Disclaimer: I don't own anything except the plot.
A hard bang on the door half an hour later roused Harry from his thoughts. Uncle Vernon's booming voice penetrated the walls with ease.
"That girl is here. Open this door!"
Harry sat up on his bed and looked around. This was it. He was leaving. He never had to see this room, this house, or these people again.
Taking hold of his trunk, he set it on his knee and opened the door with his free hand. Uncle Vernon had gone from the hallway. Harry dragged his belongings down the stairs where Hermione stood waiting for him.
"Harry!! Oh my.do you need any help?" the bushy haired girl inquired.
"Hey Hermione. No, I'm fine, but could you go up to my room and get Hedwig's cage? It's at the top of the stairs," Harry told her.
He set the trunk down in the front hall. Hermione's parents stood there looking somewhat uncomfortable in the tense atmosphere of the Dursley household. They were normal looking Muggles. He looked at his Uncle who was sizing the two up. Harry had met them once, briefly, in Flourish and Blotts during their second year at Hogwarts. He wondered what Uncle Vernon thought of them.
Mr. Granger was a tall, blond-haired man impeccably dressed. His glasses rested on the bridge of his nose, magnifying his dark blue eyes. Mrs. Granger was a bit shorter than her husband. Long brown hair tumbled down her back in smooth curls. Her complexion was flawless. Rosy cheeks, sparkling brown eyes. They looked like the perfect couple. In any other circumstances, the Dursley's would have welcomed such model people into their home with open arms, but this situation was different. They had one of those people. They had raised a. witch. Vernon had a little pity for them. They couldn't choose what kind of children they brought into the world, just like they hadn't chosen for Harry to live with them. Vernon smiled smugly. The Grangers may have had to keep their little brat, but he, Vernon R. Dursley was getting rid of his forever.
Dudley watched with an expression much like his father's. The fat boy was overjoyed that his cousin was finally leaving. Harry Potter; the freak.
Petunia stood next to her husband with a nervous frown. If Harry didn't know better, he'd have thought that his aunt really didn't want him to go. The tall, long-necked woman clutched Vernon's arm tightly, wanting to say something, but thinking better of it.
Hermione came down with the cage after a few moments. Noticing the uneasy silence, she spoke up.
"Thank you very much for letting Harry come visit on such short notice Mr. and Mrs. Dursley. I completely forgot to write to Harry," Hermione glanced down at the floor, knowing her parents were giving her a miffed look for not telling them. Looking back up at the Dursleys, Hermione stuck out her hand.
"It was wonderful to meet you Dudley."
Dudley looked as if he might keel over any moment at the idea that a girl other than his mother would touch him willingly. He took her hand warily mumbling something completely incomprehensible.
Then, Aunt Petunia did something Harry would never forget. She let go of her husband's arm, rushed towards him, scooped him up in a hug and kissed him on the cheek. Normally Vernon would have severely reprimanded, or at least questioned his wife in bewilderment, but circumstances being what they were, he was lenient.
Harry, recovering from shock, slowly put his arms around his aunt and hugged her back. He could feel her guilt as she held him tighter, but he wondered what had wrought it. Did she really love him?
Petunia let go suddenly, her eyes misted with tears. Putting a hand on her nephew's shoulder, she spoke the only kind words he had ever heard from her to him.
"Have a good year, Harry."
Harry smiled at his aunt.
"I will."
~~~~~~~~~
As the Granger's car pulled out of the driveway, Harry felt an odd pang in his chest. Might he really miss those awful people he had called his family for so long? Looking out the rear window, he caught a glimpse of Aunt Petunia as she slowly shut the front door. Harry wondered what volume of yells his uncle might bestow on her. If only he knew.
~~~~~~~~~
Realizing that he had yet to hug his best friend, Harry reached over uncomfortably and pulled Hermione towards him.
"Good to see you. Thanks for letting me stay," he said, and leaning towards the front, he added, "I really appreciate it Mr. and Mrs. Granger."
"No problem, Harry. We're happy to have you. I do hope you'll like our house. I'm afraid it isn't quite the same lively atmosphere as the Burrow. It's just the three of us," Mrs. Granger informed him.
"I'm sure it's wonderful," Harry said confidently.
The trip to the Granger's was only a bit over an hour. Hermione and Harry spent the time playing with Muggle cards. Hermione had to teach him because the Dursley's had never bothered to. Every once in a while, one of the Granger adults turned around and asked Harry a question or two. He answered enthusiastically to everything, overjoyed that normal Muggles actually wanted to know about him and didn't think that he was a student at St. Brutus' School for Incurably Criminal Boys, or that he was a freak that made strange things happen when his emotions went into overdrive. The Grangers thought of him a regular boy. One who practiced magic with their daughter, yes, but as normal as could be expected.
Upon arriving at their home, the Grangers and Harry all hopped out of the car and went around the trunk to get his things. They went up the front path to the front door where they paused as Mr. Granger fumbled for his key.
"You're house is lovely, Mrs. Granger," Harry complimented. And it was. A lot bigger than 4 Privet Drive. It was a white, two-storey house at the top of Stoughton Crescent. The shutters were painted green, and opened to pale coloured curtains. The lot was surrounded by a fairytale white picket fence, freshly painted from what Harry could tell.
Once inside, Hermione led Harry to his room. It was down the hall from her own. Opening the door, Harry found that it was quite a comfortable room. A large double bed was covered with a fluffy blue duvet and matching pillows. The walls were white, but covered with paintings by classic artists, none of whom Harry recognized. His closet was beside his bed and revealed a large amount of space for his clothes, broomstick and anything else he might want to put in. The carpet was soft and green. On the left side of the room, an old wooden writing desk sat with fresh parchment and quills on top.
"It's wonderful Hermione," Harry told her.
Hermione smiled at him and said, "I hoped you'd like it. I got Dad to buy the writing desk when he went to an auction last Saturday. I thought it might be easier to do your homework."
Harry chuckled. Trust Hermione to think that.
She grabbed his hand and pulled him out of the room and along the corridor.
"Come on. I bet you haven't had lunch, and Lucy, our maid, told me she'd have it ready for when we got here. My parents will be waiting in the parlour." (A/N sorry, don't know if people in England call it that. I'm making total guesses on the U.K. slang).
The two friends entered the room where Hermione's parents sat sipping tea and were in a deep conversation about toothbrushes. Harry failed to keep a laugh down, and the Granger's looked up at him sheepishly.
Harry and Hermione took a seat on the couch opposite of the adults, just as Lucy entered the room, carrying a tray of sandwiches and vegetables.
"Sorry Harry. You won't get many sweets around here," Mr. Granger informed him.
"No problem. After a month of eating grapefruit and undressed salad, this is a feast," Harry smiled.
~~~~~~~~~
That night, Hermione went into Harry's room to talk to him. Opening the door slightly, she sae that he was sitting at his desk, working of his potions essay for Snape. Hermione smiled proudly.
"Harry?" she asked timidly.
He looked up from the parchment and grinned. Taking off his glasses to clean them on his shirt tail, he beckoned her to come in. She shut the door behind her quietly and went over to sit on his bed.
"Harry. Tell me something," she began.
"I have ten toes," he replied instantly.
Hermione rolled her eyes.
"Sorry," Harry sniggered, "What is it?"
"I thought you told me that the Dursley's hated you," she said bluntly.
Harry raised an eyebrow.
"What, you missed the glistening tears in my Uncle Vernon's eyes?" her told her sarcastically.
Hermione frowned, "No, but the ones in your aunt's eyes were hard to miss."
Harry's expression faded. She was right of course. Aunt Petunia's behaviour had been puzzling. Harry had spent a good part of the evening , while he was unpacking, thinking about what it meant. It all came down to the one question. Did she really love him?
"I know. I-I don't know why she acted that way. She's never hugged me before, and she even kissed me," Harry brought a hand to his cheek.
"Oh. Well. I just wanted to know. I hope you don't think I'm nosy. It's just, well, you've always told Ron and me how bad they were, and well, you're right about your uncle, he's awful, but your aunt seemed nice."
Hermione hopped off the bed and opened the door. She paused for a moment, turned to Harry and said, "I'm glad they let you come."
Harry smiled and nodded his agreement.
~~~~~~~~~
"Harry! Wake up!" Hermione pounded the door of Harry's room. It was September 1st.
Harry opened one sleepy eye and glanced at the clock on his nightstand. It read 7:20 in bright red numbers. Harry groaned and pulled the covers closer.
Hermione opened the door and walked over to Harry. He looked so funny. His untameable hair, messed up even more. His feet pulled up into his chest. The covers tucked tightly into his fists. Hermione giggled.
"Get up you lazy bum," she told him, yanking the covers from his hands.
Harry shivered at the unexpected coldness. Opening his eyes, he glared jokingly at Hermione. She stuck out her tongue.
"Why.yawn.did you get me up so early?" Harry questioned, stretching his arms, "The train doesn't even leave for almost four hours!"
"In case you've forgotten. I live an hour farther away. AND.you haven't even packing your things. Now get up and start."
Hermione went to the closet and opened the doors. Gasping, she stumbled back.
"Harry! Oh, I am so sorry!" her cheeks went bright pink.
Harry sat up rubbing his eyes and grinned at his friend. His trunk was all neatly packed and ready to go. He had stayed up late the night before packing. He hadn't wanted to be late.
"Don't worry about it Hermione. I can sleep on the train. I should probably be up anyway. I need to thank your parents for all they've done. And I'm sure I've forgotten something, so it wouldn't hurt to double- check," Harry reassured her.
Hermione nodded; still embarrassed from assuming that Harry would never do anything before the last minute.
Harry got up from the bed and fixed the covers. Taking his glasses from the nightstand, Harry retrieved his clothes from where they hung on the desk chair.
"If you don't mind though," Harry said, still yawning, "I think I'll take a shower before I do anything."
He walked out the door and went into the washroom. (A/N is that only Canadian? Me = Canadian. Or do they use washroom in England? Can't remember. Anyway, for all you Americans and other people, that's a bathroom ;) )
After his shower, Harry dressed in brown trousers and a black sweater that for once, fit him just right. The pants had been Dudley's old ones, but Mrs. Granger had them in considerably. The sweater had been a birthday present from Hermione's father.
~~~~~~~~~
"RON!!!! RON! Over here!" Hermione yelled to her best friend. She and Harry had arrived at King's Cross in plenty of time. She had spotted the Weasley's quite easily. Ginny stood talking to her mother who was pointing to the night, black train; the Hogwart's Express. Steam billowed from it in swirling clouds as the whistle blew. Fred and George were whispering with each other, no doubt about some new joke they were concocting. Ron hurried over to his friends.
"Hermione! Harry! So good to see the both of you! I can't believe I didn't see you all summer," Ron exclaimed.
Harry grinned. It had been strange not staying with Weasley's. Although Molly had promised Harry that he could come to them when Dumbledore agreed, their plans had been altered when Arthur's sister had fallen ill and needed them.
"Missed you to mate," Harry told him.
Hermione hugged Ron, who had grown at least two inches that summer, forcing her to stand on the tips of her toes.
"Now let's go. The train's about to leave," she herded to two boys over to Mrs. Weasley where they all said their good-byes.
Mrs. Weasley apologized profusely to Harry for not being able to have him over. Harry told her not to worry. He'd had a fine summer, and perhaps next year he could stay with them.
"Of course! Of course! That will be wonderful Harry," she told him. Turning to her children, "Now Ron, don't forget to write as soon as you get there. Ginny, straighten your skirt, dear. Fred, George, no pranks! Please try to behave this year. You are in your seventh year. Don't you think it's a bit immature to still be joking around?"
The twins groaned.
"Mother. Face it! We're never going to grow up! We'll be pranksters forever," George told her.
"I can see it now," Fred waved his hand through the air and looked into the distance, "Prankster's Hall of Fame. We'll have our own room, eh George?"
"Your own room?" Ginny piped up, "They'll dedicate the whole building to you."
Hermione, Ron and Harry laughed at this probable truth. Mrs. Weasley sighed, exasperated.
"All right you rascals. Onto the train with you," she herded her children to the door,
"I'll see you all next year." She waved to them as the boarded the train.
~~~~~~~~~
Hermione, Ron and Harry went to find a cabin for themselves. There was an empty one near the front so they took it over and Harry and Ron started a game of Exploding snap. Hermione nervously got to her feet before they'd been there five minutes.
The two boys looked up.
"Where are you going Hermione?" Ron questioned.
"O-oh," she stuttered, "Didn't I-I tell you? I- I'm a prefect."
princess55 : yay! My first reviewer. And hopefully not last. Thanks for the compliments. I disowned him (started writing the story before the fifth book came out, so I decided not to change it), but thanks again.
A hard bang on the door half an hour later roused Harry from his thoughts. Uncle Vernon's booming voice penetrated the walls with ease.
"That girl is here. Open this door!"
Harry sat up on his bed and looked around. This was it. He was leaving. He never had to see this room, this house, or these people again.
Taking hold of his trunk, he set it on his knee and opened the door with his free hand. Uncle Vernon had gone from the hallway. Harry dragged his belongings down the stairs where Hermione stood waiting for him.
"Harry!! Oh my.do you need any help?" the bushy haired girl inquired.
"Hey Hermione. No, I'm fine, but could you go up to my room and get Hedwig's cage? It's at the top of the stairs," Harry told her.
He set the trunk down in the front hall. Hermione's parents stood there looking somewhat uncomfortable in the tense atmosphere of the Dursley household. They were normal looking Muggles. He looked at his Uncle who was sizing the two up. Harry had met them once, briefly, in Flourish and Blotts during their second year at Hogwarts. He wondered what Uncle Vernon thought of them.
Mr. Granger was a tall, blond-haired man impeccably dressed. His glasses rested on the bridge of his nose, magnifying his dark blue eyes. Mrs. Granger was a bit shorter than her husband. Long brown hair tumbled down her back in smooth curls. Her complexion was flawless. Rosy cheeks, sparkling brown eyes. They looked like the perfect couple. In any other circumstances, the Dursley's would have welcomed such model people into their home with open arms, but this situation was different. They had one of those people. They had raised a. witch. Vernon had a little pity for them. They couldn't choose what kind of children they brought into the world, just like they hadn't chosen for Harry to live with them. Vernon smiled smugly. The Grangers may have had to keep their little brat, but he, Vernon R. Dursley was getting rid of his forever.
Dudley watched with an expression much like his father's. The fat boy was overjoyed that his cousin was finally leaving. Harry Potter; the freak.
Petunia stood next to her husband with a nervous frown. If Harry didn't know better, he'd have thought that his aunt really didn't want him to go. The tall, long-necked woman clutched Vernon's arm tightly, wanting to say something, but thinking better of it.
Hermione came down with the cage after a few moments. Noticing the uneasy silence, she spoke up.
"Thank you very much for letting Harry come visit on such short notice Mr. and Mrs. Dursley. I completely forgot to write to Harry," Hermione glanced down at the floor, knowing her parents were giving her a miffed look for not telling them. Looking back up at the Dursleys, Hermione stuck out her hand.
"It was wonderful to meet you Dudley."
Dudley looked as if he might keel over any moment at the idea that a girl other than his mother would touch him willingly. He took her hand warily mumbling something completely incomprehensible.
Then, Aunt Petunia did something Harry would never forget. She let go of her husband's arm, rushed towards him, scooped him up in a hug and kissed him on the cheek. Normally Vernon would have severely reprimanded, or at least questioned his wife in bewilderment, but circumstances being what they were, he was lenient.
Harry, recovering from shock, slowly put his arms around his aunt and hugged her back. He could feel her guilt as she held him tighter, but he wondered what had wrought it. Did she really love him?
Petunia let go suddenly, her eyes misted with tears. Putting a hand on her nephew's shoulder, she spoke the only kind words he had ever heard from her to him.
"Have a good year, Harry."
Harry smiled at his aunt.
"I will."
~~~~~~~~~
As the Granger's car pulled out of the driveway, Harry felt an odd pang in his chest. Might he really miss those awful people he had called his family for so long? Looking out the rear window, he caught a glimpse of Aunt Petunia as she slowly shut the front door. Harry wondered what volume of yells his uncle might bestow on her. If only he knew.
~~~~~~~~~
Realizing that he had yet to hug his best friend, Harry reached over uncomfortably and pulled Hermione towards him.
"Good to see you. Thanks for letting me stay," he said, and leaning towards the front, he added, "I really appreciate it Mr. and Mrs. Granger."
"No problem, Harry. We're happy to have you. I do hope you'll like our house. I'm afraid it isn't quite the same lively atmosphere as the Burrow. It's just the three of us," Mrs. Granger informed him.
"I'm sure it's wonderful," Harry said confidently.
The trip to the Granger's was only a bit over an hour. Hermione and Harry spent the time playing with Muggle cards. Hermione had to teach him because the Dursley's had never bothered to. Every once in a while, one of the Granger adults turned around and asked Harry a question or two. He answered enthusiastically to everything, overjoyed that normal Muggles actually wanted to know about him and didn't think that he was a student at St. Brutus' School for Incurably Criminal Boys, or that he was a freak that made strange things happen when his emotions went into overdrive. The Grangers thought of him a regular boy. One who practiced magic with their daughter, yes, but as normal as could be expected.
Upon arriving at their home, the Grangers and Harry all hopped out of the car and went around the trunk to get his things. They went up the front path to the front door where they paused as Mr. Granger fumbled for his key.
"You're house is lovely, Mrs. Granger," Harry complimented. And it was. A lot bigger than 4 Privet Drive. It was a white, two-storey house at the top of Stoughton Crescent. The shutters were painted green, and opened to pale coloured curtains. The lot was surrounded by a fairytale white picket fence, freshly painted from what Harry could tell.
Once inside, Hermione led Harry to his room. It was down the hall from her own. Opening the door, Harry found that it was quite a comfortable room. A large double bed was covered with a fluffy blue duvet and matching pillows. The walls were white, but covered with paintings by classic artists, none of whom Harry recognized. His closet was beside his bed and revealed a large amount of space for his clothes, broomstick and anything else he might want to put in. The carpet was soft and green. On the left side of the room, an old wooden writing desk sat with fresh parchment and quills on top.
"It's wonderful Hermione," Harry told her.
Hermione smiled at him and said, "I hoped you'd like it. I got Dad to buy the writing desk when he went to an auction last Saturday. I thought it might be easier to do your homework."
Harry chuckled. Trust Hermione to think that.
She grabbed his hand and pulled him out of the room and along the corridor.
"Come on. I bet you haven't had lunch, and Lucy, our maid, told me she'd have it ready for when we got here. My parents will be waiting in the parlour." (A/N sorry, don't know if people in England call it that. I'm making total guesses on the U.K. slang).
The two friends entered the room where Hermione's parents sat sipping tea and were in a deep conversation about toothbrushes. Harry failed to keep a laugh down, and the Granger's looked up at him sheepishly.
Harry and Hermione took a seat on the couch opposite of the adults, just as Lucy entered the room, carrying a tray of sandwiches and vegetables.
"Sorry Harry. You won't get many sweets around here," Mr. Granger informed him.
"No problem. After a month of eating grapefruit and undressed salad, this is a feast," Harry smiled.
~~~~~~~~~
That night, Hermione went into Harry's room to talk to him. Opening the door slightly, she sae that he was sitting at his desk, working of his potions essay for Snape. Hermione smiled proudly.
"Harry?" she asked timidly.
He looked up from the parchment and grinned. Taking off his glasses to clean them on his shirt tail, he beckoned her to come in. She shut the door behind her quietly and went over to sit on his bed.
"Harry. Tell me something," she began.
"I have ten toes," he replied instantly.
Hermione rolled her eyes.
"Sorry," Harry sniggered, "What is it?"
"I thought you told me that the Dursley's hated you," she said bluntly.
Harry raised an eyebrow.
"What, you missed the glistening tears in my Uncle Vernon's eyes?" her told her sarcastically.
Hermione frowned, "No, but the ones in your aunt's eyes were hard to miss."
Harry's expression faded. She was right of course. Aunt Petunia's behaviour had been puzzling. Harry had spent a good part of the evening , while he was unpacking, thinking about what it meant. It all came down to the one question. Did she really love him?
"I know. I-I don't know why she acted that way. She's never hugged me before, and she even kissed me," Harry brought a hand to his cheek.
"Oh. Well. I just wanted to know. I hope you don't think I'm nosy. It's just, well, you've always told Ron and me how bad they were, and well, you're right about your uncle, he's awful, but your aunt seemed nice."
Hermione hopped off the bed and opened the door. She paused for a moment, turned to Harry and said, "I'm glad they let you come."
Harry smiled and nodded his agreement.
~~~~~~~~~
"Harry! Wake up!" Hermione pounded the door of Harry's room. It was September 1st.
Harry opened one sleepy eye and glanced at the clock on his nightstand. It read 7:20 in bright red numbers. Harry groaned and pulled the covers closer.
Hermione opened the door and walked over to Harry. He looked so funny. His untameable hair, messed up even more. His feet pulled up into his chest. The covers tucked tightly into his fists. Hermione giggled.
"Get up you lazy bum," she told him, yanking the covers from his hands.
Harry shivered at the unexpected coldness. Opening his eyes, he glared jokingly at Hermione. She stuck out her tongue.
"Why.yawn.did you get me up so early?" Harry questioned, stretching his arms, "The train doesn't even leave for almost four hours!"
"In case you've forgotten. I live an hour farther away. AND.you haven't even packing your things. Now get up and start."
Hermione went to the closet and opened the doors. Gasping, she stumbled back.
"Harry! Oh, I am so sorry!" her cheeks went bright pink.
Harry sat up rubbing his eyes and grinned at his friend. His trunk was all neatly packed and ready to go. He had stayed up late the night before packing. He hadn't wanted to be late.
"Don't worry about it Hermione. I can sleep on the train. I should probably be up anyway. I need to thank your parents for all they've done. And I'm sure I've forgotten something, so it wouldn't hurt to double- check," Harry reassured her.
Hermione nodded; still embarrassed from assuming that Harry would never do anything before the last minute.
Harry got up from the bed and fixed the covers. Taking his glasses from the nightstand, Harry retrieved his clothes from where they hung on the desk chair.
"If you don't mind though," Harry said, still yawning, "I think I'll take a shower before I do anything."
He walked out the door and went into the washroom. (A/N is that only Canadian? Me = Canadian. Or do they use washroom in England? Can't remember. Anyway, for all you Americans and other people, that's a bathroom ;) )
After his shower, Harry dressed in brown trousers and a black sweater that for once, fit him just right. The pants had been Dudley's old ones, but Mrs. Granger had them in considerably. The sweater had been a birthday present from Hermione's father.
~~~~~~~~~
"RON!!!! RON! Over here!" Hermione yelled to her best friend. She and Harry had arrived at King's Cross in plenty of time. She had spotted the Weasley's quite easily. Ginny stood talking to her mother who was pointing to the night, black train; the Hogwart's Express. Steam billowed from it in swirling clouds as the whistle blew. Fred and George were whispering with each other, no doubt about some new joke they were concocting. Ron hurried over to his friends.
"Hermione! Harry! So good to see the both of you! I can't believe I didn't see you all summer," Ron exclaimed.
Harry grinned. It had been strange not staying with Weasley's. Although Molly had promised Harry that he could come to them when Dumbledore agreed, their plans had been altered when Arthur's sister had fallen ill and needed them.
"Missed you to mate," Harry told him.
Hermione hugged Ron, who had grown at least two inches that summer, forcing her to stand on the tips of her toes.
"Now let's go. The train's about to leave," she herded to two boys over to Mrs. Weasley where they all said their good-byes.
Mrs. Weasley apologized profusely to Harry for not being able to have him over. Harry told her not to worry. He'd had a fine summer, and perhaps next year he could stay with them.
"Of course! Of course! That will be wonderful Harry," she told him. Turning to her children, "Now Ron, don't forget to write as soon as you get there. Ginny, straighten your skirt, dear. Fred, George, no pranks! Please try to behave this year. You are in your seventh year. Don't you think it's a bit immature to still be joking around?"
The twins groaned.
"Mother. Face it! We're never going to grow up! We'll be pranksters forever," George told her.
"I can see it now," Fred waved his hand through the air and looked into the distance, "Prankster's Hall of Fame. We'll have our own room, eh George?"
"Your own room?" Ginny piped up, "They'll dedicate the whole building to you."
Hermione, Ron and Harry laughed at this probable truth. Mrs. Weasley sighed, exasperated.
"All right you rascals. Onto the train with you," she herded her children to the door,
"I'll see you all next year." She waved to them as the boarded the train.
~~~~~~~~~
Hermione, Ron and Harry went to find a cabin for themselves. There was an empty one near the front so they took it over and Harry and Ron started a game of Exploding snap. Hermione nervously got to her feet before they'd been there five minutes.
The two boys looked up.
"Where are you going Hermione?" Ron questioned.
"O-oh," she stuttered, "Didn't I-I tell you? I- I'm a prefect."
princess55 : yay! My first reviewer. And hopefully not last. Thanks for the compliments. I disowned him (started writing the story before the fifth book came out, so I decided not to change it), but thanks again.