Harry was right. The next morning dawned too early, and the students made their way to the hall for breakfast in a sleepy daze. Dumbledore announced that regular classes were canceled, but he asked the evening classes to gather, and all other students to return to their common rooms and wait for their Head of House to arrive.

Harry and the other Gryffindors wearily made their way to Moony's classroom. Padfoot was waiting there as well, and he came bounding up to Harry, sniffing and licking him, as to reassure himself that Harry was fine. Padfoot, I'm fine, I still have all my limbs. Geroff! Padfoot sulked for a minute before laying down at Moony's feet.

I know that all of you are wondering what exactly occurred last night, Moony began. As near as we can tell, the attack was mainly diversionary in nature, while the main body of Death Eaters was focused on a Muggle town in the middle of Wales. However, we did thwart their secondary goal, which was the capture and kidnapping of two of our students.

asked Fred or George. I mean, I doubt they wanted Fred – so it was George talking – or I.

Moony chuckled. Indeed. That would rather be like the Ransom of Red Chief, wouldn't it? He saw the blank looks of most of the class. Ah, nevermind, it's a Muggle story. No, Mr. Weasley, you are correct, they were not after you or your brother. In fact, they were after Mr. Potter and Mr. Malfoy – neither of which they could find. Here Moony smiled. Harry wasn't all that shocked – he had been right, then, about Draco – but he heard several gasps from around the room. He glanced sideways at Draco, and Draco merely shrugged, an ironic sort of half-smile on his lips. After that announcement, Moony moved on to other topics, and Harry let the matter drop from his mind.


A few days after Voldemort's abortive attack, Harry was surprised when Ron approached him in the common room. Harry looked around; no one else was sitting nearby, so Ron wasn't trying to talk to them. Harry mentally cast around with his mind. Where was his wand? Oh, yes, front pocket. Good. Now what was Ron doing here?

Ron cleared his throat. he said nervously.

Harry raised his gaze cooly.

Can we, um, talk?

Harry sighed. Certainly. As long as by talk, you mean, to carry on a conversation, and not, to insult another person's being.

Ron scowled. Okay, I won't say I didn't deserve that, but... I'd like to apologize.



For... reacting like I did. I should've just kept my mouth shut, not hurt your feelings. Then we would at least talk.

Ah. So your opinions still hold, you just wish you hadn't shared them. Harry paused. For what it's worth, Ron, I would like to talk with you sometimes.

Ron's face brightened slightly. Well, then, how about a deal? We can start talking again except avoid the subject of – you know. Just don't tell me if you have a... a boyfriend or anything like that.

Harry thought for a moment. On the one hand, Ron's offer was almost insulting. On the other, Harry did miss Ron, no matter what the conditions were. Finally, he spoke. Okay. We'll see how it goes. Easter hols are coming up anyway, so we'll give it a go until then, and have a break, and then pick up slightly more. Sound good?

Ron nodded vigorously, relieved. Well, I have to, uh, finish that Potions assignment so, uh, I'd better go. But, um, have you done your Divination homework yet?

Harry allowed a half-smile to ghost across his face. No. Would you like to do it the good old-fashioned way tomorrow night?

Ron nodded, and the pair separated. What did this mean? pondered Harry. One thing he was sure of – the events of the past week told him that one little era of his life was over, and another was probably beginning soon. He only wondered what was coming.