Author Note: In this chapter we see what happened to the Weasleys. Get the band together and set things up. I rushed the last paragraph as I fell shoveling snow and hurt my back so I am taking a Tylenol and going to bed. Peace!
===xxx===xx
The next morning Harry woke up entangled with Hermione. He sighed contentedly as he stroked her hair. She stirred a few moments later and rose up stretching languorously. "Good morning my dear." He purred.
"Good morning loverboy. Last night was amazing."
He chuckled, "I hope so. I mean I don't have much to compare to but I really enjoyed it."
"It was a coupling to be devoutly wished indeed." She said.
Harry watched her body shift and move as she stretched in the bed before straddling him, "Like what you see?" She asked.
"What do you think?"
"I think you really like what you see," She smirked taking something in hand causing him to gasp in pleasure.
===xxx===xx
Eventually the two of them came downstairs to breakfast. She was wearing a pair of tight stretch pants and a midriff shirt. Harry had put on a pair of athletic pants as well as a T-shirt.
"Ahh looks like he survived last night unscathed. At least he has no visible wounds upon him." Dan joked.
"Of course not dad. I learned from mom how to not leave any marks." Hermione smirked as she stole the last piece of toast and marmalade.
"Well Harry, looks like you are in for it now. I hope you're ready."
Harry chuckled, "I don't know if I'm ready but I'm sure going to try."
Emma laughed, "That's the attitude. So you're going to be alright for today?"
"Yeah. We're going to go over the membership list and narrow down who we want for the advanced team. Then we'll have lunch and go talk to them. We'll take the knight bus." She said.
Emma and Dan nodded, "Alright then. Try to be home for dinner or at least send a message somehow."
"We will mum." Hermione assured her.
Once the Granger parents had left Hermione and Harry set up in the dining room with some notebooks and class lists as well as the membership list from Dumbledore's Army.
"Okay, we need to look at three things, equipment, tactics and personnel. Where do you want to start Harry?"
"Well maybe equipment?"
Hermione smirked briefly but got to business, "Okay. First off communications."
"Yeah Lucius gave away everybody's position with his yelling their names out all over the place." Harry laughed.
Hermione made a note, "Right. I'll have to talk to uncle Bill if he can find something we can modify for use in a magical environment. Too bad some muggle technology doesn't work too well in a high magic area."
"Why is that?" Harry distractedly asked.
Hermione looked at him, opened her mouth then closed it. She then said, "There are several theories none of which are pertinent to our current problem."
Harry chuckled, "Sorry. This must be serious if you're not lecturing me."
"New me, new attitude." She smiled.
"Right. So back to equipment. Maybe body armor. Something to protect from some spells and when we went to hand to hand. That way maybe you..er. People won't get hurt."
"I'm okay Harry. The spell hurt me but Madam Pomfrey got me through it and I'm better now."
"I know. Just it scared me to see you go down like that. I thought you were dead briefly."
She took his hand and squeezed it, "I know. But I'm better now. And we are doing this so we are not so over-matched again."
"Right. So Body armor?" He said.
Making another note Hermione agreed, "Yeah that is something to look into. Although I'm not sure where we would go to get that."
"Maybe the goblins would know?" Harry suggested.
Hermione nodded and made a note, "That's possible. They are a warrior culture. Even if they are mostly bankers and business owners now they still hold their traditions."
"Right. Plus your uncle Bill might know something again as the muggles use armor a lot."
"Another good idea Harry."
"Thanks." He thought for a moment, "Ginny broke her ankle during the battle maybe something that would help prevent that?"
"Well uncle Bill can help suggest a few ideas. But we can look into that. Any other equipment?"
"Maybe a knife for everyone? Your uncle Paul can teach us all on how to use one right? I mean he is good and not just a poser?"
"Well considering how he spent 3 years in Ledbrook Jail for cutting someone yeah."
"He cut someone?"
"They hurt a child. Uncle Paul may not exactly play by the usual rules of society but he does have standards and a code of ethics that if you cross he will hurt you. Being an only girl child he took an interest in teaching me to protect myself from an early age."
"Oh. That's why he got so angry at the Dursley's?"
"Yeah. He really, REE-LLY, doesn't like people who hurt children."
"Nice to know. So since he'll teach us knife fighting we all should have a knife. Right?"
Hermione wrote that down too, "Yeah. I had to have my wand scourgified after I got it back. I'm not sure what Neville stuck it in but it was gross."
"Uh one of the Death Eater's eye holes of their mask."
Hermione nodded then made a shuddering gag, "Well that's wonderful. Did you know there is no way to magically heal eyes?"
"No I did not. That explains Moody then."
She nodded. "Okay I think we have equipment covered for the most part. We can go over this with with the group and see if they have anything."
Harry nodded, "So people or tactics?"
"People. Which does lend itself to tactics. I think we should keep the ADA down to 12 members. Two teams of six." She said looking over the list of members.
"Why so few?"
"Well we had six of us at the Ministry. We held our own pretty well, was able to watch each other's back for the most part, and was pretty flexible. So two teams of six can work pretty good."
Harry nodded, "Okay. That sounds good to me."
She wrote that down as well, "Of course we'll need to make a security plan. To keep things secret and that thing in your head that Dumbledore alluded to means we should try not to get too many details that we want to let Voldemort know."
"Yeah. So should we be doing this?" Harry worried asked.
"Do you feel like he's in your head?"
Harry closed his eyes and looked inside himself, "No I don't think so."
"Okay. Most of this is just minor stuff so we should be okay. We'll have to watch out if there is anything that makes you think he's watching or aware."
"Okay. I'll let you know."
"Now about people. I know you may not like this but is Ron a make or break deal?" She stared at Harry.
Harry slumped back in his chair, "He was the first friend I made that was my age. Pretty much ever. Dudley and his gang drove anyone that tried to be away."
Hermione bit her lip, "He's not been a really great friend you know."
Harry nodded, "I know. But he was there at the Ministry with us."
"And I know that. But the flak over his stupid rat. Everyone, literally everyone was telling him to calm down and he kept getting more and more defensive and angry about protecting that stupid rat that turned out to be Pettigrew. It was completely irrational and disgusting. Plus he has not been a good friend to me Harry. Remember the Yule Ball, the first year that put me in the bathroom, the way he treated you during the tri-wizard tournament. He has not been a very good friend in my opinion."
Harry slumped back in the chair rubbing his forehead, he stopped suddenly then sat up, "Hermione. How did you describe Ron's behavior?"
She raised her eyebrow, "Its been really irrational. Like he hates you but loves you. Seriously I wonder if he..."She stopped talking suddenly with her mouth open as she stared into the distance in the expression Harry recognized as her it all comes together now realization look.
"Harry. Ron must have had his mind messed with by Pettigrew!"
Harry sighed in relief that Hermione came to the conclusion he had been thinking about, "Exactly. Ron used to tell me he would sleep with Pettigrew, he carried him everywhere he went. He acted like that rat was as important to him as his wand."
"We need to get to the Burrow and talk to. No wait we need to go to Hogwarts and tell Professor Dumbledore or McGonnegal about this. We can't trust that ANY of the Weasleys haven't had their minds messed with. Including Molly or Arthur." Hermione got up to grab her things.
"The knight bus here we come." He said.
===xxx===xx
The bus deposited them at the front gates to Hogwarts. Hermione woozily got off the bus while Harry leapt off with a big grin. "What's wrong Hermione?"
"That thing is a certified death trap driven by an insane, homicidal maniac."
Harry laughed, "Yeah great isn't it?"
She looked at him sardonically, "Oh so much fun I could puke."
"C'mon lets find one of the professors." Harry grabbed her hand starting to jog up the lane.
"Wait a second Harry. I wasn't planning on going anywhere today so didn't put a bra on." She said yanking on his hand after a moment.
"Oh okay and that's a problem?"
"Well when you have D cups yes it can be. Running a mile with these things bouncing around wildly can get a bit uncomfortable."
Harry thought for a moment then pulled his wand out pointing it at her bosom.
"Harry what are you going to do?" She asked as she crossed her arms over them protectively.
"Cast an immobulus targeted on them." He said looking at her curiously.
She thought for a moment, "Okay. I'm not sure you can target that spell only on a specific body part. The books haven't said you could."
"Well its either that or shrink them and I'd really rather not."
"There is also my transfiguring my shirt into a sports bra." She pointed out obviously.
"oh yeah there is that. Maybe you better just do that instead." Harry sheepishly put his wand away.
"Right. We can experiment with your idea later." She said as she drew her wand and tapped her shirt. A moment later she had a tight, pink spandex bra holding her snugly. "Okay now let's run up there."
===xxx===xx
Hermione out paced Harry by several yards by the time they reached the front doors. Knocking on them eventually caused Professor Sprout to answer them.
"Oh my dear. Are you alright Hermione it looks like you got attacked in the forest. You're all swollen and your clothes fell off."
"I'm fine Ma'am. Is the headmaster or Professor McGonnegal here?"
Harry bit his lip to stop from laughing at the confused expression on the chubby professor's face.
"Uh yes. He is. He's in his office I think."
"Thank you." Hermione said jogging past the Herbology Professor. Harry followed her with a nod to the professor.
Arriving at the headmaster's office they were soon seated before him, "Miss Granger you are almost out of your clothes."
"Yeah I got a bit excited and needed to talk to you. We think there's something wrong with the Weasleys."
"That is a rather broad term. What precisely may be wrong with them?" The headmaster chuckled.
Harry cleared his throat, "Sir, Peter Pettigrew was with the Weasleys for how long?"
"For some time. He was Percival's familiar for most of his time at Hogwarts, until Ronald started."
Hermione frowned, "Sir how did Ron and Percy get permission to bring the rat to school. The equipment lists don't include a rat."
Albus sighed in embarrassment, "Well. I must admit Molly badgered and begged until I caved. I let Percival bring, the rat, and with the precedent set Ronald was allowed." He raised his eyebrow as he seemed to consider something.
"Hermione and I was talking. Pettigrew was alone with the Weasleys for a very long time. We don't know just how long do we?"
"Hmm. No we do not Harry. I take it, the both of you, feel that he may have implanted some commands in the Weasleys?"
Harry looked at Hermione who frowned, "Maybe not outright commands but he may have altered the way they think or behave."
Albus raised his own bushy eyebrows as he steepled his fingers, "Unfortunately the Weasleys have always been the sort of people they are today. Loud, boisterous, hectic. Molly has not mellowed with age either."
"So if they have been altered it hasn't been in a way that's drastic enough to be noticeable?" Hermione was thinking.
"No, however during the last war many people did get imperiused into doing things they should not have. It would not hurt to at least double check them I suppose. I should have thought of this earlier, especially after what happened to Ginevra."
"The diary sir?"
"Yes. Molly assured me that Bill would be able to help her the best, that they would keep it in the family and see to it she got the help she needed. As their oldest is a curse breaker with Gringott's I felt he could ensure she was no longer possessed but urged she go to a mind-healer."
"And they didn't?" Harry asked in shock.
"No. Not that I have learned. Arthur and Molly have said she was fine and she has not behaved too badly, has she?" Dumbledore inquired gently.
"No, she has been okay for the most part, but Ron went overboard with his defense of the Rat in our third year, and at the tri-wizard he turned on me, among other things." Harry explained.
"Luna said he was unkind. And when Luna describes someone as unkind you know there is a problem." Hermione pointed out.
"True Miss Lovegood does have a bit of a perceptive personality. Very well you have convinced me that it would at the very least be prudent. If you'll excuse me I'll summon some help then we shall visit the Weasleys."
The headmaster stepped across the room and started talking into a mirror. Harry nudged Hermione who had already noticed and nodded. When the headmaster came back he was smiling.
"Madam Pomfrey and Minerva shall be joining us. I do not know if there will be any trouble but we should be prepared. I suppose you would be able to defend yourself, from even your friends, if need be?"
"Ron would attack us?" Harry shook his head in surprise.
Dumbledore sighed as he pursed his lips, "Yes. Sadly it is entirely probable if he has been tampered with."
Harry's reply was interrupted as the floo flared to life and Professor McGonnegal stepped forth followed a moment later by madam Pomfrey. When Professor McGonnegal saw Hermione's outfit she gave a sour expression and taking a handkerchief she transformed it into a long tunic holding it out to Hermione who took it with a sheepish grin, "Sorry ma'am."
"Yes, well while muggles may find that sort of clothing acceptable we are not as open in our world." Minerva sniffed.
Madam Pomfrey chuckled as Hermione slid the tunic over her head, "Well it looks like you've recovered quite well. Hasn't she Mister Potter."
"Oh yeah." He enthusiastically agreed until Professor McGonnegal gave him a wry look but was hiding a slight grin.
"So you believe that the Weasleys might have been mentally tampered with Albus?" Minerva turned to the headmaster.
"The teens have pointed out a few things. Such as Pettigrew was in their presence for a great many years. Mister Weasley's inconsistent behavior and attitude towards them, as well as his outright obsession over the Rat before he was revealed to be Pettigrew."
Minerva and Pomfrey looked at each other with a sudden look, "That would explain a great many things. I had spoken to him after the incident with the troll and he showed no remorse or regret for his comments, then a few days later he asked my opinion on what would be appropriate to make up for it." Minerva explained.
"Does this mean that she did not receive proper treatment after the incident in her first year?"
"Most likely not, Poppy." Albus confirmed.
"I would like to examine her then. I tried to impress on her parents that she could have suffered irreparable harm if they did not get her treatment."
"Well let me contact Molly and we can see if this is able to be resolved one way or another today."
The others all agreed while the headmaster called Molly on the floo. A few minutes later they were on their way to the Burrow.
===xxx===xx
Molly greeted them all happily, "Well this is a major surprise and all. Though it is good to see you Harry. You're looking like you could use a good meal. So will you stay for lunch?"
"That would be excellent Molly. I believe that we shall if you do not mind? Now about the reason we came here. Poppy had a few concerns about Ron and Ginny's recovery after the incident at the Ministry. With the coming darkness we need everyone to be in their finest form you know."
Molly's face immediately darkened into a glower, "Why Albus. They're just children they won't be in the fight. They shouldn't have been involved in the fight already. If they hadn't been dragged into it by tales of glory and fame by that scoundrel Black."
Harry winced, "Sirius was not a scoundrel."
Molly softened but still said, "Oh Harry I know he was your godfather and you had a soft spot for him but he was still a scoundrel and a rogue. You're far better off putting him behind you."
Albus raised his eyebrow but clearing his throat asked, "So where are Ron and Ginny?"
"You're determined to drag them into this aren't you. As if getting my brothers killed wasn't enough now you're coming for my children." Molly screeched.
Albus and Minerva both looked shocked, "Molly that is not the case at all. And I am sorry for your brothers but we are only concerned for Ron and Ginny's health."
"No I'll never tell you where they are old man." Molly crossed her arms defiantly.
"Ahh yes well then in that case you leave me no choice Molly. Somnus." He said waving his hand in her face. A mere moment later Molly's eyes closed and she slumped into his arms with a chuffing noise as she fell into a deep magical sleep.
"Well perhaps I could get some assistance to place her on the couch please."
Harry and Hermione leapt over to help the headmaster put the Weasley matriarch on her couch.
"You have got to teach me that spell sir." Hermione gushed.
"Yes it is rather useful at times. I have used it on myself when I have had trouble getting to sleep. In a few hours she awaken fully rested and feeling somewhat more amenable I would hope."
Harry shook her head, "I've never seen her get that way, not even when she was harping on Sirius about his house and stuff."
"It seems there are certain things that trigger a negative response in them. Now to find the younger ones."
Hermione held her hand up, "Point me Ron Weasley." A small glowing arrow formed hovering over her palm. It pointed to the north."
"That's towards the orchard. The field we use for the pick up Quidditch games." Harry noticed.
"Ahh very good Miss Granger. Minerva you and our young wards go and collect the other two and bring them back please."
===xxx===xx
"I trust you acquired the potion with no trouble?" Minerva asked as they walked towards the field beyond the orchard.
"Yes ma'am. I got it at the clinic. And sorry about the way I was dressed. We just got in a rush and forgot."
Minerva sighed through her nose, "Yes well your sartorial choices could be considered quite inflammatory by some. As you have no doubt noticed the wizarding world is somewhat prudish in many regards."
"I know. I'll try and remember that ma'am."
"Indeed. There is Mister Weasley now." Minerva nodded as Ron came walking up the path towards them carrying a pair of brooms.
"Oi hey Harry. Blimey Hermione how'd ye get those yabboos? Potion or transfiguration?" Ron said when he came up closer. Not even bothering to try and pretend to make eye contact. Harry stepped to the side as he felt something very bad was about it happen.
Hermione sighed, which made them move obviously causing Ron to become fixated, "I grew them. They are all mine."
Poking her right one Ron said, "Hunh They're real?"
That was the last thing Ron said other than a bloodcurdling scream as Hermione took his finger and bent it backwards twisting his wrist around so that it looked like she was trying to fit his right hand in his left ear. She wrapped her left arm around his throat and hissed in his ear, "That is a personal zone. Only two people have permission to touch me there and you are neither of them. Do you understand me?"
"Ow you're killing me Hermione."
"Oh quit whining baby. All I did was put you in a joint lock my uncle taught me." She said letting him go with a shove. "No touching understand?"
"Professor you saw that she went bloody mental!" Ron exclaimed.
"Mr Weasley I saw you act inappropriately and nothing more than that. Now you will come with me to the house while they retrieve your sister. The headmaster wants to speak with you."
"Bloody hell." Ron slumped in dejection.
"Where is Ginny anyhow?" Harry asked.
"She went over to the pond to go swimming, she said she worked up a sweat and wanted to cool off."
"Oh okay. Thanks." Harry and Hermione set off while Professor McGonnegal led Ron back to the house. He kept rubbing his arm and wrist glancing back over his shoulder like he expected Hermione to leap on him from behind.
===xxx===xx
"That was quite the move you did there." Harry observed.
"Thanks. Uncle Bill taught it to me. Paul would have kicked his balls up to his eyebrows but I want to wait and see if Ron's been mentally tampered with before I do that."
"Oh." was all Harry said.
Hermione laughed as she took his hand, "Don't worry Harry dear. Just remember no means no and you won't get hurt."
"Right. Of course."
Hermione took her finger and shushed him as they heard water splashing around and someone singing. Coming around the bend in the path they found Ginny's clothes sitting on the bank while she was splashing in the pond. A flash of pale white skin showed that she was not wearing any swimwear as she dove underwater.
"Lucky you Harry." Hermione muttered under her breath. "You get to see another naked girl."
"Uh I can go back to the house if you want."
"Too late." Hermione intoned as Ginny came up and saw them. She leapt out of the water and ran over to them. She had a much smaller and athletic body than Hermione so things didn't move quite the same but Harry still felt his breath catch a bit.
"Harry! Hi! Oh wow. So glad to see you!" She said as she hugged him.
Harry patted the wet girl on the back, "Uh yeah hi. Glad to see you too. Maybe you should get dried off and dressed."
"Oh you don't like the way I look?" She said stepping back with a pout.
"Well uh."
"Yeah you look great Ginny. I'm sure Harry's quite pleased. He's just a bit uncomfortable right now."
"Oh. Sure. It looks like it with as tight as his pants are." Ginny purred checking Harry out.
"Uh calm down Ginny."
"Oh why Harry? I'm naked and ready to serve you. That's what a naked girl is supposed to do isn't it?" She looked confused at him. "That's why you came here isn't it?"
"Uh no not really." Harry was looking from Ginny to Hermione with growing alarm.
Hermione was in her thinking expression, "Ginny why don't you get on your knees for Harry."
"You want me to Harry?" She asked happily.
Harry started to say no but Hermione was nodding her head, "Yeah. Get on your knees please."
Ginny happily dropped to her knees then fell over unconscious as Hermione muttered a soft stupefy.
"C'mon and help me get her dressed. I think this is good evidence she was tampered with." Hermione sighed.
"Yeah. Wow."
===xxx===xx
They floated the unconscious girl into the house to see Ron and Molly also unconscious on beds that had been transfigured from the furniture. Madam Pomfrey had been joined by a tall dark haired man in the robes of a Saint Mungo's Healer.
"Ahh another victim for the slab. Put her over here please." The man said with with a smile.
Harry and Hermione froze, "Uh Professor?"
Madam Pomfrey chuckled and came over to examine Ginny, "This is Brian Weatherwax. He is a compatriot of mine from Saint Mungo's, one of the better Mind Healers. Unfortunately he could use one himself sometimes."
"Well the best mind healers need mind healers. Its how we maintain business. So this is Ginny?" He said looking in her eyes.
"Uh yeah. I'll put her on the bed." Hermione said unsure of the man but trusting the Matron and Professor McGonnegal who was signaling for her to put Ginny on the former end table.
Stepping into the kitchen with their professor so the healers could work, they found the Headmaster sitting with a cup of tea. "Sir? What's going on?"
"It would seem your fears were well founded. Both Molly and Ronald showed signs of repeated, long term mental tampering."
Harry and Hermione both sat down heavily in a chair. "Oh. That's horrible." Hermione shook her head sadly.
Harry thought for a moment, "At least that means his being a jerk might not have been because he was a jerk."
Minerva sat down sighing, "That is an optimistic evaluation Harry."
"Sadly Harry, in cases like this the personality of a person might have been damaged to such a degree that they cannot be recovered. Magic has for all of its powers a great deal of weakness in certain areas. The human mind is one of them. We can control it, destroy it, but we do not understand it."
Harry slumped in his chair. Hermione considered things, "Well. Let us know what's going on with them sir. While we are so close we are going to go visit Luna and Neville. We want them for our team."
"Alright Miss Granger. And thank you for pointing this out to us again. It would seem my mistakes keep compounding like a Goblin loan." Dumbledore grimly said.
"Uh do you want your handkerchief back ma'am?"
"No you may keep it. However." Minerva stood up and waved her wand over it several times and a small embroidered rose appeared on it. "I enchanted it so that should you touch the rose with your wand tip it will transform from the tunic to the kerchief. It will not help you in the muggle world as it still counts as casting a spell underage but it should help you here in our world."
"Oh thank you ma'am." Hermione said giving the professor a hug.
Minerva stiffened but patted her on the back, "Yes well. Let's not become too emotional about it."
"Oh will professor Lupin be available tomorrow at 10? We're getting everyone together at my house for a planning meeting."
"I believe he will be. He is looking forward to beginning your training Harry."
"So am I. We can change the meeting place to Grimmould for when we do spell-casting."
"That would be a good plan it seems like."
"Thank you sir."
After the two teens left Minerva sat and shook her head at Albus, "Do you suppose all of the Weasleys have been tampered with?"
"We have to consider that a strong probability. I have already contacted the Goblins for them to check William, Charles is in Romania so it will take a few days to get him checked. However the ones we have here will need to be dealt with first."
===xxx===xx
Hermione had walked through the lane with Harry to the Rookery. Arriving at the tall stone chess piece they pulled the bell rope to hear a loud fog horn sound.
A medium height blonde haired man wearing a tie dyed robe in orange and yellow swirls that were an eye watering shade opened the door a few moments later. "Yes. We would not like to have any cookies. Although if you have any magazines we might be interested."
"Uh sir? We're looking for Luna. Luna Lovegood."
He seemed thoughtful then said with a sigh, "I'm sorry young man we don't have any Luna Luna Lovegoods. We do have a Luna Lovegood here. If she'll do."
Harry looked sideways at Hermione who simply nodded, "Right. Yes, she'll do nicely."
"Oh good. She's around back in the garden. If you go through the house here and out the back door you can't miss it. She's the blonde girl in the middle of the garden."
"Okay thank you uhm." Harry said uncertainly.
"Oh no. My name isn't uhm. Its Xenophilus. I'm Luna's father."
"Pleased to meet you." Harry said shaking the man's hand.
"Likewise. Now if you'll excuse me I have to get back to work. The next issue will be coming out. Oh and tell Luna that lunch will be on time though."
"Okay."
The two of them went through the house at the strange man's urging and into a back garden. It was a well organized and laid out garden with paths, planters, small statues and fountains separating the various sections into themes. There were crystal gazing balls on pedestals and several wind chimes hanging off of trees.
In the middle of this was a small gazebo with Luna sitting cross legged in the middle of it. She was wearing a bright yellow shift in the same eye watering shade as her father, at least Harry thought he was her father as looking at them he saw the resemblance now. At least across the nose and eyes.
As they approached the gazebo Luna smiled, "Hello Harry." She called out in her charming soft voice.
"Hello Luna. How did you know it was me?"
"You always try to walk so quietly, like a rabbit trying to hide from a fox. Hermione is beside you as she strides. Like a big cat. Each footfall placed precisely where it will do the most good to carry her to her goal." She opened her eyes to see Hermione looking at her in astonishment.
"Wow Luna. That's amazing."
Luna shrugged, "No that's observing things. People do not actually listen to the world very much."
"And that's why we want her right Hermione?"
Luna tilted her head, "Thank you Harry, I would not mind being wanted by you, although I've never considered being wanted by a girl before either."
Harry stammered as Hermione laughed, "Uh no. Maybe. I uh. Hermione help."
Hermione composed herself as she sat down by Luna, "We'll consider the wanting of you in that way later. For right now though we are forming an advanced Dumbledore's Army. The lessons from the battle at the Ministry taught us we need to get more organized and trained and such. So we are finding people we want to join us. People we can trust and think would be able to contribute. So we thought of you."
"Oh. Well thank you for the compliment. I would be happy to join your advanced army. The battle was quite exhilarating. Although I am sorry I was not able to finish it."
"Luna you got knocked through a desk into the wall. That would have taken an adult out of the fight." Harry pointed out.
Luna considered for a moment, "Oh that is what happened? One second I was running across the room and the next I was waking up in Saint Mungo's."
"Right. So will you need to tell your dad or anything to come over tomorrow about 10. We're going to have a planning meeting to organize the group and such."
"Will there be many involved?" Luna asked hopefully.
"Uh we're going to hold the advanced group to about a dozen. That way we can be quick, nimble and still have a chance at being effective. At least the core group. We'll still keep the rest of the army active too." Hermione said with a nod. "That way we can have back up if need be."
"As well as cannon fodder in some instance." Luna pointed out.
"Uh well maybe not so much cannon fodder Luna. We're supposed to be the good guys and we don't do that." Harry corrected gently.
"I suppose if you say so." She stood up, "Will you be having lunch with us? We're having Jumja root with yamok sauce and gurdyroot tea."
Hermione and Harry both stood up, "Uh we have to meet several others. So we'll probably just grab something from the pub this time around, maybe next time. Okay Luna?"
"Okay. I'll save you some and bring it with me tomorrow."
Harry nodded, "Yeah sure that sounds fine. I'll look forward to that."
"Oh good." She said lightly skipping to her feet before giving him and Hermione a hug. "I'll be there. And father will be okay with that."
"Nice. Okay well see you then."
"Certainly. I'm very excited about this. Since its your home Hermione that means there will be muggle things and no magic?"
"Right I was going to mention that."
"Oh good. I will be on my best behavior."
As they left Hermione raised two fingers to Harry.
===xxx===xx
Arriving across the village at Neville's home they found him in the greenhouses.
"Hi guys. Uh Hermione did you get stung or have some kind of Allergic reaction?"
Sighing she shook her head, "No these are my breasts. They are actually abit larger but the bra I'm wearing squashes them."
"Oh I hadn't noticed your uh, uh bosom. I was. Er."
"You were looking at my butt?"
Neville was blushing heavily but nodded.
"Oh well thank you. I do a lot of running and exercises."
Harry was trying to figure out how he was feeling. It seemed like all of his friends were looking at Hermione like she was a completely new person, except Luna but Harry thought they could have showed up with blue skin and silver horns and Luna wouldn't have reacted badly. And in Neville's case looking at her in some serious appreciation. He might have to ask Dan how he dealt with people looking at Emma like that.
"So what brings you guys around?"
"We're forming an advanced Dumbledore's army. Better equipment, more advanced training and more importantly support. Its by invitation only so we came to invite you." Hermione explained.
"Oh wow. Uh. What makes you think I'm good enough for that." Neville asked in surprise.
Harry started listing things, "Well you stood by me at the Ministry. You fought well and didn't run. You've been a good friend since first year. And I trust you, more importantly Hermione trusts you."
Neville looked at the witch who nodded, "Yeah. I have to ask you something Neville did you know Sirius was innocent when Harry asked you to come with us?"
Neville shook his head, "No. He was innocent?"
Harry and Hermione spent a bit of time explaining the history behind Sirius and Harry's relationship. How Sirius was Harry's godfather and how his parents had changed who their secret keeper was at the last minute.
"Oh. Wow. Okay. I can see how that would cause the confusion. That's one of the bad things about that spell."
"Right so are you in?"
"Yeah sure."
Hermione and Harry thanked him then left. Hermione raised three fingers to Harry as they left. Neville watching them walk off as Hermione had shifted the hemline of the tunic up so it reached her waist.
===xxx===xx
Bouncing around on the knight bus as they sped towards Susan Bones home. "Well that was an interesting thing to learn." She said pressed against Harry during one high G turn.
"What was?" Harry asked once he could breathe again.
"That Neville's a butt guy. I figured he'd be more of a leg man."
Harry shook his head. "Okay.
"So where are we going?" Harry asked as a bump caused him to fly up and land in Hermione's lap.
Kissing him briefly before he landed back in his chair she said, "We're going after Susan Bones. She might be able to get us information from her aunt. At the very least she would be a line of communication and seems pretty trustworthy."
"Okay yeah." Harry agreed as they spun around another curve causing her to land in his lap briefly.
They soon were standing outside a small Queen Anne style house in the edge of Canterbury. Knocking on the door the chubby blonde, blue eyed Susan carefully answered the door. "Harry, Hermione. Is that really you?"
"Yeah its me Susan, and this is Harry."
Running her eyes up and down Harry's frame she nodded appreciatively. "Nice. okay. I guess you can come in."
The inside of the house was tasteful and filled with solid furniture. Hermione saw a dark cherry wood paneled library which intrigued her.
"Oh Auntie's library. Its mostly boring dry law books. A few cultural references and stuff." Susan said when she saw Hermione's attention had strayed.
"Well those are still a lot of good things to know." Hermione pointed out.
"She mostly knows them for her work." Susan shrugged leading them into a sitting room. "So why are you visiting me?"
"Well we're forming the Advanced Dumbledore's Army. Its by invitation only and we were going to invite you because we feel like you would be a good fit." Hermione explained.
"You want me to be part of this Advanced DA? I thought that was just for dealing with Umbridge?"
"Well you heard about what happened at the Ministry?" Harry asked.
"Yeah. Auntie told me. Said you guys are lucky that You-know-who really did show up otherwise you would be buried under Azkaban for the damage you caused. As it is Malfoy and the others will be sitting there for at least 50 years she says."
"Well I hope so. That's the least they deserve." Harry agreed. "But no. With Voldemort back we are going to have to get more actively involved in our own defense. Defense of our friends and family. That means training and being ready."
Susan sat down and thought for a few moments, "You and I are both orphans Harry."
Harry wasn't sure where she was going but nodded as it was true.
"Dad was still trained and he got killed."
"Yeah so did mine. But that doesn't mean we should just give up, or run away. I'm going to fight to stay alive with every breath. I'm not going to just give up and let the people I care about die or fight without me." Harry's voice took on an intensity that made Susan and Hermione look at him.
Susan looked at the floor for a few moments before going, "You're right Harry. I'll be there."
Hermione smiled good, "We'll see you tomorrow. 10 am my house. Its a muggle one but you should understand what that means."
"Yeah."
When they left Hermione raised four fingers to him.
===xxx===xx
They were seated at a Macduff's fast food joint eating lunch as Susan was supposed to meet her aunt at the Ministry for lunch.
"Harry you do realize that none of this has any nutritional value whatsoever." She said picking at the hamburger he had bought her.
"Well yeah but it tastes good and is quick and cheap." Harry countered wolfing down a burger.
"How did you even get a taste for this..stuff." She said shoving the meal away from her. It was not making her very happy.
"Well Uncle Vernon used to bring it home when Aunt Petunia would be late or at her social circles. He tried the O'Tolley's that opened but said that it tasted too weird. So Macduff's was good enough. Dudley could eat a dozen burgers at one sitting. Vernon usually got a Thane Meal for himself, or two, er three. I mean yeah I got the Glamis meal always but it's still good. Even if Dudley always took the toy. You going to eat that?" Harry asked pointing at Hermione's tray.
"Uh no. I'll just go to the grocers and get a powerbar or something." Hermione gave that gagging expression again, "And to think I though Ron had some disgusting eating habits."
Harry swallowed before replying, "Hey at least I don't talk with my mouth full."
Hermione gave a resigned sigh and conceded the point, "Okay true. There is that."
Harry laughed, "So right where to from here?"
"Actually we'll go back home to look over the list and then back to the Burrow to check on the Weasleys."
"Okay."
===xxx===xx
"See Harry this is a proper well balanced meal." Hermione said holding her lunch. A salad with some meat and cheeses.
"I do eat stuff like that too. I just like Macduff's every so often. Its like a comfort treat."
Sighing Hermione laughed, "Okay. As long as its once in awhile as a treat for yourself and you don't try to get me to eat it we'll agree to disagree."
Harry grinned, "Alright! Compromise!"
She looked at him in resignation. "I'm in love with an idiot."
Harry frowned, "Is he bigger than me?" He snarked.
"Moving onward. Back to who might be a good choice." Hermione growled ignoring Harry until he focused on the list. "Sorry dear."
"Dad's been coaching you?" She smirked.
"No but I saw Uncle Vernon do that sometimes when Aunt Petunia refused to make him his favorite foods."
"Oh figured. You seem to be dealing a lot better with the memory of them."
"well it still hurts but knowing I'm away from them and never going back helps a lot." Harry sighed happily.
"I'm sure it does. Now with the Weasleys off the list, anyone who was ambivalent or didn't exactly do very well off the list that leaves about seven to really consider." Hermione stated.
"Only seven? How many did we start with in the DA?" Harry asked.
"Well we had 29 sign up. Counting you and I. Marietta betrayed us and Cho took her side. Michael Corner only showed up because he was dating Ginny. So that left 26 real members. Of them about a dozen really showed high promise. I mean Dennis Creevey was a sneaky little bugger who could look innocent as a pygmy puff. The only reason I'm not considering him for the ADA is because I would use him for scouting and special jobs. He's not a straight up combat person."
"Right. He's almost as small as a pygmy puff. With the right make up he could probably pass as a goblin or house elf almost." Harry chuckled.
"Something to think about. Anyhow. The Patils, Ernie Macmillan, Dean Thomas, Terry Boot, Katie Bell, and Seamus Finnigan"
"And how many do we already have?"
"You, me, Lavender, Luna, Neville and Susan. So six." Hermione listed.
"Okay so we should only bring six more in. The Patils would come as a package more than likely."
"True."
The knock at the door interrupted them causing Hermione to grab a kitchen knife and head for the door. Peeking through the curtain she saw Professor McGonnegal on the other side. Opening the door she smiled, "Professor. Hello. How did you know we were here?"
"I did not. However Albus sent me here to see if you had returned as of yet."
"Oh well come in. How are the Weasleys?"
"They will be spending some time in Saint Mungos. I am sad to say." The Scotswoman said as she came in.
"Oh no. Will they be alright?" Harry asked with concern.
Taking a seat the Scotswoman gave an uncertain shrug, "I do not know. No one does. They had their minds manipulated in such a clumsy, heavy handed imprecise manner according to the healer that recovery may not be possible. It will have to depend on how much they were manipulated and how much of their original mental patterns remain. The manipulations occurred over years."
Harry looked sad as he sat down. "Oh. So basically Ron has never been right in the head?"
"Most likely."
Hermione sat beside Harry, "Well that does explain a lot of his behavior at least. Maybe I can forgive a little bit of it since he was sick."
"Yeah. So they'll get checked over and treatment if they can?" Harry asked hopefully.
"That is the plan. Now speaking of planning how goes your efforts." Minerva inquired.
"Well if we want a total of twelve we will need to find six more off of a short list to consider and invite them here tomorrow. Could you give us some ideas?"
Professor McGonnegal stayed long enough for them to write six of their fellow students messages. She then left to tend to business with Dumbledore.
"Okay. We've got some time for me to teach you a few basic stretching exercises, practice a routine on the pole which I'm sure you'll enjoy and uh get cleaned up and ready for dinner. Shall we?"
"I'm game."
===xxx===xx(Review Responses)
Manwe Iluvatarian: Cool. Welcome to the club. I am really amazed there is one in the first place so every new member is awesome. Oh there will be reactions and they will be all over the board. And this won't be the first time Ron gets a frustrated reaction from Hermione. I already have an idea for Draco's encounter too. Hope I can keep this one on the lighter side of things.
OfficerDonNZ: I have decided to try and have my cake and eat it where it comes to the Weasleys in this story. I might be too much of an optimist but who knows. Ron will be a slow learner where it comes to Hermione and her personal space.
Desireejones99:You are correct. I missed that in the read through as well as my wife missed that. I swear I need an auto-correct for my brain. Although some people might say a censor sensor for my brain to mouth might be better. Either way thank you and I will try to watch for that closer. Although maybe taught is right as Hermione's middle will definitely be something Harry studies...;-)
