A/n – disclaimer is as always. Just a quick note before beginning, my most humble apologies to the reviewer who has acted in the play, and I say this as a form of electronic tissue for your sniffles. However, Dobby is very sound and loyal, he gives a distinguished air to the role, it's just unfortunate he's not very attractive. Ee gods I see your point. I'd sniff too. To my other reviewers I thank you also for your reviews, they are greatly appreciated.

"My dear aunt I feel perfectly well."

Aunt Minerva gave a small sniff. "That is hardly the same thing."

Ron noticed the icy stare and curt bow his aunt gave Harry. "I say you do look smart Hermione."

"I am always smart, am I not Mr Potter."

Harry gave a slight shift of the shoulders. "You are quite perfect Miss Granger."

"Well I hope that I am not that, for then there would be no room for developments. And I intend to develop in many directions." Countered, Hermione inclining her head slightly.

Harry flushed visibly, and took a seat beside her on the settee.

Giving a mere flick of her eyes at the couple Aunt Minerva settled her skirts and took a seat.

"I do apologise if we are late, but I was obliged to call on dear Lady Brown. I hadn't been there since her poor husband's death. I never saw a woman look so altered; she looks quite twenty years younger. And now I will have a cup of tea and one of those nice cucumber sandwiches you promised me."

"But of course Aunt Minerva."

Ron crossed once more to the table laid out with the tea items. With a flick of his wand small bells could be heard and once more Dobby appeared.

"You rang Master Weasley."

Putting on an air of feigned indignity Ron said. "I most certainly did ring. Why are there no cucumber sandwiches Dobby? I ordered them specifically."

Dobby's big ears drooped and his hands clutched together. His head slightly bent Dobby looked up at Ron. "There were no cucumbers in the Alley this morning. I went down twice."

"None!"

"No sir."

"Oh. That will do thank you Dobby."

Aunt Minerva looked from Ron to Dobby and back again with a shrewd eye. "No matter, I partook of pumpkin pasties with Lady Brown. Now about tonight Ron, you shall be seated with Pansy Malfoy, such a charming woman, so devoted to her husband.

Hermione made an involuntary choking noise in her sleep, Pansy Parkison a charming woman! If that ever happened then Hermione would swear off books forever.

Ron presented his Aunt with his most apologetic and disarming smile.

"Why is it Ron, that I have the distinct feeling that I am in for a disappointment?"

"Oh I hope not, Aunt Minerva." Ron said brightly

Aunt Minerva, strove for and achieved, her most haughty expression yet. "Well out with the worst."

Ron, totally unaffected by his Aunts display, walked over to the tea table once again. Had Hermione been awake and witnessing these processions she would have asked if Carpet Court gave him a frequent walkers discount for loyal patronage. With his hand hovering in indecision, Ron felt the boring eyes of his Aunt and decided it was time to relieve her of her misery.

"A most dreadful disappointment I assure you." He said without looking to see her expression. "But poor Lupins doctor has telegrammed me today, and it seems that the poor old chap is quite the worse for wear and may not make it. The doctor is most insistent that I come."

Ron carefully and quietly placed is cup on the table and slowly moved himself closer, edging his way to the other end.

All three onlookers watched as Ron continued the charade, finally after two minutes of quiet observation, the tediousness of the situation finally caused Aunt Minerva to snap.

"What in the name of Gryffindor are you doing Ron."

The sharpness of Aunt Minerva's voice coupled with the sudden lurching of Ron's tall frame, caused the object of his rapt attention to flee the scene with a decided CROAK!!

"That's rotten luck that is." Said Harry. "They've only got one good jump in them."

"'im and me both." Mumbled Ron

"Yes that's as may be." Continued Aunt Minerva. "Yet it hardly signifies. Now really Ron I feel it is high time this young man put himself to the task and decide whether he is going to live or die. This modern sympathy with invalids is most morbid. I must insist that you ask Mr Lupin to be kind enough to not suffer a relapse this Saturday as I quite rely on you to arrange my music. It is my last reception and one must encourage conversation, particularly when everyone has already said what they wanted to say, which, in most cases, was probably not much.

"I feel most certain that he will be quite right by Saturday, if you would come with me now I will go over the program with you."

Aunt Minerva rose to follow Ron. "Hermione, you will come."