Harry and Ron awake to Dean and Seamus shaking them.

"Whassup?" asks Ron.

"Potions in fifteen minutes." says Dean.

"We are not going." says Harry.

"McGonagall is really pissed about the boycott. Ten points a person who skips." says Seamus.

"That sounds like a bargain. Snape will take more than that." says Ron.

"Has Snape worked out his legal problem yet?" asks Harry.

"What legal problem?" asks Dean.

"Snape is in custody of the Ministry." says Harry.

"You skipped breakfast, aren't you two coming?" asks Hermione.

"They aren't going to Potions and neither am I." says Neville.

"Which means, I'm taking a shower." says Ron.

Hermione, Seamus, Dean, and Neville leave the dormitory.

Ron and Harry strip. Ron asks, "What are you going to tell Sirius?"

"Dunno yet." says Harry.

* * * Not so Serious DADA * * *

Ron, Harry, Gia, and Hermione take a back desk in DADA. Lupin enters the classroom and does not notice Ron and Harry slouching. Today, they are doubling with Hufflepuff.

Lupin says, "We're discussing curses again. You all know about the Unforgivable Curses. Is there a time you could use one justifiably?"

"Yes" says Ernie.

"Correct you are Mr. McMillan. So, if you faced a Dark Wizard, say Voldemort, what would you do?" asks Lupin.

"Sign him up for the Unofficial Harry Potter Fan Club." says Ron. Everyone else except Harry stares at Ron in utter disbelief.

"Nice for Mr. Weasley and Mr. Potter to make time for my lesson. When Professor Dumbledore returns from some business at the Ministry, you two have an appointment with him. Now, we are having a serious lesson today and jokes about UHP do not belong." says Lupin.

"Professor Lupin, we did sign Voldemort up last night." says Harry, yawning loudly.

"We will talk after class Mr. Potter and Mr. Weasley." says Lupin.

Lupin and the class continue with the discussion.

"If Voldemort is about to use the Killing Curse on you?" asks Lupin.

"Expelliarmus." says Harry.

"Mr. Potter, while that may work for you, it won't for others." says Lupin.

"Duck then." says Harry.

"You just don't like the idea of being defeated, do you?" asks Lupin.

"Who does besides a nun?" asks Harry.

"True, but everyone needs to be prepared." says Lupin.

"Easy for Harry to say, I mean he's got some sort of immunity from You-Know-Who." says Ernie.

"We are discussing Unforgivable Curses! Next year, you will learn to cast them. However, the rules must be learned and understood first." says Lupin.

"Could you focus a Killing Curse? Kill a piece of a person's flesh?" asks Hermione.

"You mean like cheap cancer surgery?" asks Gia.

Lupin says, "Yes, medical use is an exemption."

* * * Another Visit to Pomfrey * * *

After class, Lupin holds back Harry and Ron. Hermione and Gia linger.

"That was supposed to be be a serious discussion. You two have been missing for days. Dumbledore was summoned to the Ministry. The Daily Prophet is printing smut. Blimey! What have you two been up to?" says Lupin in a very stern voice.

"We thought we were going to be expelled after Monday's incident." says Harry.

"Snape was just after you Harry. That would not have stuck. I thought you had better sense Ron." says Lupin.

"We get expelled together or not at all. So, I accompanied Harry." says Ron.

"There are people after you! Do you realize how dangerous that is, running away from Hogwarts?" says Lupin.

"And who is trying to retrieve Snape from the Ministry?" asks Harry.

"We did sign You-Know-Who up. Ginny has been pressuring me to join UHP and she had slipped a membership packet on me." says Ron.

"We had the opportunity, so we 'gave' the packet to Voldemort. True, he was stunned at the time, but his thumb signed him up." says Harry.

"He will receive the Harry Potter Quarterly among other things." says Ron.

"So, that's what Ginny was screaming about this morning." says Hermione.

"Harry and Ron, you're being serious? You signed Voldemort up?" asks Lupin.

Ron says, "Yep. HPQ's not useful for information about Harry. Ginny tried reading it to me. It mostly has things about Harry's eyes and socks. There is of course the Proposal section." says Ron.

"There is?" asks Harry.

"Yes there is." says Ron.

"As interesting as HPQ may be, could you explain what you did?" asks Lupin.

Ron covers the sequence of events; leaving the dorm, finding Voldemort and the Death Eaters, binding them, the UHP, and Snape.

"Severus was there?" asks Lupin.

"Yes." says Ron. Ron continues about stunning Snape, the Ministry, and their return this morning.

Lupin says, "So, that's why Dumbledore was summoned. You found the turbulence on the ridge which is supposed to stop that route. Have you seen Madam Pomfrey yet?"

"Why? We are not injured." protests Harry.

"We are hungry and tired, but we are healthy." says Ron.

"Still come." says Lupin.

They enter the Hospital Wing.

"What is it this time?" asks Pomfrey.

"We go for a spin on our brooms and the teachers send us to the Hospital Wing! It's like you don't have enough to do!" complains Harry.

Lupin whispers into Pomfrey's ear.

Ron says, "This is ridiculous."

Harry and Ron head for the door. The door slams in their faces.

"On no you don't!" says Pomfrey.

"We are heading for lunch." says Harry.

"I'm starving." says Ron.

The door opens despite Pomfrey's and Lupin's efforts.

"We are getting lunch first." says Harry.

"Then, Gia and I will drag these two back." says Hermione.

"Fine then, and ten points taken." says Pomfrey.

* * * Dressing Down * * *

Harry, Ron, Hermione, and Gia enter the Great Hall. They sit at the Gryffindor Table.

"There you are." says George.

"Carry these." says Fred. Fred hands wands to Harry and Ron.

"They will last a week." says George.

Harry's and Ron's fake wands reshape themselves to resemble their own wands.

"Thanks." says Harry.

Harry and Ron stash the fake wands so they are visibly poking out of their bags. Quickly, Harry and Ron eat mounds of food. They ignore the chattering about them. They finish their lunches.

"Remember, the Hospital Wing." says Hermione.

Harry and Ron enter the Hospital Wing.

"Finally." says Madam Pomfrey.

"We've got class. See you." says Hermione. Hermione and Gia leave.

Pomfrey gives Harry a very thorough examination. Ron looks on with sheer horror.

"Lupin had some concerns." says Pomfrey.

Pomfrey gives Ron a very thorough examination. She finishes about three.

"You two are fine." says Madam Pomfrey.

"Good. Then I want to see both of them in my office." says Dumbledore who is not looking happy.

Harry and Ron follow up to the Stone Gargoyle on the second floor. Snape walks out and stares at Harry.

"You'll get your wish." Harry says to Snape.

They enter the Headmaster's office. Harry and Ron set their fake wands onto Dumbledore's desk; they stand. Dumbledore sits behind the desk and examines the wands.

"It's a nice offer, but I already have a wand." says Dumbledore.

"You're going to expel us." says Harry.

"Should we break them for you?" asks Ron.

"Why would I do that?" asks Dumbledore.

Harry says, "I assaulted Snape Monday. We left the castle and Hogwarts without permission. We were truant for days. We attacked a group of people. We broke the Decree on Underage Sorcery. We attacked Snape. We issued a false distress call to the Ministry. The Ministry nabbing Snape caused headaches for you. Finally, we sneak back into the castle. This level of misbehavior must be dealt with expulsion."

The wands on the desk crack and fall apart, broken.

"To expel or not expel. The decision rest solely with the Headmaster." says Dumbledore.

"To which, the answer would be yes." says Harry.

"That is my decision to make, not yours." says Dumbledore.

"I'm sorry for leaking Snape's request to Witch Weekly. That should have remained among the teachers." says Ron.

"Our behavior is setting a bad precedent for the other Gryffindors. They are starting to act up." says Harry.

"Not to mention the rest of the school. Hasn't Snape noticed the drop-off in Potions attendance?" says Ron.

"Snape, Malfoy, and many others would be very thrilled to see us expelled." says Harry.

"Your job would become much less stressful. We do seem to take a lot of your time." says Ron.

"Do realize that suspension would result in termination for poor scholarship. I'm failing Potions already." says Harry.

"If Harry leaves, then I leave. In any case, point loss and detentions would be inadequate given our crimes." says Ron.

Dumbledore says, "While I appreciate your offers, this is my decision. I admit Fred's and George's handiwork is superb; however, I must ask you to surrender your real wands. You two are on probation and suspended from lessons until I have a chance to meet with the teachers tonight. I will inform you of my decision later."

Harry and Ron surrender their real wands.

"Now, you will return to Gryffindor Tower immediately with no deviations. You are to remain there until I fetch you. Failure to comply will result in your immediate expulsion." says Dumbledore.

Ron and Harry Ron exit the Headmaster's office.

* * * Rampage * * *

On the third floor, they bump into Lupin.

"Harry and Ron, you are supposed to be in lessons." says Lupin.

"No, we are suspended until Dumbledore decides to expel us." says Harry.

"So, we're going to our dormitory to start packing." says Ron.

"What about the Prophecy?" asks Lupin, walking aside.

"Who knows? The guy could've been hallucinating. Maybe he got the year wrong. Or maybe, the three students could be someone else; like George, Fred, and Lee Jordan." says Harry.

"Everyone who's read it agrees, including Trelawney." says Lupin.

"You know she's a crackpot old fool. Occasionally, she guesses something right. Otherwise it's extremely vague to fit just about anything." says Ron.

"So you two are just going to give up?" asks Lupin.

"Like you said in class, sometimes we're defeated. Voldemort will be pleased." says Harry.

They reach the portrait hole at the end of the seventh floor. Lupin departs. Harry and Ron ascend to their dormitory.

"Damn! The famous Harry Potter can't do anything right!" says Harry while giving his trunk a good swift kick. He exclaims, "Can't even attend Hogwarts properly!" He gives another kick.

Hedwig had been waiting. However, she sees this and flies off.

Meanwhile Ron says, "Harry, you will be wanting that trunk tomorrow. Also, don't expect Mum to be friendly after my expulsion."

Harry says, "Thanks for the warning!" He gives the trunk another kick. A gaping hole is now present in the front of it.

Ron lets Harry continue the rampage. Ron starts packing.

Harry exclaims, "Very few ever really put up with me. There's you, Hermione, and Gia. Hagrid of course. Everyone else strives to get rid of me!" Harry kicks out the corner of the trunk. "First Voldemort tries to kill me. The Ministry imprisons my godfather! Then we have the Dursleys, I'm worse than rot to them!" Harry gives the trunk another kick.

"Then we have Hogwarts! Malfoy and his 'I'll tell you who your friends should be or I'll make your life a miserable nightmare!'" With another kick, Harry removes a side panel. The contents start rolling across the floor.

"Then we have Snape who hated my father so he treats me like crap!" Harry's kick takes out the corner of the trunk.

"We have Rita Skeeter who likes to report what I ate for breakfast and writes all the lies she can!" Harry kicks the backside of the trunk.

"Then there is Madam Pomfrey who can't seem to keep her hands off of me, like I'm some sort of prize! We also have the other students who think I'm getting special treatment and favors from the Headmaster!" Harry kicks out the back panel of his trunk.

"Damn Colin's picture frenzy and that UHP! It's like I'm the latest exhibit at the London Zoo!" Harry kicks the remaining corner.

"Why can't I just have a normal life?" Harry kicks the remaining side panel and the top sways up and down.

"Everything I do requires worrying about Dark Wizards, Cedric, and many other things that are normally irrelevant. It would've been better if Voldemort had done it properly!" Harry kicks the side panel. It gives way and starts flipping. Harry gives a quick swift kick punching a hole in the top as it flips. The top rises and falls slamming onto the floor. The top smashes apart in many pieces.

Ron finally speaks up and says, "Harry, I do like you as a friend. Even if it gets me expelled."

"I know that." says Harry, now a bit calmer.

"So, do you wanna quit Hogwarts?" asks Ron.

"Of course not." says Harry.

"What about the restrictions they will impose if they don't expel?" asks Ron.

"Depends. What is this? Fifty Questions?" says Harry.

"I was just wondering. You might want to repair that trunk." says Ron.

Harry is a bit red faced and says, "Guess I've had a bad day."

"That trunk was definitely hostile." says Hermione.

Hermione and Gia walk through the door.

"You two skipped! Hagrid was upset." says Gia.

"Suspended." says Harry.

"Suspended until we're expelled." says Ron.

"Want to join us Hermione?" asks Harry.

Hermione ponders this.

"Can't believe you're thinking about it." says Gia.

Hermione says, "Oh, I know what I'll do. Until then, you two boys won't know. ... No, I won't fix that trunk for you Harry."

Harry sorts out the pieces of the trunk and the contents. Harry starts a Wandless 'Repairado!'.

"Amazing, trying that without a wand." mutters Hermione.

"Our wands have been confiscated." says Ron.

"Those fake wands?" asks Hermione.

"Not quite good enough." replies Ron.

"Sorry brother, we'll strive for better quality." says George, walking in with Fred.

"Rumors of expulsion are racing about the castle." says Fred.

"True in a matter of hours." says Ron.

"Write us into you wills before you face Mum." says George. Fred and George exit.

"And us?" Gia asks Harry.

"I still love you." says Harry.

"Why didn't you bring me?"

"Gia, what we did was very dangerous. You are much safer staying in the castle." says Harry. Harry's trunk is now fully repaired.

* * * The Meeting * * *

Dumbledore enters the dormitory about seven and says, "Mr. Potter and Mr. Weasley, follow me."

Harry and Ron follow Dumbledore. They reach the stone gargoyle and ascend to the office. They enter. Snape, Lupin, McGonagall, Flitwick, and Sprout are already sitting. Dumbledore sits behind his desk.

Snape breaks the silence and says, "We're trying to decide whether you two should be expelled."

"That should make your job easier." replies Harry.

Dumbledore says, "Gentlemen! We are here to determine what we should do with Mr. Potter and Mr. Weasley. We have reviewed the charges and accusations among other things. On two points is there enough to consider punishment. First is your behavior with Professor Snape. The other is your truancy this week."

Snape says, "We have discussed the matter of cheating. Professor McGonagall has shown me the essays that you wrote under her scrutiny. ... I can't."

"Severus." prompts Dumbledore.

"I'm supposed to apologize. ... Can't." says Snape.

In unison, the remaining teachers prompt, "Severus."

"Would an Imperius Curse help?" Lupin asks Snape.

"I apologize for the accusation Mr. Potter." says Snape.

"Now, we have your insubordination to Snape." says Dumbledore.

"Monday's incident." says Flitwick.

"You refused treatment." says Snape.

"Is it alright to refuse treatment from a teacher?" asks Ron.

"In my second year, Madam Pomfrey did scold me because of Lockhart's action. Lockhart would not take no for an answer." says Harry.

"Last year, one tried to kill Harry. Should Harry have let him?" asks Ron.

"Or when Quirell tried?" asks Harry.

Dumbledore says, "A student does have the right to see the Hospital Wing in lieu of a teacher's treatment. However if a life is in jeopardy and in the teacher's judgment there is insufficient time, the teacher may act. It does sadden me that Mr. Potter feels that he can no longer trust Professor Snape."

"After last week?" asks Harry.

"You stunned me after I tried the Imperius Curse." says Snape.

"Severus, resisting the Imperius Curse of a teacher is definitely unusual. However, Mr. Potter broke no rules by doing so." says Lupin.

McGonagall says, "Mr. Potter has been assaulted by teachers before. Assuming that you, Severus, were doing the same is justifiable." says McGonagall.

Snape says, "Mr. Weasley's behavior during last week's incident also goes unpunished?"

Sprout says, "Mr. Weasley was uncertain to your involvement. It seems to me that he acted appropriately."

Snape says, "And their classmates' behavior?"

Dumbledore says, "No student is required to stay anywhere should they feel their safety is in peril. No teacher may punish a student for doing so."

McGonagall says, "Severus, if a fellow student appears to have been attacked, that is ample grounds to leave for the reasons of safety."

"Hence the boycott." says Ron.

"Three quarters of the school?" asks Snape.

McGonagall says, "Severus, be reasonable. If you attack a student, everyone else has a reason on safety. On that note Albus, I have some point deductions to reconsider."

Dumbledore says, "As I see it, the insubordination with Professor Snape does not merit action by this panel. However, certain remedies will be needed and I'll decide those later. The other charge is your truancy. This one is very serious."

"We left because I thought Snape's request would stick and that I was already being expelled." says Harry.

"Ironic, isn't it?' says Snape with an evil grin.

"Students do occasionally leave Hogwarts without permission. However, your destination was much different." says Lupin.

"Normally, students do a bit of wondering and come back. Or, they run to their parents. In the case of Fred and George Weasley, it's Hogsmeade for party supplies. You two flew hundreds of miles away to Hangleton, wasn't it?" says McGonagall.

"Yes." says Ron.

"What about the Prophecy?" asks McGonagall.

"I figured it couldn't come true if we took out Voldemort." says Harry.

"He escaped during a jail break today. He was not happy about what you two did." says Snape.

"We're not trying to make You-Know-Who happy." says Ron.

"Did you really sign him up for the UHP?" blurts Sprout.

"Yes." says Harry.

Lupin says, "The question is do we expel these two for leaving Hogwarts without permission? I regret telling Mr. Weasley about Severus' request."

Ron says, "Professor Lupin, I apologize. I should not have told the school about it. However, telling Harry was the proper thing."

Snape asks, "Don't you think it's a bit late for apologies?"

Ron says, "For the expulsion, maybe. I still owed one to Professor Lupin."

Dumbledore says, "Once again, you two are acting as if I've already expelled you. Do you two want that?"

"No. However, we do realize that it is a very real consequence." says Harry.

"Minerva, please escort these gentlemen to wait downstairs so we can discuss options." says Dumbledore.

McGonagall escorts Ron and Harry to the second floor corridor outside the Stone Gargoyle. She returns to the Headmaster's office.

"What you think they'll do?" asks Harry.

"Besides expulsion, they might send Gia home." says Ron.

"They wouldn't." says Harry, very concerned.

"They might, but they will have to expel us." says Ron.

"You would go that far?"

"Yes Harry. You know you love her. I think you need her. I consider any external attempt to separate the two of you as an assault on you Harry."

"I get the picture. You have the hots for Gia."

"Gia is yours. I'm pursuing Hermione in case you don't know. Gia makes you happy. As your best friend, I'll do whatever to keep nosy people out of it." says Ron.

McGonagall emerges from the Stone Gargoyle and says, "We are ready for you."

Harry and Ron enter the Headmaster's office. McGonagall sits down.

Dumbledore says, "We have decided not to expel or suspend you provided certain measures are adhered to.

"As always, I favored expulsion." says Snape.

"I'm touched." says Harry, mockingly.

"First, Gia will be sent home, Mr Potter." says Dumbledore.

"That is unacceptable. What time does the train leave tomorrow?" says Ron.

"Second, the fraternization will cease." says Dumbledore.

"Unacceptable." says Ron.

"Third, detention for the weekend." says Dumbledore.

"Detention is acceptable." says Ron.

"Fourth, hundred points each." says Snape.

"No points may be awarded to you for two weeks." says McGonagall.

"I take it from your responses that you prefer expulsion, Mr. Weasley?" asks Dumbledore.

"Yes, to the terms you have just stated." says Ron.

"Please elaborate why you find the first two as unacceptable." requests Dumbledore.

"No." says Ron.

"Minerva." requests Dumbledore.

Again, McGonagall escorts them out to the second floor corridor.

McGonagall says, "You two are really putting us in a bind, especially with that Prophecy."

"It could be three other students, not us." says Harry.

"Like Malfoy, Crabbe, and Goyle." says Ron.

McGonagall says, "No other students have demonstrated your willingness to face danger. We might be expelling you because you left to face You-Know-Who! I remember three first years standing over a troll in the girls' bathroom. Now, if you'll excuse me." She ascends back to the Headmaster's office.

"I didn't realize you'd be that staunch about it." says Harry.

Ron says, "I am, and I have my reasons for it The teachers have been trying to nix you and Gia for a while. I won't let them."

"Thanks."

"My family may be poor, and you've got that vault; but room with a girlfriend cannot be bought."

"Ron, that vault is both a blessing and a curse. True, some things are easier. I don't think anything about buying omnioculars like you do. However, if I let it get to me, it will ruin my whole perspective. I value friends over money. The curse is people start interfering with my life. Malfoy, Snape, and Skeeter are examples."

"I've interfered big time." says Ron.

"There's a difference between friendship and interference. Unless you're planning on stabbing me in the back, it is not interference."

McGonagall emerges from the Stone Gargoyle. Harry and Ron follow her up to the Headmaster's office.

"Mr. Potter and Mr. Weasley, are you certain about our terms being unacceptable?" asks Dumbledore.

"Would it be faster if we tendered our resignations instead?" asks Ron.

"A victory for Voldemort." says Harry, sounding defeated.

"Your suspensions are indefinite. You will be aboard the train tomorrow. Be at the front steps at eight. Gia included." says Dumbledore.

Harry and Ron exit the Headmaster's office.

* * * Beans Spilled * * *

They proceed to their dormitory and enter. Everyone else is asleep.

Harry removes his cloak and picks up his Firebolt. "Wanna?" asks Harry.

"We'd get in trouble." says Ron.

"We are already in trouble, have some fun." says Harry, mounting his Firebolt.

"Alright." says Ron, now in his pants and Chudley Canons T-shirt. Ron picks up his Firebolt.

They fly out the window. The circle the castle and come near the Headmaster's office and one of the open windows. Voices drift out.

"You're certain Mr. Weasley is hiding something?" asks Pomfrey.

"Yes. Ron knows something big that we can't pry out of him." says Lupin.

"Have you tried Veritaserum?" asks Snape.

"Severus! You know that stuff is not for casual use." says Pomfrey.

"Like for honest opinions about sex?" asks Flitwick.

"Do you want to know sex from students?" asks McGonagall.

"No. How are we going to squeeze this from them?" asks Sprout.

"Sexual relations are not permitted between teachers and students." says Dumbledore with a humorous tone.

"Seriously, will this suspension ruse work?" asks McGonagall.

"So, will there be no punishment for Potter or Weasley?" asks Snape.

"Severus, as we've already mentioned, there is none. However, they are not to know that." says Dumbledore.

Harry and Ron, still loitering below the open window, exchange looks.

"Tomorrow? What did Molly have to say?" asks Lupin.

"Oh, they will be leaving. Harry does seem to need a holiday. Molly promised to needle Ron." says Dumbledore.

"What about the Prophecy? What if You-Know-Who attacks?" asks McGonagall.

"With their Firebolts? They could be here in less than a few hours. Quicker with the Floo Network." says Lupin.

"Speaking of their Firebolts, where are Potter and Weasley now?" asks Snape.

"Harry and Ron are under the impression that leaving the Gryffindor Tower would result in guaranteed expulsion." says Dumbledore.

Snape says, "Albus, you know what they did the last time they thought they were going to be expelled."

"Still have the hex marks from last night?" asks Lupin.

"So that's why I'm here? Hex marks?" asks Pomfrey.

"Poppy, Ronald Weasley understands what is going on with Harry Potter and that much is evident. I have given Ron great leeway in this. However, he is not elaborating on what the matter is." says Dumbledore.

Lupin says, "We have tried everything short of expulsion or Veritaserum. I've tried talking to Ron. Besides getting a no trespassing signal, he's completely clamped on the subject. Ron insists on us giving Harry and Gia space, even to the point of quitting Hogwarts. Harry is of no use in this because he's even tighter lipped. Ron came to me Monday seeking some private study space. That's when I leaked Snape's 'request'." says Lupin.

"Nice experiment Remus." sneers Snape.

"I heard that Voldemort wet himself." says Dumbledore.

"Probably Potter or Weasley. They did it to Malfoy at the pickup Quidditch game several weeks ago." says Snape.

"So I assume Voldemort was not pleased." says Lupin.

"A simple no would be an understatement." says Snape.

The teachers chuckle.

"Hangleton isn't that far away on Firebolts. Why did it take them so long?" asks Hooch.

"They probably got lost and didn't ask for directions." says Sprout. They chuckle.

"They might have stopped at a strip club. Using a fake ID is against the school rules." says Snape.

"Now, I do have things to attend to in the Hospital Wing." says Pomfrey.

"Certainly." says Dumbledore.

Harry and Ron hear the sound of the door opening and closing.

"What if Harry and Ron press? Quit over this? They seemed serious earlier." says Lupin.

"I won't let them quit over this." says Dumbledore.

"What on earth does Mr. Weasley know?" asks McGonagall.

"Maybe Mr Potter needs sex." says Snape.

"With just one girl? If that's all he needed, there are a bunch of proposals to him." says Lupin.

"Proposals?" asks Dumbledore.

"Harry got a bunch of them from UHP girlfriend wannabes after the Easter holiday. It made for a practical curse detection lesson." says Lupin.

"That many?" asks Snape in disbelief.

"Yes. I think Harry decided to burn them in the end." says Lupin.

"Have you tried Miss Granger?" asks McGonagall.

"Yes, she's tight lipped about it too. However, Ron might be keeping her out of the loop." says Lupin.

Dumbledore says, "Officially, we are not to interfere in the private affairs of our students. However, given the probable events of the near future, we need to make sure these three are fit. We must not trivialize or damage their bonds of friendship."

"Albus, time for my next performance." says Lupin.

The Headmaster's office goes quiet. Harry and Ron exchange looks. They race back to their dormitory and reenter the open window.

* * * Lupin's Plea * * *

Harry and Ron store their Firebolts. They descend to the Gryffindor Common Room.

"So that explains their behavior." says Ron.

"Ron, we need to outwit them." says Harry.

"The idea of holiday would be nice if it weren't for Mum." says Ron.

"Have they told us where to go during this?" asks Harry.

"No, see if Hermione will join us." says Ron.

Lupin enters the common room.

Lupin says, "Hello. Sorry I couldn't talk more sense into them. Realize this is a formality. Expulsion is very likely."

Ron says, "So? Snape has been holding that over our heads since day one. He finally got his wish."

"Harry, you do realize that James would be severely disappointed by you getting expelled." says Lupin.

"I suppose he never had the notoriety that I do. Apparently, famous people cannot attend Hogwarts. Like I said, Voldemort wins. I'm not going to be a qualified wizard." says Harry.

"You're right. After being expelled from Hogwarts, no other wizardry school will take you in. While you have lived with Muggles, you won't have a proper Muggle education for that world." says Lupin.

"Thank you for your concern." says Ron.

"This isn't easy. I wish it didn't have to come to this. Dumbledore would reconsider if you asked him and agreed to those terms." says Lupin.

"Like I said before, those terms are unacceptable. Since Dumbledore seems to have a problem with that, we will be tendering our resignations in the morning." says Ron.

"Well, if you are absolutely certain. Good night." says Lupin.

Lupin exits.

* * * Response * * *

Harry turns to Ron. Harry asks, "So, what is it that you know?"

Ron says, "From their questions, they want to know why I'm so staunch in protecting your relationship with Gia."

"Which is?"

"Harry, lets figure a way out of their trap first." says Ron.

"You're changing the subject."

"I know, but you don't want me to divulge to others do you? Skeeter would have a field day. Now, their trap seems a bit more pressing." says Ron.

"Alright, I'll let you off the hook for now. What do you suggest?" asks Harry.

"Get the girls." says Ron.

Harry and Ron creep up the stairs to the girls' dormitory. They enter and walk over to Hermione's bunk. Harry and Ron poke their heads through the curtains. They gently shake Hermione and Gia.

"Gia, Hermione, wake up." whisper Harry and Ron.

Hermione wakes first, grabs Ron's wrist and looks at his watch. Sarcastically, Hermione says, "It's a quarter past midnight. Aren't you two in enough trouble?"

"No." replies Ron.

"We need to talk now." says Harry.

"You're already doing so." Hermione says snobbishly.

"We need to talk to you down in the Common Room." says Ron.

"Can't this wait until morning?" asks Gia.

"No." says Harry.

Reluctantly, Hermione and Gia accompany Harry and Ron down the stairs.

"So what could not wait?" asks Hermione, exaggerating a yawn.

Harry explains their meeting with the teachers and Lupin later.

"They're kicking you out? Tomorrow morning?" asks Hermione.

"I can see why this couldn't wait until morning." says Gia, sarcastically.

"We then decided to go for a spin on the Firebolts." says Harry.

"See Gia? This is who you are dating. He can't seem to find enough trouble." says Hermione.

"We flew by the Headmaster's office. They were having a meeting." says Harry.

"Buzzing the Headmaster and eavesdropping on a teacher's meeting. Fine additions to your list of charges." says Hermione.

Ron explains what they had heard from the teachers.

"So, they're setting you two up?" asks Hermione.

"Yes. We need to call their bluff. As it currently stands, Gia, Ron, and me will be leaving tomorrow. We must be at the front doors by eight." says Harry.

"We are going to tender notes of resignation." says Ron.

"So will I. Having to go around Hogwarts without you two to draw Malfoy's fire ... yeck" says Hermione.

Ron kisses Hermione and he says, "Thanks. I'm clad you care."

"Can we leak this?" asks Gia.

"Sure, I'm going to the Owlery now." says Ron.

Ron climbs the stairs to the boy's dormitory.

"The Owlery is the other way." says Hermione.

"Ron needed parchment and ink first." says Harry.

"So, are we done for the night?" asks Hermione.

"Pack first, otherwise yes." says Harry.

The girls head back to the girl's dormitory. Harry returns to the boys' dormitory.

Harry gets parchment and quills, "I, Harry Potter, hereby resign from Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry." Harry signs it and dates it for the morning.

Harry climbs into bed and falls to sleep.