Further warnings: by now this could probably be called an AU if that would make anyone feel better. And forgive me for the Quidditch match - I'm the shape of a Quaffle and sport just ain't my thing! Also, by now you'll have realised that my Harry ain't a happy carefree lad - though he has his moments. If this is a problem for you, back out gracefully now. There's an exit to the left.
Sympathetic Magic: Part Three - Second Term, Sixth Year
Mondays started with double Charms, followed by double Transfiguration, Herbology, and Divination. As Harry quite enjoyed Charms and Transfiguration now that he was allowed to participate once more, he found himself eager to get to classes on a Monday. Ron had become used to his partners fidgeting and would often send a soothing message along Harry's fingers in an effort to calm him down. It rarely worked, but Harry loved him for it anyway.
"Ron! Look at this!" Seamus had beaten them to the Great Hall that morning and was waving a paper in their faces as they walked to their usual seats. Harry paid the owl that was waiting by their plates and Ron snatched the paper from his hand before he could unroll it.
"I'll just give that to you then, shall I?" Harry asked dryly and started piling bacon and eggs onto toast, adding a few chipolatas to their shared plate as well. He hated kippers, and if Ron fancied some he'd let the redhead dish up his own. Ron had flattened the paper out and was pouring over the front page with a very intent look.
"What's up then?" Harry asked, elbowing his friend to one side so he could see the headlines too.
'Bagman fails to bag Quidditch pitches!' the words took up the top half of the page, and Ludo Bagman could be seen underneath running into a house and slamming the front door firmly. A quick perusal of the page informed Harry that the head of Magical Games and Sports had somehow managed to reveal the sites of several Quidditch pitches to a group of Muggles, who were now using them to play football. Bagman had thought that he might be able to generate a bit of money by leasing the pitches to the Muggles, and holding the Quidditch games there at night. The teams affected were furious, and it was also looking bad for the International league, as there were several teams coming over from Australia, New Zealand, and Fiji in order to participate in the Seven League Cup. Ireland, Wales, England and Scotland were also competing, and though it was not their pitches that were affected, the visiting teams had nowhere to practice, and therefore nowhere to stay.
The second page was full of recrimination and thinly veiled accusations - apparently Bagman was still having some difficulty with goblins over a sum of money owed - as well as a rather terse statement from the three countries affected that they would continue to train for the event in the spirit of goodwill, trusting that someone 'more competent' would resolve the situation.
"They've got a point," Harry mused, turning to the sports section to check what the local teams made of the situation. The Chuddley Cannons were offering their facilities - thankfully they weren't one of the teams that Bagman had sold out, or Ron would have been on the warpath.
"Probably on top of their heads," Ron agreed gloomily, and Harry choked on his mouthful of toast. Ron had to haul him up off the bench, still wheezing, in order to get to Charms on time.
Professor Flitwick was standing on his usual pile of books, waiting for them all to enter and seat themselves. The board behind him contained a rather complex looking series of charms, which would have to be performed in quick succession in order to get the right results.
"Today we are going to discuss Sympathetic Magic!" Flitwick said in his usual squeaky voice, "Or… the ability to work magic in close order! True Sympathetic Magic is rare in the Wizarding world, and is often only achieved by truly mated life partners! For further information on the nature of true Sympathetic Magic I recommend a highly informative book written by Frederick Wimplehorn and Alastor Chitwick called 'Sympathetic Magic - a Partnership of the Heart'. Let me just say that a true partnership works by merging the knowledge and magical strength of the partners into a common well of magic that each partner may tap at will."
Hermione's hand was up, and Flitwick gave her an understanding little smile. Miss Granger's hand was always up, and the question could usually be anticipated with a little thought on the part of the teacher.
"Yes Miss Granger, the book is in the library," he nodded and Hermione's hand went down, her cheeks a little pink. Harry grinned - if there was any chance of gaining further knowledge then Hermione was there.
"Now, today we are going to work on casting a variety of charms that require us to work closely together. They will require you to time your actions with your partner most precisely in order to achieve your goal. We will be working with musical instruments - mainly percussion - to produce a syncopated beat, and eventually a melody," Professor Flitwick gestured to the board behind him, and instructed everyone to copy down the charms. He then made them all choose a coloured ball from a hat to pick their partners. Harry was paired with Neville, and Ron was paired with Hermione.
The rhythm that Neville and Harry were given to play wasn't too hard, but the tempo was very quick, which had Neville in a fluster, and pushed Harry's abilities to the limits. After the third failed attempt Harry suggested they slow the tempo down in order to get the order of casting and timing right. He could hear Ron and Hermione in the background, squabbling as they usually did when forced to work closely together. There was just something about their personalities that set them off, sometimes to Harry's amusement, but more often to his discomfort.
By the end of the lesson Harry and Neville had mastered the timing and were almost on tempo. They were one of only four pairs that had managed to get that far - Crabbe's pair for example were still trying to charm the instruments into movement, and Malfoy's pair had suffered some kind of explosion about halfway through the lesson. Hermione and Ron had managed to get their rhythm completed, but were having trouble with the timing.
"That was wicked!" Neville enthused on the way to Transfigurations, "We make a great team Harry!"
"Yeah, Nev," Harry grinned. It was hard not to respond to the other boys' enthusiasm - very rarely did Neville come in at the top of anything except Herbology, where he was tying neck and neck with Hermione, "We work well together."
Ron rolled his eyes but anything he was about to say was lost when Hermione elbowed him in the ribs and pointed at the student notice board in the main foyer. There was a bright poster - a lurid mix of pink and red hearts overlapping each other - announcing the Valentines Ball at Hogsmeade. Sixth and seventh years were allowed to attend this Ball, which was held traditionally on a Friday night.
"Hey," Ron protested, rubbing his ribs resentfully, "Not so hard, Hermione."
"It's the Valentines Ball," Hermione ignored the complaint and Harry moved over to his partner sympathetically. Ron rolled his eyes again. The poster was not only bright, but also written in a very large script.
"Yes, thank you Hermione, I can read," he replied, "What's the big deal?"
"We're allowed to go this year," she told him crossly, "It's supposed to be really good."
Harry frowned and then ushered them all up the stairs. He had a bad feeling about this. He wasn't going to go with a girl to the Ball - that would be disrespectful to Ron - but neither could he take his partner to the Ball. They just weren't ready to announce their status to the entire student body, and Harry had a vague idea that to do so would result in trouble with the teachers anyway. Girls like Lavender Brown and the Patil twins loved this kind of romantic thing, and they were bound to blow the whole Ball out of proportion.
"Hurry up!" Professor McGonagal called from her open doorway and Harry pushed all thoughts of the ball aside.
0o0o0o0
"So, Harry," despite his friends best attempts, they'd gotten pinned by Lavender Brown and Parvati Patil just by Wrestler on their way inside after tea. Ron stayed close to his partner, offering moral support. The girls were always after Harry, which just showed their good taste as far as Ron was concerned. Too bad they didn't know Harry was already permanently taken.
"Who are you going to take to the Ball next week?" Parvati asked while Lavender giggled and smiled coyly. Ron thought she looked rather daft like that but wasn't stupid enough to tell her that. The last thing he needed was to set those two on their wrong sides. Harry had taken Parvati to the Yuletide Ball in the fourth year, and Ron had squired her twin sister Padma. Neither girl had been too happy with their dates, as neither boy was interested in dancing with them. They'd spent the night sitting together talking to friends. Looking back on the night, Ron thought he should have seen that for the clue it obviously was.
"I'm not planning to take anyone, Parvati," Harry replied, "So if you get an offer I suggest you take it. Don't wait for me or anything."
The girls scowled and flounced into the common room. Ron put a hand on Harry to make him wait for a moment - give them time to get clear, or at least sit down where they wouldn't be able to ambush the partners again.
"I wouldn't take that young flapper either, General," Wrestler spoke up before Ron could, and Harry laughed. Ron grinned at the gargoyle. It was much more entertaining than the Fat Lady had been.
"You don't call them that to their faces do you?" Ron asked in admiration. Wrestler's laugh sounded like a small landslip, and Ron patted its head lightly before giving his name and stepping inside. Hermione was waiting for them with a rather grim look on her face, and she followed them into their room, setting the privacy spell herself while the teens put their bags under the hooks and pulled out their homework for this evening.
"What's up Hermione?" Ron asked as Harry pulled a few books off the shelves and Hermione paced in the small space between the door and the bookcase, "Look, sit down or something - you're making me dizzy."
"I can't believe you turned down Parvati and Lavender!" Hermione burst out, plopping into the other chair and glaring at them; "You can't go around turning down dates to the Ball!"
"Why not?" Ron asked, glancing at Harry. His friend was frowning a little, obviously following Hermione's train of thought. His partner was one of the most intuitive Wizards that Ron had ever encountered, with the exception of a Great-Aunt by marriage who was highly skilled in Divination.
"Because there'll be talk!" Hermione waved her arms in emphasis, and Harry sighed. It was a rather sad and defeated sigh, that Ron didn't like the sound of one bit.
"Unless you want to declare that we're only interested in taking each other to the Ball, we'll be bugged by the girls in our House to take them," he said softly, coming to lean on Ron's chair. Ron reached up and took Harry's hand, feeling his tension, and willingness to claim Ron in front of the whole school if that was what Ron wanted.
"We can't do that, Harry. As much as I'd love to claim you in front of everyone, the school would have to separate us - maybe even suspend one of us. You know we're not allowed to do what we've been doing, even though everyone else does it," Ron let his fingers show Harry how sad he was that it couldn't happen right now, "On our last day here I'll snog you in the middle of the Great Hall, but…"
Harry was chuckling, shaking his head. There was a very soft look in his eyes that warmed Ron clean through, and Hermione's throat clearing startled them both.
"Look, can't you just agree to take a couple of girls?" she pushed, "I mean, you wouldn't have to do anything other than dance with them a few times."
"I can't believe you'd suggest that, Hermione," Ron frowned at her, "It's disrespectful to Harry for me to lie and take some girl I don't fancy, and don't want to spend time with either. Besides, how would you feel if your date danced with you once and then dumped you to sit with his best mate?"
"That's why neither of us asked you to go with one of us," Harry added, "We'll go along as singles, but we're not going to lie to some girl about us dating them. I'm sorry Hermione, but I won't be disloyal to Ron. He's all I've got."
Hermione looked at the grip they had on each other and brushed a few tears from her eyes, before jumping up to hug them both rather violently. Ron's protests were muffled in a portion of Hermione that he preferred not to touch, look at, or think about.
"We'll think of something," Hermione sniffled, letting them go, "And Harry…you've got me too."
She was unsealing the door and bustling out before either of them could reply, and Ron shook his head in exasperation. He aimed his wand at the door and it shut and sealed itself again. He pulled his partner into his lap and Harry sighed, resting his head against Ron's.
"Don't worry mate," Ron patted Harry's hip where his hands were comfortably perched, "I know how you feel."
"It's not fair," Harry mumbled into his hair, "I want to be with you."
"You are," Ron chuckled, "I was serious about snogging you in front of the school on our last day."
"No groping," Harry replied firmly, obviously remembering previous kissing sessions, and Ron laughed, squeezing his partner before letting go.
"Fine, be that way. Now get off, my legs are going to sleep."
0o0o0o0
Harry knew that Hermione wouldn't be happy to just let the situation lie, but there was a ready solution that he literally stumbled over in the owlry the next morning. He had been reminded by all the fuss that Valentines Day was rapidly approaching, and he'd wanted to get something for Ron. There was an ad in the Daily Prophet that promised to deliver to the Valentine of your choice a block of Honeydukes Best Chocolate, and a red rose by owl, with a message that the sender was supposed to provide.
Harry had never really had any inclination to participate in the hysterics that seemed to accompany each Valentines day - at least this year they wouldn't have singing dwarves tackling people and embarrassing them in the halls - but he knew that he could mortify his partner with a sappy anonymous note and flowers. The idea had been niggling at him all day and he'd climbed up to the owlry with his request - sent under a false name just in case the company decided to attach a name somewhere anyway.
He'd pushed the door to the owlry open and walked in on Susan Bones and Hannah Abbot attached to each other at the lips. Susan's hand was inside the moaning Hannah's open blouse, and they were both too involved to notice Harry straight away. He cleared his throat loudly, his eyes politely averted as they exclaimed, jumped apart and adjusted their clothes rather quickly.
"Sorry, girls," Harry apologised, "I just needed to send an owl."
"Obviously," Susan snapped, waving her hands at the owls on the rafters above them. Harry grimaced while Hannah stared at the floor, her face very red and what looked like the start of tears in her eyes.
"I suppose this is going to be all over the school by breakfast," Susan continued, as Hedwig fluttered to Harry's shoulder. He stroked her white feathers, concentrating on her for a moment before facing the two Hufflepuff girls. Susan was usually so even tempered - getting caught like this would be a major embarrassment to them both, hence the temper.
"No it won't," he said honestly, "You know I wouldn't spread tales, Susan. Don't be like that."
"Sus," Hannah put her hand on the other girl's shoulder, "Harry's not a gossip."
Susan stared at the ground, biting her lip. The solution to his problem with the Valentines Ball hit Harry then and he grinned. He'd be able to reassure them and get himself and Ron out of a spot as well. Lavender and Parvati were still asking, apparently because Hermione had mentioned how shy Harry really was in an effort to explain away his still dateless state.
"Look, you can solve a problem for me, and get some blackmail material of your own in the bargain," Harry told them both and waited until they were looking at him to continue, "You see Ron and I are in the same boat, and with the Valentine Ball coming up we're in a bit of a spot. You know how everyone expects us to pair up for the dance. You two could come to the Ball with us, just as a group of friends, but everyone else would think we were dating. That way we can all go with someone important to us and not get hassled about it."
Susan had started grinning early into his offer and Hannah was clutching her girlfriends' hand rather tightly by the end. Harry felt a moment of relief that neither of them were going to hex him for suggesting it.
"Yes!" Hannah bounced on her toes, "That's perfect Sus! That way we know going in that there won't be any broken hearts or hard feelings!"
"Ok," Susan nodded, "Will Ron play along?"
"Sure he will," Harry stated confidently. The girls went down to their common room in a much better frame of mind, leaving Harry to send one of the school owls on his message, producing a second one for Hedwig to take as a consolation. It was only the weekly letter the Weasley's sent back to their parents, and Harry had included a note at the bottom, answering Mrs Weasley's questions to him.
It wasn't until he got back to his dorm that Harry realised that he had just spoken for Ron without consulting with him first. Harry was fairly sure that his partner wouldn't mind, but a small part of him - the part that was still waiting to be sent back to the Dursley's - said that he was heading for a fight. He had worked himself into a right state by the time Ron came in from supervising prep with the first and second years.
His friend only needed a single glance to tell that there was something bothering him, and Ron came to put his arms around Harry where he was sitting huddled on the end of their bed. Harry leaned into him, explaining what he'd seen in the owlry and the girls' acceptance of his offer.
"Quick thinking," Ron praised him, "We can get them a flower or something each and the four of us can go and have a good time without tipping anyone off."
"I spoke for you," Harry said tentatively, and Ron shook his head. This was obvious to him, therefore it would have to be explained to his partner.
"You spoke for us."
0o0o0o0
Ron was woken on Valentines Day by a warm mouth in a very intimate place. One thing led to another, and by the time they woke again - and he knew his partner would be sitting a little carefully this morning as the residual ache dispersed - they were almost late. They completed their morning ablutions in a rush, and Hermione gave them a long look when they reached the breakfast table. She didn't get a chance to say anything as a large number of pink owls - the Valentines day ads had been very large - entered the Hall and started landing on the tables in front of their assigned person. Hermione's owl was rather insistent, and also bright green, which had several people craning their necks to see what she had got.
Ron grinned - he had talked to Fred and George about this, and it looked like they'd taken the idea and run with it. The owl had a bouquet of flowers that changed colours and sung 'Happy Valentine to you!' to the birthday song when she reached for them. There was also a box of canary creams for her as well. Hermione's wasn't the only oddly coloured owl, and Harry's congratulations on his idea rippled up his wrist.
Then a pink owl spotted Ron and landed neatly in front of him, staring at him intently until he fumbled the small box and rose out of its harness. There was a note on the box from his 'secret Valentine' and he shot a dirty look at his snickering partner. Lavender and Parvati were already asking him rather shrilly who had sent him such a pretty rose. The two girls had not forgiven them for refusing their invitations to the Ball, and there was a malicious edge to the questions.
/You sod/ he told his now sniggering partner, who shook his head helplessly and took a chocolate when it was offered him. Hermione was glaring at them again, but this time for her bright green Valentine, as the note that came with it proclaimed who had sent it.
They finished breakfast quickly - Ron hit Harry with his rose when his partner asked rather innocently who his Valentine was from - and headed to Care of Magical Creatures. Hagrid made the girls who were wearing flowers in their hair or buttonholes take them off, lest the creatures they were studying attack them for the food, and everyone settled into the pattern of lessons and work.
Flitwick had them demonstrate their close order spell casting to the class, and McGonagal was working on their abilities to magically expand the spaces inside matchboxes. The last class of the day was Divination, and Professor Trelawny had them working further with the Tarot, which Harry found very easy, despite her attempts to make every reading he did indicate that he would die an early death. The Auror that was teaching them Defence Against the Dark Arts had them duelling with each other in groups, making them battle each other and a few Dark Creatures as well.
They escaped from that very draining lesson and went to prepare for their Ball in Hogsmeade. Ron and Harry both needed to shave as they'd skipped that this morning to save time. Hermione had disappeared to work on her toilette as well, and Harry hoped she was going to do something with her hair similar to the way she'd worn it to the Yuletide Ball. The simple French knot had been flattering - much more attractive than the elaborate braids and ringlets that some of the other girls came up with. Hedwig had fetched the flowers - a simple rose with a few green leaves in a small holder that could be pinned to formal robes - at lunch time, so once they'd bathed and changed Harry and Ron walked back out to the common room to wait for Hermione and her date Neville.
Susan and Hannah had both chosen to wear their hair in a simple style, and were pleased with the flowers that their 'dates' presented them with. That was as romantic as things got though, they walked down in a mixed group with Hermione and Neville, and sat together at a table for the supper. All four Heads of House were present, and if Snape cast a bit of a pall over the evening, Professor Flitwick more than cheered things up.
The music started with pudding, and Ron and Harry offered to dance with Susan and Hannah. The first one was a slow one, then something lively that let them dance as a foursome. They retired back to the table after that, and if the girls wandered off for a moment and came back flushed and clingy they paid no attention.
0o0o0o0
Hermione came and sat down with them as Neville went to fetch a round of drinks after their last dance. She had accepted that Ron and Harry weren't going to explain why it was all right to date the two girls from Hufflepuff, though she had her suspicions. The dance was well under way by now and the fairy ornaments were over their initial shyness, fluttering among the dancers, hoping to be admired.
"Having fun, Hermione?" Harry asked lazily, watching Malfoy trying to steer Millicent Bulstrode through a complicated dance step and almost tripping over the train of her robe. Ron's snickers indicated that he'd seen it too, and Harry sent his partner an amused look.
"Yes thank you Harry, Neville's a wonderful dancer," Hermione smiled up at her escort for the evening and Neville flushed a little as he sat down, passing the bottles of butter beer around the table.
"Gran taught me to dance," he revealed and Harry felt a moment of envy. Neville's family understood and accepted magical abilities, so when he'd been orphaned people who didn't hate him for his magic had raised him. If only the Dursley's… Harry shook his head and Ron's fingers soothed him rather absently.
"What's wrong?" he asked aloud. It wasn't like Ron to be distracted in their finger talk. They usually paid attention to the finger talk and replied absent-mindedly to the verbal cues they were being given. Ron was staring over at the fireplace, a slight frown on his face.
"There's something… you all brought your wands, didn't you?" he asked suddenly, his fingers telegraphing his suspicion that someone had travelled down the chimney. Susan and Hannah looked rather startled, but Neville and Hermione straightened up and looked around alertly. All four Gryffindors had their wands out discreetly and Susan began to draw hers.
"Of course," Hannah replied, "Why?"
She was answered by a voice roaring an all too familiar curse, sending a fireball straight into the chandelier. Hermione and Neville hit it with a freezing charm, and Harry and Ron stood to levitate it until the people on the dance floor could get out from under. Hannah whipped her wand out too, as had the teachers, and everyone ducked as curses started flying in all directions.
"Evacuate the dance hall!" Snape roared over the noise, lifting several curses off the Slytherin students who were collapsed in the corner and gesturing to them curtly. Professor Sprout was at the main door, attempting to unseal it.
"Chameleon counter charm!" Harry yelled to his fellow Gryffindors, and the charm was sent whizzing out into the room. It failed to hit their targets and Ron threw them both to the ground to duck a bloodletting curse.
"We can't reveal what we can't target!" Lee shouted over the noise. The Mayor of Hogsmeade took it upon himself to blow a large hole in the wall to create an exit point as the doors remained sealed. Sprout turned and started ushering the students and villagers near her to the new 'door'.
Ron and Harry dragged themselves back up and winced as Professor McGonagal sent their table flying through the air towards one of the areas that seemed to be generating hexes. The table splintered spectacularly, and they cast their protection spell over the people nearest.
Professor Flitwick had gone to the aid of the village band, which was being attacked by their own instruments, and Snape was exchanging hexes and curses with an invisible opponent. The members of his House were running past their Master, heading for the exit with several of the villagers. With their cover gone - most of the furniture was on fire or running after the dancers - the Gryffindor students were casting their shields all over the room. Harry and Ron's grip was extremely tight, their fingers flexing constantly as they relayed information and suggested courses of action. Without their realising it a red/gold sphere had formed around them, protecting them from the many curses that were headed their way.
One of the instruments that Flitwick was attempting to control exploded, knocking him out and sending him hurtling across the room. The partners Summoned him to their position and then gave the unconscious body to Hermione and Neville to take out through the wall. Ron suggested a course of action to Harry, who wasn't best pleased with the idea, but had to agree it had merit.
"Serpensortia!" Harry pointed his wand at the ground, and from the tip poured a very large boa constrictor. It coiled at their feet and Harry focussed on it, leaving their defence to Ron for a moment.
"Seek, find, bind, go," Harry hissed, feeling Ron's unease at the Parseltongue that dripped from his partners lips. The constrictor looked around the room and then slithered away.
"Potter!" Snape yelled and performed the same spell, sending a python towards them. Harry commanded it to do the same as his boa and then turned his attention to maintaining their shield while Ron defended Hermione and Neville's retreat. Malfoy hesitated near the hole in the wall and then sent a cobra towards Harry before ducking outside to retreat with his Housemates. Harry sent it on its way just as there was a hoarse scream from nearby.
The boa had wrapped itself very firmly around someone, who was struggling wildly, staggering past an unfortunate chain of fairies that had caught fire. His grip told Ron what they needed to do, and they turned as one, ignoring the hexes that continued to bounce off their shield.
"Chameleon reverso!" Ron roared, and a white masked Death Eater appeared, struggling mightily with the boa. Harry grinned in relief that the counter charm worked and aimed his own wand.
"Imobulous corpus," he sent the spell at their enemy, and the man inside the snake froze, not even his eyes moving as the full body bind took control of him. He would be able to breathe as long as he didn't struggle too hard, and Harry shored up their shield once more, while Ron cast a sealing charm on the fireplace. The boa slithered free and turned to survey the room again.
The wall near the door exploded, and Professors Snape and Sprout went down in a wild tangle. When the dust cleared, Snape was left holding the injured Head of Hufflepuff. He gave Ron and Harry a searching look, and the partners gestured for him to get out. The Head of Slytherin was limping badly as he headed for the exit, Sprout cradled in his arms.
"Get out boys!" he ordered, "Leave now!"
"Yes sir!" Ron called, sweeping the area for any further sign of their attackers or their fellow students. Harry confirmed that they and their own Head of House were the last there, and Ron called for her to leave. She nodded, following Snape to the exit, strangely accepting of taking orders from her students. The python grabbed its own prey, and once more the partners revealed and froze their opponent. Professor McGonagal waited by the exit, and seeing that they had two men captured she Summoned them to her, shoving them outside.
"Potter! Weasley! There are Aurors outside to deal with the last few!" she yelled in her most authoritarian tone, and they moved without thought. There was still at least one more person in here with them, but Harry wasn't willing to risk Ron's life to capture them. Malfoy's cobra was still lurking in the heat and smoke - with a bit of luck it would bite the third man.
McGonagal ducked a nasty bloodletting curse and Harry sent a shield her way, leaving Ron to maintain their own. His actions were not quick enough and the wall collapsed under the onslaught of curses, already weakened by the gaping holes in it. She was trapped under the rubble, her hand pinned in place by a heavy piece of masonry, an unstable pile of rubble surrounding her like a cage.
"Professor! Transform!" Ron yelled and Harry scooped up the very battered cat that took her place, tucking it into his badly torn dress robes carefully. Ron moved around so he was standing pressed against Harry's back, one arm around his waist. Their fingers remained tangled together as they fought off the flames and curses heading their way. He was exhausted, and could tell Ron was too from the harsh pants for breath that were flowing over his shoulder.
"We need to open the door, a window, anything!" Harry coughed. Ron leaned into his back heavily for a moment, drawing strength from their contact before turning slightly and blasting at the doors. The heavy oak simply disintegrated and Harry stumbled forward, an unpleasant whine starting in his ears as the shield began to fail. One or the both of them had maintained it constantly for the last ten minutes, and the strain was telling on them heavily.
The partnership had almost made it to the door when a high-pitched scream announced the capture of another assailant. Harry turned and spotted the cobra attached to what could only be someone's arm. Ron groaned softly, but raised his wand, sending the revealing charm into the smoke, followed closely by Harry's body binding curse. They staggered through the door, their shield badly discoloured, finally giving way as they escaped the last of the heat and smoke.
Strong hands steadied Harry, and he looked up into the dark eyes of Auror Kingsley Shacklebolt. Ron was plastered to his back, trembling violently, his weakened fingers telling Harry he wouldn't be able to stand up much longer. Kingsley was staring at Harry, his lips moving as he asked some question.
"There's at least one still in there," Harry hoped this answered the Auror, "I think we got him with the revealer and body bind, if not there's a snake attached to his arm. It was conjured, so you can destroy it."
Kingsley turned his head and Harry grunted, twisting away to catch his fainting partner. The effort was too much and he felt the black creeping around his vision surge over him. His last thought was for the Professor he still carried in his robes - he hoped he didn't land on her.
0o0o0o0
Ron felt the cool sheets of the hospital wing cradling his very sore and very tired body and sighed as he swum back to consciousness. The events of last night were still vivid in his mind, including the way it felt to be in total synchronisation with his partner. He felt a slight grin tugging at his lips - the connection with Harry had been almost as vital as the one they forged during their lovemaking. He forced heavy eyes open and spotted Ginny sitting beside his bed, a rather worried expression on her face.
"Well at least you're in a good mood," she gestured to his grin and he rolled his eyes slowly, not wanting to do anything to energetic for the next year or so. A thought occurred to him and he raised his eyebrows at Ginny in a questioning manner.
"Everyone's fine," she replied, "You two are the only students in here, and Professors Flitwick, Sprout and Snape are already back in their own rooms. Professor McGonagal is in one of the private rooms - but Madam Pomfrey says she'll be good as new by Monday. Harry's in the bed behind me - he's still asleep. It's Saturday morning - just after breakfast. Hermione said she'll come and visit you soon - she had to go to the library."
Ron stretched his eyesight a little and sighed in relief when he saw his sleeping partner's peaceful face. Ron had learned that if Harry was in pain when he went to sleep there was always a slight frown worn upon his brow. Madam Pomfrey bustled over and took his pulse, before waving her wand over him and then giving him a pepper up potion. Ron sat up with the steam coming out of his ears and attacked the breakfast tray Ginny had fetched for him with enthusiasm.
"Did the Daily Prophet get hold of this one?" he asked through a mouthful of kippers and Ginny grimaced but nodded. He took the hint and swallowed before asking what the paper had said and how accurate they were.
"Well, they were pretty accurate," Ginny sighed, "I mean, they got most things right, although the Mayor of Hogsmeade is taking credit for catching two of the Death Eaters single handed and without a wand. There's also a mention of the attack that was made last term - although they were completely wrong about most of it. The third page had this big story about Hogwarts being under attack and Fudge is calling for Aurors to be put in here to patrol the halls and monitor the teachers and students closely."
"He's probably still worried that Professor Dumbledore is trying to raise an army against him."
The comment was very soft, but Ron felt a lot better for hearing it. Harry's eyes were open and he was looking up at the ceiling, though Ron knew he probably couldn't see it without his glasses. Ginny moved over to Harry's beside cabinet and picked up his glasses, unfolding them and leaning over gingerly to put them on his face. Ron stifled a laugh at the surprised expression on Harry's face and chose to respond to his partners' comments.
"At least he didn't suggest Dementors," he commiserated, "And it won't be so bad if we have a few Aurors around the castle - then maybe we'll be able to get some work done instead of spending all our time here."
"Don't count on it," Hermione said darkly from the doorway. She went and kissed Harry on the cheek and then stepped back for Madam Pomfrey. She walked around to give Ron a hug, which he received rather uncomfortably. He'd never been fond of public displays of affection, no matter who was giving them out. He was grateful that Harry felt the same way - though if his partner had wanted to be openly affectionate, Ron would have tried.
"What makes you say that?" Ron asked as Hermione sat on the end of his bed. She sighed, shaking her head at him, and he felt the familiar rush of frustration that she always seemed to invoke in him.
"Because Fudge will choose the Aurors he thinks will spy for him. It will be like having Umbridge's Inquisitorial Squad back - only this time it will be fully trained adults," she told him tersely. Harry was sitting up by now with steam pouring out of his ears, and Dobby had appeared with his breakfast tray. Ron waited until Harry had finished reassuring the house elf and had fended off enquiries as to his own health before responding to Hermione.
"Aurors are independent of the Minister for Magic," he told her firmly, "Their charter was set up to be that way so no one with a fancy for power could get into office and turn us into a dictatorship. Any Auror caught spying for the Minister would be sacked, and Fudge would lose his office."
"We'd have to catch them first," Ginny pointed out and Harry put down the piece of toast he'd been nibbling on.
"No we won't, because it won't happen," he told them all, "Professor Dumbledore won't allow the Ministry to interfere like that again - last year was a nightmare for everyone and he won't put us through that again."
Ron smiled, his fears relieved. Harry had a lot of faith in the Headmaster, despite all he'd been through over the years, and he was very rarely wrong about the important things. The doors opened again and Hannah and Susan entered, nodding when Madam Pomfrey warned them they could only stay a few minutes.
"Are you two ok?" Hannah asked, leaning at the bottom of Harry's bed. Harry told them they were fine, and Ron smiled when they looked to him for corroboration.
"Well, you've got the perfect excuse to dump us after last night - look what happens when we take you out," he said cheerfully and Susan laughed at him.
"It was a smashing time - well, right up until the actual smashing," she agreed and Hannah giggled. Harry grinned over at Ron.
"You can't say you're dull when I take you out," the black haired boy winked solemnly at his partner, "We get to see all the hottest things."
"Yeah, but usually that doesn't refer to balls of fire heading right for me," Ron mock complained, glad that they were still alive and unhurt. Before the banter could get any further, Professor Flitwick entered. He had a bandage perched jauntily across his forehead, but his energetic, springing walk was as bouncy as ever. Professor Dumbledore was a few steps behind him, and everyone straightened up politely, with Harry and Ron pushing their breakfast trays away.
"You haven't finished Harry," Hermione said sharply, and Ron glanced over. His partner had managed half a slice of toast, not touching the eggs or chipolatas that Dobby had cooked for him, and also leaving the pumpkin juice and cup of tea. Ron and Hermione were still vigilant over Harry's meals - the dark haired boy was still too thin.
"Mr Potter can finish his breakfast while we speak to him and Mr Weasley," Professor Dumbledore said firmly, "I'm afraid I must beg all of your pardon and ask that you allow us to speak privately. Madam Pomfrey has assured me that the boys will be released after dinner."
The girls said their goodbyes and left, Hermione casting a vaguely longing look over her shoulder. Ron had the feeling that she knew what they were about to discuss and wished to stay.
0o0o0o0
Harry had clung to the sound of Ron's voice at first, relieved that his partner was alive and apparently unhurt. Then what Ginny and her brother were discussing sunk in and Harry had added his voice to their conversation. Hermione and their erstwhile dates had been a welcome distraction from his lack of appetite, until Professors Dumbledore and Flitwick appeared.
He didn't want to eat - sure that Dumbledore was about to split him and Ron up, sending one of them to stay in Ravenclaw for the rest of their schooling. He knew that the teachers hadn't missed the way he and Ron had connected last night, and didn't really expect that his Headmaster would bend the rules for the Boy-Who-Lived. All he really wanted was to cuddle up somewhere warm and peaceful with Ron, locking them away from the outside world for a while.
"Now boys," Flitwick took Ginny's empty chair while Dumbledore sat on Harry's bed, "We need to speak to you about something important."
"You're splitting us up," Harry's voice was panicked and Dumbledore immediately put a hand on the blanket covered lump that was his foot. The touch was meant to be comforting, but it was all Harry could do not to kick the hand away gently. There was only one person he wanted touching him right now, and Dumbledore wasn't him.
"Not at all, dear boy," Dumbledore soothed, "Just relax. You need to eat more of that delicious breakfast that Dobby has prepared for you."
Harry bit his lip and obediently took a forkful of eggs, chewing and swallowing mechanically. He could see Ron had stiffened in his own bed and was shooting anxious little glances his way.
"Last night, I witnessed an almost perfect example of Sympathetic Magic, as performed by true life partners," Flitwick said after a moment, "The two of you were magnificent in your ability to protect and counter-act the harmful spells being cast by our assailants."
"You mean like the stuff we've been doing in Charms - close order magic?" Ron asked, shifting so he was curled slightly on his side. Harry smiled at him, then glanced down at his plate, surprised to see it half empty. Dumbledore squeezed his foot in approval, and Harry offered the Headmaster a rather weak smile. He was a little uncomfortable with the Headmaster after last year, and it saddened him. The long concealed prophecy was a sore point with Harry, though he understood the reasons for the concealment now. In addition, Dumbledore had always meant a lot to Harry - still did - but the humiliation he felt about having to be rescued from his relatives last summer made it hard to look his Headmaster in the eye.
"Not quite, Mr Weasley," Flitwick replied, drawing Harry's attention once more, "Sympathetic magic does require the participants to work very closely together, however there is more to it than that. They pool their magical strength, ability, knowledge and talent together, drawing on it equally or in turns. In addition, they are able to communicate without speaking to one another. One is often gifted in an area of Divination - predicting the future with some degree of accuracy, and the other is a more grounded individual, able to see through the forces motivating the people around them. Also, both are able to perform magic without the use of wands or spoken incantations."
"Have either of you noticed any of these abilities?" Dumbledore asked quietly, and Harry stared down at his nearly empty plate, pushing it away and glancing at Ron. The glance was permission, and Ron sighed, speaking for them both.
"Harry is gifted in the Tarot, and we can talk to each other if our fingers are touching. And last night…"
"We were in perfect synch with each other," Harry finished when Ron didn't. Flitwick smiled at them both, delighted that they weren't trying to deny it or hide from the implications. He glanced over at Dumbledore, who seemed to straighten and take over.
"There are other facets of this partnership that have often emerged," he looked them both in the eye, one after the other, and Harry understood what he was building up to. Not wanting to be asked by his Headmaster if he was shagging Ron - not that Dumbledore would use those words - Harry decided to come clean himself. It was important to him that Dumbledore and Flitwick understand that there was more than sex to their relationship.
"Just after we arrived at Hogwarts this summer, Ron and I began… a relationship," he interrupted the Headmaster, "It's one that we'll continue for the rest of our lives."
"He's stuck with me," Ron backed Harry up, using the words that had become almost a vow of marriage to them both. Dumbledore looked delighted and Flitwick clapped his hands in glee.
"Oh excellent!" he exclaimed, "This proves that you are truly compatible! While there are many partnerships that form close ties - such as the one you both have with Miss Granger - not all develop into a true-life partnership. I must congratulate you both!"
Harry smiled at the excited Professor, shooting Ron a look, relieved his partner wasn't angry that he'd revealed their secret. Dumbledore was congratulating them too, and getting up.
"Professor Flitwick has agreed to give you both the additional training that you will need if you are to avoid exhausting yourselves whilst using your gift," he told them, "I am sure you both wish to avoid further visits to our lovely hospital wing. I will of course be informing your parents, Mr Weasley."
Harry thanked the Charms Professor, and Madam Pomfrey bustled over with a tray of potions and poultices. Professor Flitwick drew her aside for a moment to speak softly to her - and when her eyes widened Harry guessed that he was telling her about their new status. His suspicions were confirmed when she told Harry to get into bed with Ron, and drew the curtained screens she used for privacy around them as they settled with soft sighs of relief in each others arms.
"You'll recuperate much more quickly if you're together," she said kindly, "Congratulations boys. I'm very happy for you both."
Harry smiled at her but did not reply. Ron's hand was stroking the small of his back already and he was headed rapidly for sleep.
0o0o0o0
Madam Pomfrey released them after dinner - though she'd had to wake them both first - and they returned to the Gryffindor common room. Hermione had ushered them both off to their room and made them lie down. They'd told her what Flitwick had told them - and Ron had included the observation that Flitwick had made about their close ties to Hermione to cheer her up - and then she'd left to let them rest. They'd sealed their door, taken off their shoes and robes, and lay down in their uniform, drawing the curtain and shutting out the rest of the world. Harry's glasses were banished to the dresser and there was a feeling of tender intimacy in the way the dark shrouded them.
Ron was pleased about that as he still felt a little tired, hence the cuddling with Harry. He was on his back, his partner lying partially on top of him, letting him rub the small of Harry's back and feeling the tension seep slowly out of his friends body. Ron loved doing this for Harry, in fact he did it every night, even if they weren't having sex.
Something that Flitwick said in the hospital wing was worrying Ron, and he felt he had to raise it now, before they started training. As much as he hated sitting around discussing how he felt, Ron had to know what it was about him that Harry loved - or if they were just together because they were magically compatible. Ron was fairly sure that it wasn't the case, but never-the-less needed to know, once and for all, why Harry loved him. The only problem was that he was fairly sure that just asking Harry the question would upset his partner.
"Harry?" Ron asked softly, in case Harry had gone to sleep. With the curtains closed, the bed was rather dim, and Harry had his face buried in Ron's neck, breathing warmly into his skin.
"Yeah," Harry's response was low and his voice a little rough. Ron bit his lip, then blurted out the question.
"Why do you love me?"
Harry stiffened and pulled away, rolling over and then sitting up, scooting back until his back was resting against the wall their bed was pushed against. Ron was regretting this already, but he'd started now and needed to finish it.
"What?" Harry's voice was bewildered, and a little hurt.
"Do you love me because our magic is compatible?" Ron said it steadily, trying to explain what he was thinking, "Why do you love me?"
"Bloody hell, Ron!" Harry swore in the darkness, and there was anger and a little fear in his voice, "We didn't know we were compatible before we got together! How can you say that? Do you think I'm just using you for sex?"
"No!" Ron reached out instinctively but Harry avoided his grasp. Ron sighed, letting his partner have his way for now, "I don't think you're using me!"
There was a long moment of silence and Ron bit his lip. He should have kept his mouth shut. When Harry spoke again it took a moment for Ron to understand what he was saying.
"I love you because you see me. Not the Boy Who Lived, or Riddle's Enemy, or Dumbledore's Golden Boy, or the Weirdo at Privet Drive, or the Dursley's Freak Nephew. You see Harry - you always did. I love you because you accept me as I am, warts and all. You don't try to make me be someone I'm not, or hold me up as an example or anything else. I love you because when the world goes to shite you're at my side, and I know that when I have to go on alone you'll wait for me to come back. I love you because you can make me laugh, and being with you is fun. You're patient with me when I'm being stupid or unfair, and you're my best friend. I love you because you're you, and that makes you the most important thing in my world."
Harry's voice was pained and choked as he stumbled through his words. Ron's heart was soaring though, because Harry had reassured him so well. He reached out again and came in contact with Harry's sock clad foot. He stroked it softly, and took a deep breath.
"I love you because you see people. You don't care who we are or where we come from - each person you meet is treated as an individual, without prejudice, until they've proven they should be treated otherwise. I love you because you're passionate. Even after all the things you've been through you put your heart and soul into everything you do. I love you because you're dead sexy and I'll be pinching myself for the rest of my life because I'm so lucky to have you in my life. I love your dignity and courage, the way you smile at me, the way you fly in Quidditch. I love your grace and creativity, and the way you put everyone else first. I love the weirdo, and the boy who lived, and everyone else you have to be. I love the way you make me feel, and the way you see right through me to what's really important."
Harry launched himself on top of Ron, who clutched him close, holding on through the tears and soft sobs. He wished he'd told Harry this sooner, and saved them the pain now. Harry's sense of self worth was still shaky, and Ron had a niggling suspicion that he'd be dealing with this issue for the rest of his life. He was more than up to the task.
"You're loveable, Harry," he whispered into the dark hair, "I know that no one has told you that for a very long time, but you are."
"Don't doubt me," Harry sobbed, "I don't love you because Flitwick says I should."
"Shh, I'm sorry mate," Ron soothed, "I should have kept my mouth shut. Come on, Harry, you know you're stuck with me. I won't leave you. I'll always love you. You and me are forever."
"Forever," Harry hiccupped, and Ron kissed the nearest bit he could reach, which happened to be an ear.
"Yeah," he confirmed, "Forever. I should have waited until we felt a bit better to ask you. I'm sorry."
"No, Harry lifted up enough to look fuzzily at his partner, "No - you don't ever wait to ask me about that. I'd rather know what you were feeling right away than have to find out…"
"Shhh," Ron leaned up and kissed trembling lips, "We'll sort it out, ok? Come on, lie down again. We're too tired now. Things will be better after a sleep."
Harry nodded and lay down again, curling close. Ron clutched him tightly, letting his own exhaustion roll over him. He felt Harry's presence withdraw a little as his breathing evened out and knew that Harry had 'stepped out', protecting himself and Ron with the Occlumency that he practiced whenever he was asleep. Ron buried his face in the unruly hair of his partner and followed him.
0o0o0o0
They were summoned to Professor Flitwick's study after dinner that Sunday, to discuss the timing and content of their training. Both teens were eager to begin this rather exciting stage of their lives. Mrs Weasley had sent them a very guarded note - congratulating them both on their 'wonderful news' and leaving it at that, lest the message be intercepted and give away their secret to their enemies.
"For the rest of this term," Professor Flitwick informed them as they sat on his rather spindle legged furniture, "You will come to me every Monday evening and Sunday morning for your training. Next term you will study with Professor Snape at the same time, for there are several Potions that include the use of Sympathetic Magic, and are obviously not taught to all the students. Next school year you will study for a term with Professor McGonagal, who will teach you more complex forms of transfiguration. I understand that you are both Animagus?"
"Yes, Professor," Harry's mind was spinning, and Ron's fingers were grounding him. They'd spent the morning in bed together, giving each other pleasure and comfort, and felt a lot more energetic as a result. Harry was kind of relieved that they'd hashed things out the night before, as it had obviously been worrying Ron.
"Once you have studied with Professor McGonagal, Professor Dumbledore will undertake to train you in defensive spells, and then we will be finished. Partners of Sympathetic Magic can only be given very preliminary training, as it is they who decide ultimately how they will work together," Flitwick continued, "Now, we will begin tomorrow after the last lesson. You are to bring your wands and parchment and quills. I will also give you a list of books on the subject that I most strongly recommend you purchase. Are there any questions?"
"If you give us the list now we'll send Hedwig to Flourish and Blotts with it," Harry answered the Professor. Flitwick beamed at him happily, and produced the list from inside his robes. Ron took it and they got up.
Professor McGonagal was waiting outside the door for them. She looked very grave, and a little upset. They were both glad to see her up and about, as they had been worried about how badly she'd been injured. Madam Pomfrey would only say that she was 'coming along nicely' - a not very encouraging report.
"Are you all right Professor?" Harry asked a little anxiously. She gave them a solemn smile and nodded.
"I am, Mr Potter, thanks to you and your partner," she glanced at Flitwick, who shut his door with a final goodbye. Their Head of House indicated that they should come with her, and Harry and Ron followed her down the corridor.
"I had hoped, Mr Potter, that this matter would be put off until you had more time to come to terms with your loss," McGonagal said very gently, "Unfortunately the firm handling the estate of your godfather, and that of your parents as well, feel it necessary to speak to you at once. I can no longer stall them, and Professor Dumbledore has graciously allowed us to use the Headmasters office to meet with your solicitor. You needn't worry - both the Headmaster and myself will be with you, as will Mr Weasley. May I congratulate you both?"
"Thanks, Professor," Harry mumbled, rather stunned. He had a solicitor? And an estate? He hadn't really thought about what would happen to Sirius' belongings once he'd died. There had been no funeral or memorial for his godfather - who was still considered a criminal by the vast majority of the Wizarding world. Ron reached out and took Harry's hand - not to speak to him, but just in comfort.
"You'll be ok, mate," his partner promised, "Professor McGonagal would never steer us wrong, and Professor Dumbledore has always tried to do the right thing for you."
The irony of that statement had not escaped Harry. Dumbledore's decisions for Harry's welfare had always been made with the best of intentions - unfortunately, they had rarely worked the way his mentor had wished. The Dursley's had turned into Harry's nightmare, and sheltering Harry from the prophecy which had led to his parents murder hadn't been a real success either.
"Fizzing whizzbies," McGonagal told the gargoyle that guarded the entrance to the Headmasters stairs, and it hopped aside. Harry stepped onto the moving stairs with a deep breath, Ron at his side. They rode up in silence and waited politely for Professor McGonagal to join them, allowing her to enter first.
The solicitor was a ruddy-cheeked Witch in splendidly embroidered robes. Her hair was cast in elaborate ringlets that cascaded from the top of her head, and she had a leather satchel stamped with elaborate gold lettering. Professor Dumbledore had seated her in an armchair, with a small table at her elbow, already stacked high with papers. The Headmaster was seated in an armchair to her left, and Professor McGonagal took the one to her right, leaving the small lounge opposite the solicitor for Harry and Ron.
"Ah, Harry," Dumbledore smiled as they got settled, hands brushing, "This is Madam Legales, of the solicitors firm, Legales, Hedwitch and Pratt. She has been handling your parent's estate, and is also responsible for your godfathers will. She has some business to discuss with you."
"And with all due respect, Headmaster, my business is confidential. Your student is quite safe with me," Madam Legales voice was rich and fruity, with rather posh accents. Harry smiled at Ron's stifled growl, squeezing warm fingers in agreement.
"Madam Legales, I don't need protection from you," Harry spoke up clearly, making sure she saw his anger at being labelled a coward, "The Headmaster and my Head of House are the closest thing I have to parents at the school. I would be foolish to refuse their counsel in any legal matters placed before me. And before you also insult my partner, Ron Weasley is my sole beneficiary. Anything you have to say to me will be reported to these three people anyway. Shall we proceed?"
Legales went slightly pink, and Professor McGonagal aimed a small smile at her student while Ron's fingers told Harry exactly how he felt and what he planned to do about it when they were alone that night. Professor Dumbledore merely folded his hands and waited for the solicitor to come to the point.
"Very well, Mr Potter," Legales cleared her throat, "Now, as to Mr Black's estate…"
Harry listened closely. The Black family had been rather wealthy Purebloods, and Sirius had left his entire estate to Harry upon his death. That meant the house at Grimmauld Place was his, and the contents of the Black family vault located at Gringott's as well. Harry would rather have his godfather alive and well, and Ron's response to this fervent wish was to let go of his hand and put an arm around his shoulders, squeezing gently. His partner's ears were slightly red, and Harry loved him all the more for his willingness to put aside his discomfort and support Harry publicly.
"Thank you," Harry nodded when Legales asked if he understood, "I'd like it placed in your records that the house at Grimmauld Place and any other property I hold is to be given to Ronald Weasley in the event of my death. Failing that it is to go to the Headmaster of Hogwarts, to be held in trust for the school in perpetuity, and used as the Headmaster sees fit."
"Harry!" Ron protested, "Are you sure?"
"I am," Harry nodded, looking at his partner with a small smile and covering the fingers gripping his shoulder, "What's mine is yours."
"Oh, good," Ron smiled weakly, "Because I need to borrow your copy of Basic Spells."
Harry laughed, the tension evaporating for him. Ron always knew how to do that, it was one of his most endearing traits, though it drove Hermione crazy. Professor Dumbledore stifled a small cough in his beard, and Harry thought the Headmaster had been laughing too.
"Does this include your parents property?" Legales asked pointedly, and Harry turned to her with a frown. He'd never thought about what had happened to the house his parents had once lived in. If he considered it at all he had assumed what was left of the house had been sold, and the money deposited at Gringotts.
"I don't know anything about my parents property," he told her bluntly, "I have access to their vault at Gringotts, but that's all I know about."
"Your parents bought a small farm - little more than a series of pastures - at Godrics Hollow, just on the edges of the village. We have been renting the property - called Potter's Field - out as grazing rights to some of the local farmers. That income has paid our fees and the rest has gone into the vault in trust for you. Professor Dumbledore approved these actions - he has not spoken to you about it?" there was a sly edge to her voice and Harry bristled to the Headmasters defence.
"There was never a moment that was appropriate for such a discussion. I was hardly fit to conduct my affairs at eleven, and as you may be aware the past two terms have been rather strenuous as my housemates and I have had to fight off no less than two attacks by Death Eaters," Harry made his voice as disapproving and quelling as he possibly could, and was pleased to see her flush again in embarrassment. The voice also had an effect on Ron, but it was one that was best explored in the privacy of their rooms.
"Forgive me, Mr Potter, that was uncalled for," she murmured, "I will include Potter's Field in your instructions. The pastoral lease on the land where your parents house stood will be up for renewal shortly, what are your wishes?"
"Let it lapse, though the rest can be renewed when they next come up," Harry told her, an idea forming, "Will it be vacated by the summer holidays?"
"Oh yes, the lease ends next month," she nodded and made another note, "I'll draw up your will, then, sir, and owl it to you by Tuesday. The owl will wait until you have signed and witnessed the document and then return the document to my office. Copies will be returned to you, along with the documents relating to both properties. Is that satisfactory?"
"Yes, thank you," Harry nodded, "Is there anything else?"
"No, that concludes our business for today, sir," Legales started packing up her papers, "If I may use the Floo to return to my office, Headmaster?"
"Of course," Dumbledore nodded and McGonagal stood up, gesturing for the teens to precede her. Harry bade a regal farewell to Legales, and thanked the Headmaster for his time before letting Ron lead him out. They were halfway down the stairs before Professor McGonagal lost her battle with decorum and giggled. The teens joined her laughter - Legales had been a rather pompous busybody until Harry had pulled his little act.
"If you ever use that tone with me, young Potter," McGonagal gasped, and Harry nearly fell over, he was laughing so hard at the idea of treating his intimidating Head of House that way.
"I have too much respect for you Professor," he promised, and her giggles stopped. She got a rather funny look in her eyes and patted his shoulder in a very fond gesture.
"Thank you, Harry. You'd best get along to the Great Hall - it will soon be teatime," she shooed them off, and Harry steered his still giggling partner off down the corridor.
0o0o0o0