Married! They are married? Ron Weasley was pacing around the room furiously.



But that can't be. Married! Lupin is well, Lupin. I mean, . . . married.

It's true Ron.

But, but. Ron finally stopped and fell numbly into a chair. It wasn't supposed to be this way.

Harry did not want to wade into this, but there was no getting around this particular fact. Well, maybe it was.

Ron didn't answer this. He gave a table a painfully hard punch and walked toward the door. I'm going . . . out, he said. Harry just nodded.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Hermione was teaching Colin Ginny's bat boogie hex while Remus and Johann looked on. There was a knock on the door.

It was Snape. He slipped inside and spoke evenly, The first circle time has begun. The last two members should be here shortly. Dumbledore is certain, and Harry Potter has been informed.

Hermione checked her surprise. Alright. Thank you. Please sit down.

Snape gave Colin a look of distaste. Colin scurried out of the room. Snape sat on the edge of a chair. He surveyed the room quickly and nodded recognition to Johann. Then his eyes flicked between Remus and Hermione. Some emotion crossed his face and was gone.

Thankfully, another knock sounded. Two figures entered. Two wrists were bared.

Hermione's voice surprised her with its steadiness, The council of the west is convened once more. Time is short. We all know this. Such is the nature of our duties. Infinite time cannot alone save us in any event. Tonight it begins, as it has to begin. Everyone please raise your wands.