Disclaimer: you know the drill. So leave it alone.

Author's note: Hello. You know, I haven't gotten ANY reviews, so could you please review! Even if it's just "STOP GODDAMNED ASKING FOR REVIEWS!" sniffle I'm not asking for much. Smile any-hoo. In this chapter, there's the return of S.P.E.W.

Not much, I know, but I've got REALLY good plans for the next chapter! So- without further adou- read on...

Chapter 5: S.P.E.W. Returns

The next morning, Harry met Ron and Hermione by the statue of Cassandra the Cruel and went down to breakfast with them. It was still early, so the numbers at the Gryffindor table were spare, but- like a tropical bird among a flock of crows- there sat a lone figure near the end of the table bedecked in scarlet and orange robes. Harry walked toward her, Hermione and Ron following warily. He sat next to the princess. Hermione and Ron sat across from then. Gwen didn't even look up as they sat. She was rather absorbed in a book she had propped up against the milk jug, and she continued to wiggle her fingers, making the tea cups, spoons, and plates do a slow waltz overhead.

"Hello, Mr. Potter." Gwen mumbled in a vauge voice from under her red veil, still concentrating on the spell over the silverware. "Gwen, these are my friends Ron and Hermione," Harry introduced. Startled, she looked up and forgot the charm she was performing. In that instant, all of the bewitched tableware fell to the floor with a clatter. Ron had to duck to avoid being smashed with a ladle. "Oops. One moment." the princess said, color rising in her face. She snapped her fingers and all of the crockery and silver replaced themselves on the table.

Gwen stretched out her hand to Ron. "It's very nice to meet you." Ron took her hand, unsure of what to do with it. Gwen shook his hand and said "Harry speaks most highly of you. He says that you're the Gryffindor Quidditch captain. He told me all about the strategies you put into place at the last Qudditch Cup, and that you made a glorious win for Gryffindor. I must say, I was impressed and it's wonderful to meet you." Ron turned a deep crimson all the way up to the roots of his hair and stammered "It- It's nothing...really..." a small grin creeping up onto his face.

Harry on the other hand was absolutely stunned. His mouth was slack and hanging open in utter amazement. I said no such thing! How did she know that?

"I'm Hermione," Hermione introduced herself, reaching out to shake Gwen's hand. Gewn shook her hand politely, but then gasped. "Hermione? Hermione Granger?" she asked incredulously. "Er..."Hermione looked at Harry, wondering what in the bloody hell he had told the princess about her. "Oh, my goodness!" Gwen exclaimed, tearing through her bag. She found what she was looking for and held it out- a small silver badge bearing the incription

S.P.E.W.

"You're Hermione Granger, the founder of the Society for the Protection of Elvish Welfare???" the princess continued, as the other three gaped at the pin in her hand, "Wow! Do you know how much your organization has affected my empire??? It's spread like absolute wildfire! Everyone wears these! A petition to let house elves own property has already made it to the highest ranks of government! You're an absolute celebrity! It's such an honor- I'm so happy! Wait until my kingdom hears this! That I'm learning alongside the famous Hermione Granger!"

Hermione looked just as awestruck as Harry did. "Really?!?!" Hermione asked breathlessly, "Who- who's the persident? Who's running it? Is there anyone in charge?"

"I am. I'm running it." The princess said simply, "I'll have to hand over the dues to you straight away!"

"Dues?" Ron asked surprised

"Yes!" Gwen answered, "Membership fees and the profits from fundraisers will all go to Hermione, of course. Do you have a Gringotts vault? I can have the gold transferred immediately. Or, I could just give you the key toy the S.P.E.W. vault!" She dug aroung in her pockets until she found a small silver key with a large ruby set in the handle. She held it out to Hermione, who put her hands up in refusal.

"Oh! Oh, no, I couldn't!" Hermione gasped

"Oh, but you must!" Gwen insisted, still holding out the key, "You need this money to raise awareness in your own country. Please! If not for me, do it for all of the still imprisoned house elves. Go on. Take it." Hermione reached out slowly and pluckes the key from Gwen's hand. "A-Alright." She stammered, pocketing it. The princess beamed.

"Out of curiosity," Harry asked, "why did you choose Gryffindor, Gwen?"

"Gryffindors have the best schedule," she answered. "And don't call me Gwen!" she added as an afterthought. Harry grinned, "Oh, come on. Ron and Hermione don't mind." Gwen looked long and hard into Harr's, Ron's, and Hermione's faces before resting her forehead in her palm in defeat saying "Fine.....Harry." Harry grinned victioriously. Ron was still looking at Gwen. "What do you mean the 'best' schedule?" "Well, look," Gwen answered, pointing at her own schedule, "All of your classes are close together. Also, you don't have many classes with the Slytherins."

"Well, speak of thd Devil," ron said scathingly, looking over harry's shoulder,"Here comes his spawn now," Harry turned around. Gwen remained placidly eating her cereal, having difficulty with her veil.

Draco was walking over with a very mean look on his face. His thick cronies, Crabbe and Goyle, followed closely behind.

Great, Harry thought.