A/N: Muse is back on duty. Aren't you all glad? This is short, but
necessary. The next will be better. ~Sylvia
"Oh, look! It's the mini Death Eaters!" Harry and Draco both stopped in their paths and stared at the person blocking their way. Draco's face darkened as Ron stepped forward. "What are the Death Eaters doing here?" He asked, coming forward.
"Back off, Weasley. Get out of our way." Draco said, pulling out his wand. Ron stepped forward with his own wand, smiling in a way that Harry had never remembered seeing on his face before.
"You know, I would be doing the rest of the wizarding world a favor if I were to hex you." Ron said, looking at the two of them. "An even better favor if you never woke up." Harry exchanged a look with Draco. Both boys wondered what they should do with Ron.
"Ron, we just want to go to class. Please, just get out of our way." Ron shook his head.
"I don't think so." Ron brought up his wand and took a breath, readying himself for a spell. Harry raised his hand and muttered a Bat – Bogey hex under his breath. Draco watched as Ron started to hit away his own bogeys from his face. Harry and Draco looked at each other and broke down into laughter.
"Come on, Draco. Let's go." Harry said, leaving Ron to face his own problem.
"Where did that hex come from?" Draco asked as they went down the stairs.
"No idea. Maybe Peeves did it for us." Harry and Draco finally made it to the Transfiguration classroom and slid into their seats. Hermione smiled over at them.
"Hey guys. How did it go?" She asked, digging out her parchment and ink. Draco shrugged.
"I lost two sickles." Draco said, taking out his own notes. "Other than that, I was kind of bored." He turned to Harry for his thoughts.
"It was only opening arguments today. The most difficult part is going to be testimonies. Draco's is probably going to be worse off than me. The world is finally going to find out what it's really like being the Boy Who Lived, while Draco's reputation, through no fault of his own, is going to be ruined." Draco shrugged it off.
"I don't care. The only thing I want is for Malfoy to be stopped. That way, the rest of the world will be a better place." Hermione raised an eyebrow at him.
"Where did you pick up these idealistic ideas, Draco?" She asked. She had not thought that Draco would want something like that. Draco smirked at her and shrugged.
"I think that I've always been like this." He told her. "Just never allowed to express it." He told her. "That and the fact that Severus tells me to speak my mind, so long as it's not disrespectful." Hermione smiled at him and Harry before turning to face front. That was definitely not something that she had been expecting from him, but still nice. Professor McGonagall stepped into the room and looked around.
"Good afternoon class." She said. "Today we are going to be covering the Animagus transformation. Now, there are limits to the animagus transformation. Can anyone tell me what those limitations are?" She asked. Hermione's hand immediately shot into the air. Harry smirked over at Draco, who was staring at Hermione in astonishment. How in the world could this be constant? How much did the girl study? Harry smiled at Draco and shook his head. The boy would get used to it, sooner or later. Or perhaps only after he asked Hermione for help with schoolwork and he realized that it was a good thing that she was this way.
"Yes, Miss Granger." Professor McGonagall motioned towards the Gryffindor to answer. Hermione gave a small smile and sat up a bit straighter in her seat.
"Animagi are very rare; not every wizard has the ability to do this kind of magic. The Ministry of Magic also keeps a close eye on Animagi. Everyone who has this ability should register with the ministry, with their marking and what kind of animal they are." Hermione said, most likely quoting from a textbook. Professor McGonagall smiled at her and nodded.
"Very good, Miss Granger. Five points to Gryffindor." She turned back to the blackboard and waved her wand. The students pulled out parchment and quills as notes appeared. "Now, we will not be attempting any transformations at all, but we will learn how to accomplish such a transformation, and talk about the dangers of the transformation tomorrow." Many of the students nodded and finished their notes. "Any questions?"
A girl in the back raised her hand. McGonagall nodded her head. "Yes, Miss Green?"
"Professor, you said there are dangers? Are they fatal?" Katie Green asked. McGonagall gave a faint smile.
"We were going to talk about that tomorrow as part of the dangers, but I will warn you now, to keep any ambitious students," she eyed Harry, Draco, and Hermione as she said the 'ambitious students' part. Harry, to his credit, kept his face neutral. "from attempting the transformation." McGonagall perched herself against her desk and sighed. "If you do attempt the transformation without being prepared, you could be seriously injured or even die. Can anyone tell me the reason why?" She asked of the class. Harry raised his hand. "Mr. Potter."
"If you are unable to complete the transformation, which is highly likely if you are not ready to be an animagi, you will only go halfway, and the human body is not able to do something like that. Your internal organs can be damaged, which may result in death." McGonagall nodded.
"Very good. Five points to Gryffindor." She looked around the room. Ah, several of the students had paled at the thought. Good, she wouldn't be rushing anyone from her house or Slytherin's to the hospital wing that evening. Class finished as the bell rang, with McGonagall giving them a two-foot essay on the Animagus transformation for homework.
"That's all?" Hermione questioned as she and the two boys left the classroom. She sighed. "It's like they expect us to still be worn out from the OWLs last year. It just doesn't make sense." Harry sighed and massaged his forehead. Draco raised an eyebrow at Hermione and turned to Harry.
"Why is she complaining?" he asked in a whisper. Harry shrugged his shoulders. He had an idea, but he wanted to convince himself that it was not due to the fact that she liked homework. Then again, that could be it entirely.
"Well, to the library then." Hermione said as she pulled them both towards the room.
"Hermione! Come on, it's not even a big essay, and it's due next week." Draco complained. "You crazy Ravenclaw turned Gryffindor, let me go!" Harry chuckled at his two friends. Hermione shook her head.
"The sooner we get it done, the sooner it is out of the way, and the sooner we can pull off a prank." Draco ceased his struggles, a blank look on his face as he processed what she had said.
"You've convinced me. Let's go." He said, offering her an arm. Hermione rolled her eyes and slapped his arm away.
"Come on, you prat. You too, Harry." Harry sighed and followed his friends down the hall and into the library. Harry and Hermione started for their usual table in the library. All three stopped when they saw Ron, Ginny, and several other Gryffindors sitting at the table. Ron stood up when he saw the three of them. Hermione did a quick about face while latching onto the two boys and led them back out of the library.
"You should have let me hex him." Hermione heard Draco mutter.
"And then all your innocence will be blown when they start looking for the perpetrators of the pranks we're going to pull. Looking innocent is a key. We can't start trouble now, for that will point us out later." Hermione bit her lip. It was a thinking gesture she had, and Harry wondered what it was that she was thinking about. "We need someplace to study where Ron wouldn't dare show his face. I don't feel like dealing with him right now." She told the two boys. Common room was out, and so was the Room of Requirement.
"What about Severus's rooms?" Draco asked. "I don't think the Weasel would even deign to descend the dungeon stairs now that he doesn't have to." Draco missed the hurt look on Hermione's face, but Harry caught it. He made a quick mental note to talk to Draco later and looked to Hermione for approval of the plan.
"I don't know. Would he let us?" She asked. Draco nodded.
"He's actually a very nice person. You just have to get to know him." Hermione sighed.
"Okay, we can go there. Let's just hope he doesn't do his anti- Gryffindor thing while we're there." She mumbled as she adjusted her strap on her book bag. Draco led the way and Harry followed behind, wondering what reception they would receive. Since they were descending into Slytherin territory, and Draco was extremely unpopular, Harry kept his eye out for trouble along the way. The trio found none and made it to the portrait guarding the quarters.
"Wormwood." Draco told the portrait. The door swung open and he called out Severus's name as he entered. Severus emerged from his lab and looked at Draco and his friends.
"I've been invaded by Gryffindors." He stated calmly. "To whom do I address my thanks for this wonderful invasion?" He asked, sneering only a bit. Hermione crept behind Harry and Draco. She knew this was a bad idea, she just knew it.
"Ron Weasley." Harry told him. "He's been after the two of us all day. We tried going to the library, but he was there and looked as though he wanted to use an Unforgivable on us." Severus nodded.
"You're hiding out from him." He said. "Wise move, you three. You're keeping all possibility of a private confrontation away from yourselves. Very good, very Slytherin. Whose idea?" He asked. Harry and Draco smirked at each other before answering.
"Hermione's." They answered in unison. Snape looked as though he bit his lip to keep from saying something before nodding. Harry and Draco knew exactly what he was thinking.
"So, you think Hermione is a Slytherin now?" Harry asked. Snape glared at him. Harry was unimpressed. He had seen the patented Snape glare number 43, the "I'm going to hex you from here to next week" glare, too many times for it to be effective on him.
"I never said that. Still, a nice idea, Miss Granger. I am guessing that you three would like to study here until dinner." Harry nodded. "Very well. Summon a house elf if wish for refreshments. Harry, Draco, you know where the bathroom is, should Miss Granger need it. If you would all excuse me, I have a potion brewing." Hermione watched as the man turned and went back into his potions lab. She stared at the closed door. Draco flopped down into his favorite spot on the couch and sighed.
"Anyone want anything from the kitchens?" He asked.
"Food. Lunch was non-existent." Harry told him. "Sandwiches?" He asked, looking at Draco.
"Sounds good. Hermione, you want anything?" Draco asked.
"Whatever you're having." She said, still hovering by the door. Harry motioned for her to sit as he took a seat himself.
"The furniture does not bite, Hermione." Draco told her as he called a house elf. Winky popped into existence.
"Master Draco, you have a job for Winky? Especially for me?" She asked, creeping closer to the boy. Hermione watched. Was this the same house elf?
"Harry, Hermione and I are a little hungry. If it's not too much trouble, could we have some sandwiches and a jug of pumpkin juice?" He asked politely.
"No trouble at all, Master Draco! Winky is happy for her job!" She popped out and returned only a few seconds later with a platter of sandwiches, a jug of pumpkin juice, and a basket of cookies. She placed them all on a table and left again.
"She looks better." Hermione remarked to Harry. Harry nodded in agreement while starting on his first sandwich. "Okay, homework!" She said, digging out her books. The two boys groaned good-naturedly before pulling out their own assignments. Two hours later found all of the food gone; the essays finished, and the three resident pranksters were devising their first prank on the Slytherins Crabbe and Goyle. They were the first targets. After that, the sky was the limit.
"No, that's good. Now, how to do it?" Harry mused while Hermione and Draco argued about the color they wanted to have happen. Harry smiled.
"What about bright pink? The kind that hurts your eyes?" Hermione grinned at him. She liked the way this boy thought!
"Why not make them a set? Pink and purple?" She said, watching for their reactions.
"Brilliant!" Draco crowed. "They'll be scarred for life!" He said, grinning at his friends.
"Whom?" Severus's voice asked from the doorway of his lab. Hermione and Harry froze and looked up, while Draco only shrugged.
"Ask me no questions and I'll tell you no lies." Draco answered. Hermione's face paled, thinking that she was now going to see the death of a person at the hands of the Potions Master. Severus smirked and shrugged.
"Very well, just no permanent damage." He said, moving towards the jug that was holding the remainder of the pumpkin juice. "I won't ask anymore questions." Draco smiled up at his guardian.
"Thanks, Sev." Draco said, packing up his bag. The other two started the same action.
"You're welcome, son." He said, turning towards the mail that the owls had brought earlier in the day and he had ignored. Hermione looked at the man in surprise. He was different, just like Harry and Draco said. "Harry, I found something of yours that you left here the last time." He said, holding out a small bottle. Hermione looked up in confusion.
"The last time?" She questioned. Harry actually had the grace to look a little sheepish.
"Remember before the holidays, when the Gryffindors were told to keep an eye on me?" Hermione nodded. "I was feeling smothered, so I sought refuge here. Professor Snape had learned about my guardians before school started, so I felt safe in his presence, you know, able to unwind." Harry explained. Hermione nodded and sighed. She had forgotten about that. "Thank you, Professor Snape." Harry said, taking the bottle from him. He recognized the label on the bottle of being his Animagus potion. He pocketed it and turned back to his two friends.
"Dinner." Draco muttered. Harry sighed, and Hermione closed her bookbag. Snape looked at the three Gryffindors, and then at the boy he considered his son.
"Why don't the three of you stay?" Severus said. "Stay for dinner? You could avoid a confrontation with Weasley, and I would welcome the company." Hermione looked at her friends. She gave them a nod, saying it was alright .
"Thank you so much, Professor!" Harry said. "I accept, and so does Hermione." Harry took off his school robe and tossed it onto the couch. He fixed his collar and sighed. "A time to relax!" Hermione giggled at Harry's actions. Draco kicked his feet up on the table in front of him.
"Draco, feet." Draco rolled his eyes and put his feet on the floor. Severus summoned Winky and ordered dinner for the four of them. Winky came back about five minutes later and set the table for them. "Well, come on." Hermione approached the table, wondering what had caused the change in the snarky Potions Master that she had been used to before this afternoon. Severus reached out and mussed Draco's hair as the boy passed. He was relaxed, and it was the first time she had ever seen, or even thought about the person he was outside his classroom. The meal passed easily for everyone, and Hermione found that she was enjoying herself, something not very common for her nowadays.
"No." Harry moaned from his bed. He turned in his bed and tried to push something away. "No." Draco sat up and looked over at his friend. He jumped as Harry's hands flew to his forehead. Draco got out of bed and went over to Harry's and tried to shake him awake.
"Harry, Harry, wake up." Draco said, shaking Harry's arm. He hissed in pain as his Dark Mark suddenly came alive and started burning. He clutched his arm and sighed as the pain intensified. Malfoy was very angry, and it seemed that he was taking it out on some poor innocents that evening. He whirled when he heard a noise. "Weasley?"
"Is Harry okay?" Ron asked. Draco turned back to his friend.
"It's a vision." Draco told him. His arm spiked in pain again. He ignored and reached out to his friend again. "Harry!" Harry sat up, his eyes open, but not really seeing where he was. "Harry, wake up!" Harry looked at Draco and Ron for a few seconds and then dropped his face into his hands. His hands shook as he tried to breathe past the lump in his throat. Ron reached out a hand and looked at Harry.
"I'm okay." He muttered from between his hands. "Malfoy is busy tonight." Draco sighed and rubbed his arm. The war was starting, and they were getting pulled along with it, whether they were ready or not.
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Reviews: Alek: Thank you! You've given me such a great feeling about my stories. I loved your review. Next chapter is coming soon. I'm glad you liked it so much!
Dirbatua: Thanks for the review. I'll think about it.
Maruder no.5: Thank you! I am honored to hear that my fic is your favorite. I've heard many different versions of what Voldie's name means. Your explanation is just one of the five or so I've heard. Thanks for reviewing!
Lovindraco'n'harry: Thank you! I'm glad you liked it. I was hoping that Snape came across real and concerned. Thanks for reviewing!
Underground: What can I say? I'm honored. Thanks for reading my story and reviewing!
EvilLaughKid: Thank you for the compliment. I'm glad you like it so much. You've given me some really good ideas. I'm still not sure of which direction Ron is going to take yet, but I liked some of your ideas for that, especially Ginny/Draco. Not sure if that's going to happen, but we'll see.
Rachel A. Prongs: Hope you didn't pine away too much. Here's the next chapter. Chapter 31 should be soon!
Lutheyl: Thank you! Yes, Ron is a prat, but his wake-up call should be soon.
RillieDeannPotter5569: Glad you liked the chapter. Next one should be soon.
A Happy Little Bumble-bee: Thanks for the idea! I never would have thought about that. Next chapter will be soon. The trial will be the main feature. Thanks for reviewing!
Reading-Whiz: Thanks for reading and reviewing. I can't give away what will happen. I'm afraid you'll just have to read it to find out. Next update soon!
Zhan Black: Nope. Are you sure that you saw what you saw? Those chapters came over a period of two or three weeks. As to your compliment, THANK YOU! Your review is one of the reasons, among others, that I continue to write. I love being called all manners of words like original, brilliant, etc. Now if only they applied in real life. Thank you again!
HoshiHikari4ever: True, true. Tom is a very wise man. Next chapter soon! Thanks for reviewing!
EriEka127: Sorry to keep you waiting. This one is short, but the next is all about the trial, so you should enjoy that. It'll be long. Thanks for reviewing!
Catherine Tavington: I know! Me too! The characters do what they like, I only put them down on paper. Don't worry. There will be quite a few Lucius appearances before the story is finished. I hate to put a limit. I thought that the story was going to be done in 20 chapters, and here we are at 30! Don't worry, Malfoy will be back. I don't know if Tom will die yet. I'd hate to take Harry's new family away. I have a feeling that someone would kill me. Literally. Thanks for reviewing!
Pheonixrising: Very true. It looks as though it's going to be that way, but I have no idea. Ron could go either way. Glad you liked the story, and thanks for reviewing!
SheWolfe7: You assumed correctly. I agree with your comments. He did come back alive, healthy, and *gasp*, dare I say it? Happy. Something that's never really happened for the poor kid. Let's hope it works out for him. Thanks for reading and reviewing.
Spiffycool: Ron appreciates your support. I'm glad you liked the story. I left a hint as to Ron's direction. Did you catch it? Thanks for reading and reviewing. I love reviews.
Gwendolyn P. Malfoy: Hmm. Very true. I attract Ron haters. Update is here, and the next one should be soon!
TheWraith1: Oh my, the compliments! I think I'm going to cry! Thanks for your vote about Ron. I left hints at the end. Did you catch it? I'm not much of a romance writer. Ron and Hermione's relationship is suffering a bit right now, but who knows if they will continue or not. For some reason, I can't see Harry getting together with anyone until the Dark Lord is eliminated. He's too afraid of hurting the others around him. An emotional target is often the best one, and both Harry and Malfoy realize this. We'll just have to wait and see.
Andrea10: Thanks! I actually use my own alarm clock. She's back, slightly concussed, but enjoying interrupting my shower time. Why does inspiration always hit me in the shower? *shakes head* I don't understand it! Ah, well. Glad you liked it. Next chapter soon!
Silverfated: *evil grin* Oh yes. Definitely could do some rainbow thing. Definitely. Thanks for your vote and review! Next chapter soon!
Lady Krista: Thanks! It was actually how long people would react. It's written very clearly in there. I went back and re-read it. This is my version of wizard court. JKR's was too confusing for me to duplicate. Also, it was a hearing, while mine is a trial. It's bound to be different. I also used Nat as a source, cause she does the whole law school thing. Thanks for reviewing!
Nphipps: Glad you liked it! Time will tell. Next update soon!
Dramaplatypus: I absolutely love your screen name. Funny! I love it. As to the Ron thing, I left hints! Did you find them? I have to agree with all of your comments. Thank you so much for reading and reviewing!
Lady Reaper of the Shadows: You so do not want to go there! Dumbledore has a STRANGE sense of humor. Very strange. Thank you for the compliments. Next chapter soon!
HermioneGreen: Time will tell with Ron. However, I did leave some hints. I hope you saw them. Also, my friend Natalie is in law school, so she's helping me with the technical stuff (which I will someday learn, cause I'm going to law school in a year or so). I'm trying to make the trial as real as possible. Next update will be soon! Thanks for reviewing!
Lily of Tortall: We'll see. I hope you caught the hints. Also, I might take you up on the beta thing. My other one is getting ready for exams the next two weeks (this means YOU, Sue! Go study!). I don't want to tax her. Sometimes I send stuff, others I don't. The problems I have the most is canon and timelines. Most of my stories are off the wall. Hope you don't mind. Thanks again!
Zaptor: You were right! Thank you! With all Harry's been through, it'd be hard for him not to be a little cynical. Thanks for reviewing!
Chozen1: Ouch! Hope you finished reading the story past the third chapter. 347 reviews all saying they like it can't be wrong. I'll defend Tom with my life. Perhaps you'd like to see an alternate version where Voldie is evil? If you ask really nicely, I just might give you that. Maybe. Thanks for reading anyway!
To Anyone I Missed (which I highly doubt): THANK YOU! 30 reviews! What can I say? I'm speechless! I think I'm going to go collapse in a happy little heap and shout to the world that I have the best readers ever! Thank you so much! This chapter is for you guys! You make writing worth it!
"Oh, look! It's the mini Death Eaters!" Harry and Draco both stopped in their paths and stared at the person blocking their way. Draco's face darkened as Ron stepped forward. "What are the Death Eaters doing here?" He asked, coming forward.
"Back off, Weasley. Get out of our way." Draco said, pulling out his wand. Ron stepped forward with his own wand, smiling in a way that Harry had never remembered seeing on his face before.
"You know, I would be doing the rest of the wizarding world a favor if I were to hex you." Ron said, looking at the two of them. "An even better favor if you never woke up." Harry exchanged a look with Draco. Both boys wondered what they should do with Ron.
"Ron, we just want to go to class. Please, just get out of our way." Ron shook his head.
"I don't think so." Ron brought up his wand and took a breath, readying himself for a spell. Harry raised his hand and muttered a Bat – Bogey hex under his breath. Draco watched as Ron started to hit away his own bogeys from his face. Harry and Draco looked at each other and broke down into laughter.
"Come on, Draco. Let's go." Harry said, leaving Ron to face his own problem.
"Where did that hex come from?" Draco asked as they went down the stairs.
"No idea. Maybe Peeves did it for us." Harry and Draco finally made it to the Transfiguration classroom and slid into their seats. Hermione smiled over at them.
"Hey guys. How did it go?" She asked, digging out her parchment and ink. Draco shrugged.
"I lost two sickles." Draco said, taking out his own notes. "Other than that, I was kind of bored." He turned to Harry for his thoughts.
"It was only opening arguments today. The most difficult part is going to be testimonies. Draco's is probably going to be worse off than me. The world is finally going to find out what it's really like being the Boy Who Lived, while Draco's reputation, through no fault of his own, is going to be ruined." Draco shrugged it off.
"I don't care. The only thing I want is for Malfoy to be stopped. That way, the rest of the world will be a better place." Hermione raised an eyebrow at him.
"Where did you pick up these idealistic ideas, Draco?" She asked. She had not thought that Draco would want something like that. Draco smirked at her and shrugged.
"I think that I've always been like this." He told her. "Just never allowed to express it." He told her. "That and the fact that Severus tells me to speak my mind, so long as it's not disrespectful." Hermione smiled at him and Harry before turning to face front. That was definitely not something that she had been expecting from him, but still nice. Professor McGonagall stepped into the room and looked around.
"Good afternoon class." She said. "Today we are going to be covering the Animagus transformation. Now, there are limits to the animagus transformation. Can anyone tell me what those limitations are?" She asked. Hermione's hand immediately shot into the air. Harry smirked over at Draco, who was staring at Hermione in astonishment. How in the world could this be constant? How much did the girl study? Harry smiled at Draco and shook his head. The boy would get used to it, sooner or later. Or perhaps only after he asked Hermione for help with schoolwork and he realized that it was a good thing that she was this way.
"Yes, Miss Granger." Professor McGonagall motioned towards the Gryffindor to answer. Hermione gave a small smile and sat up a bit straighter in her seat.
"Animagi are very rare; not every wizard has the ability to do this kind of magic. The Ministry of Magic also keeps a close eye on Animagi. Everyone who has this ability should register with the ministry, with their marking and what kind of animal they are." Hermione said, most likely quoting from a textbook. Professor McGonagall smiled at her and nodded.
"Very good, Miss Granger. Five points to Gryffindor." She turned back to the blackboard and waved her wand. The students pulled out parchment and quills as notes appeared. "Now, we will not be attempting any transformations at all, but we will learn how to accomplish such a transformation, and talk about the dangers of the transformation tomorrow." Many of the students nodded and finished their notes. "Any questions?"
A girl in the back raised her hand. McGonagall nodded her head. "Yes, Miss Green?"
"Professor, you said there are dangers? Are they fatal?" Katie Green asked. McGonagall gave a faint smile.
"We were going to talk about that tomorrow as part of the dangers, but I will warn you now, to keep any ambitious students," she eyed Harry, Draco, and Hermione as she said the 'ambitious students' part. Harry, to his credit, kept his face neutral. "from attempting the transformation." McGonagall perched herself against her desk and sighed. "If you do attempt the transformation without being prepared, you could be seriously injured or even die. Can anyone tell me the reason why?" She asked of the class. Harry raised his hand. "Mr. Potter."
"If you are unable to complete the transformation, which is highly likely if you are not ready to be an animagi, you will only go halfway, and the human body is not able to do something like that. Your internal organs can be damaged, which may result in death." McGonagall nodded.
"Very good. Five points to Gryffindor." She looked around the room. Ah, several of the students had paled at the thought. Good, she wouldn't be rushing anyone from her house or Slytherin's to the hospital wing that evening. Class finished as the bell rang, with McGonagall giving them a two-foot essay on the Animagus transformation for homework.
"That's all?" Hermione questioned as she and the two boys left the classroom. She sighed. "It's like they expect us to still be worn out from the OWLs last year. It just doesn't make sense." Harry sighed and massaged his forehead. Draco raised an eyebrow at Hermione and turned to Harry.
"Why is she complaining?" he asked in a whisper. Harry shrugged his shoulders. He had an idea, but he wanted to convince himself that it was not due to the fact that she liked homework. Then again, that could be it entirely.
"Well, to the library then." Hermione said as she pulled them both towards the room.
"Hermione! Come on, it's not even a big essay, and it's due next week." Draco complained. "You crazy Ravenclaw turned Gryffindor, let me go!" Harry chuckled at his two friends. Hermione shook her head.
"The sooner we get it done, the sooner it is out of the way, and the sooner we can pull off a prank." Draco ceased his struggles, a blank look on his face as he processed what she had said.
"You've convinced me. Let's go." He said, offering her an arm. Hermione rolled her eyes and slapped his arm away.
"Come on, you prat. You too, Harry." Harry sighed and followed his friends down the hall and into the library. Harry and Hermione started for their usual table in the library. All three stopped when they saw Ron, Ginny, and several other Gryffindors sitting at the table. Ron stood up when he saw the three of them. Hermione did a quick about face while latching onto the two boys and led them back out of the library.
"You should have let me hex him." Hermione heard Draco mutter.
"And then all your innocence will be blown when they start looking for the perpetrators of the pranks we're going to pull. Looking innocent is a key. We can't start trouble now, for that will point us out later." Hermione bit her lip. It was a thinking gesture she had, and Harry wondered what it was that she was thinking about. "We need someplace to study where Ron wouldn't dare show his face. I don't feel like dealing with him right now." She told the two boys. Common room was out, and so was the Room of Requirement.
"What about Severus's rooms?" Draco asked. "I don't think the Weasel would even deign to descend the dungeon stairs now that he doesn't have to." Draco missed the hurt look on Hermione's face, but Harry caught it. He made a quick mental note to talk to Draco later and looked to Hermione for approval of the plan.
"I don't know. Would he let us?" She asked. Draco nodded.
"He's actually a very nice person. You just have to get to know him." Hermione sighed.
"Okay, we can go there. Let's just hope he doesn't do his anti- Gryffindor thing while we're there." She mumbled as she adjusted her strap on her book bag. Draco led the way and Harry followed behind, wondering what reception they would receive. Since they were descending into Slytherin territory, and Draco was extremely unpopular, Harry kept his eye out for trouble along the way. The trio found none and made it to the portrait guarding the quarters.
"Wormwood." Draco told the portrait. The door swung open and he called out Severus's name as he entered. Severus emerged from his lab and looked at Draco and his friends.
"I've been invaded by Gryffindors." He stated calmly. "To whom do I address my thanks for this wonderful invasion?" He asked, sneering only a bit. Hermione crept behind Harry and Draco. She knew this was a bad idea, she just knew it.
"Ron Weasley." Harry told him. "He's been after the two of us all day. We tried going to the library, but he was there and looked as though he wanted to use an Unforgivable on us." Severus nodded.
"You're hiding out from him." He said. "Wise move, you three. You're keeping all possibility of a private confrontation away from yourselves. Very good, very Slytherin. Whose idea?" He asked. Harry and Draco smirked at each other before answering.
"Hermione's." They answered in unison. Snape looked as though he bit his lip to keep from saying something before nodding. Harry and Draco knew exactly what he was thinking.
"So, you think Hermione is a Slytherin now?" Harry asked. Snape glared at him. Harry was unimpressed. He had seen the patented Snape glare number 43, the "I'm going to hex you from here to next week" glare, too many times for it to be effective on him.
"I never said that. Still, a nice idea, Miss Granger. I am guessing that you three would like to study here until dinner." Harry nodded. "Very well. Summon a house elf if wish for refreshments. Harry, Draco, you know where the bathroom is, should Miss Granger need it. If you would all excuse me, I have a potion brewing." Hermione watched as the man turned and went back into his potions lab. She stared at the closed door. Draco flopped down into his favorite spot on the couch and sighed.
"Anyone want anything from the kitchens?" He asked.
"Food. Lunch was non-existent." Harry told him. "Sandwiches?" He asked, looking at Draco.
"Sounds good. Hermione, you want anything?" Draco asked.
"Whatever you're having." She said, still hovering by the door. Harry motioned for her to sit as he took a seat himself.
"The furniture does not bite, Hermione." Draco told her as he called a house elf. Winky popped into existence.
"Master Draco, you have a job for Winky? Especially for me?" She asked, creeping closer to the boy. Hermione watched. Was this the same house elf?
"Harry, Hermione and I are a little hungry. If it's not too much trouble, could we have some sandwiches and a jug of pumpkin juice?" He asked politely.
"No trouble at all, Master Draco! Winky is happy for her job!" She popped out and returned only a few seconds later with a platter of sandwiches, a jug of pumpkin juice, and a basket of cookies. She placed them all on a table and left again.
"She looks better." Hermione remarked to Harry. Harry nodded in agreement while starting on his first sandwich. "Okay, homework!" She said, digging out her books. The two boys groaned good-naturedly before pulling out their own assignments. Two hours later found all of the food gone; the essays finished, and the three resident pranksters were devising their first prank on the Slytherins Crabbe and Goyle. They were the first targets. After that, the sky was the limit.
"No, that's good. Now, how to do it?" Harry mused while Hermione and Draco argued about the color they wanted to have happen. Harry smiled.
"What about bright pink? The kind that hurts your eyes?" Hermione grinned at him. She liked the way this boy thought!
"Why not make them a set? Pink and purple?" She said, watching for their reactions.
"Brilliant!" Draco crowed. "They'll be scarred for life!" He said, grinning at his friends.
"Whom?" Severus's voice asked from the doorway of his lab. Hermione and Harry froze and looked up, while Draco only shrugged.
"Ask me no questions and I'll tell you no lies." Draco answered. Hermione's face paled, thinking that she was now going to see the death of a person at the hands of the Potions Master. Severus smirked and shrugged.
"Very well, just no permanent damage." He said, moving towards the jug that was holding the remainder of the pumpkin juice. "I won't ask anymore questions." Draco smiled up at his guardian.
"Thanks, Sev." Draco said, packing up his bag. The other two started the same action.
"You're welcome, son." He said, turning towards the mail that the owls had brought earlier in the day and he had ignored. Hermione looked at the man in surprise. He was different, just like Harry and Draco said. "Harry, I found something of yours that you left here the last time." He said, holding out a small bottle. Hermione looked up in confusion.
"The last time?" She questioned. Harry actually had the grace to look a little sheepish.
"Remember before the holidays, when the Gryffindors were told to keep an eye on me?" Hermione nodded. "I was feeling smothered, so I sought refuge here. Professor Snape had learned about my guardians before school started, so I felt safe in his presence, you know, able to unwind." Harry explained. Hermione nodded and sighed. She had forgotten about that. "Thank you, Professor Snape." Harry said, taking the bottle from him. He recognized the label on the bottle of being his Animagus potion. He pocketed it and turned back to his two friends.
"Dinner." Draco muttered. Harry sighed, and Hermione closed her bookbag. Snape looked at the three Gryffindors, and then at the boy he considered his son.
"Why don't the three of you stay?" Severus said. "Stay for dinner? You could avoid a confrontation with Weasley, and I would welcome the company." Hermione looked at her friends. She gave them a nod, saying it was alright .
"Thank you so much, Professor!" Harry said. "I accept, and so does Hermione." Harry took off his school robe and tossed it onto the couch. He fixed his collar and sighed. "A time to relax!" Hermione giggled at Harry's actions. Draco kicked his feet up on the table in front of him.
"Draco, feet." Draco rolled his eyes and put his feet on the floor. Severus summoned Winky and ordered dinner for the four of them. Winky came back about five minutes later and set the table for them. "Well, come on." Hermione approached the table, wondering what had caused the change in the snarky Potions Master that she had been used to before this afternoon. Severus reached out and mussed Draco's hair as the boy passed. He was relaxed, and it was the first time she had ever seen, or even thought about the person he was outside his classroom. The meal passed easily for everyone, and Hermione found that she was enjoying herself, something not very common for her nowadays.
"No." Harry moaned from his bed. He turned in his bed and tried to push something away. "No." Draco sat up and looked over at his friend. He jumped as Harry's hands flew to his forehead. Draco got out of bed and went over to Harry's and tried to shake him awake.
"Harry, Harry, wake up." Draco said, shaking Harry's arm. He hissed in pain as his Dark Mark suddenly came alive and started burning. He clutched his arm and sighed as the pain intensified. Malfoy was very angry, and it seemed that he was taking it out on some poor innocents that evening. He whirled when he heard a noise. "Weasley?"
"Is Harry okay?" Ron asked. Draco turned back to his friend.
"It's a vision." Draco told him. His arm spiked in pain again. He ignored and reached out to his friend again. "Harry!" Harry sat up, his eyes open, but not really seeing where he was. "Harry, wake up!" Harry looked at Draco and Ron for a few seconds and then dropped his face into his hands. His hands shook as he tried to breathe past the lump in his throat. Ron reached out a hand and looked at Harry.
"I'm okay." He muttered from between his hands. "Malfoy is busy tonight." Draco sighed and rubbed his arm. The war was starting, and they were getting pulled along with it, whether they were ready or not.
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Reviews: Alek: Thank you! You've given me such a great feeling about my stories. I loved your review. Next chapter is coming soon. I'm glad you liked it so much!
Dirbatua: Thanks for the review. I'll think about it.
Maruder no.5: Thank you! I am honored to hear that my fic is your favorite. I've heard many different versions of what Voldie's name means. Your explanation is just one of the five or so I've heard. Thanks for reviewing!
Lovindraco'n'harry: Thank you! I'm glad you liked it. I was hoping that Snape came across real and concerned. Thanks for reviewing!
Underground: What can I say? I'm honored. Thanks for reading my story and reviewing!
EvilLaughKid: Thank you for the compliment. I'm glad you like it so much. You've given me some really good ideas. I'm still not sure of which direction Ron is going to take yet, but I liked some of your ideas for that, especially Ginny/Draco. Not sure if that's going to happen, but we'll see.
Rachel A. Prongs: Hope you didn't pine away too much. Here's the next chapter. Chapter 31 should be soon!
Lutheyl: Thank you! Yes, Ron is a prat, but his wake-up call should be soon.
RillieDeannPotter5569: Glad you liked the chapter. Next one should be soon.
A Happy Little Bumble-bee: Thanks for the idea! I never would have thought about that. Next chapter will be soon. The trial will be the main feature. Thanks for reviewing!
Reading-Whiz: Thanks for reading and reviewing. I can't give away what will happen. I'm afraid you'll just have to read it to find out. Next update soon!
Zhan Black: Nope. Are you sure that you saw what you saw? Those chapters came over a period of two or three weeks. As to your compliment, THANK YOU! Your review is one of the reasons, among others, that I continue to write. I love being called all manners of words like original, brilliant, etc. Now if only they applied in real life. Thank you again!
HoshiHikari4ever: True, true. Tom is a very wise man. Next chapter soon! Thanks for reviewing!
EriEka127: Sorry to keep you waiting. This one is short, but the next is all about the trial, so you should enjoy that. It'll be long. Thanks for reviewing!
Catherine Tavington: I know! Me too! The characters do what they like, I only put them down on paper. Don't worry. There will be quite a few Lucius appearances before the story is finished. I hate to put a limit. I thought that the story was going to be done in 20 chapters, and here we are at 30! Don't worry, Malfoy will be back. I don't know if Tom will die yet. I'd hate to take Harry's new family away. I have a feeling that someone would kill me. Literally. Thanks for reviewing!
Pheonixrising: Very true. It looks as though it's going to be that way, but I have no idea. Ron could go either way. Glad you liked the story, and thanks for reviewing!
SheWolfe7: You assumed correctly. I agree with your comments. He did come back alive, healthy, and *gasp*, dare I say it? Happy. Something that's never really happened for the poor kid. Let's hope it works out for him. Thanks for reading and reviewing.
Spiffycool: Ron appreciates your support. I'm glad you liked the story. I left a hint as to Ron's direction. Did you catch it? Thanks for reading and reviewing. I love reviews.
Gwendolyn P. Malfoy: Hmm. Very true. I attract Ron haters. Update is here, and the next one should be soon!
TheWraith1: Oh my, the compliments! I think I'm going to cry! Thanks for your vote about Ron. I left hints at the end. Did you catch it? I'm not much of a romance writer. Ron and Hermione's relationship is suffering a bit right now, but who knows if they will continue or not. For some reason, I can't see Harry getting together with anyone until the Dark Lord is eliminated. He's too afraid of hurting the others around him. An emotional target is often the best one, and both Harry and Malfoy realize this. We'll just have to wait and see.
Andrea10: Thanks! I actually use my own alarm clock. She's back, slightly concussed, but enjoying interrupting my shower time. Why does inspiration always hit me in the shower? *shakes head* I don't understand it! Ah, well. Glad you liked it. Next chapter soon!
Silverfated: *evil grin* Oh yes. Definitely could do some rainbow thing. Definitely. Thanks for your vote and review! Next chapter soon!
Lady Krista: Thanks! It was actually how long people would react. It's written very clearly in there. I went back and re-read it. This is my version of wizard court. JKR's was too confusing for me to duplicate. Also, it was a hearing, while mine is a trial. It's bound to be different. I also used Nat as a source, cause she does the whole law school thing. Thanks for reviewing!
Nphipps: Glad you liked it! Time will tell. Next update soon!
Dramaplatypus: I absolutely love your screen name. Funny! I love it. As to the Ron thing, I left hints! Did you find them? I have to agree with all of your comments. Thank you so much for reading and reviewing!
Lady Reaper of the Shadows: You so do not want to go there! Dumbledore has a STRANGE sense of humor. Very strange. Thank you for the compliments. Next chapter soon!
HermioneGreen: Time will tell with Ron. However, I did leave some hints. I hope you saw them. Also, my friend Natalie is in law school, so she's helping me with the technical stuff (which I will someday learn, cause I'm going to law school in a year or so). I'm trying to make the trial as real as possible. Next update will be soon! Thanks for reviewing!
Lily of Tortall: We'll see. I hope you caught the hints. Also, I might take you up on the beta thing. My other one is getting ready for exams the next two weeks (this means YOU, Sue! Go study!). I don't want to tax her. Sometimes I send stuff, others I don't. The problems I have the most is canon and timelines. Most of my stories are off the wall. Hope you don't mind. Thanks again!
Zaptor: You were right! Thank you! With all Harry's been through, it'd be hard for him not to be a little cynical. Thanks for reviewing!
Chozen1: Ouch! Hope you finished reading the story past the third chapter. 347 reviews all saying they like it can't be wrong. I'll defend Tom with my life. Perhaps you'd like to see an alternate version where Voldie is evil? If you ask really nicely, I just might give you that. Maybe. Thanks for reading anyway!
To Anyone I Missed (which I highly doubt): THANK YOU! 30 reviews! What can I say? I'm speechless! I think I'm going to go collapse in a happy little heap and shout to the world that I have the best readers ever! Thank you so much! This chapter is for you guys! You make writing worth it!