I don't know what really woke me. It could have been the talking outside, or the Harry stirring and listening to something. However, I did hear the glass of a downstairs window breaking. it's definitely early.
Some people are coming up the stairs. Dad's door opens and he shouts, "Who the fuck are you?"
In a drawl, one says, "There now, the smaller ones are easier, try the other rooms."
Dad and Ane are starting to scream from pain. Snuffles is glaring at something in the hall. Harry, still wearing his briefs, grabs his wand and crouches near the door. The door opens and hides Harry from the intruder's view.
The intruder is a pale-faced and blond teenage boy in black robes. He forgot to raise his hood. He sees me and fixates as if he thinks I'm a prize or a treat. He is grinning with malice.
He says, "Sorry, no time for sex first." Dad and Ane are really screaming. Harry recognizes the intruder and watches very carefully.
The intruder shows a wand and approaches me. He starts to mutter slowly, "Aveda...".
Harry pounces as he binds the boy, and then gags the damn criminal with an old and dirty sock from the floor. The boy gags but he falls onto my bed and Harry jumps onto the bed and straddles above the jerk. Snuffles grabs the boy's wand and dashes back into the hall. The boy looks shocked and horrified at Harry. I wish Harry would pee on the jerk, that would be poetic justice.
Harry says, "Surprise! Draco, I suppose you never expected to see me here, did you? Dumbledore will hear about this. ... Stupefy!" Draco is knocked out. Harry places his wand into the side of his briefs as a makeshift holster.
Two thuds come from the hall. Dad's and Ane's screaming stop, oh no! However, Dad comes into my room. He's obviously thunderstruck by the scene.
Dad asks, "Gia, are you alright?"
I reply, "Yes."
Dad says, "Harry, I had you wrong. You do care about Gia. Thanks."
Harry says, "Thanks Kevin."
Dad says, "Now, is there something you two wish to tell me?"
I reply, "What?"
Dad says, "Look, I saw Sirius Black in the hall. I saw the wands of those attackers and Harry's wand."
Sirius enters and says, "Harry, Mr. Prescott deserves to know exactly who his daughter is dating."
I say, "Harry, tell him."
Harry relents and says, "Wizards and Witches still exist. I'm a Wizard."
Dad says, "So, that would include magic?"
I say, "Yes. There are decent Wizards like Harry and there are nasty Wizards like these people on the floor."
Harry says, "Dark Wizards we call them. My school is not St. Mary's or St. Brutus as my Uncle calls it. I attend Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry."
Sirius says, "Mr. Prescott, do not spread this around."
Dad says, "Sorry, this is going a bit fast."
Harry says, "Kevin, there is a lot to understand. The basics is that I'm a Wizard; Sirius is a Wizard and my godfather; and these attackers are Dark Wizards who like to kill for sport."
Dad says, "So, my daughter is dating a Wizard and I happen to have a convicted murderer in my house?"
Harry says, "Sirius was framed, you must understand that. He just saved you two from would have been horrible ordeal. Gia's dead corpse might have been the last thing you would have seen."
Sirius says, "Kevin, we can talk later today about this. In the meanwhile, we have these intruders lying about."
Harry says, "Sirius, I'll take this one back to Hogwarts now. Kevin, Gia will be coming with me and we will be back tonight."
Dad says, "Are you certain? You are going to travel like that?"
Harry replies, "I've been using a Portkey. Hogwarts is in Scotland and the trip is only a matter of seconds."
I say, "Dad, do not report Sirius."
Dad hesitates and says, "Alright sweetie."
Harry says, "Sirius summon the police, not the Ministry."
Sirius asks, "Why?"
Harry replies, "The Ministry will use a Memory Charm on Kevin. I don't want that to happen."
Sirius says, "Harry, I'll worry about that, alright?"
Harry says, "Okay, I'll be off now."
I say, "Harry, one moment." I grab a package.
Dad watches as Harry operates his Portkey. I touch it and hold onto the jerk laying unconscious on my bed. I feel the Portkey pulling on me.
I land on a bed, a four poster that is surrounded by curtains.
Harry sticks his head out of the curtains and yells, "DEAN, DEAN, get Dumbledore NOW!" People in the room stir, but I can't see anything with the curtains closed.
Dean responds, "Harry, what is it?"
Harry says, "Just get Dumbledore. Neville, Seamus, and Dean, stay in the Common Room until Dumbledore gets this straightened out."
Some people get up and start shuffling. Harry cues me to their names.
Seamus grumbles, "Potter doesn't own this place!"
Neville says, "Famous Harry Potter might as well own it."
Harry says, "Neville, just go, you'll like the result. I need the privacy with Dumbledore."
The three of them shuffle out.
Ron opens up the curtains and sees me. He seems to think this is funny and says, "Harry, a trio! You really are setting the standards. Why did you need the ropes?"
I take the liberty of putting on Harry's bathrobe.
Harry says, "Ron, this is not funny. Draco attacked. Help me get him off of my bed."
Ron helps Harry drag Draco to the dirtiest part of their floor. I stash my packing onto the stand next to Harry's bed.
The door opens. An older man with long silvery hair steps through the door and sees me. He turns and says, "Minerva, wait there and don't let anyone through." He closes the door.
This old man turns to Harry and asks, "Harry, I assume you a good reason for this?"
Harry replies, "Yes Professor Dumbledore."
Harry explains about the people outside my house, Draco breaking the window, the footsteps, the whisperings. He explains how Draco tried to ... kill me? Harry explains the others, how they were torturing Dad, and how Snuffles stopped the them.
Dumbledore asks me, "And?" He seems to be giving me a penetrating look.
I respond, "It's true. This jerk was attacking."
Dumbledore turns to Harry and says, "Mr. Malfoy does appear to be in trouble. Where is his wand? I want it."
Harry replies, "Sirius is putting it to better use right now."
For a minute, Dumbledore ponders the matters. He says, "I will remove Mr. Malfoy. Slytherin loses a hundred fifty points immediately and the full extent of his punishment will be determined in the morning."
Harry and Ron seem to be grinning to this news. They have a point system?
Dumbledore turns to me and sticks out his hand. I shake it. He says, "You must be Miss Gia Prescott. I am Professor Dumbledore, the Headmaster. Welcome to Hogwarts."
Dumbledore turns to Harry and says, "Harry, you are right, this is the safest location for her. Now you should get back to bed and rest for tomorrow's game."
Harry says, "Professor, as was evidenced tonight, secrecy with Gia is no longer helpful. Gia is in nearly as much danger regardless of her relationship to me. I am going to let everyone know about me and Gia."
Dumbledore ponders, "We always knew the secrecy would be short lived. What about commuting? Her safety?"
Harry replies, "You could help beef up the security on her house tonight."
Dumbledore says, "We'll discuss details tonight. Get some rest."
Ron says, "Harry, wait until breakfast. Give Fred and George a chance to close the pool first."
Gia and Harry climb into Harry's bed. Harry pulls the curtains. Dumbledore levitates Draco and leaves.
I still can't believe it, Malfoy attacks Gia's house and Harry catches them. In his underwear! Why can't I arrange that with Hermione? I don't have time to ponder it because Seamus, Neville, and Dean burst in.
Dean asks eagerly, "That was amazing. How did Harry manage to catch Draco like that?"
I reply, "I can't say and don't bother him. He's having another vivid dream. With the final later, let him get some sleep."
I know that if they caught on, it would be the scandal of the century! Malfoy's problems would pale in comparison to this one. Either they bought this or they cut Harry some slack because they go back to sleep.
I wake the next morning. I toss my pillow at Harry and Gia. I yell, "Harry, Gia, wake up!"
Very groggy, they wake up. Harry asks, "Watchya wake us for?"
I say, "It's late, you need breakfast before the game."
Harry and Gia get up. Gia reaches for a package on Harry's stand. She says, "Harry, I got these for you."
Harry grabs the package and pulls out the contents. They're Superman briefs. A bit embarrassed, Harry says, "Thank You."
Gia says, "Well, you seem to like to rescue people in your underwear. It might as well be these. They're thermally activated so the design changes when they heat up." Wow, Muggles come up with this? Dad doesn't give them enough credit.
Harry says, "The shower is available." Harry tosses Gia a towel and she enters the bathroom.
Hermione barges into the dormitory and says, "Good morning you two naked love birds."
I protest, "Hermione!"
She says, "Harry, what happened? The rumor is that Draco Malfoy was in this dormitory this morning."
Harry, still naked, sits onto his bed and says, "Some Death Eaters attempted a Muggle Killing at Gia's. We didn't think about the windows. Draco tagged along. Lucius directed Draco to get his first Muggle Killing by looking for children." Harry describes the sequence of events.
Harry continues, "Everyone there is alright now. I brought Gia and Draco here. Sirius handled the other two. Dumbledore took away a hundred fifty points from Slytherin with further punishment to come. Gia is in the shower. Because of this, Kevin now knows that I'm a Wizard. And, I'm dropping the secrecy veil with regards to Gia."
Hermione says, "I don't think dropping the secrecy thing is a good idea."
Harry says, "Hermione, Draco recognized me there. Every Death Eater will figure this out by tomorrow. While the Death Eaters may be greedy, I am a threat to them. They want me gone, period." Gia returns from the shower. Harry says, "Gia, you can borrow some of my school clothes."
Harry enters the shower.
I say, "Hermione, Gia will use the cloak until we reach the Great Hall."
Hermione asks, "Why?"
I reply, "Give Fred and George a chance to close their pool."
Gia asks, "A betting pool?"
I reply, "Yes Gia. You are the correct answer."
Harry returns from the shower. Him and me change into our Quidditch robes.
Gia says, "Impressive Harry."
We grab our Firebolts.
Harry says, "Skip the cloak, let's go. Ron and Hermione will lead."
Hermione and me exit the dormitory and start climbing down the stairs. Harry and Gia follow a ways behind us.
Ron and Hermione enter the Common Room. George and Fred are there smiling. They exit through the Portrait Hole.
Fred asks, "Ron, did she get you?"
Ron says, "Hermione can if she wants to, buzz off! You had better close that pool right now. "
George is a bit puzzled and asks, "Why? We might after breakfast."
Ron says, "That will be too late. You will be broke by then."
Fred says, "Are you threatening to tell?"
Ron replies, "You know I would not do that to you. I'm just giving you a brother-to-brother warning. Close the damn pool immediately. What's the favorite guess?"
George says, "Ginny is in the lead. Cho, Pavarti, Lavender, and Hermione round out the top five."
Hermione says, "Sounds like people love to throw away their money."
Fred says, "We will be happy to relieve people of their monetary burdens."
Ron says, "I'm sure you will. Hear about Malfoy yet?"
George says, "Yes, was he really go through with a Muggle Killing?"
Hermione says, "Malfoy tried but was caught in the act by Harry."
Fred says, "Speaking of him, where is Harry?"
Ron says, "He's a bit behind us to give you two a last chance to close your pool. Who had the best odds in it?"
George says, "Porky Parkinson actually."
Hermione says, "One Hufflepuff will be disappointed."
Ron asks, "Did anyone guess a girl who is not attending Hogwarts?"
Fred says, "Well, we did get a number for some prominent UHP members, a certain lady reporter, and the Queen. Though those seemed to be charity contributions."
Hermione asks, "Any guesses on Muggles?"
George says, "No."
Ron says, "That will change today."
Fred says, "Alright, we'll close the bloody pool. We're sure you have a good reason."
George says, "We are?"
Ron says, "George, you'll be happy that you did by the time the Quidditch game rolls around."
They reach the Entrance Hall. Ron and Hermione stall.
Fred says, "Are you two coming to breakfast?"
Ron replies, "We'll enter in a moment. You two go in, shoo."
Fred and George enter the Great Hall. Harry and Gia catch up.
Gia's hand is on Harry's elbow. Harry says, "Ron, the long way."
Ron shrugs and says, "Whatever."
The doors to the Great Hall open. Harry enters with Gia in tow. Harry takes an immediate left and walks past the Slytherins toward the front of the Great Hall. Ron and Hermione follow suit.
In the hall, people turn to notice Harry and an unknown girl circling the Great Hall. Ron and Hermione are right behind. They watch and murmur as Harry goes to the front of the Great Hall, laps around, and heads down the Gryffindor Table. The teachers, including Snape, look in awe. Harry ignores the rude slurs from the Slytherins. Harry, Gia, Ron, and Hermione sit at the Gryffindor Table next to Fred and George.
Harry announces to his fellow house mates, "This is Gia, my girlfriend. We will hold a photo session in a bit." Gia blushes.
George says, "In case anyone missed the announcement, the pool is closed. We will determine if there is a winner after the Quidditch match."
Seamus fumes and says, "Potter, so this is what the trouble has all been about! A damn girl! There is a wide selection already here!"
Ginny is red faced and sobs into Colin's shoulder as he comforts her.
Ron says to Harry, "Don't worry about Ginny. You just crushed her childhood fantasy that included you."
Harry says, "Let's eat."
Draco walks by and says, "Potter, another casualty?"
Harry replies, "Care for a Wizard Duel, right now?"
Draco replies, "No."
Ron says, "Malfoy needs a wand first."
The Gryffindors chuckle.
Harry says, "We must forgive Malfoy. His Death Eater initiation didn't go as planned last night. Too many dirty socks."
Draco says, "This isn't over Potter!"
McGonagall walks up and says, "Mr. Malfoy, you were instructed to remain in your dormitory until further notice. Fifty points taken along with a detention. Go!"
Draco exclaims, "Potter gets away with everything!" He then walks out of the Great Hall.
McGonagall says, "Good luck on today's match." She heads up to the staff table.
Harry, Gia, Ron, and Hermione head down to the Quidditch Pitch.
Harry says, "Well, at least Draco can't curse us during the match."
Hermione says, "Why are you so worried about the Slytherins in this?"
Ron says, "It's in the points Hermione. If we suffer a humiliating defeat, Slytherin would win the cup. We expect them to do something."
Gia says, "I don't really understand Quidditch."
Harry replies, "It's quite easy to understand. There are four balls and seven players per team. The big red ball is called a Quaffle and it's used to score goals like in soccer or basketball. The three Chasers try to score with the Quaffle. The Keeper defends the goal.
"The two black iron balls are Bludgers and they try to knock players off brooms. The two Beaters on the team keep the Bludgers in check for their team while knocking off the opponent.
"Last, the Seeker catches the small and fast Golden Snitch. That ends the game and I win a hundred fifty points for the team."
Ron says, "Seekers tend to boast as well."
Harry groans and says, "Ron!"
Harry and Ron head for the locker room while Hermione and Gia climb into the stands. The rest of the Gryffindor team enter the locker room.
Alicia says, "I'm no Wood, but let's win!"
Harry says, "That's true."
Ron moans and says, "Harry!"
Alicia says, "Remember our practices and win for the team."
Ron says, "Harry, win for Gia!"
Harry jabs his elbow into Ron's side.
Alicia says, "Harry, Gia motivates you, take advantage of it. Just remember, we need at least three hundred points to keep the cup from Slytherin."
Fred says, "Ron, Harry, and Josh, this is the last year for the rest of us. We want the cup."
Ron says, "Don't worry, we want it too."
All seven get into a circle and extend their hands into the middle of the circle. They shout, "Gryffindor will take the cup!"
They exit the locker room and wait by their entrance to the Stadium. They mount their brooms and wait. Lee Jordan is announcing. The entrance door opens and the Gryffindor team flies out.
With the magic microphone, Jordan announces, "I present Gryffindor; Spinnet, Potter, Bell, Weasley, Weasley, Weasley, and Brenner! This is the final Hogwarts game for four members of our beloved team. Opposing them is Ravenclaw; Davies, MacDougal, Fawcett, Chang, Ackerley, Cornfoot, and Boot. Madam Hooch comes out with the balls!"
Hooch carries out the box of balls. The teams line up. She releases the Golden Snitch and the Bludgers. She tosses the Quaffle.
Jordan announces, "And they're off!"
Harry flies around the stadium looking for the Snitch. Harry performs a few aerobatics in front of Gia.
Jordan says, "Potter is demonstrating broom maneuvers to his newly announced girlfriend. Gryffindor is possession."
Harry dodges two Bludgers at the same time as Ron dodges three. In total, the team dodges ten simultaneous Bludgers, not counting the three that Fred and George take care of. Immediately, Hooch blasts her whistle and the game is paused.
Jordan says, "In a despicable display of contempt, the Slytherins beat up a dozen additional Bludgers in an attempt to derail Gryffindor!"
McGonagall is shaking her finger at the Slytherins.
Jordan announces, "This desperate action by the Slytherins cost them a hundred points."
The Ravenclaw and Gryffindor teams collect the surplus Bludgers and bring them to Hooch. After these are cleared, the game resumes.
After an hour, Gryffindor is up. A hundred twenty points to ten. Suddenly, the Quidditch Pitch is filled with thousands of Cornish Pixies. Hooch blasts her whistle to call for a timeout.
Jordan announces, "Slytherins engage in another despicable action to sabotage the game!" Most of the stadium boos and hisses at the Slytherins. An hour later, the pixies are finally cleared and the game resumes.
An hour later, Gryffindor is in the lead with two hundred ten points to fifty. A sudden storm develops over the Quidditch Pitch with gale force winds, torrential down pours, and terrible lightening. A bunch of dark shadows loiter onto the field.
Harry grabs his wand and exclaims, "Expecto Patrum!" His patronus charges down to the shapes. The shapes trip and fall.
Finally, the storm lets up an hour after it starts. Jordan announces, "Hogwarts can thank the Slytherins for that spell of acclimate weather as they attempted to sabotage the Gryffindors a third time. Professor McGonagall has expelled the Slytherins from the stadium and their house is being marched to their dormitories. Gryffindor is in the lead with two hundred thirty points to a hundred ninety."
Alicia calls a time out and the Gryffindor team gathers.
Alicia demands, "Harry, why aren't you going after the Snitch?"
Harry says, "Alicia, this is your last game with us. Unless we are in danger of losing, I will prolong this as long as possible. Does anyone have a date that I should be aware of?"
Ron snickers and says, "Well Harry, if we reach a tie or it gets dark, catch it dammit! Otherwise, I would like a long game."
Fred says, "I can't believe we even need to discuss this! Two years ago, it was do-it-quick!"
Ron says, "Fred, if Harry wants to spend a lot of time showing off to Gia, that's fine with me so long as we win."
Harry says, "Is anybody getting really tired? I'll end this if somebody is."
Everybody shakes their heads. Hooch comes over and asks, "Spinnet, are you ready?"
Alicia says, "Yes Madam Hooch." The team takes off and the game resumes.
Jordan announces, "Gryffindors finish a strategic meeting and the game continues."
The game continues for another three hours when Gia gives Harry a very wide smile and then yawns.
Jordan announces, "Gryffindor is in the lead with four hundred twenty points to two hundred sixty. Potter leads Chang into another Feint. Wait, no, Potter sees the Snitch and he is actually chasing it. Chang is unable to keep up on her new Nimbus. Potter catches the Snitch! Gryffindor wins with five hundred seventy points to two hundred sixty!"
Most of the crowd erupts into cheers while the usual boos and jeers come from the remaining Slytherins. Both teams take a lap around the stadium and then they fly down to the field. The Ravenclaw team advances and shake hands with the Gryffindors.
Cho says, "Harry, I thought you were a good Seeker!"
Fred says, "He is. Harry just stalled to make the game last longer. I think he was showing off to a person in the audience."
Davies exclaims, "You what? That's unfair!"
Harry says, "No it's not. We needed enough points to deprive the Slytherins of the cup. Besides, this was the last game for half of our team."
Dumbledore approaches with the Quidditch cup and hands it to Alicia. The stadium cheers a bit more. Fred, George, and most of the team head for the castle. The stadium starts to empty. Harry and Ron mount their brooms and fly several more victory laps around the stadium.
A good portion of the stadium is empty when Harry bumps into me from the left and grimaces. He says, "Ron, hold my broom, look!". I look and see a hundred figures approaching and some are demeantors.
Harry pulls out his wand and streaks of green light spring from the figures in the middle. Harry aims at one and exclaims, "Expelliarmus!" Red light springs from Harry's wand.
I think about the joy of a naked Hermione as I pull out my wand and exclaim, "EXPECTO PATRUM! My patronus, the swan, flies out of my wand and charges at the demeantors.
The students still remaining in the stadium notice Harry and me. They are not expecting a show after the game. Dumbledore suddenly realizes what we are up to and why.
The green bead from a center figure and the red bead from Harry meet. The light changes to a deep gold. The hood of the figure blasts off to reveal Voldemort! Both of them jerk upward and Harry leaves his Firebolt. So that is what Harry meant. I grab his Firebolt and I accelerate downward and around a box to avoid the green Killing Curses myself.
Harry and Voldemort land in the middle of the almost empty Quidditch pitch. I can see the vibration in Harry's wand and light splintering from the bead of deep gold. To be honest, the effect is magnificent. I would enjoy this if it weren't for the unwilling participants. I finally understand what Harry tried to describe last summer on the train.
The demeantors retreat from my patronus. Either that or it was Lupin's or Dumbledore's. I land on the grass behind Harry. I'm joined by Hermione, Gia, Seamus, Dean, Colin, Ginny, and Neville. Cho and several other students watch from a distance. On the other side of the light dome are several hooded Death Eaters. Dumbledore, Lupin, and McGonagall are standing next to us.
I try to step into the light dome only to be repelled and given a sharp shooting pain in my foot.
Lupin says, "Ron, we are powerless to help. This is between Harry and Voldemort."
I hear Voldemort talking to Harry and I get a brain wave.
I reply, "Not quite. Lupin, get those Death Eaters."
Dumbledore hears me and dispatches McGonagall. Lupin and McGonagall creep around the opposite sides of the light domes. The Death Eaters retreat and flee off the grounds. Lupin and McGonagall return to us.
I shout, "Harry, you can do it!" I start chanting, "Harry ... Harry ... Harry ... Harry ..." I know he hates the fan club, but he needs it right now.
Hermione, Gia, and Seamus join in the chant, "Harry ... Harry ... Harry ..."
Lupin looks very startled by this. However, Neville, Colin, Ginny, and Dean pitch in with the chant. As we continue the chant, we see Voldemort's wand starting to vibrate really hard.
Gia takes a deep breath and steps forward and penetrates through the light dome toward Harry. Dumbledore's jaw drops in total surprise. She reaches the back of Harry and she holds onto him. She kisses him on the cheek and says, "Come on Harry."
This seems to focus Harry's mind. He forces the splinters of light into Voldemort's wand and we see many dim figures emerge. Many of them look like Muggles.
Voldemort pulls out a very vicious looking spare wand and he aims it at Harry. Hermione and me pull out our wands. Lupin places his hand onto my shoulder and shakes his head. We are still chanting. However, the spare wand goes flying and shatters in midair. A shadow of Cedric Diggory emerges and Cho gasps. Fawkes appears in the middle of of the dome and eyes the connecting bead of light.
Voldemort tries to break the connection, but Harry forces the connection to remain. Obviously, Harry is waiting for something. The what becomes very apparent when the shadows of Lily and James Potter emerge. McGonagall gasps at the sight of this. The shadows seem to be talking to Harry but the words don't reach us.
Suddenly, Harry yanks on his wand and breaks the connection. The bead of light hits Voldemort and the shadows gather around him. The dome of light collapses. Dumbledore runs with a face of pure fury at Voldemort. Voldemort, ducking all of our red beads of light, departs quickly on a Firebolt and Disapparates once he is no longer above the Hogwarts Grounds.
Harry and Gia walk over to us. Without prompting, everyone immediately turns and heads for the castle. Dumbledore and Lupin bring up the tail while watching over their backs. The teachers whisper among themselves, but the students are silent until we enter the Entrance Hall.
Cho turns to Harry and says, "Harry, I don't envy what you experienced last year." She heads down the stairs to Hufflepuff.
Still speechless, the fellow Gryffindors head up to the Tower. McGonagall follows. We enter into the Common Room and face a very cheerful crowd. They hush up as McGonagall enters.
McGonagall announces, "Effective immediately, new security measures are being implemented. No student is to leave the castle without permission from at least two teachers. You will be escorted to Herbology by at least two teachers. Professor Dumbledore and Professor Lupin will help oversee Care of Magical Creatures. ... These measures are needed because You-Know-Who just tried to attack Hogwarts. This attack was thwarted due to the efforts of Mr. Potter and Mr. Weasley. ... Congratulations on the Quidditch cup." She exits.
Fred asks, "You-Know-Who attacked?"
Harry says, "Yes, Voldemort attacked with plenty of demeantors." Everyone flinches.
"Blimey Harry!" says George.
I turn to Dean and say, "See what I was talking about?"
"I got it Ron." he says.
"Come on" Harry says to me. Hermione and Gia follow us up to the boys dormitory. The other Gryffindors appear content with the other witnesses.
Harry, Ron, Hermione, and Gia enter the room and the door closes. Harry says, "Thank you."
Ron says, "Harry, you like flirting with adventure. We do too." Harry blushes.
Hermione says, "There's a few things I don't understand. I know about the wands, so that was not a complete surprise. Why did Lupin stop us from using our wands?"
Ron says, "I'm not completely certain. My impression was the us and our magic could not penetrate the dome. It isolated the owners of the wands. Otherwise, Dumbledore would have confronted Voldemort sooner."
"What about me? I walked up to Harry." says Gia.
"I'm baffled there." says Hermione.
Ron says, "Gia, you still have that ring."
"Of course." says Gia.
Harry asks, "What does that have to do with anything? I mean it just thwarts the anti-muggle spells and helps Gia with the Imperius Curse."
Ron remarks, "Harry, how much did you read about that spell you used? Giving muggle girlfriends these types of rings is not a common occurrence."
Hermione thinks a bit and asks, "So, the ring allows Gia to act on Harry's authority?"
Harry says, "Yes. It allows her to see Hogwarts, Diagon Alley, Platform 9 3/4 and anything else Wizard-related. It is in The Romantic Wizard."
Ron says, "So Harry, Gia then penetrated that light dome on your authority."
Hermione says, "That must be another side effect."
Ron grins and says, "Harry, as an added bonus, you got kissed."
Hermione says, "That was a nice Patronus Ron. Should I ask what you used or can I guess?"
Ron says, "It was similar to last time, it just had more details."
"You pervert!" says Hermione.
Ron says, "Yes." Harry laughs.
"You too." Hermione says to Harry.
Gia hugs Harry and says, "I like my pervert. Harry, that was a cool leap from your Firebolt."
Harry says, "She is quite useful, especially earlier."
Just then, the door bursts open.
Seamus says, "Spectacular Harry. That was a cool thing with your wand earlier."
Neville says, "You leaped from sixty feet in the air! I would have broken my arm or worse."
Dean says, "There is a party going on and your attendance is mandatory."
"Ahem." says a voice.
They all turn to see Dumbledore standing there.
"Professor!" says Dean.
Dumbledore says, "Mr. Thomas, Mr. Longbottom, and Mr. Finnigan, I will speak with them for some time. They will be down after that. In the meanwhile, I have to insist you return to that fine celebration."
Neville, Seamus, and Dean exit. Dumbledore closes and locks the door.
Lupin says, "Nice patronus Ron. Did Harry coach you?" Harry, Hermione, Gia, and me jump a bit.
Dumbledore says, "I hope you don't mind us listening to most of your conversation, but still there are some things on our minds."
Harry says, "Yes, we need to reinforce the security about Gia's house. Now that Voldemort has seen her...."
Lupin says, "We have awarded a hundred points each with regards to your actions. We realize that your was not points, but still the reward is merited."
Dumbledore says, "That ring does explain Gia's ability earlier. While I am aware of a majority of the side effects, I can not divulge them. You gave the ring in good faith, so I think you will find the side effects acceptable."
Lupin says, "As nice as it is to chat, we do need to upgrade a few protections. Besides, I want to see Padfoot."
Quickly, Harry and Ron remove their Quidditch robes and grab their jackets. Hermione and Gia remove the school cloaks.
Ron says, "Gia, we need to blend in with Muggles a bit. Harry, we will use your Portkey."
Dumbledore says, "Mine should work as well, shouldn't it?"
Hermione says, "They are set to different locations within the house. Harry's goes straight to Gia's bedroom. Yours goes to their entry hall."
Dumbledore says, "I figured as much."
Harry removes his Portkey and activates it. They all grab onto the button and it pulls them toward Noigate. They fall about eight feet onto a pile of rubble.
"The roof?" asks Lupin.
Gia realizes, "No, its rubble. The house has been destroyed."
Just then, Kevin runs across the street from the neighbors. He shouts "Gia!"
Gia asks, "What happened Dad?"
Kevin says, "Dunno. Came back from my errands this afternoon to find the house like this. The police have no idea. Have you seen this?" He shoves the newspaper Noigate Nose Guard toward Gia. Everyone reads it.
=== ARTICLE ===Noigate Public School (NPS) was destroyed this morning by a compact tornado. Meteorologists are baffled by the tornado appearing on a sunny day. This tornado completely ravaged the school while leaving neighboring structures undamaged.
While surveying the damage, NPS Headmaster Lydum said, "Everything is a complete loss. However, we do intend rebuild the school as soon as possible."
NPS Board of Governors held an emergency meeting. Spokesperson O'Boyle issued a release. Spring term for NPS is now over and grades will be based upon work to date. All end of year examinations will be held in the fall. Special arrangements can be made for pupils needing earlier results, especially for those seeking spring graduation.
Further developments will be reported as they develop.
================Snuffles approaches. Lupin catches a glimpse of the collar and starts laughing.
Lupin says, "So Harry did it! In accordance to pet regulations are we?"
Snuffles growls at him.
Kevin notices this and asks, "Who are these people?"
Harry says, "Oh, this one is Professor Lupin ... This is Professor Dumbledore, my Headmaster."
Kevin says, "Gia, I was so worried when I saw the house. I feared that you might of been in it."
Gia says, "I was with Harry, remember?"
Kevin says, "I didn't know your exact schedule. Did you have fun?"
Gia says, "Yes. Their school is quite interesting."
Ron asks, "Mr. Prescott, now that the house has been flattened, have you made any arrangements?"
Kevin says, "I've talked to Bob Johnson. He's offered to take us in, but he really can't handle any more than Ane and me. So no, I'm still trying to find something."
Dumbledore says, "I've got an idea. My school is a boarding school."
Harry cuts in with, "We would be happy to let Gia stay for the remainder of the year as my guest."
Dumbledore says, "Ahem. As her boyfriend just offered, I will let her stay."
"Can you ensure her safety?" asks Kevin.
Lupin says, "Not totally. Being affiliated with Harry does put her at an elevated risk. However, she is the safest with us."
"I could order her to break up." says Kevin.
Hermione says, "That will not change the safety issue. Look at your house, she isn't safe here!"
Dumbledore says, "As my young colleagues are attempting to say. Of all the places she could be, Gia is the safest at my school. There never is a complete guarantee of safety as there is always risk."
Gia resorts to a more effective plea, "Dad, can I go, please? I promise to behave."
Kevin relents and says, "Okay. Harry, remember my position."
Harry starts lifting some of the debris and says, "Let's see if we can save some of Gia's things."
The others pitch in. A half hour later, enough things are recovered to make Gia and Kevin pretty happy.
Kevin says, "It's supposed to dry tonight. Tomorrow, a bunch of us are going to be recovering what we can. Thank you for your help though. I suppose you're leaving now?"
Harry says, "Yes. We'll write."
Gia kisses and hugs Kevin. She says, "Love you Dad. I'll write."
They walk down the street. Harry is carrying Gia's duffel bag.
Harry says, "Remember, next time we use the Portkeys to leave Hogwarts, head for the third destination, the Grangers."
Hermione asks, "What?"
Harry replies, "We still need to occasionally travel to Noigate. I have that trial. Now, I can't go appearing in mid air in broad daylight."
Dumbledore says, "Agreed."
Hermione says, "Okay."
They turn the corner and enter the dark park. Ron removes his Portkey and activates. Everyone grabs it and are whisked away.
The group lands in the dormitory at Hogwarts. Snuffles transforms.
Sirius asks, "What happened?"
Lupin explains the Quidditch final and the subsequent events. Sirius looks at Harry.
Harry says, "Sirius, I know what I did was incredibly dangerous."
Ron says, "Sirius, they tried to kill us by using the Killing Curse!"
Harry says, "It was the only viable choice."
Dumbledore says, "You were very fortunate that it worked out. You had to make a choice. I will not criticize it."
Lupin says, "Most of the teachers I've spoken to concur that Harry was gambling big time on this. He did give us the time to get most of the students to the castle."
Sirius says, "Given recent events, I will guard both Harry and Gia when I'm not needed elsewhere. ... Oh, that boy's wand."
Sirius hands Malfoy's wand to Dumbledore. Dumbledore takes it.
Lupin says, "Will you be compliant with the pet regulations? James would have gotten a kick out of it."
Dumbledore says, "We need to arrange quarters for Gia."
Harry says, "She can spend the night with me."
Dumbledore says, "Sure. Gia will have the option of either here, the girls dormitory, or the guest wing."
Sirius says, "You can't be serious, can you?"
Dumbledore says, "Sirius, how else can you protect both of them at night. These four are trustworthy, so I will exempt them from the fraternization rule."
Sirius snorts.
Harry says, "Um, if you excuse us, we do have a celebration to attend."
Dumbledore says, "Certainly. Congratulations on the cup. Sirius, I do have something I could use you to do this evening in about an hour or so."
Sirius transforms and they all exit the dormitory. Harry, Ron, Hermione, Gia, and Snuffles remain in the Common Room as Lupin and Dumbledore exit.
George says, "Come on, We have need your help with this food."
Ron eyes the assortment of Honeyduke sweets, Butterbeers, and other items. Ron asks, "Where did you get this?"
Fred says, "With the help of Moony, Wormtail, Padfoot, and Prongs. ... Who is the pooch?"
Snuffles is growling.
Harry says, "Snuffles, Fred is only referring to that piece of parchment."
Puzzled, Fred asks, "Harry?"
Ron says, "That is none of your business. Now, what have you two touched?"
George says, "All of it." and he eyes the look on Ron's face.
Harry sees Neville and asks "Neville, have you tried one of these pies?"
"Yes, it was fine." says Neville.
Harry and Ron dig in immediately. They get four plates and pile on an assortment of the finer things. Gia grabs four glasses, pulls out a bottle of champagne, and splits it. Harry, Ron, Hermione, and Gia grab their glass and plate.
Fred says, "How did you manage a bottle of that?"
Ron says, "Sorry, we won't say."
The party lasts until midnight when McGonagall steps in. Snuffles had already left. She walks over to Harry and Ron.
McGonagall says, "Mr Potter and Mr. Weasley. Professor Dumbledore has informed me about the new arrangement. He certainly holds great trust in you, do not give us cause to doubt it." She turns to the audience, "This party is over and it is time you head to bed." She leaves.
They start heading up to the dormitory.
Seamus enters the dormitory and sees Gia and Hermione present. Seamus demands, "What are you fellows up to? Just how many rules are you determined to break?"
Ron asks, "Harry, I wonder, what rule have we not broken?"
"Closed-campus probably." says Dean.
Harry says, "No. That has been broken."
"Murder." says Neville.
Harry says, "No There has been one death so far."
Fred is apparently listening to this. He walks in and asks, "Where is your dog Harry?"
"Oh, Dumbledore's borrowing him tonight." says Harry.
Fred says, "I couldn't help listening to your little discussion. Don't brag brother Ron. I'll let you know, me and George are the biggest troublemakers around here."
Ron says, "Getting caught, maybe."
Harry says, "While you and George give them a run for their money, Moony, Wormtail, Padfoot, and Prongs were far worse."
"Do I smell a competition here?" says Fred.
Ron asks, "Have you been inside the Shrieking Shack?"
"No." says Fred.
Ron says, "Until then, you cannot say that you've got the title. I might add, the occupants did a lot of damage."
George walks in. Fred says, "George, I think Ron might be trying to outdo us."
"What do you mean?" says George.
Fred says, "He claims to have been inside the Shrieking Shack. Mum would be furious if she knew. Oh, we were just debating the integrity of the rulebook."
George says, "It looks like we have some more things to teach Ginny. What are they doing in here? Ron, you know that you're not supposed to have girls in your dormitory."
"So?" says Ron.
Fred says, "The teachers would be furious at this one! Mum will be too."
Seamus says, "Fred, don't you understand? The teachers will let Harry get away with anything! Ron is in Harry's zone of protection."
Harry says, "The teachers do not let me get away with anything, especially Snape. Now, I'm going to bed."
Ron hints by saying, "Goodnight George and Fred."
George and Fred leave. Gia and Harry slip into Harry's bed. Ron and Hermione slip into Ron's bed.
Seamus asks, "What? They're sleeping here?"
Ron replies, "Yes. Get used to it. Goodnight."
Dean says, "Seamus, did anything register with you earlier? They nearly got killed tonight."
