Chapter 70
Ron stopped laughing and looked down at the photo of himself, managing to read the first few sentences:
"Sources have reported that Ronald Weasley, youngest son of Arthur and Molly Weasley, is a shapeshifter. At the end of a friendly Quidditch game between two opposing houses, Mr. Weasley's best friend, the Boy Who Lived, fell off of his broom. A student from the opposing team offered to help him to his feet when Mr. Weasley flew on the scene and turned into a large lion. He attempted to bite the student and mangled the arm of another nearby."
Ron skimmed the rest of the article that ended with, "It amazes this reporter that Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry would allow such an animal to roam free in its Halls as a danger to its fellow students. This paper would like to request the Ministry take immediate and effective action to ensure that this menace is contained as example."
Ron set the paper down and looked at his friends, no one said a word.
Susan broke the silence whispering, "My Aunt sent me an owl this morning. She's been getting letters from a number of angry parents, but she said that this is an internal matter for the school and that the Ministry would not be interfering."
Ron looked up, her words had little meaning, his shock turning to anger, "Do any of you believe this rubbish?"
"No, of course not," Hermione answered for the rest of them touching his shoulder.
Ron looked over at her, but her words seemed hollow to him, "Right."
Ron felt the waves of tension, anger, and confusion from the students around him. Even his own friends were worried that he may turn into a horrible monster. He rose from the bench and walked towards the doors without another word. He could hear Hermione's footsteps following his own out of the Hall.
"Ron you have got to calm down," Hermione spoke up once they were alone in the entrance hall.
Ron whirled around to face her and sneered, "You better be careful Hermione. You never know when I'm going to go barmy and attack you. I AM an animal after all."
Hermione struggled to catch her breath and speak at the same time, "You… know…that's…not true Ron. You were just trying to protect Harry. We all know that."
"Well then, tell everybody in the Great Hall that. I could smell the fear Hermione, some of them were about to cry. Even those people that are supposed to be my friends were worried," he snarled pacing around the hall.
"Your friends are worried about you Ron, not being eaten," Hermione replied reaching out and stopping him, running her hand down his jaw line, "The rest of the school, they don't understand. Most of them are on your side. It wouldn't surprise me if they end up giving you a medal for driving off Malfoy's goons."
Ron pulled her hand away gently, "Somehow I don't reckon that's going to happen Hermione." Ron looked down at her for a moment, and kissed the palm of her hand, "Hermione, I have to get away for a bit, or I'm going to explode. I'll be back by dinner I promise."
"Ron, what about the Slytherins?" Hermione asked.
"You can handle that. They really only wanted you anyway," Ron spoke up walking away from her.
Hermione opened her mouth to object, but Ron managed to transform before she could voice her concerns. She watched him speed off towards the forest for a moment, her heart breaking, before setting off for Professor McGonagall's office.
I need to get someone to follow him, just in case he needs help.
Ron let his rage take control as he raced through the forest. Myriad smells assaulted him and he was tempted several times to strike off after a particular scent. Stopping for a moment, he lifted his head to sniff the wind and caught the scent of blood on the air. Another time Ron would have realized the need to be cautious, but now his anger forced him towards the smell. It was an easy trail to follow and after a half of a mile or so Ron emerged in a large clearing where the scent ended. Just before the northern edge of the clearing gave way to forest, he found a centaur's body surrounded by a pool of blood.
Ron approached the body sniffing cautiously. It didn't take long to determine the centaur hadn't been long dead. There was a scent mixed in with the blood that caused to Ron to flatten his ears and sweep his eyes across the forest edge. He growled low in his throat in warning. Then he saw several shapes move out from the cover of the forest.
Ron recognized the beasts from his Care of Magical Creatures Class. The Darken Wolves were at least as big as him with large, sharp teeth. The size and their red eyes were how you recognized the difference. Ron knew he was in trouble, but his blood sang with the danger, his anger fueling him on.
Ron let loose a roar of challenge hoping to make the Darken Wolves back off. The roar seemed to shake the trees from the noise, and the wolves backed away, circling in front of him. He felt their worry, but it quickly disappeared as he caught the scent of two or three coming up behind him.
Ron knew the Darken Wolves would attack as a pack and try to wear him down. Every time he would turn to face one of them, another would attack from behind and try to take out his back legs. Once they managed to take out his rear legs, he would be all but helpless. There was only one thing to do.
Ron whirled on the ones approaching from behind, and charged them. The three Darken Wolves scattered, but one reacted too slowly and Ron lashed out with his paw. The Darken Wolf yelped in pain as Ron dug his claws in the wolves flank. The wolf slunk away from him as he turned and leapt over the two nearby Wolves. As soon as he landed he whipped around to face all six of the Wolves still in the fight. For the moment the Wolves couldn't get to his vulnerable flanks and with them in front of him he could take advantage of his powerful front claws. All of these thoughts passed through his mind in the blink of an eye and then he reacted.
One of the Darken Wolves had crept in too close and Ron clawed the side of its head, throwing it to the ground and snapping its neck. The remaining Wolves had used the distraction to once again attempt to circle Ron, moving through the forest undergrowth. Ron fought to keep them back, but one wolf was able to sneak up from behind and sank its teeth into his right leg.
He knew the Wolves would expect him to turn towards the Wolf that bit him, so instead he shook his leg free and lunged forward. As expected, the Wolves in front of him lunged at the same time. Ron managed to catch the one of them in his jaws and tore its neck out with one shake of his head. Once again the Wolf to his rear managed to get his teeth into Ron's flank. Ron gathered his legs again and leapt over the Wolves in front. As they turned to bite him, he kicked back with his hind legs and caught a fourth, gouging deep furrows into its side. Ron felt confident he could handle the three remaining wolves when he felt his right rear leg collapse.
Bugger, they must have done more damage than I thought. Think Weasley or you will be eaten alive.
The idea of being eaten alive chilled Ron to the very core and he tried to slowly back away to no avail. He took a couple of swipes at the Wolves but they scampered just out of reach. Ron tried to lunge at the Wolf on his left, but was not able to get any push from his legs as he just missed catching it with his muzzle. The other two Wolves saw him come up short and one caught his left front leg in its teeth.
He tried desperately to break free but it held on tightly. With a howl of pain, he felt the leg break and swiped at them with the right front leg in vain. Ron found he could no longer stand or even sit up. The best he could manage was to roll up on his belly a bit and try to fight back with one leg. One of the Wolves darted in and sank its teeth into the back of his neck. The pain shook Ron and the burst of energy let him shake free and swipe at the wolf. His paw landed heavily, and the wolf yelped and backed away. Ron knew he was losing a lot of blood. The weakness seemed to be spreading throughout his body now.
The two remaining Darken Wolves moved towards him confidently. Ron's vision was starting to dim and he hoped that being eaten wouldn't hurt too much. He caught a scent of something familiar as he thought the Wolves were about to make their final strike. He felt a gust of wind and the wolves backed away from him growling as two pairs of feet appeared in front of him.
A deep voice shouted something and one of the wolves flew back against a tree with a sickening thud. In addition to the seven that attacked Ron, he saw a dozen more enter the clearing, their howls filling the morning air. Ron fought to remain conscious until he recognized the scent of his Pride. They were with him, holding the wolves at bay. A woman's voice spoke and an amber shield appeared in front of him. At the same time, he felt familiar hands moving through his fur. He fought to remain conscious before his vision finally failed and he swore he heard someone speak his name.
Ron could see the light even before he opened his eyes. He flinched a bit from the glare and his neck felt as if it was on fire.
Ron became aware that he was back in human form and the smells around him let him know he was back in the castle. Someone sat near him that he could not place, "Ahh Mr. Weasley, it's good to see you awake."
Ron opened his eyes and tried to turn his head to the right where the distinctive voice of Professor Albus Dumbledore seemed to have come from. "Professor?" he asked ceasing any attempt to turn his head as a sharp pain rolled through his neck.
"Try to remain still Mr. Weasley. Your injuries are much less severe than we first feared, yet I believe that it will be just a bit longer before you can move your neck freely. A lion's mane is quite a handy thing to have," Dumbledore said with a slight smile, as he moved so that Ron could see him with his good eye.
"How long have I been out?" Ron asked noticing his legs and arms also sore. His memories of the fight in the Forest becoming clearer and with them his own worry returned.
"Just a few hours. That is why you are still very sore," Dumbledore smoothed the blankets around Ron. "Your broken leg has been mended and the worst of the cuts. For one lion against seven Darken Wolves that was quite a feat."
Ron chuckled, and winced from the movement, "If by feat you mean really stupid thing to do, then yes, it was quite a feat."
Professor Dumbledore chuckled, "We all come by wisdom in different ways Ronald. Let us be glad that none of you paid a higher price for your actions. However understandable they might be."
"I take it you talked to Hermione about what happened?" Ron asked sheepishly. He didn't like worrying her, and he knew she would have a long discussion with him regarding his latest act of recklessness.
"I dare say Miss Granger did most of the talking, but to answer your question we have indeed spoken about what happened." Dumbledore sighed and his smile disappeared, "I know you must be angry about the Daily Prophet article. It was definitely an unfortunate response. Never fear, there will be repercussions for many people. Your parents and I believe all of your brothers have sent letters that your sister has waiting for you. The important thing to realize is that it will be forgotten soon enough. You should know by now that you have many friends here Ronald."
"Friends? What friends? Professor, I could smell their fear in the Great Hall. People I thought that were my friends. I was there Professor, I know how they all felt," Ron sighed holding up his hands to look at them.
"No Ronald, you know how they felt right at that moment. You don't know how they feel now that they have had time to think about it," Dumbledore paused and took in the disbelieving look on Ron's face. "Many of them will undoubtedly be uncomfortable around you for a short time. A few may never be entirely comfortable around you, but those who were your friends, remain so. In fact, it took a great deal of effort to keep several of them out of here, not the least of them being the redoubtable Mr. Potter, Miss Weasley and Miss Granger."
"Why did they need to be kept out Professor?" Ron asked still just a bit confused. "We were allowed to visit one of another before."
"Well, by the time Miss Bones and Mr. Longbottom had helped Bane get rid of the rest of the Darken Wolf pack, you had lost a great deal of blood. Miss Bones had packed Blood Replenishment tablets with her and was able to administer them early enough. They take time though, and until they had done their work, you looked much worse than you were. Madame Pomfrey and I decided that the best course of action was to keep the other students from seeing you until you looked a bit better, to keep them from worrying."
"Were Susan and Neville alright? How did they know where to find me?" Ron asked surprised.
"Miss Granger asked them to follow you, discreetly. They were tracking you through the Forbidden Forest, when they found Bane who was tracking the wolf pack, thus leading them to you. They are fine, just a few cuts and bruises that were treated. Unfortunately for them, humans heal quite slowly from Darken Wolf wounds. Because of you're, shall we say state, during the attack, you were fortunate and should be up on your feet quite soon."
"Well, I hope it all helped keep Hermione from fretting," Ron said trying to move his neck around a bit more.
Dumbledore gave a great laugh, "I believe there is nothing on this earth that could keep Miss Granger from fretting when your well being is in doubt. Do you feel well enough for visitors?"
Ron smiled, seeing Hermione and apologizing to her and everyone else for his behavior this morning, was a priority. Professor Dumbledore encouraged him to find wisdom from his actions. In truth, Ron realized one key thing that he had missed this morning and that he needed to encourage even further—trust.
Ron nodded to Professor Dumbledore, and watched as the older man rose to his feet, "Well then, I will send word to Gryffindor Tower that you can have visitors. I expect that Miss Granger, Miss Weasley and Mr. Potter will be quite relieved to hear that."
"Professor, can you also let Susan, Neville, Luna, Daphne and Blaise that I need to see them as well?" Ron asked softly.
Dumbledore gave him an appraising look, "Very well, Mr. Weasley, that is quite an interesting group. I will see to it, but I can all ready tell you that Madame Pomfrey will not be happy."
Ron smiled, "Tell her, if she will let them all come to see me, I will promise to do exactly what she asks without one word of complaint until she releases me."
Dumbledore laughed, "For that, she may be more flexible." Dumbledore paused for a moment, looking down at the youth. "Ronald, just so you know, I am very proud of you and Miss Granger, as well as Harry. I know it must seem that I spend every waking moment thinking about Harry, but I often find the two of you in my thoughts as well. Oh I think if you are careful, you can make dinner tonight in the Great Hall. The Treacle Tart is supposed to be quite tasty tonight."
Ron's thoughts turned inward as soon as Dumbledore left the Hospital Wing. His mind raced with things that needed to be done and how they were going to get that way. This was the worst possible time to get injured. The Cauldron, the constant threat of Voldemort and his minions, the Quidditch final, the rumors coming from the dungeons, and all of his extra training weighed on him. He could feel himself starting to tense when he heard Daphne and Blaise walk through the door and walk into his view.
The Slytherins looked at him closely for a minute before Blaise exclaimed, "Gods Weasley, you look like utter shite."
Ron shook his head and winced, "Thanks loads Blaise," Ron replied sarcastically.
Daphne frowned with worry and reached out to push Ron's hair out of his eyes, "Are you alright?"
"I'm tired and sore as hell, but other than that I'm just fine," Ron smiled up at her.
Blaise looked from one to another, "We got a message you wanted to see us. Where's everyone else?" Blaise asked pulling up a chair and sitting smoothly.
Ron sat up, wincing at the sudden pain, and then reached out and took a drink from the stand beside his bed, "They are coming. I'm glad you two arrived first. I wanted to talk to you alone. I need you to do something for me."
"We'll do whatever you need Ron," Daphne replied uncharacteristically straight forward.
Both Blaise and Ron looked at her shocked, and then Ron started speaking again, "First, Daphne, I need you to stop going at it with Hermione. I need you two working together. You are the smartest students in the school and I don't need you fighting with each other."
"Maybe we just don't like each other," Daphne said with a frown.
"Bollocks," Ron answered with a slight smile. Blaise sat up quickly doing a poor job of disguising his laughter as a cough, "You two are the two most competitive witches in Hogwarts. You are in so much competition that you flirt with me just to make her jumpy."
"Maybe I flirt with you because I like you," she countered quietly, touching Ron's hand.
Ron shook his head moving his arm away from her, "No you don't, and we both know it. Daphne, you are quite beautiful, and you know it. Maybe you think you feel something for me, but in the end, you're just my friend and a good one. Besides, I know which Gryffindor you look at when you think no one is paying attention and it certainly isn't me, Harry, or Neville."
Blaise sat up even straighter and looked at Daphne curiously. Daphne to his utter shock was blushing for the first time in his memory. He found it quite disturbing and an interesting piece of information to save for later.
Daphne recovered quickly, looking at Blaise's amused face with a shake of her head, "Anyway, wasn't there something else you wanted from us?" Daphne asked brusquely.
Ron nodded, "There are a lot of things going on around here that are important, and my getting hurt has not helped get them done. Look, I know things are starting to get bad in the Dungeons." He paused as Daphne and Blaise exchanged a look, neither Slytherin was laughing. "I know you two think of it as an inner-House problem, but I think Blaise is beginning to realize that it may affect people in other houses as well."
Blaise frowned looking from Daphne to Ron, Ron continued, "I'm not going to say anything other than I believe you are showing good taste. However, Harry, Neville, and I will end you if you hurt her. Beyond that, we'll talk about the dungeons more when everyone else is here."
Blaise frowned. After Daphne had pulled him aside and warned him about the Hufflepuff, Blaise had decided to forget about the girl. Weasley's little comment further proved that he needed to stay away from her. Ron continued, "Secondly, you need help getting past that door Daphne told us about. Finding the entrance to the foundation will go faster if we can organize more people to help you look."
"Perhaps," Blaise replied crossing his arms, it was all the more he was willing to concede.
"Daphne, Blaise, there's one other thing. A number of the girls are acting a bit odd, Hermione and Ginny are included. I'm not even sure that Susan isn't involved in one way or another, but I want to know what they are up to," Ron finished.
Blaise and Daphne looked at each other a moment as if they were making a decision.
Blaise's frown turned back into the sarcastic smile, "So, what do you plan on doing?" he drawled.
Ron opened his mouth when Luna and Susan opened the door. He glanced at them quickly and then continued quietly to Blaise, "I plan on making us all trust each other a bit more. If we don't, we aren't going to make it out of this alive."
Susan and Luna seemed surprised to find Daphne and Blaise sitting at Ron's bedside, but neither said anything as they approached. Ron caught site of the bandage on Susan's arm and a slight limp to her step as she crossed the room.
"Ronald, did you find anything interesting out in the forest? It must be wonderful to run on four legs for a change," Luna smiled at him hugging him gently. "Daphne, Blaise, it is nice to see you," she smiled serenely at them. "Oh, Ronald, please don't do that too often. My poor Neville hates to worry about you," Luna smiled at Ron again as she took a seat on one of the nearby beds.
"I owe you an apology," Ron said looking at Susan's bandages.
"For what? These silly things? You didn't bite me," Susan asked holding up her arm. "I'm just glad that we found you in time. I would have hated to tell Hermione if we hadn't."
Ron pulled Susan into a hug, "That was a brave thing you and Neville did Susan. Don't let anyone tell you different."
Susan hugged him back from a minute and then pulled away, Ron looked at the girl in all seriousness, "I won't forget it either."
Susan smiled and blushed, flashing a glance at Blaise and Daphne before looking back at Ron, "Look, we're friends, OK?"
Ron released her, "Absolutely."
Blaise rose to his feet, "Here," he pushed his chair towards Susan. Weasley holding Susan annoyed him. Why couldn't he have said thanks from a safe distance, like across the room? Besides, the daft girl had wandered into the Forbidden Forest with Longbottom as her only companion, fought off a pack of wolves, saved Weasley, and walked away with a few scratches? Someone needed to examine her head.
Susan, Daphne and Ron all looked at the Slytherin in astonishment. Blaise shrugged at Susan, and waved towards the chair "You look tired."
"I could use a seat," Daphne added sitting next to Luna.
"You weren't fighting Darken Wolves in the Forbidden Forest today. I think you can find your own seat," Blaise snapped back at her. Blaise glared at Daphne for a moment. It was easier to be angry at her rather than analyzing his relief, worry, dread, and … and attraction to the blond girl seated next to him. A moment of annoyance with Weasley had made him jealous. Blaise tolerated few mistakes, and none from himself. He wouldn't be made a fool over a Hufflepuff. He needed to make it clear to her that they should not be friends.
"Now, if you don't mind," Susan interrupted the two Slytherins, completely oblivious to the source of the conflict, "Can we talk about why we are all meeting in the hospital wing?"
"In just a moment Susan, any minute I expect a brown haired whirlwind to disrupt our conversation," Ron chuckled, imagining Hermione sweeping into the room.
"I must admit I'm surprised Granger isn't here yet," Daphne added turning back towards the door.
"Gryffindor tower is probably really busy right now Daphne," Ron noted keeping his eyes on the door.
"Well, since we are waiting for a bit, I wanted to say that was a well-played match Weasley," Blaise offered, smiling slightly.
"The same could be said for you Blaise. You had me fooled on several shots," Ron responded looking back to Blaise.
Blaise looked like he wanted to reply, but before he could voice his opinion the door to the Hospital wing opened up and Hermione raced up to Ron's bed flinging herself on top of him. Ron wrapped his arms around her, as pain raced down his neck and he struggled not to let her know how much it hurt. She squeezed again before pulling away to look at his face, he could see anger flashing in her eyes as well as worry, fear and trepidation.
"Do you think it's possible for you to keep your body in one piece?" Hermione demanded.
Ron opened his mouth to respond when he saw Harry and Ginny standing behind her. Harry shook his head imperceptibly. Trusting his friend's judgment, he closed his mouth and let Hermione blow off some steam.
"Damn it Ron, are you determined to leave me alone? Do you know how I felt when I saw them bring you in here? Then Dumbledore wouldn't let us in to see you and I didn't know why. When we overheard Dumbledore telling McGonagall that there would be no visitors because you looked so bad, I thought I was going to fall apart," Hermione had both of her hands wrapped around his shirt and was staring into his eyes,
"Don't make me do something drastic Ron." Hermione said softly into his chest.
"Hermione if you're talking about leaving me, it's not funny," Ron said holding her tighter.
Hermione leaned back a bit so she could see his face, "It's too late for that Ron, I couldn't leave you for anything." her face seemed to grow more somber, "I mean it Ron, don't make me do something drastic to keep you safe."
Ron wasn't used to Hermione talking like this and was unsure as to how to respond. So instead of saying anything, he leaned forward and softly kissed her until he felt her body relax and her hands unwind from his shirt.
They stayed that way for a short time until they heard someone clear their throat. When they took a bit too long to turn away from each other Ginny's voice taunted them, 'If you don't mind Hermione I would like to give my barmy big brother hug."
Hermione sat up and noticed the smiles on the faces of their friends and blushed a deep red.
"Perhaps you two could take care of your bonding time after we have the meeting?" Blaise added with his usual sarcastic smile.
Hermione moved as if to get off Ron's hospital bed, but he reached out and pulled her back to him, "No reason you can't be comfortable while we talk, love."
Hermione beamed back at him and she turned and smiled at all of their friends. Ron was glad to see that Daphne was smiling right back at Hermione.
"The whole family wrote to tell you to ignore the paper," Ginny said hugging Ron for a moment. "I'm glad you are back safe, even if you are a rather large git."
"Nice to see you too," Ron smiled.
"You've looked better," Harry added, his hand on Ginny's shoulder.
"So have you," Ron countered noticing how pale his best mate was.
"Look, can we agree to stay out of here for the rest of the term?" Harry asked as he and Ginny sat on the free bed.
"I can. Ron, next time, will you pick an animal that isn't resistant to healing potions?" Neville's voice answered Harry.
Neville came limping into view, a crutch under one arm, "Glad to see you awake mate," he added thumping Ron on the shoulder.
"Look, Neville, I am sorry. That was a really brave thing you did," Ron spoke offering the shy Gryffindor his hand.
"We take care of our own," Neville responded shaking Ron's hand.
"Look, I don't forget faithfulness in my friends. I owe you both," Ron finished looking from Neville over to Susan.
Neville took a seat between Daphne and Luna to Ron's right. Ron laughed at his own foolishness for forgetting that he had such amazing friends, "Now that we are all here and the important business is taken care, we have some things that need to be discussed."
Ron paused for a moment then took a chance, "To start off with, why don't Blaise and Daphne fill us in on what is really happening regarding the rumors of Slytherins fighting with each other?"
Blaise visibly stiffened but Daphne reached over and put her hand on his arm to restrain him, "It's OK. It was going to come out soon enough, Blaise."
Blaise ran an angry hand through his hair, the gesture alone showing a surprising amount of emotion for the calm, sarcastic Slytherin, "For the past month things have been tense between the members of Slytherin house who support Malfoy and his kind and those who don't want to get caught up in You Know Who's war. You could say Daphne and I saw this coming and have been slowly cultivating people into our way of thinking. Over the last week, it's gotten worse. I think Malfoy is becoming suspicious of us and is becoming desperate to recruit as many people as he can. Daphne and I found a couple of the younger Slytherins had been hexed by Malfoy's goons for not joining up with them. Malfoy had gone too far. That was when we started setting our plan in motion. Unfortunately, the upshot of all of this is that pretty soon it's going to get bad in the dungeons and Malfoy knows we are behind it."
"Well, you know you can count on us," Ron and Harry said the exact same thing a moment later.
Daphne and Blaise both looked a bit embarrassed at the announcement, "The thing is Ron that having you, Harry or Hermione help would do more harm than good."
Harry scowled and Hermione looked like she wanted to retort when Blaise interrupted, "We need you Gryffindor's to understand, we like you and more importantly we think we can trust you. That said though, a lot of Slytherins think of you three as the reason Slytherin hasn't won the House or Quidditch cup in the past six years. The Slytherins don't want to be part of Malfoy's gang, but they aren't ready to join the 'good guys' yet."
Hermione nodded, "That does make sense I guess."
Daphne smiled in relief looking at Harry's angry expression, "Look, think of it this way. The more Slytherins we can convince to do nothing, rather than join with the Deatheaters, the better off everyone is. Who knows, some of them, like us, may even be willing to help eventually. In the mean time, there is something you can do though. Several of the Ravenclaws and Hufflepuffs might help us, if they think you believe it's a good idea."
Both Susan's and Luna's head jerked up sharply at that. Susan looked as if she was struggling to not to say something when Luna stood up.
"I don't know much about how Slytherins do things, but if you want help from Hufflepuffs and Ravenclaws then you might want to treat them as more than just Gryffindor puppets," Luna intoned emotionlessly.
"I don't think that's what they were saying Luna," Ron said trying to avert an argument.
"No Ron, that's exactly what she said," Susan agreed looking rather annoyed. "We are the back up players and all we do is follow where people tell us to go."
Ron opened his mouth to respond when Susan continued, "Besides, you shouldn't be apologizing for them."
"Susan, all we were saying was that we would appreciate their help in getting the Hufflepuffs and Ravenclaws to support us," Blaise repeated looking at the Hufflepuff with a frown.
Susan looked at Luna, "They don't get it."
Luna smiled, "No, they will though."
"Girls, seriously, all they wanted was our help," Ron tried again. The Gryffindors and Slytherins watched Susan and Luna carefully, no one seemed to see the problem.
Luna turned to Ron with a smile, "Of course you don't see it our way Ronald. Very often if you're not Gryffindor or Slytherin, you get ignored here. As much as you can try not to care, it starts to bother you after a while."
"I never knew you felt that way," Neville said softly taking his girlfriend's hand.
"Neville dear, you know how much I like you Gryffindors. It would just be nice sometimes for someone to think we are important," Luna said sitting back down.
Blaise still looked confused and Susan sighed, "What would you think if I asked Hermione to talk to the Slytherin House about organizing a Quidditch match?"
"Hermione?" Blaise asked with a smirk.
"OK, fine then, Harry. I asked Harry to go to all of your friends and talk them into playing a game rather than asking you to do it. What does that tell you?"
"It says you trust Harry's influence with my friends more than my own," Blaise responded pausing a minute, "I see."
"Look, if you wanted the Hufflepuffs and the Ravenclaws to help you, you should have asked us and not implied that Ron, Harry, and Hermione are in charge of all three houses. What does that say about us?" Susan finished.
"You are both extremely important," Daphne walked over beside Ron so she could face the others. "I know you might be a bit offended by how I said what I did, but please understand. We don't have much experience dealing outside our House. This isn't about who is in what House, but who we can trust and who can help us without making things worse. Susan, Luna, we need all the help we can get."
Daphne glanced and Blaise and he nodded, looking around the room before casually flicking a bit of lint off of his shoulder. "We know what you think of Slytherin House and as much as it pains me to admit it, you aren't totally wrong. It wasn't always like this though. At one time Slytherin was known for producing ambitious and cunning witches and wizards without any taint of the Dark Arts. Look through the records and you will find more Slytherin Head Boys and Girls than any other House. Only with the coming of Grendenwald did the Dark Arts make their way into Slytherin in any real amount. The first rise of Voldemort only increased its popularity."
Blaise looked over the group as he rose to his feet, his voice deep with sincerity, "We want our House to return to the glory of the old days. We want to be friendly rivals with the Gryffindors, rather than have to worry about who will be hexing who," here Blaise looked down at Susan, and implemented his decision to push her away before continuing. He made sure his voice was cold when he continued, "We want Slytherins to be able to be seen with members of the other Houses, both in class and socially, without fights breaking out."
"So that is why you have been spending time with us. That's why you cared at all about Terry and Hannah. You were setting an example," Susan spoke up looking at Blaise.
Blaise met her gaze careful to keep his face neutral, Daphne had warned him not to become too attached. He couldn't afford to worry about Susan Bones as well as the fate of the Slytherin House, "Of course. Being seen in public together helps to strengthen our position with the other Slytherins. They have to know it is possible," Blaise replied. He needed her to believe that the only reason he had been near her was to bolster support with the other Slytherins and even the other houses.
Susan, to her credit, didn't even blink, "I see your point." She nodded slowly, but Blaise saw the change in her. She heard what he had wanted her to hear, and she believed him. Blaise frowned even further. He turned away from her and looked directly at Weasley and then to Potter. Of all the people in the room, those two would understand, "We are proud members of a once proud House, but we cannot do this without your help."
Blaise paused for a moment to compose himself and noticed Hermione giving him an odd look. Choosing to ignore her, he continued resuming his seat, careful not to look over as Susan, "Once we have settled how the future of the Slytherin House will continue, we can do more to aid you in your endeavors."
No one said anything as Ron looked around at the faces of his friends. Most of them were shocked. Never before had they heard a Slytherin speak that way and never would they have expected to hear it come from the lips of Blaise Zambini. Harry, Ginny, and Neville seemed to nod in agreement. Luna and Hermione studied each Slytherin in their turn. Daphne watched Blaise and Susan with a small frown on her face and finally Ron looked at the last two. Susan stared at her hands as if she was making a decision. Blaise, however, watched Susan closely, his face unreadable. Ron had missed something between the two.
It was Luna who broke the silence, "How can we help, Blaise?"
Blaise looked at the Ravenclaw sharply for a minute, as if gauging the truthfulness in her offer, and then to Daphne. Daphne nodded imperceptibly and once again the two understood each other's unspoken message.
Daphne looked at Luna and the rest of the group, "It would be a great help if you could keep an eye out for some of the younger Slytherins. We, and our allies, can keep an eye on them in the dungeons, but once they are spread out over the castle grounds it makes it easier for Malfoy and his goons to ambush them. The more support they see coming from the other Houses, the more we are hoping to discourage them. If you and Susan could talk to your friends and try to find people willing to help, the better off we will be."
Daphne paused looking at Blaise, and then to Susan, "It would also be a big help if you could start some sort of distraction during dinner. We have something we need to look into down in the dungeons and we can't afford to be interrupted."
Susan and Luna both looked at each other and then nodded in agreement.
"I can probably get Seamus and Dean to help you if you want, Susan," Ron chipped in.
"Just be careful ok?" Harry said seriously, "This is going to be a long war and it could even get ugly here before it's over. We don't want anyone making themselves too big a target for Malfoy and his cronies."
"I'll help you as well," Ginny added, "I have a feeling a good number of you might be busy tonight."
Susan smiled looking over at Ginny, "I think I know what we can do. Daphne, if we make Malfoy look bad in the process, will it be a problem?"
Daphne shook her head and smiled at Susan, "You do whatever you think is needed. Malfoy deserves all the abuse you can give him."
"If Neville will loan me his crutches over dinner, I think we can set a trap for Malfoy that will not only keep him distracted but might just let us hex him while earning him a detention."
"I like the way you think," Ginny added. "You're going to let me help, aren't you?"
Susan smiled at the red head, "Of course."
"Don't be a fool. Malfoy is cunning and he won't be working alone." Blaise ground his teeth in frustration. He was staying away from her for a reason, and she wants to go put herself in danger anyway? Why couldn't the girl stay out of trouble?
"We'll be fine. I'm surprised you care," Susan replied coolly.
Blaise frowned in earnest, her words stung him. "I'd rather not keep meeting in the Hospital Wing if it is all the same to you," he answered her, his voice dripping with sarcasm.
"I'm with Blaise on this," Harry growled. "You two setting yourselves up as targets for Malfoy is hardly what I would call a good idea."
"We will be safe," Ginny spoke up smiling at Harry. "We'll give Malfoy an opportunity to make the distraction for us. It will also help us gain more support in the other houses and show your Slytherin allies that they aren't alone."
"That's settled then," Luna spoke up, "Why are a number of you going to be busy tonight?"
Ron looked at Hermione and Harry to gauge their assent and then spoke to the group, "We are going to be helping Blaise and Daphne with a door they found in the dungeons."
"What sort of door?" Neville asked.
Daphne lowered her voice before she spoke, "Blaise and I were doing some scouting in the dungeons when we found a series of doors leading even deeper underground. We managed to open the first four doors when we came across a HIGHLY enchanted door. The entire surface of the door is covered in Runes and, so far it has resisted all of our efforts to open it. We are hoping Hermione, Harry and Ron may have another idea."
"I'm certain with all of us working together that we can open the door, but Ron won't be joining us tonight," Hermione remarked folding her arms over her chest.
"Like hell I won't," Ron replied.
"Don't swear Ron," Hermione admonished. "After your little jaunt into the Forbidden Forest you are going to spend the rest of today in bed."
"I'll be fine, love. After a little rest, I can sneak out and join you and Harry before you go to the dungeons," Ron replied smiling down at the angry girl at his side.
"Don't you give me that 'I'll be fine love' codswollop, Ronald Weasley," Hermione said her face flushing red.
Ginny and Harry looked at each other and Harry was certain that Ron didn't see that Hermione had both of her fists balled up tightly. It was a warning sign that things were going to get ugly and quickly.
"You know I heal quickly Hermione. It'll be alright. You have to trust me on this," Ron said soothingly.
"Don't you dare try that on me Ronald," Hermione growled. "I trust you in every regard, EXCEPT when it comes to taking care of yourself. I'll do whatever I have to do to make sure you stay in bed."
Ron arched one eyebrow, "Why Hermione, is that an offer?"
Hermione flushed but never lost her train of thought. "Yes Ron, it is an offer to hex you right into that bed." Hermione turned to Blaise and Daphne, "Let's meet about ten minutes after dinner starts in the Charms class room." Then she turned back to Ron ready to resume their argument.
Harry saw Ron make a gesture to Daphne like she would see him later and he also saw Hermione's eyes flash when she saw it as well.
"Ok everyone let's get out of here now. Those of you who haven't been around a while don't know just how bad their rows can get." Harry suggested.
They trooped outside, Daphne and Blaise allowing the others to precede them as Ron and Hermione continued to increase in volume.
"You hurt her," Daphne whispered to Blaise.
"I know. You're the one that said I needed to keep my distance. I can't afford Malfoy to know about her," Blaise replied annoyed.
"You mean you can't afford Malfoy to know how you feel about her. When we talked earlier, I meant you shouldn't be seen together in the Great Hall. I didn't mean to stop talking altogether," Daphne replied. "Unless you are still having doubts."
Blaise frowned deeper, Daphne knew him too well. Daphne continued, "She still agreed to help us, even with your stupid antics. As did the rest of them."
They walked in silence for a while until Daphne stopped Blaise and whispered, "Blaise, it is your decision, but people like Susan are rare. She's as far from Lenore as you can get, and for some odd reason I think she actually considered liking you back before you became an idiot again."
Blaise snorted annoyed at Daphne's insinuations, "I was not an idiot. I was trying to protect her."
"Protect her or protect yourself?" Daphne shot back.
Blaise stopped speaking at that point. He had to consider that she may be right.
"Ginny, I've got to go study for awhile this afternoon," Harry said looking at his girlfriend. "Can we spend some time together tonight after everything's finished up?"
Ginny frowned, but nodded, "That's Ok. We need to talk about Malfoy anyhow. I'll see you." Harry bent down and kissed her cheek before leaving them outside of the Hospital Wing.
Ginny sighed as she watched Harry walk away and then turned back to the remainder of the group, "The fun of dating the Boy Who Has Too Many Obligations." Ginny shook her head, "Ignore that. Now what's the plan?"
Susan spoke softly to Neville, Luna and Ginny as they walked back towards the Entrance Hall, "This is how I think we should do this. Luna if you would show Professor Flitwick your Gryffindor hat it would distract most of the Professors. I think Flitwick will like the new charms you added to it. At the same time, I will be standing with Ginny by the door to the Great Hall where Malfoy, Crabbe and Goyle can't help but to see us. Now we all know that Malfoy won't be able to resist starting something if he thinks I am really injured. Neville will be seated at the end of the Gryffindor table to help out if things get bad."
Neville looked troubled, "Are you sure this is the best plan to distract Malfoy? I don't want anybody to get hurt."
"Honestly Neville we aren't helpless," Ginny smirked.
"I know that Ginny, I just want to make sure no one is trying to prove anything," he responded looking sharply at Susan.
Ginny looked confused while Susan pulled a face, "The ONLY thing that's going on is trying to help Harry, Ron and Hermione. Anything else is in your imagination."
"If you say so Susan," Neville replied not looking her in the eyes.
"Once this is over we can meet back in the Gryffindor common room. I'll nick some food from the kitchens so we aren't hungry after everything gets sorted out," Ginny smirked.
"Maybe we should meet in the Room of Requirement instead. In case some of the others want to join us," Luna added.
"Good idea, I'll tell Hermione to let Daphne and Blaise know," Ginny agreed. Susan frowned, but said nothing.
"I wonder if Ron and Hermione are still rowing?" Luna said dreamily.
Neville laughed, "I bet they are, love. Anybody who thought that they would stop rowing once they got together was kidding themselves."
Ginny shook her head, "I bet they are finished by now and already snogging."
When she noticed the disbelieving looks, she kept going, "I'm serious; believe it or not Ron knows how to handle Hermione when she gets really mad. They still fight but not nearly as bad and not nearly as long."
"It's his smile," Luna said sliding her necklace back and forth across her throat.
"What?" Neville sputtered and looked at both Ginny and Susan who shrugged.
"She can't resist his smile, silly. It's why I fancied him last year. I was a bit worried that nargles were going to mess it up last Christams but they left him alone," Luna replied her eyes looking off in the distance.
"You fancied Ron?" Neville asked turning pale.
Luna nodded solemnly, with no hint of embarrassment, "I spent all of last year trying to get his attention."
"So do you still fancy him?" Neville asked, sweat breaking out on his forehead.
"Of course not Neville," Luna replied indignantly. "Do I look like the type of girl who would shag someone, while fancying someone else?"
"No," Neville blurted out his face turning bright red as he glanced at Ginny and Susan. Meanwhile they were doing their very best not to burst out in laughter.
"Oh Neville, like we didn't all ready know," Susan laughed at his embarrassment.
Luna looked over at Neville and smiled, "It's a good thing I fancied him too."
"It is?" Neville gasped.
Luna nodded again, "If I hadn't fancied him then I wouldn't have gotten to know you. I was trying to spend a lot of time around the Gryffindors so he would notice me. That's when you and I started talking so much."
Neville brightened, "I guess I should be thankful you started to fancy him then."
Luna laughed, "You should thank him at some point you know." Luna paused for a moment. "Are we finished for now?"
Susan looked at Ginny and then shrugged, "I guess so, let's meet back here about twenty minutes before dinner."
Luna nodded and grabbed Neville's hand, "Come on Neville."
Neville struggled to follow Luna on his crutches, "Where are we going Luna?"
Luna smiled at him over her shoulder as she pulled him along behind her, "I'm just going to remind you what you have to be thankful for."
Harry and Hermione stepped into the Charms classroom and greeted both Daphne and Blaise, "Shall we head down to the Dungeons?" Hermione asked brightly looking back at the door.
"I take it this means that Weasley won't be joining us?" Blaise asked with his usual sarcastic smile.
Hermione nodded, "I think it is safe to say he won't risk umm exposing himself to my wrath," she answered her eyes twinkling much like Dumbledore.
Daphne sighed and reached into her pocket. She pulled out her pouch and handed him five galleons. Then she turned back to Hermione. "If you don't mind my asking, how did you get him to agree to stay? He seemed awfully insistent."
"I want to know too, it had to have been good," Harry agreed.
Hermione gave them a mischievous smile, "I took his clothes while he was in the loo."
The three bent over with laughter, "Well, I guess he won't be joining us tonight," Daphne conceded glaring at the smug Blaise.
"Not unless he wants to go with us starkers," Hermione giggled.
Blaise screwed up his face in disgust, "Well then, let's be glad he's not here. Shall we go?"
Both Daphne and Hermione nodded and Blaise opened the door just in time for Ron to walk through the door fully clothed.
"How did you get your clothes?" Hermione sputtered.
"I'm a shape shifter Hermione. I just ran to Gryffindor Tower as a lion and got more clothes there. We WILL be discussing this later tonight," he scowled at his girl friend.
Blaise frowned when Daphne stuck her hand out and he returned her five galleons and matched it with five of his own.
"Remind me I owe you a butterbeer Ron," Daphne smirked at Blaise.
"Next time Granger, I expect better," Blaise added. "Now that everyone is here. When we get in the passages I will take the lead and Daphne will follow last. If you get lost, stay put and we will find you. At my best guess, I have at least half of the passages mapped and all of the ones that we will be traveling through."
"How did you get so far in a week?" Harry asked looking at the maps. "These are amazing."
Blaise looked at the Gryffindor, the smirk in place, "Let's just say this wasn't the first set of passages I have explored and leave it at that. Shall we?" Blaise asked moving once more towards the door.
"You know, I am going to find out about those maps," Harry told Blaise as the others walked out.
"We'll talk about a trade later on. There are a number of things I am curious about as well," Blaise answered him. "For now, I just hope Granger can open the door."
Harry followed Blaise and Daphne doing his best to not get caught up in the tension settling between Ron and Hermione. The two Slytherins flanked him on either side, with Hermione and Ron following in the rear.
"What do you think Ginny and Susan are going to do to Malfoy?" Daphne asked Harry starting up conversation. The halls were silent and empty as everyone had all ready gone to dinner.
Daphne watched the two faces frown enjoying pulling their strings, "Do you think Ginny or Susan would hex Malfoy?"
"Susan," Blaise said as Harry answered, "Ginny."
The two boys looked at each other in surprise for a minute, "You're right," they replied in unison.
"Umm…I take it they both will hex Malfoy?" Daphne laughed.
"They had better. If Malfoy so much as breathes wrong on either of them, Neville will step in and the results wouldn't be pretty," Harry replied.
"Longbottom?" Blaise scoffed, "It's hard to imagine him being a threat."
Harry looked over to Daphne. While everyone knew that he and Ron had improved enormously over the past year, it was generally unknown that Susan, Neville, and the rest of the DA had also been training. Harry preferred that it be kept that way.
Daphne seemed to sense Harry's unease and chose to answer for him, "Blaise, Harry is an excellent judge of skill. If Longbottom is capable of knocking Malfoy flat on his arse in the Great Hall, I'm inclined to believe him."
Harry once again watched as Blaise and Daphne measured each other. Blaise looked the girl over with a critical eye as Daphne smiled almost innocently back at him.
"Perhaps," Blaise agreed. Daphne hadn't told him anything directly, but she affirmed that his suspicions regarding the habits of Neville, Susan, and the rest of their little squad weren't quite what they wanted the school to believe.
Harry glanced back to his friends, Ron and Hermione had been giving each other the cold shoulder since they had left the Charms class room. Blaise lead them past the Potions room and deeper into the dungeons. Harry recognized the entrance to the Slytherin Common room, but said nothing as they twisted their way through the dark corridors. As they walked, Harry fell back with Ron and Hermione, each of them drawing a wand.
Daphne and Blaise turned down another corridor and stopped before a blank wall. They looked back and started laughing at the sight of Harry, Ron and Hermione standing closely in a knot, wands at the ready.
"Please refrain from hexing our first years if you don't mind," Blaise said, not bothering to conceal his smirk as he brought forth a metal lantern from his pouch.
Daphne hid her smile with her hand, "I would have thought you three wouldn't be afraid of anything by now."
"There is a big difference in being afraid and being ready for trouble." Hermione shot back her annoyance at the blond Slytherin renewed.
"Not to mention that there are some things that you should be afraid of," Harry added somberly.
Both Daphne and Blaise lost their smiles at Harry's reminder of what could go wrong.
Blaise lit the lantern with a quick, "Incendio." The lantern cast and eerie glow in the Hall throwing shadows about. "I've found that you can't always count on your wand for light when it may be needed for other things," he spoke directly to Harry.
"Sensible," Harry replied appreciating the Slytherins preparations.
Blaise turned back to the wall, "Alohamora," he spoke, but the wand movement was incorrect. Hermione opened her mouth to stop him when the Slytherin hefted his lantern and walked through the wall, Daphne right behind him.
The Gryffindors found themselves in the dark before Harry muttered, "Lumos." He looked at Ron and Hermione and back to the wall, "I'll go first."
Harry walked through the wall with Hermione and Ron hard on his heels.
"You did the charm wrong," Hermione started as soon as they had rejoined them. "There are ten varieties of that spell and you performed none of them."
Blaise chuckled, "There are fourteen, Granger. Most standard books only teach ten. There are, however, a few more obscure forms that date back before the books."
Ron knew without a doubt that Hermione would be spending the next week looking for the other four varieties.
The five of them stood close together in an area just inside of the opening, Blaise's lantern throwing shadows along the walls. Ron's senses were on alert, the air smelled old, musty and damp and if he could, he would have paced. It felt to him as if the corridors had long been abandoned. Behind him, Ron looked back to see a clear view of the hallway beyond and his tension eased. He found it odd, how close spaces made him nervous.
Blaise's voice drew his attention, "Daphne, make sure they keep up. You three stay between us. Remember, if we get separated, do not try to walk out. Stay where you are and we will find you. No exceptions. Daphne and I have found and removed a number of curses in these passages, but we have not been through them all. Understood?"
The Gryffindors all nodded and Blaise once again hefted his lantern leading down a narrow corridor. Harry, Hermione, Ron, and finally Daphne followed him, their wands drawn, but only Daphne and Hermione used the Lumos charm.
They spent the next fifteen minutes in silence as Blaise led them through the twisting passages. Soon Ron was certain he couldn't find his way out alone. Each and every time Blaise reached an intersection he paused and then chose, he never looked at his maps, but seemed to have memorized the path to where they were going. Several times Ron thought he saw evidence of spells that blasted holes or burnt places on the walls. More than once he tripped on rubble strewn across the damp floors. The passage was narrow, carved out of solid rock and only large enough room for one person at a time.
Blaise lead them down worn, narrow stairs in several places that descended deeper under the castle. They ran in long circles and Ron imagined that they were circling large pillars holding up the base of the castle. He could hear dripping water echoing from somewhere as he followed the dim lights further down. Ron once again became conscious of his size as they progressed deeper into the dark.
"How far below ground do you think we are?" Ron whispered to Hermione, the silence pressing in on him.
"At least twenty meters below the dungeon floor. Count the stairs, they will give you an indication," Hermione replied.
Ron started counting and hit 100 steps before they entered another long passage. Eventually, Blaise came to a stop in front of a formidable looking door where the passage widened into a large circle to allow for its bulk. Blaise, Harry, and Ron all cast Lumos charms and the door came into better focus.
The door seemed to be made of a dark wood of some sort and it was reinforced with iron bands and fixtures. Even more impressive were the Sigils and Runes that covered the surface of the door. Ron could see Hermione's eyes glowing with excitement.
Curious, Ron walked forward and reached a hand out towards the handle when Hermione grabbed his wrist. "Don't Ron, the door can't be opened safely until the Runes and translated and the proper password is spoken."
Ron turned to her moving a bit gingerly backing into the corridor, "Can you translate them? What am I saying? Of course you can. Have you already translated them?" he laughed.
Hermione smiled up at him and looked at Blaise and Daphne, "You were right. This is a very rare Celtic dialect. May I?" Hermione asked motioning towards the lantern.
Blaise hefted the lantern closer to the door for her to see, she read in silence for a moment, before she began to speak, "The runes are old, maybe a thousand years."
"That was in keeping with the entrance and some of the more interesting things we found down here," Daphne answered her also peering at the door and then shaking her head in annoyance, "Translating ancient symbols from a bunch of moldy books was never my thing."
Hermione ignored her pointing towards the door, "This passage says 'Only those who serve the greater wheal of Hogwarts may pass these doors. Come then those who serve most willingly and try thy hand."
"Wheel of Hogwarts?" Harry asked. "What is that?"
Hermione shrugged and continued, motioning for more light and then frowned. "Most of the passage is gone. The only other line I can see is 'Only a worthy member of this house may open this portal.'"
"Which house?" Ron asked.
Hermione frowned again, "Well I assume it means Slytherin because the entrance is in the dungeons, but I could be wrong."
"Is there some sort of password?" Daphne asked.
Hermione shook her head, "Strangely there isn't."
"Then how does the person open the door?" Harry asked perplexed.
"I have a theory that the person need to 'put forth their power' and then the door will open for them," Hermione replied turning away from the door.
"What the bloody shite does that mean?" Ron muttered as Blaise nodded his head in understanding.
"Language Ron," Hermione prompted "It's a phrase used a lot in old curse breaking texts. Many old spells could recognize a person's right to pass through them by the tone in their voice and the way they present themselves."
"What she is saying is that the person has to believe they have the right to open the door and then the door will open for them," Blaise added looking at the door. "I've only ever heard of one other."
"Well, that is just a bit simple but for the most part accurate," Hermione agreed reaching over for Ron's hand in the dark.
"So which one of you is going to try it?" Harry grinned.
Daphne opened her mouth to say something, but Blaise cut her off, "It has to be me. I'm the obvious choice."
Harry, Ron and Hermione turned to stare at him. Daphne, on the other hand, turned bright red and took a step forward, towards the door. Blaise moved with her, putting one hand on her shoulder. He spoke quietly as if not to insult her further, "Daphne you know it's true, remember what the Sorting hat told you."
All the Gryffindors turned to look at Daphne who glared at Blaise and looked resolutely at the floor as she spoke to the others, "The Sorting hat wanted to put me in Gryffindor, but I asked it not to."
"You wanted to be in Slytherin?" Harry asked incredulously.
Blaise's face scowled in anger but he didn't speak. Daphne looked Harry in the eye defiantly, "All my family who attended Hogwarts were in Slytherin, as well as all of their friends. I did not want to disappoint my parents."
Ron and Hermione nodded in understanding.
Harry looked at her for a moment, "The Sorting Hat wanted to put me in Slytherin, but I begged to be put in any other House, so I sort of understand."
Both Blaise and Daphne looked stunned as they stared at Harry. Finally Blaise managed, "It wanted to put you in Slytherin?"
"Imagine if Daphne had been in Gryffindor and Harry in Slytherin," Hermione said softly.
"I'd be dead," Harry said flatly.
"Yeah, I reckon you would." Ron said with an ironic laugh. "So did anyone else talk the Sorting Hat into putting them in a different House?"
"It wanted to put me in Ravenclaw, but I wanted to be in Gryffindor," Hermione said in a small voice.
Blaise smiled at her for a moment, "It told me I could be in Ravenclaw if I wanted. I umm. . . well, let's just say there wouldn't have been a Sorting Hat if they had put me over there."
Ron looked a bit put out, "That ruddy hat never said anything to me. It just yelled Gryffindor. I wonder why?"
The other four looked at each other and broke out into laughter that echoed back along the passages.
Ron looked a bit hurt for a moment and then turned to look at the door. A moment later he felt Hermione's hand on his arm, "I just asked a question Hermione, you didn't have to laugh at me for being stupid."
Hermione reached out and turned his face towards her, "We weren't laughing at you Ron. It's just that you are so Gryffindor you couldn't be anything else," Ron and Hermione stood entranced with each other until Blaise interrupted.
"Ok you two, can we get this moving?" Blaise smirked.
Hermione nodded and stepped back from the door taking Ron with her.
Blaise walked up to the front of the door and raised his wand. In a loud voice he proclaimed, "I am Blaise Zambini, of the Honored House of Zambini, and the Ancient House of Slytherin. I demand that you allow me entrance."