Hermione viciously read through the headlines on the Daily Prophet. She was searching, searching for any shred of information pertaining to Harry's whereabouts. She had brought her stack with her to breakfast. China, India, America, Columbia, France, Germany, Armenia, Israel, Saudi Arabia… The list went on. Harry had been very busy in the last few weeks, and it was unlikely he was coming back. There had been no direct attacks from HIM, but there had been other things that seemed very suspicious, and Harry was probably in danger. He would be safe at Hogwarts, and he would be coming back. Yes he would. Because Hermione Granger had a plan.

            "Would you stop it already?" groaned Lavender, as she pushed Hermione's papers away. Hermione just glared. It was all she ever needed. Hermione returned to her newspaper. This one had nothing suspicious in it. She folded it up and destroyed it with her wand. She wouldn't be caught polluting. Finally satisfied with her work this morning, she glanced up and down the table. Lavender and Parvati were giggling out of control with Ginny. It was quite pathetic. Although, she couldn't say she wasn't at all interested in what they were say "…and it had this unbelievably silk. The softest fabric you could ever touch, and it's warm, and I had the woman take it in around my back to make my breasts more prominent. It really is a splendid dress. I can't wait to put it on…" Hermione snickered at their remarks. Getting all messed up about clothing was just silly. She turned to looked down the other end of the table as Ron slid in next to her. She looked at him quizzically. They had stopped talking to each other, and him sitting next to her meant something was going on.

            "Look, Hermione, I know we weren't the best…couple, but I was thinking that we were always good friends, and I don't want to make you feel uncomfortable, so you can always say no, if you want, but I was wondering if, you could, well, you know. If we could-" Ron began.

            "Out with it, Weasley" Hermione said. He had taken her patience to the limit weeks ago, and she wasn't going for any of his crap.

            "I wanted to know if you would go to the Ball with me, as friends, of course" Ron finished. He looked like a kid watching the cookie jar, waiting for it either to fall and show it's treasure, or be taken away.

            "Ball?" was the only word that Hermione could express.

            "Um, yeah. The one tonight. The Holloween Ball?" Ron said. Hermione was totally baffled. She didn't know that there was a Ball tonight. 'Maybe if you paid a little more attention to your surroundings…' she chastised herself.

            "Yeah, Ron. Fine. But ONLY, as friends" Hermione finished. Ron beamed at her, and gave her a small hug. The touch of another person was not altogether unwelcomed. Ron got up to leave, but a cold drawl stopped him.

            "How touching, the muggle-lover has found himself a mudblood. Crabbe, give me your hanky, I think I'm going to cry" Malfoy sneered. His piercing eyes darted down the table for a flash. Hermione checked to see what he was looking at. Nothing seemed out of place.

            "Sod off, Malfoy. No one likes you, or your cowardice" Hermione spat. She knew she said something wrong as soon as the grin appeared on his face.

            "Cowardice you say. I say the person with real cowardice was too afraid to even come back. He couldn't even take one more year with the guilt he has for killing Cedric Diggory." A wave of gasps filled the air, followed by total silence.

            "Mr. Malfoy…" Hermione had never heard the Headmaster sound so angry, "…you will refrain from suggesting any such notion, especially, when you know better. And if you feel the need to slander Mr. Potter, I suggest you hold yourself until this evening. Good Day!" Malfoy knew he was being dismissed, and he lowered his head, his face turning bright red. He turned and proudly walked out of the circle he had created. Hermione was still reeling from the experience, and didn't notice when the Headmaster put his hand on her shoulder.

            "This goes for all of you. No one, shall insult the memory of Cedric Diggory while I am headmaster. If you feel the need, I suggest you take a holiday. Even insinuating that Mr. Potter was involved with be interpreted as disrespectful, and the result will be expulsion" Dumbledore finished. "Enjoy the rest of the day" he said in his good mannered voice. The silence of the crowd was quickly destroyed, as all the students departed; some to their common rooms, some to Hogsmeade, and some to nowhere in particular. Hermione, upon realizing that she didn't have a dress, went to Hogsmeade alone.

/\/ /\/ /\/ /\/ /\/ /\/ /\/ /\/

            "How do I look?" Hermione asked as she exited the bathroom. Lavender and Parvati both turned their heads.

            "You look…nice" Parvati said, while sending a worried glance towards Lavender. Lavender dug into her cosmetics kit and took out a small vial. She walked over to Hermione as Parvati went back to working on her hair.

            "Take this" Lavender said, "It'll take away the circles under your eyes. I know you don't like make-up so much, but this will help." Hermione looked into Lavender's eyes, and Lavender nodded. Hermione took it, and with one swift gulp she downed the sour beverage. She felt a tingling around her eyes, and her entire face relaxed.

            "Thank you, Lav" Hermione said, letting a small smile slip through her face.

            "My pleasure" smiled Lavender in return. Hermione went back into the bathroom to work on her hair. Parvati went over to Lavender.

            "What are the side effects?" Parvati asked in a hushed whisper.

            "Oh, it'll only lighten her mood. This one's all natural. Made somewhere in France" Lavender responded. Hermione exited the bathroom again. Her hair was let down. Her curls had lost their friskiness, and fell into more wavy locks of honey brown. Lavender smiled.

            "You look great, sweety" Lavender cooed. Parvati nodded in agreement.

/\/ /\/ /\/ /\/ /\/ /\/ /\/ /\/

            Ron waited. He wasn't nervous. Actually he wasn't even excited. He just wanted to get the whole dance over with. He had a strong feeling that he'd be bored out of his mind. He looked up as Lavender came down the stairs and met with Seamus. He couldn't help undressing her with his eyes. She really had a nice body. He automatically licked his lips, and with a silent groan, turned and watched the stairway to the girl's dormitories for any sign of his date. Finally she came down, wearing a pastel blue gown. It wasn't particularly flashy, but she looked nice in it. He smiled at her, and held out his arm for her.

            He could tell she didn't trust him, and was awkward about it. He knew right then, it would be a very long night. Maybe if he had enough punch he would be able to worm his way out. They had silently marched down to the Great Hall, and Hermione saw Dumbledore approaching to a short man who appeared to have recently entered, as the main doors close loudly behind him.

            "I didn't know if you were going to make it. I expected you sooner." Dumbledore said quietly, but she slowed down Ron so she could hear every word.

            "I know. I got, distracted on my way here. They come in flocks, you know. I don't think they wanted me to get here." The little man said. Hermione felt that he was about up to her chin, but his voice was deep.

            "How serious did it get?" Dumbledore said. Hermione realized that she and Ron were the only one's left in the Entrance Hall; everyone else had made into the Great Hall.

            "A few unforgivables. My broom is now entirely gone. It wasn't too bad. I think tonight'll be a bit worse. If that was what they had out to stop me from getting here, than I suspect it'll be a stronger offensive now that I'm here." The man finished. Hermione and Ron had entered the Great Hall and the man and Dumbledore enter right behind them. "You have it for me?" the man asked. Hermione heard the ruffling of parchment. "Thanks. I'll tell you when it's about to begin" the man finished. Dumbledore made it to the front where the Staff table was still situated.

            "MY DEAR STUDENTS, WELCOME TO THE HOLLOWEEN FESTIVITIES OF THE EVENING. I HOPE YOU ENJOY THE EVENING, AS WELL AT THE MAGICAL OCT-TET, ONE OF THE MOST FAMOUS WIZARDING BANDS IN THE WORLD. (cheers) HAVE A SPLENDID EVENING."

            Hermione turned around once more to get a good look at the man. His long black hair covered his features, as he stared queerly at the wall. A sudden resemblance struck her.

            "Harry?" she said. Ron took a second look at the man. The man turned to them. His face let out a weak grin.

            "Ah-hah. Ron and Hermione. Good to see you, both of you. I must have missed you on my way in" Harry said. It aggravated her. How could he just pass them off like that. No explanation, no apologies, not even a formal greeting. And how could he even imply that she was with Ron. She remembered that her arm was in his, and slowly and deliberately separated herself. Ron felt her tension.

            "I'll go get us all some drinks" Ron began to leave.

            "No, I got it covered" Harry said brightly. He opened his hand and held it out. He closed one eye like he was aiming. There was the sound of something moving quickly in the air, and surely a glass of punch flew into Harry's open hand. He handed it to Hermione, and then got one for Ron. Ron looked awestruck, and Hermione upset. Her face slowly relaxed, though against her will. She stepped forward.

            "We missed you…" she said as she placed her hand on his arm, then quickly withdrew it. "Ew, it's wet." Then she looked at her fingers. "Oh my god, Harry it's blood!" She said loudly. Harry sighed in understanding.

            "I forgot to check and see if it opened up again. If it doesn't heal soon, I swear I'm going to get an infection" Harry said jokingly. He lifted the sleeve of his robe, revealing a short deep slash across his forearm, a couple inches below his elbow. "I'll be back in a minute. Don't you two wait up for me" Harry called, while sending Ron a wink. Harry took the fingers of which Hermione had picked up blood, and wiped them on his robes. He then turned and left the Great Hall, a frown playing on his lips. Ron and Hermione stood in silence for a few second, until Ron couldn't take it any longer.

            "Wanna dance?" Ron asked softly, knowing he was treading on thin ice. Hermione nodded decisively, and led him out to the dance floor. It was a moderate piece, and they started swaying towards the music.

            Hermione wished she had a watch. She couldn't tell time, but three songs later Harry return and went back to looking at the wall. In a flash there was an elevated chair, like the ones the lifeguards used at the public pool. Harry climbed up on top, and sat down, watching glumly over the proceedings. Hermione took her leave from Ron. Ron looked grateful to be able to leave the dance floor, until Ginny came up and grabbed him before he could sit. Hermione could tell that Ron was trying to be upset at Ginny for grabbing him, but she saw the happiness in his eyes. Ron wasn't a bad guy. No he wasn't. Hermione turned away and guided herself to the bottom of Harry's throne, as Malfoy quickly named it. Harry didn't seem to care.

            "Can I have a dance with my best friend?" Hermione said up to him. He glanced down at her, his face showed a small smile, but his eyes were frowning. They were frowning so distinctly that it made her freeze.

            "Maybe later. I have something to take care of first" Harry said warmly. He was trying to be nice. That was comforting. He sighed and stared back across the sea of dancing students. Hermione saw that Dumbledore was watching Harry intently, and he had his wand. The teachers never brought their wands to Balls. Flitwick had his wand in his pocket, too. So did McGonagal. She turned back to Harry in time to see him lace a piece of parchment into his pocket.

            "How long is it going to take?" Hermione pressed, her anxiety growing.

            "I honestly don't know, but I'll tell you when it's over. Go out there and get Ron. He looks dead bored sitting there by himself" Harry said. She turned to see Ron sitting alone with about six glasses from the punch. Sudden guilt overcame her, and she frowned.

            "I want my dance by the end of the night" she said firmly as she turned away and stomped over to Ron. Harry grinned at her retreating form, and took out the Marauder's Map. He sat back and watched it intently. Ignoring the entire rest of the dance. He didn't see Malfoy preparing himself to face Harry. He didn't see Lavender place a kiss on Ron's cheek. He didn't see Hermione sit in the corner and sip her drink, staring at him, as if he were about to disappear. Suddenly he stood up sharply, gathering the attention of most of the students, but the entire faculty was watching him. Harry put out his hand and the music stopped. Dumbledore started walking briskly towards Harry, but Harry didn't have the time. Malfoy saw this as his perfect chance to fight the bastard, but stopped and retreated when he saw Dumbledore approaching.

            "The statue of the one eyed witch, and the mirror on the fourth floor" Harry said. It was all Harry said before disappearing. There was a loud gasp as Dumbledore went over to the double doors which marked the division between the Entrance Hall and the Great Hall. All of the other attending professors joined him.

            "Minerva, Alastor, Vector, to the mirror on the fourth floor. Myself, Flitwick, Sprout, to the one eyed witch. Be cautious, they aren't here to play games" Dumbledore looked grave, but a fire was beginning to glow in his eyes.

            "What is going on Albus, where am I going?" Snape said. He looked thoroughly confused, as if he was the only professor not informed of what was happening. Hermione notice he didn't even have his wand.

            "Stay here with the students, Severus. Keep them safe" Albus said before all of the teachers left. Hermione suddenly remembered that the one eyed witch was the entrance to the hidden passageway into Hogmeade. Someone was trying to break into Hogwarts. She covered her mouth to stop her shrill scream from escaping. She didn't need to panic the others, she was going to panic enough on her own. No one seemed to want to continue dancing. Snape turned around and he looked disappointed, like the one kid not picked for a pick-up  game of quidditch.

            "Does anyone have their wand on them?" Snape asked in a quiet and depressed sigh. A young Hufflepuff raised his hand. "May I borrow it, for a short while?" Snape asked. The boy seemed too scared to say no, and he handed it to Snape. Snape opened the doors to the Great Hall, and stood ready in the archway, waiting for anything. There was a loud bang that they felt through the stone floor. The whole castle seemed to groan. Another bang echoed through the halls, followed by loud yells to cut up by the echoes, that they made no sense. And then there was silence. The minutes ticked away. There was another crushing explosion, and then silence. Everyone was now worried. Nothing like this had ever happened before. Professor Vector came into Snape's view, and he was stumbling with an injured leg. It was bandaged well, but it was still stained red. Snape didn't even have to ask. Vector seemed in bad enough spirits to let it all out.

            "Bastards came with more than we all expected. They knew we would be there waiting for them, and they came out firing. We were about to be romped, when Potter shows up with four unconscious bastards in tow. He makes a few explosions, and the two left standing take the three he knocked out and bolt. He then goes down to help the others. Dumbledore it the only one left standing. Against five of his own. I was just behind potter, but I didn't see what he did. As soon as Dumbledore hit the ground, all five went down too. Potter packed them up and put them in a classroom without their wands. Locked them in. He started getting all the wounded to take them to Poppy, I'm the only one left standing. I think Albus was hit hard, because he put the boy in charge of the entire bloody school. I know he isn't that crazy. But it's headmaster's orders-" Vector said as Harry limped down with five stretchers in tow. He sent a weak smile toward the gaping students.

            "Severus," Harry began, extracting a very apparent scowl on Snape's face, "I need three general healing draughts, two strong pain killers, and five sleeping potions, and the best restorative potion you have" Harry said, somehow showing respect to the oily wizard.

            "Poppy- Madame Pomfrey has all those things" Snape said.

            "No, someone on the inside," Harry's eyes trailed over to Malfoy's "cleared out her medicine cabinet ten minutes before the start of the Ball. We need them, especially the restorative potion. He needs it badly" Harry said while looking fondly at Flitwick. Blood was coming out of his ears. A very bad sign. Snape nodded and took off running. Harry turned to Professor Vector. "Do you mind taking them all to the Hospital wing? It seems you need to go there yourself" Harry said nicely. Vector nodded and looked out into the sea of kids.

            "Don't be too harsh on them" He said with a faint smile. Harry returned it. Vector used his wand and walked up the stairs in the direction of the Hospital Wing. Harry turned to the crowd of worried eyes. He went up into his chair and looked down at them. He knew they had lost the mood to dance and celebrate. He did too, the only difference is he never wanted to in the first place.

            "Alright, we were attacked, but we knew beforehand of it, and we were able to stop it. No one is in too serious of a condition, and I am confident that all of your professors will be up and about tomorrow" Harry said with the best smile he could manage. He was about to have the band begin again when one of the few voiced he despised spoke up.

            "I don't know about that. They all seemed messed up pretty badly for such a small attack, how many were there, a dozen of them, and you only captured how many?"

            "Ten of fifteen" Harry said confidently. Malfoy visually gulped. "Don't worry Draco, your father was saved by a couple of his friends, he got away nicely" Harry finished. Draco turned red with hate. Harry had just called his father a deatheater in front of the entire student body, third years and up.

            "Oh, and you say a weak attack. Do you know of the divisius potentious spell, Malfoy?" Malfoy nodded through his growing hate. "Do you know what it does?" Malfoy nodded again. "Well, I'm just going to say that it was used tonight, which means that it was like he was really here, yet he still couldn't take the school. Amazing, isn't it. It looks like he isn't so powerful after all" Harry finished. He had lost most of the people by now, but Hermione was hanging onto his every word.

            "I don't believe you, after all, you killed Cedric Diggory" There was a sharp return of attention to Harry, who sighed and sat back. Malfoy was expecting retaliation, and fingered his wand greedily, it was his chance to get his revenge.

            "No, I didn't kill him, but I was a key factor in his death. I was unsure whether your father would tell you the details of that night or not. I guess not. You see Draco, I was the cause of his death, because when we both refused the cup, Me, in my idiocy, suggested that we both take it. He agreed. We didn't know it was a portkey which would take us to the old home of Tom Riddle. I didn't know I was going to cause his death, but yes, I was involved, even if accidentally, and unintentionally. Even if I was trying to become a dark wizard, like you would want everyone to think, what would I have gained from killing him? He was a nice guy, with his values in the right place. (By now, Cho was crying) He was more brave than I'd ever seen a Gryffindor, and more intelligent than I'd ever seen a Ravenclaw, he did nothing to deserve his death, just like I did nothing to deserve my life. It was all a matter of chance. Chance I say, because I do not believe in fate, or destiny. They are both tools of the hopeful fool. You must know that of the six hundred true predictions of seers, only forty eight have come true. That tells you something, doesn't it. And although I was a tool in Cedric's Death, your father has been much more than a tool in the deaths of, he records them, and I think the last number was seventy four, as of last week, but hey, I'm not one to judge others. Dumbledore tells me that you were told if you insulted Cedric's memory you'd be expelled. So, I am asking you as a person on the sidelines, just watching what happens, shouldn't you be packing your things? I know you always wanted to go to Durmstrang" Harry finished, leaving the hall wide eyed, breathless, and shivering despite the warmth of the room. Draco looked like he was going to explode.

            "You have no proof" Draco sneered. He knew he was backed into a corner.

            "Other than the nearly seven hundred witnesses, Dumbledore hears everything I hear. You know a speak-o-graph. You have one with your father, you know how they work. Dumbledore is listening to everything you say, and I say, and is telling me instructions as to what I should do with you students. He wants you to go to your dormitory, and says you will talk later with him in his office" Harry said. Despite the growing grins on all the Gryffindor's faces, Harry remain unmoved by the antics of Malfoy.

            "You can't make me do anything" Malfoy growled while drawing his and stepping back into a dueling position. The silence returned.

            "Albus, he's drawn his wand" Harry said. "No, I can definitely handle this" Everyone saw Harry touch his fingernail. He slid off his chair and fell ten feet to the floor. He stumbled a little before gaining his balance and pulling up his pant leg. There was a large area where the skin had been removed, where the blood slowly soaked through. "Forgot 'bout that" Harry muttered before turning his attention to a very excited Draco.

            "Are you sure you want to be embarrassed that badly?" Harry asked, amusement gone from his voice.

            "Venomous" was the response he got. Draco shot venom at his eyes. Harry knew he couldn't dodge it. Well, he could, but then the people behind him wouldn't be able to. Harry put up his hand and the venom began to slow down. A cup appeared and the venom fell into it. Every drop. Harry picked up the cup and took a sip.

            "Need's sugar." He said before placing the cup on one of the steps of his elevated chair. Draco was surprised. Harry didn't even have his wand out. Draco yelled another spell which created a cage around Harry. Harry walked through it. Draco sent fire at Harry. Harry made a muggle joke by pulling out a large marsh-mellow. Draco could judge from the laughter that he was being teased. Draco sent the most powerful legal pain curse he could think of. Harry had been waiting for this. He had expected it.

            Harry felt the burning start at his toes and slowly work it's way up his body. His knees gave out, but he refused to make any noise of pain. Everyone watched as his jaw quivered and his muscles became flexed. Harry forced himself to think that he was floating through the water, a cool refreshing flow of water, washing through his body. The oldest psychology trick there was.

            Harry opened his eyes and stood up. He had beat a pain curse. Everyone was looking at him with newfound respect. Draco was shaking in fear. Harry wasn't supposed to be able to do that. Harry walked over to Draco and calmly plucked his wand from the shaking hand.

            "This is over now. Got to your dormitory, and await Professor Dumbledore" Harry said in a low voice, but Draco wasn't ready yet. As Harry turned around Draco drew a knife. Harry heard it exit the sheath. He knew that it wasn't going to be a clean blade. Draco charged a retreating Harry, and Harry turned around a second too slow and the knife nicked the side of his neck. Harry fell as Draco's body met his. Draco stumbled as Harry slowly got to his feet. The anger in Harry's eyes was hidden, as Harry's mind turned the knife on Draco.

            Draco panicked as his arm turned the knife on himself. It went against his own skin and was pressed against it roughly.
            "How do I stop it Draco?" Harry asked, his voice filled with malice.

            "Like I would tell you" Draco spat. In a flash, Draco was chained to the floor. Both his legs and the one arm which didn't hold the knife. Draco's arm holding the knife drove the knife deep into his chest, and then pulled it out.

            "Now, you fucking idiot. You can tell me how to save us both, or we both suffer the consequences, although, judging from the injuries, you will have to suffer more." Harry said. Blood was pouring from the hole in Draco's chest, and saturated his velvet dress robes. Draco seemed to be fighting with his own mind.

            "It's Basilisk Venom. I don't…" Draco coughed, "…I don't know how to stop it." His last words came with tears. Harry was cursing under his breath. He used all the magic he could to summon what he needed. In seconds, Fawkes came in through the gateway near the ceiling from which owls usually entered. She wasn't flapping her wings, so it appeared like she was flying by her own power. She landed on Harry's shoulder, and he rubbed her head gently. She let out a note before crying large jelly-looking tears. Harry used his finger and took it, and ripped open Draco's robes. He placed the tear there, and then another. He put down a total of six tears in Draco's wound. He was beginning to feel light headed, and finally started placing them on his neck. He felt it instantaneously. The wound closed, and his energy was renewed. Draco wiped the blood away revealing a dark scar, but no wound. He wiped his own tears away and stood in front of Harry.

            "You, you all saw it, he tried to kill me!" Draco screamed to the crowd they didn't seem at all affected by his remarks. Not even the Slytherins. Draco was hysterical, yelling it over and over again. Finally Harry put it to an end.

            "In almost killing you, I saved us both, and saving two lives is more noble than killing one, even for you" Harry said. "Now, you are leaving here, or I am escorting you away. It is your choice." Draco was defeated, in every aspect of the word. He hid his face, and his tears as he nearly ran from the Great Hall. Harry watched as Pansy ran out after him. Harry pet Fawkes lightly on the head, before giving her a kiss, and sending her off into the rafters. The crowd seemed totally surprised when the music started again. Few wanted to dance,  and they dispersed to their seats. Harry, with some difficulty climbed back up to his watching chair, and sat down. He was once again full of life, a side effect of the tears from a phoenix. People kept looking warily at him. Few saw him tap his fingernail. He had a long conversation in silence with Dumbledore. He was pleased that after a while, people began to return to the dance floor. He wasn't going to enforce the six inch rule, so he amusedly described the scene to the headmaster as the dancing students danced very close to each other. Seamus was dancing with Lavender, who seemed to be watching Ron and Parvati dance. Hermione Harry couldn't spot, until he looked down to check on his leg. She was standing right below him. Concern was written in her eyes, and indifference into his.

            "Can I have a dance now?" Hermione asked. He had to admit, she looked nice in the dress she was wearing. He lifted his pant leg once again, showing off the large, but not life threatening wound. It was the only explanation he needed. She wasn't about to give up.

            "When are you leaving?" she asked.

            "When I get what I came for. It could take a few days, knowing Dumbledore" Harry responded.

            "What was that spell that the attacker's used?" she asked.

            "It doesn't matter if I tell you or not, you'll just look it up anyway" Harry said. She silently agreed.

            "What are you getting before you leave?" she asked.

            "A big walking stick, anything else?" He asked. He used his mind to separate Ginny from a Hufflepuff boy, before Ron found out. She didn't want to push him, she wanted him to see what he was giving up.

            "I missed you" She said quietly. She was slightly uneasy, but she wouldn't look away, it would only be making her feelings obvious.

            "I haven't had much time to miss anything" He said heavily. She knew he wasn't going to give her any straight answers.

            "So, how did you manage to disappear?" She asked softly. She assumed that he thought this would take a while, because he lowered his chair, and placed one next to his for her. She gladly took it.

            "Dumbledore decided to tell me I could apperate through the wards" Harry said like it was nothing big. He even seemed ashamed of it. She kept her silence as the music went on. She just watched the crowd with him, and he was content just to watch. It struck her, that he saw himself as an outsider, and this was where he felt he belonged. Watching over everyone else, whether it hurt them or not.

This is my longest chapter in recent history. I hope you enjoy it. A bit of action, a bit of Draco bashing, a very confused and obedient Snape. I think I did alright. Oh, my two tests yesterday. I got an 82 on my AP Physics C midterm, very happy about that, but I don't know what I got on Psychology, guess I'll have to wait and see. Now, to my precious reviewers.

CBsha- I'm glad you came through and liked it, even more that you reviewed. Oh, Harry's growing, but in the wrong direction. I hope to see a review from you again, and wish you the best of your reading, --chelle.

Angel- I'm flattered that you think so highly of my work, and hope that you don't stay up too late while reading. Ron and Hermione never really got a chance to tell him. It was never comfortable enough. They have grown apart, and things have become awkward between them. Harry will find out though. He will find out when he really needs to. He just wants them to be safe and happy.

Kate- I agree, we all want Harry to be taller, and he does have enough to worry about, but his height is more important than just a physiological reversal. There is a serious underlying problem here, and I can't tell you until later on.

Zoot- From now on I no longer am typing out the rest of Vampiric Vampire. It's too long and I mess it up too often. No, the next parts starting here will no be as long. I was thinking of reposting everything into longer and fewer chapters. Combining  them for practicality, but I won't do it yet. When or if I get near fifty or sixty chapters, I feel I won't have any choice in the matter, but for now it remains the same. You see after this chapter that Harry keeps seeing Hermione and Ron as together. It will contribute to his state of mind. I get giddy just thinking about what's coming up, but I can't say anything, oh how I want to. Don't worry about any evidence of brownies, I make special brownies all the time. All you do is make brownies, then take chocolate icing and spell out special. Then you give them to your parents and see how they react. It's quite funny indeed. Just hide around the corner and watch them poke and sniff them suspiciously. Anyway, I better move on to my next reviewer before I pass out from drinking a carton and a half of orange juice. Don't ask. Thanks for sticking around.

Jarvey- Insanity is fun, I have had the pleasure of experiencing it every once in a while. If you come across any advice, even if it is tiny, just let me know. I'd love to hear it.

Rogue17520- This is not leaning towards a Ron/Hermione ship. I feel violated having you even suggest that. Harry's Firebolt was originally splintered and bent when he flew at records speed to where the deatheaters sent a neighbor hood on fire, and made a girl watch. Chapter 21, I believe. I hope I do change your mind, because Ron and Hermione is one of those few things I just can't stand.

NAPPA- Thanks for the luck on my exams, most are done. I got one left tomorrow, or Thursday. This story is continuing, but now it will have a different set up. Harry will be off, hopping around the globe, getting himself into all kinds of trouble. It'll be fun to write, and I hope it'll be as much fun to read. I'm glad you like my mistakes, I can't say I enjoy them as much as you do, but I guess I can accept it. I hope to see your name in my reviews soon. Have a nice day, evening, or night, depending on when you read this.

Sugar Quill- I'm delighted to be on the receiving end of your longest review. I hope you keep enjoying my story, an here is the next part. Have fun.

Thank you everyone, you all mean a lot to me. I hope I got everyone, and you received the answers or responses you wanted. Have fun reading, and I hope to hear from you all soon.