A/N: Okay here is my ranting. The world hates me at the moment, well not really it just seems it because I have no real problems to worry about. I had the hugest assignment due on Thursday, I'm not joking we had 160 pages of excel calculations and that wasn't even the report and then after attending careers day I have decided that I really have no choice but to add another major to my degree, joy of joys so now I have three majors in corporate finance, accounting and management. Thanks for all those that have reviewed and for all of those people who have put me on their authors watch. And just a quick question do you think non-explicit blow jobs would be pg anyway let me know.
Setting a Routine Part 1 Ch13
The trio had a very tiring first week. Tuesday they awoke at the awful hour of 5 o'clock once again and they went down for their training session and by the time they had made their way to breakfast everyone else in the school was happily discussing the new Trio Talk article. Tonk's had organised to receive her own Daily Prophet now that they were back at Hogwart's and she sat down at the table and was handed her own copy from Ginny.
"You owe me for the Post, it came early today so I paid and read it through while I was waiting. Hope you don't mind?" Tonk's shook her head and looked at the front page. A picture of Harry sitting between two hospital beds which contained the unconscious forms of Ron and Hermione stared up at her. The headline read "The pain behind the Boy Who Lived".
Ron looked over Tonk's shoulder "I don't remember that." They all looked at him disbelievingly "You wouldn't would you, you were sleeping" Hermione shot back quickly hoping that they wouldn't discuss the article any further but no such luck when Harry pointed out that Colin had taken the picture and promptly started looking for the younger boy. When he found him Harry waved him over "Hey Colin, over here?" he called. No malice could be heard in his voice but Ron and Hermione knew better. As Colin hurried over Ron leant over to Harry and whispered in his ear.
"Careful Harry, he only does what he thinks is best" Harry was going to reply but Colin had arrived. Harry turned to Colin and asked in a stern voice that attracted the attention of those that were sitting around him why he had sent the pictures in.
Colin paled and then stared straight into his eye and explained that quite a few of his photos had been stolen from him. Harry sighed audibly, he believed the boy that stood in front of him. Tonk's interest in the boy suddenly spiked and she tried to get his attention "Colin" she asked clearly. Colin pulled his eyes away from his hero and glared at the young woman that sat before him. Colin didn't know what to think of her. She was obviously a special person as Ginny and the Trio liked her but he was having trouble liking her anyway. "What?" He asked irritably. Tonk's raised her eyebrows for Hermione's sake and started her line of questioning "When did you notice they were missing?" Colin considered not answering but as Harry was sitting forward, waiting for his answer he informed Tonk's that he had know idea that they were missing until he saw the photo and then he quickly went to check his stocks. He turned back to Harry "I swear I didn't give them the photo. I wouldn't not without asking you?" Colin was looking at Harry begging for his forgiveness. Harry wasn't going to give it to him until Hermione kicked him under the table. "It's okay Colin, I believe you." Tonk's forced Colin's attention back to her "Have you told Professor McGonagall or your prefect or anything like that?" Colin shook his head embarrassedly but then Hermione told him that they would tell McGonagall as they had her just before lunch.
When Colin had finally left Tonk's started looking through the rest of the paper until she came to Trio talk. She looked down and then looked again. The whole page was covered by nearly everything the three had done the day before as well as an apparent confession of the three of them sleeping together. Luckily the article didn't mention the early morning training session or the late night divination lesson for Ron. However it did give a very detailed account of the Quidditch session the boys undertook. She quickly shut the page as the others did not want to see it and from that day on nearly all of the Trio's spare time was spent in their offices or in their quarters which they shared with Viktor going only back to the Gryffindor rooms to sleep.
That day was one of the favourites of the Trio's. On Tuesday's they had a double Care of Magical Creatures with Hagrid, Transfiguration, Divination for the boys and Tonk's and Arithmancy for Hermione, and they finished off the day with Charms. Their afternoon activities in a normal week would normally involve Quidditch Training for the boys from 5 until 8 and then after tea it was Invisibility Training with Dumbledore.
The Trio decided to leave breakfast early that day so that they could spend some time with Hagrid. They gathered their books, discreetly waved to Viktor, said their goodbyes to Ginny and then made their way down to Hagrid's hut. He was apparently waiting for them as he opened the door before they knocked. They all walked inside and they were promptly knocked over by his huge dog Fang. "I've been waiting to see ya?" They all smiled back at him and Tonk's said "Wotcher Hagrid." Hagrid looked closely at Tonk's and then started to laugh
"Well I would never have picked it was you, Tonk's. Undercover hey. Explains a lot that does." The four of them were quiet for a second and then Ron blurted out "Where were you in the holidays Hagrid?" Hagrid looked embarrassed and then shook his head "I still can't tell you, you know that?" The three of them looked at him horrified but then Tonk's spoke gently to the half giant "Dumbledore has these three on full disclosure concerning the order. He decided that it did more harm than good last year." She was about to say more but luckily stopped herself in time. Hagrid looked at the four of them and then spoke quietly as if the walls had ears "I couldn't find them. They were all gone… Well that was all of the live ones were gone. I guess those that died didn't want to leave and they were punished for it." None of them were shocked but they were all quite disappointed, having the giants as an ally would more than help their cause but it was to be expected after what had happened the summer before. "Hey Hagrid shouldn't the rest of the class be here?" Hermione asked. Hagrid shook his head sadly "You're the only ones I have. Dumbledore said that I should give each of you an independent study and then you can use this lesson as a spare. Ron you have the dragons, Harry the phoenix, Hermione the unicorn. Dumbledore assigned these but I don't know why. Tonk's I guess you get to pick whatever, why don't you do the same as one of them." Tonk's nodded thinking that that would probably be best and then Ron explained to Hagrid about the dragons and Ares. As it was a double lesson there was still plenty of time left so they all went down to visit Ares and spent a lovely hour just lying around while Ron and Ares talked.
By the end of the 2nd day Harry, Hermione and Ron were finding that they were performing the new spells they learnt with ease. This had cut down the amount of homework quite significantly but the boys really struggled with the theoretical concepts behind the spell. Hermione, curious by nature pointed it out as they made their way to their office after their charm lesson. Tonk's thought about it and Hermione was right, they always seemed to be the first finished even beating the Ravenclaw students in the transfiguration class, finding no other explanation Tonk's explained when they entered the office "Must be because the magic you are learning is elementary compared to the stuff we do in the mornings." No one else had an explanation so they all sat in silence until Luna, Neville and Ginny made an appearance. "Hi guys, come on in." Harry shouted as the three of them peered nervously into the room. Ron who was still surprised about all that had happened elbowed Neville in the ribs "Cool huh?" Neville nodded. He felt awful for the three of them having to hide in their office away from the spying eyes of the rest of the school. Luna interrupted Neville's thoughts when she started to speak "Dad says if any of you would like to do an interview you are all more than welcome."
The three nodded thinking that it wasn't very likely that they would be giving interviews soon when Ginny asked innocently "Where did they hear that you all have been sleeping together." Neville looked taken aback, he had assumed that what he had read wasn't true but Ginny just about confirmed that it was. Hermione shook her head, "I don't know" she said solemnly. Both boys shook their heads their conversation from the previous night forgotten.
Luckily for them Viktor entered the room looking for the boys "You up for more quidditch practise again?" Both boys nodded and ignored Hermione's pointed look. "We'll be back in time to finish our homework." Harry promised. Suddenly he realised that they weren't alone he turned to Ginny "You want some practise before the trials Ginny? Neville, Luna you are welcome to join us" Ginny nodded, Harry had already reassured her that she still had a place on the team in the chaser spot if she wanted but she needed the practise anyway. Harry turned to Neville and Luna, Neville looked pale but Luna looked enthusiastic. Neville started shaking his head but Ginny wouldn't hear of it "You can take on Bellatrix Lestrange but you can't come flying with us? Come on I'm sure Viktor won't mind lending Ron a broom and you can borrow Ron's" Neville looked at Ron who nodded unsure, he knew that Viktor had more than enough brooms but he was nervous about lending his own broom to Neville. Ron then looked at Hermione "Hermione" he said in a whiny voice "Can you come flying with me?" he continued in the same pitch. Hermione looked at Tonks who looked at her pleadingly and then at Viktor who smiled at her confidently and she slowly nodded. Viktor told them all to wait there and he went down to their rooms bringing 3 brooms back with him, two Firebolts for himself and Ron and the broom that Hermione had learnt to fly on. Hermione smiled at him gratefully and Tonk's shouted out that they would all meet at the quidditch pitch in 10 minutes. Tonk's, Neville, Ginny, Harry, Hermione and Ron all went back to their common rooms and changed.
Harry and the others soon found themselves back on the quidditch pitch where they spotted Luna and Viktor talking. Luna was telling Viktor all about the hat she made last year to support Ron in his endeavour as keeper when they all sauntered up to them. Viktor looked at them all gratefully having never experienced talking to a person like Luna before. He interrupted their conversation though and shouted to Harry "I bought the snitches." Harry looked pleased and then Viktor bought out a quaffle and chucked it to Ginny "A bit bigger than the snitch isn't it?" Viktor had heard all about the twins and Harry's ban from the year before and hence knew all about Ginny's stint as seeker. Ginny grinned widely and mounted her broom and headed off high into the sky. Ron, Harry and Tonk's followed leaving just Viktor, Neville and Hermione on the ground. Viktor looked at Hermione urging her to follow the others up however her sense of loyalty to Neville stopped her. She knew from personal experience how terrifying flying could be and she silently communicated to Viktor that she wasn't going up until Neville could at least hold his own.
Viktor made his way to Neville "Neville do you remember how to do this?" Neville looked at Viktor nervously. He nodded his head as he had been practising in the holidays for the past 4 years but it was one thing to fly in the back yard where no one would see him fall to flying with an International quidditch sensation, the 1st seeker in a century and two of the Weasley's. Viktor smiled encouragingly "Well mount then. Harry and I have to catch the snitches before tea and Hermione and I aren't going up there until you join us." Neville cautiously mounted his broom as did Hermione and then took off. Viktor was quite impressed from the way that Neville had been acting he thought that he was going to be just as bad as Hermione was. Hermione was the next to leave the ground knowing that Viktor wouldn't let her stand there all day. Viktor released all of the snitches and promptly forgot all about Neville and his flying problems. While all of this was happening Ron, Harry, Ginny and Tonks were having a great time chucking the quaffle round "Hey Tina, you coming out for quidditch?" Harry asked her jokingly, Tonk's smiled back "I was on the quidditch team at my last school but I don't think I want to" she replied back.
When Neville and Hermione joined them high up in the air Harry left the game of catchy and joined Viktor flying high looking for snitches. "You did a good job with Hermione" he pointed down at Hermione who was carefully throwing the quaffle to Ginny. Viktor laughed "She's great isn't she" Harry looked at Viktor worryingly "Yeah she is but Ron and her are the perfect couple" Viktor looked at Harry amazingly. He was used to Ron's jealousy and insecurities but certainly not Harry's "What are you talking about Harry. I don't like Hermione like that. I agree Ron and her are the perfect couple they compliment each other so well." Harry looked on uncertainly and decided that flying is a perfect time for man talk as no one else could listen in "Well is there someone else?" Viktor laughed and then quickly dove down and deposited the caught snitch in the box.
Harry was so preoccupied with their conversation that he hadn't seen it all. Viktor made his way back to Harry. "Saved by the snitch. Well to answer your question I do have my eye on someone." Harry was intrigued but he knew that at times Viktor could be as secretive as he could. Probably if Harry thought about it even more secretive as he never had close friends to confide in. Suddenly they both saw a snitch at the same time and the race was on. Viktor only just got to it first and once again he made the trip to deposit the snitch in the ground as he rose to Harry he got an idea. "You know you could have gone professional if the league hadn't been boycotted." Harry thought about it, he knew that he was good but it was one thing he hadn't thought about. "I probably could have but I have had other things on my mind. If all of this ever ends I may look you up get you to get me a tryout somewhere." Viktor laughed, if this ever ended Harry wouldn't need anybodies help, he probably didn't need it anyway. Harry dove and caught the next snitch and Viktor broached the coming Hogwart's season "What are you going to do for training this season?" Harry didn't need to thing much about that answer "Don't really know. You know that we have the pitch Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday from 5 until 8 but other than that I don't know flying drills and then maybe some plays. Why do you have some ideas?" Viktor thought about it, he knew that after this week that he would have to train on his own if he couldn't make other arrangements. "I might. Would you consider letting me train with you, I'm assuming that like us you just let a snitch go and look for it while the rest of the team does other stuff. We could release my snitches and compete for them and in return I will help you plan your trainings." Harry didn't need to think about the answer. It was too good of an opportunity to ignore. "Sounds good. As long as you don't make the same deal with the Slytherin's." Viktor laughed and soon they split up catching snitches.
When all of the snitches had been caught they each only had 20 minutes before tea started, really just enough time to get cleaned up. They said goodbye to Luna and Viktor and headed up to the common room to change with Hermione complaining the whole time.
"Ron, I thought you were going to stop to do your homework. Our year will be impossible if we don't stay on top of our homework." Ron tried his very best and even with Ares telling him to shut up he couldn't help himself. "Oh shut up Mione, what do you care if I don't get my homework done."
Hermione was seething. She was already irritable as she hadn't got to spend any time alone with him over the last 3 days and there he was blowing her off. "Ronald Weasley. I do not care whether you choose to do your homework or not. You lazy, arrogant big headed prat." And Hermione hurried off. Ron turned red with embarrassment, not because of the names that she had called him but because he had been a prat. He knew that Hermione had been upset ever since she got back to Hogwart's and he had done nothing to find out if she was feeling any better. Guilt wracked his soul and when Harry turned to him and gave him a look Ron couldn't stand it
"Look I didn't mean it. She knows that." But Ron didn't really believe what he said and Tonk's gave him a withering stare and whispered in his ear "You better hope that she just stormed off to the common room, apologise." Ron didn't need to be told twice he increased his pace hoping to catch up with her.
When Hermione reached the common room she immediately made her way into the girls dormitory and sat on her bed thinking. Hermione couldn't help but admit that she missed the holding hands and tender kisses that she had got so used to receiving from Ron in the holidays. Yet it was impossible due to Trio Talk to show any public affection. Ginny and Tonk's carefully entered the room, startling the young woman. Ginny sat down on the bed "He didn't mean it. He is just frustrated. You know that." Hermione nodded knowing that if she did anything else she might lose the small strand of self control that she had left. Tonk's and Ginny must have felt that as neither pushed her to talk, instead Tonk's said brightly "Why don't we take tea in our rooms?" Ginny looked up curiously, Tonk's shook her head so Ginny didn't say anything but Hermione looked up and smiled, signifying that she thought it was a great idea. "Ginny you go and let Ron and Harry know our plans and then go down to the third floor, there is a portrait of a knight about three portraits down. Stroke its sword and then the password is Friendship. Tell Viktor our plans and get him to go and organise us some tea. Wait there for us." Ginny sped off to do her tasks and Hermione and Tonk's got ready.
When Tonk's and Hermione finally descended the steps from the girls dormitories Hermione had managed to compose herself. She looked over to Ron determined to ignore him but when she saw the look on his face she couldn't help but feel awful for the way she went off at him. Ron and Harry approached them "Hermione I'm sorry about what I said." Hermione looked at him and smiled, 6 months ago he would never have apologised so early on in their fight. "Apology accepted, but if I ever and I mean ever hear you calling me Mione again I will not be held responsible for my actions. And you know as well as I do that I know a lot more spells than you do due to all the reading I do." Ron nodded knowing that she was right. Ron linked arms with Hermione, shot a look at Harry to do the same and they escorted her out of the common room with Tonk's trailing behind them. When they finally reached their rooms Harry let go of Hermione's arm, knowing that Ron was missing Hermione as a girlfriend.
Dinner turned out to be a very pleasant affair. Ron and Hermione sat next to each other on one side of the table holding hands whenever they could, Viktor and Tonk's sat opposite them with Ginny and Harry at the heads of the table. The dinner discussion was quite broad, Harry and Viktor told Ginny and Ron about their agreement for Quidditch training. Both seemed pleased with the arrangement as Ron knew that Harry already had a tight schedule and that a little extra help would help take the pressure off. The quidditch arrangement bought up the topic of the Slytherin's and Malfoy and his goons in particular. They had a quick laugh about how they would probably put up a stink about Viktor's involvement with the Gryffindor's team but then it moved onto the more serious discussion on their behaviour since they had returned to school.
For a change Malfoy and his goons had been conspicuous in their absence from the Trio's life. Tonk's was of the opinion that he was confused with everything that had been going on since his Father's capture. His father's capture had caused a lot of problems for the Malfoy family, the main Manor was searched as was all of their other property whether it be local or overseas. Ron countered Tonk's argument of one of his own. "Malfoy has never liked us and Harry was responsible for putting his father in Azakaban. I bet he is plotting his revenge right now." No one responded knowing Ron could be right until Ginny spoke up "They may be absent from your lives but they are making mine a living hell." They all looked at her curiously and she blushed a little "They know I went to the ministry last year with you guys" she continued on cautiously. Tonk's raised an eyebrow "What did they do Gin?" Ginny looked to the table, "oh nothing I couldn't handle. You know a rude comment here, a shove there." Ron started turning red and even with Hermione's calming presence he couldn't help but question Ginny further "There's more isn't there Ginny?" Ginny didn't look up but nodded and started to cry silently. Tonk's shot them all looks hoping that they would get that she wanted them out of there. When they didn't pick up the message "Viktor, would you mind dropping them off to Dumbledore. I'm sure he wouldn't mind them coming early." Viktor nodded as did Hermione but neither Harry nor Ron moved. Harry couldn't help but feel big brotherly around Ginny and he wanted to know just as bad as Ron did what had caused Ginny to cry. Harry hadn't seen Ginny cry very often. Growing up with 6 older brothers, even ones as caring as the Weasley's made a girl tough but Tonk's wouldn't let them stay. "Bye" They all left the room leaving Ginny and Tonk's behind.
When the room had cleared Tonk's sat quietly waiting for Ginny to tell her what happened but it never came. Finally she decided to break the stand off "Ginny, what happened baby?" Ginny wouldn't meet her eye, which wasn't a good sign. She didn't want to push too hard but she desperately needed to find out what had happened. Finally Ginny started to speak. "We had potions just before Lunch today with the Slytherin's, I copped a bit of shit from Snape that's all." Tonk's didn't believe Ginny's terrible lie at all. "Gin, come off it honey. I have known you for over a year. You either don't take that sort of shit personally or you give it back just as good as you get. There's more to it." Ginny nodded uncomfortably "The Slytherin's did give me shit in today's lesson and for some reason Viktor wasn't present. Snape knew about it but of course he didn't stop it. Don't worry I know as well as you do that he has to let it continue but anyway I couldn't really defend myself. When the lesson was over I packed up rather slowly and reassured my friends that I would be fine so they didn't wait for me. I was walking out of the classroom, heading to lunch when four Slytherin's grabbed me and hustled me into a spare classroom. They did a pretty weak locking spell on the door and then pushed me down into a chair." She stopped again and Tonk's didn't know what to do. She had interviewed victims before, but never one who she was close with. She took a deep breath and keeping herself as calm as possible "Then what happened honey?" Ginny looked down "The guy that did that locking charm advanced on me." She waited a second "You know me, I felt I had no choice." Tonk's was really scared now but she nodded her head. "I don't really know what happened. All of a sudden I had my wand out, had done that shield you taught us, you know the one that you don't have to recast until 5 spells had hit and then I started stunning them." Tonk's breathed out a sigh of relief and let her muscles relax just a little and nodded indicating that Ginny should continue with her story "I stunned them, I let myself out and then I went to lunch. I wasn't going to tell anybody and then I stuffed it up by saying something tonight. With all of you, I couldn't have told it to anyone worse unless of course I told all of my brothers." She gave a tight smile. "Gin, honey what happened with that boy when he approached you?"
The smile disappeared quickly from Ginny's face; Viktor had entered just in time to hear Tonk's question. Ginny clammed up and Tonk's shot him a dirty look but then Ginny looked up at Viktor "You're not telling anyone." Viktor nodded knowing that he wasn't necessarily telling the truth. Ginny looked back at Tonk's basically forgetting that Viktor was there "I don't know. He came towards me and started brushing my cheek, and then I felt one of them with their hand down near my inner thigh." Tonk's nodded "You did good Ginny" Ginny started to cry "I didn't want to, honestly. I was so scared, it was like being back there, I didn't even realise I had done anything until I walked over to the door and had to unlock it." Tonk's just sat there, Ginny wasn't like Hermione she didn't really want a reassuring touch just a presence was enough. When Ginny had calmed down sufficiently Tonk's started again. "Do you remember who it was?" Ginny shook her head "I don't know. I don't think they were in my year but I don't really know. I have never really had trouble with the Slytherin's before. I guess because I opened up their little Chamber."
Tonk's nodded "Honey, I have to tell Dumbledore. He needs to know. What happens if it was Death Eater orders?" Ginny shook her head venomously "Then Snape would know and he would have told you guys. That's the way it works isn't it?" It was Tonk's turn to shake her head and consider how she was going to answer "Snape, doesn't get told everything. He probably gets told nothing about plans for Hogwart's. I promise no one other than Dumbledore, Professor McGonagall and Snape will be told." Ginny knew that Tonk's had to tell Dumbledore. And maybe subconsciously she wanted him to know. She nodded her head and told them she wanted to go to bed. Tonk's offered her Hermione's bed knowing that it would never be used which she gratefully accepted and soon she was sleeping fitfully.
When Tonk's emerged from the bedroom she made her way over to Viktor who was looking through a potion book in preparation for his lessons for the next day. He looked up when she entered but she shook her head "I'll tell you the whole story when we go to pick them up. It's nearly time anyway. We'll go and get Severus and Minerva." Tonk's changed from being a young school girl to an older woman who could have passed for McGonagall's sister "My don't you look attractive?" Viktor commented and Tonk's laughed "What famous International Quidditch stars don't have an older woman on the side?" They both laughed happy that things had lightened from before. They left the room and quickly went to collect Minerva and Severus. Snape didn't seem too happy to be interrupted but came anyway. McGonagall was the complete opposite to Snape, she enthusiastically got to her feet and immediately started leading the way as if they didn't know the way to the office. When they got to the office they were surprised to see the four occupants sitting around the room chatting companionably and looking rather pleased with themselves but when they saw who had entered they all sobered up quick enough.
Dumbledore immediately offered them a seat when he saw the tense looks on Viktor's and Tonk's face. "I am assuming that something has happened and that is why you are all here?" Snape glared at Viktor whilst the rest of them looked at Tonk's. Tonk's didn't really want the Trio to hear what happened so she gave Dumbledore a pointed look and then glanced at the Trio. Apparently Dumbledore got the message "There are very few secrets between us all. Please start your story Tonk's." Tonk's began her story. She watched as Severus and Minerva paled and how Viktor and Hermione face became horrified and then she observed Harry and Ron's anger. They both started to glow and didn't stop until Dumbledore placed a hand on Harry's shoulder and Hermione took Ron's hand in hers. When the boys had calmed down enough to be rational Dumbledore spoke. "I do not wish to do anything about this." Harry and Ron looked at Dumbledore with their mouths wide open "Miss Weasley handled herself admirably thanks very much to your training in the holidays." Ron was the first to speak "Tonk's are you sure she doesn't know who they were because I wouldn't mind discussing a few things with them." Harry nodded and the others in the room paled with the exception to Dumbledore. "Mr Weasley I do not believe that your purposes would be best served going after my Slytherin's." Ron turned red; the Trio had come to respect the surly teacher but at times like this they truly hated him. "I think it would serve my purposes quite well" Ron replied scathingly.
Dumbledore saw that they weren't getting anywhere and decided to take control of the situation "Lemon Drop Ron?" Ron shook his head and Dumbledore turned to Tonk's "Can I assume that Miss Weasley is safe at the moment?" Tonk's nodded her head allowing Dumbledore to continue. "None of your Slytherin's has come to report anything to you about this?" This question was directed to Snape who shook his head. "Severus I want you to check the dungeons before you return to your room just to make sure that Miss Weasley didn't in fact stun them fully. Minerva you will talk to Miss Weasley tomorrow and see if you can't find out anymore and warn her of the dangers of being alone. Now if that is all?" All of the adults nodded and stood but Ron and Harry stayed in their chairs. Hermione also stayed seated although this was more out of respect for the other two than from belief that Ron and Harry could achieve any more. Dumbledore eyed them carefully "Is there anything you wish for me to do boys?" He asked them. Ron and Harry shared a look and Harry spoke as he was still the closest to the headmaster "We want someone punished?" Dumbledore laughed and then spoke quietly "My boys do you really believe that you will feel any better if these 4 boys are found. The evil that you are fighting will still be out there. It won't change anything." The boys thought about what the old man had said and realised he was right, they nodded and stood with the others. "Good night" They called back as they walked out of the door where Tonk's told McGonagall that Ginny was spending the night in their rooms as Severus swooped off to the dungeons without a look back or a goodbye.
The trio said their goodbyes to Viktor with Ron warning Viktor to look after Ginny. Viktor nodded and left. They were all talking to McGonagall when Hermione quietly pointed out to Tonk's that she hadn't changed back to Tina. Tonk's swore loudly and quickly returned to Dumbledore's office where she changed back to Tina. They all walked companionably back to the Gryffindor tower where Minerva wished them all a good night and reminded them that tomorrow was the night that their lesson was on. Harry, Hermione and Ron nodded, they certainly hadn't forgotten about the lesson they were too excited. Tonk's had a pretty good idea what they were doing but didn't say anything.
As they entered the common room they were all surprised to find it full. Normally at half past ten at night it was pretty empty. Ron who wasn't in a very good mood shouted loudly "What are you all still doing up? Do you want to know what the famous Trio has been up to? Well I'll tell you. We were hiding. Hiding from all of you intrusive little pipsqueaks." The common room turned silent and nearly everyone left save a few people who actually had a reason for being up. Neville approached them carefully "You alright Ron?" he asked cautiously. Ron desperately wanted to continue his tirade but knew Neville wasn't the person to heap it all on. He nodded and then Neville asked about Ginny, "I haven't seen her since we went to get changed for tea. I'm a bit worried about her." Hermione smiled calmly at him and lied smoothly "She's spending the night in the hospital wing. Ron passed her one of the Twin's products and unfortunately things didn't go as planned." Neville gave Ron a dirty look but Ron was too busy admiring Hermione to even notice. Hermione continued on "You certainly have improved on a broom, Neville" Neville turned bright red but laughed "Yeah, I have been practising a lot. You have improved a lot too Hermione." Hermione nodded and then made the comment about how tired she was. They all couldn't help agreeing the early starts, school, flying and extra lessons left them feeling exhausted by the end of the day. They said their goodnights with Hermione kissing both her boys on the cheek just so she could feel Ron's skin beneath her lips and then they left for their respective dormitories.
That night wasn't a pleasant one for many people. Ginny tossed and turned regularly keeping Viktor awake by her occasional moan. Tonk's also had a hard time falling asleep. But it was the Trio that had the most trouble of all. When Ron, Harry and Neville climbed into their beds and shut their curtains like the night before they called out their goodnights. Harry immediately closed his eyes but didn't fall asleep. Ron however started in on the exercises that Firenze had taught him. He took deep calming voices and allowed his mind to wander but with a constant thought on Ginny and her attack. Soon he was glowing with power, Harry opened his eyes. He had felt the change in the air and he was surprised to find that it was Ron who was doing it. He carefully made his way to the bed, trying his best not to alert the others in the room.
Harry poked Ron carefully at first and then harder when that didn't help he didn't know what to do. He sat down on the side of Ron's bed and thought. When they were at Dumbledore's Hermione would have embraced him in her arms and spoke reassuringly to him. But that wasn't really an option at the moment. He cast a light silencing spell that would encompass the curtained area and started speaking reassuringly to Ron "Ron come on, come back, you're safe mate." Ron slowly started to stop glowing and it wasn't long before his eyes were open. Harry smiled down at him "Where were you?" Ron didn't smile back but spoke quietly "I went back to Ginny's attack to find the boys that did this to her but I couldn't see their faces. I tried so hard but they never came." Harry was horrified that Ron had gone to see the attack but oddly curious at the same time. "Can you go and see anything you want?" Ron shrugged his shoulders. Harry pressed on "You have seen some of my past haven't you?" Ron looked uncomfortable but nodded slowly. Harry paled and then swung his fist at Ron luckily it missed "You fucking bastard. How could you, what did you see?" Ron wanted to cry, he had seen so much and he didn't want to see any of it "I swear to you. I couldn't control the visions I had of your past. Firenze only taught me yesterday how to retrieve specific visions from the past." Harry didn't really want to hear that "What have you seen Ron?" he asked in a tight voice. Ron stared at him so that he could see the pain in his eyes when he confessed "Nearly everything Harry. I saw your parents being killed. I saw Quirrel and Voldemort at the Mirror of Erised, The chamber of Secrets, Cedric, the duel with Voldemort and then the ministry visit." Harry was shocked and didn't say anything as he moved back to his bed and closed his eyes not allowing any conversation.
Eventually Ron and Harry fell asleep but Ron was awoken only hours later to Harry's screams. He had woken the whole dormitory with his screams of Sirius and Cedric. Ron moved over to wake him. It wasn't an easy task and the rest of the boys in the dormitory were starting to worry but eventually Ron woke him. He shepherded him out of the dorm room shooting looks back at the rest of the room as if to say don't you dare follow. By the time Ron manoeuvred Harry down the stairs they found a half dressed Tonk's waiting for them "What the hell are" she cut herself off when she saw the state of Harry. She knew the reason why the three of them slept together was to ward off nightmares but she didn't really think that they could be that bad but seeing Harry's sweat covered body and Ron's pale face she knew that they must have been horrible. "I'll go get Mione" Ron shot Tonk's a grateful look as Harry made his way to the burnt out fire. He took a seat on the floor while Ron stood waiting for Hermione to return. It wasn't long before she came rushing down the stairs. You would not have been able to guess that she had been sleeping except for the crease wrinkle on her face. She was alert and looking for Harry but Ron stopped her before she could go and comfort him. "Nightmare about Sirius and Cedric. It's all my fault Hermione. I told him about my visions." Hermione didn't say anything just grabbed Ron's hand and pulled him over to Harry who was staring at them vacantly. Hermione sat behind him and immediately put her arms around him, when Harry and Hermione had made themselves comfortable Ron did the same hugging Hermione. They spoke softly to each other for a good hour while Tonk's sat on the top of the girls stairs watching. Eventually they all stood up. "Tonk's the boys are sleeping with me. It won't be a problem we are up before anyone else anyway." Tonk's nodded they would be up in a matter of hours anyway and they all tromped up the stairs to the girls dormitory and fell back to sleep.
Wednesday's animagus lesson turned out to be the most interesting thing they had done all week. The trio had found during the summer, much to their amusement that Minerva McGonagall was fun to be around when she was removed from the classroom setting. She had a dry comment for nearly all situations but she also had a large repertoire of jokes that were genuinely funny. When Tonk's dropped them off for their lesson she quickly set them all at ease by offering tea and a quick informal chat. When the pleasantries finished Hermione gave a recap of all that they had learnt about how to become animagi. McGonagall couldn't help but be impressed at how far they had progressed but mainly it was at Hermione's ability to make the boys work in their summer holiday. McGonagall asked random questions to each of them and couldn't believe when all questions were answered correctly. Hermione picked up on McGonagall's disbelief after answering another question correctly she decided to explain "Professor we have a very good reason for doing this you know it and we know it." McGonagall nodded and asked a few more questions which were answered successfully "Well seems like you are ready for the next stage. Now there are two ways to find out what animal you will turn into. The first way is a questionnaire that has approximately 200 yes no questions and eventually you find your animal. However I suggest that you use the other method as the questionnaire needs absolute truth and I am assuming you do not really want to ingest some Veritasserum to find out. Instead you are going to use the potion technique. Now I know that you have had a very busy week but I expect that you wouldn't mind if we make the potion on Friday." They all shared a look of excitement; they were going to find out what animals they were on Friday. McGonagall didn't really need an answer to her question but Hermione gave one anyway "If that is good for you Professor." McGonagall smiled back at them "Severus has offered the use of one of his classrooms for us to use. As I have you last lesson on Friday we will leave straight from my class." They all nodded and when Tonk's arrived they thanked the Professor and hurried out of the classroom.
Tonk's couldn't believe the change in the Trio's attitude once they returned from the lesson with McGonagall. They had been in a bad mood all day, obviously tired from last nights events and testy because of Trio Talk. Hermione and Ron's fight was the main story of the column followed closely by Ron's outburst in the common room. When they arrived back at Gryffindor Tower no one looked up obviously remembering what had happened the previous evening. The trio found a spot near Dean, Neville and Ginny and sat down and enjoyed a light hearted conversation with them. But soon their excitement wore off and they found themselves trying to cover up yawns and it was Ron who crumbled first "I'm off to bed" he said loudly so that Tonk's could hear as well. The others all nodded their agreement and soon they were all fast asleep.
Thursday turned out to be a great day for everyone. The morning training session went well. Lessons went well especially DADA where Percy had tried to embarrass Tonk's. They didn't have too much homework so Hermione let them go flying and then while sitting in their office Ron made an announcement "Hermione and I are going on a date tonight, Harry has his occlumency lesson and we need to spend some time together alone." Tonk's raised her eyebrows; Ron hadn't discussed any of this with her but Ron went on to explain. "Tonk's you can tell when we leave the room can't you?" Tonk's nodded. "So if we promise to stay in there you would be confident that we couldn't get out with out you knowing?" Tonk's nodded again and Ron turned sheepish "Do you and Viktor mind hanging out in the office or maybe Viktor's office?" Tonk's and Viktor shared a look, neither of them minded very much "We'll hang out in your office that way I'll be close by." Tonk's said. Ron smiled widely "Well then that's good. We'll be ready to be picked up at 9.45, I have organised with Dobby for a dinner for two in our rooms. Bye." He grabbed Hermione's hand and left with the rest of them hurrying to catch up. When they all reached their rooms Harry couldn't help but feel a bit envious of the two of them but he pushed it to the back of his mind, wished them a good time and left with Viktor and Tonk's for tea.
When Harry arrived at Dumbledore's office he couldn't help but feel a little nervous. Occlumency with Snape had been a resounding failure. He said the password, waved goodbye to Tonk's and Viktor and knocked on the door that led to Dumbledore's office. When he entered Dumbledore sat before his desk eyes glittering as they normally do when he was amused by something "I hear that Ron and Hermione are having a date tonight?" Harry couldn't help but laugh. Only an old married couple would call a night at home a date but it had become their reality that they couldn't go and have a date in the astronomy tower or anywhere else where they would be alone and unprotected. "Yes. They are having a date. They have been the ultimate married couple since 1st year though. You know that." Dumbledore chuckled remembering portraits reports on their squabbles and McGonagall's stories. "Yes. That they have. Now we are going to start by meditating like we do with out other sessions. You are going to get your magic and place it around your brain, much like you do when you are trying to become invisible." Harry nodded and then asked a question "This isn't how I did it with Professor Snape. Did he teach me wrong?" Dumbledore immediately shook his head "He did not teach you wrong my boy. What he was trying to do is the way that I taught him how to do occlumency however it is not the way I do it. You are up to a point with your training that you are able to manipulate your magic and move it around but Severus has never been taught how to do it. You see wizards like muggles never use all of the power that we are capable of. What I am teaching you involves harnessing a greater proportion of your power which will allow you to block people with your mind using most peoples unrealised power." Harry nodded but didn't quite understand.
Dumbledore led him through some meditation and it wasn't long before Harry had control of his magic. Dumbledore's voice guided him as he moved the magic around him to circle around his brain. Dumbledore called out "Legilimens" and tried his best to break into Harry's mind. At the call of the incantation Harry started to feel the pressure on his brain but he held the magic where it was. Suddenly Dumbledore found a weak spot and made his move in but Harry's control was too great and he moved Dumbledore away from the painful memories and into the more platonic ones as he slowly got his magic under control once again. The memories that flashed by him were quite distracting but finally he was ready to get Dumbledore out of his head. He moved the magic towards Dumbledore and slowly pushed him out of his head. Harry's eyes opened when Dumbledore was completely gone from his head. He was in the exact same spot as where he started from. "Congratulations Harry, you didn't keep me out completely, but you were successful in keeping me from seeing anything important. You will improve quickly when you take into consideration the Invisibility Training." Harry looked down at his watch to see if they would be having another go but was quite surprised to find that it was already ten to ten. "Would you care for a lemon drop now that we have finished or would you care to discuss your nightmare from last night?" Harry looked up, he didn't really want to discuss the previous nights dream yet he didn't really want to talk about anything else. "No on both accounts Albus. How is everybody doing at home?" Dumbledore knew who everybody was. The Weasley's had moved permanently into Dumbledore's house and Moody, Remus and Kingsley nearly always stayed the night there anyway. "Fine, just fine. I believe your party is ready to pick you up. Come in." Hermione, Ron and Tonk's entered and made some mandatory small talk before they all decided that it was time for bed and left.
On the walk back to the common room Harry looked closely at Hermione and Ron. Each of them was sporting a large grin and he could feel the happiness radiating off of them. Harry also noticed that they both had swollen lips and the beginnings of a hickey were sprouting out behind Hermione's neck "Ron you dirty boy, who do you think you are marking Hermione?" Ron turned red but Hermione paled "What are you talking about Harry?" She asked worriedly, Harry started to laugh and then realised the seriousness of the situation. If everyone saw Hermione's hickey then rumours were sure to start. "Hermione, you have a hickey on your neck." Hermione contained a shriek but soon everyone was peering at her neck. "Shit, Shit, Shit" was Ron's chorus but Hermione was much too upset to worry about Ron's swearing. "Shut up Ron, I can fix this" came Tonk's calm reply. They all made a visible effort to calm themselves and soon Hermione's hickey was magically concealed. Hermione thought about telling Ron off but reconsidered it when she thought about the fun that they had had during their date. They had shared a lovely meal but then spent the rest of the night in each others arms. Kissing and rubbing and exploring. They were both very disappointed when Tonk's banged loudly on the door signalling the end of their date.
Friday was the day of the double divination and arithmancy lessons. Like all of the double lessons it was the first lesson in the morning. As this was the only lesson that the Trio didn't share extra effort needed to be taken in getting to lessons. As it was the first lesson it was easy on Friday's. The four of them left breakfast together and dropped Hermione off to class on the way up to the astronomy tower. Professor Trelawney was back as the teacher and she had been very vocal on Ron's divining ability. Of course the rest of the class thought that she was mad as they had no idea on Ron's new found talent and Harry and Ron were sure to keep it that way. They sat in their usual seats and Tonk's joined them and they acted the same way they did every year. They made absurd predictions, joked around and made fun of Lavender and Parvati who were still hanging on to all of Trelawney's words. That was until that fateful Friday. Trelawney had just asked them to start reading each others irises when once again Ron received a strong vision. To begin with none of the class noticed but then he started radiating power and the class all turned towards him but they couldn't see anything as Tonk's had quickly covered Ron with an invisibility cloak that she carried with her wherever she went. The class was perplexed but eventually turned back towards their work wondering just where Ron had disappeared to. Under the cloak Ron wasn't doing very well. He had just emerged from the trance and was having trouble controlling his breathing but he had had enough visions to know what he had to do. He removed the pensive he carried everywhere he went and quickly deposited the memory into it. When Tonk's pulled the cloak off he nodded at her which she gathered meant that the vision related to the war. Tonk's handed Harry and Ron each a sweet from her Skiving Snackbox and soon Harry and Ron were puking their guts up. Trelawney dismissed the three of them and then proceeded to tell the rest of the class that she had seen it but didn't want to worry them.
As soon as the three of them had exited the classroom Harry and Ron ate the other end of their sweets and immediately stopped throwing up. Tonk's considered whether to go and get Hermione from her class but then decided against it, they had plenty of time before her class ended. Tonk's started shepherding the boys down to Dumbledore's office. They said the password and knocked on the door and were immediately called in.
Harry and Ron were surprised by who they found in Dumbledore's office, Mad Eye and Kingsley were there in what was obviously a serious meeting. Dumbledore said hello and offered them all a chocolate frog which Ron gratefully accepted and then conjured up a seat for each of them. "I am assuming this isn't a pleasure call?" Dumbledore asked kindly. Ron and Harry shook their heads allowing Tonk's to tell the story. All eyes fell to Ron and he timidly answered the unasked question "Voldemort's going to try and get werewolves." Harry and Tonk's took a deep breath and Kingley and Mad Eye shared a raised eyebrow but Dumbledore just sat there taking in the scene and then asked if they could all visit the memory. Ron nodded and pulled out the pensive and soon they were all watching the scene. The scene was not pretty. They were in a dungeon and there was about 60 wizards sitting on the floor of a large cell talking among themselves. Kingsley stepped closer to one of them. "They all have silver bracelets on I can see the burns." Moody then moved to the cells doors. "These are all silver plated as well. My money's on their being other security measures. Where are we?" The memory moved further and Lucius, Bellatrix and Voldemort were talking "No one has reported the missing werewolves. Our plan is proceeding just as planned. The full moon is in 2 days and then we will unleash them on Diagon Alley." They all laughed at Voldemort's plans. The memory ended there and they all emerged from the pensive. Moody was the first to speak "Well Severus was right, what are we going to do about this Dumbledore?" Dumbledore thought quietly for a minute and then looked up "I want a meeting tonight and I would like to see Remus as soon as possible." Kingsley and Moody stood up knowing that it was there queue to leave. A few last minute questions were answered and soon they made their way out of the office. Dumbledore rounded on Tonk's, Ron and Harry "I will see you all at my office at 11 tonight. But otherwise I think that will be all."
The three of them left Dumbledore's office and then turned to look at each other. Tonk's was the first to speak "Well the war is really heating up isn't it?" Harry and Ron nodded solemnly as Tonk's continued "And I'm looking after a group of kids at Hogwart's the safest place in the wizarding world." Harry and Ron looked up with indignant looks plastered on their faces. "Well we didn't ask for your help. We have managed well enough for the past 5 years. I'm sure Hermione and Ron would help me to find a way to defeat Voldemort." Tonk's felt terrible. Guarding Harry as well as Hermione and Ron was one of the most important jobs that the order had. "Look I'm sorry about what I said but we really shouldn't be talking about it here. We'll head down to pick up Hermione and then we will go and talk outside during Hagrid's lesson." Both boys nodded but didn't say anything, still smarting from Tonk's kid comment. They promptly made their way down to Hermione's class and picked her up and quickly bought her up to speed.
The rest of the day passed quickly and soon they found that they were attending their last lesson of the day with McGonagall. The lesson itself was blatantly easy for the three of them as it was a pretty easy spell once you got the wand movements right. As the end of the lesson approached McGonagall made her way over to the Trio. "I'm afraid that we are going to have to postpone tonights activities." McGonagall left as quickly as she had arrived. Ron looked puzzled, as did Harry, was she talking about the order meeting. Hermione too was puzzled but being the intelligent woman that she was chose not to make it obvious to the rest of the world and then all of a sudden she understood, they were not going to be able to do their animagus transformation. She looked crestfallen when she realised what McGonagall meant but being the oblivious boys that Harry and Ron were neither picked up on her dejected look. When the lesson finally drew to a close the four of them gathered their belongings and headed down to their office.
The rest of the day passed quickly. Once again they went out flying with Luna, Neville and Ginny and then tea was spent with the Trio trying to convince Neville to try out for the quidditch team and by the end of the meal he had at least promised that he would think about attending the tryouts. For the first time since they got back to Hogwart's the Trio spent the evening in the Gryffindor's common room trying desperately to distract themselves with normalcy that just wasn't present in their lives. Luckily for them by the time quarter to eleven came around the common room was empty of everyone except the Trio, Neville, Tonk's and Ginny. Tonk's stared pointedly at Hermione who understood exactly what she was meant to do "Oops I have forgotten my homework, can you come and get it with me?" She asked casually. Tonk's started to nod as did Ron and Harry but when Neville started to nod Ginny who had worked out what they were doing smoothly interrupted "You can't leave me here by myself Neville, what sort of gentleman are you?" Neville blushed and quickly turned to Hermione "Normally I would come too Hermione, but you heard Ginny, it would be ungentlemanlike of me to leave her alone." Tonk's shot Ginny a grateful look as the four exited the common room.
There was little talking between the group as they made their way to Dumbledore's office where they met up with Snape, Viktor and McGonagall. "Everyone is present, Tonk's I believe that maybe you should change back to a more normal appearance." Tonk's looked sheepishly at Dumbledore before changing back to her normal Pink haired young but not that young shape. Viktor wolf whistled when Tonks had finished transforming whilst Snape sneered at the young quidditch star whilst Dumbledore and McGonagall shared knowing glances and the trio raised their eyebrows at each other. "If you have quite finished Professor Krum, Miss Tonk's" Dumbledore's eyes sparkled as he said this "If you could all put your finger on this quill, the portkey should activate itself in ten seconds." They all felt the all too familiar tug at their navels and they soon found themselves in the middle of a largely empty room. Harry's stomach tightened involuntarily "Is this the right place Professor? Where is everybody else?" Snape turned to Harry "Of course this is where we were meant to arrive, do you think we wouldn't have removed our wands if we were worried about where we were. And as to your other question Mr Potter, everybody else is sure to turn up soon, we had to arrive early so that we could set up. Does that satisfy your curiosity or would you like further explanation?" Harry started to go red but Hermione gently placed a hand on his forearm and whispered quietly "Don't Harry it's what he wants." Harry had visibly calmed down and soon they all got to work, moving chairs whilst Dumbledore, McGonagall and Snape did the harder work such as magically enlarging the room.
Small pops started occurring and soon Harry, Hermione and Ron found themselves in what had become an all too familiar 4 person hug when Mrs Weasley apparated in and spotted the Trio "Oh I have missed you so much, it's so good to see you all so safe. though I do wish you didn't come to these meetings." Ron slowly pushed his Mum away "Geez Mum, we only left a week ago and with that Trio Talk, you and the rest of the wizarding world knows all about our lives. Why didn't you tell me that I was in the paper. It was bloody scary returning to school to find all of these people watching me. This first year came and asked me if I was the famous Ron Weasley and I had no idea that he was talking about me." Suddenly laughs interrupted Ron's tirade to his Mother and once again he found himself being watched, however this time not by spying first years but by all of the members of the order. Dumbledore looked over to him, eyes twinkling "Have you finished now Ron or would you like to continue on with your Dear Mum ramblings." This had everyone laughing once again as nearly all of them had during their times at Hogwarts had to write home 'Dear Mum' letters. Once the laughter had settled down and people had started to take their seats Dumbledore got on with the meeting.
The Trio were quite quiet throughout the meeting, the same couldn't be said for Tonk's. She had obviously used her time since Ron's vision to do some serious thinking about their werewolf problem. What was most surprising about the meeting for the group was that Remus Lupin was present and what he had to report to the order was not at all pleasant. He had spent the time from Ron's vision visiting all of the werewolves that he knew and found that the majority of them had already been captured. It was nearing 3 in the morning when Hermione decided to put forth an idea. She addressed Snape "Do you be any chance keep Polyjuice Potion professor." Snape nodded his head trying desperately not to sneer at the Know-it-all as he was wondering where her line of thought was taking her. She continued on bravely "If you could get some of Pettigrew's hair do you think maybe you could place the Imperius Curse on the guards and get them to administer the Wolfsbane Potion to the Werewolves, therefore drastically reducing the risk of them biting other people and also the risk of those trying to foil the attack."
Most people looked at Hermione disgustedly and some even started whispering between themselves that maybe she wasn't really what she appeared. Maybe she was like the papers had said after Harry for his fame when Dumbledore raised his hand and all conversation ceased. He looked at Hermione "You do realise Hermione that you are suggesting to use an unforgivable. We have to be careful that we do not become who that we are fighting against." Hermione considered what the Professor had said and then nodded and looked around at the rest of the order "I perfectly understand what I am suggesting as you know. However I believe it is one of the better suggestions that have been considered but maybe we should ask Professor Snape?" All eyes focused on Professor Snape, he had been thinking about what the little know-it-all had suggested for a while now and could see nothing wrong with the logistics of it all. It was a well thought out and logical plan. However he was having trouble separating Hermione know-it-all Granger who encompassed all of the Gryffindor traits that he found nauseating with the girl that sat before him. However Dumbledore interrupted his thoughts "Severus?" Snape looked around at the rest of the order "The plan is not without some merits and if no one else can come up with a solution by tomorrow at midnight I may be able to fine tune Miss Granger's plan to work." The order all sat quietly, Snape's speech had confirmed that the plan was basically set in stone. Dumbledore ended the meeting after telling them all to think hard about the situation and if anyone came up with any other ideas to contact him at the school.
Soon only Dumbledore's most trusted people were left the Weasley's and Lupin surrounded the Trio whilst Dumbledore was surrounded by the remaining members but it wasn't too long before Dumbledore announced that it was time to head back to school unfortunately for the Trio Mrs Weasley decided that a Kings Cross farewell was in order and once again gave them warnings, hugs and kisses before they all put their finger on the portkey waiting for it to activate again. When they returned to Dumbledore's office they quickly bid their goodbyes to the remaining professors and were heading out of the door when Dumbledore spoke to them "It might be a good idea if you slept in the staff quarters tonight, we wouldn't want any of the students to know that you have been out roaming the school at 3.30 at night." The three of them nodded and made their way down to their rooms in absolute silence.
When they reached their rooms Tonk's looked at them and seeing how weary they were immediately felt sorry for them. They certainly didn't look like the 15 and 16 year old witches and wizards that they were. They all looked as if they could fall asleep on their feet. "Guys, you should hop into bed, special treat tomorrow, you can sleep in as long as you want." The trio didn't even thank her as they made their way into Harry's room to go to bed. However once they were in there they realised their problem "I don't have any pj's" Hermione all of a sudden blurted out and then she started crying. Harry and Ron looked at her and started to laugh. Ron lifted her head up "Hermione, its not that big a problem, just sleep in your bras and undies, we're too tired to even care that you aren't wearing any pyjamas" Hermione nodded but still felt oddly uncomfortable about the whole situation "Oh alright then but you boys have to get out while I change and get under the covers." The boys shared a look, for such a logical and sensible Hermione sure made some dumb comments. They left the room only to find a rather disgruntled Tonk's poking her head out of her room. "It's late guys, go to bed." Harry and Ron both laughed "We want to go to bed as much as you want to however Hermione wanted us to leave the room while she gets undressed and under the covers." It was Tonk's turn to laugh and soon Harry and Ron re-entered the bedroom only to find Hermione already asleep. The boys slipped out of their robes down to their boxes and took their places next to the girl that they would do anything for.
For the first time since the Trio had returned to Hogwart's they had a long uninterrupted sleep. Hermione was the first to wake of course but she knew that if she got up then she would wake up both of the boys so she lay there breathing deeply in the hopes that she would fall back to sleep but no luck. Just as Hermione was starting to drift off once again, Harry awoke. If left to his own accord Harry had this amazing ability to wake up immediately. One second he was sleeping deeply the next he was fully alert. Hermione rolled over and looked at Harry "Morning Harry" Harry smiled at Hermione "Morning Hermione, you know you started crying last night because you didn't have any pyjamas." Hermione looked at him incredulously "What are you talking about Harry Potter. I would never start crying for such a stupid thing, there are too many other more important things to cry about." But the more she thought about it the more likely it seemed. Harry gave her a knowing smile, it felt nice, joking around with her but he started to frown a little when Hermione broached the next subject as her revenge for bringing up the pyjama incident. "Mr Potter, I believe that you made a promise that you were going to kiss 5 girls this year. Who do you think will be your first?" Harry was saved from answering when Ron started squirming, the cue that he was in the midst of waking up and Harry decided that he would leave giving the couple a bit of quality time.
Harry got up and made his way down into their living area only to find Tonk's and Viktor in the midst of a meal that looked decidedly like lunch "Wotcher, Harry" Harry nodded his head but didn't say anything as he was lost in thought about the topic that Hermione had broached. It wasn't until Tonk's voice interrupted him did he realise that he was still in his boxers "You know Harry I didn't really pick you as the exhibitionist type, I always thought it would be more of a Ron trait." Harry started to blush but got a hold of himself, it was hardly a crime to walk around in your boxers, plenty of people did it at the Weasley household and he had seen Moony and Shacklebolt once or twice at Dumbledore's in their boxers. "Well you know everything else about me Tonk's so why not what is under my loose robes, do you think I am sexy?" At this statement Tonk's burst out laughing so hard that she knocked over her pumpkin juice "Priceless Harry, I am sure you are going to get heaps of girls with that sort of flirting, all I can say is that I really pity the girl that you really fall for" By this time even Viktor was laughing however all of the noise had bought Ron and Hermione out into the living room as well. Ron was still clad in his boxers but Hermione had had the presence of mind to put on her school robe. However their appearance caused more laughter when Viktor pointed to Ron and turned to Tonk's and said "Well you were half right"
After they all had settled down the Trio all took a seat at the table and Tonk's asked in a semi-serious voice "Well what are your plans for today?" Before the end of the question was out of Tonk's mouth Hermione had started to answer "Well Ron, Harry and I are going to do all of our homework" Harry and Ron started to open their mouths but one glare from Hermione told them that there was no way that she would let them escape, however Viktor who did not know that particular look turned to Harry "Would you rather come flying with me?" Harry's eyes lit up but they were quickly returned to normal when Hermione rounded on Viktor ? "How could you even suggest it, Ron and Harry haven't done any homework all week. They still are in school in case you have forgotten." Viktor had the good grace to look properly chastised and even broached a small smile when he announced that he was going to go and ask Ginny if she would like to go instead but once again he was shot down "You can not Viktor, it is Ginny's OWL year and she hasn't done much more homework than those two" Hermione said whilst pointing at the disappointed Harry and Ron. Viktor was going to open his mouth when he saw a small shake of the head coming from Harry. Viktor decided that Harry did know Hermione much better so he let it go.
Once lunch was finished they all made their way down to their office only to find a large student contingent waiting for them. Ron who was still smiling after their sleep in and subsequent lunch shouted to the kids "What seems to be the problem people?" All of a sudden people started shouting out questions "Can you help us with out Defence homework?", "Where were you this morning?", "Professor Can I have your autograph", "Ron will you go with me?", "Harry will you go out with me?", they would have been able to laugh it all off however one of the Ravenclaw 7th years suddenly grabbed Hermione and placed a kiss roughly on her lips. Suddenly Ron and Harry were radiating power and Hermione was doing their very best to placate them but the boys had just about had enough.
What with Ginny being attacked by the Slytherin's and now an unknown boy kissing Hermione they were not going to take it. The crowd that had gathered had all taken a step back from the two intimidating boys when Viktor spoke up "What is your name?" he asked the near petrified boy. The Ravenclaw looked up at him, but instantly dropped his head when he saw the anger radiating within the surly Quidditch stars eyes. "John Hellawell" he mumbled. Viktor took a deep breath trying to calm himself, it wouldn't do the situation any good if he let his emotions take over like Ron and Harry did. "What gives you the right to kiss Miss Granger like that?" John didn't know how to reply so he stayed silent. Viktor sneaked a glance over to where Hermione and now Ginny were still trying to get Harry and Ron under control. "You will have a weeks worth of detentions with Professor Snape and I will talk to your head of house. Now if you have any decency you will apologise to Miss Granger. However I believe that maybe you shouldn't do that right this minute as you may be hexed by Mr Weasley and Mr Potter. I think you should leave right now. That goes for the rest of you as well." Slowly the crowd started to disperse leaving only a few Gryffindor 6th years, Luna, Ginny and Viktor. Tonk's ushered the remaining people into the office and shut the door leaving Viktor outside to watch over the Trio.
Viktor could see that the Harry and Ron situation had not been dispersed when the crowd had. He bravely grabbed Harry and Ron's hand and told Hermione to get into the office with Tonk's and started marching the boys off towards the dungeon where he knew for a fact that Snape kept calming draughts when he unexpectedly ran into Dumbledore. Dumbledore took one look at the boys and motioned to Viktor to let go of them. The boys showed nothing at having been released by Viktor, nor did they acknowledge Dumbledore's presence. Dumbledore once again turned to Viktor "You may return to Miss Granger now Professor Krum" Viktor nodded and quickly made his way back to the office whilst Dumbledore calmly but forcibly told the boys to make there way to his office.
Dumbledore quietly spoke the password for his office and instructed the boys to make their way to some chairs. Each boy took a chair, still not fully in control of their actions, it was like they were under a very strong imperius curse. Dumbledore surveyed them sadly and then took a hold of Harry's hand and carefully drained him of some of his magic and then did the same to Ron. He turned back to face Harry knowing full well that Ares would be doing something similar for Ron and that Harry was not going to be happy when he realised what he had done pronounced the infamous words "Legilimens" Unlike the occlumency lesson Harry did nothing to try and stop Dumbledore from accessing his memories. Although tempted Dumbledore made no attempt at accessing Harry's darker thoughts instead he made his way through to the happier ones of him with Hermione, Ron and the Weasley's. Soon Harry seemed to have come out of his self imposed trance and Dumbledore lifted the spell. They sat in silence for another 5 minutes until Ron seemed to come out of his trance and then Dumbledore offered them both a lemon drop however both declined but for a change Dumbledore insisted. Each of the boys took one of the lollies and instantly started to feel a little better. "Quite soothing isn't it?" Harry who still felt more comfortable around the headmaster answered for the both of them "Yes you're right Professor, thank you."
Dumbledore's face dropped at the overly pleasant reply that came from Harry but decided to press ahead. He looked at each of the boys in turn and calmly spoke to them "I thought that we were past this Professor business boys?" Harry was surprised by his statement but decided that he needed to justify why he used Professor instead of Albus "Professor Dumbledore we are here to be punished, we are students and if Viktor, Hermione and Ares hadn't intervened we would have seriously hurt or maybe even killed the boy who attacked Hermione." Dumbledore chuckled heartily "Attacked Hermione?" Even Ron managed a smile at this but Dumbledore sobered up quickly "What Mr Hellawell did was both inappropriate and I am sure unwanted however Hermione is a very capable witch as you already know and she would have been able to handle the situation well enough with out you both scaring the entire Hogwart's population. Why do you think you reacted the way that you did?" Harry sat there and thought about it but Ron didn't need to think twice about his answer "He kissed my girlfriend" Dumbledore surveyed him over his glasses and then looked at Harry who was still thinking about his answer and then asked gently to Ron "Are you sure that is all?" Ron started to nod his head when Ares interrupted him "Think again Ronny boy" Ron then started to think about what had happened. He heard all of those people shouting their questions at them, he noticed that he was in a good mood and then all of a sudden he saw the Ravenclaw lunge at Hermione. All of a sudden Ron realised that he felt a tugging at his heart and he could suddenly feel Hermione's fear and disgust. Ron looked up at Dumbledore "I could sense her fear" Harry started to nod, Ron had put into words what he had just realised, he too had felt Hermione's fear. Both boys looked at Dumbledore fearfully.
Dumbledore stood and made his way over to Fawkes who was very quickly approaching his burning day giving the boys time to think about the revelation that they both had. Harry was the first to speak "How is that possible Albus?" Dumbledore didn't turn around but answered any way "I believe it is because the bond that you share is so strong and has manifested itself into being part of your magic." Neither boys understood so Dumbledore continued on "What did you try to do to Bellatrix after Sirius died Harry?" Harry looked at Dumbledore he hadn't told Ron about trying to put Bellatrix under one of the unforgivables and he had completely forgotten that Ron would have seen it in one of his visions. But Dumbledore urged him on "I tried to use the cruciatus curse on her but it didn't work." Dumbledore nodded his head, it was the answer he was looking for "And why exactly didn't it work?" Harry thought back to the conversation he had with Dumbledore that night "Because my magic wouldn't let me. I didn't really want to do it."
"That's right, hopefully that helps my explanation a bit but we need to talk about other more important things." It was the boys turn to nod, though the explanation hadn't helped at all.
Dumbledore watched the boys nodding their heads; he could tell that the boys hadn't really comprehended what he had told them, he managed to keep his face straight as he turned back to them "What you both have to learn to distinguish is between real danger when using all of your skills and magic is necessary to achieve your goals and between perceived danger. Hermione perceived danger when Mr Hellawell went to kiss her but then she realised that she wasn't in any real danger. However we will work more on this later. I believe now that you have settled down you should return to Hermione. I believe she has some homework planned for the both of you and I am nearly certain that she would be pestering Tonk's about coming to find you." Both boys suddenly laughed, Dumbledore certainly had Hermione's measure. Well in actual fact Dumbledore had all of their measures.
Dumbledore discreetly followed the boys back to their office and the minute that they opened the door Dumbledore disappeared from view but that was the boys smallest worry as all of a sudden they were engulfed by a hysterical bushy haired young woman launched herself on them. Hermione wasn't crying but she was bloody close and then all of a sudden her stance changed. She let go of them, shut the door and rounded on them "You had me scared. Who do you think you are? I am quite sure that I could have taken care of that boy but no. You had to go and get all excited and then I had to calm you down. You're lucky that Viktor was there." Ron opened his mouth but luckily Ares intervened "You scared her Ron, just let her go okay." After listening to Ares sensible advice Ron decided that as usual the best way to distract Hermione would be for her to do some homework as sitting there and making out didn't seem like such a good idea as he finally noticed the large crowd that was in their office.
Before he could comment on the crowd he heard a voice calling out to Hermione. He turned to face the voice and was appalled to see Dean Thomas in the office "So its Viktor is it Hermione. Harry isn't good enough. That's where you were last night and obviously you took Harry and Ron to watch." Dean was very lucky that Dumbledore had drained some of their magic because they would have lost control if he hadn't. However Dean didn't feel too lucky when Tonk's punched him and broke his nose, Neville elbowed him hard in his ribs and Ginny hexed him with her Bat Bogey Hex before shouting "Get out Dean, you're not wanted here and we are not going out anymore." Dean looked around as best he could with his broken and bleeding nose and decided that he could quite possibly get away with another insult before he left. "You can't break up with me; you've been quite frigid since we came back and I wanted to dump you by the middle of the holidays. I only wanted to see what Harry, Ron and Hermione got up to in the summer anyway." He started stomping off but found himself unable to move when he got to Ron and Harry as each of them had grabbed a shoulder. Ron pulled his arm back as far as it could go, aimed at his already broken nose and let loose with a huge punch. Needless to say that Dean needed a bit of help to make it to the hospital wing.
When Seamus had left supporting Dean, Harry, Ron and Hermione made their way over to their respective desks and started working on their homework, pointedly ignoring everyone else in the room. Eventually they all left except for the normal group. Tonk's went over and locked the door and turned to Ginny "Are you alright Gin?" Gin looked up and smiled, "yeah you did a great job on his nose, as did you Ron. Thanks Neville." Neville looked at Ginny and blushed but Viktor spoke up "Tina, Ron you have detention with me tomorrow night. He deserved it but I am still a Hogwart's Professor." Tonk's and Ron nodded but Neville looked a bit confused "Don't I have detention professor?" Viktor looked at Neville and thought about all he had seen and heard about the boy before answering. "I didn't see anything Neville, why don't you call me Viktor in here." Neville paled but nodded enthusiastically. A lull in the conversation occurred and before things could become too uncomfortable Hermione announced to all of their visitors that they really had to get on with their homework. Just as they were all about to leave Hermione called out to Neville "Neville, you can bring your homework down here if you like and join our little study session." Neville thought about it but decided against it. He shook his head and left the room with the others.
After a solid 3 hours of work all of their homework was complete. Viktor had worked on his lesson plans, Hermione had completed her Ancient Runes work as she had already finished the rest of her homework and Tonk's, Ron and Harry had finished all of their homework but not with out a lot of grumbling from Tonks and Ron. Unbeknown to the rest of the group Tonk's had also been making invitations for a party she was planning on having that night. It was partly Dumbledore's idea; he wanted the Trio to relax a little. He had noticed the increase in their stress levels since their return to school and he had suggested to Tonk's that she do something to lift their spirits. Tonk's often felt guilty about reporting to Dumbledore about them once they fell asleep and she could tell that Dumbledore knew it. With only an hour to go until tea Tonk's suggested to the boys that maybe they would like to plan their quidditch trial whilst Hermione and she did girl stuff up in their room and they would all meet back at the Great Hall for tea. Everyone seemed to think that it was a good idea and they each said a quick goodbye except for Ron and Hermione whose goodbye was rather long and passionate.
When the girls had finally left the room and Harry and Viktor had finished teasing Ron about Hermione they finally started to talk quidditch. "Okay we need 2 beaters and 2 chasers, what do you suggest guys?" Ron deciding that it was his turn to tease Harry opened his big mouth "Well considering I am the strategist of the group it is a good thing that you decided to bring me in on this rather complicated decision." Viktor interrupted him before he could finish "You will probably just want to get them to fly around for awhile so that you can cut a few of them right away and then break them down into teams and watch them in a round robin tournament." Harry smiled at Viktor; there were some advantages of being friends with a professional quidditch player. Ron opened his mouth again "That is exactly what I was going to say." Viktor and Harry gave a look that said 'yeah right' and moved on with their conversation.
Soon the conversation made its way around to Neville once again and his chances of making the team. "I think he would make a good beater, he certainly flies better than those guys we had that replaced Fred and George." Harry started to nod and then summoning his Gryffindor courage started "The only problem with Neville might be that there may be a repeat of Weasley is our King well rather Longbottom is a loser. I would hate for that to happen for the team, but even more for Neville as a person. He is finally showing us the person he is, rather than the person that everyone expects of him. I don't know how he would cope with Slytherin on his back." Ron nodded his head. What Harry had said was true but Viktor was rather confused. "What did you mean about the last part, Harry" he asked carefully, wondering if this was one of their little secrets that no one else knew about. Harry and Ron shared a look and Harry took a deep breath. "Neville's parents were part of the order and some death eaters tortured them to insanity after Voldemort's downfall so Neville was raised by his Gran who constantly used to tell him that he wasn't good enough, that he wasn't as good as his parents. It wasn't until last year that he started to stand up for himself, so I'm just a bit worried that something might undo all the good work that he has done."
Viktor looked decidedly uncomfortable and being the incredibly sensitive man that Ron is casually commented to Viktor "Ares has been picking up some rather interesting body language between you and a certain young, old student." If Viktor had looked uncomfortable before it was nothing to how he looked now. "I believe the young, old student you are referring to is a young woman by the name of Nymphadora Tonks and there is nothing going on between us. The relationship between us is purely professional." By this time Harry and Ron were rolling around the floor laughing hysterically. Viktor was normally such a reserved person and hence was terrible at hiding the way he felt about Tonks. Viktor started to laugh as well, he couldn't help it. He was falling head over heels in love with Tonks and these normally oblivious boys had worked it out. When they finally composed themselves they realised that it was tea time and made their way down to the Great Hall.
Up in Hermione's room Hermione and Tonks were having a lovely time. Tonk's had just finished with Hermione's hair when all of a sudden Ginny knocked on Hermione's door. "What's this, where's your homework Hermione?" Tonk's and Hermione just laughed as Ginny plopped herself down on the bed, unceremoniously. "Can you do me too Tonk's" Tonk's checked her watch, there was still plenty of time before tea. "Okay" While Tonk's worked on Ginny's hair Ginny carefully approached the topic that had been plaguing her all summer. "So Hermione, do you mind me asking how far you and my brother have progressed with your relationship?" Hermione couldn't help but laugh, Ginny knew very well that she would mind but asked anyway. Hermione then thought hard about how to answer that question. She loved Ron, truly loved him, sure there had been kissing and hand holding and even a bit more but there was something else. Finally Hermione looked up to the two girls that were eagerly awaiting her answer. She smiled shyly at them "I love him Gin, if he was to ask me to marry him tonight, I would say yes. And with our love there is something there that I can't even describe to you. However I can tell you that we have definitely kissed and held hands." Both girls looked shocked. Hermione wasn't the sort of girl that made those sort of statements every day. When neither of them said anything she started to feel a little self conscious. "So Tonks what's with you and Viktor, there are definite sparks flowing between the two of you." Tonk's was just about to deny it when Ginny piped up "Don't you even try and deny it Tonk's we know." Tonks had no choice but to give in to the girls demands, "There's nothing there …. Yet" All three of them were laughing again. "But you want there to be something?" questioned Ginny. Tonk's nodded her head sheepishly, catching a glance at her watch. She realised that if they didn't hurry that they would miss the start of tea.
