For copyright and disclaimers, please see chapter 1
16 – Interlude Three, Second Year
Thursday, December 23, 1999:
Hogwarts, Minerva McGonagall's office: 09:11
Minerva ushered the six teenagers into her office, saying, "Normally, your head of house would do this for you. However, Pomona and Severus are otherwise occupied today. I shall visit Miss Tonks and Miss Hansen in the Infirmary later." Julie looked at her brother; he gave her an 'I'll explain later,' look.

"As you are aware, second-years must choose three elective courses by Easter. ONLY three courses," Minerva favored the twins with a 'look', which they blandly returned. "Do not think that you can try to fool us, we can tell you two apart." They smiled, and Minerva added, "The headmaster has agreed to teach Alchemy again, Miss Wayne, although it will be for all the students that have requested it. Are you ready for a class with the upper-years?" Mattie nodded.

"Very well then, one packet for each of you," Minerva said. "It contains course description; materials needed, and suggested references. I understand you three are going by London and Diagon Alley?" she asked of Arthur, Charlie and Julie, who nodded. "I trust you to use your discretion with your magic. The instructors, with the exception of Professor Carstair's muggle studies, have also updated and included Maginet information into their course information." She gave them another look, adding, "Whilst you all come from a muggle background, you may consider that course an 'easy O'. Rest assured, it is not."

"As for you, Miss Morton, you have an unusual opportunity to visit the school before you make your decision, make the most of it. I should hope we compare favorably with our counterparts in Boston. I might suggest you speak to some of the ghosts, although I would beware of Peeves."

Thursday, December 23, 1999:
Scotland, A96 roundabout: 09:56
With a beep of the horn, the other white van turned for the airport, Bill Morton watching for the turnoff to the A9 motorway. With a sigh, he relaxed, Momma Morton saying "Stay on this for the next hundred miles," she turned, asking her son, "Now Arthur, you haven't been saying too much in your emails. What's been happening lately, and who's this Pimpernel person that people were discussing?"

Charlie grinned, patting his housemate on the back, and pulling out a cell phone. "Hello, Dad? Sorry we're running a bit late, we just turned onto the A9. I think we'll stop somewhere in Liverpool or Birmingham for a bite. Right-o, we'll see you in a few hours." Disconnecting, he said, "Ma'am, I don't know what Arthur's said, but it seems the British wizarding world has its first superhero, like the London Guardians or some of those blokes in the States."

"Nobody's even sure of the Pimpernel's gender or age," Arthur said. "The first time he was seen was when the Ministry tried to kill off some werewolves for their gold."

"Like Sprink?" Elena asked.

"Like Sprink, and our housemate Jeremy," Charlie said, "Or Amy in Ravenclaw, or Professor Harry's friend, Professor Lupin." He shrugged, "It doesn't make a whole lot of sense. Werewolves are not rich, there's a lot of discrimination. Why would Minister Fudge go after the bit of gold they've got?"

"It sounds like this Fudge guy is desperate for gold," Teela said, looking up from her sketchpad.

"The current theory that we've kicked 'round the table," Charlie said, "Is that Fudge got so used to taking Malfoy's bribes that he used them as a normal part of his budget. When that stopped, he had to scramble for funds, and he's funneled most of them into DMLE and the Aurors, so he can stay in power."

"A lot of kids in school have parents that work for the Ministry, or they did," Arthur added. "Fudge controls most of the judiciary, the Wizengamot, which is why he's still in power. They have to have a no-confidence vote before he can be kicked out, and elections held. Did you get the copies of the Reporter I sent you?"

"We haven't gotten anything but email from you for a couple months now," Henry said. "Packages go through the Ministry in London, don't they?"

"Which means Fudge is censoring the owl mail," Teela said, changing to a new page, her pencil darting. "D'you think Mattie would mind if you sent stuff to her Aunt Lois?"

"Maybe her Aunt Sheila, instead," Arthur said. "She's based out of London now, and can use the Royal Mail."

"We can ask," Charlie said. "Have you given any thought to your electives, mate? Arithmancy is one, I'll wager, and it doesn't hurt that Professor Vector's a babe."

"Oh, ho!" Henry said. "Which one was Vector?"

"She's the blonde, about thirty, in the light blue robes you were lusting after," Teela said, "Didn't you pay attention when we were introduced?" She snorted, "Boys!"

"Is he between girlfriends again?" Arthur asked his sisters.

"I'm allowed to look," Henry said.

"Just wait 'til I tell Misty you said that," Elena threatened.

Thursday, December 23, 1999:
Scotland, A96 roundabout: 09:56
With a beep of the horn, the other white van turned for the A9 motorway, and Julie Fook asked, "Jennie, isn't it?" She nodded, and she asked, "You look very familiar. Would we have seen you day before yesterday? Maybe wearing a different outfit?"

Babs snorted, and Dick muttered, "Busted!"

"What happened?" Lee asked.

"You're sitting behind a Green Lantern, dear," her mother said from beside her. "She flew escort with Superman on the flight over." She patted Jennie's shoulder, then sat back with a smile, "It wasn't the best idea to come to Hogwarts, dear. It raises all sorts of questions in my suspicious reporter's mind." Raising her hand, she added, "I can keep a secret, and I won't press for any sensitive information, for now, anyway." Grinning, she added, "What's the real reason you're visiting Miss Wayne? Somehow I doubt it's her Transfiguration skills."

"This is your fault, brother mine," Mattie said. "I told you I didn't want one, but you got one for me anyway." Babs snorted back a laugh, as Mattie twisted in her seat to tell Mrs. Fook, "Last year, I was kidnapped twice. My loving brother, who is ignoring the question by driving, somehow got me a power ring." She waved her right hand, "I can't fault his motivations, but it's been a major pain-in-the-butt. When I kvetched about not knowing how to use it, he got hold of Jennie here somehow." She shot Jennie a look, adding, "I expected a call or an email first, though. Not for you to drop out of a clear blue sky."

"Sorry. My bad," Jennie said.

"Well, it's done. It's not like I ever wanted to play superhero," Mattie said with a straight face as Jennie coughed into her fist. Lee leaned forward to thump her back, asking, "So, what did McGonagall want to tell you?".

Thursday, December 23, 1999:
Hogwarts, Infirmary: 16:16
Sprink nudged Felicia, asking, "You planning on sleeping all day?"

"Five more minutes…"

"D'you wanna sleep the rest of your life away? C'mon, get up, McGonagall wants to see you."

"McGonagall? I miss class, 'manda?"

"Not Amanda, and you're not late for class." Felicia mumbled and rolled over, Sprink saying, "For your own good, now!" She waved her wand, 'Aqueous Frigidus!' Felicia shrieked and leapt out of bed, glaring at Sprink, who grinned, "Got you up!" She pointed, telling Felicia, "Get a shower, 'manda left you some clothes. I let you sleep in, but McGonagall wants to see you."

"What about?"

Sprink shrugged, "Dunno. Shower. March!"

Friday, December 24, 1999:
Hogwarts, staff quarters, Potter flat: 21:16
"Bill! Charlie!" Harry shook their hands, and backs were thumped. "Mum! Dad!" they called, embracing their parents. With a 'pop', Dobby appeared with a tray of drinks as Charlie enlarged his presents.
"So what are your plans, Harry?" George asked, proudly wearing his new Weasley sweater.

"After a properly somber Christmas day without our parents, we're going to visit Dean Thomas' rellies in the States," he answered, Ginny cradling her belly and interjecting, "Before this little bugger decides to make his appearance."

"I've heard they've got a place called the 'Magic Kingdom' in Florida," Harry added. "Well, we couldn't resist." He grinned at Percy's look of confusion, adding, "It's like Alton Towers, only larger. Then, a trip to Key West to lie on the beach, because Florida's like summer all year long there!"

Sunday, December 26, 1999:
New York City, Greenwich Village, Thomas apartment: 11:06 (GMT -5)
"Dean!" Ginny gave the fellow a (careful) hug, asking, "What are you doing over here?"

"I'm the new American correspondent for the Wizarding Reporter," he replied proudly. "Besides, I always wanted to visit the Colonies. This is my cousin Marissa, she's been kind enough to put me up."

"How could I turn down my own relatives, especially since he's a genuine wizard?" she replied. "So, you know each other from school?"

"Yes, seven years," Dean said, passing around drinks. "My only question is why didn't you apparate?"

"Pomfrey forbid me," Ginny said. "I had to do it once, and she found out and gave me a talking-to. Fudge hasn't re-instated the international floo network, so for now, we use portkeys. That reminds me, do you have a wizarding atlas? I'd like to see Gotham on the way to Florida."

Marissa stopped cold. "Why on earth would you want to visit there? Go north to Harlem; they'll cut your throat just as quickly."

Harry looked at Ginny, who looked stubborn. "One of my students is from Gotham, Ginny's been fascinated by the city for the last year and a half."

"He must be three hundred pounds of mean, then."

"She's a second-year, about four-ten, and maybe 100 pounds."

"Ginny," Marissa said, sitting next to the redhead, "They don't call Gotham 'The city of nightmares' for nothin'. You'll see advertisin' for that place, it can be a wonderful town, but it's also the most dangerous city on the east coast. There are two million crazies livin' on that island there, every single one of 'em cut you up one side an' down the other before you get your wand out. My advice to you is to skip Gotham. Go directly to Florida, do not pass Go, do not collect your headstone, girl."

Ginny looked stubborn, and Marissa sighed. "We'll go to the Village after lunch. Dean's found a wizarding bookstore; they should have your atlas. It's your funeral, girl."

"You sure you won't change your mind?" Marissa said. "That atlas wasn't that current."

"I'm sure," Ginny said. "After all, they're muggles, and we're wizards. What could possibly go wrong?" She smiled, and touched the portkey to activate it.

"Oh, god," Marissa said. "They're dead."

"Hopefully not," Dean said. "I emailed Professor McGonagall; she said she knew people in Gotham. Still…"

Sunday, December 26, 1999:
Gotham City, Miracle Mile, alley behind the Double Take Theatre: 19:32
With a 'pop', Harry and Ginny materialized outside the old theatre. Seeing the bright lights a few blocks away, Harry said, "It looks like the atlas was a bit off. Shall we go?"

"Let's!" Ginny smiled, and walked with her husband.

A few blocks further on, someone whispered, "Hey, you! Yeah, you two! Interested in a good deal?"

"What kind of deal, mate?"

"A good deal. C'mere, in here." An M-16 appeared, and the figure said, "We insist."

Harry and Ginny edged inside, the gang member asking Ginny, "Well, hello there sweet cheeks. What brings you two tourists to our fair city?"

"We … got off the wrong trolley, sorry, mate. We'll just be going now," Harry said, eyeing the M-16 he carried as he reached for his wand.

"But you haven't seen the sights, and you'll have to pay our toll," the gang member said, "We can't have you ducking your taxes now, can we?" He motioned, "Give me what you're reaching for; dude, or the pregger gets a burst through her nostril. That would just ruin her whole day." There was laughter behind them as the safety was loudly snicked off. Harry was turned, pushed against a filthy brick wall as he was searched, a shotgun to his head.

"No guns, dude, just these sticks on 'em," one ganger reported, brandishing their wands, adding, "I can't find his wallet, either."

"Well, now, you should have known better than to cross our turf without toll money," the gang leader said, swaggering in. "How are you gonna pay, dude? Why don't we just take your woman, your little candy ass we'll sell off to the Conchitas. They like wimpy ass white boys to use as their slaves. Remember those four college kids last week?" Loud laughter, when the leader flipped out a blade. "Now, just so you don' think our hospitality is lackin', we'll invite you to a barbecue. We got some real tasty meat, right here." He turned and cut Ginny's blouse, revealing her very pregnant belly.

"NOOOO!" Ginny screamed, crouching as a splash of amniotic fluid hit the pavement. "Oh, shit!" a gang member screamed in fear, "IT'S THE BAT!"; firing at full auto at a shape occluding the moon. Every other gun started firing as chaos and darkness erupted in the alley.

Screams, shouts and automatic fire criss-crossed the alley as Harry sprinted to Ginny, dragging her behind some dustbins and covering her with his body. He grunted; then as the firing died down, they heard a voice of gravel. "You can come out now."

"Felipe, shame on you for slicing up a pregnant woman," Ginny heard a young woman say, holding the gang leader by the throat. "I guess that makes you a big man in Blackgate. Coward." She flung him headfirst at a large steel dumpster, where his head banged and he lay still. She flickered, night in motion as she crouched down next to them, asking, "You two OK?"

"I think I was hit, my right leg," Harry said, rolling off Ginny and struggling to sit up. Black-gauntleted hands checked, grunting, "Calf wound. It will leave a scar. Paramedics are on the way. What about you, miss?"

"My water broke," Ginny said.

"Paramedics and cops are two minutes out," the gravel voice said. "They've been updated. Can you two survive that long?"

Harry glanced at Ginny; then said, "I think so. What about our property?"

The voice of gravel said, "Behave yourselves, and we'll talk later. We'll return your wands then." Soundlessly, they vanished, as Harry and Ginny looked at each other, sitting against the brick wall in the moonlight, listening to the sirens, and watching the lights of police cars illuminate the scene.

"Well, what do we have here?" one sergeant said, holstering his sidearm. "Los Lobos all laid out neat as you please, and even two tourists to press charges." He glanced at Harry's wound, "A nice little through-and-through. It looks like you made the acquaintance of the Bat." He chuckled, adding, "Welcome to Gotham City."

To: Minerva McGonagall
From: oraclesecure AT oraclesecure net
Date: December 26, 1999 19:48:03
Subject: Potters

Both subjects in hospital with minor injuries.


To: Dean Thomas
From: Minerva McGonagall
Date: December 26, 1999 19:50:05
Subject: FW: Potters

Thank you for that timely warning, Mr. Thomas. As you can see, I am informed that both are in a Gotham hospital with only minor injuries.

> Both subjects in hospital with minor injuries.

Minerva

Friday, December 31, 1999:
Gotham City, Gotham General Hospital, room 314: 19:22
"Mrs. Potter, I'm afraid there's a bit of a problem with your account," the young nurse said as she entered the darkened room. "The British NHS is saying you don't exist."

"I'm saying they do, Melanie," a voice graveled from the corner, Harry, Ginny and the nurse starting in surprise. A tall figure in black emerged from the shadows, passing the stunned nurse a card. "I'm covering the Potters."

"Oh, Batman! Of course," and she turned to go. He stopped her, passing her some folded bills with a card, "Give Mad Al a call at his shop. He's holding a flute for your son. Gotham needs more music. You can tell Peter I expect to hear him practicing." A ghost of a smile touched him, "The Potters are checking out, I have secure facilities arranged."

"How did you know my son's name…" she asked, as the door opened to a dark figure.

"He's Batman," she said, as she pushed a cart with two infants, adding, "You're checking out." Turning to the dazed nurse, she reminded her, "Don't forget the birth certificates."

"This is where they said to meet, but…" Melanie said; when the thrum of powerful engines was heard. A low-slung black creation appeared, followed by a black motorcycle. The rider hopped off, her cape giving her the appearance of floating above the ground. Hatches hissed open, and Melanie said, "I think your ride's here."
Saturday, January 1, 2000:
Gotham City, Batcave, medical bay: 05:00
"Good morning," the dark figure said as she came through the shimmering force screen. "I hope you're comfortable," she added.

"Yes, quite," Harry replied. "We'd like to know what's going on, though." He added, "Miss Wayne."

"Who?"

"Miss Wayne, I've seen your magical aura once a week for the last year and a half," Harry said. "There are slight changes, due to your aging potion. If you're concerned about your secret, perhaps you should be aware that we owe you a Wizard's Debt for saving our lives."

"We'll carry your secret to our graves," Ginny added. The dark figure's head swiveled to look at her, "Strange you should say that." Ginny paled when the dark figure added, "We have quite a bit of evidence regarding the Hansen murder. We aren't as clueless as some in London."

"Ginny?"

"Later, Harry." Ginny took a breath, asking, "What do you want?"

"For the moment, your silence. Whatever assistance you can give your housemate Felicia would be appreciated. A show of Gryffindor solidarity, you understand." Ginny nodded, the dark figure continued, "Sonic shower through there. Clothing replicator is built in above, say aloud 'Body scanner on', then your name. Use the full range of motion to get a good fit. Tell the replicator 'Instructions', it will produce what you need. Food replicator is to the right, speak clearly. Batman will pick you up at 06:30 sharp for your trip to the airport. You'll be flying with Wayne and her friends back to Hogwarts. Don't be late."

She turned to leave, Harry called, "Wait, we need passports and whatnot." The dark figure reached under her cape, tossing an envelope to him. "Passports for the four of you, the twins' birth certificates, the police report and fifty pounds for expenses. Anything else?"

Saturday, January 1, 2000:
Gotham International Airport, private terminal: 07:11 (GMT -5)
Harry and Ginny stepped out of the black car, Batman pulling away. "Professor Harry! Ginny! When did you get in town? We could have gone out or something," Mattie called, Bruce waving and joining them.

Harry looked between Bruce and the vanished Batmobile; then he shook his head, "It was kind of a 'spur of the moment' thing. Hello, Mr. Wayne, Ms. Hawking."

Mattie was cooing over the babies when the pilot cleared his throat. "Excuse me, Mr. Wayne. We're going to have to depart shortly."

"Oh, right, right." He gave a hug to Mattie, shook Harry's hand, nodding to Ginny; then departed. The pilot looked at Harry and Ginny, asking, "I wasn't told about four additional passengers."

"They're from my school in Scotland, I guess they missed their flights back," Mattie said. "I'll take any heat for them being here."

"If you say so, Miss Wayne," the pilot replied, as the copilot shrugged and closed the hatch.

"I wish we'd known you were coming, we could have shown you some of the sights," Mattie grinned as the seatbelt light went off. "Well, we'll do that on your next visit, especially since the kids are Gothamites."

"What d' you mean, Gothamites? I thought they were Americans," Harry asked.

"They're that, of course, but what's more important is Gotham. It's something that gets in you; in your blood, something that, well, you want to, no, need is a better word. You need to dance on the razor's edge in the moonlight. You need to push past what people say is likely, or possible, or even impossible. You need to not only push past those barriers, but shatter them." Mattie steepled her fingers, adding, "They can do that when they come home to Gotham."

"Not bloody likely," Ginny snorted; Mattie smiled.

Harry cast a privacy spell, "In any case, we must thank you for saving our lives."

"What do you mean?" Mattie asked.

"You, your father, the alleyway and all those guns," Harry said, as Sheila leaned forward.

Mattie's demeanor changed, "You're welcome," she said coolly. "You are aware that by coming to Gotham without notifying us in advance, you put not only your lives, but that of other people in jeopardy? We have a job to do; we don't have time to baby-sit every hero that wanders into town." With a cold look, she added, "That includes wizards."

"But how…" Ginny asked.

"Because you decided to play Little Miss Curious, other people's lives were risked. When you ignored protocol and came without letting me know, that was not only rude, but dangerous. Tell me, why didn't you apparate out?" Mattie looked at Harry, "Why didn't you change into your panther form?"

"I ... I didn't think of it."

Mattie snorted in disgust. "You froze. You could have used wandless magic to distract them, and been on top of the situation. You could have apparated Ginny straight up to the roof when Felipe was distracted. The guns were off you, Manuel and Jesus were scared about pointing a gun at Felipe. Instead, you froze. Why didn't you apparate?"

"Pomfrey forbid me from apparating for a month ..." Ginny said weakly.

"So instead of our saving a girl in Robinson Park from a serial rapist, you decided THIS time to follow Pomfrey's advice," Sheila said. She glared at Ginny; then added, "I got to her in time to save her life, but she'll be in a wheelchair. No magical potions for her, the sick bastard broke her back against a rock when he raped her. She was a fool to go there after dark, but she's still alive, unlike her male escort." She looked coldly at Harry, "You chose to ignore good advice and didn't sit on your wife when she got it in her head to visit. You knew this was a dangerous town, yet you came anyway. The next time either of you has a bright idea like this, think of that girl in the wheelchair." She twisted the knife a bit, adding, "With therapy and luck, she'll walk again, but her dance career is over."

"Oh, god, we didn't know," Harry said, burying his face in his hands. "I was just thinking about you and your father saving the lives of Ginny and I, as well as our children."

Saturday, January 1, 2000:
Teterboro New Jersey, Teterboro airport: 07:54 (GMT-5)
"Lee! Shaundra! Roshawn! How are you guys? How was your Christmas?" Mattie called.

"Excellent! We found these shops in the Village, and…" Lee stopped, asking, "Professor Harry, what are you doing here?"

"They decided to visit Gotham, and we have two new Gothamites in the world!" Mattie said happily.

"This is Sirius James Remus, and his big sister Molly Lilly Potter," Harry announced quietly as Sirius yawned.

"Come now, girls, buckle up," the copilot called. "We'll be taking off again as soon as we top off fuel and finish loading luggage."

Saturday, January 1, 2000:
London, Marlybone, (Adams house): 07:30 (GMT)
"Harrow Road west to the A5, then northwest to the M1," Mr. Adams said. "No bouncing about when you don't need to. Once you're on the M1, then Bob's your Uncle."

"Right, thanks," Bill Sr. said, looking at the hand-drawn map and comparing it to his other ones. He shook hands again, then waved and started the van.

"Back to school," Charlie said with mock gloom. "I wonder how the Yanks did on their trip?"

Saturday, January 1, 2000:
Scotland, Edinburgh: 16:10 (GMT)
"Feet dry," the copilot said, as the jet passed over Ireland. "About thirty minutes to landing, make sure your documents are ready for Customs."

"Customs!" Harry said as he ripped open the envelope. "We don't have photos on these passports!" He glanced at his; asking, "How…?"

"We called the British ambassador," Sheila replied as she riffled through her briefcase. "They were overnighted to us after you lost yours." She passed over a pen, "Don't forget to sign them, and don't forget your kids' birth certificates."

Mattie was on the phone, "Hello, Charlie? We've just passed over the Irish coast, about thirty minutes until we land; and then we have to clear Customs. Where are you guys?" She put her hand over the mouthpiece, "They're north of Edinburgh. Where should we meet?"

"There are some pubs in the airport, and I could use a pint," Harry declared. "What about one of those?" Mattie nodded, and returned to the phone.

Saturday, January 1, 2000:
Scotland, Edinburgh: 16:10 (GMT)
Charlie's mobile rang, "Hullo? Oy, Mattie! No, we had a grand time. We're just on the north side of Edinburgh, so maybe an hour to Inverness, where should we meet?" He put his mobile down, "They've just cleared the Irish coast, so thirty minutes plus customs. They suggest we meet in one of the airport's pubs."

"Ah, fresh Guinness," Henry said, and his mum frowned as Charlie chuckled. "A pub sounds good. Give my mobile a ring when you're on the ground, so we can co-ordinate."

Saturday, January 1, 2000:
Scotland, Inverness international airport: 16:47 (GMT)
Charlie's mobile rang. "Hullo? Oy, Mattie, we've just parked, we'll see you in a minute." He put it down, "They're in a pub called 'Loch's End'. Pub grub good with everyone?" They nodded, "We'll find some trolleys and see you in fifteen minutes or so."
Arthur saw them waving, and motioned his family that way. Teela squealed, and asked Ginny, "They're adorable! When were they born?"

"Boxing Day, in Gotham," Harry said, looking at his fourth glass of whiskey. Ginny darted a glance at him as he threw it back, telling him "No more."

"The Bat gave us fifty pounds for expenses. This is an expense," Harry slurred. Elena stared at him as he put his head down, "You met the Bat? In Gotham?" she whispered.

"Remember what we said last year, Elena?" Mattie asked. "To meet the Bat, you're either in trouble, or you are trouble," she waved a hand, "This was the first case, they went where they shouldn't. The Bat called us, and we were more than happy to help."

"Two more Gothamites in Hogwarts," Lee said.

"Pardon me," a fellow said. "Did you say Hogwarts? I'm Leftenant Martin, Royal Marines. I was supposed to be met by Mr. Potter, I'm taking up a teaching position there."

Ginny lifted Harry's hand, "This is Mr. Potter, although he's in no shape to drive. What position will you be teaching?"

"Defense, the martial arts." People looked at Mattie, who raised her eyebrow.

"Ah, have you had a class or two? Excellent! I've a black belt, and you can be my assistant!" the leftenant said happily. Lee, the twins, Arthur and Henry started to cough, and backs were pounded.

Mattie smiled, "I've had a class or two. Nothing much though." More coughing.

"Well, we'll get you up to scratch. No worries." The leftenant paused, "How were you lot going to get to Hogwarts? I was never great shakes on a broom."

"We have a van," Sheila said. "You're welcome to join us, but we need to see some of this lot off to the States."

"Dobby!" Ginny called, and with a 'pop' the house-elf appeared. "Please take Harry and the twins to our flat. Do you know where the Headmaster is?"

"Master Dumbledore is in his office, Mistress Wheezy," Dobby said, before popping out.

"Leftenant Martin, I'll introduce you to the Headmaster. Please come with me." The young leftenant strolled off after Ginny, and Lee asked Mattie, "Just how badly are you going to kick his butt?"

"I haven't decided yet," Mattie smirked. "It depends on how his first class goes; I might actually learn something from him."

"Oh, right," one of the twins snorted. "You kicked Malfoy and his Death Eaters' ass all by yourself. You're gonna let this stuck-up twit live?"

Her sister said, "Oooh, I've got a black belt! I'm hot stuff!" she also snorted, "I'm putting gold on you, Wayne."

"Now, now," Arthur cautioned, "Don't underestimate the Leftenant." The others laughed as they headed for their dorms, and Charlie called, "I'll run a pool on you, Mattie."