As always, I'm only playing with JK Rowling's toys. All credit goes to JK Rowling, her publisher and all the other people involved in bringing her work to life.

#

Richard Wattle sat in the conference room, waiting for the rest of his team to arrive. Sadie was there sitting nervously. She was the reason that the rest of the group had been given this task; all it took was a fresh, unblinkered pair of eyes to see the glaringly obvious problem with the entire case. There was no case.

Laura, Jasper, and Ruby filled in and took a seat on the opposite side of the table from Sadie. They were each carrying a folder, and their expression was stony and unreadable.

'Ok, Since we are all here, I suggest that we get this show on the road. Yesterday Sadie here blew a massive hole in our case, so your job is to disprove her theory. Who wants to go first?' he asked.

Laura looked at the other two and stood up.

'I have gone over everything with a fine-toothed comb. I have viewed the memories and gone over the witness testimonies looking for even the tiniest irregularities. I can say with complete and total conviction that everything that Sadie said yesterday is completely and utterly...' Laura looked directly at Sadie with a hard penetrating stare and continued 'true. Everything, and I do mean everything, supports the argument that Sadie put across. I am pissed off that I have, we have been lied to. That was an outstanding piece of deduction work Sadie.' said Laura as she sat down.

'Jasper, Ruby does either of you have anything to add?' asked Richard

They both shook their heads.

'Alright then, tomorrow is the trial, and we will do our level best to get a result. Take the day, and I will see you all in court tomorrow. Good job, everyone.' said Richard stood as he stood and headed to the door. Tomorrow was going to be really tough.

##

At nine O'clock, Dobby deposited Harry and Hermione at the gate to the school at their request. Lessons had started an hour ago, but the two teens couldn't care less.

'Its only History Mia, I'm certain that whatever it is that Binns is droning on about will be in the library somewhere. It's probably a lot more engaging in the book.' smirked Harry

'I know, its I don't like skipping class. Oh well, we've done it now, let's find Professor McGonagall and discuss our punishments.' Hermione said with an air of resignation.

Harry smiled to himself, 'Darling, about the punishments.' said Harry

'Yes, what about them?' asked Hermione

'There won't be any, I sent Dobby with a message that we would be late in this morning, Minerva is fully aware of our situation.' Replied Harry.

'WHAT?' screeched the wide-eyed Hermione.

'I meant to tell you, but you were busy talking with your parents, and it didn't feel right to interrupt you.' Harry replied, his eyes never leaving the ground. Instantly Hermione felt terrible. She had thought the worst and jumped to the wrong conclusion, and seeing Harry looking so unsure was cutting her up inside.

'ok but next time tell me mister, of the poking you got yesterday will be a pleasure in comparison.' She smiled and put her arms around her boyfriend.

'I'm sorry, Mia, I'm all over the place right now. I can't stop feeling all of these competing emotions all at once' said Harry

'I was shocked is all; I tend not to do well with surprises.' Said Hermione as she gently put her arms around Harry.

'I imagine that the soul fragment was acting like an emotional heat sink, preventing a build-up, thus allowing you to regulate the remaining emotions. Since I've known you, Harry, I have never seen you cry or be outwardly expressive beyond the odd cheer. Since the procedure you have been very emotional and reactive, please don't think I'm judging you because I'm not. I found it hard to deal with; I still do because for a moment...I thought you died.' Hermione spoke softly as she gently held her boyfriend.

The young couple stood holding each other for a few minutes, each taking the offered comfort. Neither of them heard the approaching tabby cat, nor did they notice when the tabby sat at the side of the path and watched them intently.

'I suppose you are right Mia, I mean until I had that dream on the train I was fine. Maybe I shouldn't have done the meditations during the summer.' said Harry.

'Then you wouldn't have discovered the soul fragment, maybe you wouldn't have had the dream, and in turn, one could argue that we wouldn't be together now. I am glad that you found the fragment and that we could get it out of you.' replied Hermione.

'Very well put Ms Granger.' said Minerva as soon as she regained her normal form.

Both Harry and Hermione jumped and reached for their wands.

'Now, now there is no need for that. I just agreed with Ms Granger, no need to be so easily spooked' Minerva said with an amused look on her face.

'Sorry Professor it's been a rough couple of days, what with the procedure and then Albus pulling that stunt in the great hall. Let's say I'm feeling a little fragile.' explained Harry

'Yes, I suppose your reaction can be excused. Albus was distraught when you broke his wand, Harry. was that absolutely necessary?' asked the Professor

Harry gave her a roguish lopsided smile and said 'Albus might be an all-powerful wizard, but it would appear that sleight of hand is beyond him.' he withdrew the Elder wand from inside his robes and displayed it to Minerva.

Her eyes grew wide before a smile danced on her lips before saying 'Aye the auld fool knows everything but that whit's important.'

The trio exchanged pleasantries as they headed up to the school 'Oh, Ms Granger I was wondering if you have had the opportunity to discuss my proposal with your parents?' asked Minerva

'I had a chance to speak with them last night; I think I would like to take you up on it if that's alright?' Hermione asked nervously.

'Wonderful, if you wouldn't mind coming to my office after lessons, we can get the paperwork out of the way. I must leave you now; I have to check in on Alastor. Your note was most helpful in apprehending Crouch junior. Another couple of days and Alastor might not have recovered.' said Minerva.

Harry and Hermione watched her go, they had charms after history, and they still needed to get their books. Harry took her hand in his, and they strolled through the halls and up the stairs. Hermione was excited to begin the mentoring process; it would open so many doors for her after school. Harry smiled and nodded, seeing her happy made his heart flutter.

'C'mon Mia, let's get our stuff and head to charms.' said Harry

The rest of the day was a mixture of boredom and unexpected news for Harry, boredom because when his memories returned all the knowledge that he had acquired over the years returned as well. Being an archsentinel, he had gained the equivalent of a mastery in the core subjects, except history.

It was at dinner that the twins finally got a hold of him.

'Harry...' said one

'Have you heard about...' said the other

'Ron, Percy...' said one

'Ginny?' said the other

'Seriously guys you are going to give me a migraine and whiplash, George what about Ron and Percy?' asked Harry

George was stunned into silence, so Fred filled Harry in while he was waiting for Hermione 'Yesterday afternoon, they both got arrested, Ron for wasting Auror time and Percy for obstruction.'

'How did your mum react?' asked Harry

'She didn't; she was almost comatose because of what happened to Ginny.' Said Fred

Harry wasn't paying too much attention as his eyes were firmly on the figure of Hermione as she entered the hall with Hannah and Neville.

'Sorry what did you say?' asked Harry

Fred and George looked at each other in shock, 'Ginny lost her magic yesterday Harry'

The effect on Harry was almost instantiations, the fork he had in his hand fell and clattered on his plate. Every head in the great hall turned towards the sound of the noise. Harry slowly turned to face the twins; all the colour had drained from his face. The twins, usually full of jovial mischief, looked devastated. Hannah, Hermione and Neville reached the table just as the twins finished speaking.

'I never... I didn't...' Harry was struggling to comprehend what he had just heard, he glanced down the table and saw every eye in Gryffindor looking at him in what he interpreted as fear and disgust. Through his tear-filled eyes, he saw the twins look down at their empty plates; he had never seen either of them look so defeated. In his previous time, George was shattered, a piece of his soul died when Fred was killed, but in some ways, this was worse, they still had Ginny, but she would be forever changed, because of him.

Harry turned and was instantly engulfed by Hermione; he choked out a sob 'Mia.'

'Guys what happened to Ginny? Hermione asked.

'She collapsed in the hall and was taken to the infirmary.' Said Fred

'She wrote to mum, telling her that you were together and that she couldn't talk about it.' George began before his face twisted into a snarl 'the manipulative little bitch knew fine well that mum would come in all guns blazing. After you guys left, she started again saying that it was clear that you were jealous that Ron had been checking out other girls and that's why you were with Harry. McGonagall and Dumbledore tore strips off of mum because of what she did.' The bitterness in George's voice was evident.

'We know that you both have nothing to do with this, no one holds either of you responsible.' the twins said in unison.

Harry's breathing was short and shallow; his panic was gripping him hard. The twins, Hannah and Neville, were looking at the pair in shocked wonder.

The Gryffindor table slowly began to chatter at the sight of the-boy-who-lived being consoled by his girlfriend. This wasn't supposed to happen; he was the destroyer of Dark Lords, the punisher of trolls and giant killer snakes. Hearing that someone had lost their magic shouldn't be affecting him like this; even if she was the sister of one of his friends.

'Guys, can you cause a distraction while I get Harry to McGonagall? He's been having a real tough time since the procedure.' Hermione said to Hannah and Neville. They looked at each other and nodded.

'Weasley's wanna start a food fight?' asked Hannah

Fred and George looked up, not really registering what Hannah had said; it wasn't until the blob of mashed potato hit Fred dead centre of his face that the words filtered through.

'FOOD FIGHT!' the twins declared before launching volley after volley of food around the hall indiscriminately. Potato, peas, gravy, fish, pudding, and cake flew. No one was safe from the initial onslaught; first-years to fifth years were pelted, Professors watched on in horror as one of their numbers fell to flying flan.

Hannah watched as Harry and Hermione slipped out in noticed before she and Neville joined in and used the commotion to cover their culinary assassination of selected pupils; Chang, Edgecombe, and Fawcett, in particular, were coated in custard, bread sauce and salad cream.

'CEACE THIS IMMEDIAT-' began Snape until he was rudely interrupted by a particularly well-aimed Yorkshire pudding, unknown to him a nameless diminutive colleague threw the offending item.

##

While the great hall descended into culinary anarchy, Harry was being guided towards the office of the deputy headmistress. 'You'll be alright Harry, let's just get you to Minerva, and we can talk this out.' She said to her boyfriend, although not entirely sure of what she was saying. They reached the office door just as it opened.

'Ms Granger, Harry, whatever is the matter?' she asked

'The twins told Harry about Ginny, and it hit him kind of hard. It seems like the soul fragment has caused Harry to feel his emotions more acutely than he would normally.' replied Hermione

'I think we had best get him inside so that we can deal with the situation easier' said the Professor.

The trio entered the office and Minerva cast a series of privacy charms within the room, the situation with Fake Moody had caused her to step up the security on her office and quarters.

'Now Mr Potter, please explain yourself.' demanded the Professor in her most authoritative tone.

For the first time since leaving the hall, Harry looked up.

'I just heard about Ginny.' He said

'Yes, yes, I know that I want to know about you, what is the meaning of this pathetic figure you are presenting?' asked Minerva abruptly.

The tone that Minerva used shocked him out of his stupor, Hermione gasp and put her hand to her mouth.

'A girl has lost her magic because of me. Where the hell do you get off giving me a hard time.' shouted Harry.

'Now that we have established that your ears are not just for decoration Listen very carefully to what I am telling you. Ginny Weasley lost her magic because she was an idiot and thought that she could manipulate both her mother and Lady Magic. This had nothing to do with you.' explained Minerva

Harry stood and opened his mouth to rant at his Professor; she held up her hand and stopped him.

'If Ginny had paid attention to the theory of magic lesson in my class and Professor Flitwick's class, she would have understood that intent is everything. Unfortunately for her, she spent these times writing her name as either Mrs Ginny Potter, Mrs Ginevra Potter-Weasley, Lady Potter, Lady Potter-Weasley. Each name surrounded with lots of little hearts.' said Minerva.

She sighed 'Harry, the reason that we hammer these points home as often as we do during first year is so that you understand that magic is a blessing, but it can be taken from you either through the actions of others or the inattentiveness of yourself. I also know that Bill had tried to teach her about intent, but the stories that Molly had filled her head with was all she would listen to. Now stop this silliness. It is unbecoming of a man of your standing.' When she was finished, Minerva sat back on her chair and steepled her fingers.

Admonished, Harry sat back down and sheepishly looked around the office.

Hermione sat and watched the interaction between two of her favourite people; there was a nagging thought in her mind that wouldn't go away. Something was going on between Harry and Minerva, and she couldn't stop herself from asking.

'Right, can one of you please tell me what I'm missing?' she asked

The silence between the two confirmed her suspicions; her logical mind jumped into overdrive as it tried to pull all the little pieces that didn't fit together into something coherent.

'Ever since the train journey at the beginning of the year, something has been different, and now there is this thing between you two. What am I not being told Harry James Potter?' Hermione demanded.

There was an uncomfortable air in the office for a few moments, the longer it took for Harry to answer the move agitated Hermione became. 'Well? Have you got anything to say to me, Harry?' she asked him.

Harry looked at her; his eyes held hers for a brief moment before she stood up and headed to the office door 'if you can't trust me, Harry, then what is the point of being with me?' she said with tears in her eyes.

In an instant, Harry was off his seat and had his love in his arms.

'Don't say that Mia, don't you ever say that again you hear me? You're the love of my life, and there is not one other person in this world that I would trust more than you. So many things have changed this year, but you have been the constant in my life this year. You have somehow managed to keep me from going mad.' As he spoke, Harry held her gently to his chest; her arms had snaked around his waist. She knew that he was telling the truth.

'I have appointed Minerva to be my representative, specifically in dealing with the Nation. She is unaware, but tonight when we were here to talk about your mentorship I was going to ask her to be my regent.' said Harry, his eyes fixed on Minerva as he spoke.

'I would be honoured to act as your regent Harry.' the Professor declared.

'Professor, do you still think I am suitable to be mentored by you?' asked Hermione, her voice a little uncertain.

'There is no one else I would choose. Normally we are advised to wait until at least fifth year before offering the position. The last time I took someone to mentor was nineteen seventy-six, a girl that was uncommonly kind, talented, and with a lightning-fast intellect. She was also muggle-born, just like you. And just like you, she held this wonderful young man close to her heart. I am sure that Lily would have been greatly impressed by you.' explained Minerva.

Hermione's eyes went wide at the comparison.

'I will leave you both to discuss the mentorship. I want to go to the library and do some research before bed. I'll be there until just before curfew.' Harry said before kissing Hermione on the cheek and leaving the office.

When the office door closed, Hermione took the seat across from Minerva and said 'Ok, what are you not telling me?'