It's Monday evening. Harry pops into my bedroom about nine thirty. He places his wand and Portkey.

He asks me, "Gia, how was your day?"

"There's a school dance Friday evening, eight to midnight." I tell him.

"I'll take you to the dance, assuming you want to go." he says.

"Of course I want to go." I say, hugging him.

He smiles and kisses me.

* * * Lending * * *

At the start of Charms Tuesday, Flitwick asks, "Do you have your essays?"

Everyone gets them out.

Neville exclaims, "Whoa, I remembered!"

Flitwick looks over the essays as he collects them. He pauses at Harry trembling in anticipation.

Flitwick says, "Mr. Potter, it is nice to see this trend in your essays.."

Flitwick collects the remaining essays and stores them

Flitwick says, "Today, we will practice a bit of fun. Making objects dance. Now, take out your wands and take some of these objects." He points to a pile of soft toys.

Neville moans, "Oh no. I forgot my wand."

Harry, sitting next, says, "Neville, you can borrow mine." Harry hands Neville his wand.

Neville asks, "What about you?"

Harry says, "Let's see. Accio!" Harry points his hand and some of the objects zoom toward him.

Neville asks, "How did you do that?"

Harry says, "Magic. ... Practice actually." With a wave his toys start dancing a bit.

Ron, sitting next to Harry, says, "Show off."

Flitwick notices this and says, "Gryffindor gets five points for Mr. Potter lending his wand to Mr. Longbottom."

Neville drops Harry's wand. The wand rolls onto the floor about twenty or thirty feet. Neville gasps, "Oops."

Harry looks at his wand and says, "Accio Wand!" His wand flies back to his hand. Harry then re-lends it to Neville. Harry says, "Neville, stop worrying, you can't drop the wand again."

Flitwick says, "Useful skill Mr. Potter."

At the end of the lesson, they leave headed for their next lesson, Transfiguration.

"What did you do to your wand? I didn't seem to drop it again." asks Neville.

"Nothing." says Harry.

"Nothing?" asks Neville.

"Yep. I did make you stop worrying about it." says Harry.

"Thanks. I'm going to get my wand. Transfiguration is in ten minutes!" says Neville. He dashes off.

* * * Knockout * * *

Harry, Ron, and Hermione head to lunch after Transfiguration. Harry and Ron stop by the first floor boys bathroom. Harry and Ron enter the bathroom and proceed to use the urinals. Malfoy, Crabbe, and Goyle enter the bathroom and use adjacent urinals. Malfoy spots the patches on Harry's and Ron's underwear.

Harry and Ron exit the bathroom and rejoin Hermione. Malfoy exits the bathroom with Crabbe and Goyle.

Draco says, "I didn't realize how poor the Weasley family is with patched underwear!"

Harry confronts Draco and says, "Back off!"

With no teachers around, Malfoy throws a punch at Harry. Harry returns the punch to Malfoy. Malfoy wets his pants uncontrollably.

"Stop!" says a greasy voice. Snape approaches and says, "Malfoy, Hospital Wing. Potter, forty points and detention."

"But..." Harry starts to protest.

"Fifty points then. Get to lunch." says Snape.

"Death Eaters must love you!" says Harry. He, Ron, and Hermione turn to head for the Great Hall.

Snape yells, "Stop!" He strolls in front of them.

"Brownie points when you let Malfoy kill me?" asks Harry.

"Don't provoke him." warns Ron.

"What? Headline, 'Potions Master kills Harry Potter, Big Bonus.'" says Harry.

Snape's eyes are flashing mad. Harry ignores this.

"Stop Harry." says Ron.

"Voldemort must be offering a big prize for my head." says Harry.

"Come!" says Snape, coldly.

Harry says, "No witnesses, of course." Harry collapses.

"What did you do?" Ron asks coldly of Snape.

Snape starts to lean over Harry. Hermione and Ron point their wands at Snape.

"Get away! You've done enough!" snaps Hermione. Snape retreats.

Ron and Hermione pick up Harry. They carry him to the Hospital Wing. Madam Pomfrey rushes over.

Pomfrey asks, "What happened?"

Ron says, "He just collapsed. He was in an argument with Professor Snape and Harry collapses."

"This bruise?" she asks.

Ron says, "Draco Malfoy punched him. Will Harry be okay?"

Pomfrey says, "Mr. Potter has a concussion from the punch. He seems to have been stunned though. Did Professor Snape send him here after the fight?"

Ron replies, "No. Snape was getting very mad when Harry collapsed."

Pomfrey says, "Mr. Potter will be fine. However, Quidditch is out of the question until I see him Thursday."

Hermione asks, "Can we stay with him?"

Pomfrey says, "For the lunch break, yes." She heads over to check on the grinning Malfoy.

Ron draws the curtains about them.

"Stunned? Who?" whispers Hermione.

Ron says, "Only two with heated tempers."

Lupin pokes his head into the curtains and asks, "May I come in?"

"Certainly." says Ron.

"How is Harry?" asks Lupin.

"He'll live." says Hermione.

Lupin says, "Ran into a boiling Professor Snape. I came here."

"Snape must be boiling." says Ron.

Lupin corrects, "Professor Snape." and then asks, "What happened? Did Harry really accuse Severus of being an active Death Eater?"

Ron explains the incident.

"Who stunned Harry?" asks Lupin.

Ron says, "Dunno. Only us and Snape were in the vicinity."

"Pomfrey said that Harry had a concussion. Maybe that contributed." says Hermione.

Lupin says, "Could you two remember to use titles? Professor? Madam? This will have to be reported to Dumbledore."

Ron asks, "Why?"

Lupin replies, "A fight leaves Harry unconscious in the Hospital Wing. That's why! How did it start?"

Ron says, "Malfoy poked fun of the patches on our underwear. Harry told him to back off. Malfoy punched. Harry returned it."

"Did Professor Snape do anything?" asks Lupin.

Ron says, "Yes, Snape took points and gave a detention to Harry. Snape won't rescind that now."

"Did you protest?" asks Lupin.

Ron replies, "This is Snape we're talking about. He never punishes the Slytherins. Harry protested and look where it landed him." Ron points to Harry on the bed.

Lupin says, "That sounds like Severus alright. But, I don't understand why Harry should be stunned, that is out of Severus' character. Well it is time for my class. Harry needs some notes he can copy. You two come."

Hermione and Ron follow Lupin out of the Hospital Wing toward DADA.

* * * Notification * * *

It's Tuesday Evening. Instead of Harry popping into my bedroom at nine, it's Ron.

Ron says, "Hi Gia. Harry has got detention tonight. He will be a bit later than he planned."

"Why did he get that?" I ask.

"Little fight with Malfoy. Malfoy picked it of course."

"He sounds like a bully.".

"Malfoy tries to be, that's for certain. I was wondering about you and Harry."

"We're fine." I say to this very nosy person.

He says, "I just want to know that you two are having fun." That's considerate, but I still don't want to reveal everything.

"Ron. He is taking me to the school dance Friday. Otherwise, everything is okay." I say.

"Harry will be here in several hours." says Ron.

Ron works his Portkey and vanishes. I work on my Algebra homework. I finally get this Cramer's Rule thing when Harry pops into my bedroom about eleven. Naked, he turns to me.

Harry says, "Sorry I'm late. Detention."

"Ron stopped by earlier to tell me." I say.

"He did?"

"Certainly. Ron said you would be a bit late."

"Ron likes to interfere, doesn't he?"

I say, "Harry, Ron is being loyal to you. Ron tries to help where he can."

Harry says, "Still, Ron should not interfere."

"Ron is not interfering. Harry, you have loyal friends and a girlfriend. Do not undercut yourself." I say. I kiss him.

"Still..."

"Ron was very considerate to inform me that you'd be late. Don't worry yourself over it."

We play for a bit before falling asleep.

* * * Chat with Hagrid * * *

It's Wednesday afternoon and the Care of Magic Creatures is now over. The class heads back to the castle. Hagrid stops Harry and Hermione. Ron lingers.

Hagrid asks, "Hermione, Harry, how about a cup of tea?"

Ron asks, "What about me?" asks Ron.

"Don't yeh have Quidditch practice?" asks Hagrid.

Ron says, "Fred's joke backfired earlier. Practice was canceled."

Hagrid says, "Certainly, yeh too." says Hagrid.

They enter Hagrid's Hut. Hagrid pours some tea.

Hagrid asks, "Harry, what's this I hear about a fight knocking you out yesterday?"

Harry says, "Malfoy started it. He punches me, then Snape punished me. After several insults with him, I blacked out and woke up in the Hospital Wing hours later."

Ron says, "Those were more than normal insults Harry. Hagrid, Harry was accusing Snape of being a Death Eater. Snape's temper was flaring."

Hagrid says, "Professor Snape is not a Death Eater. He was, but is no longer."

"Why stun Harry then?" asks Hermione.

Hagrid says, "Harry must've provoked Snape's temper. I thought he had that under control years ago."

"Hagrid, we do have homework to do." says Ron.

"Never get much of a chance to talk anymore." says Hagrid.

Ron removes his parchment, notes, and books.

"True, don't mind, do you?" says Ron.

"Certainly. Maybe I could help a bit." says Hagrid.

"Possibly, but that'd be cheating." says Harry.

"So, tell me, who is she?" asks Hagrid.

"Entering the pool?" asks Ron.

"No. You brothers aren't letting teachers enter." says Hagrid.

"Wise." says Hermione.

"So, who is she?" asks Hagrid, nudging Harry.

Harry says, "Hagrid, don't take this the wrong way. But we cannot release that for her safety. I know you would never intentionally let it spread, but you do let things slip."

"She's very beautiful to Harry's eyes." says Ron.

"Well, that's good. Yeh don't want to go for an ugly one." says Hagrid.

Hermione looks upset.

"Hermione, you're beautiful to me." says Ron.

"So is that all that matters? Looks?" asks Hermione.

"Hermione, how many boys have burped slugs for you?" asks Hagrid.

"Of course looks matter! Other things matter too; like friendship, trust, love, and intelligence." says Ron.

Harry says, "Ron's right."

Hagrid asks, "Are yeh going to show her to us?" asks Hagrid.

"We'll find a way." says Hermione.

Harry finishes reading and starts the outline for the Herbology essay. Harry says, "Maybe what we need with Malfoy is a game of dodge ball or something. You know, get the aggression out. Quidditch is not enough."

Ron says, "Maybe. What's dodge ball?"

"Harry, can't believe you suggested that stupid Muggle game." says Hermione.

"Why is it stupid? Smacking the opponent can be fun. " says Harry.

"So, what's it like?" says the interested Ron.

Hermione says, "Essentially, there are Muggle balls. Each team tries to hit their opponents with them. It is quite stupid and humiliating."

Harry says, "And fun. Ron, every ball is a Bludger and every player is a Beater. Two teams and many balls. If somebody is hit, they're out. Last one still in wins for their team."

"Everyone is a beater? That sounds interesting." asks Ron.

Harry says, "The balls aren't as vicious and there is no flying."

Ron says, "That sounds easy. Hermione, want to play it sometime?"

"No." Hermione says flatly.

Hagrid says, "So, yeh're suggesting more violence?"

Harry says, "Actually, yes. Malfoy doesn't have enough chances to hit me without resorting to hallway fights."

"Doubt yeh'll get the teachers to agree." says Hagrid.

Ron asks, "Well, can we just bring Fluffy to dinner? Probably needs a chance to stretch."

Hermione snorts.

Hagrid says, "Ron, Fluffy is in the forest. Dumbledore wouldn't let me keep him. Tell yeh what, I'll bring him to your next lesson."

"Thanks" says Ron, clearly eager to see the look on Malfoy's face.

Harry, Ron, and Hermione each finish their pair of essays about two hours after starting the tea.

"That was quick." says Hagrid, impressed.

Ron says, "Well, his nut-sack can be motivating." says Ron. Harry gives Ron a light punch. Ron says, "It's rubbed onto me."

"Umph!" says Hermione, folding her arms.

"I'll come with yeh to dinner." says Hagrid.

Harry exclaims, "That's right! Dobby is probably waiting!"

"Well then, we'll eat up there." says Ron.

Hagrid looked puzzled.

Harry explains, "Hagrid, we've been having Dobby deliver dinner to the Gryffindor Common Room. That allows us to work and eat."

Hagrid says, "Professor Snape has been thinking you're cheating. I'm glad to see he's wrong."

Ron says, "We know. Snape has been after us for the last couple of weeks about this."

Harry collects his parchment and says, "I do my homework and Snape hounds me about it."

Hagrid says, "Well, when we teachers see sudden improvements, we need to consider cheating as a possibility. It's been done before."

The four exit Hagrid's Hut and head to the castle.

* * * To the Dance * * *

Friday evening, Harry appears in Gia's bedroom about seven thirty. This time he's dressed in the suit he used for Christmas. He turns to Gia.

Harry says, "Sorry I'm a bit late. I had to duck questions from Seamus about this. You look beautiful in that dress."

Gia asks, "Seamus?"

"A roommate in my dormitory. I have four. There is Ron, Neville, Seamus, and Dean. It is getting harder to pull this off The others are starting to get suspicious."

"So?"

Harry grins as he says, "Their classmate being allowed to spend a lot of time fraternizing. They would be jealous if they knew. Ready?"

"Sure." says Gia.

Harry and Gia walk out the bedroom door. Snuffles is waiting to follow.

Harry says, "Hello Snuffles. Yes, we are going." Harry gives Snuffles a quick scratch behind the ears.

Kevin Prescott is in the living room and says, "Harry, you take care of her."

"I will." says Harry.

Harry and Gia exit the house and walk toward the Noigate Ballroom. Snuffles is following them.

A few blocks from the dance hall, Harry and Gia stop to look. It's Brian and Celeste. They're being assaulted by Nelson Grant. Nelson shoves Brian onto the ground. Harry runs toward Nelson.

Nelson is trying to remove Celeste's dress and says, "Let's see what's under that."

Harry stands behind Nelson and says, "Don't do that." Gia rushes over to help Brian.

Nelson turns his head and says, "Get out of my way, munchkin."

Harry gives Nelson a menacing look. Harry says, "Then, leave us."

"Don't Harry, he's got a gun!" says Brian.

Nelson points the gun at Brian. Nelson starts to pull the trigger. The gun drops and it fires. The bullet hits one of three approaching constables. Nelson runs. Harry takes chase and tackles Nelson. Nelson falls with Harry onto the ground. Nelson is howling in pain.

"Help guard him Snuffles." says Harry. Snuffles comes over and stares down Nelson and growls.

Two of the constables reach them and shout, "Stay still."

One officer comes over to Harry and Nelson.

Harry says, "He was assaulting my friends." A police car pulls up.

The officer says, "We need statements." The officer handcuffs the struggling Nelson. Harry assists. Harry and the officer drag Nelson to the police car.

Harry asks, "Is your partner going to be alright?"

The officer replies, "Most likely. An ambulance on its way. John, get the forms, we need statements."

John comes back with the statement forms. John hands them to the Brian, Celeste, Gia, and Harry. Harry scans the form.

While he is filling out his description of the incident, Harry asks, "Um, what sort of distribution does this get?"

The officer's curiosity is peaked and he asks, "Why?"

Harry replies, "I'm worried about my name leaking to the press."

"Well, these get circulation in the courts most likely." says the officer.

"Let's see, I'll fill in the same contact info as Mr. Weasley did. Though I see Gia daily." says Harry.

Reluctantly, the officer takes it. He says, "If charges are pressed, you will be needed as a witness in court."

Harry says, "Either of these three will keep me up to date regarding this matter."

"Are you going to the dance?" asks John.

"Yes." says Gia.

"I'll escort you." says John.

They walk toward the ballroom. Brian says, "Thanks Harry."

"You're welcome." says Harry.

John says, "It is quite risky to tackle an armed person like that. You could have gotten yourself killed." says John.

"The consequences would have been worse if I didn't act." says Harry.

* * * Noigate Dance * * *

The group approach the ballroom about eight twenty.

Eric Miller says, "Hi Harry!"

Harry replies, "Hi Eric"

Eric says, "The dance has already started. Hi John! Seems like an adventure."

John says, "You can say that again. Well, you enjoy yourselves."

John departs. Harry, Gia, Brian, and Celeste enter the ballroom.

"What happened?" asks Eric.

"Later." says Brian.

Derek says to Harry, "It's you. I've got something in store for you, later."

Harry says, "Unless you want to join Nelson, buzz off!"

"What do you mean by that?" asks Derek.

"Nelson was loaded into a police car several minutes ago." says Brian. Derek retreats.

A slow dance starts. Harry and Gia embrace and start moving.

A tall and skinny fifteen year old boy walks up and says, "Cute couple."

"Hi Roger." says Gia.

"You should iron. Those clothes look a bit wrinkled." says Roger.

"We had a run in with Nelson Grant not too long ago. The suit took a beating." says Harry.

"Really? What did he do to you?" asks Roger, very concerned.

Gia says, "Nelson tried to assault Brian and Celeste. Nelson tried to shoot Brian, but his gun went off and hit a police officer. Harry tackled Nelson."

"And?" asks Roger. Several others seem to be listening.

"Nelson was in the back of a police car when we left." says Harry.

"Good one Gia. You've got a boyfriend with guts." says Roger.

Gia says, "Yes, just ask Derek Spaath." Everyone around laughs at that one.

Harry and Gia continue to dance. The song ended.

"Gia, I'm a bit thirsty, mind if we get some drinks?" asks Harry.

Gia and Harry stroll over to the punch bowl.

Gia says, "It looks like Gin, but it's not. They usually try to do that."

"Butterbeer would be better." says Harry.

"Ahem." says Eric from behind. He says, "You did know you won't get that here, didn't you?"

Harry says, "Of course. Still, it'd be better than punch."

Eric winks his eye, and whispers something to Harry's ear. Discretely, Harry grabs his wand and tries it. Harry tastes his 'punch' and grins.

"Thanks Eric." says Harry. Harry does the same with Gia's punch.

Harry and Gia toast. They drink. A girl stops by.

"I didn't realize it was that serious to toast to punch." says the girl.

Gia says, "Hi Tracy. Are you trying to crush our imaginations? For five seconds, we convinced ourselves otherwise."

Tracy says, "Sorry, I didn't mean to burst your bubble. My, that does look like an interesting combination between the varieties. Mind if I try?"

Gia had just finished off the cup, so she says, "Sorry Tracy, but it's hard to duplicate since it's a secret recipe."

Tracy snorts and says, "Secret Recipe? You gotta be kidding."

Gia says, "Well, I've forgotten how we blended it. Therefore it's secret."

Harry says, "Little irreproducible research project."

"You've got a joker for a boyfriend Gia." says Tracy.

Gia faces Harry and says, "Yes, a boyfriend, a joker, a protector, and I'll get them all figured out."

Harry asks in a mocking tone, "What? You don't have it all figured out?" In a more serious and boastful tone, "Of course, you haven't seen my game, that's next weekend. Interested?"

"Athlete?" asks another girl, passing close by.

Harry says, "Yes, and you are?"

Gia says, "Jennifer who is fourteen and a bit young for you." Harry chuckles at that.

Harry says, "You're worried. Don't be since I'm interested in you."

Harry and Gia head out to the dance floor. It's another slow song starting. Brian and Celeste come up.

"Want to switch for a dance?" asks Brian.

Harry looks at Gia who looks okay with this.

"Sure." says Harry.

Harry and Celeste take up a dance. They are positioned much more formally than Harry would for Gia.

"Thanks for coming to our rescue Harry." says Celeste.

Harry says, "Not a problem. Is Derek's gang always that much trouble?"

"Usually, though they seem to be a little tamer after Derek's slip in the locker room."

"At least I'm helping."

"After tonight, one of them should be behind bars for a while."

Harry says, "We will need to testify from the sounds of it."

"Probably. Though Derek's gang might get meaner." says Celeste.

"Hmm, while you are around Gia and Snuffles, you will be better protected." says Harry.

"You make it sound like Snuffles is intelligent."

"He's well trained, that's all."

"Scared Derek numerous times. Do you like Gia?"

"Of course, I love her."

"So, how's Hermione?" asks Celeste.

"Still kicking. She and Ron are heavily involved." says Harry.

"Still can't believe she managed a boyfriend."

"She managed two best friends, me and Ron."

"Hermione?" asks a mean looking boy.

"You are?' asks Harry.

"Gordon Wilkerson." says Gordon.

"Also in Derek's gang." says Celeste.

Harry says, "You had better learn from their misfortunes Gordon.". Snuffles is at Harry's side and is sniffing Gordon.

"You're nothing scrawny." threatens Gordon.

Celeste says, "Let's see, Derek down, Nelson arrested. You judge."

"Out back, in an hour." says Gordon.

"I'm here to dance, not fight." says Harry. Gordon's pants drop.

"Gross!" says Celeste.

Harry and Celeste move away. Harry says, "You'd think he'd use a better belt."

Gordon restores his pants and comes over. "You're dead." he says to Harry.

Harry asks, "Gordon, people have wanted me dead for years. You think you can do better?" Snuffles is growling.

Gordon says, "Later." He leaves. Brian approaches.

Celeste asks, "Are you serious about people wanting you dead?"

Brian asks, "Trade back?"

Harry switches back to Gia. This time, it's a fast dance. However, Snuffles is tugging at Harry's pant leg. Harry and Gia wander off the dance floor to one of the numerous janitor closets. Snuffles leads Harry into a closet. Harry closes the door. The closet appears to be soundproof because the music is much quieter in here.

"Hi Sirius." says Harry.

"Harry, how much magic do you plan on doing tonight?" asks Sirius.

"Not much." replies Harry.

"So far tonight, I've seen at least four separate incidents. You're out pacing what you did at that school! Do I need to remind you that you're to keep a low profile here? Magic is detected at the Ministry. Are you trying to figure out how many acts it takes for the Death Eaters to catch on?" says Sirius.

"No." says Harry.

Sirius says, "Then keep it down! I would be surprised if they have yet to figure it out."

Harry stammers.

Sirius says, "Harry, I realize you're a teenage wizard in love, that does things. Keep in mind there's a bunch of people after you, and Gia once they find out. They only one success. Also, be a bit more discrete in dropping my name."

"Even Snuffles?" asks Harry.

"Yes, keep that to a minimum. True, it's better than Sirius, but should the right Death Eater catch it...."

"Sure, tone it down."

"That's the idea."

Sirius transforms.

Harry and Snuffles exits. Harry rejoins Gia. Snuffles wanders outside the building. Now it's a slow dance. Harry and Gia start dancing.

"What was that about?" asks Gia.

"Godfather talk." whispers Harry.

* * * Uninvited Guests * * *

About eleven thirty, Harry and Gia wander over to the punch bowl. Celeste appears tired. Snuffles approaches Harry and tugs.

Brian asks, "Harry, can Gia dance a song or two?"

Harry looks at Gia, she seems okay with this.

"Sure. I need a breath of fresh air myself." says Harry.

Harry follows Snuffles out the rear door. Eric followed Harry out. Everyone else is inside. Harry looks around at the fifty or so demeantors that are waiting.

"Oh no." says Harry. Eric looks frightened.

"I've been waiting Harry." says Gordon coming around the corner with a knife.

Harry, takes the initiative and grabs his wand. He aims it at Gordon and the knife goes flying.

Eric immediately points his wand at Gordon and says, "Obliviate!" Gordon's eyes momentarily lose focus and Gordon slips back around the corner.

Harry concentrates and says "Expecto Patrum!" The silver stag leaps forward and drives the demeantors away. Harry's patronus fades. Harry stores his wand.

Harry cringes from pain. There are screams from inside the ballroom. Harry, Eric, and Snuffles enter.

They see a crowd drawing back, forming a clear circle around the punch bowl and hallway. In the center are two hooded figures. The figures are pointing wands and toying with their 'Muggles'. Their faces are visible. Eric recognizes one of them. Eric points.

Harry whispers, "Yes, that is Peter Pettigrew a.k.a. Wormtail. Other one is Macnair. You go for Wormtail, I'll go for Macnair."

Eric and Harry edge around in the crowd of people screaming. The figures ignore them figuring they are just panicking Muggles. Snuffles creeps under the snack table. Screams are coming from the ladies bathroom. Harry surreptitiously draws his wand.

Wormtail says, "We promised them a feast."

Macnair says, "First some fun."

Wormtail and Macnair are playing with the Imperius Curse on Brian and Celeste. Uncontrollably, Brian and Celeste strip and start engaging in sex. Wormtail and Macnair are thoroughly distracted by this sex. They fail to notice Eric and Harry creeping up on them.

In an instant, Macnair collapses. Snuffles leaps on top of Wormtail, growling deeply. Eric binds Wormtail in ropes. Screaming is still coming from the ladies bathroom so Harry enters.

Harry sees Nott, also in dark robes, playing with Derek and Gia! Derek is naked and trying to fuck Gia. Gia is still clothed appears to be resisting the Imperius Curse. Nott sees Harry.

"A threesome? Nice touch." says Nott. Nott raises his wand.

To Nott's surprise, Harry shouts "Expelliarmus! ... Stupefy!"

Nott's wand flies and lands near Harry's feet. Nott collapses. Ropes spring from Harry's wand and bind Nott. Harry looks up at the naked Derek.

"I didn't mean to try! Honestly! I did not fuck her!" says Derek in his defense.

"You nearly did." Harry says sternly to Derek.

Harry puts his hand on Gia's arm, and says "Come on Gia."

Harry and Gia leave the bathroom. Gia asks, "Won't you get in trouble?"

"Likely not, that was an emergency." says Harry.

"To which I agree." says Arthur Weasley, standing in front of them.

"I can't seem to go on a date without you." says Harry to Arthur.

Arthur chuckles. Eric and Snuffles come up.

Eric says, "I'm sorry, Wormtail escaped. I don't know how."

Harry, Gia, Snuffles, Arthur, and Eric exit via the stage door.

"So, you thought you saw Pettigrew?" asks Arthur.

"Yes." says Eric.

Arthur says, "Pettigrew is dead! His finger was sent to his mother."

Harry says, "Mr. Weasley, Pettigrew a.k.a. Wormtail cut his finger off. He faked his death."

"Why would he do that?" asks Arthur.

"It's easier for him to escape his enemies if they think he's dead." says Harry.

"Pettigrew cornered Black about betraying your parents." says Arthur.

"No, Pettigrew was the secret keeper. Sirius cornered Wormtail." says Harry.

"Dumbledore testified to Black being their secret keeper." says Arthur.

"Dumbledore didn't know the last minute switch. Sirius didn't realize that Wormtail was already working for Voldemort." says Harry.

Eric says, "I did see Pettigrew. Harry was with me, but I did recognize him before Harry affirmed the name."

Harry says, "I know that without Pettigrew with us, we can't clear Sirius. Still, it needs to be reported."

"As to you Harry, you're supposed to be at Hogwarts!" says Arthur.

Harry says, "I'm here with the permission of Dumbledore. However, I'm still trying to keep a low profile. After tonight...."

Arthur says, "Yes, I'll try to quash your role in the affair. You did save them though."

"Ir seems like the dance is over." says Eric.

"That is obvious." says Harry.

"I mean, you should be heading somewhere else." says Eric.

"Eric's right." says Arthur.

"How is Edward?" asks Harry.

Arthur says, "Like all babies, he's cute yet screaming. It's nice to get out of the house. Ed's nursing nicely. Molly would disagree."

Gia says, "Well, we should be headed home."

"Yes, do you need an escort?" asks Arthur.

"Ask Nott, Macnair, Wormtail, or Malfoy." says Harry.

Arthur says, "I get the point, but still take care. I have to wrap things up back in here."

Arthur and Eric enter back into the ballroom. Harry, Gia, and Snuffles head for the Gia's house. Brian and Celeste join up.

Brian says, "Wow, some dance. Don't remember it all. Vaguely remember an attack."

"Nice to see you two are alright." says Celeste.

Gia says, "Derek tried to rape me. Fortunately, Harry stopped it."

Harry kisses Gia. Harry says, "Yep. You're mine." Gia giggles.

"Do you remember what happened?" asks Brian.

Harry treads the line and says, "Brian, you would rather not know."

"You're a bit mysterious." says Brian.

Harry says, "That may be. Gia knows everything."

"Like how strange things occur when you're about." says Brian.

Harry says, "You mean like how you would have been killed tonight if I weren't around? Plus earlier's assault? Just ignore it and don't worry."

Celeste says, "We're concerned about Gia."

Gia says, "Celeste, Brian, I know my boyfriend. Harry does have his quirks, but I like them."

Brian says, "Quirks galore. He is an ace against Derek, burglars, and thugs."

"Well, Brian, could you do the same for Celeste?" asks Gia.

Brian changes the subject.

Brian asks, "Celeste and I are going hiking Sunday. Do you and Harry want to come?"

Gia says, "Sure. Harry?"

Harry says, "Certainly. Of course, same thing applies."

Brian says, "You have to talk it over with your Headmaster. We know."

Harry says, "Brian, just being here puts me way out of bounds at school. I need his consent, that is the agreement."

Brian asks, "Can't you just slip it a bit?"

Harry replies, "No. If I did that, this entire arrangement would be scrapped. Do you really want to do that to Gia?"

"Almost sounding like Hermione used to." says Brian.

Harry says, "Brian, that would destroy the trust he has placed in me. We are not talking about something minor like being in the girl's bathroom. My school is supposed to be a strict boarding school, and right now I'm walking the street hundreds of miles away!"

"Hundreds of miles? And you're commuting?" asks Brian.

Harry says, "Don't ask how, but yes."

Brian says, "That must put a crimper on school activities."

Harry says, "Not really. I've learned to manage really well."

They reach the other side of the park.

Brian says, "Well, I hope to see you Sunday." Celeste and Brian head for their homes.

* * * On Curses * * *

Gia, Harry, and Snuffles enter Gia's bedroom. Harry and Gia sit on the bed. Snuffles closes the door and transforms.

Harry asks, "What happened in the bathroom before I showed up?"

Gia says, "Well, I went in to use it. When I emerge from the stall, Derek was there with, Nott you said?"

"Yes." says Harry.

"Nott pointed his wand at me, muttered something. It was as though Nott was trying to compel me to remove my clothes. I didn't comply. Nott muttered something else and that gave me almost unbearable pain. Nott aimed the wand at Derek and he was stripping. Derek advanced on me. Nott aimed the wand at me, and was trying get me to comply. Nott seemed furious. You barged in at that point."

"Sirius, why was Gia able to resist the Imperius Curse?" asks Harry.

"I don't know. I've never heard of a Muggle resisting one." says Sirius.

Harry says, "Gia, I'm glad you did. That is never an easy situation. You felt a lot pain?"

"Yes." says Gia.

"Sirius, sounds like the Cruciatus Curse." says Harry.

Sirius says, "Harry, before you entered the ballroom, you seemed to flinch in pain. Why?"

Harry says, "Dunno, it just came over me. The Death Eaters were inside and Nott was giving Gia the curse. So, I bore her pain? How is that possible? ... Unless, could the ring explain this?"

"Possibly." says Sirius.

"Could the enchantment bind us more than I realized?" asks Harry.

"Are you talking about a possible love enchantment?" asks Gia.

Sirius "No, those require potions. That is a nasty business. As you may have read, Harry does not need those."

"Even among wizards, resisting the Imperius Curse is difficult. That fake Moody and Lupin have both remarked on my ability to resist it." says Harry.

"Harry, you are the only known Wizard to have been exposed to all three Unforgivable Curses and survived." says Sirius.

"What other side effects would the ring have?" asks Harry.

Sirius says, "Harry, I've been in touch with Lupin about this ring. Lupin feels it's alright. Do realize, giving this type of ring is very rare among wizards. It is a very noble act to give one."

"So, you're saying that Harry somehow helped me during those curses?" asks Gia.

Harry says, "Yes, that's what we're thinking. If the ring gives you extra protection by me, that's a good thing."

Gia kisses Harry. The bedroom door opens. Sirius hides in the closet.

"Nice to see your emotions are unscathed." says Kevin.

"Hi Dad." says Gia.

"I heard there was trouble at the ballroom." says Kevin.

"There was, but we're fine. Good night." says Harry, fondling Gia.

Gia says, "Dad, don't worry. Harry's not going to harm me and he saved me from those brutes during the attack tonight. Not only that, but he helped Brian and Celeste ward off an assault earlier."

Kevin says, "Still, no funny things. I can see what you're after Harry."

"A wonderful, trusting, and lasting relationship with Gia." says Harry.

Gia says, "Dad, Harry's taken me out on numerous dates, protected me on many occasions, given me a girlfriend ring, and tagged along on that Saturday when I had school. Don't worry about us."

Snuffles exits the room.

Reluctantly, Kevin exits and closes the door. He shouts, "Harry, if you do anything to her, you'll regret it."

"Sorry." says Gia to Harry.

"He's your Dad. Seeing us makes him feel a bit older." says Harry, kissing.

"He's only forty!" says Gia, massaging Harry.

Harry says, "Still, he was able to ignore it. Now, it's getting to be a bit difficult."

"You understand." says Gia, kissing Harry.

"Of course. Like going to Hogwarts each year means I'm a bit older." says Harry, fondling Gia's breasts.

"And maturing." says Gia, playing with Harry's buttocks.

Very exhausted, they collapse and fall asleep.