Ron says in frustration, "Brothers! Why do they have to bug me like that?"
Gia is tonguing Harry's neck when she pauses to say, "Ron, it is the same reason you're a prat to Hermione, why we tease you two, and why you tease us." Gia pauses. Hermione reaches under her to grab Harry's leg, almost says something, but reconsiders. Gia continues, "We love each other."
Hermione sits back up, interested in the book she is scanning. Gia lays down, across Harry's and Ron's laps. She looks up at Ron with a smile and his length hardens.
Gia says, "See? This friendship that you have with Harry, Ron, and now me. It seems to come from your brothers. Harry picked it up from you." She pauses, as she strokes Ron's face. Harry is rubbing her stomach. Gia says, "Hermione and I figured it out, you two like the both of us. Sure, Hermione's your girlfriend, me it's Harry. However, you are not fighting about it, which makes both of you cute and interesting to us. We trust each other. If it weren't for your brothers, we probably wouldn't be friends."
Ron snickers a bit. Harry is giving a supportive look.
Gia says, "Ron, we know you feel overshadowed by your brothers. When we think Weasley, you come to our minds. Besides, I'm laying across the laps of two handsome and naked boys, my cute one has my heart." She grins a bit at Harry.
Ron, sees Hermione's frustration. He says to her, "Beautiful Hermione, can you hand me the Floo Troubleshooting 101 book?"
After a bit of searching, Ron says, "I found it. 'How to network two fireplaces together, a useful diagnostic tool.' Okay, let's go."
Hermione snickers a bit, "Umm, maybe we should get dressed first? I know that we seem to like to jump into action, naked. Do we really want the headlines to be, naked teenagers attack?"
Ron says, "It sounds cool, but I want to hide your beauty from them. They do not deserve to see it." Hermione smiles.
Harry turns to Gia and says, "Gia, this is about to get very dangerous. This is our school, not yours. You do not have to come, so you can stay here or somewhere else."
Gia says, "I'm coming. This is important for you and for me. Besides, you'll need this along the way." She sits up, kisses Harry, and plays with his nut-sack. She says, "We're getting dressed."
Gia and Hermione get up, Harry and Ron follow.
They reach Hermione's room. Hermione goes to Harry's backpack and digs around. She says, "These look appropriate." and tosses the Superman briefs at Harry. After much debate over fashion, they get dressed.
Harry and Ron grab their backpacks and pack in some food type items. It is a quarter to ten by the time they start messing with the fireplace over their breakfast. They first disconnect the Granger fireplace from the Floo Network. They spend a few minutes amusing themselves with some of the small tricks in the book.
Arthur Weasley Apparates into the living room. He says, "Nice to see you."
Ron asks, "Dad, what are you doing here?"
Arthur replies, "I tried to call but the Floo Regulators said somebody had disconnected this fireplace. Death Eaters are attacking the Ministry and that will drain many resources. If they get the Ministry as well, it will be a Dark Era. ... Having trouble with the fireplace? Up to something?"
Ron says, "Don't panic Dad and I should have told you earlier. We are going to Hogwarts."
Hermione says, "Janitorial service, too much filth about that place."
Arthur says, "McGonagall stopped by earlier. She was wondering where you were and up to. That made me worry quite a bit. Hedwig did arrive before the twins so Ginny was waiting by the fireplace with Colin's camera. I don't think they've ever been that humiliated before. It's good for them." Arthur chuckles.
Harry says, "This is not crazy. Hogwarts must be retaken so we are leaving as soon as we connect the fireplace to the Shrieking Shack. We can't seem to make the connection, but we do not want to be traced on the Floo Network."
Arthur looks at Harry with a penetrating look and understands what McGonagall was saying. Arthur says, "Alright, but be careful and do not take unnecessary risk."
Arthur tinkers with the fireplace and connects it to the Shrieking Shack. Arthur turns to Ron and says, "Ron, Percy is still missing. I do not believe the lies from the Ministry. If you find him, help if you can. Ron swear that you will not kill Malfoy for revenge. That will only serve to further their cause."
Ron swallows from Arthur's look and says, "I swear."
Arthur says, "I would come but you probably do not want it. Smaller groups are likely better. I'll disconnect the fireplace after you leave and use the Floo Network if you need to escape."
The group heads into the fireplace. Arthur says, "Good Luck."
Arthur watches the group vanish in the fireplace. He disconnects the fireplace and places a lock on its use. He thinks, The Ministry might fall so the Floo Network will not be safe. He collects the books that were left strewn about and sets them onto a desk in the Granger's library. Samples of Muggle candy is laying about. Clearly, these are not from the pair of dentists.
Arthur thinks, Four teens, off to retake Hogwarts still don't remember to properly lock up the house. Arthur spends time fiddling with the muggle locks before he figures them out and then closes the myriad of open windows. About an hour after the teens leave, Arthur is still closing things up when the Grangers return from their trip.
Charles Granger asks, "What are you doing here?"
Arthur replies, "Arthur Weasley, father of Ron. I came to talk to the kids. You know, Hermione et al."
"Are they still around?" asks Charles.
Arthur says, "Left about an hour ago. Funny, teenagers try to save the world but don't think to lock up the house. I went around closing the windows, shutting the doors and things before you showed up. I rarely work muggle locks so it took a while."
Charles says, "Thank you. Would you care for a drink?" Arthur nods in approval.
Arthur says, "Funny those four. In some ways, they're just like other kids. In others they are different because they've got a lot of talent. Take my lot for example. I've got Bill who is working for Gringotts. Oh, many stories with him. Good marks of course, Molly and I" he pauses. "we were proud of him and he was well behaved at Hogwarts."
"Hermione wrote about Molly. Our condolences." says Mrs. Granger.
Arthur says, "Then there is Charlie. He's a bit of a rule breaker. He's great with animals and Quidditch. He loves his work with the dragons. ... Then there is Percy. An absolute stickler when it comes to rules and insists that none get broken. Head Boy, all OWLs, and works for the Ministry; though they seem to have misplaced him."
They take some sips. Arthur continues, "Then the twins, Fred and George. The biggest pair of mischief makers. Ginny and Ron pick up a bit, but they're nothing compared to the twins. Oh, the number of owls we've had about them exceed the others. They have their own drawer of records in the caretaker's office, rest of the school needs something like two. Maybe they'll get that joke shop up and running that they've been wanting."
After some more sips, Arthur continues, "Ron came after them and is quite different. Ginny came less than a year later. She adores Ron, but she takes after the twins. She's got that naughty streak and gets her older brothers to compete. She had a crush on Harry for years, but now seems to have taken to Colin Creevy. Edward is recent, so I don't know too much about him yet. I can tell you he will be different than the others. Since Friday, Ginny's looking after him and she knows that I appreciate it. With the others, I had let Molly manage the care for them and never worried about it." He lets out a couple of tears.
"And Ron?" asks Charles as he takes another sip.
Arthur says, "Ron is very different from the others. Before Hogwarts, he was excited. He had heard that Harry Potter will be attending. Like many others, he had a wishful fantasy about meeting him, but Ron never really expected it. He figured that the famous Potter would go after richer friends, not him. It's no secret that we've never been well off. That Ministry position provides, but its not luxurious or anything."
Arthur sips a bit, continues, "He got onto Hogwarts Express not expecting to find friends or really meeting Harry Potter. He sat down in that compartment not to meet Harry as the twins joked, but to be a friend to somebody he viewed as needing one. He was very surprised when Harry turned down offers by the rich kids for him. I think that was when Ron realized Harry valued friendship. I think that is what has kept them together. Nowadays, they might as well be twins."
After another sip, Arthur continues, "Did you realize that Hermione and Harry were with Ron when they witnessed Molly's murder?" Arthur's shaking a bit.
Charles is a bit spooked and says, "They saw it? Hermione never mentioned that."
Arthur says, "They were right besides her. Harry doesn't give himself due credit, he knocked the attackers out. If he hadn't, we'd be burying them as well."
A bit shocked, Charles asks, "He saved Hermione?"
Arthur says, "Yes, but he probably feels guilty for not saving Molly. I thanked him for trying, but I don't think it'll stick. Harry has been through this himself, so he can help them."
Charles says, "We always wondered what Hermione saw in him. To think, I scoffed at them during Christmas about a bit of rough play."
Arthur says, "That is probably a good idea anyways. Ron has picked up a bit from his brothers. And now he's taken an interest in Hermione. The twins have certainly had their fun. Molly" he pauses for a moment. "Though she didn't show it, she was happy for Ron. She seemed to think it a good match."
Linda says, "Hmph. It's strange transition for us, Hermione finding a serious boyfriend. Sure, its in the fine print with any kid, but that never prepares us. With her, it seemed like she might have two."
Arthur says, "She probably still does. They are the best of friends with each other. With Harry and Gia, they make a nice foursome, and it gives Ron and Hermione some space."
"Give them space? We all know where that'd lead." says Charles.
Arthur says, "Look, in two years, they might get us grandkids. Ron finds her interesting. Besides, who do you want her boyfriend to be like? Ron and Harry have repeatedly rescued her, made her laugh, tease her, and been her best friends." He pauses. "At some point, you have to let her go. In the hands of Harry and Ron, she's as safe as she'll ever be." Thoughtfully, he adds, "We have to let them go. It's never easy, but as parents, we have to."
"When that point approaches, man, I'm growing old!" says Charles.
Looking at the clock, Arthur says, "So am I, and without Molly anymore. I best be off. If I leave those twins alone for too long..."
Linda gets up, leaves for a moment, then comes back. She says, "Before you go, we got you a bouquet and flowers. We were going to send these with Hermione today, but since you're here, this is better." She hugs Arthur and gives him them. She says, "Make sure Ron takes care of Hermione. She is the center of our lives."
"Thanks. I guide Ron where I can, but it is up to him." says Arthur. He Disapparates with a pop.
Arthur appears at the Burrow around two. Ginny grabs the just delivered Daily Prophet and they sit down at the kitchen table for the lunch.
Arthur turns to the twins and says, "Why did you have to prank Ron for? You know he is going through a rough time, worse than any of us. He saw the murder! Can't you comprehend that?"
Ginny opens the paper and gasps when she sees the photo. "Yikes! What is a hot tub anyways?"
Colin looks over, "Wow! Ginny we should try that some time! This'll go great at the next meeting."
Charlie says, "Dad, Ron's alert went off a while ago."
Bill says, "George, Fred, do be kind to Ron. He is going to need a lot of support from us."
Charlie asks, "So, why did they strip your clothes anyways? I admit, it's funny, but can't fathom why they would choose to do that."
Arthur says, "Fred, George, Do you realize what your incident has done? The Granger's fireplace is no longer connected to the Floo Network! What if somebody needs to use it during an emergency?"
Ginny and Colin have finished scrutinizing the front page. They reluctantly hand it to George. George's eyes go very wide. George says, "Ron seems to be managing quite well, in fact, I would say he has found a very nice distraction."
George lays the paper onto the table for everyone to see. Smack center is a big photo of Harry, Ron, Hermione, and Gia evidently naked in the Granger's hot tub. Hermione and Gia are positioned such that their breast are hidden from view but pressing against Harry and Ron. The bubbles of the pool successfully obscure and cloak the lower parts of them.
=== ARTICLE ===Last night yours truly discovered Harry Potter and several friends were naked in a hot tub. Harry Potter, the boy who lived, is clearly in need of proper adult supervision.
================Fred says, "This is better then them in bed!"
Charlie says, "You found them in bed? Together?"
George says, "Yes, naked in fact."
Ginny giggles a bit at the thought.
Arthur says, "That explains it. Still, you ought to be more careful with Ron. Do you realize what he's up to right now?"
Fred starts saying, "They did have a map of Hogwarts out for some reason. Oh no! They aren't going to try that are they?"
Arthur says, "Yes they are. I couldn't stop them, and I suppose it'd be foolish to try to help. They left earlier."
George says, "At least they got in some fun first. Let's find a picture frame, this one's going on the wall, the scrapbook, and few other places."
Charlie says, "Well, Ron has made himself unique, getting into the paper like this. Good thing Mum didn't find out, she would have a fit."
Arthur says, "She would have enjoyed it. Of course, she would of still scolded Ron. I've noticed that you guys haven't been this successful with girlfriends."
Charlie, Bill, and Fred look horrified realizing their Dad was correct.
The Weasley clock emits another mortal peril alert for Ron.
Charlie says, "Dad, you need to fix that clock."
"The clock is working fine." says Arthur.
"How many does that make for Ron?" asks Fred.
"I've lost count. For Ron, they can be measured in alerts per week." says Arthur.
"Blimey! Fred and I only had two during our years at Hogwarts." says George.
Arthur says, "There, Ron has the family beat. Molly was very upset when he had several in his first year."
"What were Mum's recent Howlers all about? Ron never explained." says Fred.
"Did you go deaf?" asks Charlie.
"Oh, we heard them, but they didn't have much detail." says George.
"Shouting You-Know-Who's name was something she never liked doing." says Arthur.
"You-Know-Who was involved in the last one?" asks George.
"Ron and gang took on You-Know-Who and some Death Eaters a week ago Friday." says Arthur.
"Ron is nuts." says Fred.
"They nearly had things taken care of when Dumbledore shows up. Ron was dodging Killing Curses of all things." says Arthur.
"Blimey!" says Charlie.
"Here Mum was nagging us about the joke shop." says George.
"Why don't you two go cheer your sister." says Arthur.
George and Fred take that to heart and leave for her room.
Meanwhile after ten; Harry, Hermione, Ron, and Gia emerge into the Shrieking shack. It is deserted except for Snuffles. Snuffles wags his tail and then transforms.
Harry says, "Sirius, good to see you."
Sirius says, "I should ask what took you, but I probably do not want to know. It is rather dangerous out there so you can't approach the castle and the Portkeys won't work either."
Harry says, "We are approaching through the forest."
Sirius says, "You can't be serious, that is very dangerous."
Harry says, "As dangerous as a Minster of Magic Voldemort? The Ministry is under siege. The forest is the least guarded."
Sirius, "That is for a good reason so they don't have to."
Harry says, "Exactly so they won't expect it. Any other route is more dangerous but in the forest nobody is looking. So, are you going to sit here or accompany us through?"
Sirius relents and says, "I will come though I don't approve."
Sirius moves over and opens a window to peer out. Several people are in view and looking about, but they are not worrying about the shack. They look like Death Eater wannabes or something.
Sirius says, "Few are ever in sight, but it's about time for their break at the Three Broomsticks. When I give the word, exit and calmly walk into the forest. Running attract attention. Put these on."
Sirius hands them some black robes with hoods. They put them on.
Several minutes later, Sirius says, "Now!" Sirius transforms.
They exit the shack. The door to the shack closes and locks. Calmly they walk toward the path into the forest. Nobody seems to notice them.
They walk a hundred yards or so into the forest and stop. Quickly, they remove the robes and stuff them into the backpacks. They continue into the forest.
Sirius explains, "There is a useful spell you might want. It's the Somebody Else's Problem spell. It's not the same as invisible but nearly as effective. Wormtail knows about the Invisibility Cloak and it can be cumbersome to use. This spell works in a pinch. Also, you've grown to the point that the cloak only fits one of you. Invisibility spells are difficult for all but the best. Instead the SEP tricks people into ignoring your presence and that is what you need."
Sirius explains how it tricks the brain and is still noticeable from the corner of a person's eye. Harry, Ron, and Hermione practice the spell on each other, Gia, and a bunch of nearby objects.
Sirius chuckles and says, "It lasts for a bit, so if anybody else wanders by they would walk into one of those trees."
They hear a branch break nearby. They turn around and face a werewolf. Gia snuggles up behind Harry. Harry is about to stun when Ron stops him. Hermione gives a Wandless Body Binder.
Sirius says, "I see that you have been practicing. Very advantageous when surprise is an ally. Wands are better but reaching for it reveals your intentions. ... Harry, you are you going to proceed inside Hogwarts?"
Harry replies, "Dunno yet, figure it out when we get in."
Sirius exclaims in disbelief, "What?"
Sirius looks horrified as Harry replies, "It's funny, but we are at our best when we think on our feet. Voldemort always has some well thought and intricate plan with a few contingencies. He has trouble when things fail to go as planned. Look at each time I've encountered him. With my parents, he missed a detail and lost his power. With the stone, I didn't buy his lies. With the Chamber of Secrets, it was Fawkes, the sword, and me figuring the spell. Last year, it was our wands faltering. Our best option is to think on our feet because he can't anticipate everything we might come up with."
Sirius says, "Thoughtful but dangerous."
Harry says, "It's not safe anywhere as it's just a matter of how much time we have left, hours or days."
They round the corner to face a small group of mountain trolls.
Ron asks, "What do you suppose..."
Suddenly, they yielded and let them through. One of the trolls seems to recognize the three.
Ron says, "That one with the club looks familiar."
Harry says, "Should be, we met him in our first year. See the pattern on the trousers?"
Sirius asks with interest, "Trolls in your first year? Sounds like DADA was interesting."
Hermione says, "Yes, a troll but it was not DADA." She explains the incident minus her tears. She adds, "Later, we found out that Quirell let him in."
Sirius says, "No wonder the teachers hold a high impression of you, with you able handle a troll two months into your first year, James would not have done that."
Sirius sees the look on Harry's face and says, "Harry, don't fret. In some ways you two are the same, and in other ways you are quite different. I am glad to know you both."
Ron says, "Harry, there is one thing that we may have to do."
"What's that?" asks Harry.
"Kill." says Ron.
"That is not something to joke about." says Sirius.
"I'm not, but we need to consider it." says Ron.
"Ron, that is not funny." says Hermione.
"We won't kill." says Harry.
"Harry, what if it's the only way to survive? Or die?" asks Hermione.
"To murder would be a Dark Act, I will not. Death is preferable to murder." says Harry.
"Can you cast a Killing Curse?" asks Sirius.
"I've never tried." says Ron.
"You don't have enough time to really practice. Do you mind killing, say spiders?" asks Sirius.
Ron and Sirius fall back to behind Harry, Hermione, and Gia. Sirius assists Ron in practicing on nearby spiders. After a hour or so, Ron is able to kill spiders with ease.
"Are spiders easier than people?" asks Ron.
"Supposedly. In sixth year DADA, you practice on various small creatures. As you mentioned, sometimes it's a matter of life and death." says Sirius.
"Have you had to kill a person?" asks Harry.
"Fortunately, no. Some Aurors have." says Sirius.
Sometime around one they stop to eat. A female unicorn wanders up to them. Gia even strokes her a bit. She eats the stuff they offer her. She sees Harry and winks at him. After the group finishes eating, the unicorn follows a ways, then departs.
Gia says to Harry, "You're the best! Wow! A real unicorn!" She kisses him.
By four, they find themselves surrounded. The giant spiders that Harry and Ron had escaped three years earlier recognize them, and they are mad. They want meat and they are encroaching on them from all sides.
Ron is shaking with nerves and says, "Can't fly the Firebolts. Even with the girls' good figures, we can't all escape."
Hermione takes that as a compliment, but still she can't figure a way out of this one. With a feeling of foreboding doom, they grip each other tightly. Harry sets off several Dungbombs to no avail. Hermione tries stunning, but that only makes them madder and more menacing.
Hermione ignites a fire. The spiders halt at this, but the effect is temporary as she didn't conjure up a water-proof fire, and it fizzles from the damp underbrush. Then, comes a loud and fast crashing noise coming straight for them. Even the spiders take heed, but in the darkness of the forest canopy they couldn't make out the form until it got close. The light blinds them for a moment.
Ron says with amazement, "The Car! Get in."
Quickly they hop in. Sirius is definitely surprised.
Harry explains taking the car at the start of the second year and their subsequent trip into the forest.
Sirius says, "Flying a stolen car to Hogwarts? I'm surprised Dumbledore didn't expel you. ... Harry, I do not hold you to most of the school rules because the Marauders realized something. These adventures you are having are what you remember and what you take from Hogwarts. Enjoy them while they last."
Around five, the car arrives at the edge of the forest parking behind Hagrid's Hut. They get out and approach the back door. Fang realizes scratching is up so he is scratching wildly at the door. Harry opens the door and Fang looks very excited as Ron, Hermione, Gia, and Snuffles follow into the hut. They close the door. Harry grabs some of Hagrid's treacle fudge and feeds it to Fang.
Harry takes out the Marauder's Map, sets it on the table, and activates it. Harry whispers, "We are going to wait until nine, that gives us four hours to rework the Portkeys and stay out of sight. We can't light any fires or make this hut looked lived in. Hagrid is supposed to be in the castle after all. Talking might also raise the alarm."
Hermione grabs Ron's and Harry's Portkeys, and she sets them onto the table. Hermione fidgets with them and then hands them back. She whispers, "With these modifications, they will enter the castle but will only work once. After entering, we are stuck. Sirius, insufficient Portkeys and you have a death warrant to be served by the swarms of demeantors."
Snuffles ignores the scandalous way the four keep themselves quiet. Harry, Ron, Hermione, and Gia take advantage of the big furniture and their passions. They snog and grope quietly. Snuffles noses about but keeps quiet.
About seven thirty noises come from nearby outside the hut.
Hagrid says, "Dunno why yeh want to go through the forest. Still, need Fang for that."
The teens quickly bunch tightly onto Hagrid's bed. Harry gets out his Invisibility Cloak and tosses it over them as they huddle very tightly together. Hagrid looks in, and pauses. He closes the door a bit and turns to some people outside.
Hagrid says, "You know, if you cover your heads with your robes, you'll seem scarier to the creatures in the forest."
Quickly, Harry covers Ron's exposed head.
Crabbe says, "We have to check the forest. Somebody might try to use it."
"Who in their right minds go through that forest?" asks Hagrid.
Nott says, "People have gone into that forest before. We need to check it. We'll start with your hut."
Nott, Crabbe Sr, and Hagrid enter the hut.
Nott says, "Master is concerned that Potter may be nearby."
Hagrid says, "Him here? Did you see the Daily Prophet? They seem too busy to bother."
Nott says, "Propaganda perhaps."
Hagrid says, "As yeh two can't clearly don't see anybody here, lets check that forest. It's been a while since I've seen Aragog. Come Fang!"
Fang follows a smiling Hagrid out the door. Crabbe Sr and Nott follow, closing and locking the door.
Nott says, "There. They can't use the hut if its locked."
The footsteps fade off. Snuffles watches as the teens turn their attention back to each other.x
