The rest of the week went too fast in Penny's opinion. Being away from the Dementors made the warm spring of Devon seem even more beautiful with its rugged hills and lush corn fields. Ginny dragged Penny to all her favourite spots, including a fallen log up the top of one of the surrounding hills, where one evening they watched a gorgeous sunset, which was worth the grilling Mrs Weasley gave them when they got back in the dark.

That plus the warm atmosphere the Manor somewhat lacked, Penny felt was due to Mrs Weasley. Although both she and Narcissa shared a certain motherliness, Narcissa was cool and reserved compared to Mrs Weasley open fussing. Never before had Penny experienced being cared for so thoroughly, with food being practically forced on her, and whenever she and Ginny returned from a particularly muddy adventure, Mrs Weasley was immediately there handing out fresh clothes and shooing them to the bathroom. There was a lot less formality and a lot more laughter at the Burrow, even without all the boys there. Penny had managed to steal many kisses in the corn fields far from the walls of the Burrow. Out here Ginny was relaxed and happy, whereas inside, even away from the gaze of Mrs Weasley Ginny was tense repeatedly rebuffing Penny and looking about herself frantically whenever Penny moved to touch her.

Mr Weasley had returned the second morning after having had to stay into the small hours to deal with an enchanted telephone which apparently tried to strangle people with its cord if they used Muggle currency.

'Twelve Memory charms plus two raids. I'm surprised I ever got away.' Mr Weasley had said sitting down at the breakfast table wearily, clearly so worn out it took him a moment to realise Penny was sat there. When he first saw her he started, nearly jumping out his seat, his hand visibly twitching to his wand. Straightening his now slightly askew glasses he peered at her a little confused before his wife spoke.

'This is Persephone dear, a friend of Ginny's, remember I said she would be staying with us?'

'Oh yes,' Mr Weasley replied as he lowered himself back on his chair, still looking a tad oddly at her. Penny realised this must be the first time he had seen her up close as they had never actually exchanged a word. 'So, Persephone, how are you finding our humble abode?'

'Penny' Penny corrected automatically 'It's great' She said a wide smile, causing Mr Weasley to blink a couple of time. He paused for a moment, glancing at his wife who seemed to be giving him a very stern look. Clearly his throat he continued.

'So how does it compare to your own family?' He said, squirming as the glare from his wife intensified.

'Well the Muggles at the orphanage usually get given some chocolate at Easter but not anything like the eggs you get here' Penny replied evasively. However Mr Weasley seemed to come alive for some reason.

'A Muggle orphanage you say?' He began excitedly, puzzling Penny, even more so when his wife and daughter both groaned. 'Fascinating. So tell me, how is it that Muggle please men are able to solve crime without using magic?' He looked expectantly at Penny who stared at him with an expression that made Ginny snigger into her porridge. Throughout the rest of her stay Mr Weasley plagued her with questions whenever he could, but fortunately for Penny he worked long hours, so she could escape him for hours at a time.

The evening of before returning to school Mrs Weasley had prepared a lavish meal with all the trimmings. When the sun began to set Ginny and Penny packed their trunks to return to the castle, dragging them down to the lounge. Mrs Weasley stood with them waiting for their time slot, reciting everything they needed.

'Socks? Underwear?' She listed 'Ginny dear, did you pack the extra quills I bought for you?' Ginny paused for a second 'Go! Quickly! We only have five minutes before your slots!' Ginny scarpered out the room and Penny could hear her rapid footsteps running up the staircase. 'Well I hope you had a good stay' Mrs Weasley said to Penny.

'Yes, it was great, thanks for inviting me.' Penny said smiling. Mrs Weasley considered her for a few seconds as Penny met her eyes. Penny's smile faded as she sensed pity from the plump witch.

'Take care of yourself and remember, you choose your own path not your parents' Mrs Weasley said gently as Penny looked into the fireplace. They had not referred to their conversation since that night. Mrs Weasley paused before the sound of Ginny's footsteps announced her return. 'Hopefully the Dementors will leave Hogwarts soon.' Mrs Weasley finished before checking her watch as Ginny re-entered the room. 'Thirty seconds, Ginny stand ready!' Mrs Weasley said as the small redhead moved directly in front of the fireplace. A few seconds later the fireplace turned emerald and Ginny placed herself into the flames.

'Hogwarts: The Great Hall!' She shouted and vanished out of sight.

'Penny, your turn!' Mrs Weasley ushered as the fireplace turned emerald once more. Penny followed suit and watched Mrs Weasley's raised hand of farewell disappear into the abyss.

The atmosphere in the castle was tense from the moment they returned to the castle. The upcoming Quidditch final meant Penny spent a lot of time helping Madam Pomfrey fix students caught up in the fights between Slytherin and Gryffindor, one particularly interesting case was trying to stop leeks sprouting from a sixth year and a fourth years' ears. Even Hermione seemed distracted from her excessive work load.

Penny noticed Draco seemed especially on edge the evening before the match. He kept pacing the common room, releasing tension by hexing unsuspecting first years as they tried to shuffle past him.

'If you are trying to get in shape by pacing you have left it a little late' Penny said dryly not lifting her eyes from the large volume she was reading. She sensed the look he shot her and rolled her eyes. 'You better not be planning on doing that stupid Dementor prank again' Penny said, her expression darkening.

'Don't be stupid, that didn't work last time.' Draco paused pacing for a second and Penny glared at him as she caught an image crossing his mind.

'Don't even think about it, the Dementors wouldn't dare come into the grounds again, Dumbledore would never allow it' Draco stared at Penny for a second before giving her a sideways look. Penny sensed his discomfort and withdrew her mind from his. He was still pacing when Penny went up to her dormitory, muttering bitterly to himself something about a Firebolt.

Penny didn't need to go to the stadium to be able to know what was happening on the pitch. Between the commentator's cursing and the cheers and boos of the crowd it was clearly a very emotional game. She later found out Gryffindor had won, and it had been a very dirty match going by the amount of players from both teams having to report to the Hospital wing. The mood in her common room that night was bitter and vengeful, most of all from Draco who was having to withstand the fury of the whole house for being so much closer and still not winning them the match. Penny had a horrible feeling his bitterness did not improve Buckbeak's chances of surviving the appeal.

Falling asleep that night Penny dreamt of the Hippogriff soaring in the sky, when Draco swooped down on his broom, swinging an axe manically. As Buckbeak swerved to avoid him Penny saw a shape astride him, a huge dark animal with shaggy black fur and eyes full of madness.