* * * Gryffindor's Secret * * *

I am rudely waken Saturday morning at some early time. It's maybe six thirty or something equally dreadful.

Seamus is shaking me with one hand and a bra in another. He says, "Ron! Ron!"

"Can't you see I'm trying to sleep?"

"Where is Harry? He's not in his bed."

"Have you tried the girls' dorm?" I ask.

"Dean has."

"Which girl are those from?" I point to the bra in his hand.

Seamus says, "I dunno. There must be a dozen laying about the room." I see Harry's joke is working.

"What have you and Dean been up to? Did Neville have any success?"

"These are not from us. Where is Harry?"

"I think he might be trying to snag a pair of those. Have you checked all the girls dorms? Ravenclaws? Hufflepuffs?"

"No."

"Well, there you have it. He must be in some other girl's room."

Fred walks into the dormitory. He is dressed in his Quidditch robes. He picks up a bra and says, "You guys certainly seem busy. Trying to start a collection?" .

Seamus replies, "They might be Harry's." says Seamus.

Fred asks, "Have you guys had that session with Madam Pomfrey yet?"

Neville moans, "Yes".

Fred goes to Harry's bunk and peeks through the curtains. Fred asks, "Where is Harry?"

Dean says, "Pervert, he's apparently trying to add to the collection,." says Dean.

George enters the room, also in Quidditch robes. His eyes go wide at the sight. He says, "A bit stressed out are we? It seems like the fifth years have things under control. You know, could make a business out of this, Gryffindor's Secret."

We all laugh. Wisely, Dean closes the door and locks it shut.

Fred says, "Ron, we have Quidditch practice after breakfast. Mind telling Harry when he shows up?"

"Sure."

George asks, "Why don't you just tell him Fred?"

Fred says, "Quality control George. He's investigating a pair of these, supposedly."

George asks, "Does his girlfriend know about this?"

Seamus asks, "Which one? He certainly seems to be exploring his options."

"Why doesn't everybody just go to breakfast now. I'll fetch Harry." I say.

"You know where he is?" asks Dean.

I say, "I never said that I did. I do know how to reach Harry. So, if you all would leave, I'll get him. He probably won't wake up for another couple hours on his own."

They relent. George says, "Come on, let's leave and let our younger brother handle this one."

Everyone else snickers. Dean unlocks the door. Dean, Neville, Fred, Seamus, and George exit. Hermione dashes in and closes the door. She sees the extensive display of feminine apparel.

She exclaims, "What the?"

I say, "Hermione, this is Harry's joke on them. On the bright side, it provided a decent excuse when they discovered Harry's bed empty."

"I'll say. This one's going to travel fast."

"You can remove them if you want. I'm only interested in yours."

She glares at me.

I say, "I'm going to get Harry. Mind the door will you?"

She locks the door. I activate my Portkey and land in Gia's room. I walk over to Harry and wake him.

"What the? We're naked!" he demands. He tosses a sheet over him and Gia.

I say, "Harry, you need to wake up. Quidditch practice is after breakfast."

I hear motion at the door, so I open the door and peak out. Snuffles is surprised to see me. He comes in with the morning's Daily Telegraph. I close the door and turn around to see Sirius standing.

"You two will want to read this. So will Dumbledore." Sirius says to us. He hands me the paper.

Gia seems to wake to this commotion and says, "What's going on?"

I say, "Harry needs to come back to Hogwarts. His gag worked a bit too well. The others bought it pretty well."

Sirius asks, "Gag?"

Harry says, "Yes. I left some lady-type items about the dorm last night before I left. Thought I'd give them some fun."

"I helped him get them." says Gia.

"I won't comment on this." says Sirius. He seems to be avoiding the scandal. Sirius transforms and exits the bedroom.

Harry gets up and says, "Gia, I should be back about seven tonight. Can we still make that eight thirty movie?"

"Don't see why not.' says Gia.

Harry kisses Gia. "Love you."

Harry grabs his wand and Portkey. We activate our Portkeys and land back in the dormitory with the paper.

I see Hermione and tell her, "Honey, I'm back!" She rolls her eyes.

Harry and I change into our Quidditch robes and grab the Firebolts. I grab the paper as well. Hermione looks at me funny.

We exit the dormitory. The tower seems fairly empty with most people at breakfast. At the bottom of the stairs, George and Fred are waiting.

Fred says, "Well, look at this George. It's Harry, he's always setting the standards."

"He's definitely trying to set a record. Suppose it's around the school in twenty nights?" says George.

Harry laughs. The five of us climb out the portrait hole. Along the way, Harry talks.

Harry says, "You know George, it's quite interesting. I mean, to feed the school rumors and gossip, and then seeing the results."

"You're feeding it?" asks George.

"Yes. I mean take last night. I toss some things around as a joke, and the school will be buzzing for the next week." says Harry.

"Can't believe it! You got us." says Fred.

"Wonder what will become of this one?" asks Harry.

George says, "Sure scrambles the odds for the pool though. Keep this up Harry, nobody's figured it out yet."

"I'll place a wager." says Ron.

George says, "Ron, you know you're disqualified. Weasleys, Harry, and Hermione are not permitted to enter. You three know her identity. At least I hope Harry does."

* * * Cover ups * * *

They reach the Great Hall and enter. They endure a bunch of cat calls, whistles, and other remarks. They sit down at the Gryffindor table. Harry, Ron, and Hermione sit apart from the others. Ron takes out the paper and they start to read. Their jaws drop.

=== ARTICLE ===
MASSIVE COVER-UPS AT THE HOME SECRETARY

Evidence has surfaced that indicates that the Home Secretary is trying to hide a huge crime wave that includes explosions, murder, fires, mass insanity, muggings, and many more crimes. The Home Secretary is doing this repeatedly to mask what is a crime wave of unprecedented proportions. In each incident, their agents intervene to hide the truth and manufacture the excuses. We will detail an incident as an example.

Three weeks ago on April 7th, eleven theaters burned in a single night. Thousands of lives were lost. The Home Secretary issues a statement that these fires were sheer coincidence and accidental. Evidence has surfaced that these eleven fires were arson and that each was coordinated. In all but one case, the attackers managed to kill every person in the theater.

Only one theater had any survivors, the theater in Noigate. Several people died, several suffered permanent insanity, and everybody had difficulty remembering the details. The Home Secretary is employing memory suppression techniques on the survivors. Therefore, we brought several of them to prominent psychologists to work through the memory blocks.

Our survivors said, "I remember a fire. The first people to the fire exit collapsed. A teenager with a stick yelled something incomprehensible, butt he and his friends exited the theater. I followed the teenagers out. Others started to collapse, but the teenagers with sticks started shouting, it might have been Latin. Nobody collapsed after they started shouting though. The paramedics and firefighters arrived. Ministry personnel arrived, interviewed us, and then applied their memory blocks using some sort of stick."

Other survivors corroborate this account in separate interviews. This leaves the issue as to why the government would be interested in covering up a crime of this magnitude. The pattern of the fire and deaths at the Noigate theater are very similar to those at the other ten theaters. The difference is that an unsung hero was in the audience at the Noigate theater.

The pattern of cover up extends beyond to a rash of gas explosions. What is known is that every night, several houses collapse from a supposed gas explosion. All the residents of the said houses are killed. The trouble is that only a fraction of these houses use gas. Is gas this troublesome to kill the neighbors or is something more sinister going on?

We investigated two typical incidents of gas explosions in Weshampton. In one case, the house used gas for heat. In the other, the house used electricity. We used these two incidents because we have surveillance tapes from their neighbors.

For the first case, the house did use gas for fifty years. According to records, they were recently inspected and the installation was in excellent condition. After viewing the tape, the sequence of events is known. Late in the evening, the lights turn out as the residents go to sleep. Around midnight, dark figures approach the house and open the unlocked door. There are flashes inside the house and the figures leave. Two hours later, the resident's teenage son returns and enters the house. Several minutes later the police, paramedics, and Ministry officials arrive. They remove the corpses of the deceased residents. The officials put their memory blocks onto the police and paramedics. The officials then collapse the house and leave.

In the second incident, the house and its neighbors used electricity for heat. We reviewed the tape of this incident. Again, the residents go to bed. Around one in the morning, the dark figures approach the house and enter. There are flashes of light from inside and then the figures exit. Around four, the Ministry official appears and inspects the house. He exits the house and intentionally collapses the house before summoning the police and paramedics. The official disappears to leave the police scratching their heads.

We have analyzed the results of the autopsies. In each case, the otherwise healthy victim dies of unknown causes and has no apparent marks from their death. We do know that healthy people are dead after the dark figures visit their homes. This is not a coincidence, this is murder repeated many times a day.

Our request to the Home Secretary for an interview was turned down. Why are they hiding a crime wave of enormous proportions? We have obtained internal documents which indicate that this is an organized effort from the top of the organization. Whether this is coming from the Prime Minister is unknown at this time. Will the government do anything to stem this surge in crime, or will they continue to cover up their participation in it?

================

Hermione mutters, "Damn!"

Dean comes over. "Harry, nice record. How many girls did you get last night? Can I have one?"

Harry replies, "No Dean, I do them one at a time. Now I've heard that you seem to be having success. How is your collection coming?"

Dean sees the paper and says, "Hey, that's this morning's paper! How'd you get it?"

Harry says, "Magic. Now, we're done eating so if you'll excuse us."

Harry, Ron, and Hermione walk up to the staff table. Dumbledore starts his breakfast. No other teachers notice.

"Professor, you might want to read this." says Harry. He hands Dumbledore the"

Dumbledore looks at the front page and seems to agree. He says, "Thank you Mr. Potter. I heard that the fifth year Gryffindors are having excellent luck with girls. Enjoy your Quidditch practice."

Harry and Ron head to the Quidditch pitch and Hermione takes off to the library.

* * * Pickup Quidditch * * *

We reach the field about the same time as the Slytherins show up. Madam Hooch is there to supervise.

"Hey, we're using this field!" yells Fred.

"No, we're practicing now!" yells Malfoy.

"Nobody bothered to reserve this field." says Madam Hooch.

I exchange looks with Harry.

"Ron, I don't think they'd go for it, probably too chicken." says Harry.

"Probably right, they'd be scared." I say.

"What are you two talking on about?" asks George.

"We're discussing whether Slytherin has the guts for a pickup match right now." says Harry.

Fred says, "Bloody brilliant. Hey Malfoy, Gryffindor vs Slytherin right now."

"I'll have to referee this." says Hooch. She must remember previous matches.

Malfoy says, "The Slytherins accept your offer, we enjoy defeating Gryffindor any day."

Harry and Malfoy shake hands.

Colin says, "I'll keep the score." Colin gets the magic microphone and climbs up to the top box.

The Gryffindors and the Slytherins get into position.

Madam Hooch releases the Golden Snitch and Bludgers. She says, "Now, I expect a good, clean, and friendly game." She's going to be disappointed. Hooch tosses up the Quaffle.

Colin announces, "They're off! Slytherin in possession, Montague to Flint to Warrington to save by Weasley! Weasley to Brenner to Spinnet to Johnson to score!"

Hooch blasts her whistle loudly.

Colin continues, "Penalty! Johnson to take it. She heads up, feint, and score! Carlingward to intercept! Potter to Brenner to Spinnet to foul! Spinnet takes the penalty shot and score! Flint is not happy with Carlingward and calls a time out."

The Slytherins gather around Flint. It's obvious Flint is changing somebody out.

Colin announces, "Flint is replacing Carlingward with Baddock. They resume play. Gryffindor in possession. Weasley to Spinnet to Johnson to Potter to Brenner to score! Baddock to Flint to Montague to score! Weasley to Weasley to Spinnet to Brenner to intercept! Bole to Flint to Montague to Warrington to foul! Malfoy curses at Potter, foul! Montague takes Slytherin's penalty and he scores! Brenner takes the Gryffindor penalty shot and he scores!"

An hour later, we are still playing the match. I can see Harry's strategy of stalling on catching the snitch. We're up by fifty, so I don't care. A third of the school has come out to watch. Jordan has replaced Colin as the announcer.

Jordan announces, "For those joining us, Gryffindor challenged Slytherin. Gryffindor leads with a hundred points. Slytherin has fifty. Bole to Flint to Malfoy to Nott to intercept! Johnson passes to Brenner and he scores!"

I see that Harry is working Malfoy over to me. Malfoy falls for it and charges at me. He barely misses but that was close enough.

I yell, "Scared? Need Diapers?"

Draco realize he's uncontrollably peeing his Quidditch robes.

Madam Hooch blasts her whistle and yells "Do not attack the Keeper! Penalty!"

Fred sees Malfoy's 'problem' and starts laughing. Draco, still peeing, makes a very quick dash to the locker room. A sizable portion of the crowd is in stitches over this.

Harry says, "Oh Fred, cut him some slack. We already know they're just a bunch of babies anyways."

"Josh is taking the penalty shot for Gryffindor." says Jordan.

Ten minutes later, Malfoy returns. He threatens "You'll pay for that Weasley."

We continue playing Quidditch.

Around five, this pickup match is still going.

Jordan announces, "In this impromptu match, Gryffindor leads with seven hundred fifty with Slytherin at five hundred ninety. This is unusually long match for these teams, six hours so far."

As Harry passes, I realize he's going to end this. Of course! He's got that date!

Jordan announces "Potter goes into another feint with Malfoy on his tail." Jordan is wrong, Harry sees the Snitch. "Malfoy crashes! The broom doesn't look good." Malfoy tries to mount the broom again, but he can't maintain balance.

Hooch checks the broom. With a wave of her wand, the broom is repaired. Malfoy mounts and is off. However, Harry is too far ahead. I'm not really paying attention and Slytherin gets a goal past me. Harry catches the Snitch. The crowd goes wild.

Jordan is jumping up and down and shouts, "Gryffindor wins! Nine hundred to six hundred points. What a game!"

Us Gryffindors take a couple of victory laps around the stadium as the Slytherins sulk to the ground. I reach the ground and Hermione comes over. Harry and I follow her to the castle.

Hermione says, "This was supposed to be a practice!"

Harry says, "It was a very fun practice. When did you come out? I thought you were in the library."

Hermione replies, "Well, people were leaving for some unscheduled Quidditch match and I followed. What you did earlier was funny." She giggles.

"What's so funny Mudblood?" asks Draco in a sneer. The Slytherins aren't too far behind.

I ignore this, but I still say "Maybe we could send some pumpkin juice to the Slytherins. They seem to need it prior to matches." We laugh along with other Gryffindors.

Fred says, "New diversionary tactic of theirs. Try to make us laugh ourselves off our brooms."

Ginny says, "No, its probably trying to make points with their girls as some new Slytherin ritual."

I ask, "Ginny, maybe Colin could do the Draco maneuver. Would you dig that?" Ginny giggles.

"So, wetting myself would be the new trend?" asks Colin.

Malfoy gets frustrated by his lack of attention and our taunts. Malfoy pulls out his wand and aims it at me. He says, "I warned you." Malfoy starts to curse, but Harry is faster. Malfoy's wand flies into the hands of another Slytherin. The wand is returned to Draco.

Harry says, "You shouldn't toss your wand like that."

* * * Draco Maneuver * * *

We enter the castle and the Slytherins head down to their dungeon. Me and the fellow Gryffindors head up to the Tower.

Seamus says, "The Draco maneuver. That was interesting. I just don't get why he did it. Certainly, he should be above that. Can we trigger that?"

I change the topic before the speculation begins. I say, "Alicia, we should take on more players. We need understudies."

Catching on, Harry says, "Ron's right Alicia. You, the twins, and Angelina are leaving after this year, that's more than half the team. We need to make the defeat of Slytherin a tradition."

Alicia seems to approve. She says, "Hmm, we can discuss who later. But yes, Slytherin needs more punishment." She turns to Harry and says, "The pickup game was a nice idea Harry. It made for a good practice."

I say, "I hope Ravenclaw pounces Slytherin next week."

We enter the Gryffindor Tower. Harry, and I cross over and immediately ascend to our dormitory. Quickly Harry and I change out of our Quidditch robes. We dash through the shower and then change into our weekend attire. We descend back into the common room.

Fred says, "Harry, Ron! We heard that Snape is not too pleased with Malfoy's little problem. Detention and a week supply of diapers." We laugh at this.

Harry says, "Malfoy will likely be very upset this coming week. So steer clear of him unless you need a shower."

The twins laugh. Harry and I exit the Tower and head toward the Great Hall for dinner. We approach the Entrance Hall, hearing voices we duck behind some armor.

Malfoy says, "I can't believe it! In full view of everyone! ... I told you Vincent, Weasley did something."

"Did he show his wand?" asks Crabbe.

Malfoy says, "No, but it could've been hidden somehow." Harry and I exchange looks. Malfoy continues, "They'll pay for this. ... Of course Greggory, Potter must've been in on it somehow."

They pass near us and I couldn't resist. Silently, I throw a flatulence curse onto Goyle. The result was loud!

"Greggory!" says Malfoy with disgust.

"Dunno what came over me, sorry." says Goyle.

Malfoy whispers Crucio! and Goyle cringes. Malfoy then says "Forgiven." Those three enter the Great Hall.

Harry and I emerge from the armor.

Hermione says, "There you two are. Why sulk around with dinner on?" She is looking at us with a you've-been-naughty look.

I say, "We've been waiting for you, my darling Hermione."

She gives me a light jab. We enter the Great Hall and sit at the Gryffindor Table.

McGonagall walks by. She says, "I heard that your Quidditch 'practice' went well. Six Hours?"

Harry reply, "Yes. The Slytherins showed up so we decided to compete."

McGonagall says, "Probably good to get it out of your systems. I heard that it got dirty."

I reply, "Yes it did. However, we did win, nine hundred to six hundred."

McGonagall seems pleased as she walks up to the staff table.

* * * Prying Snape * * *

It's nearly seven when Harry and I leave the Great Hall. Harry dashes up to the Gryffindor Tower. I head for the library to some reading with Hermione. I'm halfway to the library when I hear a familiar but nasty voice call out.

"Weasley!" says Snape. I turn to see the dirt-bag with greasy hair and a crooked nose.

"Yes Professor?" I reply.

"Where are you headed and where is Potter?" he asks. What a bastard, he likes to humiliate Harry on weekends now?

"I am headed to the library." I say.

"And Potter?"

"Somewhere else."

"That is not an answer."

"What do you want with him?"

"That is none of your business."

"It is if you want me to get him. Otherwise, you have to wait until Monday."

"I wanted to talk to him about his essays, tonight."

"What about? He's been doing them lately."

He says with his usual sneer, "A remarkable improvement. I still want to talk to Potter about them. Where is Potter?"

"I'm sorry. For I cannot say."

"What? Five points from Gryffindor." says Snape. "Where is Potter?"

"I'm sorry. I'm not permitted to divulge that information to you."

"Another five points. I'll be talking to the headmaster about this."

Snape walks away. I can't believe it, ten points for that? Snape is in a bad mood.

* * * Gryffindor Brothel * * *

I arrive at the library and sit next to Hermione in a secluded section. She can tell that I'm a bit miffed.

"What happened?" asks Hermione.

"Snape wants Harry. Snape thinks Harry is cheating. Snape takes ten points because I didn't tell where Harry is!" I whisper.

We hear Ernie McMillan, a fifth year Hufflepuff, talking to some other students. We listen.

"... Anyways, as near as I can figure, Potter's in the lead with at least 10." says Ernie.

"So, are we sure?" says a pig-tailed Hufflepuff sixth year girl.

"Well, those twenty bras in the Gryffindor's fifth-year boys dormitory don't appear without a reason." says Justin Finch-Fletchley.

"Do we know they're Potter's collection? Aren't there five in that dormitory. We've all heard about Finnigan." says Susan Bones.

Padma Patil says, "I talked to Pavarti. As near as the girls can figure, each boy has some guilt in the matter. The only fifth-year Gryffindor girl involved is Granger with Weasley." Hermione and I exchange smiles. Padma continues. "I mean, we have Potter who seems to be a mystery. Then we have Weasley who is known. Longbottom is very unlikely. Thomas made a fool of himself so he's not having any luck. Finnigan probably has lost count himself."

I whisper, "Hermione, I'm going to seem like a prat for this."

Ernie says, "They seem to be operating quite a brothel. It sounds like they are due for a session with Madam Pomfrey."

I walk out and say, "Jealous Ernie? Mind if we joined?"

Justin says, "Sure. You can tell us everything."

I sit down. Hermione sits next to me. I ask, "Ernie, had any luck like the Gryffindors?

"Just three." says Ernie.

We hear a nasty voice coming into the library. "Weasley!" says Snape.

We turn to face Snape.

Snape says, "Mr. Weasley. I've spoken with the headmaster." He doesn't seem very happy. "Those ten points have been restored and five more points are awarded." I can tell that this is Dumbledore's handiwork.

"Thank you Professor." I reply.

Snape looks aghast at this and departs quickly.

"Why?" asks Hermione.

"Obvious isn't it? Dumbledore pressured him. Snape's never awarded points before." I whisper.

Justin says, "Okay, we are a bit confused. First, the Gryffindors manage to smash the dating records. Now, you have Snape awarding points? Famous Potter is probably getting special favors."

I reply, "Justin, do you realize what Harry's fame is earning him? Number one on You-Know-Who's hit list. His girlfriend will be on that list. Harry has lost many freedoms we take for granted. Those 'favors' allow Harry to have a life."

Ernie asks, "So you admit, he's getting special favors?"

I reply "Only if you call being allowed to date a special favor. He had to have the Headmaster's permission! Ernie, you claimed three!"

"Three" says Susan.

I say, "See Ernie. Harry's is being allowed to date, something we take for granted. Harry is still required to follow the school rules." I say.

"Like this morning?" asks Justin.

Hermione says, "All that is known is that a bunch of bras were on their floor this morning. How they got there is a matter of debate. I mean, they could all be from somebody as a joke."

"Or, Harry could've been really busy." says Padma.

"Or, Seamus had a role in this." says Ernie.

"Or, Neville got really lucky." I say. Everyone laughs.

"Or, any combination of these." says Justin.

"Fun for speculation, isn't it?" says Hermione.

"So, where is Potter?" asks Ernie.

I say, "I think he's doing some fact finding for that research project in Woman studies." Everybody giggles at this.

"Do you know?" asks Justin.

I say, "Sorry fellows, I cannot reveal that. I mean, look at how quickly did those bras dashed about the school." We all laugh. "Anyways, I know that my brothers are running a pool on the identity of Harry's girlfriend. What have you all entered?"

"Single girlfriend?" asks Padma.

I say, "Well, there is one that he's more fond of than the others, that's his girlfriend."

Ernie says, "With the bras, Potter is still doing his shopping. I mean, he's probably having fun with most of the girls at Hogwarts."

I say, "Except one. As a best friend, he will not cross me and Hermione."

Justin says, "So, being on that hit list has an advantage. Harry leaves a girl to you."

I say, "Fred and George are offering poor odds on Hermione. Anybody guessing that are wasting their money. So, Ernie, who is your guess?"

Ernie says, "Cho. Potter has had a crush on her for a while. Of course, Cho is involved with Davies. Since Potter has taken to playing around, there Cho probably is too.."

Padma says, "Ernie, you have to remember, Cho connects Harry with Cedric's death. No, I'm voting for Ginny."

Susan says, "So, you think Ginny is doubling on Harry and Colin? I wagered on Porky Parkinson. Potter hates Malfoy, so going for her would be perfect revenge."

Justin says, "Potter did take Lavender Brown to the Halloween dance. I'm wagering on her. Have you two entered?"

I say, "We can't. Hermione and I are disqualified from entering."

Padma says, "That's wise of your brothers. I assume that you two know."

Just then Hermione kisses me. Justin and Ernie blush a bit with jealousness.

"That we already know." says Susan.

Hermione and I start to snog.

Madam Pince comes over and says, "As I said earlier, the library is closing NOW!"

The group of us get up and leave the library. Hermione rushes Hermione rushes to the girls bathroom. The others walk quickly. Ernie seems to drag a bit, seemingly anxious to talk.

Ernie says, "Ron, if one thing is certain, it seems to be getting very interesting in the Gryffindor fifth year dormitories."

I ask, "Why don't you spice up the Hufflepuff's reputation? You know, start generating some rumors of your own? Do you need a six-pack of knickers?"

Ernie asks, "You are intentionally starting these?"

"Yes, for some of them. You are aware of the Death Eaters hit-list. I'm on that list as well."

"Blimey, yes. You're on it?"

"According to various sources, I am. Probably number two."

"That makes Snape seem a bit mellow."

"Not really. I have to deal with Snape regularly."

"You're likely the first non-Slytherin to get any points from Snape. Congratulations."

I reply, "Thanks. I could tell he didn't like it one bit."

Ernie laughs.

We separate and I head to the Gryffindor common room.

* * * Prying McGonagall * * *

As I head up the stairs between the sixth and seventh floors, somebody comes up from behind.

"Mr. Weasley." says McGonagall.

"Yes Professor?" I say as I turn to see her.

"I need to talk to the fifth year Gryffindor boys tonight. There are some rumors that merit discussion."

I ask, "Is this about the items found in our dormitory this morning?"

"A matter a fact, yes."

"Um, there's something we should probably discuss first, away from prying ears."

As we walk down the corridor, she seems to agree as I motion. We enter a small and empty classroom.

"What is it Mr. Weasley?" she asks.

I blurt, "It was a joke Harry and I played on them. Last night, we put them out before going to bed."

McGonagall grasps this and says, "This hasn't played out too well, has it?"

"Matter of fact, yes it has. It's had the effect we were seeking." I say.

"Many dozens of bras? What were you trying to accomplish? Shame on Gryffindor?"

I say, "We are feeding the rumors, Professor." She looks furious. "Are aware of a certain list that Harry and I happen to be at the top of?"

"Go on."

"The bras are a security measure. We know that news about our movements do reach the keepers of that list. We figure why make it easy? We've been trying to feed the rumors with as much bogus information as possible. Take the bras, everyone is still guessing as to which girl Harry is dating."

"And where is Mr. Potter right now?"

"Sorry, I cannot divulge his location. Dumbledore does know about this. Harry will be unavailable until Monday."

"Professor Snape was furious about this earlier. As the head of Gryffindor House, I must insist on knowing his location."

"Professor, I'm sorry but I honor my obligation to keep quiet; unlike a friend to a previous Potter."

McGonagall ponders this for a couple of minutes. I can see the debate she's undertaking.

"I wish Mr. Potter would be easier to talk to. I am a teacher after all."

I say, "If it is a real emergency, I can usually get him. Alas, it's only nine so he is definitely busy right now."

"Mr. Weasley, you are not Mr. Potter's secretary."

I reply, "No. I give him enough space to date and have a life. You've noticed the improvements this has had on his marks. When Harry is available, he does whatever he likes. When he wants some space and privacy, I protect it."

She thinks a bit more. "There is still this matter of your joke."

"We are protecting somebody who will be added to that list once their identity is discovered."

She says, "You certainly are making a mess of things. However, I still need to make an impression. Therefore, I'll give you and the other three the lecture immediately. I will speak to Mr. Potter when he is available. Follow."

We exit the classroom and proceed toward the Gryffindor Tower. I climb through the portrait hole. McGonagall follows. Neville, Seamus, and Dean are clustered about a table.

"Longbottom, Thomas, Finnigan, follow me." says McGonagall.

The others look at us. We head up the stairs to the dormitory. We enter and McGonagall shuts and locks the door.

McGonagall says, "Now, various rumors have been circulating regarding the state of this dormitory. Regardless of this morning's events, be they real or a joke, it is clear that some things need to be made clear to you gentlemen."

Dean throws a piercing look at me.

McGonagall lectures, "First, decorations of the dorm are generally up to the residents. If you wish to include refuse and dirty clothes, that is your affair. Second, this is a dorm, not a brothel. Which means when one of you is under dressed, girls are not permitted in here. Third, fraternization of girls beyond mild kissing or hand holding is not permitted. Sex is forbidden."

Seamus glares at me.

McGonagall continues. "Mr. Thomas, you are the prefect of Gryffindor. I expect you to enforce the rules. Good night." She exits the dorm.

Dean demands, "Ron, where is Potter?"

I reply, "I'm sorry, Harry is unavailable."

"Unavailable my ass."

"Warning, Snape tried. He had to give back points."

"Snape gave back points?"

"Plus extras."

"Which I will remove if you don't answer." says Dean.

"Where is he?" demands Seamus.

"I told you, he's unavailable. I will not divulge Harry's whereabouts." I say.

"What is Potter up to?" demands Dean.

"Sorry. Unless you want me and Harry killed, do not press this any further."

Seamus says, "Ridiculous. Hogwarts is safe."

"This discussion is terminated. I'm getting Dumbledore." I say.

Still pressing, Dean says, "Five points gone Weasley. Do I have to make it ten?"

I exit the room. Dean is flabbergasted and follows. I bump into Hermione at the base of the stairs, but I ignore her. She can tell from my look not to cross. Dean and I exit the Gryffindor Tower and I pull Dean into a small classroom.

I close the door and grasp Dean by his collar. I say, "Dean, I do not want to disturb Dumbledore if we do not have to. Things are very serious with regards to Harry. A wrong step on my part will have fatal consequences. The teachers are not telling us the current events. Death Eaters are on the move and Muggle Killings are rampant.

"That Daily Telegraph this morning was talking about a Home Secretary cover-up of a crime wave. In the Daily Prophet, its murders and attacks. I'm deadly serious when I do not divulge Harry's location. No amount of points, detentions, suspensions, or expulsion is worth Harry's death.

"The only reason you are Prefect is that things are serious. Harry, Hermione, and myself cannot afford to be distracted with it. If you tamper too much, you risk the lives of every Gryffindor, every Hufflepuff, every Ravenclaw, and everybody else."

Dean seems to understand, but of course he does not want to relent. "But, I'm prefect. I need to know where Potter is."

I say, "You don't get it, do you? Remember another prefect, Percy? He is now missing. I will not reveal Harry's location to you, the teachers, or anybody."

Dean stammers a bit.

I say, "Dean, do not ask me about this subject. I will not answer. If the matter is a serious emergency, I can reach Harry. Otherwise, he is unavailable. Dumbledore supports me in this matter."

Dean is upset but understands. We exit the classroom and return to the dormitory. Seamus can see that Dean is not happy.

"What's the matter Dean?" asks Seamus.

Dean exclaims, "It's a fucking conspiracy! It's pissing difficult to be a prefect when I have to consult Potty, Weasel, and Dumbledork to take a shit!"

Seamus says to me, "You and Potty are getting away with everything. Where is Potty anyways?"

I say, "Drop it. Good night."

I climb into my four poster and draw the curtains. I undress and lie there for a bit, holding my wand. Seamus pops his head in. I point my wand at him. He withdraws.