Chapter 18

Hermione

We didn't know where Nico went but he was back shortly with a grin that could only be described as "sickening." We knew he had done something horrible, but what ever it was only took moments and he certainly wasn't going to volunteer any information."

Dumbledore healed Harry's arm, then on learning that Colin had suffered the same became even angrier.

"Why is the Ministry making us have her as a teacher?" I asked.

"The Minister is convinced that young Harry didn't see Voldemort and that he is lying in order to stir up public support for me taking over as Minister of Magic, a position I've pointed out that I do not want and that I've turned down innumerable times. They fear that I will use the position of Defense against the Dark Arts to raise an army to seize power."

"But that's rubbish, first, you wouldn't need an army, and second, if Voldemort isn't back, who killed Cedric?" Harry asked.

"They claim it was a consequence of the third challenge, put together by Barty Crouch Jr and your godfather, Sirius Black, death eaters who wish revenge for the falling of their leader."

"But only someone totally insane or under an imperio curse..." Harry looked at Dumbledore who only looked back with an almost imperceivable nod.

"I see. Well, at least we know what we're up against." Harry said.

"I must go and see young Colin, Dumbledore said as he rose, "Miss Jennifer, I hope you do not mind my intrusion on your hospitality, but I fear this may be the only place in Hogwarts where I can speak freely to my students."

"Not at all Professor, as Leo says 'mi casa es sue casa'"

"Ah Spanish, a tongue I have not used in years. Gracias. Oh and Mr Di Angelo, it would be best if Ms Umbridge didn't resign too fast. The position is cursed and quite hard to fill."

"Is that why you hired Gilderoy Lockhart? Ginny asked.

"Oh, well, the word around the Wizengamot is that I hired him in hopes that Harry would kill him like he did Professor Quirrell." He smiled as he left.

As soon as he left Harry just had to ask.

"Nico, what did you do?"

"Oh, I wouldn't worry about it. The less you know, the less they can blame you with."

"Good, now boys, if you will excuse us, we need to look at dresses. Jennifer, does your deal with Amazon include bridal and prom magazines?" Piper asked.

"It can if you give me a few moments. The aerials can bring them. Shall we work in the study room? Its drier than in here." Jennifer replied.

"Oh have them say hi to my sister" Reyna said as she and Neville approached.

"Your sister works for Amazon?" Neville asked.

"No, she's the queen of the Amazons."

"Oh, I thought you were talking about the online book and everything else store."

"I am."

"I'm confused."

"It happens. So, did someone say prom dresses?" Reyna asked.

"Yes, Harry and Ron finally asked Ginny and Hermione so we can start planning."

"Really? Neville asked me at dinner, as soon as Professor Dumbledore announced it."

"Well I guess some Gryffindors are more courageous than others." Hazel quipped.

We left the boys and began to look at dresses in the study room. Looking at them on paper was fine but it didn't give you an idea as to what it would look like on you. Last year we had a break and I was able to go home and shop with my mother, but this year I was on my own. It did not help that the American girls seemed to be under no budgetary restraints at all. Some of the dresses they were looking at were in the thousand pound range and while my parents were fortunate financially I could not see them paying that much for a dress nor would I ask them to.

Jennifer kept telling me to stop worrying so much and Piper finally told me to enjoy the moment as she hadn't had a slumber party in years. I explained that I should set a budget and at least try to see what it would look like on me somehow and all the girls laughed.

"Oh, we're not buying them. The aerials will make whatever we need." Jennifer explained. "And as to what it looks like on you, well, here..."

She waived her wand over one of the models on the page that was wearing a blue satin dress I mentioned I liked, then waived it over me and made a throwing motion towards the wall.

Suddenly there was a life sized apparition of me, an exact copy in every way, wearing the dress.

I couldn't help myself.

"I love magic" I said.

After that we tore through the pages, each of us, and after picking out our dresses, picked out tuxes for the guys as well. We were up until well after two am, when I finally drug myself to my room and slept a few hours. It was the most wonderful night, bonding with Ginny and the girls, and I couldn't wait to do it again.