Disclaimer: No money is being made or received for this work in her playground of characters.
Chapter 17 - Home
Harry felt sick as he banged against the fireplaces. When the flames suddenly stopped, he was thrown violently into the Gryffindor common room. He lay on the floor without know where he was.
At the "Potter Estate" Ron stood waiting expectantly for Harry to come through. It took his dad and two brothers to physically restrain him from going back for Harry. Mason and Madison were shown their rooms by Hermione, given a small sleep draught after their arrival and fell asleep without thinking anymore. The others waited for almost twenty minutes before Ginny stood, darted into the fireplace, grabbing the powder on the way by the ones holding Ron, she screamed "LEAKY CAULDRON" and she was gone. The struggle ended when they heard her voice, the men panting and Ron smirking...
The Leaky Cauldron was all but deserted when she entered. She met with a Law Enforcement Officer by the name of Steven Maples. According to witnesses, he assured Ginny that Harry had not been taken by He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named, but had flooed alone out of the pub. No one knew where. When she entered the floo to leave, she said, out of desperation, "Harry Potter." She was a bit shocked when the flames erupted around her.
She landed in the Gryffindor common room and saw him. Using the bit of floo powder left in her fist, she summoned her parents and brothers to her. They entered and leaned over Harry. Mr. Weasley conjured a stretcher and took him directly to the hospital wing. Hermione joined them as they followed the floating body down the halls. She and Mrs. Weasley stopped at Professor Dumbledore's office to let him know. He joined them as they watched Madame Pomfrey look at her patient.
"Professor Dumbledore? How did Harry get to Gryffindor Tower? Is that even on the Floo Network?" Hermione asked, dreading the answer.
The eyes behind the glasses twinkled and answered "It apparently is now. Although none of the common rooms are supposed to be, they were at one point, prior to Ms. Umbridge's reign at my school. If you will excuse me, I will return." They watched as he swept out of the room.
Harry was brought out of his daze by Madame Pomfrey. "Welcome back Mr. Potter." Then winked and left her patient to his friends' as she bustled to her office.
Ginny, who was closest, leaned down to kiss him tenderly on the forehead. "Hey you…" he looked up into her brown eyes, half-grinning, and asked "How'd I get here?"
Molly asked "What do you remember?"
Harry explained about Voldemort coming into the Pub as they left. When his scar exploded, he remembered saying "home" as he dropped the powder. The next thing he knew he was waking up to find them.
Dumbledore entered the room unnoticed. "Very good Harry; do you understand yet?"
Blankly Harry looked to the professor. "This is the only real home I have ever known?"
"Exactly. I might add that your desire to be home was so great you went where there was no floo network to get you. The magic you have shown in the past few weeks is simply breathtaking."
The room was silent. Madame Pomfrey came back into the room. "You are all better now Potter. No lasting harm done, for a change. I don't want to keep you here for observation. Although, I expect you to come see me when you return to the castle; for now, if you wish, you may go with your friends. But I want to see you upon your return - agreed?"
They left the hospital wing and went to Dumbledore's office, Harry and the headmaster spoke for a moment, deciding that the four students should not plan to ride the train, but instead, floo directly to his office the next day. When he returned to the estate, he spoke briefly with the others before he collapsed in his bed. Ginny, Ron, and Hermione went to their rooms to pack for school, glad to have something big enough to pack all their new stuff which they had sent ahead before the attack. The elves had packed for Mason and Madison and had already set their trunks near the entryway.
Dobby packed Harry silently, not wanting to disturb him. Ginny came in with the same idea as Dobby and smiled as she watched the elf pull one of Harry's shoes off and then the other. Dobby acknowledged Ginny with a nod as he finished and padded over to her. She knelt down and whispered a quick "Thank you" to the elf.
She watched Harry sleep for a few minutes, knowing he was tired. Her brother and Hermione would be in soon. But as she watched, he began to twist and turn in the sheets, sweat pouring down his face. His face contorted in rage, fear, and anger. She went quickly to him, leaving the door to the bedroom open. She wrapped him in her arms. Rocking him back and forth, whispering words of comfort to him, promising to be with him; willing her strength into him. Steadying herself for a fight against whatever demons haunted him this time.
He reached for her; tears streamed out of his still sleep covered eyes. Words, half formed, left his lips, "No… Ginny… love… can't… don't… never… leave… alone…" and it went on and on. Ginny crying silent tears as she held on fast to him. His arms, swinging madly, made contact with Ginny's face, but still she held him. His nails left bloody streaks down her arms, her hair pulled, and her shirt torn. Yet she continued to hold him. "I love you Harry Potter… we are going to get married… we'll have six children… three boys and three girls… and raise them here… we will have a great black dog…. and grow old together… come back to me Harry… I love you…." she whispered through the pain of his dreams as he fought the nightmare that raged within him.
And with one final deep shuddering cry, he relaxed in her arms; the nightmare finally ending. Ginny was unable to get away from him as he clung to her. Several minutes later, the door pushed open a little wider. Horror crossed the face of Ron and Hermione. Ginny tried to pull away from the now restful Harry and reach for her brother. As they approached the bed, they both saw the damage she had. Bruised and battered, tears streaming down her cheeks, she whispered "He was having a nightmare. I didn't know what else to do but hold him."
Ron looked with a mix of anger and fear at his best friend, and nodded. Turning to Hermione he said, "I'll stay here with him. You take Ginny to the hospital wing, that elf is every bit as good as Pomfrey. He helped Ginny out of Harry's embrace and Hermione helped her out of the room.
Almost an hour later, the nightmare started again. The terror in his voice begging for help as his friend watched. Turning, twisting in the sweat soaked sheets Harry cried out "Please let me out…. Is there? HELP ME….NOOOOOOOOOOO… Ginny…I love…please help me….. Don't leave me don't… her… no… I'll… …you…leave… alone…. Please…" over and over, Harry screamed out, pleading, begging for Ginny, arms swinging, legs kicking out, his body being thrown in every direction, declaring his love for Ginny over and over again.
The door opened, Mason entered to find out what the screaming was all about. Madison pushed the door back open when he tried to close it. Mason understood very little about Harry's experience, but knew about nightmares. His mother had them for years. "You have to wake him up." He told Ron. "You have to wake up him up now."
The two watched. When Ron, who was still angry over his sister, did nothing, Mason stepped forward. "Harry!" the American screamed.
It took a moment of indecision before Ron grabbed Harry. He wrapped his arms around his best friend; holding him tight. "Harry wake up, it's a dream," he began to yell to be heard over Harry's heartfelt pleas, "HARRY, WAKE THE HELL UP, MATE."
Harry was suddenly still. Seconds later, he sat straight up in bed, breaking Ron's hold on him. Harry stared wildly around the room. Trying to figure out where he was. Harry, seeing his friend reached for him. He wrapped his arms around Ron and sobbed into his best friend's pajamas.
Catching his breath, he stammered, "Oh Merlin, Ron, it was horrible. First, I was alone in the dark, but I could hear the voices outside. Oh Merlin. He took Ginny. He had her in the chamber of secrets. I couldn't get to her. The shackles were holding me back. I couldn't find anyone to help me. I was so alone. I watched him hurt her." His voice broke with a sob "Ron… tell me she's okay?"
Ron wasn't sure how to answer, so side stepped the question with "She's with 'Mione."
Relief washed over his friend. Harry nodded and collapsed. When he was sleeping again, Ron left him with Mason. He told them he needed to check on something. Madison left with Ron to check on his sister in the hospital wing. Ginny was still shaken, but was healed. As her habit of old, the house elf handed Ron pictures and a list of the damage of the girl. Ron gritted his teeth and walked from the room. Madison offered to stay with Ginny while Ron and Hermione left to discuss everything that had happened.
The next morning, Harry awoke, exhausted. The vivid dreams still plagued his waking moments. He was surprised to see Mason Black asleep in the chair next to his bed. Waking the big blonde, he quickly dressed, grabbed Ginny's present and pocketing it, before they made his way to the breakfast table. He was greeted with anxious scared faces. "Uhm, Hello…" he said wearily. Mason sat next to Madison; they made brief eye contact but said nothing.
Ron asked Mason if Harry had any other nightmares, Mason shook his head. Even though he had seen Harry's nightmares, Ron was still angry over the damage done to his sister. Hermione asked how he was feeling. Harry didn't know how to answer. Ginny looked up at him and tried to smile. She may have been healed but she was still very sore from where the teeth had to be replaced.
"Err… uhm… what happened?"
Ron stood, throwing off Hermione's hand on his arm. He walked around the table to stand eye to eye with his friend. "What do you remember about last night?"
Harry stepped back from the anger that shot out of Ron's blue eyes at him. "Nightmares, horrible, awful nightmares…Chamber of Secrets. He took Ginny into the Chamber again. I couldn't get to her. I watched them… hurt her."
"Yea? Well, Mate, you did your own share of hurting her last night yourself." Ron spat at him. "Luckily, this house has a Medi-elf and a hospital wing."
Harry looked at Ron then to Ginny whose head was ducked. He tried to move around Ron to get to her. Ron stayed in front of him. Grabbing him by the front of his collar, Ron pushed Harry away from Ginny. "You've done enough, Potter." Ron spat. Harry fell onto the floor watching the scene unfold.
Mason stood and walked around the table to be near enough to separate them should he need to. But it was Hermione, tiny petite Hermione was already standing between them, her hands flat against Ron's chest, "THAT'S ENOUGH RON. HE DOESN'T EVEN KNOW WHAT YOU'RE TALKING ABOUT. TELL HIM THE WHOLE STORY BEFORE YOU BEAT HIS ARSE FOR HURTING YOUR BABY SISTER. ASK YOUR SISTER WHY SHE WAS ALONE IN THE ROOM IN THE FIRST PLACE!"
Mason stayed close to the three, he saw Madison move next to Ginny. Harry stayed on the floor. Watching as Hermione dropped one hand from his chest; pleading as she quietly told him "Ask her Ron."
When he turned to look at his sister, he saw tears flowing freely down her face. Ginny's mouth was murmuring until he could get close enough to hear her. She told of the night before; the thought that she could calm him. Harry had not been awake once while she was in the room. It was a nightmare, nothing more or less, just a nightmare. Ron, kneeling before Ginny's chair, cradled her in his arms. The big brother finally understanding between sobs that Ginny thought she could do it alone.
Harry looked at the pictures that Ron had thrown at him at some point. He looked on with horror at what was done to her. Mason offered him a hand to assist him in standing. His hands shook as he saw the pictures of Ginny that the elf had taken the night before. His heart ached as he saw Ginny's teeth knocked out, black eyes, bruised, hair pulled out, and scratches. He turned to leave the room, but was stopped as Hermione came between him and the door. "You can't leave." Madison moved next to Mason.
Looking into the soft brown eyes of the one he considered his sister, he hiccupped through his sobs, "I…would never hurt her like this. Can't you… see that? I would never… ever… Merlin, I love her Hermione. How could this have happened?" he pleaded with her for answers, but she had none. Choking back the sobs, a tear stung his cheek. He looked from her to the big red-head behind her, and turned to leave the room again.
Ron walked around Harry to stand nose to nose. "Harry, I'm…sorry. I knew you were going to have nightmares last night. You always do when you face him. I should have come sooner to help you. I should have never let Ginny out of my sight. She knew too. She… knew… you would … have … the dreams…" He too choked a sob, "I am truly sorry."
Harry grabbed his best friend in a tight embrace. "I would never hurt her. I swear on my life. I would die to protect her. I love her." When they broke apart, Harry went to Ginny, drawing out a long box from his jeans. Shaking, he handed it to her. "I wanted to wait to give this to you. But after last night, I realize that if I had given it to you sooner, you would not have been hurt as bad, if at all. Please forgive me Ginny. I would never intentionally hurt you."
Shaking, Ginny took the box and opened it. The charm bracelet inside was beautiful. Hermione and Ron watched as Harry carefully explained what each charm meant. What protections it held. When Harry put it on her wrist, he kissed the clasp. There was a small cocoon of light from her bracelet, as the spells sealed themselves around Ginny.
Ron pulled out a chair and kneeled in front of Hermione. He too produced a velvet box. He whispered "I love you 'Mione," as he handed it to her. She took the box and slowly opened it. She kissed him silently. Each charm was carefully explained to her and as with Harry and Ginny, Ron secured the clasp and tenderly kissed it. Another bright light flashed as the Spells sealed the owner.
They heard Molly opening the doors. With a quick look at each other, Mason and Madison hurried out of the room to delay her entry. It gave the others a few extra seconds before she hurried into the dining room. Sure she had missed something, but not taking time to ask, she hurried about. "…going to be late."
"Uhm, Mrs. Weasley?" Hermione asked, "What are you doing?"
"Trying to get everyone to King's Cross in the next two hours," her voice was shrill and sharp.
"But Mum?" Ron cut in as he tore himself away from Hermione's tear stained face, "The only ones taking the train are Mason and Madison. And their trunks are in the entry way. We aren't taking the train. After yesterday's attack, it seemed too dangerous. The DA was notified last night by Professor Dumbledore himself to be on guard as we were not going to be on the train. Didn't he tell you?"
Molly stopped and stared at the four teenagers. Taking a deep breath, she muttered "No, no one told me anything about it."
Pouring a mug of coffee, Ron pulled a chair out for his mum. The pictures, Hermione noticed were still on the floor. She looked into the eyes of Dobby who were picking them up and handed them to Ginny. Whispering, he added "I believes that these is yours?" Ginny thanked him and slid them under her for safe keeping.
They saw Mr. and Mrs. Weasley, Mason and Madison leave the house to go to King's Cross inside a Ministry car, before they went into Harry's room. They talked about the morning. Harry turned to them all and said without much preamble "Do you want out now? Cause this is what it will be like until I defeat that bastard. I can't believe how bad it was last night. Ginny, I am so very sorry."
Ron smirked "Until WE defeat him you mean? You are not in this alone mate. We are here for you. But next time, NOT a single person will be helping with your nightmares. It will take at least two of us. Agreed Ginny?"
Ginny smiled, "Agreed big overprotective brother."
First Time Aboard the Hogwart's Express
As the Weasleys entered King's Cross, they each took the hand of one of the bewildered teenagers and entered Platform nine and three-quarters. Finding Neville, they bid goodbye to the kids and left them in Neville's care. Neville missed Harry and the others, but found that he was enjoying this trip more than all the rest combined. They talked of the DA, and of the messages from the Headmaster. They sat on the train with Luna Lovegood, Seamus Finnegan, Dean Thomas, and Lavender Brown. Everyone wanted to know more about the American students whose mother was a Muggle teacher.
Neither Mason nor Madison had so much of a clue as to what the other teens were talking about, so they nodded politely and stayed very close to each other. Madison left briefly to use the restroom and upon her return was stopped by a handsome blonde boy about her age. He looked her up and down and asked who she was.
"Madison Black," He eyed her with curiosity, "My mom is a new teacher at the school this year. And you are?"
"Black?" She nodded, "I'm Draco Malfoy," he continued to look at her with interest, his curiosity was getting the better of him, "Any relation to the Blacks in London?"
"Not that I know of, but I'm from Texas, so even if I were, it would be extremely distant." She answered.
"Where are you sitting?"
"With my brother and some other people we just met. Come on, I'll introduce you." She passed him and opened the door to the compartment to find Mason engaged in a chess game with Neville Longbottom. She pointed to her brother without looking at Draco, "That's my brother, Mason." The name stirred something in his memory. She sat down beside him and introduced Draco. "This is Draco something-or-other. This is…"
"Don't worry, Miss Madison, I know them," looking up as he heard the voice, Neville found himself looking into the malicious eyes of Draco Malfoy, "Where's the trio?"
Neville surprised everyone when he stood up, without shaking and drew his wand. "What do you want with them…Mal-ferret?"
Draco laughed and suggested that Longbottom put it away before he hurts someone with it. Neville simply repeated the question. "I always like to know where they are. To be sure they were here somewhere as I did not see them on the platform or at the Prefect's meeting. Since Granger is the Head-Girl. You know, in case anyone needed to find them." Draco drawled on.
Mason stood behind Neville, but soon found he was in no need of 'back-up'. In a fit of courage no one thought possible, Neville stepped closer until he was nose to nose with Draco and looked him in the eye; his voice low and had a dangerous edge to it as he spoke, "Tell your dad hello next time you see him. As for his friends, you can send word that Harry is not on the train… But you tell them that I am, and I am waiting for them. Tell them that if you have the guts, ferret."
No hint of fear left Neville as he looked into the eyes of the boy who had taunted him for so many years. No doubt of skill came from him as he stood eye to eye with the son of a known death eater. He could feel Draco's breath quicken. Sensing that Draco was scared of him, Neville knew that he had won. He reached up and with a single finger pushed Draco Malfoy out into the corridor and closed the door. Mason found his seat next to his sister. Neville drew the shade and he turned to his new friends as he exhaled slowly. No one moved. No one said anything. They just stared in awe of the boy that was tormented. The one boy who they all thought should have been in Hufflepuff. He had just proven that he deserved to be in Gryffindor. As Madison was apologizing, they broke out into applause as Luna sang "Neville is my king…." to no one in particular.
The train pulled into Hogsmeade. As Neville and Luna stepped onto the platform, they were met with Professors McGonagall and Snape. Madison, Mason, Neville, and Luna made their way over to the professors. McGonagall motioned for Mason and Madison to go with Hagrid with first years. Once they left, Neville, showing the same bravery with Professor Snape as with Malfoy, casually ignored him and addressed his head of house. "Ma'am, is there something wrong?"
The woman eyed him cautiously. She wasn't sure what the change was, but the arrogance in his voice and the steady demeanor spoke volumes. Gone was the frightened bullied child of fifth year. Before her stood a seventeen year old wizard who had come into his own. "We were notified of an… incident… between you and Mr. Malfoy. I wanted to confirm it's validity before we went any farther." Turning to Miss Lovegood, the professor was shocked to see the girl's usual dreamy look suddenly vanish into one of fierce loyalty.
"Professor, Mr. Malfoy, also know as the ferret, came into our compartment. He proceeded to question Neville about the 'trio's' whereabouts. When Neville wanted to know why, Mal-ferret face said that some friends wanted to talk to him. Since we ALL know Malfoy has no friends, we knew that he was referring to DEATH EATERS. Neville asked about how his dad seemed to like Azkaban. He also informed Mr. Malfoy that since he was going to send a message to his dad's friends, to let them know that Neville was ready for them, and please feel free to send them his way." Neville was shocked to hear Luna's version of events very much mirrored the way it happened. She continued "I, for one, would not want to be the one to make this man angry this year. You might not like him when he is angry and right. Is there anything you would like from us Professors?"
Snape scowled and swept away. Professor McGonagall smiled and said, "Twenty points to Ravenclaw for paying attention when necessary; Twenty points to Gryffindor for finding a non-violent solution to a… rodent problem." With a smirk, she turned and left the area.
Neville and Luna found the last carriage and entered. Dean, Seamus, Lavender and Pavarti made room for them. Neville breathed deeply before speaking. "Thanks for your support, Luna," she smiled as he added "and guys, we each got twenty points for our actions today. I actually GOT the first house points of the year for Gryffindor!" he finished smiling. The rest of the journey to the castle was full of laughter and fun.
Rowan pulled the quartet aside when she saw Neville enter the great front doors. She motioned them to follow her to a small room, "Look, no one can know that I have any powers. You do, but I doubt any of you have thought to tell anyone," They really hadn't thought of that discussion, "so here's the deal, when you enter the Great Hall, you will suddenly forget that part of me. You will remember everything else though."
"Why are you telling us if you are going to wipe it from us in a moment?" Harry asked.
"Because you have been lied to enough Harry; besides the fact that tampering with your memory may not be as easy as it once was. Your powers have grown exponentially since you were in Land's End. You've had one helluva summer and I don't want to do anything that might make you mistrust me later. Does that make sense?" he nodded. "There is also the possibility that the charm won't work on any of you since you were there when my powers were released. Ya'll were kind of… were caught in the fall out of it. Fifteen years of bound magical power is a bit…"
"Destructive?" said Hermione.
"Noisy?" Ginny offered.
"Exciting? Ron said.
"Amazing!" Neville said.
When Rowan rolled her eyes; everyone laughed, as they left the small room and led them into the great hall. Upon entering the great hall, the Gryffindor went to their tables. Ron and Hermione looked up at the staff table. They watched as Rowan hugged first Remus, then Hagrid, and finally Snape. She sat between Hagrid and Snape. Snape looked pleased with himself. Harry and Ginny planned to stop off at the hospital wing just for good measure before dinner.
There were fewer first year's, but the real excitement was when Mason Black was called first; the hat was set on his head and began to vibrate with excitement; "Hmmmm, strong mind. Always willing to help. Magic is new, not used often. Parents are great wizards. Lucky you have come home. But where to put you? I am sure… it better be GRYFFINDOR!"
The hat was removed. Instead of running to his new friends, he turned to wait for Madison. Watching as the hat closed over her head, he wondered what house she would be in. "Well, this is a surprise. The things you should be teaching the others." The hat began.
Madison's thought cut across it. "Don't go too deep, I won't let you search too much longer. Make a choice so I can eat." It was issued as an order or even a challenge to the hat. Making her intentions known was something her mother had taught her from a young age.
"A bit judgmental, but not too bad. Your parents would be proud. Not particularly selfish, love your family... always thinking of others. True concern for family and friends. Ahhh, but you also hunger for more. Your passions show you could be a Slytherin, you would be good, without a doubt. But your heart… you could be a Gryffindor…where to put you? Both of your parents were Gryffindor, never a doubt about it. Your brother is one as well. Need to keep you close to him. So it better be GRYFFINDOR!"
The hat was removed and Madison took her brother's hand, squeezed softly and they both joined the Gryffindor table. Rowan smirked at Snape, the look not missed by Lupin. The sorting completed, Dumbledore stood. "It would seem that the fun of the year is just beginning. Already we have had one almost fight ending much differently than it in previous years. We have had students standing up to protect other students. And, it seems we are all hungry, so without further delay, tuck In." Draco ducked his head at the Slytherin table, without comment.
The meal was delicious. Having not been able to eat much that day, Ginny was eating everything in reach. She grinned over her corn when Harry said that she was matching Ron, plate for plate. After dinner and desert, she leaned back against Harry, quite content to relax against her boyfriend.
When the tables had been cleared, Professor Dumbledore stood again. "As usual, let me be brief. Forbidden Forest - FORBIDDEN for a reason -don't forget it. Filch - list of no-no's which now includes anything with the name of Weasley. Find the list, don't cross him. We have a new teacher this year, Professor Black, from the United States, who will be teaching Muggle Studies; returning Professor Remus Lupin, who will teach Defense against the Dark Arts. Don't worry, he won't bite.
"This year's Head Boy is Draco Malfoy, and the Head Girl is Hermione Granger. Any questions should be directed to the prefects of your house or one of them." Dumbledore grinned at his professor before continuing, "Curfew will be enforced this year with immediate expulsion; any student not able to follow the rules this year as laid out by your prefects will simply not be welcome. Good night all."
With that short but memorable speech, Hermione leaned over and gave the password to Neville and they left the great hall before anyone could ask questions. Dumbledore called Harry back. With a glance at Ginny, they made their back through the crowd to the headmaster. "Yes Sir?"
"Ron, Hermione; please wait a moment." As the other two joined them, he put it bluntly, he told them about the fight with Neville and Malfoy. He asked that they continue to watch Neville and Luna, as they were closer to them than any others. He then finished with "Curfews do not effect you; new rules of the term. Harry, you will have meetings with me Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday, after Quiddich practice. Ginny, you will meet with me on Wednesdays. Ron and Hermione, you will meet with me on Fridays, at the same time - class together. Every Saturday, you four meet with Professor Black for research. And on Sunday afternoon, you will find a rather large group of people waiting for you in the room of requirement for continued DA lessons.
"Miss Weasley, you will not be attending OWL classes this year. You have been moved up a grade and are now considered Seventh year. I trust that meets with your approval?" she nodded, grinning "Oh, and Professor Black has graciously agreed to show you to your Head Girl quarters. It has been expanded this year, much to Mister Malfoy's irritation, to include a separate bedroom for Ron and Harry. Ginny, you will be in Hermione's. Any questions? Good. Yes, well, good night then."
Ron turned to Ginny, "Is he serious?"
"Yes, I studied hard. That's where I was while you two were off snogging, or Harry was talking to one of you lot. I studied to catch up with you. I figured that if I didn't make it, it would be okay, but if I did, then I could graduate with Harry."
They all looked at her for a moment, before Harry blurted out "Bloody Brilliant." As they turned and left the great hall, Ginny looked back over her shoulder and gave the head table a wave. She was very proud.
Madison and Mason split off from their mother, Mason climbing the stairs with Neville, and Madison walking with Lavender. Rowan watched her children leave her and turned to meet the quartet in the front hall to escort them to the Head's quarters. They were next to her quarters on the second floor; somewhere between the Hospital Wing and Dumbledore's office. When she finished showing them around, she smiled at them. "Your promise to me at the beginning of the summer is still in effect. Do not break your word to me." They agreed as she led them into their rooms.
Harry turned to his two best friends and said "Hang on, why are we in here with you?"
"Part of it, Harry, is that I was going to refuse the Head Girl honor if I had to be too far from you three. I still don't sleep well alone, as you well know. I don't really care whose bed I end up in either, as bad as that sounds. Ginny will need help studying. The other part was you. You need someone around if your nightmares start up again. For that, we needed you in a room we could get to easy enough."
"Besides, Madame Pomfrey wanted you closer…" Ron finished with a laugh, running to the bedroom as a shoe came whizzing by and hit the closed door. When Ron stopped laughing, he came back into the small common room. "Honestly, we just think we need each other to survive this year of school."
"Thanks," was Harry's heartfelt reply.
Their conversation was interrupted by Draco Malfoy's entrance. Everyone looked at him. He said nothing as he entered, eyeing them all. He walked silently through the common room to his bedroom. The others looked at each other and turned in for the night.
