wow that was wild. You really let her do that."
Hermione shrugged, "Yeah. She's nice and I don't think she'd poach. Besides I was feeling naughty."
Heading for the bedroom Harry asked, "Just how naughty?"
"Well prepare to be very relieved tonight." Hermione said pulling him along.
===xxx===xx(Review Responses)
kimjo2: You're welcome. I had the idea develop into something more so am running with it.
Soliel Sidus: You're welcome. Luna will have a few other culinary peculiarities turn up at some other point I'm sure.
Desireejones99: Oh yeah. Hermione's uncles are a part of the family and are invested in taking care of her and protecting her. The Dursleys are barely capable of accepting Harry exists and tolerant of him being in the same house the way you might tolerate a particularly useful pet at the best. This is why if someone were to magically test who is and who is not family The Grangers will show up as Harry's family a lot better than the Dursleys. As Dumbledore likes to say, its all about the power of love.
OfficerDonNZ: True. I am kinda trying to have my cake and eating it too with this in that the Weasleys, Ron especially, are still going to be jerks but there is a reason for it other than them being bought and paid agents of Dumbledore or just evil jerks. At the very least it is a path I haven't seen many others take with them. And oh yeah Ron will still get on Hermione's last nerve, even with her knowing he was tampered with, which will result in some situations for him. As for Daphne and Tracey I had plans for them this time around since Millicent is playing a big role in Fate's reward and a smaller one in Phoenix.
Dennisud: Oh yeah. I hope the way I have them setting things up makes sense. They will have the advanced guard and the regular DA. There will be people getting at the very least a name drop if not playing a major on screen role I think.
Manwe Iluvitarian: Oh no Ron and Weasleys will get some light bashing at the very least. Like I said in the description they are complicated a bit. I'm thinking Ron's going to be the butt monkey sort of like Barney Fife or Sheriff Coltrane. Not entire bad, not entirely bashed but if someone has to go into the pond it'll be him.
Dagda11067032: True. Pettigrew had access, means, motive. I'm surprised that it hasn't come up more often too. And yeah it explains everything they did, the back and forth flip flopping of Ron's loyalty, the sudden temper tantrums, Pettigrew kept messing with their minds in a clumsy, brute force way. Who knows what would have happened if he kept it up.
Mrayj: Now that would be an ironically funny scene.