Here is the next chapter. It is un-betaed so all errors are mine. I hope you enjoy it. Let me know. Thanks.

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Four months of hard work on the teenagers' parts proved that their plan was working. Greg had been steadily getting better grades but still hadn't achieved an Acceptable on a written assignment.

His wand work had major improvement especially in the class he shared with Cho but all the classes practical wand work was already in the Acceptable range. They had developed a type of key for the wand work and as such he was able to learn the easier spells of the first through third years. He had a little more trouble with fourth and fifth years but those issues were eventually figured out and added to the 'key'. This, in turn, helped him learn the more complicated spells because he recognized the motions that gave him the most trouble.

It was at this time, with only 3 months of school left, that Greg started to get really nervous. N.E.W.T.s were only 10 weeks away. The tests were hard enough but he still had yet to achieve an Acceptable on a written assignment. He was worried that if he couldn't get at least one Acceptable he wouldn't be able to survive the actual tests.

It was about this time that things took a turn for the not-best. The DADA teacher, Professor Hawk-Monitor, was in the staff room grading the latest test after classes ended for the day, "Huh." He vocalized. "That's odd."

"What is it?" Babbling asked him.

"Well," he paused as he looked the test over again, "this test is odd. Greg Goyle has been doing Troll and Dreadful work with the occasional Poor thrown in but this test...it's Acceptable. Well, I suppose it's actually an exceeds expectations since I wasn't expecting anything other than a Poor...but still 'Acceptable' it is."

Professor McGonagall pointed out, "He's been studying very hard with Ms. Chang and a fifth year Hufflepuff named Maggie Henry. Maybe it's finally working."

The Muggle Studies professor, Professor Johnson, entered the conversation, "His work has been improving in my class as well." He paused for a moment, "Now that you mention it I think I saw them passing notes before class earlier this week...right before a test. He, compared to his normal work, he did really well on that test too." He paused, "You think they were...no I can't see that...cheating?" He asked the other professors not believing what he was saying. "He's worked really hard, I can't believe it."

"Is Chang even taking Muggle Studies?" Professor Babbling asked.

"No, she's not. So it can't be cheating." Professor Johnson replied.

Professor Hawk-Monitor rifled through his other tests until he found Cho Chang's test. He graded it and then compared they two tests. Many of the answers were similar. "Well, the tests are similar but not exact."

He handed the tests to McGonagall who held out her hand for them. Her lips thinned as she compared them for herself. "These are a little too similar."

"Of course they are going to be similar. They have been studying the same material and they have been doing it together. What do you expect? Different information?" Professor Babbling asked clearly annoyed at the automatic assumption of guilt.

There was a pause as the other professors considered those words. "So, what do we do?" asked Professor Johnson.

McGonagall sighed, "I think we're going to have to question these two at least and maybe even Ms. Henry. If they did cheat it will mean automatic suspension possibly even expulsion."

A plan was organized without Professor Babbling as she wanted nothing to do it. Professor McGonagall was going to stay out of it until Professors Johnson and Hawk-Monitor questioned Mr. Goyle and Ms. Chang respectively and simultaneously after classes ended the next day.

The professors decided to limit the chance of the students coming up with a story by not letting them know what was happening until the last class. At the last class of the day, remedial Charms for Greg and Advanced Transfiguration for Cho, both teens received a note saying to meet a professor. Cho was to meet with Professor Hawk-Monitor and Greg was to meet with Professor Johnson.

That evening the Muggle Studies professor was looking at a nervous Greg Goyle. "Good evening, Mr. Goyle."

Greg didn't say anything in response but nodded his head to his professor. His experience with being called to a professor's office has never been good.

As Professor Johnson watched his student fidget and sweat, a sinking feeling developed in his gut but he decided to start on a good foot. "Mr. Goyle, first I wanted to say that I have seen a marked improvement in your school work lately. There are still issues but you have made major positive strides. Which is what brings us here tonight. There have been some...questions...as to why your work has suddenly improved so much. Honestly, there are some that think you have been cheating."

Of all the things Greg expected to be said to him, this wasn't even close. "Cheating? I have NOT been cheating."

"Can you give a reason for your sudden improved work?"

"I've been studying really hard." The last thing Greg wanted was to tell a professor that his brain didn't work like anyone else's. He wasn't sure he could explain it anyway.

"Yes, I know with a Ms. Chang and Ms. Henry. I have to tell you, Greg, that unless you can give me a good reason for this improvement, I will have to bring this to the attention of Professor McGonagall. If she thinks it's warranted she may suspend the three of you until an investigation is concluded. If she finds evidence of cheating, the three of you may be expelled."

As Greg was having this conversation with the Muggle Studies professor, Cho was having a conversation of her own.

Without preamble the DADA professor jumped right into why she was here, "Ms. Chang, I have to tell you that you and Mr. Goyle are suspected of cheating."

"We have NOT been cheating. I would never cheat! And neither would Greg." Cho stated emphatically.

"Can you tell me why your last test and Mr. Goyle's last test are so similar?" Professor Hawk-Monitor handed her both tests.

Cho took the tests and compared them. "We study together, of course, they would similar." Echoing Professor Babbling's words.

"I understand that and I have taken that into account. But the wording is almost exactly the same. Can you give me any other reason why Mr. Goyle's work has improved so much so quickly?"

"Professor, I can not and will not except to say that Greg and I have been studying together along with another person…"

"Yes. Ms. Henry. She is next to be questioned. What will she tell me, Ms. Chang?"

"She will tell you exactly what I am, Professor. We did NOT cheat and I will not break Greg's confidence as to how he has improved so much." Cho's stubborn streak reared its head. She crossed her arms and sat staring at the professor with what could only be called a mulish expression on her face.

"Ms. Chang, I must advise reconsidering your attitude and stance. If you can't give me a satisfactory answer, I have to inform Professor McGonagall. It will be up to her to decide the next step. She may decide that further investigation is needed and you three will be suspended during that investigation. If evidence of cheating surfaces you all may be expelled."

Cho was shocked and angry. "We did NOT cheat! Just because someone does better than anyone ever expected, it had to be cheating. This place…unbelievable." She took a breath, "You go ahead and do your investigation if you want. Nothing will surface because we did not cheat." She stood up, "Thank you for your time professor." She started to walk out of the room without waiting to be dismissed. She made it to the door before realizing what she was doing. She turned to Professor Hawk-Monitor, "Enjoy your evening, Professor." She pulled the door open and walked out still too angry to be overly polite.

Greg, on the other hand, was gaping at Professor Johnson, shocked. Of course just because he was doing better, he had to have cheated. "No one cheated."

"I want to believe you, Mr. Goyle, but I need proof. What proof can you give me that there hasn't been any cheating?"

"Why should I bother, Professor? No matter what I say, you won't believe me. Go ahead, suspend me, expel me but leave Cho and Maggie alone. They have done nothing but try to help me. There was no cheating on their parts."

"On 'their parts'? Are you saying you cheated but they didn't know about it?"

"NO ONE CHEATED!" Greg nearly shouted. Suddenly he seemed to give up, "but since you don't believe or trust me, why should I try to convince you?" Greg stood up, "Do what you need to do. I'll...You know what? Do whatever you want to. I hate school anyway." He walked out of the door only stopping long enough to yank open the door and slam it shut behind him.

Cho got out her meeting in a rage. How dare they? Cheating? Just because someone does better in school?! Absurd! She stopped her furious trek and took a couple of deep breaths. She decided she needed to find Greg. He needed to know about this...wait a bloody second, if she had a meeting then he probably did as well. Buggering shite! She needed to find him now. She headed to the Great Hall hoping to catch him. She didn't find him but spotted Malfoy and Granger still lingering over their dinner.

"Hi, Cho." Hermione said with a smile until she saw her friend's distraught face. "What's wrong?"

"Malfoy, have you seen Greg? I need to talk with him," Cho asked.

"No, he didn't make it to dinner. I heard he had a meeting with Professor Johnson after classes today."

"Shite. Ok. If you see him, let him know I'm looking for him, will you?"

"Sure," Draco said but Hermione wasn't satisfied with that.

"Cho? What's going on?" Hermione asked and pulled Cho towards the bench they were sitting on.

Cho sank onto a bench debating how much and what to tell them. Finally, "You know I've been helping Greg with his studies, right?" She didn't mention Maggie because she didn't know if it would bother Greg to have Malfoy know he was getting help from a fifth year.

They agreed that they knew about the studying, "Yea and another person, right? A Hufflepuff I think." Hermione said.

"Yea," she continued with her story, "but because his grades are actually getting better, they have accused us of cheating! Which we absolutely didn't do!" Her voice was getting a little loud in her agitation.

"Ok Chang, relax. I'll go see if I can find him. I'll see what's going on. I'll let him know that you are looking for him."

"Thanks, Malfoy, I appreciate it," Cho said to him as he left the witches talking on the bench.

***********************
Greg didn't stop his charge through the school until he reached the Slytherin common room. He was about to go up to his room, bypassing all his friends hanging out on the sofas and chairs when Theo Nott came down the stairs, "Greg! How was the meeting?"

Greg growled at him and tried to push past. Theo glanced at the others and stepped in front of Greg. "Mate, what's going on? You had a meeting with a prof, yea?"

"It was the usual rubbish about my grades. I'm done with this school. Now, if you will move, I want to go upstairs." He physically pushed Theo to the side and started up the stairs, again.

Blaise, Vince, and Tracey all jumped up and stopped him. "Come on Greg," Tracey said, "tell us what's really going on. What do you mean, you are done with this school?"

"Just what it means, I'm done. Being expelled...probably."

"Your grades that bad?" Vince asked as he and the others pulled Greg over to the sofas.

Tracey put her hands on his shoulders and pushed as hard as she could to get him to sit. He stood and watched the small witch try to force him to sit. When forcing him to sit didn't work, she turned her face up to him, looked him in the eyes and turned on her 'gorgon stare'. Which at least made him drop his defiant stance. It was when she turned on the puppy dog eyes that he gave in and sat down. She curled up next to him as the others found seats around him. "Speak," said Tracey.

Greg wasn't sure how much to tell them. He looked down at his hands for a few moments before just plowing on. "I've been studying with Cho Chang and.." he hesitated a moment before admitting, "a Hufflepuff named Maggie Henry. You know this right?" He said looking at the witch. It seemed easier to just talk to her and pretend the lads weren't there. Tracey nodded her head. "Well, my grades have been improving."

"Not enough, though huh, mate?" Vince interrupted.

Tracey glared at Vince and put her finger to her mouth to tell him to shut it. "That's good though, right Greg. Better marks."

"Except they think I've been cheating to get those better grades. Since I've gone this long without decent grades how else would I get better grades if not cheating."

"That's ridiculous!" Tracey stated. "You'd never cheat. It's just not you."

"Tell them that 'cause they aren't listening to me! I was told I'll be suspended while they investigate and if they find cheating I'll be expelled. I'm probably the only person in the history of the school to be expelled for actually learning and doing better in school. Just my luck."

"Oh Greg, I'm so sorry," Tracey said putting her hand on his shoulder in comfort and support.

"That's not all is it Greg? If it was just you, you wouldn't be this angry or resigned. It's also not your style," Draco said from the door where he was leaning and listening surprising everyone with his presence.

Greg scowled at him and shook his head but didn't elaborate as he looked back at the table in front of him.

Tracey looked at Greg. "What is it?"

Draco waited for a beat and when Greg still hadn't spoken, spoke to him. "Chang found me and Hermione in the Great Hall." Greg's head snapped up to glare at Draco. "Don't look me in that tone of eyes. She came to me. She had what sounds like a similar meeting. They are threatening to suspend her and your other friend, Maggie, as well aren't they?"

"Yea. They don't deserve that. They were only helping me so I told Professor Johnson that they didn't cheat."

"They didn't cheat. You left Johnson thinking that you did though, didn't you? You're being self-sacrificing." Theo said. "How Hufflepuff-ly dramatic of you."

Theo didn't mean it in a negative or mean way but Greg was already on edge and that is exactly how he took it. Greg was on his feet in a second and grabbed Theo's collar hauling him off the chair, "You listen to me. Maggie has been a great friend. If it weren't for her, I wouldn't have learned why I have such trouble in school and gotten the help I needed. Hell, she and Cho gave me the help I needed. There is nothing wrong with being a Hufflepuff. They are…" he paused when he realized he took the comment incorrectly and let Theo go and put his hands up in surrender. "Sorry, Theo."

Theo nodded his head in acceptance and watched as Greg left the common room for his dorm as his friends looked around at each other in confusion and worry.

The next morning all three teens were called to Professor McGonagall's office for a conference.

The three teens sat in the chairs provided in front of the Deputy Headmistress' desk. They knew why they were there and all three were nervous even though they tried to hide it. Even though none of them had done anything wrong, being accused of wrongdoing was nerve-wracking.

Professor McGonagall surveyed the kids and took note of their nervousness. She hoped that wasn't an inadvertent admission of guilt. "So…" she started, "I have received the recommendations from your teachers. They said you refused to give them a reason for Mr. Goyle's marked improvement. Is this still your stand?"

Cho was the first to speak up. "Yes, Professor. Greg has worked really hard for his grades and no one cheated."

A stern look crossed McGonagall's face as she held up a stack of papers, "I have copies of your tests and assignments. I have to say that after studying them there is a good reason for the teachers to be suspicious."

Cho decided to act as the spokesman for the group. "Professor, we did NOT cheat and there is no evidence of cheating. What there is evidence of is hard work on all our parts. And no Professor, I won't tell you why we worked so hard because it isn't my story to tell." Cho reached over and took hold of the other two teens hands to show their solidarity. "Quite frankly, Professor, I'm surprised this is happening. I think it is unconscionable that you are doing this to the three of us."

Greg decided he wasn't about to let these two wonderful friends get in trouble for him, "Stop, Cho. Just...it's not worth it." Cho tried to interrupt him but he wouldn't let her, "No. I'm so tired of fighting for every little thing. Enough is enough. I'm just done with this. I get ignored for being stupid or I get in trouble for finally doing well. I just...Professor, do whatever you have to do but these two DID NOT cheat to help me."

"Are you saying you cheated Mr. Goyle?"

"Yes, I did…" He was cut off by Maggie.

"Oh shut up Greg! You didn't cheat, I didn't cheat and Cho didn't cheat. You might be ready to let them railroad you but I'm not."

Greg looked surprised at her outburst. "What…?"

"Don't look so surprised! I'm a Hufflepuff which means I'm a badger. You ever see a badger defend itself? We get mean. So don't make me any angrier than I already am or I will slap you until you see stars! YOU WILL NOT GIVE UP. We didn't work this hard for this long for you to drop it all now." She turned to the professor, "what can we do to end this now?"

The professor looked shocked at the outburst. "Well, you have to prove no one cheated."

"Guilty until proven innocent, huh, Professor?" She didn't miss McGonagall's shocked face at the accusation as Maggie turned to Greg and Cho, "We are going to have to explain what we have been doing and more importantly why." She searched their faces and saw the question in their eyes. "If it comes out now, maybe others will benefit from the knowledge. Isn't that one of the reasons we're doing this? So that others can get the help they need?" The acceptance in their eyes as all she needed.

She nodded her head at her friends and turned back to Professor McGonagall. "We can prove we didn't cheat but due to the nature of this whole situation and the guilty until proven innocent aspect, I want my mom here before we go any farther. I think Greg's and Cho's parents should be here as well."

McGonagall's face was pinched tighter than any of the teens had ever seen. "I don't think that is necessary, Ms. Henry."

Maggie sighed, "Professor, you haven't believed us even once in this whole thing. If I understand correctly, you would have to inform our parents if you decided to suspend us and for sure if you tried to expel us. I think we should bring them in now instead."

"It will take some time to arrange especially as your mother is a muggle but agreed. I will put everything on hold for three days until your parents are all here. Then if you can not prove that there was no cheating on anyone's part, you will be expelled. Do you understand this?"

"Yes Professor, that's fine." Maggie agreed for the group. Maggie knew she should have thanked the professor for agreeing but she was still angry at the entire situation and decided to be a little rude.

The children were sent off to their next classes but decided to stop and chat for a bit first. "Maggie...this is risky." Cho's nerves were shattered.

"No, it's not." Maggie argued, "they were trying to get us to confess to something we didn't do. My mom knows we haven't cheated. I've been giving her updates on everything we have been doing and how it's been working. I'll owl her and ask her to bring them. I have all her responses as well. It shows a timeline of progress which in turn shows we didn't cheat." Maggie stopped to take a breath, "And Greg, your parents should be here for obvious reasons and Cho, your's because you deserve to have them here. Let's face it...we need people on our side."

"Mags, you sound like a solicitor," Greg observed.

Maggie beamed, "Thanks! My Mom is a solicitor and she doesn't take injustice well. If they still decide to suspend or expel us she is going to flip and they won't know what hit them."