Ch 4:- Elves and Embarrassment

After breakfast, Ron, Ginny and Hermione decided to catch up with some sleep before lunch and even Mrs. Weasley dozed in a kitchen chair for a while.

Moody and Lupin took Harry round the house showing him the shield and lock spells on the windows, doors and roof. Moody explained the spells as best he could.

'The main concealing spell is the fact that Professor Dumbledore is the secret keeper, but we keep a lot more active as backup. Over the next week or so you should be able to get familiar with the door shields.'

Harry tried one or two with mixed success but gave up as the full effects of his actions that morning became apparent. It seemed that the breaking of Mrs. Black's power had loosened a lot more locks and charms in the house itself. The library was suddenly visible in the study and cupboards and doors that had been locked now opened, though the contents were often disturbing, or just plain incomprehensible. Some doors were still bolted shut, though and it was obviously going to take ages to clear the house of all the remnants of Black Family power.

'We'll need to get some of these things taken away as soon as we can, Harry' said Lupin. 'I think we'd better nail the doors shut for now. I'd use magic locks, but in this house I'm not sure if the spells would clash with some of the contents. I'll do it this afternoon, when the others are awake again.'

- o -

Lunch was a spartan affair. Mrs. Weasley muttered about lack of stores and did her best, but the list of things to get grew longer and longer, to the extent that Harry began to get concerned about the amount it would cost. Magic was only so much use when food was concerned.

'Mrs Weasley,' he finally muttered, 'can you go over to Gringotts for me and get some cash? You can take the cost of the food out of that.'

'Heavens no, Harry, its not a problem, really' Molly said, smiling.

'Well it is to me! Most of what you're getting should be here anyway, and as I own the house, it should be me that pays! It's not as if I can't afford it.'

'Harry, I've told you, no need. Most of it's going to feed my horde!'

'We'll go halves then' Harry shot back. Mrs Weasley smiled.

'Thank you Harry. Give me your key and I'll get a hundred out, alright?'

Harry nodded, deciding that this house owning thing was more complicated than he thought.

The three sleepers looked a lot more awake at lunch, beginning to discuss the morning's events and the things that had happened in the first weeks of the holiday. Even Mrs. Weasley had been impressed with the changes at Privet Drive and they'd all laughed at the thought of Harry jogging around the streets of Little Whinging with a rather accident prone Tonks. Ginny was very quiet about the holiday though and Harry was becoming intensely interested in where she'd been.

Hermione and Ron, on the other hand, seemed to have been in each other's pockets the whole time. Harry was becoming slightly irritated, in fact, at the constant, We did this, We did that. He was a bit snappish when he asked, 'Haven't you seen your parents at all, Hermione?'

Hermione looked most surprised for a second, then began to look rather guilty.

'Er – no – I haven't actually. Um, I suppose I should have seen them before now, but I'm going on holiday with them and my little brother and sister, in a week's time, and then I suppose I'd better spend the last week at home, getting everything together. You're right though, Harry. I've been a bit selfish.'

She glanced at Ron, who was looking slightly cross.

'There's no need to be nasty Harry!' he grumbled

Harry was instantly contrite. 'Sorry Hermione. I wasn't trying to be nasty. I was just a bit surprised, that's all.'

'That's OK, I needed reminding, to be honest.' She smiled at Ron, who calmed down and went back to eating.

'By the way, what have you done with the hairy monster?' Harry asked, rather grateful to be able to change the subject.

'Hermione grinned. 'Ron's right here, Harry!'

'Idiot!' he laughed 'Crookshanks!'

Hermione giggled. 'Actually, we took him to Arabella Figg's place.'

Harry looked nonplussed.

'There's not much for him to do here - and then I'm off on holiday, so Mr. Weasley asked Arabella to take him until the end of the holidays. Apparently he's getting on well with Mr. Tibbles and the rest of her cats.'

- o -

The episode with the painting had almost blown over by the afternoon. Madeye Moody had gone off to the Ministry to get some magically sealed bags for removing unwanted magical artefacts and Remus Lupin was busy with a hammer and nails, proving once again that wizards using muggle equipment were a danger to themselves. After Mrs. Weasley had cured a squashed thumb twice, he began to get the hang of it.

Harry and the others tried a bit more exploration, the most interesting find being a back garden.

After a couple of false starts, Harry had managed to release the last locking spells added by the Order as a precaution and the door at the back of the hall could now be opened. A set of stone steps led down to a garden that had to be below the front street level. Full of rubbish and weeds, it was surrounded by a high and surprisingly solid fence. There was a gate set into the back fence which Harry supposed led into an alley way between the two rows of houses - but it was locked and Harry had no intention of trying to open it. Remus Lupin had looked outside and confirmed that the concealment charms reached to the fence, so a careful exploration was begun.

A set of steps also led down to what would once have been a back door from the kitchen, but it had been bricked up many years ago, by the look of it. The rubbish seemed to have been gathering for years and years. Apart from an enormous and obviously ancient mangle, the only recognisable items were a very rusty shopping trolley and an old bicycle frame. In places the weeds were man high or more, so they reluctantly went back inside and relocked the door. Lupin came down from wherever he'd been mangling nails to add a couple more spells.

'Right, that should do it. I've just had a message from Professor Dumbledore. He's reached the school at last. I'm not sure what took him so long, though. I got the impression that he just flew around the mountains for a while. Having fun, I suppose.'

Harry remembered Tonks fears, the night the Professor had set off. Definitely having fun - one last time.

- o -

The rest of the afternoon was spent looking at books that had been newly released by the library. Moody had come back and immediately escorted Mrs Weasley and Ginny to get supplies. Hermione spent the time poring over the books, exclaiming enthusiastically when she found a particularly interesting example, though most seemed to have the dark arts as their subject. Ron got bored quickly and he and Harry played chess until Mr. Weasley returned. By that time Mrs. Weasley had organised the evening meal.

'Where's Fred and George?' asked Harry.

'They're going to the Burrow each night. I don't like to leave it empty.' replied Mr.Weasley.

'You're going to have fun clearing up when you get home, Mum' muttered Ron.

'Not if they know what's good for them, I won't.'

Harry couldn't contain himself any longer. 'What's going on at the Ministry, Mr Weasley?'

'Well Harry, on the Voldemort front –' Mrs. Weasley squeaked slightly ' - not a lot. We've had reports of various peculiar activities in the Carpathian Mountains and in the Balkans again. We think Voldemort has left this country for the moment.' He looked at Mrs. Weasley. 'I can't really tell you any more, Harry.'

Harry tried a different tack.

'What are you involved in though? Tonks said you'd been transferred to the Department of Mysteries'

'Tonks said too much then, Harry. I can't tell you about that either, it's Ministry business.'

'Come on Dad' pleaded Ginny. 'You must be able to tell us something! We've probably seen more of the inside of that place than you!'

Mr. Weasley paused, 'You could be right, at that, but I doubt you got into the area I'm working in.'

Harry looked at Hermione. She nodded.

'Extra special locking spells, hmm?'

Mr. Weasley looked uncomfortable. 'How did you know?'

'We tried to get in, but couldn't.' replied Harry.

'Good job too.' said Mr. Weasley quietly.

- o -

The next day began much as the previous day had ended. Moody cleared some artifacts as safe for investigation so Harry, Ron and Hermione left Ginny pondering over a series of intricate instruments with no obvious function. She had seemed fascinated by them and one appeared to be the same type as Harry had broken in Professor Dumbledore's office the previous June. Harry pointed it out and Moody and Ginny set to work trying to find out what it was for. The rest of them went up onto the roof.

The roof was on two flat levels, much like many of the houses in Grimmauld Place. A centre section slightly higher than the front and back sections, with a sturdy parapet at least four feet high at front and back. The roof door was in a square turret at one side, with a small owlery built in. At present it contained Hedwig, Pigwidgeon and Hermes. A small charm rang a bell in the house whenever an owl arrived. Errol was apparently retired and still at the Burrow. Chimney stacks and low walls divided the roof from the adjacent ones. Harry felt most odd standing up there, looking out over the rest of the roofs in the area, knowing that no one could see him, or even the roof he was standing on.

All seemed calm - until lunchtime.

The trouble began with a knock on the door. Harry knew they weren't expecting anyone. Madeye Moody was immediately alert, wand out and motioning the rest of them to be quiet whilst he and Mrs. Weasley left the kitchen. After several minutes Harry hear the front door being opened. Footsteps sounded and quiet voices. Harry heard Moody lock the door again. After a short silence, the kitchen door opened slowly and a pair of huge eyes entered, closely followed by the rest of Dobby the house elf. Harry could see Winky peering out from behind Dobby.

'Mr. Harry Potter, Sir, Dobby and Winky is here to serve you.'

Harry could feel the pressure suddenly build up behind him.

'Harry, how could you?' Hermione wailed, 'Dobby should be free, not slaving away to look after us. What's Mrs Weasley going to say about a house elf taking over from her?'

'How about, Thanks Harry?' muttered Ron.

Hermione heard him.

'That's typical, Ronald Weasley. No thought for your mother's feelings, no thought for poor house elves.' She stormed out of the kitchen and ran upstairs. Ginny raised her eyes to the roof and trudged out after Hermione, muttering under her breath.

Harry waited until Mrs. Weasley reappeared.

'Professor Dumbledore felt I needed to get a house elf to look after the house when there's no one else here!' he gabbled rapidly to forestall the expected explosion. 'I thought of Dobby and Winky because they're free elves' Winky looked ready to cry at the reminder of her status.

Mrs. Weasley looked thoughtful for a few moments.

'Well,' she said slowly, 'Albus was right, and I've heard all about you, Dobby, and you, Winky. Are you happy to look after Harry's house?'

'Dobby is honoured to be able to serve Harry Potter.' he said eagerly. Winky just nodded rapidly. 'Dobby and Winky wants nothing more than to look after a house again. It is what house elves was made for.'

Mrs. Weasley seemed satisfied. Harry felt that perhaps his opinion should be sought but, on reflection, decided to keep his mouth shut in this case. Mrs Weasley rapidly gave Dobby instructions regarding his and Winky's, living quarters and duties. The house elves would clean and get provisions, as instructed by Mrs. Weasley, but she would cook whilst she was in residence. The rest were reassured by this arrangement. Despite knowing that the two elves had served in the Hogwarts kitchens, they were cautious about sampling house elf cooking just yet.

Arrangements settled, Harry went upstairs to make his peace with Hermione. He found her in the study arguing fiercely with Ron and Ginny. She turned on him, almost in tears.

'Harry, how could you??'

'It was Professor Dumbledore's idea, Hermione.' Harry wasn't going to admit he agreed with the professor. 'I just thought of Dobby and Winky because they're free elves and have both looked after houses. Dobby's always said he would give me any help I need, and Winky hated Hogwarts.'

'They should all be free elves at Hogwarts, considering how many hats I made.' muttered Hermione.

'Ah – yes – well, Professor Dumbledore mentioned that.' he lied 'It seems that you're not in a position to set them free, Hermione.

'Oh really?? So who is? The Professor?'

'Er – well – no one is, actually.'

'Don't be ridiculous, someone must be the house elves' master.'

'It's a something, actually.'

Ron and Ginny were now paying close attention as well.

Harry realised how this was going to sound but he plunged onward. 'It's the school building itself. It's aware!'

Ron snorted and doubled up with laughter, Ginny snorted as well but rapidly grew thoughtful. Hermione looked thoroughly sceptical.

'That's the biggest load of rubbish I've heard in months!' She stopped. 'You're serious, aren't you?'

'Never more. Dumbledore explained. It's the constant magic soaking into the stone.'

Ron was still laughing. 'Get away Harry, your having us on!'

'Honestly. I'm not joking.'

'Nah. I'm not falling for that, yo-'

'Shut up, Ron!' snarled Ginny, though she continued more calmly. 'Harry wouldn't joke about something like this. It's a pretty stunning idea, though, Harry'

'Isn't it just' added Hermione in an awed voice.

'Well, thinking about it, awareness might explain the staircases.' Harry chuckled. 'Perhaps the school's got a sense of humour! It could also explain the Room of Requirement too. By the way, the Professor wants the entry ritual for the Room kept secret.'

Ron and Hermione nodded.

'I don't know it anyway.' complained Ginny. 'You never told me.'

Harry changed the subject quickly.

'Anyway, that's why all the house elves aren't free. There's only Dobby and Winky, and when Mrs. Weasley goes back to the Burrow, they'll be invaluable to keep this place in order.'

'So you're going to pay them? And give them holidays, and rest days?'

Harry sighed. Hermione didn't know the meaning of the words "give up".

'I can pay them, if you like, but what are they going to do with money?'

'Eat it?' interjected Ron.

'Pay for their holidays, buy clothes, save, I don't know. Whatever house elves do with money!'

'That's the point really, Hermione,' said Ginny calmly, 'they don't do anything with money. They have no concept of saving, or holidays. They are born to look after houses and occupants, in return for food and a place to sleep. You know this, you've read the histories, why do you persist in pushing alien ideas on them?'

'They are not alien ideas!' shouted Hermione.

'They are to house elves!' shouted Ron in return. He and Hermione stood nose to nose glaring at one another.

Harry attempted to compromise. 'Look why don't we just try it for a week or so, see if it works out, hmm? They may not like it.

'How convenient!' sneered Hermione, turning on him. 'Try it for a week or so, hmmm? Until I've gone home, more like!'

'That wasn't in my mind at all!' protested Harry.

'No, of course it wasn't. You'd completely forgotten about me going home, hadn't you – I don't think! You -'

'SHUT UP, ALL OF YOU!!!'

Ginny had finally exploded.

'Ron, - Harry, - Get out. Go on, be anywhere but here. NOW!'

Ron and Harry got - and the farthest they could get was the roof. It was another lovely day. After the heavy thunderstorms two days before Harry arrived, the weather had settled down again. They sat down on the step between the two levels of the roof.

Harry sighed. 'So. Tell me about dear, sweet as anything, Hermione then. I've seen enough of the dragon Hermione today!'

Ron remained silent, staring into the distance.

'Come on Ron, I'm not going to laugh, or anything.'

This time Ron sighed. 'What's to say? - I like her.'

'Just – like??'

'What d'you want me to say?' he hesitated and took a deep breath 'Love?'

'Dunno. If that's what it is, then yeah.'

'Wish I knew, mate, I really do. I just want to be around her all the time, share in what she's doing, make her laugh, - kiss her…'

'Could be then, I suppose.'

'Yeah.' Ron sighed 'Trouble is, I always feel so stupid next to her.'

'Everyone feels stupid next to her.'

'Bet I feel more stupid than you!'

Harry laughed, 'Twit!'

'Then there's Viktor!'

Ah, thought Harry, the real reason? 'He's no brighter than you, Ron'

'Nah, but he's famous.'

Harry was silent for a while.

'Hermione doesn't care about fame. I just don't see her and Viktor, Ron.'

'No?'

'No. Though I reckon you make it worse when you call him Vicky. Sounds like you're insulting him.'

'I am.'

'No need, I reckon – and it just sounds spiteful.'

Ron grunted. 'I'll try. Don't promise anything though.'

Harry was pleased to get even that assurance. He decided that telling Ron he'd been acting the idiot for more than a year would be a mistake.

'This must have been building up for ages then?'

'Yeah, ages, though it's got worse this holiday. No you, no Ginny, Fred and George at the shop all day...It was strange, though, we didn't argue hardly at all!'

'Must be me then.'

'Or Ginny.'

Harry was still wondering where she'd gone.

'Can't be' he argued. 'She's always been there before without causing trouble, hasn't she?'

'Yeah, pretty much, I suppose.'

Harry tried to be nonchalant. 'So, when did she leave?'

'Almost as soon as we got home.'

'Long trip then?'

'Yeah. She only got back late in the day before we came up here.'

'So where did she go, anyway? Is it really a secret?'

'So secret even I don't know, mate.'

Damn, thought Harry. 'You're her brother, Ron! How can you not know?'

'She refused to say. Told Mum and Dad of course, but not the rest of us. She definitely didn't want me to know. Dad took her to London and brought her back.' Ron shrugged.

Harry thought about this. Someone Ron wouldn't like her to be with. Ah!

'Dean. I'll bet she was with Dean. She wouldn't want you to know that.'

Ron looked at him as if he'd gone mad. 'Why Dean????'

'Well, you got really angry when she said she'd chosen Dean as her next boyfriend. You remember, on the train home!'

'Bloody hell, yeah! If she's – hmm – no can't be. Can't be Dean.'

'Why not?'

'Cause Dean said he'd be in Jamaica all summer, visiting relatives'

'So?'

'Ginny packed warm gear as well as shorts and stuff, she wouldn't have needed that for the West Indies!'

For some reason, Harry felt relieved by this information. He shrugged. 'Well, I'm stumped then'

'Ha! Tell you what, Harry, I'll accuse her of going to see Dean. Maybe she'll let slip where she's really been'

Harry wasn't sure this was such a good idea, and said so, but Ron was adamant.

'You asked mate, so I'll find out. I'll tell her you suggested it.'

Harry cringed.

- o -

It was the next day before Harry's mistaken assumption caught up with him. Hermione had been calmed down by Ginny, but was barely on speaking terms with either Harry or Ron. All the previous evening, and at breakfast that morning, Harry had expected a reaction but when nothing more happened, Harry began to hope Ron had forgotten to speak to Ginny. His hopes were short lived.

The day started much as the day before. Investigating artefacts found in the house, reading, wizard chess. Ginny was still probing the details of some of the strange devices they had found the day before when Ron gave Harry an evil grin and prodded her shoulder

'Get off, Ron. What's the matter??'

'Ginny, I reckon I know where you went on holi-'

Harry didn't hear any more; he was already accelerating out of the door, looking for a hiding place.

He was up on the roof, looking out over the skyline, when Ginny appeared out of the roof door and ambled over to him. She stood looking out over the city for a while whilst Harry steeled himself for the blow. It came like the first gentle breeze of a hurricane.

'So, what d'you think of Dean then?'

'Dean?' Harry tried innocence 'which Dean?'

'Don't mess about Harry! Dean Thomas!'

So much for innocence.

'Well, he's a nice enough bloke, we get on alright, pretty well, really.' She's toying with me, he thought. 'He's really Ron's friend, perhaps you ought to ask Ron abo-'

'I'm asking you!'

'Why?'

'Ron just said you seem to think I went to see him, before coming here!'

'Seemed logical'

'Logical??' Ginny sounded genuinely surprised.

'Well, yeah. Went off with a friend, wouldn't tell Ron who. We both know Ron's not keen with you going out with Dean and-'

Ginny interrupted him. 'What makes you think I'm going out with Dean??'

'You said so!'

'I didn't!'

'You did! On the train coming down from school! After you told us all about chucking Michael Corner, you said you'd chosen Dean as your next boyfriend!'

Ginny was suddenly still. Seconds went by whilst the hurricane blew itself out, and she smiled slightly.

'Dammit. I'd forgotten. I'm – I'm sorry Harry. I suppose it is logical.' She smiled at him 'It's wrong though. I haven't actually told him yet.'

'You haven't told him what?'

'That I've chosen him, of course.'

Harry decided not to pursue that line of questioning any further. 'So where did you go, then?'

Ginny looked out over the rooftops again. 'Promise you won't laugh?'

'Promise'

Silence.

'I promise!'

'Oh, all right. - I went to Sweden, - with Luna Lovegood.'

Harry clapped his hand over his mouth.

'You're laughing!'

'Oo Igh Ott'

'You are!'

'Harry breathed in and held it. Finally, he regained control.

'No I'm not! I thought Luna was going to look for the Crumple Horned Snorkack'

Ginny nodded.

'Why did you go?'

'Luna asked me. I've never been to Sweden. I jumped at the chance.'

'And did they find one?'

Ginny nodded again 'Some remains, apparently, - a few bones and some fur. It was a fake! You could see the file marks on the bones!' she was laughing herself now. 'It'll be in the next edition of the Quibbler. Luna was ecstatic, so was her Dad. Mind you, that's not the best news' She looked over to the roof door. 'You'll never guess who went with us'

Harry shook his head in exasperation and sighed.' If I'll never guess, I'm not going to try. Come on, tell me.'

'Neville'

'Neville???'

'Yep'

A picture of Neville and Ginny dancing at the Yule ball, a year and a half ago, flitted across Harry's mind. Neville and Ginny??

'I didn't think you fancied Neville.'

Ginny looked at Harry's face and burst out laughing again.

'Not me, you nitwit, Luna!!'

'Arthur's Sword, really? How long has that been going on?

'It hasn't yet - but I'm working on it! I've been trying to matchmake them for nearly a year now. Talk about hard work.'

'A year!! I reckon you're wasting your time there.'

'Maybe, but she asked him without my prompting, and I didn't tell him to accept.'

'Sorry Ginny, I just have difficulty picturing you as a matchmaker'

'Thanks a bunch!' she growled, then she smiled. 'It's nice to see couples get together though, isn't it?'

'Depends - I suppose' Harry was beginning to get a little uncomfortable with this conversation 'Doesn't always work though. I know!'

Ginny looked thoughtful 'Hmm. True. There's some couples, though, who people can see should be together, but who just need a bit of a push.' She looked at him again.

'Like Ron and Hermione?' Harry hazarded.

Ginny frowned momentarily, then smiled 'So, you're not entirely blind then?'

'Ouch! Nasty girl'

'Sorry. It's a bit obvious though isn't it?'

'Yeah. More than obvious. Ron even admits he's keen.'

Ginny didn't seem surprised. 'So does Hermione.'

Harry had a flash of inspiration 'Another reason to go to Sweden?'

'Very good, five points to Mr.Potter. You don't sound keen on them getting together though.'

Harry was now in difficulty. He couldn't explain his sense of unease to himself, never mind Ginny. 'It's not that - I 'm not sure what it is, really. They're my best friends and I want the best for them but – '

'You'll be left out?'

Harry fell silent. After a while, he tried changing the subject. Ginny didn't complain.

'So where did you get to in Sweden?'

'All over the place. We ended up in the northern mountains, almost in Norway. It was really cold up there, at high level, even in summer. The last morning, the four of us climbed the little peak above the hotel, first thing. Freezing. Makes me shiver thinking about it.'

Something jogged Harry's memory. 'When was that?'

'The last morning. I just said!'

'I meant which day?'

Ginny thought for a while. 'Hmmm – err - two days before we got here.'

'Was there snow?'

'No – yes – a little bit, in a deep hollow, right at the top. Why?'

'I had a dream about you.'

Ginny raised her eyebrows and smiled. 'Really??'

'No! – No! – Not that kind of dream! – '

Ginny giggled. 'What kind of dream's that then?'

Harry belatedly shut up.

'I'll bet it's Tonks who appears in that kind of dream - or is it Dora? - Hmm?'

Harry began to go red

'HA! How much is it worth not to tell her?'

'Ginny!!'

'Sorry Harry!' she was having real difficulty keeping a straight face. 'So. Not that kind of dream. What kind then?'

Relieved to get back to the subject, Harry described what he could remember. 'Just an ordinary dream, just as I woke up. It was getting on for eight o'clock, I suppose. I got the impression of climbing a hill - or mountain. There was snow - I think. You said something - about keeping going, about being nearly there. It was your voice anyway, definitely. I didn't see you though…'

Ginny wasn't smiling now. 'It was Neville,' she said quietly, 'he was getting tired as we got close to the top. I was urging him on.' she stopped, then continued slowly 'That would have been about eight o'clock - here.' She looked at Harry wonderingly. 'I was wishing you'd been there, - to help Neville!'

They looked at one another and spoke as one.

'Wow!'

Harry had another thought. 'This may not be good. Think about the last time I received messages in my dreams'

Ginny looked shocked. 'Harry, no! It can't be V-Voldemort – can it?'

'I don't know. How could he get at you?' Harry started for the roof door. 'I think we'd better see Remus about this!'

- o -

Remus Lupin was extremely interested.

'Most unusual, Harry. It's quite possible that you did simply receive a mental picture from Ginny. The ability is innate in all humans, even muggles, it's just so very rare and difficult to prove. The conditions must be absolutely right and the two minds must be used to one another.'

'Not much use then?'

'Of course it's of use! How do you think Professor Dumbledore got in touch with me?' To a skilled wizard or witch it's fairly easy. The skill is in using magic to ensure the conditions really are right, though both wizards must be trained.

'Is that how Voldemort showed me images, then?'

'He used the fact that you have the innate ability to hear minds, but he also seems to have given you some powers, so he was able to plant detailed images in your untrained mind. Have you had any more headaches or unusual dreams recently?'

Ginny giggled. Harry managed to ignore her.

'No. Nothing like I had before, at all. Frankly I'm surprised.'

'If Lord Voldemort doesn't have a reason to use dreams, he won't bother. It seems he's concentrating on some other plot at present.

Ginny looked thoughtful. 'So. Is it easy to learn?'

'Not really, though you and Harry are both quite powerful. A few months perhaps.'

Ginny smiled at being called powerful but then looked a bit disappointed, 'Could be useful, Harry,' she mused 'specially in quidditch matches.'

Harry was impressed with the idea. 'Perhaps we can give it a try, over the next few days. Can you help us Remus?'

'It's not my speciality, but I'll give it ago. Oh, by the way, The Professor'll be here in another 3 days. There's a meeting of the Order the day after.'