Disclaimer: J.K. Rowling created the world of Harry Potter.

Chapter Three

During the ride, Hermione learned a wealth of information about the Order of the Pranksters. The Pranksters was established in year 996, and this year was the 1,000 year anniversary. Surprising people were alumni of the club; most were the quiet and obedient type. Hermione's jaw dropped when Fred and George told her Snape had been a member. Her respect for him went up a notch; he must have been more ingenious during school than she had suspected.

Fred and George also told her a few previous pranks and some of the traditions. About a dozen years ago, a member had charmed Headmaster Dumbledore's candy to taste like that awful cherry cough syrup. Last year's best prank was having select students discovered that they were ticklish, extremely ticklish, anytime their hands wandered in nefarious regions of the opposite sex's body. Hermione was pleased to hear that most of the schemes had been light-hearted, and did not have personal, vindictive motivations. She was joining the Pranksters to improve the school's morale, not torture an unlucky individual.

Hermione learned of the annual Midnight Halloween feast, the Christmas Collaboration and the "Meet the Alumni" night. "Meet the Alumni" night took place after graduation, and only seventh years could attend. If otherwise, the rising seniors could count on Professor Snape (to be fair, all alumni were mischievous) interfering with the next year's pranks.

By the time Hermione had asked all of her questions, the sun was setting and Fred and George had stopped in front of an ancient stone wall. Hermione dismounted and stretched her hands above her head. It had been a long ride, and she was exhausted.

"Come on, Hermione," George said, "Put your hand on the wall." As she did so, Hermione felt a tingling in her palm. After a second or so, Hermione felt the wall turn slimy, as if she were touching gelatin.

"Think about why you are coming to the Phoenix Headquarters, and step through the wall," Fred said. "We will be along in a moment." Hermione did as instructed, and as she stepped into the wall, she thought of the fun she was anticipating with the Weasleys. The gray mass enveloped her and spun her around. Closing her eyes at the sensation of vertigo, Hermione felt the gelatin peel itself off her skin.

It took her a moment to settle her stomach, and when she felt normal again, Hermione opened her eyes. The view was a sight to see. The Phoenix Headquarters was a homey English mansion complete with beautiful gardens. The dying sun's rays lit up the Weasleys waiting on the steps in a wash of gold and copper and rust. As she took in the surroundings, Hermione's brain confirmed what her heart knew- that this was right and good. It finally felt as if she could relax; she was safe.

In a whirl of wind, Hermione was wrapped in an enormous bear hug. She squealed was she felt her legs lift on the ground. Turning her head, Hermione saw a flash of red. "Ron, set me down!" Hermione said in the middle of giggle. "It's nice to see you too."

After a final flourish, Ron set Hermione down on the ground. "I'm glad you made it through the summer without me," he replied. Hermione looked up to glare at his cheeky greeting. She took a double take. Ron had grown a couple of inches and developed wider shoulders since she had seen him last.

Harry then stepped up for a hug. "You all right?" she asked.
"I'm getting there," he answered. Harry had gotten older as well; his voice was deeper and hinted at his summer spent in melancholy. His body looked sickly and thin as if Dursleys had been underfeeding him or as if he had forgotten to eat in his grieving.

Hermione turned towards the remaining Weasleys. She stepped up to get hugs from Mr. and Mrs. Weasley and Ginny. Ginny grabbed her by the arm and said, "Come on, you're sleeping in my room. Do you want me to help unpack?"

"Thanks, Ginny," said Hermione. "I'd appreciate it."

Hermione opened to door as the twins hauled her bags into the foyer. When she did, the smell of a delicious pot roast and the sound of chatter swept by her.

As Hermione entered the ivory-painted, oak-floored, and sunshine- filled kitchen, Professor Lupin and Nymphadora Tonks looked up from papers to greet her. They then returned to their lively 'discussion.' Meanwhile, Mrs. Weasley hustled over to the stove to check the simmering pot. When satisfied, she turned to Hermione.

"Hermione, my dear, we're so glad you and Harry are here. You look as if you need a meal or two. Are you feeling well? And how was your summer?"

"Mum!" Ginny exclaimed. "You tell Hermione she's looking a bit peaky as soon as she steps in the door?"

Mrs. Weasley smiled. "Yes, well, Hermione and Harry might as well be family."

Hermione stretched her back again, rolling her neck with a crack. "Well, I've been riding a Harley for nine hours. Nevertheless, I'm glad I'm here. My summer was tense; my mum and dad feel like I've left them behind, a bit, for magic. I didn't dare to tell them about our latest escapade with Voldemort. They'd never let me return to Hogwarts," she said.

Mrs. Weasley enveloped Hermione in a comforting hug. "All that matters," she said, "is that you love each other. Everything will work out in time." Mrs. Weasley looked through the door towards the view of her husband showing Harry his new spark plugs. She turned back to the girls and continued. "Love brings people together, even the most unlikely sort."

Hermione nodded, listening to her wisdom, and then turned to Ginny. "Let's unpack, okay?" she asked. They ran up the stairs to their room.

Along the way, Hermione took a peek over the banister rails. The house was beautiful. Slightly worn couches and chairs, decorated with richly colored pillows, were gathered around a grand fireplace. It was very open. Each of the two stories above the main floor consisted of rooms and hallways that overlooked into the living room.

Ginny soon stopped in front of a simple but elegant oak door. Ginny pushed the door open to reveal two quilt-covered double beds and two dressers. One was cluttered, and the other waited for Hermione's belongings. The best feature, however, was the wall made of windows. The room faced east; the girls would be waking with the sunlight splashing across their faces.

Hermione gasped at the room. This was a far cry from her usual accommodations.
Someone had placed her trunk, half-open, by her bed. Hermione and Ginny promptly began to unpack as they shared the happenings of their summer.

Author's Notes: I'm sorry I haven't updated for so long! Real life has gotten in the way. During this two month break, I lost contact with my beta. So, if Desert Rose 6 is out there or is there is another person who would like to be my beta, I'd greatly appreciate it. I'd also appreciate any reviews as well. :)