Disclaimer: Don't own original story, just the plotline and OC's found in this fic.

Beta: psycotoo

Part 3 Extension

Jan 2,

Dark Wizard Ring Taken Down!

On the evening of December 22, Aurors apprehended over a hundred and thirty dark wizards in a raid on an abandoned castle. The castle was previously under the Fideilus Charm and used as a base of operations for the Cyan, a dark witch who was the ring leader in a planned attempt to assassinate the Minister of Magic, Hermione Granger-Weasley. The attack was carried out an hour before the plans went into motion. Hermione Granger-Weasley gave her speech at the Werewolves Charity Ball without interruption. When asked of her knowledge of the assassination plans and of the raid, the Minister commented, "I am pleased that I have so many people looking out for me and the welfare of the nation. Everyone who had taken part in the raid has my thanks and my praise in their ability to successfully raid such a large stronghold."

Cyan, as she is known, is currently being held along with the over one hundred dark wizards who had participated in various attacks on muggle-born and half-born families over the past two months. The Ministry is has not released any other information regarding Cyans' trial or the trial and sentencing of the rest of her dark wizards…

The same morning that the Daily Prophet had placed the article for print, the blue and red morning sky was marked with eight brown eagle owls. Each owl flew from different sides of the country until they were close enough to see each other. When each owl recognized the other, they slowly flew closer together in comfortable companionship. Each owl headed for the one place their owners would think to find their recipient, Hogwarts.

Albus woke up early that morning to find these owls pecking his window. He was confused for a moment before seeing the wax seal from one of the owls and understood. The seal was a jagged knife crossed with a single clenched fist. He took the letters and placed them in a pile. He handed out owl treats, and they flew off again, not expecting a reply. Albus saw the owls fly off in their own directions and chuckled. "I think Harry has some explaining to do." He closed the window and got ready for the day.

Chapter 13: Another Obstacle

Susan woke up that morning with a sensation that something was missing. She rolled over in her bed then huffed. Harry had taken to sleeping back in his own room when the students returned. It was not something that she could complain about. If the girls of the school went into a roar about her just going on a seemingly innocuous date, what would they make if he was seen leaving her office in the early morning? She quickly squashed that line of thought. Harry didn't care about what others said. She sighed wondering why he wasn't there with her then. Her eyes were slowly sliding shut deciding that she could use a few more minutes of sleep. They suddenly flew open and Susan started to laugh uncontrollably. She was in tears when she thought aloud, "Bad example for Alice." She continued to laugh her way into the bathroom and through her shower.

Susan got out and quickly dressed for breakfast. She had already done her required checklist for the second semester the day before while Alice and Harry watched and tried to mess her up only to help her catch up when they gotten to her. She smiled at the memory and grasped the necklace that hung around her neck. It had become her most treasured possession. She never realized how much she cared for Alice until the girl shared that necklace with her and Harry. Both people took the same place in her heart that held unconditional love. Alice was like the young self Susan used to be. The young medi-witch wanted to help Alice in any way she could. She greeted the students that walked by and a few waved back. She grinned at several accident prone students and random Quidditch players who happened to walk by her. The new year was shaping to be a good one. Susan knew of only one thing that was missing, but Harry would have to make that decision when the school year ended. She simply had to steel herself for the fact that he might just go back to where ever he came from. She sighed at the idea but knew that he would make his decision regardless of what others thought. It was one of the maddening traits the man she loved had.

Susan waved to the Advanced Magics class as they passed by. They all tended to gather together before breakfast and dinner to just talk. Susan smiled and marveled at how Harry was able to make such a wide group of people become such a tight knit group of friends. Pam and Angela were in the middle leading the conversation in various directions. From the color of Owen's and Alice's face, the direction must have been about the night the two boys arrived at Ms. Johnson's house. Susan smiled when she saw how close Owen and Alice sat. They were not quite holding hands but Susan didn't think it would be too long.

0

Harry arrived for breakfast and greeted Susan at the door. They locked arms and walked up to the table chatting what they planned for the day. Susan nudged him while he talked about what he planned for class that day. He looked up to the staff table and saw several letters stacked on his plate. Harry stood in front of his spot and saw the seal of the first letter. He nodded to Susan and she went ahead and sat to eat. Harry picked up the letters and walked over to the side room attached to the Great Hall.

Each letter had the Raider seal on it. Harry sighed knowing that this might not be pretty. He opened the first letter.

Hello, I haven't heard from you in a while, I am glad to see that you have been out and around lately. You remind me of the skerwt newts that I had hunted over the summer. Darn near impossible to find. Well, I just wanted to wish you a happy Christmas.

Luna

Harry couldn't help but grin at the letter. Harry had time and decided to head for his quarters. He folded the opened letter quickly and walked to his room. He settled down on the couch and cast the breaking charm on the letter Luna wrote. The short letter faded and a longer and more serious letter took its place.

Squad 2 is always ready for movement. I am disappointed that you did not ask for aid. We have proven ourselves plenty of times. Was this the reason that you came back out of hiding? Or did this really just happen while you were here? Don't think too much on it Harry either way, I am sure that you have the devils luck. Which is why I can understand why you only took your own squad. I am assuming that is correct. Please tell me Susan knocked that much sense into you. Have you even spoken to her? If you haven't please do. You two were the pillar of our group and was hard to do much after you left and she seemed broken. From what I have seen, the other two squads have been in limbo this past year. All three of us leaders have finished rounding up death eaters while you were gone.

I am sure the other members of the Raiders will owl you as well, remember that we are your friends and team.

Luna, squad leader 2

Harry read the letter. He opened the next one. The letter was from his third squad leader. He quickly disenchanted the magical seal and read the real letter with out reading the cover.

Checking in, each member of my team has owled you as well. I won't judge your actions on this particular event since it was a success, but I am sure I speak for everyone when I ask what the hell were you thinking? I hope you took your full team, and not just one of them or went by yourself. I have faith in your abilities but not your judgment, so I will not say anything else that comes to mind. I have not reported to Squad 2 or 4, but we had been tracking the movements of Cyan for some time. We are glad that you attacked when you did - I was guarding Hermione when you started your attack. I had informed her that someone was planning an assassination attempt but I did not know when and the ball seemed like a likely time. Ron and I both were present searching for an assassin that night and we were able to apprehend him. The rest of my squad were standing next to her under invisibility coats. I think Hermione and Ron will have a few choice words for you in their letters. I don't pity you Harry. You should have at least informed the Aurors. Although I can't blame you, I don't exactly agree with how you went about this raid. And I really don't appreciate it that I had to put up with Hermione's tirade while you were safely hiding wherever you are.

Cho, Squad Leader 3

Harry took a long breath relieved that Cho's squad was there. He really needed to write a thank you and apology to each member of her squad for his over sight. Harry took the rest of the day to read through the rest of the letters. He was fortunate that a few of them shared a single letter. It took him a few hours to reply since he had to write a fake letter and the real one underneath it. Harry ended the last letter and sealed it with a wax seal of the Raiders. Harry sighed when he placed it on top of the pile.

Harry had considered Auror aid but never thought that any of the other squads would still be active. Harry simply put that thought aside and gave the letters to Albus to send. Harry had skipped eating at all that day and dinner would be over soon. He made his way to Great Hall and saw Alice and Owen arm in arm. He grinned thinking that they both took similar positions that he knew Susan and himself took when walking together.

0

Mathew paced back and forth in the room of requirement. He had followed Alice's advice to try and force a prophecy and found that he really didn't like it. He had his single poem on the table and did everything he could to not just stare at it. While he had no clue what it meant, it made him pass out for five hours when he finished writing it. It was also different in the sense that he usually didn't stanzas longer than four lines. This one had six.

He was also worried since it didn't sound nice at all. Alice and Owen walked into the room of requirement and Mat sighed in relief. He explained what happened and Alice and Owen read the poem eagerly. They were both disappointed and a little disturbed at what was written. "Is this the first time you have written a poem in this style?" Mat nodded. He copied the style from the poem book that was given to him by Harry. "Yes, I am usually not creative enough to write my own style."

Alice looked at it and handed it to Owen who reread it. He hmm'ed for a moment. When he looked over to Alice she wore the same helpless expression that he did. Owen sighed and asked, "Do you think we should tell anyone? I mean this is kind of a warning I think" Mat sighed. The truth was he didn't want anyone else to know what he could do. He had read over the winter of oracles who became famous or ridiculed. It was not something he wanted to be advertised and exploited by everyone who comes to him. "I don't really want to, but do you think I should?"

Alice looked at the first year, still wondering. She scratched her head. "I don't think you have to if you don't want to Mat." Owen looked at her questioningly. She shrugged. "Since no one knows what you can do, no would know of the poem. If I had not asked you to try to write a prophecy you wouldn't have written it. So just let it go. I am sure it can't be as bad as it sounds."

Mat looked slightly relieved and nodded. Owen looked at Alice and prayed that she knew what she was doing.

0

Weeks went by without word from Tonks or Severus about leads over the missing dark wizards. Harry decided to just wait it out for the time being and thanked them for the job well done. Class resumed for Harry as both an assistant for other teachers as well as teaching his own class. The progress for the first three weeks of the term was slow. Harry gave each student a specific memory he had of practicing performing the summoning. Each student was to think and feel how it felt when Harry summoned Arvalis or Argent. Many of the students could only perform a slight silvery puff. Harry resigned himself to teach them the patronus charm so they would be able to see how a slightly easier charm was performed. There were a few disgruntled murmurs at that but mostly because of their lack of progress rather than learning something new.

Harry found himself slowly leaving earlier to Susan's office now that his four regular students who usually stayed behind simply left. They had other obligations to occupy their time. Harry had to smile when Alice showed the first signs of stress for the amount of content she had to make sure she memorized for her Owls. He reminded her that she could simply take it a year later. She snapped back at him that she wanted to take her NEWTs next year. Harry grinned at her and she immediately apologized. Owen came back into the door and grabbed her by the hand grumbling about her being moody. She grumbled something back that made him turn red. Harry almost regretted not hearing what she said when they passed the portrait.

0

Alice had been living a dream the past few weeks. True, she still had a full work load with taking her Owls several years earlier than her class mates, tutoring her dorm mates in a few classes and then spending time exploring her new relationship with Owen. Owen had been with her in a way she had only dreamt about. The two would join arms or hold hands and talk while standing or sitting very close to each other. She couldn't imagine anything better than being with him in that way. That was until Pam had talked to her about Bruce and what he planned for their anniversary.

"Anniversary?"

Pam nodded while looking though her wardrobe. Alice sat in the Sixth year dorm talking to Pam and Kim, Pam's sixth year friend. "Bruce said that he would treat me somewhere on the grounds to celebrate the event." Alice hmm'ed. She wondered if Owen would do the same thing. She thought of the similarities between Pam's and Alice's boyfriends and grimaced. They were as different as could be. Bruce would talk sweetly and did everything to see Pam blush. Owen would joke with Alice, and do anything to see her smile. Alice wondered if there was such of a big difference. "Well, our anniversary is tomorrow." Pam looked over to Alice and stopped her smile. "Alice?"

Alice looked over to Pam stopping in mid thought. "Yes?"

Pam bit her lower lip and looked over to Kim, "Kim can I have a quick word with Alice for a second?" Kim nodded and left with out question. When the door closed Pam looked back to Alice and sat next to her. "Has Owen said anything about it being a month anniversary?" Alice shook her head. She suddenly felt hurt and a little left out. Pam sighed. "Alice don't look too much into it O.K.? It's both your first relationship and I am sure he doesn't really know what he is doing ok?" Alice nodded still feeling really hurt over the whole thing.

0

Alice knew that she was setting herself up for disappointment when she entered the Great Hall for breakfast. Bruce had already escorted Pam to breakfast in an abandoned class room and gave her a single flower. That was as far as Alice saw. She looked over to Owen and he gave her a radiant smiled as he walked over to her. Alice's heart skipped a beat when Owen sat next to her. "Morning Alice, great day isn't?" Alice smiled at him and tucked in for breakfast. "What do you think we should do in our free time? We both share a two hour break."

Alice muttered something quietly that sounded suspiciously like, "what ever you like Owen." Owen radiated cheerfulness and nodded. Breakfast was over in what seemed like moments, when Owen said he would see her during the break. Alice sighed. Despite the warnings by both Pam and herself she still felt that he might just do something that might surprise her. But she knew it would be out of character for him. He wasn't the most romantically inclined person she knew. But then again, it was fine, he was only fourteen years old. Alice didn't pay attention to her classes like she should have. She was called on several times by various teachers for it. But she knew the material so well she simply recited it by memory and the teacher was forced to move on.

Finally lunch came and Alice silently ignored Bruce and Pam who walked by on their way to wherever they were going for lunch. Alice tried to be cheerful with the silent hope that maybe Owen decided to do something for the day. Her heart lifted when he walked in and grabbed her hand when he began walking with her. He smiled at her, not saying a word. Alice returned the smile. The two sat together at the Griffindor table to eat lunch. When they were both done they left the hall and started up towards the library. Owen looked over to Alice sensing her mood. When they were alone in a hall he finally asked, "Is there anything wrong?" Alice looked up from her wandering mind.

"No, I am sorry I guess I wasn't paying attention, what did you say?"

Owen looked at her and took her hand, "I didn't say anything yet, but you looked occupied, I was wondering what you were thinking?"

Alice smiled at him, a little exasperated. She knew that she really should not have expected something from him. He didn't know, or remember. Alice ground her teeth as she realized that she didn't even remember until Pam pointed it out to her. She let out a small sigh, "Its nothing Owen, Pam got this idea stuck in my head and it's hard to get it out of there now."

Owen raised an eyebrow but when no answers were forth coming he nudged her shoulder with his. "And that was?"

Alice grinned wearily. It was hard to be angry to someone who looked as innocent as Owen did at the moment. "What is today's date Owen?"

Owen said, "January 18th."

"And how long since we started going out?" She said patiently.

"Well, I guess its exactly a month since… Oooooh." He said in a cautious and sorry voice.

Alice stopped walking and Owen stopped with her. She let go of his hand and touched his cheek. "I am glad we had this talk." With that Alice walked ahead of him to the library.

Owen ran after her to see what she was thinking. He finally caught up to her while she was sitting down at a table towards the back end of the library. He looked through his books and gently nudged his foot against hers. Alice smiled when she looked up. "Did you want to do something?" Alice shook her head. "You sure? I can think of a few things that I was saving for a special day… But I think we can do them now?"

Alice didn't like the sound of that. "What do you mean special day?" Her voice raised slightly.

Owen looked at her seriously wondering if she took that the wrong way. Yep, she has the same look as she did last time we had an argument. Owen braced himself and tried to cautiously back pedal. "I didn't mean it that way Alice, I would think that you most of all would want this to be a special day. And I am trying to rectify a mistake by turning this day into something special for the both of us." Owen's voice was gentle, quiet. He didn't notice the slow crowd forming around the two.

Alice didn't know what to say, all of her frustration vented when she said, "If you thought that there was something worth doing, you just should have just dragged me somewhere to do it!" There were several gawks at that. Owen turned red knowing that what she just said could be taken completely the wrong way. Alice didn't pay attention and Madame Pince wasn't able to say a word to silence the girl before she stormed off out of the library.

0

It started the very next day. Alice had said several times to herself that she would not be upset with Owen and would apologize to him in the morning. But the moment Pam came back in to the dorm with her arms draped around Bruce, Alice was in a worse foul mood. Pam apologized for getting Alice worked up and apologized again when she realized that she wasn't helping her youngest friend when Pam herself was running around the school in a happy daze.

Owen greeted Alice at the hall for breakfast. Alice just grumbled something unintelligible back to him. Owen tried to make conversation but Alice huffed it off. Several of the second and third year Griffindors looked at the two expectantly. Owen felt the glares of Alice's house mates silently wanting him to leave their table. He ignored the glares that bore into his back. He tried to coax Alice to at least look at him before one of the third year boys touched his shoulder. He looked over to the person who got his attention. The taller third year said, "I think she wants to be left alone. Go away." His voice was harsh.

Owen suppressed a sigh. Owen turned to Alice while standing up. He gave her shoulder a squeeze but she just tugged her shoulder back from him. "If you want to talk, you know where to find me Alice." He picked up his bag and started to walk away before he was stopped by Pam.

"What's going on?" She looked to Alice who silently at her breakfast.

"I think she is mad that I didn't do anything special with her yesterday." Pam nodded sadly. She felt guilty for even bringing it up. Owen went about the rest of his day with out paying attention. He received several detentions for not being attentive in class but just shrugged it off. It wasn't important if Alice wasn't talking to him.

Pam saw Owen sulk away from lunch later in the day then turned on Alice. "What do you think you are doing Alice?"

"What?" She spat out.

"You are making both yourself and Owen miserable." She pointed to the retreating back of her boyfriend who had simply sat at his table during lunch.

Alice groaned before she looked over to Pam. "I am sorry I am just angry at myself over the whole thing." Alice snapped out of her mood.

"I am not the one you should apologize to. Go find Owen!"

Alice looked at her watch. "No good. He has a class starting in two minutes. I'll talk to him at dinner." Pam nodded satisfied and sat down to eat a late lunch before she had her own class in half an hour.

Dinner arrived and Alice walked strait to the Slytherin table and sat, waiting for Owen to arrive. Several Slytherins looked at her but ignored her soon afterwards. She did not want to eat until he got there and was just playing with a fork for the next half an hour. She looked around and asked one of Owen's classmates when he sat down to eat, "Have you seen Owen?"

The brown haired boy shook his head and began to eat. Alice looked slightly put out and looked back to her own table where Pam watched her and shrugged her shoulders. Alice stood up and started walking towards the doors of the great hall. Owen walked in then still looking like he was sulking. Alice ran up to him. "Owen, I am sorry for how I been acting."

Owen just looked at her. "I am glad that you are sorry." he said in a dull voice.

"What do you mean by that?" Asked Alice carefully, she knew she was not going to be forgiven easily, but his voice was cold. Owen walked by her and sat down at his table. Alice followed him still unsure of his mood. "Owen." She said when she sat next to him and took his hand. Owen just let out a breath of air he was holding.

"I think we are a bad idea right now Alice." He said finally. Owen didn't notice the sudden silence that was around him nor the quietness that was spreading from the Slytherin table to the rest of the four houses. Alice just took a frightened breath.

"Why?" she asked in a quite voice.

"Alice, we haven't really spent that much time as friends for most of the last semester, then we decide to start going together. I just don't think that its going to work as it is right now."

"No." Alice said shakily. Owen finally looked at her. "No," She repeated. "What I said yesterday was a mistake, and what I did today was a mistake, I don't want you to do the same."

"Alice, please don't, it's hard enough as it is." Owen removed his hand from hers.

Alice quickly grabbed it back. "I am not going to let this go Owen." She said loudly. She ignored the rest of the school who sat there staring at the two. She gave a determined sniff.

Owen stood up and tugged her arm. "I think we should talk about this in a less public area Alice."

Alice didn't move. She wrapped her legs underneath her, firmly latching herself to the bench. "We are talking about it here and now Owen."

Owen knew he already lost any of the determination he had to try and break up with his girlfriend. Now he just wanted to have a less public audience. He tried several more times but she wasn't moving. Owen would have found it funny if he wasn't so serious about just wanting to talk to her in private and make up to her properly. Owen did not want to look up at the staff table knowing that Alice's father was there looking at the pair of them. Owen had tried to at least lower her voice. "Alice, I am sorry too, but can we please talk about this somewhere else?" He pleaded. Alice just felt more hurt and didn't budge. She didn't plan to move until he agreed that him trying to call of their relationship was stupid. Owen no longer cared what Alice wanted him to say, he was just determined to pull her away from the crowd. He had tried to pull her away from the great hall and finally tried to enlist the aid of Pam who only stood with Bruce and smiled at him knowing that the two would be alright. Owen looked around and saw that all four tables were staring at the two. Owen took in a deep breath. He had over an hour before Professor Potter's class started and was willing to get detention and loose points if it would mean Alice would forgive him in private. Without any other ideas to quiet down his best friend and girlfriend, he moved his arms in a fluid motion and picked her up like a sack of potatoes over his shoulder. She protested wildly until Owen carried her out of the Great Hall. His neck and ears reddened at the laugh he distinctly recognized as Alice's father. When he carried her out of the great hall, he set her down. She gave a relieved grunt before she was picked up again and held properly in his arms. Alice tried to wiggle free during his walk up a few flights of stairs. Alice lost the will to fight back after he held her closer to him.

The two entered the room of requirement. The room took the form of a small intimate living room. A large fireplace stood in front of a love seat with a thick rug sitting under the furniture. Owen gently placed Alice down on the seat and sat next to her, shoulders slightly turned while facing her. "Alice, I am sorry about messing up with this so soon." Owen started talking but really had no clue what to say. "And you were right, I don't want to end our relationship. I just… Well, it's hard." He finally admitted. Alice didn't say anything and just squeezed his hand to force him to talk more. "Alice, I've cared about you for well over a year now. You are important to me. And I don't want to mess it up, like I almost did a few minutes ago."

"I am sorry too. I should never had brought it up since I didn't really think about it until Pam mentioned her's and Bruce's the day before." Owen snorted, "That's what happened? I wondered when you never gave any kind of hint that it should have been important." Alice ducked her head at that. She really felt horrible now that she was thinking of what she did to him. "Well since it's our first time at a relationship, should we just forgive each other and ourselves?" Owen nodded. He touched her cheek the same way she had touched his. Owen slowly leaned over to Alice and kissed her on the lips. When Owen finally pulled back his hand was still on her cheek and he could feel her fast beating pulse matching his. They both smiled feeling all the tension between them drain from the room. Owen and Alice leaned back against the love seat and looked at the fire. Owen draped his arm around her and Alice leaned against him.

Finally Alice was able to speak. "So what was it that you thought was a special occasion that you planned something for it?"

Owen was caught off guard for a second before he thought of what to say. He smiled when he started, "Well, there is both of our birthdays, when we both leave on the Hogwarts express and when we meet on the train again in the fall." Alice just grunted acceptance to his answer. Owen grinned then said into her hair, "Then there is always Christmas Eve."

"Christmas Eve?"

"Don't you tell me you have forgotten?" he said in mock horror. "I always thought it was a special time for us." Alice nodded in understanding.

"It's when we became friends…"

Owen sat up straighter and nodded looking to Alice again. "It's also when I did this." He leaned in against her and kissed her cheek then made a quick run to her lips before pulling back. Alice nodded smiling.

"I guess you do have a romantic streak in you after all."

"You wound my heart my lady." Alice giggled. They sat in front of the fire for a while longer. Alice had wondered briefly if her dad and Susan did the same thing when they were alone together. She certainly hoped that those two were as happy as she was with Owen.

0

The two managed to get to Professor Potters class in time. When they walked in holding hands the whole class cheered. Harry let them go until they settled themselves. Several students were able to perform their patronus that night. Harry was not surprise to see Alice's cheetah, and Owen's hawk as a few of the new patroni who wandered around the room.

Several days later the whole class was able to perform a corporal patronus. And only two of them needed to resort to using a condition to do it. Harry called the end of his class to inform them that he had plans for the next night and the class was supposed to go to bed early to rest up for the next day. They all cheered and headed out of class. Owen and Alice waved as Harry closed to portrait behind him and headed to Susan's office.

Harry found himself again twenty minutes earlier than he expected. The two quickly went over what they were planning on wearing the next evening. "What do you think Harry?"

Harry smiled when she tried on the dress. It fit perfectly. "It looks wonderful Susan, you will be the most beautiful lady at the ball."

Susan smiled with a blush. "I fully expect you to dance with me Mr. Potter."

Harry smiled, "I wouldn't have it any other way." He kissed her while running his hands over her upper arms and shoulders. She shivered at his touch and leaned against him.

"What are we going to tell everyone?" she finally asked. Attending the ball with Harry had been bothering her for some time. What would happen when she is seen in a public event and most likely reported in the newspapers as Harry Potter's date.

Harry raised his eyebrows. "You think it will be a problem?"

Susan had to laugh. "Leave to you Harry… You do know that most of the school does get news, and most likely the prophet will cover the ball."

Harry nodded. "I imagine that many students will wonder what happened to Professor Dursely."

"And it will be the first week all over again."

"I can always say that you are just a friend."

Susan snorted. "Like that is going to work. It's already common knowledge that I was dating you before you left."

Harry sighed and walked up to her again. "It will be fine Susan. I think the worst that will happen is that the girls in the school will think Professor Dursley is free." Harry paused in what he was doing. "Damn, now you got me thinking about it." He scowled at her before they both just smiled. "Susan I got these tickets as your gift, and I intend for you to enjoy it. We can worry about the details later."

Susan gave an exasperated nod.

0

The next morning Harry leaked out that Susan was Harry Potter's guest to a ball that evening. Professor Dursley walked around the halls and answered questions that Harry was a good friend and trusts that Susan will be well taken care of, and no he was not worried that Harry Potter would steal Susan away from him. A few students around the school began taking bets on who would win in a fight, Professor Dursley or Harry Potter. Potter had a four to three edge. Professor Dursley's class could be seen at random times in Potter's classroom telling each other what they heard and laughing hysterically about it.

When Susan was fully dressed, Harry Potter escorted her into a carriage that sent them off towards the ball. During this time Professor Dursley was quietly seen talking to Professor Delacour and Professor Lupin in Professor Lupin's office.

Susan sighed when she saw Hogwarts fade over the crest of the hill. "I wonder if we can keep this up long Harry, I mean its very public even if you managed to make it like a friendly gathering."

Harry smiled, "I was wondering that myself. I was thinking of announcing it to the school at the end of the year, provided that everyone in the class has attained a certain degree of mastery over the new magic."

Susan nodded. She really didn't want to think of Harry's plans after the term was over. She was desperate to ask but feared what his answer would really be.

0

The Ball itself was in the ministry's own Grand banquet hall. The ceiling reflected a warm summer's night instead of the cold falling snow that was outside. Harry removed Susan's coat and moved to her left to hand it to a house elf who took it graciously. Susan walked ahead of him and entered the hall. She suddenly garnered the attention of many men. Harry promptly turned them away with a simple glance. Susan didn't notice or she would have chastised him for scaring the local dignitaries. He placed a hand on her elbow and escorted her to a table where their names were held. Several men who were Ambassadors to various countries shook Harry's hand and commented on his lovely date. Harry smiled and nodded, not making a reply to their comments. Several men made speeches to comment of the prosperity the current economy was experiencing and the unwavering strength Minister Granger-Weasley demonstrated in this time of reconstruction. There were rounds of applause. The Minister thanked those present for their own efforts and the hoped that they would all continue to help bring peace to the magical world. There were several 'here here!' shouts and Hermione gave her most winning smile. Several reporters crowded around her and started asking her questions. She patiently answered them until Ron saved her. She took his arm and hung onto it like a life preserver.

The music began after a dinner that spanned nine courses and seven different countries' cuisines. Minister Granger-Weasley and her husband Ronald Weasley started the dance and were quickly followed by several couples on the floor. Harry held his hand out to offer Susan the opportunity to dance. She wordlessly took it and the two made their way to the dance floor. Several couples commented on the young pairing and the two smiled. It was true they were young, and most likely the youngest couple at the ball aside from the children of several Ambassadors. After several ballads, a few dancers retired to their tables before going back out. Harry and Susan visited momentarily with Ron and Hermione in between songs. Susan and Harry thanked the two of them for their offer to save them if they were mobbed by the press before continuing their dancing. Many people thought it was nice to see those two young couples. Many found it just as romantic that Harry Potter and Susan Bones never left the dance floor for the duration of the night.

0

Above the ball on the roof of the building several Aurors laid on the floor unconscious and obliviated. Two men and two women stood watching the dance below them through a see through charm cast on the roof with mild interest. "So the woman is his date? That figures." said the oldest man.

The woman who was as old as the man said with a melodic voice, "I didn't expect anyone else. So both of our targets are at Hogwarts." She turned to the other two who had yet to speak.

The young man said sarcastically, "You sure know how to pick them."

The oldest woman glared at him before she smiled, "Yes I do. I think that we should hurt him as hard as he hurt us. It is going to take some planning. There is an unknown teacher at Hogwarts who has similar abilities as Mr. Potter down there. I wondered briefly if they were one in the same person."

The youngest woman scowled. "It is impossible, I was observing the departure. Dursley was located in a private conference with the monster and the half breed when Potter arrived. Dursley never left that room while Potter was at the entrance. As far as we can tell they were friends during the war against Voldemort but not the same person."

"It doesn't matter," she replied dismissing the young woman beside her. "I am assuming that Dursley is Potter, or has at least the same powers as Potter. That means careful planning and precision. Especially after that debacle of an assassination attempt."

The other three bowed their heads in guilt. Finally the young woman asked, "So who do we choose? Bones or Niete?"

The older woman smiled, "It's obvious isn't it? The little girl. It will fulfill our needs on so many levels."

The three others nodded in understanding and looked back down to Potter who was still dancing with his date for the evening. The first woman scowled knowing that she could do nothing right now. She had to wait and plan. You will regret crossing the Blood Knights, Potter.

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Part 3 is starting and there was great rejoicing 'yay!'

Dark Huntress: I hope I am not making the story too predictable ;) Hopefully you won't be disappointed with Part 3.

LiLy MaLfOy13: thank you for your review.

ettedanreb: thanks for reviewing my story.

Blyker: It is more or lessed solved, but the story still has a few surprises that will happen by the end of the story.

Atlantis-rob: Thanks for the review. I am glad you were not disappointed by the intermissions. I did the last one since we never did get to see how Harry got to the point the is now being confident in his relationship with Susan.

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Preview Chapter 14: Continuing Effects

Harry nodded. Tonks had already talked to him about sealing off the curse. But Harry had still held out hoping to find a permanent lift of the damnable hex.

"So the side effects really go that far as well?" Asked Harry desperate. Albus nodded solemnly. "O.k. I'll do it." Arvalis, Phor and Argent all appeared next to him. Harry looked to the three sadly. "Did you all get that?"

They all nodded. None showed any emotion. Finally Argent spoke. "We understand Harry. Good Luck." Then they all disappeared.

"There is still something that I need to do first."

Tonks turned to him. "What's that?"

Harry ran his hand through his hair. "I need to tell Alice and Susan." Harry suddenly felt the weight of his gift to Susan press against his leg.