Disclaimer: I do not own any part of Harry Potter or its surrounding
properties; they belong to the wonderful JK Rowling. I own my computer and
my brain. ( In the words of my Beta: Brain? What brain? There's a brain?)
Twigs: Wow! The reviewers were really incredible this round. We got a total of 12 reviews for chapter 8! During that time we also got 4 additional reviews submitted for other chapters...they did a great job, didn't they kanga? *pauses as Kanga doesn't respond* Kanga?
Kanga: Oh, what, I'm sorry were you talking to me? *looks preoccupied*
Twigs: Why yes, do you care to join me? *chorus sniffles laughs*
Kanga: I'm really sorry, I was just looking at some of these reviews. It looks like people had some really varied feelings about you taking Percy last chapter.
Twigs: Yeah, I realized that. I got everything from thank-you to how could you? I wish I could tell you why, but just trust me in the fact that I wouldn't just take character's lives at random- there is a reason. I just hope that when the stories played itself out and we're all sitting here looking back on it that two things will have happened. First of all, I hope that every single one of you that has reviewed my story in the past will still be with me, that we'll be able to look back at the story together. Secondly, I hope that everyone who is sitting with me there will be smiling. That everyone overall enjoyed the story, because it will all play itself out, it does have a plot. I promise you that much.
Kanga: Wow.guys..Twigs has gone profound on us. Run!!!! She's going philosophical!! Run for the hills!!! *sniffles* Our little Twigs is all grown up!
Twigs: Cram it Kanga!
Kanga: *smiles and carries on* Anyways, while we're on the subject of Twig's intelligence, why doesn't she explain to us why there wasn't a trivia question last chapter?
Twigs: I was actually thrilled that none of my reviewers commented on it, made me feel like less of an idiot. Less of what I really was when I sent that chapter in. It was late at night and I had just finished the dialogues so I was feeling really smart with myself. I'll admit that I should have double checked things one last time, but I just really wanted to get it out! *puts on pouty face*
Kanga: Ahh, that's attractive. It's alright Twigs, no need to throw a fit: remember what I've told you about excuses as well. How about you make it up to us this chapter though? How about two opportunities for clues? *chorus claps*
Twigs: Sure.fine *idea registers*.yeah, I know what I could do, I could do 2 opportunities this time, I am a genius! So, you see guys, I'm not a complete idiot, I do make up for the errors in my ways.
Kanga: *rolls eyes* It's okay Twigs, it's really okay, there is help for people like you. Anyways, Twigs, we're both gonna shut up right now because they want chapter 9, not our sorry yapping! *fans nod fervently*
Twigs: Okay, okay. Shall I do the honors?
Kanga: Doesn't she always? (to fans)
Twigs: *glares at Kanga* The bullhorns please *bull horns blow*.I present to you chapter 9!
Chapter 9 Tears...of Joy?
The next day dawned with a very depressing tone to it. Five minutes after I rose, I opened the window to let Hedwig in. I had left her at the Weasleys with instructions to send her once school started, then she wouldn't have to deal with the train ride. When I untied the piece of parchment from her leg, it brought only sorrowful news.
Dear Harry, Ron, and Ginny,
As all three of you are probably aware of by now, our dear Percy is now longer with us. I know that this must be rough for you as well, you are all are just children and shouldn't have to deal with what's coming to the Wizarding world at a very fast pace. Anyways, I just wanted to inform you that the day of Percy's funeral has been set for Saturday the 5th of September. I would like all of you to be there. I hope you will comfort each other in this time of loss and know that both Minerva and Albus have extended arms should you ever need them. I am very sorry for our loss and I hope that you can all forgive Percy- I'm just sorry it took his death to gain this. See you on the 5th.
Love,
Mum
P.S.- I would be touched if Hermione would come as well. Please extend an invitation to her.
I looked down at the tear stained parchment and my heart ached. I noticed that Mrs. Weasley had addressed the letter to me, as well as her children. It had always touched me, and always would, that time and time again she referred to me and treated me as one of her own. I sighed, as I looked over at Ron's bed. Yesterday had been a rough day for all of us, and I just hoped that both he and Ginny were feeling better this morning. Ron began to stir under his covers. He sat up in his bed and pulled back the curtains.
"Harry, is that you?" he asked, while rubbing the sleep out of his eyes.
"Yes Ron, it's me." I responded. I grabbed his robe of the hook and tossed it in his direction. He caught it, and tied it around himself before walking groggily towards his dresser.
"Have you already showered?" he asked, as he started towards the bathroom.
"Yes, I was just about to dress. Why don't you shower and than we can go down to breakfast with Ginny and 'Mione?" I suggested. He looked at me with a smirk on his face.
""Mione? Oh goodness, you've already started pet-naming her, may goodness help us all." Ron said kidding as he headed towards the shower. I went over to swat him but he closed the door on me, before I could. I walked towards my chest of drawers shaking my head in mirth. I pulled out my Hogwart's uniform and put it on. After pulling on my robe I felt complete. It felt so good to be in my Hogwart's attire again. The beginning of the school year always seemed to come with a certain ring to it. It held excitement and familiarity within its hands. Ron walked out of the bathroom and got dressed as well. When he was ready we headed down the stairs to the common room. Sure enough 'Mione and Ginny were already there.
"Feeling any better Gin?" I asked her, concern evident in my voice.
"A bit, I have a feeling that it will take more than just one night of tears to get over losing a brother though." she said, sighing with sorrow. I walked up and gave her a hug.
"You've always been like a sister to me, Ginny, and if you ever need any help with anything you know that you shouldn't hesitate to call on me, right?" I reassured her. She smiled at me.
"I know Harry; you've always been a seventh brother to me. Thanks though, it means a lot to me." Ginny said, giving me another reassuring smile. Though I knew that the smiles were covering up grief, I didn't think that she was in that bad shape and that helped to relax me a bit.
"Morning 'Mione, sleep well?" I asked. She smiled, and nodded.
"After last night my dreams were very sweet ones," she said. I smiled back at her, and gave her a peck on the cheek before we started heading down stairs. She didn't miss a beat and upon exiting the portrait hole she took my hand. I held onto it as well, enjoying being in her presence, despite the melancholy that was around us. Ron smirked at me, while Ginny smiled mischievously. I gave both of my 'siblings' a death glare and walked on. Upon entering the Great Hall, we saw that Professor McGonagall was already handing out the schedules for Gryffindor students. I sat down with the Weasleys and 'Mione and she immediately came up and handed us ours. I looked at my schedule first and this is how it read:
Monday:
Charms
Double Potions
Lunch
Magical Healing
Defence Against the Dark Arts
Herbology
Dinner
Tuesday:
Double Transfiguration
Magical Healing
Lunch
Duelling for Experts
Potions
Free Period
Dinner
Wednesday:
Double Defence Against the Dark Arts
Transfiguration
Lunch
Double Herbology
Potions
Dinner
Thursday:
Double Magical Healing
Transfiguration
Lunch
Free Period
Charms
Duelling for Experts
Friday:
Double Duelling for Experts
Herbology
Lunch
Defence Against the Dark Arts
Double Charms
Dinner
At the bottom of the schedule, in what looked like Professor Dumbledore's handwriting was a note:
Harry~
Occlumency lessons will take place on Tuesday and Thursday nights. You will rise at 6 am every morning for some physical training, and will take extra magical defence, as well as weapon defence on Monday, Wednesday and Friday nights. Occasionally we will ask for you to donate a Saturday or Sunday for the cause, but this will be as rare as we can make it. Good luck this year! Please feel free to come to me or your head of house with any issues pertaining to Voldemort or anything else you're dealing with.
Yours Sincerely,
Albus Dumbledore
I cringed at the site of my schedule. I was going to be VERY busy this year. Just than McGonagall tapped me on the shoulder.
"A word in my office when your done with breakfast please." She said, before walking out of the Great Hall. I looked to my friends for an answer, but all they did as shrug.
"What are your schedules like?" I asked them. Ginny just stated that her classes were more or less like the past year. She'd be preparing for her OWLS this year and I felt for her. Hermione was taking all the same classes as me, minus DADA and Magical Duelling, because she was training to become a nurse at St.Mungos, so she had an additional healing class, as well as 'charms for the future healer'. After Hogwarts, nurses- like aurors- had to go through additional training. Ron was going out for a job in the Muggles Rights department at the ministry and so he took Transfiguration, Charms, Herbiology, Business, Conflicting Cultures, Care of Magical Creatures and Advanced Muggle Studies. I was comforted with the fact that my friend's schedules were almost as full as mine. I looked at them in sympathy, as they too had the notes about morning training and magical/weaponry fighting. They didn't have Occlumency lessons, but that much was to be expected.
Taking the last few bites of my breakfast, I turned to my friends: "I'm going to go grab my books for Wednesday's schedule and then head to McGonagall's office for that chat she said that we needed to have." They nodded.
"You have Bill first today, but after double DADA, we'll see you in Transfiguration." Hermione said. I smiled at her, than nodded to Ron and Ginny and left. Upon reaching my dormitory I grabbed the books I'd need for DADA and Transfiguration. Throwing them into my book bag, I hustled down to McGonagall's office, so that I would be sure to see her before I had to go to my first class. I knocked at her office door lightly when I reached it. She called for me to come in. When I entered her office, she motioned for me to sit down in one of the chairs opposite her.
"Don't worry about being late to class Harry, I can detain you if necessary. I've asked you to come to my office for several reasons. Most of them are involving the Gryffindor quidditch team. You have accepted your captaincy?" she confirmed. I nodded and she continued. "Well in that case, I'm missing three chasers and two beaters. I'm counting on you, with the help of Mr.Weasley, to build up the rest of the Gryffindor team. Ms.Weasley has agreed to step down from seeker position, and become reserve seeker, without any fuss. I do believe though, that we need a whole set of reserves for the other positions. I trust you have your work cut out for you. Since I know that you will be attending to personal business this weekend, I suggest we hold tryouts for the weekend of the 19th. That'll leave plenty of time before the Welcoming Back Ball. I'm going to leave it to you to post appropriate fliers in the common room." I nodded in understanding. She paused for a long while.
"The second reason concerns your relationship with Remus Lupin," she said.
"What about it?" I asked in a panicked voice. She just smiled warmly at me.
"Don't worry about anything Mr Potter; I was just going to say that the weekend after this, he will be taking you out to dinner. That's how he wants to make it, the second Saturday of every month. In addition, if you ever need to contact him through Floo my fireplace is always open- just ask permission first. I'm afraid that if anything were to happen to you while using my fireplace I would be held responsible." she said. I nodded to her in response. "As long as you understand you may go now. I believe you will only be a few minutes late and that Professor Weasley will excuse your tardiness if you explain you were with me. If he gives you any trouble, just tell him to come to me." she said. I gave her one last smile before hurrying out of her office. I sprinted all the way to the DADA classroom, arriving there completely out of breath. I tried to just sneak off to my seat, but Bi-Professor Weasley wasn't about to let me get away with that.
"Mr.Potter, you are tardy. Do you have a detain?" he asked. I shook my head.
"I was with Professor McGonagall, she said that you can talk to her if you have any problems." I said. He nodded at me curtly.
"That being so, I hope that you won't make tardiness a bad habit." he said. I nodded at him, and took a seat near the back. He was throwing me death glares and I was pretty sure I didn't want to be any closer to him. He apparently was doing some basic tests on our knowledge of the practical defence arts. After Umbridge last year, there was really no way to know where we were. He was testing different people at different things though. He called me up to the front.
"Mr Potter, today you are going to teach the class how much you know about reflexes." he said. I nodded. The first couple of spells he threw at me, I easily put up shields for. Than he jabbed his wand at my guts, muttering a spell- I easily defended it but I winced a little while doing it. Unfortunately he noticed. My heart was racing, as sweat poured down my legs (under my uniform) and I began to hyperventilate a bit. I knew I had to get out of that room, before I humiliated myself.
"I need some air." I said quickly before jogging out of the room. Once I was safely in the hallway I sat down and leaned myself against the wall. I closed my eyes and tried to calm myself. This was Professor Weasley, not only was he the oldest brother of my best friend but he was also my professor. He was not out to hurt me, and I needed to learn to trust him. My gut still kind of held a gag reflex for me, and it was hard for me to be touched there. I opened my eyes and concentrated on breathing. Tears were forming in my eyes and a few of them had begun to fall. I looked to my right and saw Professor Weasley coming my way. I turned my head the other way and tried to regain control. He was at my side in a matter of seconds.
"Harry, what happened? Are you alright?" he asked, putting a hand on my shoulder, and steering my head so that I was looking him straight in the eyes. I continually tried to look down. I did not want him to think that someone in is NEWT DADA class winced at the motion of someone touching their guts.
"It's really nothing. Just give me a few minutes, I'll come back to class. Sorry for interrupting the lesson." I said. He shook his head at me.
"Harry I'm concerned about you. It's obviously not nothing. You can talk to me, remember, I'm a Weasley. I'm your best friend's older brother, you can trust me. I won't think anything less of you." He said.
"It's just that. How much do you know about what happened over the summer?" I asked him. Suddenly a look of realization occurred on his face, and he nodded gravely at me.
"Okay, I understand now. Harry, you have to trust me, because we'll be duelling many times during the next two years. I promise that I will never intentionally hurt you and that if an accident does occur and you are injured I'll see to it that you're healed. Harry, you're more than just a student to me, you're like family and I've got your back." He said. I smiled and nodded at him.
"Thanks." I said. He just smiled at me.
"Why don't you just go get yourself cleaned up, and than return to class. You're going to be okay?" he confirmed.
"Yep, I am now." I said. He gave me one last smile and walked back to his class. I walked to the bathroom and washed my face. After returning to the DADA classroom the rest of the week seemed to go by really quickly. Before I knew it, I was in Dumbledore's office flooing to The Burrow. Ron was on one side of me, Hermione on the other. Next to Hermione was Ginny, and next to Ginny was Bill.
"Who wants to go first?" Dumbledore asked. Nobody seemed to want to do this. I waited for a bit, and then finally raised my hand.
"I'll go first Professor Dumbledore." I said. Although the idea of being the first person Molly Weasley saw come out of the fireplace wasn't exactly appealing, I'd live. Besides I knew that it would be much harder for her children to do this. I stepped into the fire, dropped the Floo powder and screamed 'The Burrow' loud and clear. I felt the rushing feeling, and saw many fireplaces flash by before I landed roughly in the fireplace at The Burrow. Before I could even get up, I was pulled into the arms of none other than Molly Weasley. She kept swaying me back and forth telling me how happy she was that I had agreed to come.
"As you probably can tell, this really is a very difficult time for us all Harry, and I'm so happy that you could be with us. I know it means tonnes to the children and it also means a lot to me. I mean, after all you are practically family as it is." Mrs. Weasley said as she looked me in the eye.
"It was no problem really Mrs. Weasley." I said.
"Oh really Harry, drop the formalities. I've known you and loved you for so long. It's Molly or Aunt Molly if you'd prefer." she said. I smiled at her a bit.
"Sure thing, Aunt Molly." I replied. After so many years of considering them family it was great to finally get the title in. Hermione then stumbled out of the fireplace, followed by Bill, Ron and Ginny. Once we had all arrived, Aunt Molly called us into the living room.
"You can all just take your things up to your appropriate rooms. As it's Friday the funeral's not until tomorrow afternoon. I know you could all use a good night sleep so make yourself at home. Am I right in assuming that you've all been fed?" she asked.
"Yes, we have, Aunt Molly." I replied. Using the title for good measure, I suppose. She smiled at me, and signaled towards the stairs. We all picked up our small overnight bags and trudged up the stairs. When we reached Ron's room I placed my bag down on the spare cot and turned to face him.
"So, how are you feeling about tomorrow?" I asked tentatively. He frowned a bit.
"I'll be completely honest with you and say that I'm not exactly looking forward to it. I'm also a little worried that I'll lose control over my emotions, in front of everyone. I might even cry and that's a little frightening in itself. I want you to promise that whatever happens tomorrow, no matter how many times I tell you to leave me alone that you'll stay at my side. I've been having a lot of negative emotions lately and I think they might erupt tomorrow at that funeral home. I don't want to wander off and do something stupid." he said. I looked at my best friend.
"I promise Ron, no matter what, I'll remain at your side" I said. Whether this was meant in context to the moment or in context to life neither of us knew though I feel that it was probably both. "You're just stuck with me until the end of time." I added jokingly, to try to lighten up the moment.
"Really? Aw shucks! Well, I guess if I have to have a lifetime stalker, who better than you?" Ron kidded back. I swatted him and he pushed me around a bit. "Ron, come here I'll prove it. Trust me, OK." I said to him. He looked slightly puzzled but remained quiet. I reached into my bag and pulled out a penknife. Sirius' penknife. Dumbledore had fixed it. This would be the first time I would open it since the Department Of Mysteries. I flicked it open, let the light glint off it and then made a small cut across my right palm and allowed a little blood to pool in my hand. "Give me your hand." I said to Ron, he hesitantly passed me his own right hand. I looked into his eyes, trust shone through the blue irises, making them twinkle. I slowly passed the blade through his palm too, and again, allowed the blood to pool. I help up my bleeding hand and said "My blood." I took his bleeding hand with my left. "Your blood." I said. I pressed my cut to his, mixing the blood together. "Our blood." I declared. "I love you like a brother and my mind thinks of you as a brother, now we are Blood Brothers." I told him, looking into his eyes. "Harry.thanks. That meant so much to me, thanks, brother!" He said, raising our joined hands. I grinned at him and leant over to grab my wand, to heal the wounds when he said. "No, leave them. Every time we look at the scars, we'll think of each other. Anytime, anywhere. Even if you're not there with me, this scar will be."
"We should probably turn in for the night. Tomorrows going to be a big day." Ron said.
"Yeah, definitely." I agreed.
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ The Weasley home Saturday at One ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
"Ron! Harry! Hermione! Ginny! We have to go!" Aunt Molly screamed from downstairs. We were all dressed up in our finest dress robes, and the girls all had their faces and hair done up. A stranger to the situation could have easily assumed that we were going to a party of some sort. That's the ironic thing really- we get dressed up for celebrations and for mourning. Odd really how we consider both important, obviously for different reasons, and treat them to more or less the same attire. Provided all the clothing was rather dark, it still all worked. When we trooped down the stairs, I saw Aunt Molly and Uncle Arthur dressed up in their best too. Aunt Molly had worry and sorrow etched into her face and Uncle Arthur didn't look that much better. Ron looked panicky at the sight of his trembling mother, and I put my hand on his shoulder, he gave me a very forced smile before Aunt Molly started to speak.
"Okay guys, here's the plan. We floo to the Morganson Funeral Home in a few minutes. After we arrive, we take a seat in the front row, right across from Percy's open casket. The minister's going to say a few words. After he gives his little speech, to which all of our personal tributes have contributed too, we will walk single file past the casket. I hope you will all use this as a time to say goodbye. After the funeral is the burial, where we all get to watch as Percy's casket is dropped into a six feet deep hole. Than we go home. I sincerely just hope we can all make it through this." she said gravely, as her voice started to tremble and tears formed in her eyes. She than shook her head and all traces of teary eyes were gone- I could tell she was determined to stay strong. Bill grabbed some floo powder and flooed to the funeral home. Everyone else followed suit, with Uncle Arthur going last.
"Come on children." Aunt Molly said, ushering us to our seats once we arrived at the home. Several family members came up to offer their condolences for our 'loss' but they were few and far between. According to Ron, many of their family still hadn't forgiven Percy for the grief he put them through. I felt this wicked, and morally wrong. I mean, after all, he had died for the cause they were mad at him for not supporting. If offering your life to a cause isn't supporting it, I really don't know what is. I could understand their initial anger but their refusal to forgive was beyond me. At the very least they could be there to support their other family members who were grieving.
"Could everyone please take their seats? I would like to begin soon." the minister said, waiting for all the whispering to stop. "We have come here today to grieve for the loss of a remarkable man- Percius Christopher Weasley. Known as Percy for the majority of his childhood he was admired by most that past his path. Excellent in his academics, to his family he was so much more. Perhaps his sister Ginny said it best when she said: "Even though he may have seemed like a know it all, there was never any doubt in my mind that he loved me, if there was one thing I could say that Percy was it was that he was loving." How could such a loving man be taken at such a young age? One could only assume that the heavens needed him for something beyond our grasp. Yet, be that as it may, we still grieve. I just hope that everyone here can remember him in the same light that his youngest sibling and only sister Ginny does." By the end of his speech Aunt Molly was sobbing loudly into Uncle Arthur's shirt. Ginny was crying too and Hermione had her arm around Gin's shoulders. Ron was a little shaky but seemed determined to remain composed. I admired his bravery but was somewhat concerned that he was trying to hard and hiding his emotions from even himself. As we filed up to walk by Percy's casket, I felt Ron begin to loose it. We all, in turn, took a look at Percy's face. I know, that for me at least seeing his still, dead face was the final closure to any doubt that was lingering. It was a powerful feeling, horrible, but powerful. It's almost as if anybody who was previously in denial would no longer be. Ron's eyes welled up with tears as his eyes met with the pair of his dead brother's open eyes. Right than and there I could tell he needed to just let it out. I also knew, however, that he wouldn't do that as long as we were in public. I kind of nudged him to continue walking, since he seemed to have gotten himself into a state. Aunt Molly nudged me.
"Ron's not looking too good, why don't you go take a little walk with him, see if you can't calm him down a bit?" she asked me, pleadingly. I agreed and walked up to Ron.
"Why don't we take a walk mate?" I asked gently, putting my hand around his shoulders and steering him out. The second we got outside, he started running. I chased after him. It wasn't until we were near quarter mile away from the funeral home that he finally fell to his knees and broke down. I sat down next to him on the grass, and took his head into my arms.
"Ron, it's okay, it's all going to be okay. It's good that you're grieving for your brother, just get it all out. You'll feel much better once you do." I said. Ron just continued sobbing into my shoulder. Once he had let it all out, he quieted down a bit. He looked at me with his big puffy red eyes, and I felt bad for him.
"I don't know why seeing his dead body affected me the way it did. I guess seeing him all dead like that- it finalized everything. It also sparked a lot of memories in my mind. My brother was my brother for 19 years, he was only a rebellious man for 2. I just feel as though everything that I loved about him radiated from his face today. You never saw too much of the good Percy, I know, but he really was a good brother. Especially to Ginny, boy did he love Ginny. He was always so patient with her, so loving. The day she was born he was delighted and ever since than he was there guiding her, and loving her. Recently he was so preoccupied with his work that his relationship with everyone suffered. Nobody suffered as much as Ginny though; she lost her brother long before tonight. It eases her pain a bit now, but it was a very rough around the edges relationship these past years, and it shouldn't have been. She'll be okay though, she's strong. I just really loved him and it really hurts." Ron explained.
"I know, I'm can't even begin to imagine what it would be like if I lost a brother, if I lost you, or Hermione- I'd be lost." I said. He nodded.
"Well, I'm kind of glad that it was Percy, rather than you, Fred, George, Charlie, Bill or Ginny. Out of all my siblings, I was least close with him." he said, while sighing. "I think we should head back to the funeral home. The burial's probably over by now and I'm feeling much better. It's good to know that I can always count on you, no matter what. In some aspects, even though I grew up in a household of brothers, you are more my brother than any of the lot of them." Ron said. I took that as a very large compliment, because I knew how much Ron adored his family.
"You know that I feel the same about you. Remember, anytime, anywhere." I said, our trademark line edged into my mind. He smiled.
"Right back at ya- anytime, anywhere." he said, before putting his arm around my shoulder and leading us back to the funeral home. Upon arriving, Aunt Molly saw both of our smiles and gave me a look of gratitude. I saw that Uncle Arthur was conversing with a large man in ministry robes. I saw him smile broadly and shake the man's hands. When he turned back to join the group, Aunt Molly asked him what the big smile was for.
"Well Molly, since Fudge died the ministry has elected me as the new Minister of Magic." he said, smiling broadly. The whole family was in high spirits as they headed back into the fire to floo home. It seemed that one thing at least, had gone right.
So concludes Chapter 9! I know that it was a long one, but I felt that I had to include it all. Didn't think anybody would complain, ay? lol! How'd you like the whole blood brother thing? My beta actually added that to my story when I sent it to her, looking at my plot plans it fit beautifully and so I decided to put it in. You can all thank Kanga for that particular idea though- I rewrote some of it, but it's all basically hers. I know that we didn't get to much in the way of Harry/Hermione this chapter, but they'll be more in the future. Don't wanna say too much about the next chapter 'cause I dunno how much space it'll take up but we'll probably see a Magical Healing lesson, a dinner with Remus and some more information about their training. Well, I would again like to thank all my beautiful reviewers, you were incredible. Do it again, would you? Please? REVIEW, REVIEW, REVIEW!!!!!!!! (we should all remember my pain and fear the whip)
~Twigs
Kanga: About those 2 two trivia questions?
Twigs: Oh yes! They will be attached to two different tidbits of information. You may answer both, one or none. To see how to respond, see chapter 6's authors note!
1. What are the names of the two people who run the Knight Bus?
(full names please)
2. What is the name of the tree that "attacks" Ron and Harry in
their 2nd year?
Good luck to all who attempt!
Kanga: Review! We've passed 50 reviews, lets go for 100! By the way: I didn't get beaten last time YAY!!! Keep it up!!! I may get a plaster if we reach 100.
Twigs: Wow! The reviewers were really incredible this round. We got a total of 12 reviews for chapter 8! During that time we also got 4 additional reviews submitted for other chapters...they did a great job, didn't they kanga? *pauses as Kanga doesn't respond* Kanga?
Kanga: Oh, what, I'm sorry were you talking to me? *looks preoccupied*
Twigs: Why yes, do you care to join me? *chorus sniffles laughs*
Kanga: I'm really sorry, I was just looking at some of these reviews. It looks like people had some really varied feelings about you taking Percy last chapter.
Twigs: Yeah, I realized that. I got everything from thank-you to how could you? I wish I could tell you why, but just trust me in the fact that I wouldn't just take character's lives at random- there is a reason. I just hope that when the stories played itself out and we're all sitting here looking back on it that two things will have happened. First of all, I hope that every single one of you that has reviewed my story in the past will still be with me, that we'll be able to look back at the story together. Secondly, I hope that everyone who is sitting with me there will be smiling. That everyone overall enjoyed the story, because it will all play itself out, it does have a plot. I promise you that much.
Kanga: Wow.guys..Twigs has gone profound on us. Run!!!! She's going philosophical!! Run for the hills!!! *sniffles* Our little Twigs is all grown up!
Twigs: Cram it Kanga!
Kanga: *smiles and carries on* Anyways, while we're on the subject of Twig's intelligence, why doesn't she explain to us why there wasn't a trivia question last chapter?
Twigs: I was actually thrilled that none of my reviewers commented on it, made me feel like less of an idiot. Less of what I really was when I sent that chapter in. It was late at night and I had just finished the dialogues so I was feeling really smart with myself. I'll admit that I should have double checked things one last time, but I just really wanted to get it out! *puts on pouty face*
Kanga: Ahh, that's attractive. It's alright Twigs, no need to throw a fit: remember what I've told you about excuses as well. How about you make it up to us this chapter though? How about two opportunities for clues? *chorus claps*
Twigs: Sure.fine *idea registers*.yeah, I know what I could do, I could do 2 opportunities this time, I am a genius! So, you see guys, I'm not a complete idiot, I do make up for the errors in my ways.
Kanga: *rolls eyes* It's okay Twigs, it's really okay, there is help for people like you. Anyways, Twigs, we're both gonna shut up right now because they want chapter 9, not our sorry yapping! *fans nod fervently*
Twigs: Okay, okay. Shall I do the honors?
Kanga: Doesn't she always? (to fans)
Twigs: *glares at Kanga* The bullhorns please *bull horns blow*.I present to you chapter 9!
Chapter 9 Tears...of Joy?
The next day dawned with a very depressing tone to it. Five minutes after I rose, I opened the window to let Hedwig in. I had left her at the Weasleys with instructions to send her once school started, then she wouldn't have to deal with the train ride. When I untied the piece of parchment from her leg, it brought only sorrowful news.
Dear Harry, Ron, and Ginny,
As all three of you are probably aware of by now, our dear Percy is now longer with us. I know that this must be rough for you as well, you are all are just children and shouldn't have to deal with what's coming to the Wizarding world at a very fast pace. Anyways, I just wanted to inform you that the day of Percy's funeral has been set for Saturday the 5th of September. I would like all of you to be there. I hope you will comfort each other in this time of loss and know that both Minerva and Albus have extended arms should you ever need them. I am very sorry for our loss and I hope that you can all forgive Percy- I'm just sorry it took his death to gain this. See you on the 5th.
Love,
Mum
P.S.- I would be touched if Hermione would come as well. Please extend an invitation to her.
I looked down at the tear stained parchment and my heart ached. I noticed that Mrs. Weasley had addressed the letter to me, as well as her children. It had always touched me, and always would, that time and time again she referred to me and treated me as one of her own. I sighed, as I looked over at Ron's bed. Yesterday had been a rough day for all of us, and I just hoped that both he and Ginny were feeling better this morning. Ron began to stir under his covers. He sat up in his bed and pulled back the curtains.
"Harry, is that you?" he asked, while rubbing the sleep out of his eyes.
"Yes Ron, it's me." I responded. I grabbed his robe of the hook and tossed it in his direction. He caught it, and tied it around himself before walking groggily towards his dresser.
"Have you already showered?" he asked, as he started towards the bathroom.
"Yes, I was just about to dress. Why don't you shower and than we can go down to breakfast with Ginny and 'Mione?" I suggested. He looked at me with a smirk on his face.
""Mione? Oh goodness, you've already started pet-naming her, may goodness help us all." Ron said kidding as he headed towards the shower. I went over to swat him but he closed the door on me, before I could. I walked towards my chest of drawers shaking my head in mirth. I pulled out my Hogwart's uniform and put it on. After pulling on my robe I felt complete. It felt so good to be in my Hogwart's attire again. The beginning of the school year always seemed to come with a certain ring to it. It held excitement and familiarity within its hands. Ron walked out of the bathroom and got dressed as well. When he was ready we headed down the stairs to the common room. Sure enough 'Mione and Ginny were already there.
"Feeling any better Gin?" I asked her, concern evident in my voice.
"A bit, I have a feeling that it will take more than just one night of tears to get over losing a brother though." she said, sighing with sorrow. I walked up and gave her a hug.
"You've always been like a sister to me, Ginny, and if you ever need any help with anything you know that you shouldn't hesitate to call on me, right?" I reassured her. She smiled at me.
"I know Harry; you've always been a seventh brother to me. Thanks though, it means a lot to me." Ginny said, giving me another reassuring smile. Though I knew that the smiles were covering up grief, I didn't think that she was in that bad shape and that helped to relax me a bit.
"Morning 'Mione, sleep well?" I asked. She smiled, and nodded.
"After last night my dreams were very sweet ones," she said. I smiled back at her, and gave her a peck on the cheek before we started heading down stairs. She didn't miss a beat and upon exiting the portrait hole she took my hand. I held onto it as well, enjoying being in her presence, despite the melancholy that was around us. Ron smirked at me, while Ginny smiled mischievously. I gave both of my 'siblings' a death glare and walked on. Upon entering the Great Hall, we saw that Professor McGonagall was already handing out the schedules for Gryffindor students. I sat down with the Weasleys and 'Mione and she immediately came up and handed us ours. I looked at my schedule first and this is how it read:
Monday:
Charms
Double Potions
Lunch
Magical Healing
Defence Against the Dark Arts
Herbology
Dinner
Tuesday:
Double Transfiguration
Magical Healing
Lunch
Duelling for Experts
Potions
Free Period
Dinner
Wednesday:
Double Defence Against the Dark Arts
Transfiguration
Lunch
Double Herbology
Potions
Dinner
Thursday:
Double Magical Healing
Transfiguration
Lunch
Free Period
Charms
Duelling for Experts
Friday:
Double Duelling for Experts
Herbology
Lunch
Defence Against the Dark Arts
Double Charms
Dinner
At the bottom of the schedule, in what looked like Professor Dumbledore's handwriting was a note:
Harry~
Occlumency lessons will take place on Tuesday and Thursday nights. You will rise at 6 am every morning for some physical training, and will take extra magical defence, as well as weapon defence on Monday, Wednesday and Friday nights. Occasionally we will ask for you to donate a Saturday or Sunday for the cause, but this will be as rare as we can make it. Good luck this year! Please feel free to come to me or your head of house with any issues pertaining to Voldemort or anything else you're dealing with.
Yours Sincerely,
Albus Dumbledore
I cringed at the site of my schedule. I was going to be VERY busy this year. Just than McGonagall tapped me on the shoulder.
"A word in my office when your done with breakfast please." She said, before walking out of the Great Hall. I looked to my friends for an answer, but all they did as shrug.
"What are your schedules like?" I asked them. Ginny just stated that her classes were more or less like the past year. She'd be preparing for her OWLS this year and I felt for her. Hermione was taking all the same classes as me, minus DADA and Magical Duelling, because she was training to become a nurse at St.Mungos, so she had an additional healing class, as well as 'charms for the future healer'. After Hogwarts, nurses- like aurors- had to go through additional training. Ron was going out for a job in the Muggles Rights department at the ministry and so he took Transfiguration, Charms, Herbiology, Business, Conflicting Cultures, Care of Magical Creatures and Advanced Muggle Studies. I was comforted with the fact that my friend's schedules were almost as full as mine. I looked at them in sympathy, as they too had the notes about morning training and magical/weaponry fighting. They didn't have Occlumency lessons, but that much was to be expected.
Taking the last few bites of my breakfast, I turned to my friends: "I'm going to go grab my books for Wednesday's schedule and then head to McGonagall's office for that chat she said that we needed to have." They nodded.
"You have Bill first today, but after double DADA, we'll see you in Transfiguration." Hermione said. I smiled at her, than nodded to Ron and Ginny and left. Upon reaching my dormitory I grabbed the books I'd need for DADA and Transfiguration. Throwing them into my book bag, I hustled down to McGonagall's office, so that I would be sure to see her before I had to go to my first class. I knocked at her office door lightly when I reached it. She called for me to come in. When I entered her office, she motioned for me to sit down in one of the chairs opposite her.
"Don't worry about being late to class Harry, I can detain you if necessary. I've asked you to come to my office for several reasons. Most of them are involving the Gryffindor quidditch team. You have accepted your captaincy?" she confirmed. I nodded and she continued. "Well in that case, I'm missing three chasers and two beaters. I'm counting on you, with the help of Mr.Weasley, to build up the rest of the Gryffindor team. Ms.Weasley has agreed to step down from seeker position, and become reserve seeker, without any fuss. I do believe though, that we need a whole set of reserves for the other positions. I trust you have your work cut out for you. Since I know that you will be attending to personal business this weekend, I suggest we hold tryouts for the weekend of the 19th. That'll leave plenty of time before the Welcoming Back Ball. I'm going to leave it to you to post appropriate fliers in the common room." I nodded in understanding. She paused for a long while.
"The second reason concerns your relationship with Remus Lupin," she said.
"What about it?" I asked in a panicked voice. She just smiled warmly at me.
"Don't worry about anything Mr Potter; I was just going to say that the weekend after this, he will be taking you out to dinner. That's how he wants to make it, the second Saturday of every month. In addition, if you ever need to contact him through Floo my fireplace is always open- just ask permission first. I'm afraid that if anything were to happen to you while using my fireplace I would be held responsible." she said. I nodded to her in response. "As long as you understand you may go now. I believe you will only be a few minutes late and that Professor Weasley will excuse your tardiness if you explain you were with me. If he gives you any trouble, just tell him to come to me." she said. I gave her one last smile before hurrying out of her office. I sprinted all the way to the DADA classroom, arriving there completely out of breath. I tried to just sneak off to my seat, but Bi-Professor Weasley wasn't about to let me get away with that.
"Mr.Potter, you are tardy. Do you have a detain?" he asked. I shook my head.
"I was with Professor McGonagall, she said that you can talk to her if you have any problems." I said. He nodded at me curtly.
"That being so, I hope that you won't make tardiness a bad habit." he said. I nodded at him, and took a seat near the back. He was throwing me death glares and I was pretty sure I didn't want to be any closer to him. He apparently was doing some basic tests on our knowledge of the practical defence arts. After Umbridge last year, there was really no way to know where we were. He was testing different people at different things though. He called me up to the front.
"Mr Potter, today you are going to teach the class how much you know about reflexes." he said. I nodded. The first couple of spells he threw at me, I easily put up shields for. Than he jabbed his wand at my guts, muttering a spell- I easily defended it but I winced a little while doing it. Unfortunately he noticed. My heart was racing, as sweat poured down my legs (under my uniform) and I began to hyperventilate a bit. I knew I had to get out of that room, before I humiliated myself.
"I need some air." I said quickly before jogging out of the room. Once I was safely in the hallway I sat down and leaned myself against the wall. I closed my eyes and tried to calm myself. This was Professor Weasley, not only was he the oldest brother of my best friend but he was also my professor. He was not out to hurt me, and I needed to learn to trust him. My gut still kind of held a gag reflex for me, and it was hard for me to be touched there. I opened my eyes and concentrated on breathing. Tears were forming in my eyes and a few of them had begun to fall. I looked to my right and saw Professor Weasley coming my way. I turned my head the other way and tried to regain control. He was at my side in a matter of seconds.
"Harry, what happened? Are you alright?" he asked, putting a hand on my shoulder, and steering my head so that I was looking him straight in the eyes. I continually tried to look down. I did not want him to think that someone in is NEWT DADA class winced at the motion of someone touching their guts.
"It's really nothing. Just give me a few minutes, I'll come back to class. Sorry for interrupting the lesson." I said. He shook his head at me.
"Harry I'm concerned about you. It's obviously not nothing. You can talk to me, remember, I'm a Weasley. I'm your best friend's older brother, you can trust me. I won't think anything less of you." He said.
"It's just that. How much do you know about what happened over the summer?" I asked him. Suddenly a look of realization occurred on his face, and he nodded gravely at me.
"Okay, I understand now. Harry, you have to trust me, because we'll be duelling many times during the next two years. I promise that I will never intentionally hurt you and that if an accident does occur and you are injured I'll see to it that you're healed. Harry, you're more than just a student to me, you're like family and I've got your back." He said. I smiled and nodded at him.
"Thanks." I said. He just smiled at me.
"Why don't you just go get yourself cleaned up, and than return to class. You're going to be okay?" he confirmed.
"Yep, I am now." I said. He gave me one last smile and walked back to his class. I walked to the bathroom and washed my face. After returning to the DADA classroom the rest of the week seemed to go by really quickly. Before I knew it, I was in Dumbledore's office flooing to The Burrow. Ron was on one side of me, Hermione on the other. Next to Hermione was Ginny, and next to Ginny was Bill.
"Who wants to go first?" Dumbledore asked. Nobody seemed to want to do this. I waited for a bit, and then finally raised my hand.
"I'll go first Professor Dumbledore." I said. Although the idea of being the first person Molly Weasley saw come out of the fireplace wasn't exactly appealing, I'd live. Besides I knew that it would be much harder for her children to do this. I stepped into the fire, dropped the Floo powder and screamed 'The Burrow' loud and clear. I felt the rushing feeling, and saw many fireplaces flash by before I landed roughly in the fireplace at The Burrow. Before I could even get up, I was pulled into the arms of none other than Molly Weasley. She kept swaying me back and forth telling me how happy she was that I had agreed to come.
"As you probably can tell, this really is a very difficult time for us all Harry, and I'm so happy that you could be with us. I know it means tonnes to the children and it also means a lot to me. I mean, after all you are practically family as it is." Mrs. Weasley said as she looked me in the eye.
"It was no problem really Mrs. Weasley." I said.
"Oh really Harry, drop the formalities. I've known you and loved you for so long. It's Molly or Aunt Molly if you'd prefer." she said. I smiled at her a bit.
"Sure thing, Aunt Molly." I replied. After so many years of considering them family it was great to finally get the title in. Hermione then stumbled out of the fireplace, followed by Bill, Ron and Ginny. Once we had all arrived, Aunt Molly called us into the living room.
"You can all just take your things up to your appropriate rooms. As it's Friday the funeral's not until tomorrow afternoon. I know you could all use a good night sleep so make yourself at home. Am I right in assuming that you've all been fed?" she asked.
"Yes, we have, Aunt Molly." I replied. Using the title for good measure, I suppose. She smiled at me, and signaled towards the stairs. We all picked up our small overnight bags and trudged up the stairs. When we reached Ron's room I placed my bag down on the spare cot and turned to face him.
"So, how are you feeling about tomorrow?" I asked tentatively. He frowned a bit.
"I'll be completely honest with you and say that I'm not exactly looking forward to it. I'm also a little worried that I'll lose control over my emotions, in front of everyone. I might even cry and that's a little frightening in itself. I want you to promise that whatever happens tomorrow, no matter how many times I tell you to leave me alone that you'll stay at my side. I've been having a lot of negative emotions lately and I think they might erupt tomorrow at that funeral home. I don't want to wander off and do something stupid." he said. I looked at my best friend.
"I promise Ron, no matter what, I'll remain at your side" I said. Whether this was meant in context to the moment or in context to life neither of us knew though I feel that it was probably both. "You're just stuck with me until the end of time." I added jokingly, to try to lighten up the moment.
"Really? Aw shucks! Well, I guess if I have to have a lifetime stalker, who better than you?" Ron kidded back. I swatted him and he pushed me around a bit. "Ron, come here I'll prove it. Trust me, OK." I said to him. He looked slightly puzzled but remained quiet. I reached into my bag and pulled out a penknife. Sirius' penknife. Dumbledore had fixed it. This would be the first time I would open it since the Department Of Mysteries. I flicked it open, let the light glint off it and then made a small cut across my right palm and allowed a little blood to pool in my hand. "Give me your hand." I said to Ron, he hesitantly passed me his own right hand. I looked into his eyes, trust shone through the blue irises, making them twinkle. I slowly passed the blade through his palm too, and again, allowed the blood to pool. I help up my bleeding hand and said "My blood." I took his bleeding hand with my left. "Your blood." I said. I pressed my cut to his, mixing the blood together. "Our blood." I declared. "I love you like a brother and my mind thinks of you as a brother, now we are Blood Brothers." I told him, looking into his eyes. "Harry.thanks. That meant so much to me, thanks, brother!" He said, raising our joined hands. I grinned at him and leant over to grab my wand, to heal the wounds when he said. "No, leave them. Every time we look at the scars, we'll think of each other. Anytime, anywhere. Even if you're not there with me, this scar will be."
"We should probably turn in for the night. Tomorrows going to be a big day." Ron said.
"Yeah, definitely." I agreed.
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ The Weasley home Saturday at One ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
"Ron! Harry! Hermione! Ginny! We have to go!" Aunt Molly screamed from downstairs. We were all dressed up in our finest dress robes, and the girls all had their faces and hair done up. A stranger to the situation could have easily assumed that we were going to a party of some sort. That's the ironic thing really- we get dressed up for celebrations and for mourning. Odd really how we consider both important, obviously for different reasons, and treat them to more or less the same attire. Provided all the clothing was rather dark, it still all worked. When we trooped down the stairs, I saw Aunt Molly and Uncle Arthur dressed up in their best too. Aunt Molly had worry and sorrow etched into her face and Uncle Arthur didn't look that much better. Ron looked panicky at the sight of his trembling mother, and I put my hand on his shoulder, he gave me a very forced smile before Aunt Molly started to speak.
"Okay guys, here's the plan. We floo to the Morganson Funeral Home in a few minutes. After we arrive, we take a seat in the front row, right across from Percy's open casket. The minister's going to say a few words. After he gives his little speech, to which all of our personal tributes have contributed too, we will walk single file past the casket. I hope you will all use this as a time to say goodbye. After the funeral is the burial, where we all get to watch as Percy's casket is dropped into a six feet deep hole. Than we go home. I sincerely just hope we can all make it through this." she said gravely, as her voice started to tremble and tears formed in her eyes. She than shook her head and all traces of teary eyes were gone- I could tell she was determined to stay strong. Bill grabbed some floo powder and flooed to the funeral home. Everyone else followed suit, with Uncle Arthur going last.
"Come on children." Aunt Molly said, ushering us to our seats once we arrived at the home. Several family members came up to offer their condolences for our 'loss' but they were few and far between. According to Ron, many of their family still hadn't forgiven Percy for the grief he put them through. I felt this wicked, and morally wrong. I mean, after all, he had died for the cause they were mad at him for not supporting. If offering your life to a cause isn't supporting it, I really don't know what is. I could understand their initial anger but their refusal to forgive was beyond me. At the very least they could be there to support their other family members who were grieving.
"Could everyone please take their seats? I would like to begin soon." the minister said, waiting for all the whispering to stop. "We have come here today to grieve for the loss of a remarkable man- Percius Christopher Weasley. Known as Percy for the majority of his childhood he was admired by most that past his path. Excellent in his academics, to his family he was so much more. Perhaps his sister Ginny said it best when she said: "Even though he may have seemed like a know it all, there was never any doubt in my mind that he loved me, if there was one thing I could say that Percy was it was that he was loving." How could such a loving man be taken at such a young age? One could only assume that the heavens needed him for something beyond our grasp. Yet, be that as it may, we still grieve. I just hope that everyone here can remember him in the same light that his youngest sibling and only sister Ginny does." By the end of his speech Aunt Molly was sobbing loudly into Uncle Arthur's shirt. Ginny was crying too and Hermione had her arm around Gin's shoulders. Ron was a little shaky but seemed determined to remain composed. I admired his bravery but was somewhat concerned that he was trying to hard and hiding his emotions from even himself. As we filed up to walk by Percy's casket, I felt Ron begin to loose it. We all, in turn, took a look at Percy's face. I know, that for me at least seeing his still, dead face was the final closure to any doubt that was lingering. It was a powerful feeling, horrible, but powerful. It's almost as if anybody who was previously in denial would no longer be. Ron's eyes welled up with tears as his eyes met with the pair of his dead brother's open eyes. Right than and there I could tell he needed to just let it out. I also knew, however, that he wouldn't do that as long as we were in public. I kind of nudged him to continue walking, since he seemed to have gotten himself into a state. Aunt Molly nudged me.
"Ron's not looking too good, why don't you go take a little walk with him, see if you can't calm him down a bit?" she asked me, pleadingly. I agreed and walked up to Ron.
"Why don't we take a walk mate?" I asked gently, putting my hand around his shoulders and steering him out. The second we got outside, he started running. I chased after him. It wasn't until we were near quarter mile away from the funeral home that he finally fell to his knees and broke down. I sat down next to him on the grass, and took his head into my arms.
"Ron, it's okay, it's all going to be okay. It's good that you're grieving for your brother, just get it all out. You'll feel much better once you do." I said. Ron just continued sobbing into my shoulder. Once he had let it all out, he quieted down a bit. He looked at me with his big puffy red eyes, and I felt bad for him.
"I don't know why seeing his dead body affected me the way it did. I guess seeing him all dead like that- it finalized everything. It also sparked a lot of memories in my mind. My brother was my brother for 19 years, he was only a rebellious man for 2. I just feel as though everything that I loved about him radiated from his face today. You never saw too much of the good Percy, I know, but he really was a good brother. Especially to Ginny, boy did he love Ginny. He was always so patient with her, so loving. The day she was born he was delighted and ever since than he was there guiding her, and loving her. Recently he was so preoccupied with his work that his relationship with everyone suffered. Nobody suffered as much as Ginny though; she lost her brother long before tonight. It eases her pain a bit now, but it was a very rough around the edges relationship these past years, and it shouldn't have been. She'll be okay though, she's strong. I just really loved him and it really hurts." Ron explained.
"I know, I'm can't even begin to imagine what it would be like if I lost a brother, if I lost you, or Hermione- I'd be lost." I said. He nodded.
"Well, I'm kind of glad that it was Percy, rather than you, Fred, George, Charlie, Bill or Ginny. Out of all my siblings, I was least close with him." he said, while sighing. "I think we should head back to the funeral home. The burial's probably over by now and I'm feeling much better. It's good to know that I can always count on you, no matter what. In some aspects, even though I grew up in a household of brothers, you are more my brother than any of the lot of them." Ron said. I took that as a very large compliment, because I knew how much Ron adored his family.
"You know that I feel the same about you. Remember, anytime, anywhere." I said, our trademark line edged into my mind. He smiled.
"Right back at ya- anytime, anywhere." he said, before putting his arm around my shoulder and leading us back to the funeral home. Upon arriving, Aunt Molly saw both of our smiles and gave me a look of gratitude. I saw that Uncle Arthur was conversing with a large man in ministry robes. I saw him smile broadly and shake the man's hands. When he turned back to join the group, Aunt Molly asked him what the big smile was for.
"Well Molly, since Fudge died the ministry has elected me as the new Minister of Magic." he said, smiling broadly. The whole family was in high spirits as they headed back into the fire to floo home. It seemed that one thing at least, had gone right.
So concludes Chapter 9! I know that it was a long one, but I felt that I had to include it all. Didn't think anybody would complain, ay? lol! How'd you like the whole blood brother thing? My beta actually added that to my story when I sent it to her, looking at my plot plans it fit beautifully and so I decided to put it in. You can all thank Kanga for that particular idea though- I rewrote some of it, but it's all basically hers. I know that we didn't get to much in the way of Harry/Hermione this chapter, but they'll be more in the future. Don't wanna say too much about the next chapter 'cause I dunno how much space it'll take up but we'll probably see a Magical Healing lesson, a dinner with Remus and some more information about their training. Well, I would again like to thank all my beautiful reviewers, you were incredible. Do it again, would you? Please? REVIEW, REVIEW, REVIEW!!!!!!!! (we should all remember my pain and fear the whip)
~Twigs
Kanga: About those 2 two trivia questions?
Twigs: Oh yes! They will be attached to two different tidbits of information. You may answer both, one or none. To see how to respond, see chapter 6's authors note!
1. What are the names of the two people who run the Knight Bus?
(full names please)
2. What is the name of the tree that "attacks" Ron and Harry in
their 2nd year?
Good luck to all who attempt!
Kanga: Review! We've passed 50 reviews, lets go for 100! By the way: I didn't get beaten last time YAY!!! Keep it up!!! I may get a plaster if we reach 100.