Chapter 8:

To say that chaos followed would be a gross understatement. For a moment, Charlie and Cuddy were forgotten as the room's occupants stared at Hermione, Ron, and Ginny in horror.

"My God!" exclaimed Mrs. Weasley, snapping from her momentary trance and running up to the children. "What happened?" She used the moment to take in their appearances. Ron, who was being supported between the girls, looked to be the worst. Blood was gushing from his right leg, his left shoulder was bruised badly, and he had scrapes all over his face. Next to him, Hermione was holding a bloody cloth up to a wound on her neck, and she was wheezing. Ginny didn't appear to be terribly wounded, but her eyes were shut and she was wobbling precariously.

"Somebody Floo Ted and Andromeda," said Mrs. Weasley shakily. "Ron, Hermione, and Ginny, you come into the parlor now." As the teenagers and Mrs. Weasley exited the room, everyone else immediately began to fetch potions or put on a pot of tea or go contact someone or listen to the teens' stories in the next room, leaving Charlie, the Muggles, and Kingsley Shacklebolt alone in the kitchen.

"House. We need to talk," said Cuddy furiously after a long moment of silence.

"Yes, Mommy," said House sarcastically before letting out a long breath. "Listen. At least go take a look at the equipment we have, and at the case. This is possibly the most interesting case we've ever had—plus, if you buy what these people are telling us…it's hard to believe…I don't believe it…Cameron, how about you tell Cuddy why we need to take the case?" Cameron shot her boss a dirty look before turning to Cuddy.

"The world could depend upon it," said Cameron skeptically. "I don't think we should take the chance of not solving the case."

Cuddy's face would have been humorous if the situation wasn't so impossibly serious. She started laughing unbelievingly.

"You guys actually buy this? This is completely and utterly ridiculous! I should fire all of you!" she yelled angrily. "You're jeopardizing all of your jobs, my job, the reputation of Princeton Plainsboro…."

"Ah… Ms. Cuddy, is it?" spoke up Kingsley after a moment. The Muggles all looked surprised to remember that there were still Wizards in the room.

"Yes?" she snapped at him, narrowing her eyes.

"I don't know how much water this will hold, coming from me…but they're telling the truth. Our entire world, and subsequently your entire world…depends on Harry Potter. He is the only one we believe can defeat You-Know-Who…."

"No, actually, I don't know who," spit out Cuddy with annoyance. "All you guys are just some… religious cult! I don't know why my doctors chose to come here, but I assure you that we will be gone before you can say 'Abracadabra,' or whatever those magic words are." With that, Cuddy stormed out of the kitchen.

"Cuddy!" exclaimed House, walking after her angrily. "Wait! Lisa!" She spun around once they were in the parlor.

"What? What is it, House? I honestly do not know what you want me to do."

"You said that you trusted me," said House carefully, looking Cuddy in the eyes.

"I thought I did," she said, shaking her head. "But this is too much. What makes you believe them?"

"Uh…they do magic, for starters." Cuddy rolled her eyes. "Just look around! It may be insane, but it's real. You can see it, you can touch it, you can feel it. Go look at the patient if you want to… it's a real sickness, regardless of the circumstances. We're not playing pretend!" he exclaimed as Cuddy turned around once more to face the door.

"I'm going to look at the patient. Are they paying normally at least?"

"I can probably get them to make a large donation to the hospital or something," shrugged House, gaining confidence that Cuddy would give her approval.

"Come on. Where's the patient?"

"Follow me."

"Stop acting like an ass. I haven't said this was okay."

"Yet."

"What makes you think I'm going to say yes at all?" she demanded, raising her voice, as she followed him into the foyer and started up the steps. In the foyer were Draco Malfoy and Fred and George Weasley, who had just managed to shut up the portrait of Mrs. Black.

"Shut up!" hissed George, frowning.

Cuddy threw the boys a look and continued after House. "Now, is it just me, or was there a portrait screaming as we walked into this house?" she demanded as they reached the first landing.

"There was a portrait screaming. Someone's mother, apparently."

"Just what we needed."

The two walked into Harry's room to find him awake and deep in thought.

"Dr. House," said Harry, surprised. "Do you know what's wrong with me?"

"This is why I never see patients," muttered House. "Always rushing you to reach a diagnosis." Cuddy rolled her eyes.

"Mr. Potter, I take it?"

"The one and only," joked Harry darkly.

"I'm Doctor Lisa Cuddy, Dean of Medicine at Princeton Plainsboro."

"Nice to meet you. Do you know what's wrong with me?"

"No," she said, smiling shortly. "Sorry, I'm just here to take a look at your tests and Patient History… I just wanted to check in and make sure there was an actual patient…."

"She's a bit paranoid," explained House.

"House, just stop for one minute! Can you even comprehend the repercussions that this could have on the hospital, and on me?"

House's eyes darkened. "I'm trying to see things from your perspective but I can't get my head that far up my ass," he retorted.

Suddenly, a scream reached their ears from downstairs. "YOU DID WHAT!"

"I wonder what's happened to make Mrs. Weasley so upset," said Harry awkwardly, watching his Muggle doctors banter furiously.

"The other kids showed up in the fireplace with blood all over them," dismissed House.

"How many people live here?" demanded Cuddy.

"Depends," answered Harry.

"And who owns this house? What on earth is the purpose of having a bunch of people convene all the time in a place like this?"

"It's my house," answered Harry, frowning. "And this is the Headquarters in the fight against Voldemort… I hope you all are going to be Obliviated…."

When Cuddy finished tearing through 12 Grimmauld Place and descended into the parlor with House; Ron, Hermione, and Ginny were in the middle of telling the story of what had happened. An eager and worried audience, which had expanded to include Minerva McGonagall, Mundungus Fletcher, and the Lupins, listened in apprehension.

Seeing House and Cuddy in the doorway, Foreman snapped at them, "Either come in or stay out; these kids have just gone through severe emotional trauma…."

"Mmm, trauma. Sounds interesting. We're in," replied House, taking a seat near the door.

"Keep going, Hermione," said Remus Lupin tiredly. "Once the Death Eaters started arriving, what did you do?"

"Well, we were on the edge of Knockturn Alley still, and we figured that if we just kept our cloaks around us and kept on the down-low, we might not be noticed…."

"Should've called Foreman if you wanted to keep on the DL," muttered House.

"This is not the time," hissed Cameron, while Foreman just rolled his eyes.

"Anyway," resumed Ginny, taking over for Hermione. "That didn't go over too well…we were the only non-Death Eaters in the street at that point, and were spotted before we could hide anywhere. By Bellatrix."

"Oh, God," whispered Andromeda Tonks, burying her head in her hands.

"She didn't know who we were at first. But then a bunch of Death Eaters circled in on us, just looking to torture or kill someone probably. We figured that we had the element of surprise, so we acted stupid for a few minutes, and we were still under our glamour charms."

"But then she started using Legilimency," said Ron.

"I wonder how long she's been able to do that," mused Lupin thoughtfully. Across the room, Cuddy looked at House with confusion and disbelief etched onto her face.

"She realized who we were and called off the attack, wanting to toy with us or kill us herself, most likely. Well, then the other Death Eaters joined in and they started attacking us, and we retaliated, obviously. I thought we might be done for and then I saw Mundungus coming out of Borgin's. He saw us, obviously, and then Hermione realized that she should send a Patronus, which she sent to McGonagall. We thought Mundungus would alert the Order, but instead he started stunning some Death Eaters. When they noticed him, we were able to knock a few more out, and we were right in front of Borgin and Burke's when You-Know-Who showed up." Ron shuddered and stopped talking.

"We only glimpsed him," said Hermione. "We ran for the Floo, but I can't believe we made it."

"Why did you all feel the need to lie to me?" asked Arthur Weasley, the disappointment and fear in his voice easily discernable.

"This is all my fault," said Kingsley. "I knew they were Apparating somewhere and didn't want the Ministry to know—but I thought they were on an Order mission; I had no idea it was just on their own whim…."

"It was an Order mission!" exclaimed Ron, annoyed. "Just not one that we were—assigned. But it was necessary—and successful," he said, looking at Lupin meaningfully.

"Successful?" asked Lupin, eyebrows raised.

"Successful," repeated Hermione shortly.

"That doesn't change the fact that you put yourselves in danger, without alerting any of us," insisted Molly, hands on her hips. "You could have all been killed."

"We're alive," said Ginny pointedly. "I'm going to talk to Harry." With that, she stood up, wincing slightly.

"You are still going to face restrictions for this!" warned Mrs. Weasley. Ginny rolled her eyes angrily. Mrs. Weasley turned to Ron and Hermione. "The two of you as well. And no, I don't care that you're of age. You still are not mature enough to handle Order membership; that much is obvious."

"Mrs. Weasley," began Hermione, "With all due respect… we probably know more than even you at this point, about V-Voldemort and about what Harry has to do. We're going to be taking some risks this year, just like the rest of you. And yes, we might not make it. And we realize that, and we accept that! We're going to be careful, but we are willing to make sacrifices if it will save the Wizarding world." Ron and Ginny were looking at Hermione with great surprise. Fred and George looked at each other, eyes widened, and all of the other Weasleys looked quite uncomfortable, looking from Hermione to their Matriarch nervously.

"Why I never—in all these years—you are still children!" But before she or anyone else could continue, a strange, high-pitched song filled the room.

"Uh—my cell phone," said Cuddy apologetically, pulling it out with a frown. "Hello?" Everyone looked at her for a moment. "An outbreak of influenza?" she demanded. "Damn it! Inspectors? Don't we already have enough on our plate with hundreds of people pouring in for vaccinations? I know it's not your fault. I don't know; tell them I'm held up at a conference—I'll get the next flight I can get. Bad weather?" She groaned. "All right, there's nothing I can do. I'll be there as soon as possible. Bye." She hung up and closed her eyes wearily.

"Flu outbreak?" asked Foreman immediately.

"Yeah. Wilson called to give me the Heads up. God, I don't know how I'm going to get back to the hospital in time… I'm going to get fired…."

"We won't let you get fired," said Lupin tiredly. "We'll create a Portkey for you. Hermione, have you read up on them?"

"I think I can make one," she answered him, nodding. "And I have to, because Ginny and I were the only ones who have been to the hospital. I need about an hour, though. I've got to make sure I'm focused." Lupin nodded, smiling.

"Thank you." He then turned to Cuddy. "You don't need to catch a plane; we'll have you back at your hospital in a maximum of two or three hours."

"Oh—well…okay, then. Right. I am going to take my Medical Team into the hallway and have a quick private discussion. Is that all right with everyone?" When nobody objected, Cuddy forced a smile and opened the door, allowing Cameron, Chase, Foreman, and House to file out before exiting herself.

Cuddy turned to her employees resignedly. "You have five days. Then you are coming back despite whatever curses these people might put on our hospital or stories they might fill your heads with. Understood?"

"Understood," nodded House quickly. The door to the parlor opened, and Ginny Weasley stepped out cautiously. She smiled at the doctors.

"Mum says that they're starting dinner now, and to go down to the kitchen when you're finished talking." Ginny then turned to Cuddy. "I don't believe we've met—I'm Ginny Weasley."

"Lisa Cuddy; it's nice to meet you," the older woman replied, smiling.

"So—I take it Harry's not any better?"

"Not yet," answered Cameron. "But we've still got to take a look at some test results. Don't lose hope," she added reassuringly. Ginny nodded sadly and turned down the hallway and out of sight.

"Girlfriend?" asked Cuddy.

"Yeah," answered House. "Well, I'm hungry. Are you coming to dinner?" he asked Cuddy.

"I guess so," she answered.

The only ones absent from dinner were Kingsley, who was with other Aurors at the crime scene, Hermione, Ginny, and Harry. Everybody else had decided to stay, and the evening's excitement was temporarily forgotten.

"So Draco," began Lupin a few minutes into dinner, "How are your studies coming along?" Draco frowned and twirled his spaghetti spitefully.

"Fine."

"Any problems with certain subjects…?"

"Say, Muggle Studies?" asked Ron, laughing.

"Shut up, Weasley," frowned Draco.

"I'm surprised you don't know to specify which 'Weasley' you're talking about by now," commented Cameron, earning chuckles from everyone. Suddenly, Mundungus stood up quickly, swearing.

"What's the matter with you?" asked Charlie curiously.

"Uh… I forgot that I have some business… s' an important deal—sorry, everyone; Molly—but there's another bidder involved, an' I better be goin'…."

"Bye, Dung," said Fred cheerily. Everyone bid the man farewell, and he rushed his dish to the sink and was gone in a flash.

"That man," began Molly, shaking her head disapprovingly.

"What about him?" asked Foreman curiously.

"Well," began George, "Mum doesn't know what to make of him. He's awfully street-smart, but is always involved in illegal business. But Dumbledore always knew that would be useful, and wanted him kept around. Mum doesn't know what to make of him because he's put her kids in danger, but he's also saved Ron twice, at least…."

"Now, George," began Molly, shaking her head before she was interrupted.

"He'll shape up, Molly," said her husband, smiling. "But let's talk about something different tonight; we've gone over Mundungus a hundred times. How is the school doing, Minerva?"

"As good as can be expected, I suppose. Shortage of students and a shortage of teachers, but we're making due. I almost wish we could combine everyone into two Houses instead of four…."

"Or what about one house?" asked Hermione, entering the kitchen holding a paperclip. "That's what the sorting hat always wanted."

"Yes, Albus was thinking of doing that as well. If we make changes, they will have to be after the holiday, though…did you make the portkey, Miss Granger?"

"Yes; it didn't take as long as I thought it would," said Hermione, smiling. She turned to Cuddy. "You need to be holding this at 7:30, and you'll be transported to the hospital. I could Apparate there a bit later to make sure you got there okay, but I can't foresee a problem."

"So this…paperclip," said Cuddy, taking the Portkey from Hermione, "is going to transport me to another continent?"

"Yes," said Lupin, smiling at her skepticism. "I know it's got to be very difficult to comprehend, but just trust us."

"If you'd like to see the formula behind the spell, or read up on portkeys, I could lend you this book—" began Hermione.

"Why would anyone want to read a book about portkeys?" asked Ron, yawning. Hermione gave him a dirty look. "Want to play Chess after dessert? I say we have a game-night; we haven't had one in ages."

"No, thanks, I don't think anybody is in the mood to lose to you in Chess," said Hermione, annoyed.

"Dad?" asked Ron hopefully.

"I don't fancy losing in Chess tonight, either. But I am up for a game-night. We haven't had a night off in quite awhile. I do want to run to the Ministry, though, and ask Kingsley about which Death Eaters were caught."

"I would love to stay, but I really need to get back to Hogwarts," said Minerva.

"I'll play Chess with you," offered House. His ducklings looked at him with some surprise.

"Are you any good?" asked Ron.

"I'm good enough," said House.

"We're up for Poker or Gobstones or something," said Fred after whispering a moment with George.

"Would you guys be up for learning some… 'muggle' games?" asked Chase curiously.

"Say no," warned Draco. "I'm learning about them in Muggle Studies…they're insane."

"What game is insane?" demanded Cameron.

"The one where you twist all over everybody to touch the polka dots," said Draco in a very serious manner.

"Twister?" smiled Remus. He turned to his wife. "Lily introduced that one to us in my fifth year… I think you'd enjoy it."

"Sounds fun. I'm in. Mum, Dad, don't we have a game of Magical Monopoly at home?"

Andromeda nodded, laughing. "We do. Shall we go and get it?"

"Yeah," said Charlie, grinning. Tonight will be fun. Are you all in?" he asked Cameron. She looked at Foreman and Chase, who shrugged and nodded, respectively.

"Sounds good," she smiled.

"I'll go tell Ginny and—Harry will be disappointed he has to miss this," said Ron.

"We can do a game in that room, so he can play or at least watch," suggested Hestia Jones, who was sitting between Charlie and Remus.

"The boy needs rest," said Molly stubbornly.

"Laughter is the best medicine," said House thoughtfully.

"You can't be serious," started Chase.

"No; I think that he can play a game…we already know that what he has isn't communicable. Let him have some fun for once. Just don't go too crazy." Ron looked delighted, but Hermione looked worried.

"Are you sure?" she asked, biting her lip.

"He's fine. He's just got to stay in bed. If anything, it'll be better to have more people there—that way we'll know if he starts hallucinating or something." House looked thoughtfully at Molly Weasley, who was pursing her lips.

"All right, then. That's settled. We reconvene at eight for game-night." Everyone agreed, and after supper and dessert were finished and the kitchen cleaned, the house's occupants dispersed.

Around 7:20, Remus decided to find Cuddy and make sure she was okay with the Portkey. He figured that she would either be looking at Harry or talking with one of the other doctors, so he made his way upstairs. By the time he reached the first landing, he was panting. The previous night, though he had had Wolfsbane, had not been pleasant, and Remus was ridden with tiredness.

The first room he walked by was Harry's. He glanced inside, pausing, to see Ginny and Harry laughing quietly. Ginny caught Remus' eye and mouthed what looked like, "Hello, Professor." Remus smiled at the girl and continued on, leaving the two to continue talking. In the next room he passed was Cameron, studying something under a microscope. Across the hallway from the lab, Chase and Foreman were talking about something. Remus frowned and continued on. In the last room on the hallway, which seemed to be some sort of office, he could hear the voices of Cuddy and House.

"You're sure you're okay?"

"I'm fine. Just—worried, about you guys; about the Hospital…."

"No you're not. You're worried about something more personal…is it the sperm-donor thing? Have you finally decided?"

"No. It's not that, House—it's not anything. Forget it. I—" She paused. "Never mind. It's nearly seven-thirty."

"Call us when you get there. I don't trust this magic very much."

"Unbelievable. You don't trust it, yet you're insisting that you stay here and save the world?" she asked sarcastically.

"I never said I didn't believe it. Belief and trust are two different things entirely."

"It's seven-twenty-eight," said Cuddy quietly. "I guess I just hold this thing and go?"

"This should be interesting."

"Shut up. I hope they make you take one of these things back."

Lupin decided that the Muggles could handle it and that he shouldn't impose right now. He backed away slowly and headed downstairs, vaguely wondering what kind of relationship House and Cuddy had. They certainly seemed to be more than a boss and employee, though they didn't come off as intimate, either. Sighing, he decided that there were more pressing issues at the moment, and went upstairs to examine the will of Albus Dumbledore once more, and to read the letter he'd left him, explaining about the Horcruxes. Remus made a mental note to ask Hermione or Ron about the one they'd supposedly found today, but he trusted that they had put it in a safe place.

That night, House walked downstairs with the knowledge that Cuddy had arrived safely and was once again pissed off at him and his team, this time for causing her to need to come to England at all. Oh well; he had more important things to worry about.

Ron Weasley was currently beating Gregory House at Chess. Wizard's Chess, House decided, was jinxed. Amused at his own pun, he tuned out the rest of the room, many of whom were watching the Chess game, surprised that House had lasted so long.

"Knight to B7," said Ron, breaking House out of his reverie. House cursed quietly. This kid was good. He began thinking about his next move, but Chase and Foreman and one of the other people were talking about some knight.

"Crazy portrait…."

"…Must be insane…"

"…brain is inflamed or something…"

House suddenly stood up. "Check for encephalitis."

"On a portrait?" asked Chase skeptically.

"No. In the patient."

"But the MRI didn't show any signs of inflammation," argued Cameron.

"Take an LP."

"But House—" began Foreman.

"Queen to F4. Check."

A/N: Sorry for the long wait! I promise that the next chapter will be in a few days. Thanks so much for reading! Please review!