Hiya, everybody. It is I, Qwest, after so very long gone. I hope I'm not pissing everybody off with these huge breaks between up-dates. All I can say is that I'm super sorry and I'll try to do better. But I probably won't. There are only two chapters left. Yes that's right, ONLY TWO. Well, maybe three. I have a very good feeling the last few chapters will be pretty long, so there may be ::deep sigh:: a big break between up-dates again. But I'll try to make it worth it. Promise.

Now, I'll just say that I don't own Harry Potter and let you guys get on with the chapter.

Comments to reviews at the end.

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Chapter 13 Reunited

Minerva chugged down the potion, making a face, but felt better almost immediately. The queasy feeling cleared up right away, but the headache remained. Minerva frowned, deciding her migraine must have had nothing to do with the potion. She rubbed her temple and looked around the room for something to take. She rummaged through the shelves for a bit, wondering if she remembered enough of her Healer training to put something together. She gave up her search after a bit and decided to give Lavender's pills a try. Conjuring a glass of water, Minerva down two pills. She didn't feel any relief immediately and frowned at the bottle of Tylenol. "So much for Muggle medicine." She said angrily, then set to work cleaning up the mess she had made.

Minerva cleared away the excess potion and put the fire out under the cauldron. She picked up the ingredients she had used, replacing the stoppers and putting them neatly away. She was putting the powdered pixie wings back on the shelf, when she noticed her headache was gone. Minerva grinned, glad to for the relief. She put her Potions kit away and went back to the cauldron in the middle of the floor. She was just about to move it when the classroom door opened. She looked up to see Professor Snape walking into the room. He was thumbing through a book, and didn't see her immediately.

Minerva stepped away from the cauldron, trying very hard not to look as guilty as she suddenly felt. She wasn't supposed to take the potion again, and Snape had just nearly caught her red handed. She hoped desperately he didn't notice the cauldron still sitting in the middle of the room.

"Why are you still here, Ms. Brown?" Snape asked, never looking up. "I thought I told you to go back to your house."

Minerva cleared her throat. "Lavender did leave." She said.

Snape looked up, surprised. "What are you doing here?"

Minerva frowned. "What? Am I not allowed down here?" She asked testily.

"I wasn't expecting to see you." Professor Snape answered. "I see you're still in a mood." He added, walking to his desk and placing the book he had been thumbing through down. "What do want?" He looked at her, arching an eyebrow. "Is something wrong?"

"No." Minerva answered quickly. "I, er, needed to talk to you about something."

Professor Snape looked at her expectedly. "Well?" He prompted when Minerva didn't go on.

"Well what?" Minerva answered.

Professor Snape frowned. "Well what did you need to talk to me about?"

"Nothing." Minerva answered.

Professor Snape gave her an exasperated look. "Are you loosing your mind, Minerva? You just said..."

"My problem resolved itself." Minerva cut in. "I should go. Curfew and all that." She added and started for the door, avoiding eye contact, and hoping Professor Snape would let her go without any further questions.

If only she was so lucky. "What was the problem?" Snape asked.

Minerva paused, and, thinking quickly, said, "I had an headache. It's gone now."

Snape frowned. "What sort of headache."

Minerva shrugged. "The sort that hurt."

"Don't smart off." Professor Snape said, looking at her very disapprovingly. "This could be something serious. How long have you been having headaches and why didn't you tell me about this sooner?"

Minerva rolled her eyes. Of all the things Snape could become angry with her over, and he was mad that she hadn't told him about a little headache. "I don't know. I had one today, but it's gone." She answered, still inching towards the door. "I really don't want to get stopped by Filch, Snape. I need to go."

"You have plenty of time before curfew." Snape answered. "Think, Minerva, when did these headaches start?"

Minerva was quiet for a moment while she gave some serious thought to what Professor Snape had asked. She realized her first headache had been Christmas night, when Hermione had discovered the truth about her. She had been having them off and on every since then. But she had never thought anything of it before. She had assumed they came because of stress; she had been under quite a bit of it lately. Besides, the headaches had never been bad, until tonight. She started to answer, but Snape had spotted the cauldron still set up in the middle of the room.

Snape looked from it and glanced back at Minerva. "Why is that cauldron out?" He asked.

Minerva looked at it. "I...I don't know." She lied, trying very hard to look as if she really didn't know what it was doing there. "Maybe Lavender left it out." She suggested, backing towards the door.

"The wood is still smoldering." Professor Snape said walking towards the cauldron. He pushed it aside, looking down at the logs, still crackling with heat from the recent fire. Snape looked back at Minerva suspiciously. "Is there something you need to tell me?"

"No." Minerva answered, shaking her head. She opened the classroom door. "I really have to go. It's not just curfew; I have loads of homework. I'll see you in class."

"Minerva." Professor Snape called, but she was already out the door.

Minerva shut the door behind her and hurried away from the class. She knew it was pointless to try to hide that she had taken the de-aging potion again, but she wasn't in the mood to be scolded tonight. She'd confess when she found out what Harry was up too. Then Professor Snape would understand that it was necessary.

Minerva hurried back to Gryffindor tower, deciding that she would talk to Harry first chance she got. But as she stepped through the portrait hole into the common room, she felt her nerve slipping away. She spotted Harry sitting in front of the fire with Hermione, Ron and Ginny. Harry looked back when he heard the portrait open. Minerva stopped just inside the portrait hole and looked at Harry. She could do it now. She could pull him off and get him to tell everything.

Harry stared at Minerva for a minute, then gave her sad little half smile. She returned it, then headed for the girls' rooms. She hated to admit it, but she was a little afraid to talk to Harry. Their last conversation had ended in shouting. She didn't want a repeat of that. And she was a little afraid of what might slip out. Minerva opened the door to the girls' rooms and headed up to the sixth year girls' room to do a little homework. She'd talk to Harry another time, when she was sure of exactly what to say. Waiting a little longer to get the truth from Harry couldn't hurt.

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Harry watched Minerva from a distance. She had just stepped into the Great Hall and was looking around, perhaps for someplace to have breakfast. Harry wanted so much to wave her over to where he was seated. He really missed her. A lot. But he wasn't sure she wanted to talk to him. Last night he thought she might. She looked as if she had wanted to, but then she just walked away. He supposed he should take that as a sign and forget about her.

"Harry?"

Harry looked away from Minerva and at Hermione. She stared at him curiously "Huh?"

"I asked have you given any thought on how you're going to handle the D. A. meeting Thursday?"

"Oh." Harry answered. As a matter of fact, he hadn't given it any thought. He had been on punishment for the last two months, and wasn't able to participate in any school activities—including D. A. The start of February marked the end of his punishment, but two months of not having to think about it and everything else that had been happening had pushed D. A. completely out of mind.

"The fifth years are bound to be behind." Hermione went on.

Ron nodded his agreement. "If what we're doing with Professor Trelawney is any indication of what they're doing, I'll say they're way behind." They had spent the last few weeks studying the position of the planets for possible attacks from coming enemies. So far no one was in danger of any sort of attack, but it was mostly because no one had any idea as to what they were looking at.

Harry glanced up at Minerva again. She had just turned around and was leaving the Great Hall. On the other side of the Hall he spotted Malfoy standing. He said something to one of his housemates and left the Great Hall just behind Minerva. Harry frowned. He knew logically that nothing could possibly be going on with those two, despite the rumors that had been flying around. But knowing it didn't stop him from feeling completely jealous. He needed a distraction and D. A. was the perfect thing to throw himself into.

"I haven't given it much thought, yet." Harry said. "But I'll get started on a lesson plan right away."

"If you need any help." Hermione said. "Just ask."

"Thanks." Harry said. "But what I really need you to do is get started on the Polyjuice potion."

Hermione frowned, but only asked, "When?"

"Today." Harry answered. "Lavender gave me the ingredients yesterday, and I'd really like to get this potion made as quickly as possible."

"Well, let's go." Hermione sighed, standing up and heading for the door. "If we get started early, maybe we won't have to waste our entire Saturday working on it." She said, looking over her shoulder at Harry and Ron.

"She is really not happy about this." Ron said quietly to Harry, as they stood and followed after her.

Harry, Hermione, and Ron went back to Gryffindor tower where Harry dug the potion ingredients out of the bottom his trunk. He stuffed them into his bag along with a few Defense Against the Dark Arts books and left the tower. Hermione led the way to the Room of Requirement, and the three of them performed the necessary ritual before opening the door. Hermione looked back at Ron and Harry.

"You think it worked?" She asked.

"Definitely." Harry answered. "Open the door."

Hermione grabbed the knob and pushed the door open. They stepped into a brightly lit room. Desk and stools were lined neatly on one side, while the other side was left empty; probably space for cauldrons to be set up. Cauldrons of varying sizes were stacked against one wall. Bookshelves sat against two of the other walls. One was filled with books and the other held glass jars and vials.

Hermione walked over to the shelves containing the books. "I think I wasted my time looking up the Polyjuice potion in the library." She said, pulling a book off the shelf. "Here's the very same book."

Harry walked over to the shelves holding the jars and vials. "There are only the ingredients that comes in our Potions kits, though." He said.

"At least Lavender didn't risk explosion for nothing." Hermione said, replacing the book and walking to the back wall to choose a cauldron.

"This lab is as good as Snape's." Ron said, taking a seat on one of the stools. "Better even. This room isn't as dark as his."

"It is nice to have a proper work environment this time." Hermione said, dragging one of the smaller cauldrons into the empty space. "Harry, the ingredients." She said, looking back at him.

Harry removed his books and handed her his bag. "Is there anything I can do?" He asked.

Hermione shook her head no and set to work.

Harry joined Ron at the desk and, finding a quill and parchment, set to work planning for his first D. A. meeting in months. Ron made suggestions and between the two of them Harry thought he had come up with a fairly good plan. Thirty minutes later, when Hermione announced there was nothing more she could do that day, Harry was confident the D. A. meeting would go well.

"You'll need to post announcements." Hermione said, as they left the room and the potion at a low simmer. "So everyone will know to come on Thursday."

"We can tell a few students in other houses." Ron said. "The word will spread fast enough."

"What did you decide to do, anyway?" Hermione asked, who had been concentrating on getting the potion right and not paying attention to what Harry and Ron had discussed.

"I figured I'd do a review of some of the basic spells with the lower years." Harry answered. "And go over what to do with boggarts with the fifth years. I know they've probably already done something with boggarts, but it would be good review. The third, second and first years could practice too, if they wanted, or just watch."

Hermione nodded. "Sounds okay, but how do you plan to get a boggart?"

"I'm going to ask Professor Lupin." Harry answered.

"And what are you going to do with the sixth and seventh years?" Hermione asked.

"I'm going to go over ghouls." Harry answered.

"Air demons." Hermione said, looking at Harry. "We haven't studied those yet. Do you know how to handle them?"

"There're a couple spells that can be used against them." Harry answered. "I've been reading up on it and I think I can show everybody what to do. The only trouble is finding something to practice on."

Ron nodded. "We can't get an actual ghoul. They're too dangerous and too hard to keep track of."

Hermione was quiet while she thought this over. "Grindylow." She suggested after a bit.

"But that's a water demon." Ron said.

"I know it's a different elemental, but it's still a demon." Hermione answered. "The same spells that would work on ghoul should work on a grindylow." She added looking at Harry.

Harry shrugged. "It's the best suggestion I've heard so far. I'd better go see Professor Lupin now. I hope he can get both."

"Maybe you should come up with a back up plan." Hermione suggested. "Just in case."

"Er, sure, later though." Harry said, not really relishing the thought of extra work. He had a hard enough time coming up with the first plan. "I better get going."

Hermione nodded. "We'll see you later then." She said as she and Ron turned and headed in the opposite direction.

Harry watched them go, then turned and headed towards Professor Lupin's office. He had taken up temporary occupation in Professor McGonagall's office. Harry wondered fleetingly what Minerva thought of another teacher using her office. He quickly shook his head, trying to shake thoughts of Minerva out of his mind, and hurried on to the office that now belonged to Professor Lupin. He soon found himself standing outside the door and, raising a fist, knocked lightly.

"Come in." Lupin answered from the other side.

Harry opened the door and stepped inside. He looked around. The office was unremarkable. In fact, it looked exactly the same as when Professor McGonagall had had it. Harry supposed there wasn't much reason to switch anything out. Professor Lupin was teaching the same class, and Professor McGonagall wasn't one for frilly girly things. Aside for a few books that seemed to be more about Defense Against the Dark Arts than Transfiguration, nothing had changed.

Professor Lupin was pouring himself a cup of tea when Harry walked in. He smiled and offered Harry a teacup. "Would you like some?" He asked, holding up the kettle.

"Er, sure." Harry answered, taking the offered cup and holding it steady while Professor Lupin filled it. "Thanks."

Lupin waved the thank you away, and sat down the teakettle. "What can I help you with, Harry? Are you having trouble with one of the lessons?"

Harry shook his head no. "Actually, I was wondering if you could help me out with the next D. A. meeting." He answered. Professor Lupin nodded and Harry went on. "I thought it might be a good idea to show everybody what to do with a boggart and a ghoul. Do you think you can get a boggart and grindylow?"

"A grindylow?" Professor Lupin asked.

"In place of the ghoul." Harry explained.

"Because they're both demons." Professor Lupin said, nodding his understanding. "That's very smart of you, Harry."

Harry smiled, deciding not to mention that it was Hermione's idea. He had a feeling Professor Lupin suspected anyway.

Professor Lupin was silent for a moment, before saying, "The grindylow is no trouble, but I'm not sure getting a boggart is a very good idea."

"What?" Harry asked, surprised. "Why isn't it a good idea? You showed us boggarts in our third year. Half the people here hasn't seen one yet, and it'd be great review for everybody else."

Professor Lupin sighed. "That maybe true, but besides boggarts being rather tricky to get a hold of, if it should target you it could turn into a number things. All of which would likely to cause a panic."

Harry looked at Professor Lupin disbelievingly. "You're still afraid a boggart might turn into Voldemort if it faced me?"

Lupin nodded. "Well, yes. Unless your greatest fear is still Dementors, then I'd say there's a very good chance the boggart would become Lord Voldemort. Would you really want that appearing in the middle of the student body?"

Harry frowned slightly. He hadn't thought much about what the boggart would become if it should appear in front of him. He had only been thinking about getting one to show everyone. Harry looked down and thought about what his greatest fear was now. Once upon a time it had been Dementors. He knew he was still afraid of them, but he knew how to handle Dementors now. While he wouldn't want to run across any, they weren't what frightened him most anymore. Harry knew beyond any doubt that it was now Lord Voldemort who was greatest fear. He was the one person he truly didn't know how to defend himself against. When Harry had faced Voldemort in the past he had always gotten lucky. Someone would show up to help him, or something would happen that would allow him to escape. He was always a little worried that some day Voldemort would appear and his luck would run out. Knowing that it had been prophesized that he would defeat Voldemort or die trying didn't help. Harry was more than a little afraid that he would die trying.

"Maybe Hermione could demonstrate the Riddikulus charm." Harry suggested. "Or Ron. Either of them would be fine."

Professor Lupin nodded. "Perhaps. But I'd rather not take the chance."

"Professor Lupin, please." Harry said. "Something like this is bound to pop up on the O.W.L.'s, and when are the other years going to get a chance to fight a boggart. I doubt very much that Professor Trelawney will get to it."

Professor Lupin was quiet for a moment before saying, "It'll be rough trying to get one by Thursday."

Harry nodded. "I understand." He said, sensing that Professor Lupin was starting to crack. "I can wait however long it takes."

Professor Lupin wrinkled his brow in thought. "Alright, Harry." He said, giving in. "If I can get one, and I'm not promising that I can, I'll let you have it for your lesson."

"Thank you." Harry grinned.

"And you'll stay out of its way."

Harry nodded. "Yes, yes I will."

"And I'll sit in. Just to be sure nothing goes wrong."

Harry frowned. "I'm sure you don't have to." He said. "We can handle boggarts alright. And there will be tons of people there. That'll confuse and weaken it even more."

"True." Professor Lupin agreed. "But why take chances?"

Harry shrugged. "Okay." He agreed, deciding not to push his luck anymore. Besides, he didn't mind having Professor Lupin there. His presence might reassure some of the younger students and they might even have a go at the boggart too. "Thanks, again." Harry said, placing the untouched teacup on the desk and standing. "You'll let me know if you can get one?"

Professor Lupin nodded. Harry started for the door when Professor Lupin called him back. "Harry."

Harry looked back. "Yes?"

"How have you been lately?"

Harry blinked, not entirely sure what Professor Lupin meant. "Er, okay." He answered, finally.

"Are you sure?" Professor Lupin asked. "I don't mean to pry into your life or anything, but lately you've been rather listless in class. You've always done well, but your grades have been slipping."

"Oh." Harry said, looking away from Professor Lupin. "I've been a, er, a little preoccupied lately."

"I've noticed." Professor Lupin said. "You know, Harry, if there's anything you ever need to talk to me about, I'm here to listen." He looked at Harry seriously. "Anything at all." He repeated, stressing the anything.

Harry knew Professor Lupin was hinting at the trouble he and Minerva had been having lately. It certainly was no secret that they were no longer together. The word of their break up had spread within days after it happened. Shortly after, the rumor about Minerva and Malfoy started. It only made sense that Professor Lupin had heard a little of what was happening with them. But he was sure he didn't want to get into that. Not now and not with Professor Lupin.

"I know, Sir." He said, placing a hand on the door. He was just about to leave when he decided to ask the one question that had been bothering him every since he found out who he thought was Mindy James was actually Minerva McGonagall. He looked back at Professor Lupin. "How do you make yourself stop feeling a certain way about some one?"

Professor Lupin was silent for a moment before answering. "You can't make yourself stop feeling anyway, Harry." He answered. "I'm afraid things just doesn't work that way."

Harry nodded. "I sort of thought that." He said, and left the office, thinking over what Professor Lupin had said.

The rest of the weekend flashed by in a blur of D. A preparation and working on the Polyjuice potion. Harry spent most of the week doing the same thing. During his free time he practiced the charms and spells he planned to show everyone, or would go with Hermione to the Room of Requirement to work on the potion. He made an effort to focus in class. His grades had been dropping lately, especially in Potions. While he was able to do better in his other classes, there was no hope for Snape's. Minerva had really kept his head above water and with out her he didn't know how he would keep up. It didn't help that he was seated directly across from her and Malfoy. Watching Malfoy fawn all over Minerva made him feel sick.

Harry had no trouble not speaking to Minerva. The longer they went without talking the easier it got. Harry kept thinking back to what Professor Lupin had said to him, that he couldn't make himself stop caring about her. When Harry thought about it, he realized he didn't want to stop caring about her. He missed her. He wished more than anything things could go back to the way they were before. But he was afraid Minerva wanted nothing to do with him any more. Sometimes he would see her heading his way, as if she wanted to talk, but then she would stop and head off in the opposite direction. Harry was beginning to think that Minerva might want to let the relationship go. And, as much as he hated it, he was starting to think that was probably for the best.

Harry used D. A. as much as he could to push Minerva out of his mind. When Thursday arrived Harry felt he was more than ready for his D. A. meeting. Only one thing worried him; he hadn't heard anything from Professor Lupin about the boggart. Harry ignored his potion as he thumbed through one the books Professor Trelawney had given him, trying to find an appropriate back up just in case the boggart didn't arrive. Harry was pouring over the pages when he saw a shadow fall across his desk. He looked up to see who was blocking his light and almost yelp when he saw it was Professor Snape. Harry quickly shoved the book under the desk next to him, and turned back to his potion.

"I was just letting it simmer a bit." Harry said hoping Snape would believe his explanation.

Snape didn't. "You've let it 'simmer' too long." He said, staring down at the potion disgustedly. He pulled out his wand and turned the disgusted look on Harry. "The potion is ruined beyond repair, now." He said, waving his wand and clearing the contents of Harry's cauldron. "You'll have to take another failing grade, Mr. Potter." He went on with a smirk. "Keep up this kind of work, and I'm afraid you want be allowed in my class next year."

Harry folded his arms across his chest. His potion was not so ruined that it couldn't be repaired. Pansy Parkinson's potion was belching acid purple clouds, and it shouldn't have been given off any sort of smoke at all. He looked up at Snape. "I'm sure I'd be crushed." He said sarcastically.

A few students snickered, but Snape shot a look that quieted everyone down immediately. "Ten points from Gryffindor." He said. "For not paying attention in class. And ten more point from Gryffindor for your disrespect, Potter." Snape turned on his heals and in a swirl of black robes went back to his desk.

It was too late to start his potion again, so Harry sat down at his desk and pulled out the book he had been going through. Snape kept shooting him dirty looks, but Harry ignored him. There was nothing else for him to do, so why not work on something important. Harry was slightly surprised when the end of class arrived. It was amazing how fast Potions flew by when he was doing something he actually enjoyed. Harry stuffed his book into his bag and left the class, avoiding the ugly look Snape threw him. He left the dungeon room, heading for the stairs. He had made up his mind to stop by Professor Lupin's office and ask about the boggart, though he was sure he would receive bad news.

Harry was just heading up the stairs when he felt a hand on his arm. He looked back and was completely surprised to see Minerva standing behind him. He opened his mouth to say something, but didn't know what to say. The two of them stared at each other awkwardly for a minute. Finally, Minerva broke the silence.

"Can we talk?" She asked, uncertainly.

Harry didn't know what to say. He was beginning to think that she didn't want to speak to him. But as he looked at her now, he realized she might just have been nervous. Their last conversation didn't end exactly well. He didn't know why he hadn't figured it out earlier. "Er, yeah. Sure." Harry answered.

Minerva smiled and went on more confidently. "Great, 'cause I really think we need to. A few nights ago I saw..."

"Mindy."

Minerva stopped talking and looked back. Malfoy was standing behind her, staring at Harry icily. "Are we having lunch?" He asked, never moving his eyes from Harry.

"Oh. Sure." Minerva answered. "Just give me a minute."

"We should go now. We don't want the house elves to give away all of the good food."

"Shut up and leave, Malfoy." Harry said, returning the icy glare. "Can't you see we're in the middle of something?"

"Why don't you shove off, Potter." Malfoy said, shoving his left hand into his robe pocket. "She dropped you and no amount of groveling is going to get her back."

"Draco." Minerva exclaimed. "That's enough."

"I'm just trying to get him to leave you alone." Malfoy said, innocently. He looked at Harry as if he was the most disgusting thing he had ever seen. "He is a pest."

"You're one to talk." Harry said, forcing himself to stay calm. "You're the lowest slim to ever slither through the halls of Hogwarts."

"We'll see who's the lowest slim." Malfoy said, pulling out his wand out of pocket.

"Draco, don't you dare." Minerva said, stepping in front of Harry.

"Why are you protecting him?" Malfoy asked, still holding his wand on Harry. "You know he's not worth it."

"That's it." Harry said, pulling out his own wand and stepping around Minerva. "If you want to duel, let's duel. Let's see how much you're worth."

"Stop it. Both of you." Minerva yelled, stepping between them again. "This is ridiculous. I'm the one who's not worth it." She looked at Harry. "I hurt you," She turned to Draco, "And I'm going to hurt you. Whatever you think is happening between us, it's not. In fact, let's just end this charade now. It'll save me from having to do it later." She stepped back and looked at the both of them. "So if you're going to fight over a girl, at least find a girl worth fighting over." She stopped speaking and looked away. "I'm sorry. I have to go." She said and left.

Both Harry and Malfoy stared after Minerva in stunned silenced. Harry was the first to make a move. He shoved his wand back in his pocket, and looked at Malfoy. The boy looked lost, as if he wasn't sure what had just happened. Harry shook his head. He knew exactly how Malfoy felt. Harry turned away from him and headed up the stairs. He didn't feel like going to lunch now, and spent the period in the library. He muddled his way through the rest of the day, only half paying attention in his classes. He tried not to look at Minerva; she seemed incredibly embarrassed of her outburst, and would blush deeply whenever she caught Harry looking her way. Harry wished more than anything that he could figure out what she was thinking. Perhaps then he'd know what to do, or what to say to her.

"So, she broke up with Malfoy?" Ron asked.

Harry, Ron and Hermione were halfway through dinner. Harry had decided to tell Ron and Hermione what had happened after potions, hoping they could help him figure it out. "She didn't break up with him." Harry answered. "They were never together."

"Yeah, but now Malfoy knows it." Ron grinned. "How did he take it? Did he break into uncontrollable crying? Please tell me he cried."

"I'm just glad she won't be hanging around with Malfoy anymore." Hermione said. "He can't be trusted."

"Can we forget Malfoy? What do you think is going on with Min-- Mindy?" Harry asked, remembering belatedly that there were other people around who might overhear. "At first I thought she didn't want to talk to me, but now I think she was just afraid to."

"Of course she's afraid." Hermione said matter-of-factly. "Didn't you tell her you never wanted to talk to her again?"

"Well, I was mad then." Harry said. "I'm not anymore."

"She doesn't know that, does she?"

Harry was quiet for a minute before answering, "Probably not. We haven't spoken since."

"Exactly." Hermione said. "She probably thinks you're still mad at her. There's no reason to think differently."

Harry nodded. "Yeah. Maybe you're right."

"Of course I'm right." Hermione smiled. "If you want her to talk to you again, you're going to have to talk to her first."

Ron nodded his agreement. "You should talk to her. I bet the both of you will be relieved once you're speaking again."

"Maybe." Harry answered. "But I don't know what to say."

"Start with an apology?" Hermione suggested.

Harry stared at her. "Apologize? For what?"

"For yelling at her." Hermione answered. Both Harry and Ron stared at Hermione disbelievingly. Minerva was the one who had lied. Of course he had been upset, and he didn't think he needed to apologize for it. "Trust me." Hermione went on. "You want her to open up, say you're sorry."

"I don't know." Harry said, a little unsure.

Hermione started to speak, but whatever she was about to say was cut off by Professor Lupin. He stepped up behind Harry and laid a hand on his shoulder. "Hi, Harry." He said.

Harry looked back at Professor Lupin and immediately remembered the boggart. He had completely forgotten about it after what happened with Minerva. Now that he remembered, he remembered a ton of problems too. For one, everyone fifth year and below wasn't going to have much to do that night. "Yes, sir?" He said hopefully.

Professor Lupin smiled. "I have a grindylow in a tank in my office. I'll bring it down." He paused before going on. "I tried sending for a boggart, but I couldn't get one."

"You couldn't?" Harry asked, trying not to sound disappointed.

"No, but you're in luck." Professor Lupin went on. "Mr. Filch found a small boggart this morning. It managed to lodge itself in a small broom cupboard inside the Quidditch field."

"Alright." Harry grinned. "But I don't suppose the cupboard can be moved?"

Professor Lupin shook his head no. "I'll make sure the field is lit. And Professor Flitwick has volunteered to come out too. It should be fine to take the students down there."

"Thanks, Professor Lupin."

"You're welcome, Harry. Just be sure to stay out of the boggart's way."

Harry nodded. Professor Lupin waved a good-bye and headed back towards the teacher's table.

"Why do you have to stay out of its way?" Ron asked.

"There's a good chance it may turn into Voldemort." Harry answered.

"You-Know-Who?" Ron asked, eyes widening. "God, I hope not."

Harry nodded. "Or a Dementor." He added. "But neither would be good. I should've asked earlier, but will one of you demonstrate."

"Of course." Hermione answered.

"Yeah. It'll be easy." Ron agreed.

Harry, Hermione, and Ron went up to the Room of Requirement after dinner to check on the potion. Harry took the opportunity to practice his spells again before the meeting. Hermione eyed him critically, constantly giving him pointers.

"Raise your arm a little." Hermione said, while stirring the potion.

"He knows how to do the spell, Hermione." Ron said, rolling his eyes at her constant nagging.

"There's nothing wrong with trying to perfect a spell." Hermione answered coolly.

Harry lowered his arm, tiring of Hermione's corrections, too. "I think I've practice enough." He said. "It's time to go, anyway. How's the potion?"

Hermione looked down at the bubbling goo in the cauldron. "It's coming along." She answered. "It'll be alright for a few hours. I'll come back after the meeting to check on it." Hermione lowered the fire, and started gathering up her things.

Harry found his bag, stuffed his books into it, and joined Ron by the door. "Are you ready?" He asked Hermione.

She nodded, picking up her bag. "Let's go." She said, glancing back at the potion on last time.

Harry led the way out of the room and to the Great Hall. Once again the house tables had been moved and a low platform sat in the middle of the room. Harry, Ron, and Hermione were the first to arrive, but soon the hall began to fill up. Everyone milled around, talking excitedly about what they were going to do tonight. People had been asking Harry all week what he planed to do, but Harry wouldn't say, mostly because he wasn't sure if the boggart would arrive. But just about everybody knew he had asked Professor Lupin to get a creature for the meeting, and that definitely meant the lesson was going to be a practical.

When Harry thought everyone that was coming was there he climbed on top of the platform and waited for everyone to quiet down. It didn't take long to gain the attention of everybody in the hall. Harry looked out over the crowd, half hoping to see Minerva, but she wasn't there. He swallowed his disappointment and smiled. "Alright." He said. "I think we should get started now. I have a lot planned for tonight, but first everybody split into your groups." Harry waited while everybody shuffled around; the first through the third years moving to one side of the Great Hall, the fifth years grouping together, and the fourth, sixth, and seventh years moving toward the other side. "Okay." Harry said, once everybody settled down. "I think first we'll review some of the spells we worked on earlier. Everybody partner up and practice shield and stunning charms."

Harry hopped down off the stage and walked through the crowd, making sure no one had forgotten the spells over the two-month break. A few of the first years had trouble, but for the most part everybody was doing well. About five minutes after the lesson started, Professor Lupin popped his head through the door of the Great Hall. Harry ducked a few stray blasts and hurried over to meet him.

"I have your grindylow." He said, as Harry stepped outside the Great Hall.

Harry looked past Professor Lupin and saw a large tank containing an ugly, little, green-skinned man. The grindylow hissed at Harry and barred its yellow teeth. Its long fingers clawed at the sides of the tank, as if it was seeking an escape. "Thanks." Harry said, watching the creature warily.

"No trouble." Professor Lupin smiled. "It's a mean one, though, Harry. Watch it. It'll try to strangle you if you get too close."

Harry nodded. "Just let me settle everybody down inside and you can bring it in." He looked at Professor Lupin. "What about the boggart?"

"Professor Flitwick is down at the Quidditch field now. He'll have it lit by the time you're ready to take your students down."

Harry nodded again. "I'll be ready for you to come in, in a minute." He said, before ducking back into the Great Hall.

Harry hurried back to the platform and climbed up. Holding his wand straight up, he shot off a few red sparks. Everybody stopped practicing and looked at him curiously. "I think that's enough of that." Harry said. "I think everybody was doing pretty well and I'll like to move on now." He looked back towards the entrance of the Great Hall where Professor Lupin was just coming in. The professor pushed the tank towards the platform. The students moved back to let him past, most grinning excitedly at what they saw. Professor Lupin left the tank and, waving at Harry, walked back out of the Great Hall, probably heading for the Quidditch field. "This is for the fourth, sixth, and seventh years." Harry said, smiling at the disappointed groans from the fifth and third years, though the second and first years actually looked relieved. "The rest of you are going to need your cloaks. If you don't have them down here already, go and get them now." A few students trickled out, hurrying back to their respective houses.

Harry looked back at the rest of the students staring at him expectedly. "I'm going to teach you a spell that will work against ghouls. As most of you know, ghouls are air demons that hang around old, empty places. Muggles get them mixed up with ghost, but, unlike ghost, they tend to kill. Ghouls will either try to suffocate or freeze their victim to death. There are three charms that will stop a ghoul from hurting you. Aerotalus will prevent a ghoul from suffocating you; Firgra will prevent a ghoul from freezing you; and Impedimus is a general stunning spell that will temporally freeze a ghoul if it hasn't already tried to attack you. I'll show you how to perform the Impedimus spell, then you can take turns freezing the grindylow."

Harry demonstrated the Impedimus charm, being sure to stress the proper wrist flick, then had the students practice the charm shooting the sparks into the air. "Everybody, keep working on that." Harry said, checking to see that the students that had left to get their cloaks had returned. "When I get back I'll have you take turns with the grindylow. And remember don't shoot at each other. Just like with the Totalus Dominatus, Impedimus is dangerous to humans. Fifth, third, second, and first years, follow me."

Harry hopped off the stage and, after pulling on his cloak, led the group of students out of the Great Hall. Hermione and Ron caught up with him as he walked towards the outer doors. "Are you sure it's alright to leave them in there by themselves?" She asked, glancing back over her shoulder. "Without anyone to supervise?"

"Sure." Harry answered, opening the outer doors and stepping out into the cold night air. "They're old enough not to kill themselves. Besides, as soon as I explain to everyone what to do, I'm going to go back in. Professor Lupin wants me to stay out of the boggart's way. The best way for me to do that is not to be out there at all."

They walked across the snow-covered ground out to the Quidditch pitch. As they approached the pitch they saw Professor Lupin standing just outside the stadium. Harry hurried over to him.

"The cupboard is just inside." Professor Lupin said, walking into the stadium and leading Harry to a small broom closet at one end of the bleachers. Professor Flitwick sat on the bleachers near it, watching the group with interest.

Harry turned around to face the students. "Okay." He said. "Inside this broom closet is a boggart. Most of you have had a chance to fight a boggart before, but for those of you who haven't seen one yet, boggarts are shape-shifters. They change into whatever frightens you most. What defeats a boggart is laughter. The thing you have to do is to force the boggart to look like something that is funny. The charm that you use against it is Riddikulus. Everybody try that." Harry was quiet while everyone repeated the word Riddikulus. "Now," Harry went on. "Imagine the thing that frightens you most and then imagine what would make it look funny." He waited a moment while the students got their thoughts together. After he thought he had given them enough time to think he waved Hermione to the front. "Hermione will show you what to do, then I want you to give it a try as well. Everyone won't get a chance, but I still want you all to watch the others. If the boggart comes towards you, don't hesitate to take it on." He stepped back and pointed his wand at the cabinet. "Are you ready Hermione?"

Hermione moved into position in front of the small closet and nodded "Alright, Harry." She said.

Harry waved his wand, causing the cupboard doors to open, and out stepped Professor McGonagall. Harry blinked. He hadn't expected that.

"I'm sorry, Ms. Granger." The boggart-McGonagall said, holding out a roll of parchment. "But you've failed everything." The parchment un-rolled itself to reveal row after row of failing marks.

Hermione leveled her wand on the boggart and shouted, "Riddikulus." The row of F's became A's and Hermione smirked. "Ha. How do you like that?"

The boggart spun away from her and faced the next student, becoming a giant snake. "Remember to be forceful." Hermione called as the student yelled "Riddikulus" and the snake became a worm.

Harry walked over to Professor Lupin. "I'm going back in." He said, watching the boggart rapidly changing forms. "I need to get the others started on stunning the grindylow."

Professor Lupin nodded. "Professor Flitwick and I will keep an eye on things out here." He said.

"Thanks again, for getting the creatures for me." Harry said.

"Sure, Harry." Professor Lupin said. "You really are doing good job with the lessons."

"Thanks." Harry said. Looking back one last time, he left the Quidditch field and headed back towards the school. He was nearly back when he heard boots crunching on the snow behind him. He turned to see if someone had decided to come back in with him, and stopped short when he saw that it was Pansy Parkinson and Draco Malfoy who were behind him. They were talking to each other intently, and hadn't noticed Harry standing in the gloom before them. Harry quickly moved out of the way, into the shadows of the school.

"I don't know about this." Malfoy was saying.

"We have to do it." Pansy said. "She'll be mad if we don't. Do you really want her mad at you?"

"What do you mean 'we'?" Malfoy frowned. "I'm the one who has to do it."

Even in the dark Harry could see Pansy rolling her eyes. "Sometimes, I think your time in America has made you soft. Besides, I did it once."

"But it was only Longbottom. The world is much better off without him."

Pansy stopped walking and turned to face Draco. "If you don't do it, her plan will fall apart. Don't you want to see Potter get what he deserves?"

"Don't be an idiot. Of course I do." Draco said, folding his arms across his chest. "I just don't think this is the way to do it."

Pansy gave Malfoy a disgusted look. "You don't really 'like 'her, do you?" Malfoy didn't answer and Pansy let out an exasperated sigh. "Just make sure to hold up your end of the bargain, Draco, or it's your head." Pansy started inside the school again, but stopped looking back at Malfoy. "You're nothing like your father." She said, then left Malfoy standing alone in the snow.

Malfoy watched her leave, then shoved his hands into his cloak pockets. "Who says I want to be like my father." He mumbled, turning around and walking back into the dark night.

Harry stepped out of the shadows and watched Malfoy leave. What were they talking about? It was likely something Lestrange had them doing. No doubt they planned to lead someone else to his death. That last question Pansy had asked Malfoy made Harry think of Minerva. She was the only person Pansy would be worried about Malfoy liking. But did that mean they planned to hurt Minerva somehow? Harry felt his stomach twist. It was possible—very possible.

Harry turned and hurried into the school. He had to warn Minerva. He didn't know what Lestrange was planning, but he couldn't let her hurt Minerva. Harry started past the Great Hall, thinking of heading back to Gryffindor tower, when the door opened.

"Oh, Harry, you're back."

Harry stopped and turned around. Dean, Parvati and a Hufflepuff fourth year he didn't know stood outside the door.

"We've been waiting for you." Parvati said. "We were just about to come and look for you."

"Can we take a crack at that Grindylow now? We're more than ready for it." Dean said, twirling his wand.

Harry looked back in the direction of Gryffindor tower then at the three expecting faces. "Is Min—Mindy in there?" He asked hopefully.

Parvati shrugged. "I haven't seen her." She answered. "Come on, Harry. We're starting to get bored."

Harry glanced back in the direction of the tower, then decided he should finish his lesson first. Whatever Lestrange was planning, it surely wasn't going to happen tonight. "Alright." Harry said, walking back towards the Great Hall. "Let's go get started."

-------------

Minerva glanced up from the book she had been reading as the portrait door swung open and a steady stream of Gryffindors came pouring in. She went back to her book, trying to ignore the talk of the night's D.A. meeting. Judging from what she overheard, she had missed a great meeting. Minerva had thought seriously of going to the meeting, but she was afraid she'd only distract Harry. Besides she wasn't entirely sure he would want her there. Every time she tried to talk to him, things just came out completely wrong. If she didn't need to find out why Lavender was stealing potion ingredients for Harry, she'd just give up on trying to talk to him altogether.

The common room was starting to fill up and Minerva decided to go up to the girls' room where it was likely to be quieter. She was just closing up her book when she felt someone standing over her. She looked up and saw Harry smiling cautiously down at her.

"Hi." He said.

"Hi." Minerva returned.

They stared at each other for a moment, then, rubbing the back of his neck, Harry asked, "Er, can we talk?"

Minerva put her book aside. "Yes." She answered, a little surprised. She didn't think Harry would actually ask her to talk. Maybe he had finally forgiven her.

Harry looked around the crowded common room. Everyone was having their own conversation, but from the covert glances Minerva could tell they were also trying to listen in on what she and Harry were saying. . "Let's go someplace else." Harry suggested, obviously noticing this too.

"Okay." Minerva said, standing. "Maybe we can find an empty classroom or something."

Harry nodded his agreement and led the way out of the common room. They walked in silence down the mostly empty halls. It wasn't past curfew yet, but it would be soon and nearly all the students had returned to their houses for the night. They walked down one of the stairways and entered the first classroom they came to.

Harry closed the door while Minerva lit the torches. She put her wand away and turned to face Harry. He stared at her uncertainly as if he didn't know what to say.

"What is it?" Minerva asked, prompting Harry to speak.

Harry shrugged, then finally said, "I'm, er, sorry."

Minerva blinked. She hadn't expected that. She walked towards him. "Why?" She asked.

"What do you mean 'why'?" Harry asked.

"Why are you sorry?" Minerva clarified. As far as she knew, Harry hadn't done anything that he needed to apologize for.

"For yelling at you." Harry answered.

"Well, that was understandable." Minerva said.

"And for saying I never wanted to talk to you again." Harry went on. "I didn't mean that. I was just...mad."

Minerva smiled. "I glad to hear that." She answered. "Even though it was understandable too. If I was in your place I'd probably have done the same."

Harry smiled, a little unsure. "So we can try to, um, be...friends?"

Minerva grinned. "Harry, I'd like that more than anything."

Harry returned the grin. "You have no idea how much I missed you." He said, stepping close to her and wrapping his arms around her waist, pulling her close.

Minerva's first thought was that she should push Harry away, but she missed being with him so much. She hadn't realized how much until now, when he had her in his arms. Minerva returned the hug, resting her head on Harry's shoulder. "You do realize who you're hugging, don't you?" She asked.

"Yeah." Harry whispered in her ear, "And I don't care."

Minerva pulled back and looked at him. Harry smiled at her touching her cheek. "Harry." Minerva said, forcing herself to step away. "You do remember who I am, right?"

Harry sighed and ran his fingers through his hair. "Sorry." He said. "I didn't..." He paused and looked at her. "Can I call you Min? Minerva is a little weird, but Mindy isn't..."

"Min is fine." Minerva answered. "I never liked the name Mindy."

Harry smiled. "I thought it was kind of cute." The smile faded as he went on. "I have to ask you something. Please don't get mad, but how close were you and...Malfoy?" He asked.

Minerva frowned. What kind of question was that? She hadn't expected Harry to want to quiz her about her relationship with Draco. A thought hit her and she smiled at Harry teasingly. "Why, are you jealous?"

"What?" Harry asked. "No. No. I'm not." He paused, then said, "Well, maybe I was a little. But you were always with him and..."

Minerva started laughing, cutting Harry off. "There's nothing going on with us, Harry. You know I wouldn't get involve with another student. I've had enough trouble with you. Why would I want to double the trouble?"

"I know." Harry answered, though he looked a little relieved to hear that answer. "But you're not really friends with him, are you? I mean, you don't trust him, do you?"

Minerva frowned. "Harry..."

"Because you can't." Harry went on. "He's evil, Min. God, his dad's a Death Eater."

"You can't judge someone by their parents." Minerva said, folding her arms across her chest. "And Draco has done nothing to make me not trust him."

"You have to believe me, Min." Harry said, catching Minerva by the shoulders. "Malfoy can't be trusted. You don't know him the way I do."

"Yes, I do." Minerva frowned, shaking off Harry's hands. "I taught him for the past five years, Harry."

"That doesn't mean anything." Harry argued. "You think he'd show his true colors around a teacher?" Minerva didn't answer and Harry sighed. "Just promise me you won't go anywhere with him. Please."

"Why are you suddenly so worried about me and him?" Minerva asked. "You weren't before."

Harry remained quiet for a while, as if trying to decide whether or not he wanted to tell her something. Finally he said, "I really care about you, Min. I don't want you to get hurt."

"I can take care of myself." Minerva said quietly.

"I suppose you can." Harry said. He looked towards the door and said, "I guess we should head back now." He looked back at Minerva. "But first I want to ask you something else."

Minerva shrugged. "All right, as long as it's not about Draco."

Harry shook his head. "You remember when we talked, just outside the Quidditch field." Minerva nodded, though she had been trying very hard to forget that. "You remember I told you that I had loved you?" Harry went on. Minerva nodded again, starting to fear where Harry might be going with this. "You were about to say something to me after that, but then you stopped. I was just wondering...what were you going to say?"

Minerva didn't answer at first. She wasn't sure what to say. She could lie; make up something that sounded reasonable. But she didn't want to lie to Harry. Lying to him was what got her trouble with him in the first place. Besides, she had a feeling he'd know if she lied to him now. "I was going to say that I loved you too."

"Do you still?" Harry asked.

"Let's not get into this, Harry." Minerva said. "I'm Professor McGonagall, remember?"

"Not at the moment." Harry replied. "Hermione thinks the potion you took has turned you sixteen. Is she right?"

Minerva shrugged. "There were some...side effects. But that doesn't mean anything. Eventually I will be Professor McGonagall again."

"I still care about you." Harry said, almost as if he had ignored Minerva's last statement. "I still...I still love you."

Minerva looked away. "Harry, don't." She said. "You know things can't work between us. For one thing, there's the humongous age difference."

"But you're sixteen right now." Harry said.

"I won't be forever." Minerva said.

"Why not?" Harry asked.

Minerva looked at Harry confused. He had just lost her completely. "What?"

"Keep taking the potion." Harry answered. "Then we could be, I don't know, together? Unless it's dangerous. Is the potion dangerous?"

"No." Minerva answered. "Professor Snape doesn't want me taking it anymore, but I don't think it's dangerous."

"Then keep taking it. Stay sixteen." Harry looked at her, suddenly unsure. "Unless you don't still love me." Minerva didn't say anything, and Harry said quietly, "Because I had heard you can't make yourself stop feeling a certain way about some one." He paused. "I can't make myself stop feeling the way I feel about you."

Minerva didn't answered again, and Harry looked away. Minerva was afraid she was hurting Harry again with her silence but she needed to think things through. She couldn't remember the last time someone had made her feel the way Harry had. He really did make her happy, and she had been so unhappy without him. Professor Snape had told her that when the potion wore off and she grew up again, then her feelings for Harry would fade away too. But Minerva didn't want to let those feelings go. She did still love Harry and maybe it was the sixteen-year-old girl thinking, but she wanted to keep on loving him. "Professor Dumbledore will never go for it." She said at last.

Harry looked at her and smiled slightly. "It's your life." He said. "Not his."

"I can brew the potion myself." She went on.

Harry looked at Minerva his smile slowly becoming a grin. "What are you saying?" He asked.

Minerva shrugged. "I'm not entirely sure about this." She said. "But maybe we could...try."

Harry's grin widened and he wrapped his arms around her again. Minerva leaned against Harry. She really did miss being close to him. She looked up at Harry and pulled his face close to her. She removed his glasses, and for the first time, she kissed him first. Harry held her closer and Minerva leaned into the kiss. Harry pulled apart for a second and touched her face. He looked at her smiling sweetly and was about to kiss her again when there was a noise at the door. Minerva was all for ignoring it, but Harry looked over at the door.

Harry took Minerva's hand. "Come on." He said, and pulled her to the front of the room and down behind the teacher's desk.

The door creaked open and Mrs. Norris slipped in followed closely by Mr. Filch. Harry touched a finger to his lips, telling Minerva to remain quiet. She nodded trying to scoot farther back.

"Who left these torches lit?" Mr. Filch frowned staring at the lights as if they were evil. "I have enough trouble with the students. I don't need the professors causing me grief too." He said and set to work extinguishing the torches manually, while Mrs. Norris padded around the room.

Minerva watched the cat nervously. It wouldn't be long before she found them. Harry placed a hand on her shoulder and Minerva looked back at him. He smiled reassuringly at her and mouthed don't worry.

The cat walked out of view as she approached the spot Harry and Minerva had been standing in just before Mr. Filch walked in. Minerva peeked around the desk. Mr. Filch was at the back of the room, standing on a desk attempting to put out a torch. Mrs. Norris sniffed the floor and looked towards the teacher's desk. Minerva quickly ducked behind it. She was afraid the cat had seen her and would alert Mr. Filch.

"Mrs. Norris."

Minerva peeked around the desk again and spotted the cat walking away from them, towards her the old care taker. "Go patrol the halls." Mr. Filch said, finishing up with the torch he had been working on and moving to the next. "I'll be done in here in a minute."

Mrs. Norris mewed and, with a swish of her tail, turned and left the room.

Minerva relaxed and sat back. Now they only had to wait for Mr. Filch to finish putting out the torches and then they could get out of there. It took Mr. Filch a full five minutes to finish up and move on. Minerva breathed a sigh of relief, when finally heard the door close behind the old man, and crawled out from under the desk.

"I thought he'd never get done." She said. "I was tempted to put out the torches myself."

Harry grinned, crawling out from under the desk behind her. "Then you would've gotten us caught." He said, standing up and knocking dust off his pants.

Minerva stepped up to him and wrapped her arms around his neck. "And we wouldn't want that, would we?"

Harry wrapped his arms around her. "No we wouldn't." He said and kissed her on the nose.

Minerva laughed. She had always liked it when he did that.

"We should go." Harry said. "Mr. Filch has a nasty habit of coming back."

Minerva nodded. "How did you know we should hide? Mr. Filch didn't make a sound coming in."

"Five years of sneaking around this school after hours." Harry answered. He walked towards the door and opened it a crack. "I think it's clear." He said looking back at Minerva. "Let's go." He said, taking her hand.

Minerva nodded and allowed Harry to pull her out of the room. She closed the door quietly behind her and hurried down the hall. The two of them made their way back to Gryffindor tower without incident, and never once letting go of the other's hand.

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Hee hee. I put them back together. But will they stay that way? You'll just have to keep reading and find out. Let me know what you think, though. If you want to stay together or not, please tell me. I'm incredibly curious as to what everybody thinks of this couple. I've read a lot of reviews where people like the idea of Minerva (in her current state, of course) and Harry. And I've read plenty more where people think it's completely sick and wrong. Just humor me and tell me if you want them to stay together or not, again. Your opinions won't change what happens in the next two (maybe three) chapters, but it might affect the possibility of a sequel. Yep, I'm thinking of doing a sequel. I'm still working it out and I'm not entirely sure if I'll write it. I'll let you know at the end of this story. But enough about that. Let's get on to those review comments, shall we.

supernova8610: Yeah, that would be nice wouldn't it. In fact, I thought it would be so nice that I put them back together again. Yay!

TeenTypist: You think I rock? Thanks! And yes, Minerva kept taking the potion. She's a baaaaaad girl. But really she just wants Harry, whom she gets at the end of this chapter.

On-A-Rainy-Day: Minerva does tend to over think things doesn't she. But Harry always sort of knew she hadn't been cheating on him. Unfortunately nobody else knew. But things are looking up for them now. For the moment, at least.

Superhpfreak: Hey. Did this feel like a long time between up-dates? I hope you didn't notice, again. So far you're the only one who doesn't. Now, on to your questions. About Fawks' stand missing (it was only his stand), Peeves broke into Dumbledore's office and flipped the portraits of the past headmasters backwards and took some of Dumbledore's things. That was mentioned in chapter 11 or 10. Harry was supposed to have an Occulmency lesson with Dumbledore, but it was cancled because of Peeves' prank. I was going to write out the scene, but the chapter was already very long and so I just made a mention of it. I probably shouldn't have done it that way, because this will become important later. So just keep it mind for now. About Ron acting as captain of the Quidditch team, remember Harry got a two-month punishment for fighting with Draco. He couldn't participate in any school activities, namely D.A. and Quidditch. That's also why Harry couldn't go to the Yule Ball. Yes, I did read your whole review. It would have been very rude of me not to. Besides, I like reading your reviews. They're usually pretty funny. And thanks for saying that I didn't make as many mistakes. I actually made an effort last time, and this time too, for that matter. But I know there are probably still mistakes. I always miss something. About the aging/ageing, I was trying to be different when naming the potion. And I did get may and might mixed up. It's not that I don't know, it's just that I wasn't paying attention. I ALWAYS miss something. Chocolate coated carrots—well it's no worse that Cockroach Clusters and that was actually in one of the HP books. So Minerva is seventy, huh? Geez she's old. You're not the only one who said Harry attempting to take on Lestrange alone was a little, um, unrealistic. Okay, here's my motivation behind this—remember chapter 1 (yeah I know, that was forever ago), Harry said if he ever got the chance he'd kill Lestrange himself. Well, now he's getting the chance. He can't tell Dumbledore about her. Do you really think Dumbldore would keep Harry around if he knew for sure a death eater was running around his school? I imagine he'd make a port key and send Harry some place, have all the students stay in their houses, and then hunt down Lestrange himself. Besides, I need this story to go to the end of the school year, and it's only February now. About Ron and Hermione just letting him do it, well they don't support Harry's decision. But Harry can be pretty stubborn when he wants to be and I figure they know that. They can't talk him out of it, so they'll just try to help him as best they can. And no, I've never read a Harry/Snape, thank God. If I ever come across one, I think I shall turn around and run, or click to the next fanfic. I have seen a few Harry/Draco's though. I can deal with them a little more. At least Harry and Draco are the same age. But Harry/Snape? Let's just say, that's where I draw the line. Hey. Guess what. Your review was short (comparatively speaking) and my comment was longer. This is a full page and a half in word. Single space, too. Oh, well. That's the way it goes sometimes. I hope I answered all your questions and can't wait for your next comments.

anon(): I explained why I have Harry doing what he's doing in the comments to Superhpfreak but I'll write it again. Back in chapter 1 Harry promised himself he'd kill Lestrange himself he ever got the chance. Telling Dumbledore would take that chance away from him. Ron and Hermione know how stubborn Harry can be and since they can't talk him out of it, they'll do what they can and help him. Besides, Lestrange killed Sirius, who was basically Harry's last chance to get away from the Dursely's and actually be happy. The way I see it, Harry would probably want revenge and so I am giving him that chance at revenge. I hope that explains things for you.

rickW22: Believe it or not, I do up-date as quickly as I can. Thanks for the compliment.

ALNiCa: I understand about the printing the stuff off and reading it on paper. We just got Road Runner, which rocks! But I still print fanfics off because reading on a computer screen gives me a headache. I'm glad you did review though. I found it to be very humorous as well as a great self- esteem booster. You have a religion class? I've never heard of schools offering religion. Unless you're in a private school, then that would make sense. Yeah, that makes loads of sense. Why didn't I think of that before? Duh. But I'm glad I'm not the only one who read fanfics during class. I usually save mine for history though (. Yes I did see Prisoner of Azkaban. Harry is super cute in that movie, isn't he?

ragnhild-potter: Yes, I can certainly see your point about getting a second to read this, but first I have to find someone as nutty about HP as me. Which you wouldn't think would be too difficult, but believe it or not it is. The trouble with me proofing is that I don't wait long enough before I re-read. The first eight or nine chapters were up-dated within a week of each other. After that I started waiting a month, but I still don't wait long enough between proof reads. Not to worry though, I'll make it all better after I finish writing this story. Hey, did you like my sorting hat song? You wouldn't believe how hard it is to rhyme and make sense at the same time. I am so not a poet. What happens to their clothes when they turn mice? Holy crap, I never even thought about that. I have absolutely no idea. You'd think their clothes would fall off, huh, and when they turned back they'd be sort of naked. Well, a lot naked. I was so busy trying to work out the magical aspects I forgot about the practical. Hmmm. I see some major re-writes in my future. Thanks for bringing it to my attention. Harry and Minerva do really care about each other. Which is why they are back together at the end of this chapter. Whether they stay together or not, I won't say yet. Truthfully, I don't really know how it will end. I'm toying with some ideas, but I'll have to see how the next chapter works itself out before I know anything for sure. But only two more chapters till you find out. I'm glad you kept going and reviewed for all the chapters. I hope this one is what you were expecting or at least a good read.

Snape and Trelwney: I thought Harry and Minerva made a rather cute couple. You do remember Minerva is like sixteen in my fic. And um, thanks for your list of preferred couples. I'll keep it in mind. But Harry and Luna? Why Luna of all people. If it's not Minerva, I much prefer Harry with Ginny. And so what if I'm Muggle born, Snape :P.

ZanyMuggle: Thank you very much. I'm a little surprised I managed to pull off this story myself, but it's falling into place rather nicely. I'm trying not to be too predictable. I don't like it when it is blatantly obvious in which direction a writer is going. It's good to be able to figure out some things, it's bad to be able to figure out all things. I think Harry and Minerva's relationship is different enough that no one will know for sure how it will end. Heck, I don't know how it will end. I hope the wait for this chapter wasn't too long, but I hope you think it was worth the wait. Thanks for reviewing.

Aragorn(): Oh, yeah. That name is in a "Swiftly Tilting Planet" isn't it? I loved that story. I read it like a million times. And a "Wrinkle in Time" and "Many Waters" too. Those were good ones. Thanks for reminding me. That's probably where I remember the name.

Special thank you's to: albus's bitch (what on earth made you come up with that screen name?), Raellyra, quidditch77, grand griffon, mjk306, Trinka, and xEbonyX13X who all basically said my fic is really, really good.

That's all the comments. Will you believe it took me 3 ½ hours to make comments on all of the reviews? See, I do try to give everybody intelligent comments that are worth reading. But I'm sure you already knew that. Remember to leave your opinion on Harry and Minerva. I seriously need to know what everybody thinks before I decide to go ahead with a sequel. So please review everybody. REVIEW REVIEW REVIEW REVIEW. Okay. Gotta go now. I have two (maybe three) more chapters to write. Did I ask you to review?

Qwest, over and out.