Ramblings and Dribbles

by WolfgangNH

This is a posting of ramblings, dribbles, one-shots, unfinished ideas or other stuff I just don't think deserves it's own storyline. Some I plan to finish someday, others are what they are. This is mature reading for some posts. Some items may be well developed, others are not yet, and may never be. There will many different pairings, and sometimes none.

19. The Ancient Marriage Covenants

Ramblings and Dribbles

This has been relegated to my Ramblings as I focus on The House of Potter-Greengrass, but it needed to come out. There are so many times that I at least need to get a concept on paper to focus on what I should be focusing on. Enjoy...

Updated 25 Oct 21

Update 05 Nov 21

Update 15 Nov 21 - Some editing. Redid start of CH 1. Changed some stuff about the Greengrasses. Added to CH 6. Added CH7

Update 18 Nov 21 - Edited and added to CH5

-oOo-

Chapter 1

July 23, 1996

The Burrow, Ottery St. Catchpole, England

Harry was going through the papers before him. Several wills, bank statements, house deeds and several vaults of coins and heirlooms were all that was left of his family or anyone that knew his parents as best friends.

Through the numbness, there was some anger to look at his vault statements and his parents' will. It had been sealed until a few weeks ago. He still had a little over eight-thousand galleons in his trust vault. His parents had left him about four-hundred and twenty thousand galleons and two properties. One was the place in Godric's Hollow, the other the house his mother had grown up in in Cokeworth.

It felt so impersonal after what happened to read these documents that had no personality to them. It was all in legal terminology.

He leaned over and put his head on the cool window as it rained outside. The cool window felt nice on his head. At least it was only a normal head ache. His scar hadn't hurt once in the past month. He felt tired, though. The nightmares had started to let up, but last night had been bad. He dreamt of Hermione, Ron, Ginny, Luna, Neville, Remus, Sirius... everyone he cared for... they all fell into that veiled arch, never to return.

So many died a month ago at the Ministry.

Sirius. Remus. Dumbledore. Moody. Percy. Another six Order members he hadn't known... all dead.

Sirius at the hand of his cousin.

Remus and Dumbledore at the hand of Voldemort himself.

The names of the thirty-one employees and five Aurors that had died had been posted two weeks ago. That didn't include the dozens injured when people came for the alarms going off.

The victory had been a hollow one. Much of Britain was still in shock over the damage and death toll from the one battle. The Daily Prophet had said it could be months before the damage was repaired from the fight between Dumbledore and Voldemort. The lobby had been destroyed, the three levels of offices facing it had collapsed, as were the two floors directly under the lobby.

In the fray, and before Dumbledore had succumbed to his injuries, Voldemort had been cut down. Well, more like cut in half. A nasty black cloud had screamed out of his body before dissipating. Harry wasn't sure who had cast the final blow. There had been so many spells flying around. He was casting mostly cutting and blasting hexes himself.

Harry still swore he had been hit by a killing curse from Voldemort, but he was still breathing while the head Death Muncher wasn't.

What happened after Voldemort fell was horrific. Well, for his Death Eaters. Almost as one, they just dropped. Anyone Voldemort had marked fell like they had been hit by the Killing Curse. Black smoke coming from their left arms for a few seconds and then it had fallen silent when all the spells stopped.

It was a deathly silence that still caused a chill to pass up his spine whenever he thought about it.

It would be days later for them to discover everyone that had been marked had dropped dead when Voldemort was killed. One second they were breathing, the next just a lump of flesh wherever they had been.

Part of Harry was happy it was over. A larger part wished so many didn't have to die.

He wasn't sure if that night or the funerals had been worse.

Harry had been to the funeral of his relatives, killed by Voldemort shortly before he showed up at the Ministry. Harry wasn't so sure he felt anything about that. It wasn't like they ever treated him like he was their nephew.

The more gut wrenching funerals for him had been those for Sirius, Remus and Percy.

In the end, Percy hadn't betrayed them. He was a mole for Dumbledore and had come to the aid of his friends as they fought off Death Eaters and then Voldemort.

There were many days he wished he had been hit by the killing curse and joined Sirius.

As he thought about death, he was undisturbed by the normally boisterous and loud house of the Weasleys. today it was quiet and subdued. It had been just over two weeks since Percy and his godfather had been buried and everyone was still grieving. Fred and George were trying to make light of everything, but they were not around much. They seemed to be throwing all their efforts into their work. In a week their new store would be opening. Harry suspected it was so they didn't have to brood on everything.

As he thought about it, he looked down at the papers in his hands. He was sharing a room with Ron, having no where else to go. Ron was reading a comic as the rain came down heavily outside.

Pulling his head off the window, he moved his parents' will to the bottom of the pile and took up Sirius' will.

Harry had been gifted everything that Sirius had left. There was a vault worth a little over four-hundred thousand galleons. Two houses: Grimmauld Place and a seaside cottage in Cornwall. Any heirlooms that might be in the vaults. Along with everything was a Certified Letter emancipating Harry. Sirius didn't want him to go back to his relatives if he didn't want to. Not that he could if he did.

He was taken out of his dark thought by Mr. Weasley.

"Harry, Ron, can you come down please?" Mrs. Weasley yelled up the stairs.

Harry sighed. Ron put his comic down. "I am not chasing after gnomes in this rain," Ron gripped.

Harry gave a wan smile. "Maybe she wants us to give them a bath this time," Harry joked back.

Ron gave a short laugh, but it died too quickly. That was the way of things right now.

When they made it down the stairs, Mr. Weasley was home very early. It wasn't even lunch time. He also had a long expression. That wasn't that odd lately, but something seemed different. Mrs. Weasley was loudly banging around in the kitchen getting a kettle on the stove.

Ginny was sitting at the table as well. She looked at them, as though asking if either of them knew what was going on. Harry shook his head. "Boys, take a seat," Mr. Weasley told them in a solemn tone.

"What is going on dad? Is everyone okay?" Ron asked.

Mr. Weasley handed out a letter to each of them. "I would not say everything is okay. The Wizengamot met last week for the first time since last month. It was a closed and private session." Harry was curious why it closed. Acting-Minister Bones had promised transparency. "As part of their duties, they had to review the rolls. Do any of you know now many supported You-Know-Who?"

"A lot. What does this have to do with us?" Ron asked.

Harry was listening, but looking at the letter too. As he looked at the address, he got a sinking feeling.

-o-

Mr. Harry Potter
Regent of House Potter and House Black
The Burrow, Ottery St. Catchpole, England

-o-

That wasn't the surprising part. On the back fold, just above a wax dollop with a Ministry seal on it, was written:

Magical Proliferation and Heir Department
Head Roberta Parkinson
Ministry of Magic, Level 4, London, England

Ginny must have read the same thing because she interrupted whatever Mr. Weasley was to say next. "Dad, I've never heard of a Magical Proliferation and Heir Department."

Mr. Weasley sighed. "That's because there hasn't been one in more than a hundred years. I am sorry to say, but there are laws and covenants on the books that require the repopulation of witches and wizards should certain events happen. The Magical Proliferation and Heir Department is responsible to enforce the laws."

Harry's sinking feeling grew. Mrs. Weasley couldn't seem to control her temper any more. "This is ridiculous, Arthur! Ginny isn't fifteen for a few more weeks. Ron and Harry are only sixteen. How can they make them do this!"

"Do what?" Harry asked, not wanting to point out he wasn't sixteen for another eight days.

Mr. Weasley rubbed his face and Ginny opened her letter. "When the Wizengamot was founded, some of the old traditions and laws from the Wizarding Council had to be kept. Some of those laws and traditions support the growth of the Wizarding World. In times when there is a precipitous decline in magical blood..."

"I am going to have to marry and let the Ministry decide who I marry!?" Ginny screeched out. Ron went very pale and Harry snapped his head to her. She looked at him desperately. "This can't be! Mum! Dad! This says I have to go along unless there is already a betrothal out there. This can't be right!"

"Bloody hell," Ron muttered.

"This is not right. If Dumbledore was still alive..." Mrs. Weasley started.

"He would not be able to block this without risking his own magic," Mr. Weasley cut her off. "This is a bound covenant to the Ministry, meaning if you are within its borders, you will have to do what is required."

Mrs. Weasley still looked livid. "I will not have any of my children bound in this way and forced into this!" she snapped. "I will be going back to the Ministry with you later and getting this straightened out. I can't see anyone supporting this."

"Molly, you will do no such thing. As I have just said, this is a bound covenant and is protected by a few very strong hexes. You and I cannot not interfere. There are a few options though," Mr. Weasley stated.

"What options?" Ginny asked, looking a little hopeful.

"I was able to stop by the new office and talk with Racheal Edgecombe. Every fertile witch that has at least three generations of magical blood in them and are between fifteen and fifty by December twentieth will be required to register," he told them.

"So this is a pureblood thing," Ron said with disgust. "So Ginny is going to be forced to marry someone?"

"You all will. Racheal was telling me that it is not incumbent on the witch. It is incumbent on the wizard. The witch will be matched to give the highest chance to bear a magical child," Mr. Weasley told them.

"Arthur, you can't be serious," Mrs. Weasley stated.

"Unfortunetaly, I am. Every eligible and fertile man, with at least three generations of magical blood and between the ages of fifteen and sixty will be required to register as well. For those that are not married, you will be required to marry within one year. For those of us married, we will need to produce another child. If either of us are not fertile anymore, then we will be required to be breeding stock," Mr. Weasley said, looking towards his wife. "Molly, Racheal said it could be required for me to take another wife or you a husband."

Mrs. Weasley put a hand to her mouth.

Harry looked as pale at the rest of them around the table. "So, we are just going to be appointed a wife and have to get married?"

Mr. Weasley sighed. "Like I was saying, there are a few exceptions. One, you could already be in a betrothal. The Ministry will not block any of those unless one of the couple is infertile or the chance of having a magical child is too low."

"You and mum said you would never do that," Ginny said, still looking at Harry.

"We would never," Mrs. Weasley stated.

"We may not have a choice," Mr. Weasley countered. "The next exception is to pen a betrothal in the next six months, and be married within the next year. To have it ratified my the Proliferation board, the couple need both be fertile and have a certain magical match."

"What do you mean match?" Harry questioned.

"It used to be tradition to have a couple that was set to marry go through a few tests to make sure their magic was compatible. I think it tripe, but when the laws were written, it was believed that magical power, prowess and purity could be measured and matched. Racheal said the Unspeakables have confirmed some of that is right, so everyone will need a test," Mr. Weasley instructed them.

"This is barbaric, Arthur. Why is this law still active? I thought the Wizengamot voted to do away with forced marriages years ago," enquired Mrs. Weasley.

"I thought so as well. Maybe in the next few weeks this will have been found to be a big joke, but for now, the Proliferation and Heirs Department had been ressurrected and they are sending out notices to everyone affected. There is supposed to be a big article in the Daily Prophet tomorrow. Notices go out after that. Racheal did me a favor and gave me the letters to give out to all our children and Harry," said Mr. Weasley.

"Do we have to marry someone that has three or more generations of magic?" Ron asked.

Mr. Weasley gave Ron a sad look. "Yes. Racheal said that no exceptions had been found yet."

Ron frowned.

"How many are going to be affected by this?" Harry asked.

"Several thousand. Racheal couldn't give me an exact number as the registry was still not completed by the Department of Records, but so far it was over three thousand witches and wizards," Mr. Weasley said.

"There are that many young not married?" Mrs. Weasley queried.

"Molly, we have our own letters. Like I said, it will effect everyone," Mr. Weasley said gently to his wife.

"How many Death Eaters died?" Harry asked. The Daily Prophet hadn't said.

"All those marked by You-Know-Who. The best estimate I have from Amelia Bones was about a hundred-and-twenty known people, with maybe another eighty suspected. Given the missing persons reports she is convinced it will be closer to three-hundred when they can confirm everyone. The problem was almost half of the known Death Eaters died without any heirs and it gutted almost fourty-percent of the Wizengamot. The loss of so many old Houses and Wizengamot members is what activated the covenant," Mr. Weasley informed them.

"Bloody hell," Ron complained.

Harry just nodded.

"You said if we are compatible you can get around the Ministry matches?" Ginny asked.

Harry looked at her. His throat felt dry. He could see what Ginny was thinking. This was all to fast.

"Yes," Mr. Weasley said.

"Harry, will you marry me?" Ginny asked.

Harry blinked a time or two. "What? What about Dean?"

"What about Dean?" Ginny put to him.

Harry frowned. The Weasley matriarch looked between them. "I think we should only talk about this once we are certain there is no other option," Mrs. Weasley put in. "You are both too young and I won't have you being betrothed like that."

"Molly, I don't think we should rule out any possibility," Mr. Weasley said. "Though, I agree, you are both young still."

Ginny was looking at him rather hopefully. Ron was looking at the unopened letter looking destroyed. Harry had a good idea why. Harry's thoughts had gone to Hermione too, even if it was just to save her, but she wouldn't be eligible. Not as a first wife anyways, and he couldn't see her sharing with another woman. Harry found it repulsive himself, having been raised a Muggle.

"No. I will not right now. I will not have either of them tied down like that," Mrs. Weasley firmly stated.

"Molly," Mr. Weasley started again.

"No, Arthur! I was in the situation once and I will not put my daughter or any of my sons in that situation!" she just about yelled.

Harry was still looking at Ginny. He had to admit that she had grown over the last few years. She was athletic. Becoming shapely in the right areas and he found he liked her as she had opened up over the last year. She wasn't shy around him anymore, speaking her mind. She was quick to a joke at times and didn't take anything from anyone. She had also shown herself intelligent. She didn't show it like Hermione, but it had been pointed out that Ginny was in the top three of her year.

Harry had a few huge issues though: he liked someone else. He was only fifteen. She was fourteen. She was Ron's sister. And, truthfully, he saw her more like a sister as well.

Mr. Weasley sighed. "We can stop talking about this today, but they will all have to go into St. Mungo's at the appointed time on their letters to have a physical and register. The first matches will be drawn just before Christmas," Mr. Weasley stated.

"Until that time, this can still be reversed and we will not talk about anyone in this house being betrothed," Molly put her foot down.

Mr. Weasley sighed again. "Why don't you three get out of here. My wife and I need to have a talk."

They left the kitchen and walked up the stairs. Ginny joined them in Ron's room. "Bloody hell. Bloody fucking hell," Ron muttered as he opened his letter.

Ginny sat on the cot next to Harry, folding her legs beneath her. Harry didn't look at her as he opened his own letter.

-o-

Dear Mr. Harry James Potter,

As Head of the Proliferation and Heirs department, I am pleased to write to you about the reactivation of the Wizard Acts of 1648 requiring the continuation of all blood lines. Through our records, you have been identified as the primary Heir and blood relative of the lines known as Potter and Black. A such, you are recognized as a wizard of note under the laws and will have to produce heirs for both lines if you are found to be fertile to sire children.

To confirm your eligibility to carry this honour, you are required to report to St. Mungo's Hospital for Magical Maladies on the first of August, nineteen-hundred and ninety-six at 9:30 AM. Please be present twenty minutes early with the paperwork provided. Your magical guardian will be required to be present and to affirm all documentation.

Once your eligibility is confirmed, you will be required to marry no later than the thirty-first of July, nineteen-hundred and ninety seven. If not betrothed by December twentieth, nineteen-hundred and ninety-six, the Ministry will appoint a magically compatible mate.

This is a great honour to keep the blood lines and increase our population. As such, if you decline to participate, some sever punishments may be enacted, including, but not limited to, fines in excess of a hundred-thousand galleons, a stay of up to a year in Azkaban, and/or Ministry intervention to ensure your lines are continued.

Please find included a survey of your family, a magical contact stating you willingly submit yourself to Ministry approval of any betrothal or marriage contracts, and that you willingly allow the Ministry to appoint a magically compatible mate if the need arises. All contracts to be returned to the Ministry by the Thirtieth of August, or at your appointed time at St. Mungo's Hospital for Magical Maladies. Which ever date is sooner. Without these contracts, the wizard of note shall be subject to any methods the Ministry deems necessary to continue your blood line, as stated above.

Sincerely,

Madam Roberta Parkinson
Head of the Proliferation and Heirs Department
Subdivision of the Department of Magical Law Enforcement

-o-

"Shite, this is real, isn't it?" Harry asked the room.

"I think so," Ginny said next to him. Harry looked up and she was just watching him.

"Bloody hell," Ron was still muttering. Like Harry, he must have read the letter at least twice. Ginny looked like she had read hers again.

Harry was trying to wrap his head around everything. The Battle at the Ministry. Sirius, Remus, Dumbledore and Percy's deaths. The reading of the wills yesterday. The fact that his parents had had another vaults with as much money as the Black's fault. Now he was going to be forced to be married by his seventeenth birthday next year.

"Bloody hell," he said aloud.

"When does it require you to marry," Harry asked Ginny.

"By my seventeenth birthday. You?"

"The same," he replied. "I have to find a wife by December twentieth though, otherwise I will be matched to someone."

Ginny frowned. "I have until next year."

"I have to marry by March first," Ron said. Ron looked up at them. "I was going to ask Hermione if she wanted to go into Hogsmeade with me this year. You know, as a date."

Harry nodded. He had thought the same. Knowing that Ron was finally admitting his feelings, Harry wasn't sure if he was going to back off from Hermione or fight his best mate for her.

Harry sighed.

Hermione was now someone neither of them could pursue.

"How many will this affect?" Harry asked.

"Probably half or more of all those in fourth year and up?" Ginny provided.

"Who does that mean in our year," Ron asked.

Ginny started to tick off names. "Well, in total in Gryffindor that would mean Romilda Vane, Georgia Ames, myself, Lavender Brown, probably the Patil twins, but they aren't old blood as in British wizards. We will have to ask dad if there are other restrictions. Then a year above you would be Katie Bell and Rosemary Thyne. Not sure who else for the girls."

"We know Neville will be in this. And that arse, Mclaggen. He's always spouting about his heritage," Harry remarked.

"Micheal Quinn and Eric Greeves."

"Do we know about Dean or Seamus? I know they both have a magical parent," he said, looking at Ginny. The last thing Harry wanted was to steal Ginny from Dean.

Ginny shook her head. "It wouldn't matter, I don't think. Dean doesn't know who his father is. It's not like the goblins can do a blood test or anything. I have no idea about Seamus."

Ron snorted. "Yeah. Can you imagine what that would be like? Bill told us about how many half-bloods were born during the last war after being raped. There would be pandemonium if some of those houses were claimed by bastard first borns," Ron said with disgust.

"I don't get it," Harry said to Ron.

"First borns, even if born out of wedlock, have magical claim over a House first, unless the next heir reached fifteen and the current Regent claims them as their heir. Then it can become messy," Ginny answered.

"I never knew," Harry said, looking at the letter again. "I'm sorry you are going to have to break up with Dean."

Giny frowned as she shrugged. "I like him and he's a good kisser, but we were only going out for a few weeks before the end of school. He's only sent me one letter so far this summer."

Ron scowled. "How can you be so flippant? And he better only have kissed you."

Ginny gave Ron an unimpressed look. "Listen, you stay out of my life and I stay out of yours."

"How many others would there be," Harry questioned.

"Luna qualifies," Ginny added.

"I bet Bones and Abbot, too. They are both from old Houses. They are both cute too," Ron supplied.

"I thought you liked Hermione," Ginny queried.

Ron shrugged. "I can still look and think someone is good looking."

"Cho Chang might fall into this. Her family has been here for a few generations," Ginny said, eyeing Harry.

Harry shook his head. "That would not work. You know this would mean all of Slytherin will probably be in on this."

All three of them made a face. "Oh, you mean I could end up with Malfoy?" Ginny shivered and Ron and him grimaced.

"Over my dead body," Harry muttered. "I could end up with Parkinson. Or Bulstrode."

"I'm not sure what is worse," Ron groused. "You could end up with Tracey Davis or Daphne Greengrass. They are pretty."

Ginny shook her head. "Is that all you care about?"

"Well, no, but it helps," said Ron.

"What about Brockelhurst, Li, Turpin, Moon, Perks or MacDougal?" Harry put forward.

"I know Brockelhurst, Perks and MacDougal are muggleborns. Not sure about the others," Ginny replied.

Ron and Harry nodded. All three of them sat quietly, all lost in their own thoughts. Harry read the letter again and then looked at the two contracts, the survey about his family, most of which he had no clue about, and a small pamphlet that went over the laws. After a little bit, Harry asked, "Ginny, were you serious about wanting me to marry you?"

Ginny perked up, looking to Harry. Ron raised his head, his expression serious. "This isn't funny, Harry. If this is real, that would mean you would have to get married by next summer."

"And you need to be married by then as well. I am not saying I like the idea, but out of all the girls we talked about, Ginny is the only one I really know," Harry tried to reason. "I'd be with someone I am at least friends with right now. It would let Ginny choose. Can you think of a better option?"

Ginny didn't look as pleased with it being said that way. "Geez, if I am your only option..."

"Gin, you know I don't mean it that way. I mean you're cute, and we get along..." he shrugged his shoulder. "Who knows, we may wind up falling in love. I like to think I am a better option than Malfoy," he said jokingly.

Ginny screwed her face and they all laughed. "Oh, you are better than Malfoy," she agreed. They all sat there silently again for a few minutes. "I did mean what I said. If we are forced to marry, I would prefer it be you."

Ron looked disgruntled. "Just don't be all, you know, around me."

Harry smirked. It was the best endorsement he would get from Ron for now. At least he wasn't threatening to throw him from the Astronomy Tower if Harry hurt Ginny like he had to Dean. Ginny shared a smirk with Harry. Eventually, Harry gave a heavy sigh. Soon after, they were all called down to lunch.

When he lay down that night, Harry went through all the conversations they had had. Knowing his life, this law was real and he was bound to obey now. After his disastrous date with Cho, Harry had started to like Hermione. For once in his life, he would like to feel he was in control of something. If he could find a suitable match before Christmas, Harry would find a way to make it work. He didn't want the Ministry to decide something like this for him.

That had him thinking of all the possibilities. He quickly discounted anything with Cho. She was still a wreck by the end of the year and he didn't want her crying every time they had to kiss. Susan Bones and Hannah Abbott were very attractive. The wet-dream every night kind of attractive, and they had gotten along in the DA this year, but Harry just didn't feel that way towards them. They were nice girls, but a little bubbly for him. By that same measure, Lavender and Parvati were out the window, though Lavender was another of those that were very attractive. She had nice legs... Susan, Hannah or Lavender were enough for anyone to have wet dreams about them.

Harry shook his head before thinking of who else was on the list they had made.

He didn't know Tracey Davis or Daphne Greengrass, and he wasn't sure he wanted too. They both acted like stuck up bitches the few times he had had to interact with them in classes. The other Slytherin were just as bad. Parkinson looked like a pug and was even bitchier than Greengrass or Davis. Bulstrode was anything but easy on the eyes, and she had a personality to match from the few times he had had to interact with her. That was besides the fact that many of them had fathers that had been Death Eaters.

The only few he could think about he might be attracted to were Katie Bell, Ginny and Luna. As much as he loved Luna and thought the slight blonde had nice curves, she was to distractible and out there. He wasn't sure if he would like her always talking about the strange creatures she always did. Katie was cute, athletic, fun to be around, easy to talk to and felt more like a big sister to him than someone he could have a romantic relationship with. Maybe that was from the years of being on the Quidditch team with each other and the way the three Chasers had taken him under their wing first year.

That really only left Ginny for people he knew, who, up until this last year, Harry didn't know well. She was Ron's little sister. The girl he saved from Tom Marvolo Riddle. Ginny hadn't even been able to really hold a conversation with him until last summer. Since then, though, she had grown some. Her body was maturing into a lean, athletic build with enough curves to catch his eye.

Ginny was also brave, fiery, magically strong and a good Quidditch player. All points he liked.

She was also becoming popular, even though she seemed to find quiet places often. Maybe her being shy around him was more of who she really was and she just acted so out going?

The real issue was, she was Ron's sister. He was living with the Weasley's now, and felt more like they were all family. He looked at her more like a sister right now.

He really didn't know anything about the the other girls on the list, or who the other girls would be. The pamphlet said they would be paired with someone within three years of themselves because of their age. Once you got over twenty, it could be as much as a ten year gap.

Sighing, he turned over, trying to turn his brain off, but it just wouldn't.

Maybe he would have to see if he could find out who else is involved in this?

-oOo-

August 1, 1996

London, England

With many of the ultra-conservative and blood purists leaders dead or on the run after Voldemort's defeat, what was left of Magical Britain was working into an uproar over the current situation. According to the Daily Prophet, the new Minister Bones and the remaining Wizengamot members were besieged by angry parents and those of age that wanted nothing to do with the law.

The Daily Prophet was also saying that there could be nothing to undo this unless the entire magic world of Great Britain decided to disband and then reincorporate with the Queens permission. To do so, though, meant that all magical wards, protections and what not that protected them from the Muggle world, and themselves, would need to be broken, and then reestablished. It was something that no one wanted.

Harry didn't understand the issue until Mr. Weasley explained that to disband the Ministry and Wizengamot, then to reestablish it, would take twenty-eight people or more to break the current seals. Once that was done, all wards and anything established from the Wizarding Council on would be broken. If that occurred, a great many bad things could happen, the least of which would be the Muggles finding out about them. There were rumors of great dangers that were hidden around the isles, never mind the dragon preserves, Hogwarts, the Ministry and other places. In short, it would be a collapse of their entire world that might take months to years to fully reinstitute.

As of right now, the only two options that seemed available were to follow the laws or leave the country.

Harry thought about it, but he had too many friends, and even some he considered family, to just leave Great Britain. As much as he hated all this, Harry felt an obligation to see things through. His parents wanted their home saved, and Harry wanted his. Some were taking the option, though. Rumors of a few families leaving were already circulating. Mr. Weasley passed on the most reliable news he could every evening.

Thus, with him staying in the country, Mr. Weasley was escorting Harry to his appointment. At sixteen now, and emancipated, he didn't need Mr. Weasley, but he felt good to have the man. Many were still looking at Harry as a hero, but not as much now. His involvement at the Ministry had been mentioned, but it was Dumbledore and others that were getting all the accolades. Between others getting the credit, and many still sour on him from Fudge last year, Harry liked that many just walked past him now.

Once they entered St. Mungo's, it seemed busier than the last time he had been here. An Auror in a burgundy robes greeted them inside the doors. "Good day, sir. Are you and your son here for the Registration or to see a Healer."

"Oh, this isn't my son," Mr. Weasley said. "I am just escort Mr. Potter to Register him today.

The man nodded his head. "If you would, please head through those doors and present your letter and other documents to the desk."

Walking through the door, Harry was greeted by three other teens with their parents. One was a blonde girl, a little on the chubby side with light blue eyes and tear streaks down her cheeks. She looked maybe fourteen. Harry felt for her. The woman next to her didn't look any happier.

The boy, a few seats over, didn't look like he cared much. His brown eyes looked bored, and his close cropped brown hair and muscular build had the feel of someone who attended military school... or Durmstrang, Harry suddenly realized. The stern man next to him cast a glance at Harry, gave an unimpressed uptick to his mouth and turned back to the book in his hands.

"Harry?" a girl before him called to him. He turned to see a brunette with hazel eyes. She was wearing jeans and a top that didn't hide how curvy she was. Lavender Brown was a healthy girl. She looked close to tears and moved to hug him. She had never done that before, but Harry found himself putting an arm around her waist for a moment. "Oh, isn't this awful," she said to him.

"It could be worse," he replied. At least it wasn't another plot by Voldemort to kill him or others.

Lavender backed up. She gave a teary chuckle. "I'm not sure how, but sure."

"Lavender, is this a friend from Hogwarts?" a woman asked.

"Yeah, mum. This is Harry Potter. Harry, my mum, Francis Brown," Lavender introduced them.

Harry had to keep from rolling his eyes as the woman did a double take and then searched for the scar on his head. "Oh, my. Lavender has told me so much about you. I am glad to finally meet you." The woman shook his hand.

"Nothing good, I presume?" he replied. Harry glanced to Lavender, who looked a little abashed. He kind of liked the reaction.

The woman gave a broad smile. "Glowing, actually."

"Ma'am, I need you to finish signing this paperwork so I can get to the next person in line," the worker said from behind the desk.

A door opened from next to the desk and a tall girl with sleek black hair and aristocratic lines to her face stepped out. No one was with her and she walked by him without a glance. A man in lime-green robes followed the girl into the lobby before calling out, "Pearson Troy?"

The muscular boy stood and walked towards the door, his father right behind him. Lavender frowned. "He looks so cold," she told him.

"Yeah. I wouldn't want to be paired with him," he said in a concerned voice.

Lavender cracked a smile, and then started to giggle. "I didn't know you liked boys?"

Harry smiled back. "Not really, but he would not be my type if I was."

She kept giggling for a moment. "I think I missed this side of you before."

He shrugged. "Not like we hung out much."

She looked at him as though she had not really ever seen him before. It didn't feel uncomfortable, but he felt like she was looking him up and down. "Maybe we should hang out more this year?"

He shrugged again. "Maybe."

"Come on, Lav. You can talk to Harry when he is all registered," her mother said. She was looking him up and down as well. The look in her eye was starting to mirror her daughters. Harry wasn't sure if he liked that yet or not.

Harry followed Lavender's behind as she walked away. Mr. Weasley chuckled as he put a hand on Harry's shoulder. "You're next."

Harry turned to the woman at the desk. She was in mint green robes. "Name?"

"Harry Potter," he said, taking out the letter and other stuff in his pocket.

She looked up at him, studying him for a moment. "Papers?"

He handed them to her and she looked through them. "None of these have a parent or guardian signature on them."

"I have been emancipated," Harry told her.

She scrunched her brow and then opened a draw. Taking out a golden quill and ink, she tapped it with her wand. "Please sign the guardian lines. If you are lying, it will be rather painful."

Harry took the quill, dipped it into the ink and a moment later the three parchments had his signature twice. She nodded and looked at the paper again. "More than half your family history sheet is blank. You really need to fill in all you can."

Harry frowned. "That is all I know," he informed her.

After she studied him for a moment, she frowned. "If you don't get a good match, don't blame me," she warned him. After putting the parchments into three separate trays, she took out another form. "Please read this, fill in any information you know, and sign."

"What is that," Mr. Weasley questioned.

"Are you this boys Solicitor or Guardian?"

"No, I am not, but..."

"Then you don't need to know," the woman replied in a clip.

"What is it?" Harry asked.

Her demeanor changed and she smiled at him. "It is a consent form to have the Healers look you over, take a small amount of blood for use in matching you to a compatible mate and to release some medical information to the Proliferation Board."

"What type of information?" Harry queried.

"Age. Date of birth. Weight. Height. Anything that is medically dangerous that could prevent you from siring children. Whether you are able to sire children, and a few metrics on your magic and health," she supplied.

Harry looked to Mr. Weasley. "Do you mind?" Mr. Weasley asked, taking the paper. After a few moments, he nodded. "Nothing that should be bad. Verify that the sample you use is put into a container that will only allow what is in this contract."

"Thank you, Mr. Weasley."

A moment later, he sat with Lavender, who was sitting a few seat in front of her mother. Mr. Weasley went to sit with Mrs. Brown. Lavender looked nervous. "How are you doing?" he asked her.

"Scared," she admitted. "You?"

"About the same," he agreed.

She nodded. "Mum says if we can enter into a betrothal before Christmas, we will not have to take who the Ministry assigns."

"Yeah. Mr. Weasley said the same."

"Parvati says she hasn't received a letter yet. She was positive she would, but I think because she wasn't born here she won't have to do this," said Lavender. Harry knew she liked to talk and had a feeling she hadn't talked to anyone yet. "How is Ron? I figured he would get a letter."

"Yeah, he does. All the Weasley's do. Bill is going to propose to his girlfriend soon. She is a French half-blood that meets the requirements of the law," Harry told her.

"Oh, that's good that at least someone is getting a choice. I have a feeling that this law is going to break up many relationships and lead to a lot of unhappy marriages," she commented.

"Probably." Harry didn't know what to say about that.

She shook her head. "That's all you have to say about this?"

"What do you want me to say? Ron, Ginny and I have been trying to figure out how to make this work all week. Hermione isn't back from a long vacation with her parents until next week and all I see this as is one more thing in my life I have no control over, so why worry right now?" he said to her. He knew he sounded more cynical than he should, but he was upset over this.

Lavender gave him a sad smile. "I'm sorry everything sucks. I feel the same way. I can't imagine having to marry someone I don't love."

Harry nodded, calming down. "Yeah. It sucks."

The door opened and a woman came out. "Lavender Brown?"

Lavender got up. As she turned to walk past him, she looked down. "Maybe you wouldn't mind if I joined you and everyone on the train? Maybe we could go into Hogsmeade on the first weekend?"

Looking up at her, he was starting to think he may have misjudged her all these years. There was also the thought she was cute and maybe he should look around before it was too late. "Yeah. I like the sound of that."

The joy in her smile met her eyes this time. "Good. I'll send you an owl?"

His smile was brighter. "I can send Hedwig later and you can send a letter back?"

"I love that snowy owl. I look forward to getting your letter," she said.

When she went though the doors, Harry had a small smile on his face. Maybe this wouldn't be as dire as they all thought. That was until the doors to the main lobby opened. Harry's smile turned into a scowl. The pale blond, Draco Malfoy, walked in. He looked a little worse for wear, with dark bags under his eyes and his features not as smug any more. Behind him strolled in his mother. Apparently neither of them had been marked as they were still breathing.

Pity, he thought.

Draco caught sight of him and a look of pure loathing crossed his face before they turned to the woman at the desk.

Mr. Weasley sat next to him. "I've heard they lost most of their fortune. Couldn't have happened to a nicer family," Mr. Weasley said in a false happy voice.

Harry nodded his agreement.

"So, I take it Lavender Brown is a classmate?"

"She's going to be a sixth-year Gryffindor, like us," he told Mr. Weasley, meaning Ron and him.

"Do you know her well?"

"Not really. I think that may have been the most I have ever talked to her. She seemed more down to earth than normal," he replied, trying to ignore Malfoy.

Mr. Weasley nodded. "I am sure current events are affecting people in different ways."

"Yeah, probably," Harry replied.

After a moment, Mr. Weasley said, "Harry, I want you to know that you always have a place at the Burrow. I know what Ginny offered. If there is no other way, Molly and I will be happy to accept you into the family, but if you find you like someone else, I think you should go for it. I am sure Ginny will be able to find someone, and I have talked with the Unspeakables. The selection process really should find partners that are compatible, and I don't mean just compatible enough to have children. The Ministry is taking this very seriously and Minister Bones is looking for the best outcomes she can."

Harry looked to Mr. Weasley questioningly. Mr. Weasley went on, "What I am trying to say is, just don't agree to my daughter out of a sense of loyalty or as though you feel you have to. I fear it won't work out in the end if that is the only foundation for your relationship."

After a moment, Harry nodded. He didn't get a chance to say anything as the door opened. An older boy he recognized from Slytherin walked out on his own. There was a snarl on his face, and an unhappiness in his stride. A man in lime green robes came out after him. "Harry Potter?"

Harry felt a little apprehensive.

"Do you want me to come in?" Mr. Weasley offered.

"I think I'm alright," Harry replied before following the man into a corridor with three doors on each side.

-oOo-

-oOo-

Chapter 2

August 9, 1996

London, England

The shopping district of Diagon Alley was relatively busy today. They had all gotten their Hogwarts letters a few days ago. Mrs. Weasley, finally smiling for the first time since Harry had moved into the Burrow, had been very happy with Ginny for getting a Prefect badge. Except for the twins, all her children had.

Harry was surprised to see the Quidditch Captain's badge fall into his lap. Ron had made a quip of trading badges, but he was just as pleased as the others. Ginny had given him a big hug and kiss on he cheek. Harry had blushed. Since the day they had gotten their letters, she had been flirting with him, and that had been the second time she had kissed him on the cheek. The first being his birthday.

Harry hadn't really flirted back yet.

Walking into the Alley, Harry noticed a few things.

First, there was an Auror presence. They walked in teams of two or four. Every hundred yards or so there another pair. Maybe a dozen were visible in one view. It was the first time Harry could ever remember seeing Aurors in the street.

Second, there were a few empty shop fronts, mostly places Harry had never payed attention to before. All the places they needed their supplies from were open, as was Fortescue's Ice Cream Parlor, Eyelops Owl Emporium, and, most importantly, Quality Quidditch Supplies. Harry was looking into the window, wanting to go in when Ron suddenly pulled on his shoulder.

"Wicked," Ron said. Harry turned to see his brothers' shop.

It was on the corner of an alley by Gringotts. The man holding a top hat kept taking it off his head and a rabbit would run out of the hat and behind the man. Harry laughed at the sign for Weasley's Wizarding Wheezes as it cycled through a few colours and then shot out fireworks every once in a while.

"Awesome," Harry agreed.

"Harry, why don't you go with Arthur to Gringotts. Ron and Ginny, we can get you fitted for you uniforms while we wait for Harry," Mrs. Weasley ordered.

"Sure," Harry agreed.

The goblins still looked to be on edge, even though it had been a month and a half now. Ten fully armed goblin were on each side of the steps, and more were seen in the bank. When he took a ride down to his vault, Harry noticed they went deeper this time. "Vault fifty-three," the goblin stated.

"I thought I was six-hundred and thirteen?"

"All items were moved to the Black vaults. This included all Lestrange moneys and heirlooms, as well as the dowery for the Malfoys," the goblin stated.

Harry looked perplexed. "What do you mean the Lestrange and Malfoy moneys," Harry asked.

"As part of the Regent Black's will, it was determined the original marriage contracts were violated and reparations were collected," the goblin replied as though this was standard practice.

"Uhm, sure," Harry said, not sure he wanted anything related to those people.

When Harry opened the vault with his key, his eyes bulged. There were piled of coins, weapons, armor pieces, gems, jewelry, books and other things. "This is all mine?"

"The goblins keep their contracts. Only eight-percent was seized for care, transport and security," the goblin replied, as though its honour had been questioned.

"I never meant that. I thought I had eight thousand and thirty-four galleons. It this that?" There looked like more.

The goblin, looking annoyed now, took out a ledge from his vest. He thumbed through it. "One million, nine-hundred seventy-four thousand, four-hundred and twenty-two galleon, twelve sickles and eight knuts, not including the heirloom items."

His eyes bulged. He wasn't sure he would ever have to find a normal job. After his shock, he put as much into his normal pouch as he could. On his way out, he converted some for a few hundred quid. When he met up with Mr. Weasley again, the man took him to get his robes and they caught up with the others in Flourish and Blotts. Mrs. Weasley was just paying for three stacks of books.

"We were able to get you your books this year, Harry. Pay us back when we get home," Mrs. Weasley told him. "It's all thanks to Arthur's new position. Head of Muggle Relations," she said proudly.

That had been Mr. Weasley's big news this week.

"Can I pay you back now? How much was it?" Harry offered.

"Don't worry about it right now. Lets go get the potion ingredients you all need," Mr. Weasley assured him.

It was a short time later they made it to the twins shop and Harry smiled at everything. He had barely walked through the door of the busy shop when he a, "Harry!" and a a mop of curly brown hair was in his face and her arms were hugging him tight.

Harry wrapped his arms around her, for once happy to have his other best mate wrapped around him. "What is going on? I go away for three weeks and the world turns upside down?"

"Not here. Are you coming to the Burrow soon?" He pulled away and she grabbed Ron just as tight.

"Mum and dad said I can go back with you tonight. I only picked up a Daily Prophet today. I had to hide it. They almost didn't come back to England after what happened at the Ministry, but I told them I would be seventeen next month they couldn't stop me," she said rather fiercely.

"I'm glad to see you better," Harry told her and she hugged him again.

"What, he gets two?" Ron whinged good naturedly. Hermione rolled her eyes and did the same to Ron.

"At least she noticed you," Ginny snarked from behind them. Hermione laughed. "I didn't miss you," she said, hugging Ginny.

"So, is there anything good in here?" Harry asked when they were done with their greetings.

"I hate to admit it, but there is some really brilliant stuff in here," Hermione begrudgingly admitted.

"Why thank you, Ms. Granger. I think we can let you walk out of here with one small product for that endorsement," Fred said, coming up to them.

"It's like Merlin complimenting his apprentice," George said in an affected tone.

"Oh, such heavenly praise," Fred agreed.

"You prats," Hermione said with a smirk.

They all laughed. "So, what do you recommend?" Harry asked. "I have a pocket full of galleons just waiting to be spent."

Both twins looked affronted. "You dare spend a single knut here and we will throw you out. As our silent partner, you never spend a thing here. Now, these boxes of goodies over here..." George said, pulling Harry away.

It was later that night that found Hermione, Ron and Harry in Ron's room. Ginny was over Luna's tonight.

Hermione's intense stare made Ron shift uncomfortably. "You are telling me that you both need to find a girl or have the Ministry appoint one for you by the time we leave for Christmas Break? And then you both have to marry by your seventeenth birthdays?"

"That about sums it up," Harry replied bitterly. "Though, it could be more than one girl."

"I thought the Wizengamot members and Minister Bones were good people? How could they support this?" she asked horrified.

"They don't, on the whole," Ron answered her. "Most want this to go away and are trying, but dad said the only way to totally reverse this is to break the covenants that established the Wizard's Council and then the Ministry."

"Oh, god. That would destroy everything," she said scared.

"Yeah, that is pretty much what the general opinion is," Harry agreed.

"Can... can I help? If either of you... you, know... need me? I will be seventeen next month..." Hermione said, looking towards Harry first.

Ron let out a sad sigh. "Hermione, you can't. You are lucky. You can still do whatever you want."

"Why can't I?" she snapped at Ron.

Ron screwed his face, looking really stricken. Harry had to answer, "Because you are a Muggleborn."

"Why does that have anything to do with this!" she said hotly.

"The Wizarding Council and original Wizengamot were more concerned with preserving blood lines that showed they could support magic for many generations," Ron replied.

"You have to have at least three generations of magical in your line," Harry told her.

"This is so unfair and stupid," she shouted, jumping off Ron's bed and pacing the short room. "So, what does this mean? You have no choice?"

Harry sighed this time. "We can try to find someone that is compatible and enter a betrothal or get married by Christmas. Either way, we need to be married by our birthdays next year, no matter the age of our partner."

Hermione stopped, tears now threatening to fall. She was going through the full gambit of emotions they all had that first day. "Oh, Harry. Ron. How many others are affected?"

"My entire family," Ron told her.

"Ginny thinks about half the students at Hogwarts. It affects everyone from fifteen to fifty or sixty," Harry expanded.

Hermione had a tear run down her cheek. "When you mean your entire family? I know Madam Pomfrey said witches can still have children into their seventies..."

"Mum turns forty-nine in a few months. Dad in two weeks. He says they are trying to register all those of Hogwarts age before we go back. Mum and dad are scheduled to go into St. Mungo's in September. I go tomorrow and Ginny is scheduled for next week. Charlie is being called back from Romania next month. Bill is going to marry Fleur Delcour, maybe at Christmas. We have no idea about the twins, but they have to marry by April first. If mum and dad can, they will be required to have another kid too. If not..." Ron trailed off.

"If not, then what?"

"If either of them are still fertile, they will have to have a child with someone else," Harry told her.

"You mean the ministry will force them to divorce?" Hermione said disgusted.

"No. They can't. Dad would either have to take on a second wife or allow mum someone," Ron said disturbed.

"Bloody hell," Hermione said, flopping onto the bed next to Harry. "What are you going to do?"

"Lavender asked to sit with us on the Express, maybe even get together next week," Harry told her.

"Is that what that letter was earlier today? Ron queried.

"Yeah," Harry replied. "She had her appointment at St. Mungo's just before I did. We got to talk for a few minutes and have sent a letter back and forth."

Ron nodded. "She's cute. Better than you and Ginny," Ron said.

Harry shrugged. "I don't think she is my type, but she seems nice."

Hermione just watched them, her mouth open and her eyes showing how her brain was working.

"She is a bit of a gossiper," Ron told him. "Damn, she is cute. If you are already getting someone, guess I need to to. Just leave some for us lesser blokes."

Harry laughed. "What are you talking about? I'm just lucky she is talking with me, and like I said, I don't think she is my type."

"You can't deny she is rather hot," Ron said again. "Bloody hell. Lavender Brown." This time his voice was a little wistful.

"If we don't like each other, I'll mention you," Harry said.

"Maybe," Ron agreed.

"How are you two so calm about this?" Hermione put to them.

"I'm not, Hermione, but what choice do we have? We have four months before any choice we have is taken away. Ginny has already asked me, but I am unsure about that," Harry told her.

She looked at him for a moment. "Why?"

"I don't know. I've thought about it, and she's attractive and nice, but I almost feel she is more my sister," Harry answered her.

Ron made a face before leveling out. "You know Ginny has had a crush on you for years," Ron queried.

Harry made a face. "Yeah, but I feel like I would I be doing it more to protect her, than that I really liked her. If things don't work out, and she doesn't find anyone, then maybe. She has a whole extra year. Maybe this will blow over by then."

"Maybe," said Ron.

"How many at school are affected? Do you have a list of names?" Hermione asked.

"Just what we have talked about," Ron commented.

"What are you thinking, Hermione?" Harry asked.

When her eyes met Harry's, he was sure he say hurt in them before she looked thoughtful. "I'm not sure yet. I want a list. Do you mind if I come along to talk with Lavender next week?"

Harry's mouth curled up into an unsure smirk. "Uhm, if this is supposed to be some type of date, you remember what happened with Cho when I said I was going to meet you?"

Ron cringed. "Yeah. Even I realize that was not cool," Ron said.

"You said the date wasn't going that well to begin with," Hermione put to him.

"Not really, but I really don't want to repeat that again," Harry told her.

"I will disappear quickly, but Lavender would know everyone and she would be the perfect person to get word around the school," she said, going over to Ron's desk and sitting. She pulled some parchment to her and started to write with a pencil.

"Hermione, what is going on in that head of yours," Ron queried.

"I am going to help you," she told them.

Harry and Ron shared a look with each other. Harry could tell Hermione wasn't happy with all this, but she was willing to still stand by their side. Harry was feeling like he was missing out on something that could have been very good. Ron looked like he had a similar thought.

-oOo-

August 13, 1996

London, England

Harry, Ron and Hermione walked out into Diagon Alley. After last year, it felt odd to be able to just leave the Burrow without a guard and not really fear being out.

Lavender was sitting a table outside of Fortescue's. Harry had the thought that he may not have dressed up enough when he saw her. She was in a red sundress with white floral designs that came just above her knees when she sat. White stocking covered her legs. What caught his eyes was that it cut a little low down her chest, but didn't show anything indecent. It hugged her chest a little more than he was used to seeing. She started to bounce her leg and he followed the shapely curves of her calves.

Harry had on a new pair of jeans and a nice shirt. He didn't realize that he had filled out some after having a year and summer of good meals, workouts and having a group to help him deal with loosing Sirius and others. He was looking better than he ever had.

When she saw him, a smile came over her face, then dropped a little to see Ron and Hermione.

Harry had a feeling he was already bollocksing this up.

"Afternoon, Harry. I didn't realize this was a friend thing," she said, a little disappointment in her voice. Being a little closer, he found he appreciated the nice red lipstick she had on. He perferred the more natural look, but it complimented her dress today.

"We won't be staying long," Hermione said, taking the seat across from Lavender. Lavender gave Harry a questioning look.

"Afternoon, Lavender. Hermione wanted to talk about something for a few, then I was hoping we could get some ice cream or something?" Harry asked.

She nodded and smiled. "I would like that."

"Now, after talking with Ron and Harry, I have an idea for this year and I think you can help," Hermione started right in.

"This couldn't wait until we go back to Hogwarts?" Lavender asked.

Hermione shook her head and placed a half dozen parchments on the table. "I don't think it can. I know about what you, Ron, Harry and others need to do. I have talked with Mr. Weasley and he has explained to me that there is nothing that can change the law, but you and others do have a chance to find someone. We have gotten a list together of everyone we know affected by the Proliferation Law. I was thinking we write to Headmistress McGonagall and organize some socials or dances or outings for all those affected by the laws. Give you all a chance to get to know each other, maybe find someone that you like," Hermione said to her dormmate.

Lavender opened her mouth to say something and Hermione plowed on. "If you could look over the list and the ideas we have gotten together, maybe add your own or check the names, we could all work together. All the boys affected in this have to marry by seventeen, or within a year of the Ministries first matching, if they are already of age. Ron turns seventeen in March. Harry next summer. I know your birthday is in June. Maybe there will be some miracle, and I am going to be researching the laws when we get back, but if there isn't, I think this is the best way. It at least gives you all a chance at happiness."

Hermione opened her mouth again and Harry put a hand on her shoulder. "Hemione, let her talk."

Hermione stopped, and then bit her lip.

Lavender looked at Hermione. After a moment, she let out a long breath. "Harry and Ron, would you mind giving Hermione and me a few minutes? I promise I am all yours after that, Harry."

Harry gave her a smile that was meant to say, 'sorry'. She smiled back.

-oOo-

Lavender watched the two boys walk away, heading towards the other side of the street. Harry wasn't the tallest guy, but he had this hard look to him that many found attractive. Lavender had to admit she did too, and after getting to know Harry better in the D.A. last year, she had to admit he was a really nice guy. His lean body, without an ounce of extra fat on him, was getting muscular. He also had this slight bad boy vibe, especially with how his black hair was always messy and his piercing green eyes. She only wished that she had known they were running off to the Ministry to have made a better impression on him. Most of the D.A. would have gone along.

Next to Harry, Ron wasn't bad looking either. He was tall, almost a head over Harry. Willowy, but starting to add some weight. She didn't care for how he ate, but the fact he had run off and been part of the group to defeat Voldemort, and the way his smile had this goofball, up-to-no-good feel, she could see herself with him also.

Out of all the boys she had realized would be in the same mess she was, they were her top picks. Now, Hermione was here, interfering in her first date with Harry, and it had her a little perturbed. Obviously the girl had to realize that they had only a few months and Lavender was not going to waste it. As much as she liked Hermione, the girl could be a busy-body when it came to the two boys she was eyeing.

"Hermione, we have been dormmates for five years. In all that time, you never really showed Parvati and me that you cared so much about us. Why are doing this? It can't be just for Harry and Ron? Or do like one of them?" Lavender queried. That was one nice thing about being dormmates over the last five years. The three of them had come to an agreement that they wouldn't parse words with each other.

"I care about them," Hermione said, emotions playing in the girl's eyes. "I don't want to see them hurt. I don't want to see you hurt, or anyone else, but again, the Wizarding world is doing all it can to make everyone's lives miserable."

Lavender sighed. She could never fault Hermione for having a big heart. Since the first week, she had seen that, just many didn't give her the time to find out. She let out a sigh. "I'm sorry. I'm not trying to steal them from you. I'm scarred, Hermione."

Hermione eyes showed her compassion. "They are too. They won't really say it, but I see it."

Lavender looked over to the boys. They were talking and Ron chuckled at something. They looked easy going, but she could see the tension in them. As much as she hated the title, Lavender hadn't become the resident Gossip Queen of Gryffindor by missing the tells others showed that many missed. "You said you have gotten a list together of people you think are affected?"

Hermione slid the stack of parchments over to her. "I was hoping Parvati and you could both look this over. Ron and Harry need to find someone they will like and get along with. They have to have the chance at happiness. I want you to have that chance too," Hermione told her.

Lavender took up the parchments, scanning through the top sheet. She recognized most of the names and it looked far more comprehensive than she thought it might. "You missed Ritchie Coote from Gryffindor, the Galston sisters and Wayne Hopkin from Hufflepuff, Lisa Turpin is only a second generation. She won't qualify. Hazel Stickney and Marcus Belby from Ravenclaw do though. I'm not so sure about most of the fifth or fourth years," Lavender stated.

"This is why I need your help, Lav. Most of the boys on the list will turn seventeen within the next year, or already are. Right now, there are seven more girls than boys on the list who are sixteen or older right now. There are seven girls and three boys who will be fifth years this year, so they will all be fifteen when school starts. I don't know how many fourth years will turn fifteen before December twentieth or how many more girls than boys there are who graduated in the last three years," Hermione told her.

Lavender pursed her lips. This could mean real competition for the boys. Lavender wanted what Hermione was trying to sell her. She wanted happiness. She wanted a husband that would love her. She had four months to land one before the first matching. All girls sixteen and up would be included in that. Parvati was besides herself right now. Even with how bad that night at the Yule Ball was, she was still a little smitten with Harry, and if Parvati couldn't have him, then she wanted Lavender too. Lavender wasn't sure she was totally sold on the idea, but he was a far better catch than many of the names on this list, and she felt he would love anyone he fell for.

After perusing the names, she looked at the other two sheets. They outlined a few ideas. Most would only include people affected by the law. Ice Cream Socials. Extra weekends into Hogsmeade. Extended curfews. A solicitor available on site to draw up any documents that they might need.

Lavender agreed she liked the ideas. What caught her eyes were two all school events: A dance for Halloween and the first weekend in December.

When she looked up to Hermione, the girl was worrying her bottom lip. "What do you think?" Hermione asked.

Lavender let out a little chuckle. "I never thought you had this in you."

Hermione gave her a shy smile. "Five years of listening to you and Parvati made an impact, I guess."

Lavender gave Hermione a big smile. "I suppose not having to worry about Death Eaters and you know who makes a difference too?"

"You have no idea."

Lavender was starting to get one. The Daily Prophet had totally changes its tune on Harry Potter and his friends. Stories she had only heard rumors of were making more sense after the D.A. and reading about what happened at the Ministry. "No, maybe I don't. Which one?"

Hermione's expressive brown eyes met Lavender's. She could see the heartbreak in her friend's eyes. "It doesn't matter anymore. I just want to see them happy."

Reaching a hand out, Lavender took Hermione's hand. "I swear I will do nothing to hurt either one."

Hermione squeezed her hand and nodded. "If you need me to knock some sense into them, let me know."

Lavender chuckled. "I'll keep that in mind. I will see what Parvati is up to tomorrow and get this back to you as soon as we can."

"Thank you," Hermione said. "Oh, and to do all that best friend thing, if do hurt either one, we will have words."

"At the tip of your wand. Yeah, I get it," Lavender replied. Hermione nodded and got up. As she did, Lavender said, "I know it's Harry. I am truly sorry."

Hermione looked down, her face looking like it was going to crack before she straightened it out. "He has had so little in his life to make him happy. Just... make him happy if he choses you. That is all I want. Just make him happy."

"I promise I will," Lavender promised.

Hermione nodded and shortly Harry was walking back over to her and Ron and Hermione went up the street towards the new joke shop. She watched Harry as he came over and felt a smug satisfaction at the way he looked her up and down. It wasn't the hungry, 'I want to get into your knickers', look. It was shy, yet appreciative. She didn't miss he spent a little more time on he chest than other places. She liked it. She liked it more at the slight guilty feeling in his eyes when he met her eyes. She felt no guilt, having done her own looking.

The new clothes he had on fit him well. The jeans looked good on his back side. It was obvious he was lean, but getting muscular. Again, his disheveled hair and green eyes were large turn ons. When he sat, he ran a hand through his hair. "So, hi."

She liked this side of him. She had never seen him look so shy. "Hi," she replied, for once not feeling like she had to talk.

After a moment, he said, "How has your summer been?"

"Good, actually. I've been helping my mum in her store. We went to the dragon preserve in Ireland land weekend. Besides that, it's been quite. You?"

Harry shrugged. "I moved in with the Weasley's. It's been... a rough summer, but good too. I've been able to fly my Firebolt almost everyday," he said with a smile.

She gave him a sad smile and reached her hand out. He tensed but relaxed quickly when she took it. "I was sorry to hear about Sirius Black and Percy. I didn't know he was innocent or your godfatther."

Harry nodded, a shadow crossing his face. "Yeah. Not many did."

She knew she had turn this around quickly. "So, you've been flying most days?"

His face brightened. "Yeah. The Weasley's have an orchard behind the house. Ron, Ginny and I go out there most days. I picked up a few snitches so I can practice."

She smiled at him. Harry was an excellent flyer and seeker. "So, I assume I'll be cheering you on for another catch this year?"

He smiled back. "I hope so, especially since I'll be Captain. I can't let you all down."

"Really? That should be great," she said enthusiastically. Possibly dating the Gryffindor Quidditch Captain would be a good thing.

"I hope so. I'm no Wood or Johnson, but I like to think I learned a few things," he replied.

"I think you will be great."

At that moment, a waiter came over. "Afternoon, Lavender. I assume this is who you were waiting for?"

Her smile hadn't left her face. "Hello, David. Yes, this is Harry Potter. Harry, one of my family friends, David Longshore."

David held out his hand. "Are you really Harry Potter? Blimey, they are calling you a hero. All the papers have been talking about it."

She noticed Harry back away a little and not look very comfortable. She had always noticed he shied away from attention. "You were going to take our order, David?"

"Oh. Oh. Right. My job. What can I get for you?"

When David walked away, Harry looked very uncomfortable. She wasn't sure to address it or let it go for now. She wasn't a Gryffindor for nothing, though, and if they were to have a chance, they didn't have long to get to know each other. "You don't like all the attention, do you?"

He let a quick burst our through his nose. "Is it that obvious?"

"If you look for it," she replied.

He ran his hand through his hair again. "Can I tell you something?" She leaned in, putting her elbows on the small round table and indicated for him to go on. His eyes dipped to follow the change in her dress. He still looked guilty about looking her up and down. It was cute. Harry said, "I hate being the boy-who-lived, and now getting some credit for defeating Voldemort. I just want to be left alone to be normal."

She rose an eyebrow at him. Thinking back through the last few years, she realized he had never actively flouted his fame or achievements. Following his eyes, which were now darting around the tables as other people stared whisper and look at him, she could see how uncomfortable he was. "Can I tell you a secret too?" she countered, hoping to make him more at ease. He looked back at her, his eyes meeting her once more. A small smirk came over her face. Most boys would be eyeing her assets, not her eyes. "I don't like a lot of attention either. Do you want to stay for the ice cream or go somewhere else?"

"Where?"

"My mother and I spend a decent amount of time in the Muggle world. There is a shopping mall with a decent food court not to far away from here. Or a movie theater?"

She was born a pureblood, but after her father was killed, her mother had to find a way to survive. What most didn't know was that she found she loved Muggle music while trying to find a place to hide from the Death Eaters at the end of the last war. She now ran a music store and fret shop just outside of Diagon Alley.

Harry rose an eyebrow at her. "Really?"

"Really."

The smile came back onto his face and he put a few galleons on the table. What they had just ordered should have cost less than a galleon. She was pleasantly surprised when he held out his hand to help her up. "I like your idea better than the one I had."

She took his hand, realizing it had more strength in it than she thought he might have, and let herself be pulled up. She took the cloak off the back of the chair she had taken with her and looked at him. "What was your idea?"

"Going to the Weasley's Wizarding Wheezes and then maybe what ever other store you wanted here. There isn't as much to do in Diagon Alley as the rest of London," he informed her.

She giggled. "Yeah, not exactly the type of date that would sweep a girl of her feet," she teased.

He gave an uncertain smirk that she had never seen on him before. Merlin! Did he look good like that! "No. Not exactly. I suppose. To tell you the truth, I really have no clue what I am doing. I've never really gone on a date before."

She giggled again and moved over to take his arm in hers. "Well, let me lead you right for today. After this, you are on your own."

He laughed as they walked away towards the Leaky Cauldron. "I'm not sure to thank you or beg for more lessons."

Lavender had never seen this side of Harry before. Had she just missed it or had he relaxed and learned how to have a little fun? "How about we see how this goes today and then I can decide how hopeless you are?"

He laughed again. It was a joyful, hearty laugh that she really liked. "I think you will find me pretty hopeless. Do you have any Muggle money?"

She hadn't thought about that. "A little."

He nodded. "Don't worry. I made sure I had some this summer just in case. Everything today is my treat."

"Well, you don't need any lessons in how to treat a girl right," she teased, holding his arm just a little tighter.

He gave her that unsure, but 'up-to-no-good' smirk again. "I'm not totally clueless. Just mostly."

She giggled again. Maybe today was going to be better than she thought. Parvati had the right of it. All she needed to do was be herself.

-oOo-

Later that night...

Otter St. Catchpole, England

After getting a small admonishment from Mrs. Weasley for getting back so late, Harry trundled up to Ron's room. He was starting to think he should find his own room, but he didn't trust the twins room with all those boxes and prank contraptions that were half finished, and no one dared bring up Percy's room.

It was half-past nine when he opened the door to find Ginny, Ron and Hermione all talking. He had thought he would be back by dinner, but Lavender had actually been fun to hang out with. They had decide on a movie, then she had taken him to her mother's shop. Her mother insisted he stay for dinner and they had order more Indian food than he had ever seen. Before he knew, it was seven, he was asked to stay to play some cards or a game, and by quarter-past nine, he realized he should get going before Mrs. Weasley sent the Aurors out looking for him. Though, truthfully, he really didn't want to leave yet.

He had to admit, he shared the look Lavender gave him, as though she was sad to see him leave. They didn't kiss or anything, but Harry couldn't deny he had thought about it. He was happy though they had plans for Sunday. He found himself wishing that she wore something like she had today. He never really appreciated, or even noticed, how curvy the girl was, or that her brown eyes where so expressive. He knew it wasn't just her body that enticed him today, but he couldn't deny that he looked when he thought she wasn't paying attention.

Stepping into the room, he met three different expression. Hermione was looking at him rather hopefully. Ron had a hint of jealousy, but he also looked curious. Ginny didn't look pleased. "So, how was it? You're grinning from ear to ear," Hermione asked after a few.

"I am going to see her again on Sunday," he told them, sitting on his cot next to Ginny. She looked rather disgruntled now.

"The way you are grinning I assume she put out? I've heard what Lavender Brown does on dates," Ginny huffed, crossing her arms across her chest.

"Ginny," Hermione hissed.

Harry gave her an odd look. "No. We didn't kiss or anything. We went to see a movie and then we ended up at her mothers store and I ate dinner with her and her mother. Don't play checkers with her though. Lavender was awful," he chuckled at Ron's expression. "It was actually a really fun day after we got out of Diagon Alley."

Ginny pursed her lips. Ron looked curious. "What is a movie?"

"It's like a play, but its a moving picture with sound. What did you see?"

"Mulholland Falls. It was an odd thing about some American police in the 1930's. Lavender really liked it though, and it had a decent plot," Harry told them.

Ron looked confused. "I still don't get it."

"Maybe we can take you and Ginny to one before we go back to Hogwarts," Hermione offered. "I'm glad you enjoyed yourself."

"I am too," Harry agreed.

Ginny let out a breath. "Does that mean she is your girlfriend now?"

"No clue. I think Hermione had a few good points. Maybe we should date around a little. I don't want to see anyone I may not like, but we only have a few months to figure this out," Harry said.

Ginny's sour face let up some. Ron nodded his head. "I think having these special dances and what not will help. I really don't want to be paired with Pansy Parkinson or Millicent Bulstrode," he said. Everyone shivered.

"I really think you should," Hermione told them. Again, Harry noticed the pinched eyes as she said it.

"If you are going out on dates, maybe we should try one," Ginny offered.

Harry was still torn on her, but she was right. "Maybe. Would your mother mind?"

"Oi! If you are going to date my sister, you better take this seriously. I will beat you if I have too," Ron warned.

Ginny shot an angry glare to Ron before Ginny answered. "I've told you before. You have no say in who I date and mum has said I can date anyone I want, as long as its someone that will meet the requirements."

Ron met Harry's eyes and Harry nodded. He understood the threat and Harry didn't want to lose the only people that had ever treated him as family.

Hermione frowned. "Just be careful. All of you."

"I don't like the idea of dating others. I even told Lavender I may try to date a few other girls, and she said she may do the same," Harry spoke up.

"You think she might like to go on a date with me," Ron said a little more hopefully.

Harry shrugged. "Ask her. If you want, Ginny, I will talk to your parents and maybe we can go out Saturday," Harry suggested.

She smiled, jumped onto her knees and before he knew what was happening she planted a kiss on his cheek and was out the room, yelling behind her, "I will go talk to them now."

Harry looked out the door, a hand going to his cheek. Feeling even more unsure. He didn't feel anything special when she did that. "Did I just do the right thing," he asked softly as Hermione chuckled at him and Ron glared at him.

When he lay down that night, it wasn't long before the gentle snores of Ron could be heard. Harry's brain was whirling too much to sleep.

He had had a very nice day with Lavender. Much better than he ever expected. She had also given him many tips on how to act on dates and what to do. He wasn't sure if she was trying to train him for herself or just in general. Either way, he enjoyed it. He also enjoyed her arms around his, the way she pressed her body against him when she did that, and the times they held hands. He wasn't brave enough yet to kiss her. He wasn't sure he liked her that way yet, but he had thought about it. He was sure he would think about her all night. It was such a different day than when he went on his one and only date with Cho.

Then there was Ginny.

She was Ron's little sister. She wasn't as little anymore. He just wasn't totally sure how he felt about that yet.

Either way, Harry now had two possible options to avoid the match in December. He just wished he could figure out if he really liked the two girls or if he was just trying to find a way to have a choice in how his life would go.

At some point he was aware of Lavender bouncing around his head, her dress showing more than it really had today...

-oOo-

-oOo-

Chapter 3

August 17, 1996

Ottery St. Catchpole, England

Ginny was bubbling with nerves. She was fussing over the dress for the unteenth time and aggravated her hair wasn't falling in the curly lockes she had been trying to perfect for two year now. She huffed as a crease would not come out.

"Gin, take a deep a breath," Hermione said from behind her.

"It has to be perfect, Hermione," she stressed over the issues.

Hermione came up to her with her special brush and combed out the frizzy ends from the humidity today. "This is Harry. He doesn't do perfect," Hermione tried to tease.

Hermione didn't get it. Yes, she dated three boys this past year. Yes, she was more comfortable around Harry. But this was freakin' Harry Potter she was going on a date with today. After how he looked going out with Lavender Tuesday, she knew she had to be at the top of her game today. She had four months, not the four years she though she might have.

Ginny must have seen some of freak out in her eyes because Hermione stopped and turned her around. When Hermione's eyes met hers, she stopped. "Ginny, this is just Harry. The Harry we all know. If you go into this freaking out because he is the Boy-Who-Lived or something else like that, you know he will run and keep running. Don't you?"

She started to hyperventilate. "It's Harry Potter, though. You know how much I have liked him. It was your stupid suggestion to maybe date others to get over him."

Hermione was calm and shook her head. "I never said you had to get over him. I think my words were 'Harry just wants to be Harry. He wants to be normal,' and then I told you to date others to see if you could calm down about him."

Ginny stopped breathing so fast and felt a little dizzy. She let Hermione sit her on the bed. "But he is going out with Lavender again tomorrow. I don't want him with anyone else."

Hermione sighed. "I know, Gin. I think him and Ron, and I suggest you, should see a few people, at least at the start of the year."

"You want him to become a player or me a scarlet woman," she asked, cringing as she channeled her mum.

Hermione chuckled at her expression. "No. I am saying that this is a life-long decision. If any of you rush into this in a panic, I fear it will not work out."

Ginny felt tears biting at her eyes. "But it's Harry."

"I know. Why did you break it off with Micheal Corner this year?"

Blinking, she was thinking back to April when she had broke it off. The poor boy had looked heart broken. Ginny had to admit she wasn't happy with it either, but she felt like she ws getting to close to him and Harry was available again...

Hermione seemed to get what was going on in her head. "Can I give you some advice?"

Ginny sagged on her bed with Hermione's had on her shoulder. "What is it?"

"If you really like Harry, like him for who he is. I am telling you right now, if you don't, the only reason he may chose you is because he feels he had to save you. I don't think either of you will be happy in the long run if that is why," Hermione told her.

Ginny could see the truth in Hermione's eye and took in a few deep breaths. "Why does it have to be so soon. I thought, maybe some time this year or next, I would be able to convince him. This just feels..." she trailed off.

"Rushed?"

Ginny nodded. "Hermione, I really love him."

"And if you say that today, he will run. Harry isn't someone to give that part of himself to just anyone," she said.

The old suspicions of Hermione liking Harry reared its ugly head. She had to fight down the green-eyed monster before she nodded. "I'll remember that."

"Good. Now let me see if I can get these curls to stay and then you can go down and wow him," Hermione said with a smile that didn't really reach her eyes.

As they made it down the stairs, her mum's voice floated up. "...wondering from Diagon Alley. It was bad enough you did that the other day."

"I promise I won't take Ginny out of Diagon Alley. What about Hogsmeade instead?"

"I didn't hear you say you won't go wondering," her mum countered.

"Mrs. Weasley, I have been emancipated. I didn't go anywhere dangerous or anywhere I shouldn't," Harry said back. They had argued about this the last few days. Her mum had just about adopted Harry. He respected her, but he was also sticking up to her. Not something most in this house did unless they needed too.

She opened the door and stood, one leg behind the other and her hands crossed before her. She knew she was trying to act cute and the way Witch Weekly said boys liked to see girls. It wasn't exactly a dissapointment.

Harry's green eyes looked up to her. She didn't miss his eyes wander up her body or the hint in his eyes that he liked what he saw. She had to say, she liked what she saw in him. He was wearing slacks today, with a polo shirt and a traveling cloak in his hands. Mum had told her it might rain today, she she had her cloak as well.

Her mum made a noise and she looked to see her hands over her mouth. "You look so grown up," her mum said.

Ginny felt a flush come to her face. The last thing she wanted to hear infront of the boy she loved was that she 'looked all grown up'.

"You look nice today," Harry complimented her and her flush deepened. He had just complimented her.

"Ee... uhm, thank you," she stammered, mentally berating herself. She had gotten over this. She was the more confident Ginny now, not the quiet, shy Ginny she had been up until the end of third year.

Harry gave his mischevious grin and she felt all gooey inside. Merlin, give me strength, she prayed. "You look handsome yourself."

Her mum turned to Harry. "I want you both back before six and Ginny is not to leave Diagon Alley or Hogsmeade. Do you understand?"

"Yes, Mrs. Weasley," Harry said, then turned back to her. "Where would you like to go today?"

"I have a choice?" She felt dumb for even asking that.

"If you want. I had orignially thought about going to Brighton Peir. Dean said there is a wizarding pub within walking distance, but that got voted down," Harry said, giving her mum a pointed look.

"Oh, what is that," Ginny asked, looking excited.

"It's a muggle place. Has a bunch of shops, rides and food places. My parents and I have gone a few times. It's nice," Hermione said.

Her mum pursed her lips. "You thinks it a safe place to let them go?" her mum asked.

"Perfectly. I thinks it a nice spot for a date," Hermione encouraged.

Her mum pursed her lips and seemed to think about for a moment. She looked at her mum with pleading eyes while Harry mouthed 'Thank you', to Hermione. After a moment, her mum sighed. "Fine. I still want you back by six o'clock and no where else."

"I promise, Mrs. Weasley. I won't go anywhere else and I will make sure Ginny is safe."

Her mum's expression softened. "I know you will, Harry. Now, have a good day and have fun."

Ginny beamed at her mother and soon Harry and her were off through the floo.

-oOo-

Hermione watched them go. Again, her heart felt like it was breaking a little bit more. Ginny was besides herself with giddiness. Harry looked pleased, but apprehensive too.

Soon after they were both gone, Hermione sat at the table.

"You want a cup of tea, dear?"

"Please," Hermione accepted.

She watched the fire as Mrs. Weasley bustled around the kitchen. "I was starting to get used to the idea of all my children leaving the nest in the next few years. Looks like that will be shorter now. It's hard to see them all leave."

Hermoine just nodded. She had been fighting off this sadness for two weeks now. Watching Harry go off with Lavender hadn't really hurt the other day. She was happy he had a good time, but Hermione had a feeling Harry and her just weren't that comptable... or maybe she was hoping. Who knew how he or any of them would think over the next few months?

"I am going to have to plan for six weddings by next Christmas now. Possibly seven. While possibly expecting another child," Mrs. Weasley lamented. With a sigh, she took the screaming kettle off the stove and soon had a cup before Hermione, and some biscuits on the table. "Hermione, dear, how are you taking all of this?"

Hermione started, realizing the tea was on the table. "I'm sorry, what was that?"

The woman gave her a sad smile. "I was wondering how you were holding up? I've seen what you have been doing to try to help Harry, Ron and Ginny."

Hermione gave a sad smile of her own and took the small thing of milk. "I'm fine."

When she put the spoon down on the table, Mrs. Weasley put a hand over hers. "You don't have to be so strong when its only me around, Hermione. Are you in love with one of them?"

Hermione felt the tears burn hot in her eyes. "It's so unfair. How much more can be taken away from them? When will it be Harry's turn to just be who he is? Ginny doesn't really see him as just Harry. She still sees him as the Boy-Who-Lived. What of Ron? Or Ginny? Or any of them. This is just so unfair," she said, the tears finally leaving her eyes. "With Voldemort defeated, this was all supposed to stop. Harry deserves better."

Mrs. Weasley squeezed her hand. "I had suspected."

She just looked at Mrs. Weasley, feeling a pain in her chest. "Why can't he just be given some happiness. Just once?"

"I understand. What that poor boy has suffered, he deserve something good in his life. All we can do is support him. Support all of them. The Wizengamot is still looking into changing the law. At least they were able to change all requirements so that Ron doesn't need to marry by March. They all will by end next year, though."

Hermione shook her head. "They have to be in a betrothal by December twentieth."

Mrs. Weasley patted her hand. "I know, dear." Mrs. Weasley pulled her hand away and started to drink her tea. "If you really love him, you have to let him go and find someone else. No matter what happens, I don't see either boy abandoning you."

Hermione put her face into her hands and allowed herself to cry. Hermione didn't respond, tears streaming down her face.

"I'm sorry, Hermione.

-oOo-

Same day...

Brighton, England

Harry laughed at the wide eyes of Ginny as she looked out onto the Channel. Her red hair fluttered in the breeze. "I've actually never been to the ocean," Ginny told him.

"We live on an island," Harry teased her.

"Still, there aren't many places wizards go to the ocean like this. Is that the pier?" Ginny had a little colour to her face.

"I'm assuming. I've never been here," he told her.

Ginny giggled. "What do you mean you've never been here? It's this close where you live?"

Harry grimaced. "Not really. My relatives used to live about an hour west of London. This was a good hour or more from Little Whinging."

Ginny gave him a look. "Oh. I'm so used to the floo or side-a-long apparition, I never thought about it like that. So, what do we do on the peir?"

Harry shrugged. "There some arcades, some rides, lots of places to eat. Looks like some shops around her," Harry answered. They had crossed the road and Ginny was looking out onto the sands and the sunbathers on the beach. Her eyes were a little wide.

"You okay?"

"It that was Muggles wear to the beach?"

He followed her eyes and saw a group walking along. There were three woman in bikinis and another in a one-peice. "Yeah," Harry replied.

Her face was even brighter, though she looked intrigued. "I have to talk with Hermione when we get home."

He wasn't sure to laugh or not. It had felt much more natural to be out with Lavender the other day because of how her mother and her lived. Ginny was fascinated by everything. The first game he put a coin into she just and he laughed as it made a bunch of loud noises.

It took them a while to work through the first building, then to the rides at the end of the pier. "Why does it have to make su much noise," Ginny said with a huge grin as she watched the small roller coaster going around.

"Its all the metal. It's sort of like flying a broom, or so I here," he told her.

"It reminds me of the Gringotts carts. Mum took me on them once just before Ron went first year," she said. Her face showed her desire to get in line. "Are we going on?"

"That's what the bracelets are for," he told her, indicating the bands on their wrists.

Ginny just about bounced over to the coaster. "So, being Captain, when are you going to run trials?"

"You looking to try out," he asked as the leaned against the rail. The small coaster raced behind them.

"You know I am, prat," she said with a smirk. "Someone has to replace Angelina and Alicia."

He nodded sagely. "You're right. Maybe you'll make a good backup... oi!" Ginny hit his arm and he laughed. "Alright! Alright! I don't know anyone else in our house that is as good as you and Katie. I'm more worried about the beaters and the other chaser."

"When you hold trials, your should look at my dormmate Demelza. She practiced with me before I got on the team. She is is good," Ginny told him.

"I'll keep that in mind." They moved up to almost the front of the line. "I hope I can find some good beaters."

"I'm sure there will be some. So, you think we will have a good defence teacher this year?"

Harry shrugged. "Maybe." Neither of them brought up that they would have a new potions and transfiguration professor also. They quickly turned back to quidditch. When they got off the ride, Ginny was all smiles and dragged him off to another ride.

It was a little before six before they made it back to the Salty Serpant. "Thank you for today. I had fun," Ginny told him, giving him a kiss on the cheek. Harry realized she was doing that so her mum and others probably wouldn't be all over them when they got back.

"Yeah, I did too," he replied.

It was to many expectant eyes when they flooed back and sat at a mostly full dinner table. Mr. Weasley was home at a reasonable hour. The twins had decided they would 'pop' over for a kip that night. Ron gave him a raised eye while Hermione didn't really look at him. Ginny was beaming as she sat and Harry took his normal seat across from him.

There was jokes and the twins took the Mickey out of them as they described their date.

After all was said and done, Mrs. Weasley let him take a bottle of butterbeer outside to the orchards. It wasn't long after that Hermione joined him. She had her own bottle of butterbeer. "You going back to your parents tomorrow," Harry asked her.

"For the week. I'll be back on Friday and stay until we go to Hogwarts," Hermione told him.

He nodded, took a drink of his butterbeer and then laid on the grass, looking up the stars. After a moment, Hermione joined him. "Where's Ron?"

"Talking with the twins," she replied.

Harry just grunted back.

"How was it today?"

Harry took a moment to think about it. "I think I was as impressed as Ginny. I have only been to the ocean once before, and it was rough and grey. The water has a little wavy and there was a nice breeze. I like the smell of the salt water."

Hermione seemed to be waiting for him to say more. "That's all you felt today?"

He snorted. "It was fun. She was wide eyed most of the day to see how all the Muggles lived. We talked alot about Quidditch this year. I can decide if she wants to be Captain or likes that I am. She kept giving me advice all day."

"I think that is the easiest way she can talk with you. It's one of the few things you share," Hermione told him.

Harry put his hands behind his head. "We also talked about what this year may be like."

"I've been thinking of that too. Do you really want to date a bunch of girls?"

He snorted. "I wasn't thinking about that, but, I should date or get to know a few." He sighed. "I honestly don't understand what those old cronies were thinking when they put this covenant in."

"I don't either. What else about this year are you thinking about?" Hermione rolled onto her side to look at him. Harry intetionally kept looking at the sky. He didn't want to be tempted with someone he could never have.

"I was thinking that there will be no more Snape. McGonagall is Headmistress now. Do you think many will leave this country to avoid the law? What happens if people start getting married? Is it going to be weird that almost half the school is going to be going through this?" He put to her.

Hermione was quiet for a few. "I don't know, Harry. Right now I am more concerned for you, Ron and Ginny. I haven't thought about the other changes. I suppose it might be nice to have a different potions professor, but I really like Professor MgGonagal. She was going to offer advanced lesson on human transmogrification seventh year, as well as animigaus training. I hope the new professor will do the same."

He let out a breath. "I would like to become an animagus like my dad."

"If your form is anything like your father's, it will be impressive," she enthused.

"I hope so," he replied.

They were quiet for a while, each lost in thier own thoughts.

Eventually, Hermione commeted, "It's going to be odd."

"What is?" he enquired, finally turning to look at her.

"V...voldemort is dead. All the Death Eaters are gone. I don't feel like I have to look at every shadow or around every corner anymore. We have a chance to have a somewhat normal year at school," she commented.

He snorted. "Yeah. Normal."

Harry couldn't keep the sacrastic tone out of his voice.

"Well, no one should be trying to kill any of us," she replied equally sarcastically.

Harry laughed. "Then it's not going to be a normal year."

Hermione laughed too, lightly hitting his arm. "You know what I mean, prat."

Harry laughed harder. "I think Ron and I have been a bad influence on you."

"Oh, definitely. I was such an innocent, naive school girl that first year," she said in an affectied voice.

Harry lifted his hand and started to tick off his fingers as he spoke. "Not to mention bossy, a teachers pet, adverse to break any rule, willing to die before being expelled... OI! Abuse!"

Hermione hit him a few times on his arm. "Then stop being and arse, Harry Potter!"

He laughed as he shielded himself. "Alright. I'm sorry."

She stopped and huffed. "You better be."

"I won't call you bossy again... for now," he teased.

She made an agrravated sound. "You are so incouragable."

"Guilty," he laughed and she smirked a smile.

After a moment, she moved to lean her head against his shoulder. He sobered and turned to look back up towards the stars. "Do you like Ginny?"

He wanted to tell her how he felt for her, but he never could. "I don't know. She's pretty and fun to hang out with, but the more I do, the more it feels like I'm hanging out with my sister or a best friend."

Hermione sighed. "I don't think she is the one you should chose," she told him.

"What if it get's close and neither of us have anyone," Harry asked.

"I don't think you should unless you really like her, or even lover her, by then. The Ministry matches are supposed to pair you as compatible. I have been looking into that and I think that mean magically and personalities. If you don't like anyone that much, I think it might be better to make a relationship with someone you may not know," Hermione said.

"Really?" he asked dubiously.

"If you don't like someone that much by December, do you think you will ever grow feelings for them? I would prefer you to find someone you like, but I don't think the Ministry means bad this time. Mr. Weasley keeps saying that the Minister and many others are not pleased with this, but they are trying to do the right thing." Hermione moved a little closer in the cooling night.

He thought about it for a few. "I would just like to have a choice for once in my life," he said in a whisper.

"I know. I will do anything I can to help you, Harry."

"Thank you." He dropped an arm and it wrapped around her shoulders. She moved her head to rest on his chest. If he could have this for just one night, he would. After tonight, he would have to let go of this crush on his best friend.

"What do you plan to do with Lavender tomorrow?"

"I have no clue. I feel like I owe her a good day. All the tips she gave me on Tuesday helped with Ginny."

"Good. Why don't you take her to Picadilly Curcus for a good lunch. Or maybe an amusement park? Once we go to Hogwarts, you'll only be able to go into Hogsmeade," she told him.

"That might be a good idea. It was nice having Lavender be so familiar with the Muggle world."

Hermione moved and put a hand on his chest and press against his side. It probably was more than best mates should do, but he just wanted this one night. "I really didn't know she was a pureblood."

"I didn't either."

Their discussion died after that. He looked up at the night sky, enjoying the small of her shampoo and the warmth of her against him. It was getting quite late when Hermione finally rolled away and sat up. Harry felt the loss immediately. "We should go in and go to bed."

Harry sat up, picking up his half drunk bottle of butterbeer. "Sure. I'll be right in," he told her, taking another drink.

Hermione nodded. He didn't look at her as she walked back to the Burrow. He knew if he looked or got up to go with her he would finally break and tell her how he felt. Having her as close as she had been had been nice, and torturous.

When the door of the house closed, his anger at everything broke and Harry chucked the bottle as hard as he could. It broke against an apple tree. After screaming at the night, he flopped back down on the grass. Dew was collecting now.

It was well past two when he went back inside. Someone had left a lantern on in the kitchen so he didn't have to bump into everything as he made his way to the stairs.

-oOo-

August 17, 1996

London, England

Ron had agreed to work for the twins for the rest of the summer. He figured it would give him a little spending money. More importantly, it would give him a chance to see others from school and if he found anyone to spend some time with, Fred and George would let him.

They had just set him to stocking some shelves when someone cleared their throat. Ron looked up to see a pretty redhead.

Susan Bones was agrueable in the top three girls for looks in their year. Daphne Greengrass was on top. He would be hard pressed to decide if Sue Li or Susan would be next. Lavender was diffinetly four or five. Hermione taking the other spot.

Susan was a girl that was developing a nice hourglass shape, with large breasts, a pretty face and wide hips. He didn't know her well, but she always came off as nice. "Hello, Susan. Are you looking for something?"

Her face had a little colour to it. "Uhm, yeah. I was actually wondering what time you might be getting off today," she asked.

Ron's eyes opened wide. "Uhm. I can take a break for a while once I get this shelf stocked. Maybe we can go get some ice cream or something?" He was sure his face was as bright as hers now. He thought Harry had been incredibly lucky with Lavender. He had to admit he was jealous. Lavender, and then his sister. Ron didn't want to date his sister, but he was jealous Harry already had to potential prospects. If he could swing a date with Susan Bones, he could prove he was as good as his best mate.

She bit her lip. "Do you want some help?"

"if you want," Ron said. She knelt down and soon the shelves were full again and she waited while he went to tell Fred he was leaving for a bit. When Fred stuck his head around the register, he got a huge grin.

"Bloody hell, Susan Bones?"

"Yeah. What of it," Ron challenged his brother.

Fred just gave him an impressed look. He then opened the till and handed Ron ten galleons. "Go have fun and if you come back today I'll make you one of our testers," Fred warned with a grin.

Ron looked at the money in his hand. It was almost as much as he got in a year from allowance. "Fred, I can't..."

"Oh, you're right. Silly me. I forgot your bonus."

Five more galleons were put in his hand. His face was red, but not from Susan this time. Fred nodded his head. "Don't keep a lady waiting."

Susan was waiting by the door. "You all set now?"

"Yeah. Fortescues?"

"That sounds nice," Susan agreed.

Ron gave a shy smile and she returned it. It was just starting to hit him that he had never been on a date before and he didn't know what to really do. It was a awkward silence as they walked down the street. Ron noticed the two red robes Aurors that were trailing them and figured it had to be becuase of her aunt, making it more awkward. They sat and ordered some ice cream before Susan finally spoke up.

"I've seen you're name in the Daily Prophet all summer. They are calling you and Harry and the others heroes," she commented.

Ron blinked at her, not understanding at first that the look Susan was giving him was akin to what some girls gave to Harry as the boy-who-lived. "Uhm, yeah," he said with a half smile. "It wasn't all it was cracked up to be."

Ron wasn't being untruthful or modest. It really hadn't been fun being a hero. He had spent a week in the hospital. One of his brothers had died. Hermione and others had come close to dying.

"Auntie says that at times too. It doesn't change the fact you ran off. There were alot in the D.A. that wished they could have helped you," Susan told him.

"We all got lucky to survive. I'm glad you weren't there," Ron told her.

She nodded. "Maybe it was best this way. I'm sorry about your brother."

Ron frowned and looked down. "In the end he chose his family."

Susan nodded. "I always wondered what it would be like to have brother or a sister."

Ron snorted. "I have si... five of them. You're welcome to have them," he said, trying to joke.

She gave a half smile, trying to change the mood with him. "You sound like you want to get rid of them."

Ron snorted. "Most days. My brothers are mostly annoying and joke all the time. Even Bill and Charlie when they are around. Ginny is an annoying little sister, always in my hair and wanted to hang out with me and my friends... but it's nice to have them around too."

Her smile was more genuine. "I bet."

The ice cream came out. For once, Ron didn't feel like digging into it like he normally would. He took a spoonful, but didn't bring it near his mouth. "How has your summer been?"

Susan and taken a bit and demurely put a hand to her mouth until she swallowed. "Good enough. I went with Hannah's family for two weeks exploring some islands in the Carribean. The water is so blue blue and you can see the bottom in so many places. It would have been nice if Auntie could have come, but she has her hands full at the Ministry right now."

Ron nodded. "So we have heard. How is Minister Bones?"

"Busy. She is fuming with the Proliferation laws and other stuff. How was your summer?"

Ron shrugged, finally taking a small bite before answering. "Quiet. We haven't done much. Harry moved in when we got home and we have just been trying to figure out what to do with, you know."

Susan nodded. "Harry moved it with you? Did something happen with his family? I know you-know-who was hunting him."

He shook his head. "Nothing like that. He was emancipated after his godfather died and didn't want to go back so mum and dad offered him a place for as long as he needed."

"Oh, that was nice of them."

"He's like family," Ron told her. Harry was like family.

"That must be nice. Hannah's parents treat me that way. So, you going to be on the Gryffindor team again this year?"

Ron gave a big smile. "I hope so."

"I do too. You did well last year," she complimented him.

Ron blushed some. "Thank you."

"I was thinking of trying out for chaser this year," she told him.

"You should. Playing up there is great."

She gave a little giggle at the wide grin he had. "I assume that is after you get the jitters out, King Weasley."

He felt his face burn some. "Yeah, there is that."

"I liked that you made Malfoy eat his words. I hope you do again," she commented.

He went from feeling embarassed to feeling high as his broom on game days. "I think I will," he said more confidently than usual.

"I look forward to playing agianst you if I get on the team."

"I won't go easy on you," he told her.

She laughed. "I think you will have to worry more about me going easy on you," she said, not sounding or acting so contrite.

"Ok, before we go any further, what is your opinion of the Cannons?"

She scoffed. "The Chudley Cannons are junk. The only team worth supporting is the Appleby Arrows."

He screwed his face. "They have been lower than the Cannons the last two years."

"That's only because they lost Reading and Woolenby. Their new chasers are still young. Next year they will be near the top," Susan defended.

"Eastly is a horrible Seeker though," Ron countered.

"And Quinn is any better? Her record is worse than Eastly."

"She is not," Ron shot back.

"She is so," Susan retorted.

"Just as long as you don't support Portree..."

Her face twisted into disgust. "Oh, merlin. How can you support them? They are only top because the owners violate the league rules on salary and they steal the best talent."

"I've been saying that for years and no one will listen to me," Ron enthusiastically responded.

"I know. Hannah things I'm mental, but she supports Portree, so I think she's the barmy one," Susan stated.

Ron laughed. "She should talk to Neville. He's a Portree fan too. They are all barking mad," Ron said with a smile.

Susan giggled. "I know. Really."

Ron smiled and was still smiling when he said goodbye and hoped to see her on the train. Susan said she would like that. When he walked back into the Wizarding Wheezes, George gave him a pointed look from the counter. A few people were lined up buying thing.

He moved over to see what he should do.

"You're back early. Already get shot down," George asked as he run up a dark hair girl that looked about his age.

"Susan had to go. I think we are going to sit together on the Hogwarts Express," Ron said with a smile.

George gave an approving nod. "There is hope for you. If you are staying, go see Fred and help to stock some more shelves."

Ron reached into his pocket. It had cost just over a galleon for today. George shook his head. "It's a bonus. Now get back to work."

Ron stomped on his urge that it was a handout. George and Fred were family and was really charity if it was family. It would just mean he would work twice as hard.

-oOo-

The same day...

London, England

Harry walked into Rumble and Pick to find Rebecca playing a guitar with a a boy a year or two younger than him. That first day he tried to call her Mrs. Brown, he had been dressed down. The woman was in her mid-thirties and gorgeous. Harry liked how the woman was in jeans, a Ramones shirt and tattoos had this real cool vibe to her. It was hard to believe that Rebecca had grown up as a 'proper' pureblood. Her daughter had her mothers looks, but not the quiet rebellious character.

"Hey, Harry. Lavender should be down shortly. You want to grab a guitar and join us? I'm just teaching Sam some basic cords at the moment," Rebecca offered.

"I've never picked up a guitar before," he told her.

"First time for everything. Now, Sam, this one is a A, G, E spread, like this."

Harry watched for a few. The woman was in her element and deftly guided the younger teen on how to play. He was enjoying it so much, he didn't realize that Lavender had snuck up behind her until she suddenly whispered, "Guess who," and put her hands over his eyes.

Harry reacted. He ducked down, spun and had his fists up before he thought about it. Lavender gave a small scream and backed up. Harry's heart was pounding in is chest, ready for action. Lavender had her hands to her mouth and she looked a little scared.

"I'm sorry. I didn't mean to scare you," she told him.

Harry let out a huff and dropped his fists. After a moment, he ran his hand through his his. "I'm sorry, Lav. I just still... you know a little jumpy at times."

"I really didn't mean to scare you," she reiterated.

"It's nothing. "

She settled a little. He finally took her in and felt his teen hormones take up. She was in a dark-blue pleated skirt with a white blouse that hugged her chest and black stocking that seemed to show off her shapely legs even more. Lavender gave him a satisfied smirk when he met her eyes. He fought down the heat that threatened to light up his cheeks. "You look nice today," he complimented.

Harry realized the lesson had stopped.

"Thank you. You clean up better each time," she said in a teasing voice.

He rubbed the back of neck this time. "If you say so. So, you want to head out?"

"Yeah. Do you mind if I picked the place today," she asked.

Harry shrugged. "That's fine. I was only thinking of going to Lightwater Valley, if you wanted."

Her eyes lit up. "Oh, maybe we can do that before we get on the train. I know a few others that might like to go too."

"Next weekend?"

"I don't think I need to the whole mother thing, do I?" Rebecca asked, coming over to them.

"I promise to be the gentleman and bring her back on time," Harry said, giving a cheeky grin to Rebecca.

The woman eyed him. "You watch out for this one, Lav. Be back by nine, or not. I only want you using the floo or the Knight Bus, alright," she said more to her daughter than him.

"Yes, mum. We will be back by nine," Lavender rolled her eyes.

Rebecca laughed at them. "Just have fun you too."

"So, where are going," Harry asked as they walked out of the music shop and headed towards the Leaky Cauldron.

"You ever been to a professional Quidditch match?"

"I didn't bring robes today," he told her.

"I didn't either. There are many that wear only Muggle clothes," she assured him.

"So, who are we going to see?"

"I had a little birdie tell me you liked the Wimborn Wasps and the just happen to be playing my favorite team today," she said with a smirk.

"Where did you hear that and who do you support?"

"A woman never reveals her secrets." She winked at him.

He laughed. "You aren't a Portree Fan, are you?"

"And if I was?"

"I guess today would be worth it if the Wasps win," he cheekily replied.

She laughed at him. "Good thing I'm not a Wasps fan. They are playing the Tornadoes though."

He rolled his eyes and gave a disgruntled sound. "Oh, them."

She eyed him. "Yes. Them."

He couldn't keep the smirk off his face as he stuck his wand out to call the Knight Bus. "Well, good thing I have nothing against the Tornadoes."

She giggled and paid the three sickles it cost for them to go out to Tuthill. Lavender grabbed his arm as the bus took off and he tried his best to keep her from moving around too much.

When they got off, she was still grabbing his arm tightly. "Not a fan?"

"Not really, but that is a long floo ride from the Leaky Cauldron and always seem to knock my elbows," she told him.

"The first time I took the floo I ended up in Borgin and Burkes, instead of Diagon Alley," he told her.

She giggled at him as they walked into a copse of trees. Lavender seemed to know the way, so he let her lead him. It helps that a few others were on the path as well. "The match doesn't start for another hour and a half, but I thought we could get something to eat at the concessions before the game," she told him.

"Sounds good to me. Are there usually alot of wizards at the matches?"

"A thousand or more, usually. Mum said there used to be more when she was younger. Maybe a few thousand every game," she told him.

Harry nodded. He was starting to understand what Grindelwald, the Pureblood Supremacists and Voldemort had done to their world. It made sense when you looked at it that way, but it still sucked for them.

"I'm excited to see this. I've only been to the World Cup," he told her.

Her smile was really nice. "Good. Mum suggested it with how much I talk about you playing."

Harry quirked an eyebrow at her. "I take it you talk about me a lot?"

She blushed a little, her smile becoming a little abashed. "Well, you know... mum and I talk about school every year and I do like Quidditch and you are a great Seeker..."

"I do well enough," he told her, feeling abashed at the praise. Harry loved to fly, and he loved playing seeker, but he wasn't one for alot of praise, as good as it felt at times.

Lavender giggled. "You do more than 'well enough'. That's one thing I like about you. You aren't all cocked up like most the other boys."

He laughed at her. Lavender didn't pull any punches at times. "Yeah, after meeting McLaggen, I fingers most girls don't like that type of thing."

She luaghed. "Merlin! No. Some do, but he the biggest peacock I've ever met."

Harry laughed at the image. "Oh, he's a 'P' something."

They continued to laugh and joke at McLaggen's expense as they entered the stadium. There were about a dozen stalls along the concourse. It looked like more than half the quidditch stadium was closed off. They found a stall selling pies and pasties and sat at a small table enjoying their lunch over a butterbeer.

When it came time to go into the stands, they sat in the middle of the stands, right in the center of field. Lavender had been right. There were maybe a thousand or so people in the stand. The stadium was maybe a quarter full and they all sat on the same side. It hit Harry again that the wizarding population had been so much larger at one time.

How many wizards, witches and entire families had Voldemort eliminated?

The other thing he noted was that Lavender had been right. They didn't stick out to much wearing Muggle clothes. About a quarter of the people there did as well. Harry was wondering if he was seeing a shift in culture or if this was a standard thing.

"So, whenever I come with mum or Parvati, we always make little bets," Lavender told him.

"Bets? What kind of bets? Have you bet on me?" Harry questioned.

Lavender bit her lip for a second. "Well, I've only lost once when you are involved and that was the time you lost to Diggory," she told him.

Yeah, Harry would never forget that one... it was the day he was attacked by Dementors and the day his first broom had been smashed by the Whomping Willow. "Yeah, not my finest hour," he jibed.

Her expression hardened. "You were cheated out of that by those stupid Dementors," she quipped back.

He rubbed the back of his neck. "Yeah, well... what type of bets do you do?"

She got a mischevious grin. "Nothing bad. You know, streaking through the common room. Asking a boy you like on a date. Putting ink into a teachers teacup..."

Harry laughed. "That was you that got McGonagall that time."

"Well, actually Hannah. Susan and Hannah usually join in on the fun too," she said.

"And who had to streak the common room? I don't remember that."

"Susan lost the bet on the last Slytherin game." Her smirk was almost a full smile at that one.

"And what did you have to do when you lost that one third year?"

"I don't talk about that," she said, a little heat coming to her face.

He chuckled at the look on her face. "You can't leave me hanging like this," he told her.

She just shrugged. "Maybe if you become my boyfriend at some point, I will tell you."

Harry looked at her questioningly. "So, you have thought about what we talked about Tuesday?"

The announcer had started to call out the teams. Lavender looked down at the field as the players flew out of the tunnels. "I'll be honest with you, Harry. I like you. I have for a while. After listening to you say you wanted to date a few other girls, I get it. I should do the same. Boys I mean," she said and he couldn't keep the cheeky grin off his face. She flushed and nudged him. "Head out of the gutter."

He chuckled, feeling his face heat a little. "A boy can dream," he said, not really meaning it. He really didn't want two or more witches, but he couldn't deny that it sounded interesting.

She giggled. "Alright. I can admit I've thought about two wizards..." She laughed to see the look on his face. "But, seriously."

The referee was linig up the players.

She let out a sigh. "I've done some thinking and agree we should consider other people. I don't like to share, but this isn't exactly something normal."

He let out a sigh and watched the quaffle get thrown into the air. "No, this is not normal. Lav, I will be honest with you too. I really don't want to date around. I don't want to be a playboy or anything like that. I am finding I like you too, but I think it would be a disservice to both of us to just settle right away. We are talking about marriage and the rest of our lives at the end of this."

She looked uncertain. "We are. I always thought I would date around a bit. Fall in love someday. I didn't want to settle until I was a few years out of Hogwarts and doing something. Mum was forced to marry right out of school to satisfy some family alliance. I really think she did fall for my father, but I don't think she was ever really in love with him. She has told me to always follow my heart and not to settle."

Harry nodded. "I've been told my parents were deeply in love, but they didn't get together until seventh year, and it was the war that caused them to marry straight out of Hogwarts."

"...the Wasps are first on the board. Collingworth take the quaffle..." the announcer said. Harry had to cheer for his team. When they sat agian, watching the game, Lavender moved a little closer. "My parents were married for almost four years before I was born. Mum was twenty-two, and dad just didn't come home one day with I was close to one. I know how your parents were killed, but we don't even know what happened to him. That was blagging!" Lavender yelled out. "So, what is the bet?"

"If the Wasps win, you go another date with me," Harry challenged her.

She giggled. "That isn't a bet."

He waggled his eyes. "For all you know you'll hate me by the end of the day. I am a Wasps fan and want to see the Tornadoes lose, so I figure you'll be pretty upset."

She continued to giggle. "Fine. If the Tornados win, you have to wear Slytherin colours to the opening feast."

"Deal," he said and they shook hands.

Harry and her got into the game after that. At the few down times, they would talk again. By the end of the match, he was realizing he knew more about Lavender Brown than he ever though he would. As flighty and girly she seemed to be, he was starting to think she had either really matured this past year, or she was acting at times. Or maybe it was just when she was with her other friends, that other side of her came out?

The game had started at noon. It was close to three-thirty when it was done. As they walked out of the stadium, Lavender took his hand. Harry would normally pull away from most people. Instead, he squeezed her hand back and after a moment, he was just as eager to interweave his fingers between hers when she instigated the movement.

"So, are you taking me back home or we going to push the curfew mum gave me?" Her eyes were almost challenging him. It must be that Gryffindor in them both.

"This doesn't count as your next date," he told her. The Wasps had won 280 to 240.

She made an affected sigh. "What ever shall I do? It will be so insufferable."

"See, told you you would be upset."

She rolled her eyes and they got in line with the few others waiting for the Knight Bus. "Oh ,yeah, really upset. Upset enough I think you need to take me out to a nice dinner to calm me down."

He gave a cheeky grin. "Have you ever been to Brighton?"

She looked at him. "No. Why?"

"Have I got the place for you..."

When he walked her back home at quarter past nine, they were holding hands again and Lavender's mouth was going a mile a minute. Apparently she had really enjoyed the arcade and rides. "We have to go to Lightwater Valley or something else next week," she was telling him. "That was so much fun. You still owe me a nice dinner though."

He shrugged. "I'm not busy any day this week," he told her.

"I'm working for mum Monday through thrusday, but off by five," she told him.

"How about Wednesday. Maybe a typical dinner and movie night?"

She moved closer. "I like that idea."

He opened hte door next to the shop that led upstairs. He walked her up to the door and she kissed his cheek. "I had a good time."

"I did too. Wednesday?"

"Pick me up at six," she told him.

"Sure."

The door to her apartment opened and Rebecca leansed against the door frame. "You're back earlier than I expected."

"I didn't mean to get her back late," Harry told her.

Her mother shook her head. "It's more of a guideline, but don't do it too often."

"I won't. I'll see you Wednesday," he told Lavender.

She nodded and moved in quickly again to kiss his cheek. "Wednesday."

Her mother rose an eyebrow. "I'll see you Wednesday, Harry," Rebecca said.

"Night," he said before making his way down the stairs. In all his years, he never thought he would like Lavender Brown, but he found himself really pleased with today. He would have to invite Ron for Saturday. Hermione too if she was back by then.

At that thought, he tried to focus on Lavender. it had been a really nice day. Much nicer at Brighton Peir with Lavender than it had been with Ginny. Not that it had been bad with Ginny, but Lavender laughed more, made him laugh more, and they talked about much broader topics.

Either way, Harry found he liked Lavender Brown.

-oOo-

-oOo-

Chapter 4

August 22, 1996

London, England

Minister Amelia Bones sat at the center of a long table. Gathered around her were four major department heads, eight Wizengamot members representing the three major factions that were left, two Hogwarts representatives and four Unspeakables. The last two months, since the mass death of more than three hundred people, mostly men and mostly known supports of You-Know-Who, had been a beehive of shite.

The long faces and tired eyes showed that.

"Madam Parkinson, I am telling you that we will not draw in any deadlines. I would rather extend them," Madam Longbottom said, rather annoyed with the woman.

"I am worried with the backlash and the stories of people leaving, that extending this until next Christmas is going to be too long to wait," the woman imperiously stated.

"We understand the backlash," a disgruntled Lord Galston stated.

"You have been a vocal opponent, but I don't see any suggestions to change things," Parkinson snapped.

"That is enough," Amelia spoke over the next person who was opening their mouth. "We all recognize this is a disaster that is pushing people to do rash things, but we have all agreed the alternative is far worse." She stared down everyone at the table. "What I need is solutions. What if we extend the selection until the end of march? Give people more time to come to terms with this and maybe find a match. I really don't want to force this down anyone's throats more than we already are."

"We are already pushing the covenant as far as we can, Minister Bones," a person in a grey cloak said. "The original covenant said a year from activation. It activated the night of June twenty-third. We have been able to manipulate it to a year from the selection and to allow all betrothals before that date to remain active."

Amelia frowned. That was the night Voldemort was killed and all those he marked passed into a coma, like a dementor had kissed them. No magic had been able to keep their bodies alive for more than a week.

"But that is only if the people are compatible and fertile," Parkinson said bitterly. "My daughter's contract has been deemed invalid."

"What ever personal stuff we have is to remain outside of this room," Amelia told the woman for the fifth time today. She was upset enough that her own Susan was caught up in this and that she had to have the Healers confirm again she was infertile due to an injury in the last Blood War.

"Given the influx of galleons from estates that had no heir, I propose we use some of that for incentives for couples to marry early. The sooner we meet the cap for new births, the sooner the convenant will go back into hibernation," a balding man said from down the table.

"Here here," a few echoed.

"From our estimates, it will take about four generations to achieve a tripling of our current population," another Unspeakable put in.

"Can it be extended to other half-bloods, or even Muggleborn," a thin woman from the Light alliance asked.

"We have already discussed this. The Covenant will only allow that if it is a second wife and she is not to carry on a magically significant line," a third Unspeakable answered.

"We also have the issue of those that carry more than one significant magical line," the last Unspeakable put in.

"You told us that this only had to be one witch to one wizard," Longbottom spoke up. "I will not stag out my grandson for some covenant we are all too afraid to break."

Amelia pinched her nose. "We are not asking you to do as such. We have already figured out that anyone married, regardless if they are viable to sire or carry a child, will only do so with their current spouses. There will not be any forced marriages or children that way."

"There is the option for them to take a second wife, or a wife to take a consort," Parkinson put in.

"Yes, there is that, but I do not want to advertise that. The mob in the Wizengamot last week was only appeased when we were able to change the fact that this did not affect already married couples like that," Amelia reminded the woman.

"But we do have the issue with the disparity between the sexes. There is almost six percent more woman than men," the second Unspeakable stated.

"I thought you said that once the drawing occured, if the woman were not paired, then they would be released?" the thin woman asked.

"Lady Exeter, that is not exactly what we said. I think our exact words were they were free to marry outside the restrictions, but still needed to marry by next Christmas, unless they were less than seventeen. Those woman do not fall into the requirements until they are," the first Unspeakable elaborated.

This is all a disaster, Amelia thought to herself. "Headmistress McGonagall and Healer Pomfrey, you have both been silent in this whole thing."

Minerva sat a little straighter. "You know my opinion on this whole mess, but right now my main concern is my students. We are working to convert some of the abandoned hallways and classrooms to small suites for anyone that will be married, and for long term accommodations. I have put in my request to the Department of Magical Education for an additional two million galleons to help with the cost of renovations and to high more staff. Eventually, we will have to finalize plans to enlarge the castle."

"Why would you need to make the castle bigger? It is already the largest magical building in Great Britain," Head Benson of the Department of Magical Law Enforcement put to her. He had not been Amelia's first pick, but her top two had been killed the night You-Know-Who had been defeated. Benson was a little narrow minded for her liking.

Minerva looked down on the man. "If you read the report the Wizengamot requested, you would know that we are expected to house up to forty new couples by mid-next year. There are currently only six apartments with at least two bedrooms available, and other eight with a single bedroom. Hogwarts has never hosted more than ten married couples at a time in the last two-hundred years. We will be able to convert three halls by Christmas into two bedroom suites, giving us forty total, meaning we will have enough for the next five to ten years. If you are talking about an increase in population over the next eighty to a hundred years for this to play out, then Hogwarts will not be able to convert enough space to accommodate all the couples, and probably young children, and the classrooms required. We need a new wing with at least a forty rooms and to triple or quadruple our staff over that time. This is including converting some of the upper dungeons around Hufflepuff to have more suites."

"Merlin, are you serious?!" a man with steely grey eyes and a dark head of hair exclaimed.

"Very, Lord Chang," Minerva stated.

"Before we offer any incentives, Head Williams, how much does the Ministry have from estate taxes or extra in our budget," Amelia asked already knowing the answer. Williams was Head of Finance in the DMLE.

"We have recently collected two-point-eight million in estate taxes so far. We are expecting another fifteen-million if the auctions and other accounts are released to the Ministry. In the last four years, it has been found the Ministry has been running a deficit of almost four-hundred thousand a year. With the reduction in taxes expected over the next decade, that will grow to six-hundred thousand a year," the man said.

"You mean to tell me the Ministry is broke!" Longbottom yelled.

Amelia knew Fudge had been a lackey and corrupt, she just had no idea how much. It explained why the Aurors and other departments had slowly been down sized. "So, this is our problem, and I don't want this getting out to the media or general populous yet. My proposal is to take the current proceeds to shore up our finances for the next two years, give Hogwarts what it needs to build the funds for a eventual expansion, and in that time we work out what functions are essential and which ones are not at the Ministry. We are going to have to make some hard cuts and find ways to get our economy going."

"Minister Bones, most of the decrease in taxes over the last twenty years has been from less wizards and witches. More than twenty percent of graduates from Hogwarts leave Great Britain or go into the muggle world, year-over-year," Head Benson told her.

"If they were already disposed to go back to the Muggles, then good riddance," Parkinson said with disdain.

"That is the exact sentiment that has caused so many issues," Longbottom snapped at the woman.

"That is enough," Amelia put her foot down again. "Benson isn't wrong. The Unspeakables gave us the same conclusions in a report on Monday. We need to convince more to remain in Great Britain. The outcome of the covenant only looks at total magical residents."

"Then why does it require only those of third generation magic and above to wed," Longbottom demanded.

"Because some of the origianl founders didn't think anyone else mattered," the fourth Unspeakable remarked.

"That is enough for now. Benson, once you have the final report done next week, we can decide if we will offer some type of monetary incentive to people. In that time, get the changes out to everyone affected," she said to Parkinson.

"Minister Bones?" Minerva spoke up.

"Yes, Headmistress?"

"The sooner you can get me those funds, the sooner the goblins can get more crews and complete the work before October first. Right now they are scheduled to complete the renovations just before Christmas."

"We will call a Wizengamot meet tomorrow," Longbottom promised.

"Thank you."

"Unless there are any other points that need to be addressed right now, I say we focus on releasing the new rules, get Hogwarts the funds it needs and give any support the Unspeakables need. After that, I want a full review of all laws that affect Muggleborn, half-bloods, creatures and half-bloods of lesser standing. We need to make a change if this is going to work and to end it as soon as possible," she told them all.

When everyone got up to leave, she motioned towards Minerva to stay. It was a few minutes before they were alone and she got up and sat next to the woman. "How are you and your staff? Are you all as right as can be? Are you ready for this? The students all go back in a week from now."

Minerva sat back in her chair a little and rubbed her face. "We aren't. Hogwarts has not hosted this many couples and potential new born children in more than four-hundred years, and the last time it did, it was only forty-two at the peak. We aren't trained or staffed to handle all this, Amelia. Poppy wants two more full time Healers by next Christmas, sooner if any of the couples start having children sooner than then. One of them should be a Mind healer and councilor. I have been able to fill the three vacancies I have, but if we start having pregnant students, I need to higher at least some part-time staff for potions, charms and transfiguration. Those girls and young woman can't be exposed to stray magic or ingredients."

Amelia sighed. She hadn't thought about all that. She was more concerned that Susan and half her friends were going to be forced into this. "You tell me what you need and I will make sure you get it," she told her old professor.

"It's all in the report," Minerva told her.

Amelia nodded. "I'll go through it tonight and see what I can do in the next few days."

"Thank you. Unless you have anything else, I really need to get back to Hogwarts."

"Of course. I'll come to visit you Monday?"

"I am working everyday right now. Maybe once all the students come back I can have some quiet time," the woman said with a snort. She looked tired, just like most others that had just been in the room.

"How about a drink at the Three Broomsticks tomorrow night?"

The old Scotswoman smiled. "You buying?"

"I'll buy the first one or two."

Minerva got up. "I'll be there around seven and get a private room. Maybe we can go over some of this."

"Sounds good. Saturday Susan is going out with some friends to a Muggle park. I don't understand the importance of it, but she is excited. She had said the youngest Weasley boy will be there. I think she likes him. Sunday I was hoping to spend some time with her. I have hardly seen her all summer," Amelia told her.

"Do it now. Once they leave the nest, it's not as easy to get their attention."

Amelia frowned. She had missed so much of Susan growing up the last few years.

-oOo-

August 24, 1996

Whitewater Valley, XXXXXX, England

Ron was nervous to see Susan again. Somehow Harry and Lavender had gotten Hannah Abbot, Parvati, Padma, Susan, Neville Longbottom and Ernie Macmillan to all go to a Muggle amusement park. Even though the Patils and Macmillan were not part of the new law, the rest of them were. Lavender and Harry were supposed to be free agents today, but Ron could tell Harry and Lavender were looking at this more as a date. It was the fourth time they had gone out now.

Hannah was flirting heavily with Neville, who was far more calm and collected than he had been in years past. The D.A. and everything last year had really changed him.

Ron... Ron was enjoying himself, using a Muggle watergoon... no watergun... to race some horses across the length of the game stall. "No!" Susan screamed besides him.

"I won," Ernie yelled out.

"You cheat!"

"I did not."

Ron laughed at her. "You beat me."

She sat up tall and preened. "Well, there is that."

"How about another game?" Ernie asked, Padma and Parvati yelling their agreement. He was thankful that Harry had gotten them all some Muggle money for this. He was going to pay him back, but it was nice anyways.

"I want to try that balloon one," Susan said, grabbing his arm and pulling him to the next stall. Harry and Lavender took their spots. Hannah and Neville were sitting at a table talking.

Ron walked over and put the pound coin on the counter. "What do I do?" he asked the teen behind the counter.

"You get three darts and if you pop a balloon, you win the prize in it."

"Oh, I want that huge tiger," Susan told him.

Ron got a goofy smile to feel her press against his arm before backing away. "Which one?"

"The purple one," she said with a smile.

Ron, like most teen boys when a pretty girl asked for something, felt a little braver and cockier than normal. His first dart missed wide. He made some comment about getting used to it. His second brushed a large red balloon. "I can do this," he told her.

She was looking at him with big eyes. Merlin, how did girls know that was one of guys weaknesses? "I can do this," he repeated, pumping the dart a few times. When he let it fly, he held his breath and cringed when it popped a small white balloon. He wanted the big one for the big prize. The boy took up the slip and said, "You get a medium sized one."

Susan beamed at him as he picked out a purple tiger that was maybe two feet long. Not the one that was half the size of her. "I can try again," he offered.

She took the tiger and hugged it to her. "This one will do. You think the others will want to go on the log flume again," she asked.

"OI! Harry," he called out.

Harry looked over and Lavender used the distraction to push his watergun away. "HEY!" his best mate cried out as Lavender laughed and won against the others. "I was winning."

"Well, you lost," Lavender said and squealed as Harry turned and tickled her. He raised an eyebrow. He had never seen Harry act that way before.

Susan giggled next to him. "They are getting along well," she said.

"Yeah," he replied.

"What do you want, Ron," Harry called back, Lavender having jumped up and out of reach.

"Susan and I are going over to the flume. Anyone want to come?"

"I think we are all set," he called back after a shake of the head from Lavender.

Ernie got up and Padma pulled him back down. "One more game," she told him.

Ron shrugged his shoulders, missing the look Susan had given the other girl. "Ron, meet at the park entrance at four," Harry called back.

He turned to give Harry a thumbs up. He figured he could find his way there... he hoped.

Ron turned back to Susan. "So, I can try to get you the bigger one later," he told her.

Susan hugged the purple tiger to her. "I like this one."

Ron just smirked. "Alright."

As they walked through the crowd towards the ride, Susan looked around. "Could you imagine Diagon Alley being this busy?"

Ron looked around too. "Not really. You almost can't move around in some of these places."

"I know. Auntie said when she was real little, Diagon Alley would be packed around Christmas time or just after the Hogwarts letters would come. She also said there were a lot more students at Hogwarts," she commented.

Ron looked at her. "There are already a few hundred and the dorms are mostly full."

Susan shrugged. "Auntie was saying there are a little over three hundred students. When she went, there were nearly seven hundred."

"Really?" Ron asked.

"So she said. She also said there where two other smaller school with about a hundred each. They've both closed."

"Blimey, I never realized that."

Susan nodded and moved closer as they walked past a crowd of people outside a food stall. "I'm not sure I like being around such big crowds," she told him.

Ron, out of instinct or something else he didn't understand, reached out his arm and put it over her shoulders. She didn't protect, actually moving in a little closer to mold her body against his. "It's nothing big to worry about. Here's the line," he led her into the line for the flume.

Once in line, he dropped his arm, but she didn't move away. "So, did you drop your siblings today?"

Ron chuckled. "Ginny was not happy to be left out, but she wasn't invited and mum didn't want her to go. Something about fifteen not being old enough."

"I bet. How many times have Harry and Lavender gone out?"

"This will be their fourth date," Ron said.

"I thought we were all just here as friends?"

Ron felt his neck heat and her rubbed the back of his neck. "Yeah, well, its not like me, Neville or Harry can really date Parvati or Padma... or others," Ron said. He was still thinking of Hermine, but he hadn't missed the looks she gave Harry, or the ones he gave her, since that day. Ginny had been pressing Harry for another date, but he didn't seem that into her.

Susan cast her eyes down. "Who do you like?"

He let out a sigh. "No one really. Well, I've had fun so far with you today."

She smirked. "I have too."

They got to the front of the line. Ron had Susan sit in front of him on the narrow boat that was shaped like a log. She scooted back and he was 'forced' to put an arm around her waist to keep her from bouncing around too much. About halfway through, she put a hand over the one holding her.

Her scream as the boat dropped down the big hill and then they were doused with water turned into laughs as she tried to get her wet hair out of his face. When done, she collected her tiger from the staff and they walked back. The sun had dipped behind some clouds and she shivered in the t-shirt and shorts was wearing.

"You cold?"

"A little," she responded.

He wrapped his arm around her shoulder again. He liked having her pressing against him. "Should we go find the others?"

"How about that haunted house thing first," she asked him.

They made it into the line and heard some screams from inside. They sounded more like girls goofing off than being scared. Susan took his hand to keep his arm around her. He smiled as they talked about Quidditch again as they waited.

Half way through the ride, they were both laughing at the ridiculousness of Muggles views on vampires, werewolves and ghosts. Ron was finding Susan was a really fun person to hang out with. They found the rest of their group a little later, and when they all piled onto the Knight Bus, laughing and joking, Susan held his arm tightly as the bus moved around.

The bus stopped in an alley on the far side of London. "Well, this is my stop," she told him.

"I'll walk you to your door," Ron offered.

Harry was getting off with Lavender. "Thanks, Stan. Thanks, Ernie. I'll see you in a little while," said Harry as they got off. The boy was far more outgoing than he was just a few months ago. Maybe the fact he didn't have an insane wanker after him anymore had Harry feeling better?

Susan took his hand as they got off. "You sure your mum won't mind?"

"I actually didn't give her a time I would be home tonight," Ron said.

"You two interested in some pizza?" Lavender asked.

Susan looked at her. "What is pizza?"

Ron grinned. That was something Harry had introduced him to about two weeks ago. "It's wicked. You should come."

"Uhm, alright. Is this alright, what I am wearing?"

"It's fine," Lavender said, taking Harry's hand. Susan hadn't let go of his and they followed Lavender and Harry as they talked and laughed about something.

"So, what is pizza?"

"It's a round dow with some sauce, cheese and a bunch of toppings. It's really good," Ron enthused.

She laughed. "You know, so many told me you were a bottomless pit, but you haven't acted that way today."

He looked at her. "You've asked about me?"

Her face flushed a little. "Well, you know, not really. Not until Dumbledore's Army last year. You, Hermione and Harry just seemed so confident in what you were teaching us all. I... you know, asked a few people what you were like."

His grin was rather lopsided. "I always thought everyone just liked Harry?"

Her blush deepened a little. "You mean everyone liked the Boy-Who-Lived. I did, but after getting to know him some, I'm not really sure he's the type of guy I like."

"Oh?" He said curiously. "What type of guy do you like?"

Her face was red, and he felt his own neck heating. "I like then tall. I don't like them fat. Red hair is nice. A little muscles isn't bad," she said, moving in and putting her other hand on his arm. "You also have a good sense of humour."

Ron couldn't keep the happy-confused expression off his face. Harry wasn't bad for height, but he was the shortest in their dorm. Ron stood a whole head over him. A large part of him couldn't believe this drop-dead gorgeous girl was saying this to him. He had put on some muscle in the last year, playing Quiddtich and the exercises Harry made them do. "Are you saying you like me?"

She gave a nervous giggle. "Hannah's been hounding me for months to ask you into Hogsmeade before that hag canceled the trips. I always thought you liked someone else."

Ron looked down into the brown eyes. "Well, I sort of did."

"Until the new laws came up?"

Ron rubbed the back of his neck. "Uhm... I think more because I didn't think anyone else would like me."

"Well, I can tell you a few girls have noticed you."

"Really," he asked a little smugly.

Susan didn't look as impressed. "Really."

He caught her tone, and sobered. "Can I say that I think you are really beautiful and I've have a lot of fun today?"

Her face turned to a smile now. "Thank you."

"So," he started.

"So?" she answered.

"Where does that put us?"

She tightened her grip on his hand. "I hope that means we might go on another date?"

His smile split his face. "Like you're my girlfriend?"

"If you want," she said a little shyly.

Merlin! Did a girl know what that did to a guy when they acted like that?

"Susan," he said, his voice cracking. His face heated. Was he a Gryffindor or what, though? "Susan, would you be my girlfriend?"

Her smile could have lit the night sky. "Yes," she said, pulling him down. Ron was shocked when her lips met his. It was the first kiss he ever had and he was soon really getting into it. They were interrupted by Harry.

"You want me just go off with Lav and leave you two here?"

They pulled apart. Ron gave Harry a two finger salute, which he laughed at and Lavender hit him for bothering them. When they started walking again, Susan was smiling like him. "Are you busy tomorrow?"

"Auntie and I are doing something. I'm free Monday."

"I'm working at my brothers' shop, but I can meet you for a lunch or after I get off," he suggested hopefully.

"How about you come by about five? Maybe meet Auntie, or just have a nice night playing cards or something."

"I can do that," he told her, leaning down and smiling as she gave him a little peck.

-oOo-

August 24, 1996

Ottery St. Catchpole, England

Ginny was not happy. She had had that one perfect date with Harry, and now he didn't seem interested in her.

Looking at him talking with Hermione and Ron, she felt a pang of jealousy. That bitch, Lavender Brown, had somehow sunk her claws into her boy and she had to figure out how to reverse the witch's spell on him. Ginny had over heard Harry telling Ron that Lavender and him had kissed at the end of their last date. She had just under four months now to get him back.

Damned this stupid old covenant! She had her plan for this year. A plan that had seemed to be working, until now. It was too soon and too fast.

Ginny was talking to Harry like a normal person now.

He was looking at her, and up until a week or so ago, she had caught him stealing glances. She knew she wasn't as large in the chest as Lavender, but she was athletic and had loved Harry Potter since she could remember.

Ginny was also doing what Hermione had suggested. Date some other guys to get some confidence and experience. She understood that Hermione meant make Harry jealous. She was hoping when they went back this year she could organize Harry to find her and Dean snogging somewhere, then gage his reaction.

Instead, he had plans to see Lavender one more time before the Hogwarts Express and to maybe date other girls this year at school.

Glaring down at the three as they talked and kicked around something in the grass, she tried to figure out where everything had gone wrong.

All Ginny knew as that she would make Harry fall in love in her, like she was with him, and they they would be married and have all the kids he wanted... she wasn't thinking that the marriage covenants required a child or pregnancy within a year of marriage, and a second within the next two years. That would mean she would have at least one child by her seventh year. And she would probably not be able to try for a professional Quidditch career...

-oOo-

September 1, 1996

London, England

The train was rampant with rumors as she walked down the length of the train to the Prefects compartment.

"Did you hear so and so signed a betrothal?"

"I heard what's his name from Ravenclaw got his girlfriend pregnant and now they can't get married."

"Harry Potter is supposed to be dating Cho Chang again."

Hermione ground her teeth. "They are all simpering nannies," Hermione griped as they walked between cars.

Ron chuckled behind her. "This is just mental," he replied.

As simple as Ron's observation was, she couldn't disagree with his observation. "It is."

By the time they walked through the seventh year lounge to the Prefect Compartment, she felt ready to burst. Cho Chang, from Ravenclaw, was wearing the Head Girl's badge. Terrance Higgs, a Slytherin, had on the Head Boy's badge.

She sat next to Katie Bell, the seventh year Gryffindor girls prefect.

"Hey, Hermione. Ron. What's got your knickers into a bunch," the girl asked.

"The inane rumors on the train," she said irritably.

Katie snorted. "It's worse than when everyone was calling Harry a cheater two years ago. Just be thankful you don't have to deal with all this."

Her face softened. "I'm sorry, Katie. I didn't mean to upset you."

Katie just gave her a smile. "Don't. It is what it is and I think I have a prospect or two."

"Really? Who?"

Katie grinned. "Well, I've been seeing George and this other seventh year. You know, a few dates. Nothing serious yet."

Ron blinked. "I thought George was seeing Alicia?"

"Angelina. Alicia is into Fred. It's all fun for now. We'll see what happens over the next few months," Katie shrugged.

"How are you so calm about this?" Alex Tresses asked. He was the seventh-year Hufflepuff prefect.

Katie shrugged again. "Either you can rage and get depressed or make the best out of it. How are you two holding up?"

Ron had a goofy smile. "I'm dating Susan Bones," he told her.

Katie whistled in appreciation.

"Well, damn. I was hoping to ask her into Hogsmeade this year," Alex retorted, eyeing Ron.

Ron's smile faded. "Susan and I talked and we don't plan on dating around."

Alex didn't look as pleased.

"Well, a bunch of us sent a letter to Professor McGonagall giving her a bunch of ideas," Hermione put in, trying to keep a fight from starting that looked to be brewing between the two boys.

Katie looked at her surprised. "I didn't think you were affected by this."

"I'm not. Most of my friends are," she replied.

Katie nodded in acknowledgement. When Cho and Terrance stood up, everyone quieted. "Welcome. I know most of us know each other, but we have our eight new fifth years. Lets go around for introductions, and then we will tackle the big news for this year," Terrence just about ordered.

It was ten minutes for everyone to introduce themselves. Another ten to go over the base rules and patrols, then Cho stepped forward. "So, I am trusting everyone has been reading the Daily Prophet or got your letters from the Ministry?"

There was a murmur, some agreeing, others grumbling.

"I know. There are already rumors all up and down the train and Professor McGonagall is going to ask everyone that is part the Proliferation Laws to stay behind in the Great Hall after the feast tonight. From what we have been told, the Express is going to be running faster this year and we should make it to Hogwarts about five, not six, like we usually do," Cho said in her soft Scottish accent.

"Do you know what Hogwarts is going to do about all this? I really don't want to get married yet," Ben Carson, the seventh-year Ravenclaw prefect spoke up.

"Hogwarts has nothing to do with this. This is all the Ministry. We have been told that Hogwarts will be changing to accommodate anyone that is getting married or is married. Headmistress McGonagall is also changing the rules for some of us involved in this. We don't know all the details yet," Terrence said.

It was twenty minutes later that she was walking back to the compartment that Ron, Ginny, Harry, Susan, Neville, Hannah and her had taken. When she walked in, she found an angry Lavender and Hannah with Harry trying to figure out what happened.

"Where's Ginny," Ron asked.

Susan huffed as Hermione and Ron sat next to her. "She got into a fight with Lavender," Susan stated.

Harry let out an annoyed sound. "I told her the other night I didn't want to date her," Harry said irritated.

"Oh," Hermione said. "She didn't go off on Lavender, did she?"

"She called me a slut just looking for money and accused me of only liking Harry because he is the Boy-Who-Lived when we went to the bathroom," Lavender huffed.

"Bloody hell," said Harry.

"I told you not to hurt her," Ron said, acting the big brother.

Hermione shut her eyes. "Ron, not now. Which way did she go?"

Harry pursed his lips. "I wasn't trying to hurt her, but she can't be mean to people like that," Harry demanded.

"She's just hurt, Harry. Lavender, I'm sure she didn't mean anything by it," Hermione said, not sure she wanted to defend Ginny, but she understood the way the girl might be feeling.

Leaving the compartment, she was pretty sure Ginny had just driven Harry closer to Lavender, not farther. It took her almost twenty minutes to find Ginny in a cabin with Damelza Robbins, Colin Creevey and George Carson. All fifth-years this year.

Ginny looked at her, the pain clear in her eyes. With a small shake of her head, Hermione knew now was not the time. Thus she continues forward half a car to find the girls lavatory. When she locked the door, she couldn't keep her tears in.

-oOo-

After the feast...

Hogwarts, Scotland

Lavender had her hand in his. There must have been seventy of them left in the hall. Hermione had mentioned that Hogwarts was only hosting about three hundred students or so now, meaning this was about half of the upper years.

Looking around, he found it hard to believe that Hogwarts had once hosted almost eleven-hundred a year around the turn of the century. Considering that, the new law made some sense.

McGonagall cleared her throat and the small amount of murmuring stopped. When the Headmistress was sure everyone was looking at her, she started whatever speech she had prepared.

"First, let me start by saying Hogwarts, and even the Minister, does not support the covenant that you are all bound too," she said in a solemn tone. "Be that as it my, myself, the staff and the Governors are supporting you and will work to make the best of what we all find ourselves in."

She looked around the room. "Each of you have recieved a letter and been registered. Anyone that will be fifteen by December twentieth is affected, and anyone that will be seventeen by Christmas next year will be involved in the Ministry pairing this year."

"This is ludicrous," Katie commented from across for them.

"Professor, if we are already betrothed, do we need to be here," a seventh-year Slytherin asked.

"Please stay. The rules and events I am going to be talking with you about will affect you all, Mr. Greeves," McGonagall stated.

She looked around again. Most of the older students looked resigned or even pleased. The younger students mostly looked scared. At fourteen or fifteen that was to be expected. Even the older ones were probably feeling that way, but they were more mature and hiding it better.

"For all you affected, their are some rule changes. If you are going to be affected by the Ministry match in December, you will be allowed to go into Hogsmeade any night, as long as you keep an Acceptable or night in all your classes. You will be required to be back into the castle by nine-thirty. The gates close at nine-forty five, and you will receive a detention if a professor needs to let you in."

"Oh, that will be nice," Lavender said.

"You want to go to dinner later this week," Harry asked her. If they were given the opportunity, mind as well abuse it.

"How about Friday?"

"Sound good," he replied as McGonagall got everyone's attention back.

"There will not be any lessening of the rules around inappropriate behavior, but for those of you that do get married, accomodations shall be provided. What you do behind your own door is your own business."

A few of the older students looked a little surprised.

"For the rest of you, as you may or may not know, the Ministry will allow all standing betrothals to stand. They will also anyone to petition for a betrothal before December tenth to avoid the Ministry match. For those not of age yet, your parents have signed waivers allowing you to talk to a Solicitor we will have on site and to see Madam Pomfrey or the other Healer that will be joining us in October whenever you need. Between them, it will be possible to determine if whomever wants to enter into a betrothal is considered a good match under the law. Permission will be granted to anyone that wishes to talk with their guardians about possible betrothals," McGonagall stated.

"I would like to add, if you decide to become betrothed or marry and the Ministry approves, you do not need your parents signature or approval."

There were a few sounds of shock and people started to talk. Lavender squeezed his hand and Neville looked a little pale. Katie just nodded, as did the other girl she was sitting with.

"Personally, please do not rush into anything you are not ready for. You have a little over three months and, like I said, Hogwarts is going to help you. Hogsmeade visits is just one thing. Friday evening there will be a social, headed by Professor Slughorn, for anyone interested in meeting those affected by the law. There will be several other events over the coming weeks. You can ask any Head-of-house for a schedule. We have decided not to be overt in advertising these events. I am sure many of you are overwhelmed by this and your professors and I are trying to make that as less as possible," said McGonagall.

"There will also be some all school events. There will be an Equinox Dance on September twenty-third, A masquerade on Halloween and a Ball December fifth. The spring will be light on events, but a Valentines day dance has been mentioned. Also, anyone third year and up may going ito Hogsmeade any weekend, starting two weekends from now. All this will be posted in your commons tomorrow."

Lavender started to tap her foot. "I didn't bring many dresses," she said worriedly.

"We can go into Hogsmeade anytime," Harry tried to soothe her.

Neville leaned over. "Should I aske Hannah?"

"You better," Lavender ordered.

Harry chuckled. "You two seemed to be getting along."

Neville gave a small smile. "She is cute."

Lavender giggled. "I can't wait to tell Parvati."

Harry knew this how it would be, but she hadn't really spread any rumors around him. He was starting to think that Parvati and her weren't nearly as bad as everyone made out. Much like the rumors about him...

"Quiet down. I will only hold you for a few more minutes." McGonagall tried to catch all their attention. "You should not be afraid to seek out any of your professors or the other staff that will be working here if you have any questions, concerns or just need to talk. I will leave my office door open for anyone, at any time. Any of us will," said McGonagall, motioning to the table full of Professors.

"Are there any questions right now?"

"Professor, are we eligible for the special accomodations before we are married," the same Slytherin boy asked.

"You are not. Until you are married, you shall follow the same rules as everyone else," McGonagall replied.

"What happens if our parents don't like someone we may like?" Tracey Davis asked, also from the Slythering table.

"Ms. Davis, you have the backing of the law and the Ministry. There is some literature up front you can take, but I have been assured that if anyone chooses to be with each other and the Ministy approves, the magic of the covenant will protect you. None of you will have to fear being dissowned or having your Head-of-House exert their will on you."

A few girls at the Slytherin table looked a little shocked. Actually, a few boys and girls, mostly at the Slytherin and Ravenclaw tables looked shocked.

"Yes, Mr. McLaggen, you look like you have something to say."

The cocky boy looked a little disgruntled. "My da said we can only marry someone that is eligable. What if we want to date around still and like someone else?"

McGonagall pursed her lips. "The Ministry has no say in who you date, or even if you don't want to enter into a betrothal. They will match you with someone in December if you don't settle, and the bindings of the Covenent do not count bastard children towards your obligation."

McLaggen made a face.

Lavender raised her hand. When McGonagall nodded to her, she asked, "How do we find out if we are magically compatiable with someone?"

"Madam Pomfrey, or Healer Tonks, once she is released from St. Mungos, can perform the tests and use the information you gave the Proliferation Board. You do not need to have any type of agreement or contact to do so, and I have been asked to encourage you to see them first," McGonagall said.

Lavender gave him a look. Harry shrugged. It would probably be better to know now than three months from now if they were keep dating.

"Headmistress, I only turn fifteen December nineteenth. Does that mean I will have to be matches," a small girl from Hufflepuff asked.

"No, Ms. Rivers. You will only be included if you will be seventeen by December twentieth, nineteen-ninety-nine. You are eligible, though, to enter into a betrothal because of your birthday."

The girl let out a breath and leaned into an older girl. Harry thought it was most likely her sister.

The hall was quiet for a moment. "If there are no more questions for now, get to your common rooms. I am sure you will want to see your friends and we will be starting classes at eight-thirty tomorrow like normal."

They got up. Neville, Katie and two of her dormmates walked with Lavender and him. Ron went off with Susan, while Neville looked after Hannah and group she was with. Harry liked that Lavender was holding his hands.

They were a mostly quiet group until they got to he portrait. Before they went in, Katie caught their attention. "I don't know about any of you, but this is bloody stupid."

Harry let out a huff. "It's just like the rest of my life. Someone else is trying to control it and I'll be damned if I let them."

"We don't have a choice. It's either this, be forced by the Ministry to comply or leave. I am choosing to stay and fight this once I can. Gran said she will start taking me to all the Wizengamot meets and teaching me more to take over my seat once I am out of Hogwarts," Neville stated.

"What do you mean force us? I thought it was just a stay in Azkaban," XXXXX asked.

Harry and Neville both made a face. "Gran said if you don't comply, the covenant requires you to. She isn't sure if means the Ministry will potion you or if the covenant will impose it's own compulsions. It so old, not even the Unspeakables know everything put into the Covenent."

"Bloody hell," Katie muttered.

Lavender tightened her hold on his hand. "So, if we want any say, we either find someone by December, or will will just be brood mares?"

Harry nodded. "That is about what Mr. Weasley said."

"Gran said some wanted to force those of us with more than one blood line to either take second wives, or consorts. She said she would stag me out that way," said Neville.

"I am not going to be some plaything of someone just so I can give them children," Katie said with venom.

Lavender moved close to him. "I am not either."

Harry was thinking he was recognized as the Regent of the Potters and Blacks. He did not want two wives. One woman was going to be enough to figure out. "Bloody hell. They better not," Harry agreed with Neville.

"You know some are going to get jealous we are getting special priveledges," Katie put in.

Her morose looking dormmate said, "I have to break up with Carl."

This got the girls all looking at the girl sadly. "Come on, XXXXXX. You can hang out with us for the night," Katie said, wrapping an arm around her friend. "We'll see you all tomorrow."

"Sure," said Harry.

"Night," Neville replied. "I think I am going to head up to bed. Maybe catch up with Hannah in the morning."

"Night, Nev," Harry said, staying behind as Lavender held him there.

"Are you two coming in soon or can I go? There is so much to tell everyone," the Fat Lady in the picture asked.

"Just a moment," Lavender said. "Harry, I know we said we would date others when we got to Hogwarts, but I'm not sure I want to. You are a really nice person and I have enjoyed our dates the last two weeks."

Harry nodded his head. "I really don't like the idea of dating around either, but are you sure you wouldn't like to see if anyone else might catch you eye?"

They were both Gryffindors, and Lavender didn't seem to lack the courage they were known for. She moved in and captured his lips. They had done this at the end of their last date, but this soon descended into a tongue wrestling match. He had not kissed like this before, but found he liked it. His body liked it too, and he was very aware of her larger breasts pressing against him. They kissed for a few before she pulled back.

"Would you go see Madam Pomfrey with me tomorrow? I like you. Like really like you right now, but I don't want to keep doing this if we aren't a match," she told him.

Harry perfectly understood and it echoed his thoughts from earlier. "Sure. Let's see what we have for schedules and go when we can."

Lavender smiled and slung her arms over his neck before crashing her lips into his again. They didn't break apart until the Fat Lady cleared her throat. "Are you done dears? If not, I'll be back in a while."

"We are done for now," Harry said, a goofy smile on his face. Lavender was breathing as heavily as he was and giggled.

"I'm not done yet," she told him. The heat in her voice made the painfully obvious attraction he was having towards her right now tighten even more.

Harry fought against his hormone for a moment. "How about I tell everyone you are my girlfriend tomorrow if the test show we are a match?"

Lavender gave him a huge smile. "I can tell everyone you are my boyfriend!"

He chuckled, unsure what he might fully be getting into. "I think that would be implied."

She pecked him on the lips, and then dragged him into the common room. It took all of sixty seconds for Parvati to find them and then both girls started to squeal before she pecked him and they ran off to their dorm.

-oOo-

-oOo-

Chapter 5

Hogwarts, Scotland

September 2, 1997

"Well, you are first two to ask so far," Madam Pomfrey said to Lavender and Harry. "I know you may feel rushed, but do not do anything rash."

"We understand, Madam Pomfrey, but Lavender and I don't really want to go any further if we are not going to be compatible under the law," Harry told her.

Madam Pomfrey gave them an understanding nod. "Right, then. Why don't you both take a seat behind the curtains and I will have Healer Dunkin come in and administer the test, and then we have a survey for you to fill out. We will need to submit everything to the Department of Mysteries and we have been told you should have the results sent to you by owl within two days."

Lavender looked nervous. Harry was too. This was getting real. If they were compatible, then Lavender Brown would be his girlfriend... she would also be the one he would most likely marry as well.

No pressure, Potter, Harry chastised himself.

They sat behind the screen in chairs that faced each other across a table with a stone bowl. He was feeling very nervous. Lavender asked, "Are you nervous?"

"Truthfully?"

"I hope we can always be truthful with each other," Lavender replied.

He let out a breath. "I'm petrified."

She reached over and took his hand his hers. "I am too."

Knowing that gave him courage. "If it helps, I do like you."

She smiled. "It does. I like you too."

He squeezed her hand.

It took a few minutes before a man in his middling years, with a balding head and a broad smile. He held two folders in his hands. "Ah, are potential first couple of the year," the man greeting them. "I am Healer Jasper Dunkin, and I will be your torturer for the day."

Harry snorted while Lavender looked even less sure. The man winked at Lavender. "Ms. Brown, I assure you I take my job very seriously, I just like to joke around. Neither of you have to do this today. You have a few months before it is required."

"Healer Dunkin, if we take this test, are you saying we need to be betrothed," Lavender asked.

"Not at all. You can take the test as many times as you need. All I aske if for three galleons and ten sickles," the man said.

Harry reached for his money pouch and the man held up his hand. "I am just joking. You both look so nervous."

"We are," Harry agreed.

The man nodded and looked at the folders. "Right, I shouldn't keep you in suspense any longer then. Can you just confirm that you are Lavender Brown of XXXXXXX, London, and you are Harry Potter, of the Burrow, Ottery St. Catchpole?"

Harry was impressed, the man didn't do a double take like most did.

"Yes, sir," Lavender replied.

"I am," Harry answered.

"So, this is the simple portion." He opened the folders and looked through it. "As far as you know, neither of you are related in the last three generations."

"Not that I know of," Lavender stated.

"I have no clue. I only know my grandfather was a Potter, my grandmother was a Black and my mother was a Muggleborn," Harry replied.

The man looked up at him. "Unusual. Most with your heritage would have been taught your family tree."

Harry frowned. "I grew up with my Muggle relatives," Harry told him.

"Ah, I see. No matter. The rest of your paperwork from the registration looks in order. Let me get the potion and then we can see if you magic is compatible," he said, walking away.

Lavender was holding his hand very tightly. "Do you really not know anything about your family?"

Harry shrugged. "Just what some people have told me. And that isn't much. I tried to see if their was anything in my vaults this summer, but it looks like most of my family records were burnt up the night my grandparents "

"I'm sorry, Harry. I really didn't know that you grew up totally in the Muggle World. I always thought you just grew up with a family that lived like mum and I. You pick up on magic so fast," she told him.

"Lavender, I didn't even know I was a wizard until my eleventh birthday," he informed her.

"Really?" she asked incredulously. "Mum always did magic when we were in our apartment and I met Parvati in Diagon Alley when we were eight."

He snorted, his face darkening. "Yeah, my relatives don't really like magic."

She frowned at the tone of his voice. Harry knew he would have to tell her all of this at some point, especially if they were going to give this a serious go. Healer Dunkin came back in. "You'll talk to me about this later?"

"Sure, " Harry told her.

"Right, so this is special potion that turns colours, like a rainbow. Depending on the colour, it will tell us if you will qualify or not," Healer Dunkin said, pouring a milky looking potion into the stone basin. He only added about two inches. "So, you will each need to add three drops of your blood."

He help out some needles to them. "I hate to do it this way, but must willingly give your blood, so you have to prick our own fingers."

"I hate needles," Lavender said, tightening her grip on his hand before letting it go.

A moment later, they had both dripped three drops in. It took a moment for it to start cycling through the rainbow. It was like the old song: Red. Orange. Yellow. Green followed by blue. Indigo and Violet. That's the rainbow song for you.

It stopped at a very dark blue... a dark indigo.

Healer Dunkin recorded the result when the potion didn't change. "What does it mean," Harry asked.

"Well, you two are about four levels below a perfect magical match, a scale of about twenty-one points. That will mean your children will be at least as powerful as you are, if not more so. Once you get into violet, its a near guarantee your children will be stronger than you. I'm not sure how many may score that high, but as long as you are a medium-green or higher, any betrothal contract would be approved as long as your personality tests are good. Anything below a medium-green gives you a higher chance of having squibs."

"Oh," Harry said. Children! He wasn't ready for children.

Lavender looked a little more at ease. After a moment, her mouth twerked up into a small smile. "Well, I guess you are my boyfriend then."

"Yeah, guess so," Harry replied, feeling a little shell-shocked.

"I see you both actually returned the personality questionnaire. Unless you have other questions, I will get this sent off through the floo right away and you should have owls within two days," Healer Dunkin replied.

Harry looked to Lavender. She shook her head. "Well, Ms. Brown, you want to go on a date this weekend?"

"I thought you would never ask," she said with a smile.

-oOo-

Hogwarts, Scotland

September 4, 1997

Harry watched a team of goblins pulling in a sledge with supplied for the rooms that were being built on the first and second floors of the East Wing. The new suites for that that would be married by next year were being constructed by the goblins. The school staff just didn't have the time.

Watching them go past, Harry was thinking things were all over the place this year. The DADA rooms, Ancient Runes and Arithmancy had been moved to the ground floor of the East Wing.

"I know McGonagall said they were doing this, but I never thought I would see goblins in Hogwarts," Dean said from behind them.

Lavender took his hand. "Just don't get in their way. Goblins can be tricky, but will not break a contract."

"Come on. I'm hungry," Ron said to them.

"You just want to see Susan," Hermione said matter of fact.

Ron smirked and shrugged. "That too."

Dean frowned. "This whole thing sucks."

"I know what you mean. Some of the best looking girls are now off the market," Seamus said.

Dean scowled. "Yeah."

Ginny had broken it off with Dean over the summer, but apparently he was still a little bitter about it.

"There are lots of nice looking girls still available, thank you," Hermione snapped at them.

"Seamus is just upset that he can't go after Chang anymore," Dean snarked back.

Dean made a face. "Suppose I could ask out Brocklehurst. She's cute."

Hermione shook her head. Harry had to stamp down the urge to point out how good looking she was. He was commiting himself to Lavender right now, and wasn't upset with that decision.

"You are pig, Seamus," Parvati snarked. "There are lots of us that are good looking."

"Like you?" Dean put to her.

"I like to think so. There is also Hermione, Meaghan from Hufflepuff, my sister, Lily Moon... I'll give you Brocklehurst," Parvati replied.

Discussion about who was available, who wasn't, and who was the best looking kept going round robin, mostly between those 'left out'. Lavender was following the conversation, but she was being quiet today. Or she was, until Parvati turned to her. "You have to agree, Lav. Robins is probably the best looking fifth year."

Lavender was about to respond when the owls came in. Harry and her looked up and two tawny owls came towards them. Everyone at the table with them fell silent as the owls landed before them. It was obvious they were from the Ministry.

Harry took his and opened the letter

-o-

Dear Regent Potter and Black,

Request for a compatibility test was received on September 2, 1997 between Ms. Lavender Cecelia Brown and Regent Harry James Potter. It is our pleasure to say that Ms. Brown and you are 100% magically compatible to produce magical offspring, 93% magically compatible to produce children of equal strength, and 27% magically compatible to produce children of greater magical strength, exceeding the minimum requirements. Your results from your personality tests show that you have a high probability of a long term prospect at a stable and loving relationship.

With these results, the Proliferation board would approve any betrothal, marriage or elopement between you and Ms. Brown before December 10, 1997.

Congratulations, and we at the Proliferation Board look forward to seeing your request for any of the above.

As a reminder, should Ms. Brown become pregnant by you before December 10th, 1997, the board will consider this an elopement. A bonus schedule will be released in the forthcoming weeks for those that marry and conceive early.

Yours sincerely,

Head Roberta Parkinson
Magical Proliferation and Heir Department
Ministry of Magic, Level 4, London, England

-o-

Harry read the letter, feeling like he was a steer that had just been approved. Lavender giggled nervously at her letter. "Sounds so romantic, doesn't it?"

Harry laughed at that. She was good at making a good joke. "So romantic. You want to go elope right now?" he teased.

She blushed a little, looking him up and down. "I'm not sure we are quite there yet."

He let out a rush of air.

"What do they say?" Hermione asked. He handed her the letter while Parvati took Lavenders.

"For Merlin's sake? This makes it sound like they want you to shag him right here," Parvati put to them.

"Doesn't it?" Hermione responded.

"I wouldn't say no," Seamus said with a sly grin.

Lavender bristled at him and through a muffin at him. "Not even remotely going to happen," she snapped at Seamus.

"Hey, Seamus," Harry said and the boy turned to him with a huge smile. "You say something like that again about Lavender and we will have words."

Seamus winked and then his smile fell a little to see how intently Harry's green eyes were boring into him. "Ah, sure, Harry."

Everyone else around them gave Harry a look. He had never quite done anything like that before.

-oOo-

Hogwarts, Scotland

September 5, 1997

If anyone had told her she would be clinging to Harry Potter's arm just two months ago, she would have laughed in their faces. This was definitely not what she had pictured. On the other hand, he had proven to be much different than she had thought him to be. Being honest with herself, she was different too. Her mother and the laws had her looking at things far more seriously than she ever had. She also hadn't expected the jealous looks from quiet a few girls.

It was part of the reason she had an arm around his and her hand on his bicep. He was not the scrawny boy that she had seen that first night at Hogwarts. His bicep was rock hard as he clenched it. He was not comfortable around people that paid him a lot of unwanted or hero-worship attention.

Just like any proud girlfriend, she wanted to brag to everyone. It wouldn't have mattered who it was, and she found she really didn't care about all the fame and titles he had... in the last few weeks she had been able to see the 'real' Harry Potter, and he was more dangerous, and sweeter, than any book or story.

She just wished they could get out of there. If she couldn't brag about him because it made him uncomfortable, then she wanted him to herself.

Instead, they both stood in a corner at the social that Professor Slughorn was hosting. Most of the students affected were here. Ron, Susan, Neville and Hannah stood with them while the others talked and mingled. There were very few 'couples' so far, and most of the younger kids just looked clueless on what to do.

She felt like she needed to help them. "Come with me," she told Harry. He put the butterbeer in his hand on a side table.

"What are we doing?" he asked.

"Playing a game," she told him. Many of the fourteen and fifteen year olds were off to the side in an area with a bunch of couches.

"So, who here wants to play a game?" she announced.

The eight teens didn't look impressed.

"Alright. How about a dare then," she with an impish smile. Harry looked curiously at her and she winked. This seemed to catch the younger teens attentions.

"What kind of bet," a boy asked.

She looked around quickly and found a table with a few hourdourves and some fixings. She grabbed a jar she knew to be fire peppers, and another known to be sweet pickled peppers. With the same impish grin, she put them on the table, took out her wand and transfigured the jars into a glass stand with a small tray in it. The two peppers were seperated. The younger teens all looked interrested now.

Harry's eyebrows had risen and he looked mildly impressed with her. Inside she was beaming at him.

"So, here is the deal. It's like truth or dare. You admit something about yourself. If it is true, then you get a sweet pepper. If it's false, you get a hot pepper," she told them.

"Really? How did you do that?"

She shrugged. "Not all charms and divination is just how to clean a toilet or levitate a feather," she said, her voice sounding playful.

"How do we know it works?" a girl questoined.

"You don't until you try it. Here, I'll go first," she told them. She made a small production as though she was thinking hard, putting a single finger to the side of her mouth. "I kissed Harry Potter... with tongue." She smirked. A few looked disgusted, three or four laughed or giggled. One girl gave her an eye to her then looked to harry.

A green pickled sweet pepper dropped down. She shrugged. "Guess I'm telling the truth." She picked up and threw it in her mouth.

"Oh, I'm trying next," a blonde girl said. "My real name is Esmerelda."

A second later, a red pepper dropped. She squeaked. "Oh, I just thought you were still kidding."

"You have to eat now, Emmaline," the girl next to her said.

"Oh, no. No. I was just testing it," Emmaline said.

The other egged her on until she did, laughing at the face she made and how she dove for a butterbeer.

She stood up and stepped back to Harry. "So, is that what you and Parvati have been up to all this time? If McGonagall and Flitwick knew you could do that, they would have been all over you to do better."

She gave a little giggle. "I like doing stuff like that. I hate class work. Besides, the ability to tell truth like that is a divination thing that Parvati and I learned when we started to do our own studying. Its a charm that some palmist and card readers use to determine if they are getting the right reaction."

He chuckled. "And all this time I thought divination to be a sham."

She giggled and hit his arm. "There is an art to actually doing the divination, but sometimes it helps if you are getting the right reaction or not."

"So all those times Trelawney predicted by death she was just trying to see how I would take it?"

"Merlin, no. Professor Trelawney comes from a line of seers, but Parvati and I don't think she really knows what she is doing, so we started to do our own research. Professor Firenze, on the other hand, he is the real thing. I have learned loads about reading the stars from him," she told him earnestly.

Meanwhile, the teens were laughing as they tried not to expose anything too secret, but not really hide it either to prevent getting a hot pepper.

Harry moved to wrap his arms around her waist. She liked his warm body that close to her. She was about to say something when the rotund Potions Professor came to their side. "That was very clever, Ms. Brown. I was about to intervene myself. A ghastly thing, this law, but we are to make the best of it."

"I was just thinking what games we played fourth year," she told the professor.

"Either way, impressive. Also impressive silent transfiguration and advanced charm work. Perhaps you will accompany Mr. Pottter to a small party I am having next weekend. Say about eight?" Slughorn suggested.

She moved to look up to Harry, who frowned. "Perhaps, Professor. My boyfriend and I may be busy.

"The invitation is always open," he told them.

When the professor walked away, Harry put his mouth next to her ear. "You want to get out of here?"

There was a slight shiver down her spine at the breath across her skin. She had dated three others before now, and none of them made her feel like this. She wrapped her arms around his. "Are you thinking a broomcloset?"

He chuckled. "Some kissing would be nice. I just want to get out here."

"Sure," she said.

It was two floors up, and in an alcove behind a tapestry that she pulled him to her. His lips found hers and she found she was being just as aggressive as her tongue met his. After five or ten minutes, she found she was getting annoyed he was being so chivalrous and slowly encouraged his hands to explore as she let her own.

His chest, like the rest of him, was muscular. She pulled him in for a moment to feel his hardon press into her stomach. It made her flush. She was just about to move to his arse when his hands finally touched her tits. It wasn't long before she was moaning into his mouth. His hands were firm, yet unsure. He was being more gentle than the two previous boys she had allowed to touch her. The way he worked his hands around had her hotter than she think she ever had been. It was soft, exploratory and... shy. She groaned into his mouth when he found her nipples

She was thinking how he had said he had never had a girlfriend before. She was starting to think he had never really snogged a girl either, even though his kisses were toe curling at times.

When she reached down and ran a hand over his pants and along his shaft, he just about jumped out of his skin. Pulling back, he was breathing just as hard as she was. Unsure of his reaction, she asked, "Do you not want me touching you there?" Her two previous boyfriends had rather encouraged it.

He heaved in air for a few seconds. "I've never really been touched like that," he admitted with scarlet cheeks.

Instead of pressing what her hormones wanted, she put her hands on his hips and tried to pull him closer. "Do you want me to touch you?"

There were a myriad of emotions that flicked through his eyes before he finally moved closer again. "Can we just take it a little slower? Just for a bit?" he asked.

Lavender wanted to be touched and to touch. She wasn't always a patient person, but there was something about Harry that had her wanting more. "Sure. Can I still kiss you?"

His smirk made her swoon on the inside. "I like kissing," he told her.

She bit her lip for a second, moving her hands up to his shoulders and then wrapping her arms around so her hands held the back of his head. "Kissing is good. If you want to touch, I won't say no," she told him. "I just like to touch back."

His smirk turned mischievous. "I will just kiss for now, but if I start touching you again, I won't stop you."

"Fair enough," she said, pulling him in and claiming his mouth.

It was half-torture to press her body against his and only have his hands on her hips, but if slowing down a bit to have Harry like her was a small price to pay. If they were to be together, she would be able to touch him all she wanted soon.

When they finally made it back to the common room, she didn't even bother to make sure her clothes were straightened out or not. She needed others to know Harry and her were together.

-oOo-

At the party...

Ron was holding Susan's hand. The party was rather lame. It was nothing like the ones Gryffindor had after winning a Quidditch match. Neville and Hannah were talking with each other as Susan and just looked out at the mingling people. "This is rather boring," Ron commented.

"It's like the ones my Auntie throws for people at the Ministry. At least Lavender and Harry got something fun going over there," she said, indicating the laughing fourth and fifth years.

"Do you really want to be here?"

"Not really," Hannah replied.

"How about we go take a walk? I can't wait until we can start going into Hogsmeade whenever we want," Ron added.

"Next weekend," said Susan.

"I want to go back to Lightwater Valley," Neville spoke up.

"That was fun, but it would be a little cold to go on the flume right now," Susan sounded disspointed as they made their way towards the door.

"I don't think we should come to any more of these," Hannah told them.

Neville rose his eyebrow. "Are you saying you don't want to see anyone else?"

Hannah eyed him. "I was thinking we were boy friend and girlfriend," she said.

Neville turned a nice shade of red as Susan put a hand into Ron's. "We are," Neville said.

"Good," Hannah replied, pulling Neville down to kiss his cheek.

"So, I've been thinking," Susan said to the group.

"That is dangerous, you know," Hannah quipped and Susan shot her a glare. Ron chuckled and stopped to see the look she gave him.

"Laugh it up," Susan said.

"What were you thinking, Susie?"

She looked a little uncertain. "Well, you know Harry and Lavender were tested..." she started.

Ron stopped for a moment. He liked Susan and the last few weeks had been good, but wasn't this too soon...?

Neville looked a little taken aback too. Hannah, on the other hand, looked a little thoughtful. "Are you thinking we see if we are compatible before we take these two off to snog them?" Hannah put to Susan.

"Mind as well," Susan replied as though it was totally logical.

Susan and Hannah laughed at the faces both Neville and him made. "Really?" Neville asked.

Ron recovered and nodded after a moment. It made sense. It was like chess. You sacrifice a pawn to get your goals, but if you can save them, you do. "Sure," he said after a moment. Neville met his eyes and after a moment nodded.

Susan took his hand, twining her fingers into his. "You sure?"

Both the girls looked a little more subdued when they realized Ron and Neville were being serious.

"I think you said we get a good snog afterwards," Ron said with a cheeky grin, internally hoping he hadn't said that the wrong way.

Susan's smile was large. "I promise a really good snog," she told him, dragging him towards the infirmary.

-oOo-

Same day...

Hogwarts, Scotland

Hermione was feeling a little lonely today. All her friends were off at the Social that Professor Slughorn had arranged. As she thought about it, she was surprised that everyone she considered a friends or aquaintence was affected.

The Muggleborn Hermione Granger, a person thought to be a blight on the wizarding world, was actually friends with those thought to be 'special' to those that had made up the laws and convenant. The laws and convenant she was researching in the Hogwarts library.

She found it a little ironic that all those she was closest with were affected.

Her mind was wondering when someone sat across from her. Looking up, she was surprised to see the dark skin of Dean Thomas. In five years, she hadn't really gotten to know him.

"What are you looking up," Dean asked.

"The Proliferation laws and covenant," she told him.

He nodded. "I had a feeling you would be doing that. Not sure I can be much of a help, but can i help?"

She blinked at him a time or two. "It's pretty dry."

Dean shrugged. "It's not like I have a ton to do right now."

Hermione looked at him for a long moment. "Dean, do you like Ginny?"

The boy gave an uncertain look. "She's pretty and a good kisser. I like flying with her. She has a sharp wit and likes to joke, but not play practical jokes like her brothers. I don't know if its enough to marry her, though."

She nodded. She had been doing alot of thinking about Harry in the last few weeks She loved him like a brother. Could have loved him like a lover... but as she thought about it, she was starting to think that Harry and her may not have worked out long term.

First, Harry was a very active person. He liked to move. He liked to play quidditch. He liked to run, workout and just... move. He never seemed to sit still for longer than twenty minutes.

Second, he was smart, but his brilliance came more in the practical. She was much happier with the theoretical.

Third, outside of all the adventures and just trying to survive the last few years, she was coming to realize that they didn't share alot of the same interests. Where she would prefer to curl up with a nice book, Harry wanted to go outside.

Lavender had really shown her alot of that.

Listening to Harry, and now Lavender, they had alot of fun going out to the quidditch match, the amusement park, Bright peir and other places. Lavender liked to move too. She wasn't a book worm, and, as flighty and girly as she could be at times, she was a more practical person, like Harry. Seeing them get along so well in the last month had opened her eyes to a whole different side of Harry that she wasn't sure anyone had seen.

Since the Ministry in June, he wasn't as high strung. She hadn't really seen his anger show or explode. In five days of being back, not once had he gotten into any conflict with a Slytherin or anyone.

As much as she was mourning something she wanted, she was also happy to see Harry to happy.

"Yeah, I don't think I'm ready to be married yet either," she told him.

"I figured. Why are you looking into the laws then?" Dean enquired.

"I want to make sure that everyone affected doesn't have a choice in this, or if there were other clauses that could help them," she told him. A large part of it was she just wanted to know.

Dean nodded. "Where can I help you?"

"Why do you want to know?"

He took a book and opened the front cover. "Mum sent me a letter. The Proliferation board is expanding its search and trying to determine the heritage of every Halfblood. I want to know what happens if I do have to this and if there are other options. Seamus is probably going to be in the same situation."

"Oh. I'm sorry," she said.

"Don't be. If it happens it happens. Personally, I feel a little guilty that so many others are stuck in this. If we could find a way to stop it, especially so our kids don't have go through the same thing, then I say let's get this done," he told her.

She gave him a small smile. Gryffindors were known to just charge ahead. "That book should go with these notes. It covers the marriage laws from about 1700 to 1900," she told him.

He didn't look as enthused to go through something as dry as that, but he had a reason and she would take the company.

They worked for the next two hours, until Dean's stomach grumbled. He shut the book and she took a slight break to lean back and stretch. "We should get some dinner," Dean told her.

"It's only four," she replied back. Dinner didn't start for another hour and a half.

He yawned before answering. "Professor McGonagall said we could all go into Hogsmeade every Saturday. You want to go get a kip at the Three Broomsticks? I could use to get out of the castle for a while. Maybe you could go over what else you found?"

Hermione was surprised. "You sure you want to go over all this?"

"Yeah, actually. I got to work with my mum at a law office over the summer. I actually found it pretty interesting. I figure that over the next few years, there might be a large need for more solicitors," he said.

Her eyebrow rose. "Really? I have been considering working for the Ministry on laws."

He piled some books up and gave her a stack of parchments. "Come on. Let's check some of these out. I'll buy you dinner and we can talk about it. I figure you are after creature rights. I remember your House Elf Liberation Front from fourth year."

She laughed. "S.P.E.W. The Society for the Promotion of Elvish Welfare," she corrected.

"Oh, yeah. Spew," she said with a cheeky grin.

"It is not spew," she said heatedly.

He chuckled. "How about dinner and you can correct that?"

She huffed, and then smiled. It was a delightful surprise to find that Dean wasn't just all about quidditch and girls. Actually, her preferred football and rugby. He was also thinking about going to law school after his NEWTs. To do so, he was taking some remedial classes in Hogsmeade this year to maybe get his A-levels in two years. Something she had considered as well.

-oOo-

September 11, 1996

London, England

"The numbers are a mix. To date, three-thousand, eight-hundred and thirty three have been identified and notifications sent. Over the next three years, an additional seventy-three will age into the law. There are forty-nine eligible in Azkaban," Head Roberta Parkinson was saying as she went over the numbers.

"The numbers are about a two thousand lower than was originally expected. About two-hundred people have not reported for their registration at St. Mungo's, and of those, a hundred and fifteen have been identified as leaving the country. Forty two of them were families with young children. I fear if we don't start to really enforce the clauses to include everyone on British soil at time of activation, those numbers will climb."

Amelia looked on blank faced as she absorbed the numbers. The Unspeakable she had grown to regard as Unspeakable Number 2, spoke up. "Head Parkinson, the Unspeakables have determined that the 'Home Soil' law is not enforceable per the original covenants. Until those identified enter into a betrothal or marriage recognized by the Proliferation Board, they are free to leave. Once all necessary children are birth, they are then free to leave as well. If you try to enforce anything else you will risk those that enforce it, not those that run."

"I will not keep anyone here that does not want to be," Amelia confirmed. "How many have either married or signed contracts?"

Parkinson took out a few sheets from a folder. "Forty-eight new married couples since August first. Thirty-eight new betrothals and one-hundred and seventy-four have been confirmed compatible. Again, these are very low numbers if we are going to have everyone married by next Christmas."

"I find them right on track," Unspeakable number four stated. "Most are still coming to terms with the new laws. You still have about a thousand that need to be registered and that will be done by the end of the month. Almost two thirds of your eligible pool is already married, meaning they will just get 'busy' when they want. None of them are required to be pregnant until the end of next year. On the whole, we are on track."

Unspeakable number four spoke up. "Head Parkingson has neglected to say that two-hundred and four test have been administered. Thirty tests have shown a poor match. A fifteen-percent failure rate is higher than we expected."

"What of the rumors of those that won't follow the covenant" Lord Doyle asked. He looked worried. Earlier he had asked if Susan was having any troubles with the law. Apparently his youngest was refusing to follow it, but she wouldn't have to be paired until the next cycle, next year.

"The first enforcements will only happen if they do not meet the requirements after the first of the year," Parkinson said, obviously not pleased with that.

"Has it been confirmed that we are allowed to hand out warning for the first three months?" Amelia asked her Head of the DMLE.

"Yes. After April first, anyone that refused to participate will be required to be taken in. It will then be presented that they either leave, agree to be 'encouraged' to do their duty, or find a suitable mate and marry by Christmas," Head Rogers of the DMLE replied. He was proving to be far more capable than the one she had just a few weeks ago.

She pursed her lips. She really hated what they were forcing many to do. "I want solutions so we don't get to that point."

"It is possible that if we have certified traces of blood, that people don't have to get married," Unspeakable number one put in.

"So you would just have the woman be impregnated, with no support when the child comes," Augusta said with a little heat.

"If they don't want to get married, I don't see the issue. It is incumbent on the male to sire three children with a suitable woman. It does not state that it has to be the same woman to birth all his children. The exception is any woman who is the last of her line. She must birth an heir for her line and one for the sire, unless a lesser son take on her name," Lord Westford stated.

As they learned more about the covenants, the more she hated them. It made her worry for her Susan.

"So we just set up whore houses and just have a man plant their seed?" Augusta spat back.

"No one is saying that," Amelia tried to soothe the fraying nerves in the room. "I also don't want to shut down any options. My Unspeakables, is it possible that we can work out contracts for anyone that does not wish to be married? If they wish for other options, I would think that should be between them."

"I do not see the issue. We can work out what is required to meet the covenants and present it next week," Unspeakable number one promised.

"Thank you. Augusta, I am not saying I agree with this, but would you rather people be forced or have a chance to meet the law while still living the way they want?" Amelia put to her old friend.

Augusta didn't look pleased. "I will not just stag or whore out people to meet the requirements."

"You don't have too, but if others choose to do so themselves, who are we to block them?" Parkinson said. Amelia was a little surprised the woman agreed with her.

"Unless there are other options or ideas, I want to hear what is going on at Hogwarts," Amelia told them. When no one else spoke up so she motioned towards Minerva and Poppy.

"Thank you, Amelia. With the sixty-percent of the funds received that were requested, the goblins have pushed their schedule up to be completed about Halloween. They have had to do some significant changes to accommodate some expansion charms, updates to the wards, new plumbing and other matters that haven't been changed since the last major construction on the castle in the seventeen-hundreds. We will be ready to host up to fifty couples in small, two bedroom apartments. Plans for either redoing the upper dungeons or adding a new wing will start in the spring, and we plan to present plans to the Proliferation board and the Wizengamot by next fall.," Minerva stated.

"How are most of the students taking this," Amelia queried. Susan seemed to be alright so far, though she had been surprised to see the letter from the Proliferation Board saying her and Ronald Weasley would be compatible if they wanted. Very compatible it seemed.

Minerva looked a little tired. "The younger students aren't taking it as well. They are scared and unsure. Some still think they will be paired this year, even though we have been assuring them they have to be sixteen by December twentieth."

"A few fights have broken out. One student was put on in-house suspension this week for trying to use love potions. They were not successful so the DMLE is not pressing any charges. We are doing all we can to support them, but this is putting a large amount of stress on many and we have already seen some falling of attentions or school work standards across the board. It is also starting to percolate all the way to the first years. None of them should be concerned with who they will marry at eleven years old. The staff and I are doing what we can to even this out and reduce stress," she told them.

Many around the table looked a little bothered by this.

"What can we do to lessen the anxiety? Like I said, my youngest is not taking this well," Lord Doyle told them.

"Find a way to break this covenant," Poppy spoke up. "I am used to taking care of some students with homesickness and some general maladies within the first two weeks. I am already treating some for anxiety and fatigue like it was close to OWL or NEWT testing. Many are more worried about who they will paired with and what it will mean to be married and trying to finish school, than they are focusing on school. Those that want a choice are rushing relationships or spending a good amount of time trying to find someone."

"That was not the intention of this covenant," Parkinson said, sounding a little concerned for once.

"Well, it is the effect we are seeing. If all this could be pushed until after the student graduates then I think it will be better for them," Minerva started.

"Unfortunately, we can't. When the covenant was cast in 1532, times were different and witches and wizards were considered of age once they past their journeyman test, after their fifth year of study. We have been able to stretch that to when they are of-age now. The Wizengamot could change the laws to when a witch or wizard would be considered of-age, but that could have other issues with our society," Unspeakable number three said.

Unspeakable number one added. "There is some debate over when the journeyman test was. Many didn't start Hogwarts or formal apprenticeships until they were thirteen or fourteen."

"That was how we came to the conclusion of seventeen. You know the Head Unspeakable does not want to risk anyone by expanding that age further," Unspeakable number two spoke up.

She pursed her lips. "Are you saying that we could push the requirement to eighteen or nineteen?"

"Possibly. The issue is the OWL's are the same level at a journeyman certification. That is why anyone fifteen or anyone to get their OWL's qualify," Unspeakable number three stated.

Many around the table looked concerned.

"Please add this debate to your report. We can't change it right now. I want to get all the resources needed to Hogwarts to lessen the issues there," Amelia stated. "Poppy, how many are rushing things or have registered as betrothed?"

"Two at the start of the year, one since it has started, and we have administered eighteen compatibility tests so far. Six of those tests failed," Poppy told them.

"And you are expecting about forty couples by next Christmas?" Augusta questioned.

"Assuming they are all Hogwarts students and none of them withdraw," Minerva told them.

"How many are eligible?" Unspeakable number one asked.

"Seventy-eight will be eligible for the pairing in December. Another twenty-five for next Christmas and about the same the year after," Minerva told them. "I think there may be some of those that will be fifteen that will not wait for next year to be coupled. I have even been approached by one fourteen year old couple, but they would need permission by their parents."

So young. They were all too young to be this involved. The covenant required any marriage to be consummated within a week and for a pregnancy to be confirmed within twelve months of the first consummations. It was possible some of the couples could only be fifteen when they first become pregnant. Possibly younger now. Even seventeen or eighteen was young to be a parent.

"Do what we can to help them," she told Minerva. The older scots woman nodded.

"I guess the last thing is how do all the finances look? Are we able to offer some assistance?" Amelia turned to XXXXXXX.

The woman flicked her wand and a few sheets levitated to everyone at the table. "With the estate revenue now estimated and when it will be available, the Ministry will have four-million-three-hundred thousand available through the end of the year. Next year it is estimated to have about eight-million in estate and only nine-hundred and forty thousand in tax income. Maybe another two million in estate taxes the year after and about the same in normal taxes. We are still operating at about one-point-eight million per year. If taxes are not increased, or something else done, the Ministry will be insolvent in about five years. There is no money to offer incentives without risking a large financial issue in less than five years."

Amelia didn't like it, but seeing this covenant work and increasing taxes was going to be a large issue.

"What ideas have come from the Muggle Liaison Office to increase the retention of Muggleborn and Half-bloods?"

"Many ideas. Some of the most popular are to abolish about half the laws we have on the books. Mix a Muggle and magical education. Offer more jobs. Many things this board has talked about in the last month," Lady Quince said.

She nodded. "Carlson and Augusta, I need you to take any of those suggestions and push your blocks to start any reforms we can. I don't care if it alienates many existing traditions. We can't afford to loose anymore if we can prevent it."

Anders nodded, not looking that please. Augusta looked ready to split heads to get whatever done she needed too.

"Any other business today?" Amelia asked around. When nothing meaningful came up, she called the meeting.

Minerva and Poppy came over after talking with Augusta. "How is Susan doing?" Amelia was vry curious.

"She and a few of the friends around her are some of them best adjusted to this change so far and are helping others," Minerva told her.

She nodded, giving a small smile. "Good. I always thought she could be a good leader."

Poppy nodded. "Susan has been dating Ronald Weasley and they have been around Harry Potter. Having him trying to make this work is keeping many in a much calmer state than I would expect."

"I'm glad to hear that. What can I do to help you?"

"Funds. I know the Ministry is strapped right now, but I need to do some other upgrades around the castle and grounds, hire five more teachers for next year, hopefully sooner to get more Muggle studies and a day-care up and running. We have two couples that will be married by Christmas and one of them is already seeking counseling on child care."

Amelia sighed at Minerva's request. "I take it that funds are more stressed than you thought they would be?"

"We had twenty-four students not come back. Only four of the fifteen families that usually give an endowment every year are still in a position to do so. I have enough for the next year or two, but after that, we will have to look at a thirty-percent or more increase in tuition, and eliminate the tuition fund for those that have problems affording it," Minerva told her.

"I will see what I can do."

"Thank you, Amelia. The more concerning issue is what happens in about twelve years from now. If the projections from the unspeakable is correct, we will expect almost sixteen-hundred students from the law, on top of the normal population. Hogwarts is not big enough to house that many, especially once they are matched."

Amelia sighed. "One battle at a time, Minerva. Lets get through this first round and then determine what we need to do."

"I do not want this forgotten. It could take the goblins a year or two, maybe even three, if we need to expand the castle. To house upwards of three or four hundred couples a year would require a new wing the size of our current castle," Minerva told her.

Amelia shook her head. That was a on a scale she had not thought about. "I will ensure to bring it up as a topic to start discussing next month."

"Thank you, Amelia," Minerva said with a nod of her head.

"And you, Poppy?" Amelia questioned.

"Healer Tonks is due next week. Once she is there, I will have all the staff I need for now. We will need more potion for the compatibility tests, or ingredients," Poppy replied. "We are also going to start running child raising courses for all newly married couples."

"Anything else?"

"Get rid of this covenant," Poppy demanded.

"I will talk with the Unspeakables and get you everything you need. Thank you, ladies."

-oOo-

-oOo-

Chapter 6

September 15, 1996

Hogwarts, Scotland

Ginny watched Harry and Lavender walk down towards the Quidditch pitch. They were walking with Ron, Parvati, Hermione, Dean and Seamus. She had her hand in Harry's, her fingers intertwined with his and a giggling at something Harry said. His Firebolt was slung over his shoulder, and she had a Cleansweep Eleven Ginny had never seen before. Ginny's eyes narrowed. The slag was not going to steal her slot on the team and she was not going to end up with Harry.

Behind them the annoying giggles of Romilda, Megan and Erica came to her. "You think that will work," Romilda said. She knew her roommate had had a crush on Harry for almost as long as Ginny had herself. The thing was, Romilda only wanted him for who he was. She only saw the Quidditch player. The Boy-Who-Lived. The boy who always won against all odds.

As she thought about it, her anger subsided a little. After a long sigh, Damelza said from besides her, "You still really like him, don't you?"

Ginny snorted. "Is it that obvious?"

Her friend looked towards Harry and Lavender and then back at her. "Not as obvious as Romilda and her slags," Damelza whispered.

Ginny laughed. "Merlin, I love you, Elza."

The dirty blonde smirked. "I know. I am loveable."

Ginny really laughed and pushed her roommate, who laughed too and hip checked her. Next to Luna, Demelza was her best friend. "You ready for today? I talked you up to Harry over the summer."

"I know. You've already told me like three times a day since we got back. If I didn't know any better I would say you want me to fail," she teased.

"Oh, blow off," Ginny retorted.

Demelza laughed. "I told you a few years ago, if you just acted this way around him, he would have noticed you."

Ginny sighed. She had been way to nervous around the Boy-Who-Lived to do anything but be clumsy, shy and idiotic around Harry. Hermione had told her the same towards the end of her third year. Until the last few months, she hadn't been able to get over her hero whorship of the green eyed god... she silently berated herself again. Hermione was right. She still didn't see Harry as just Harry. He was too much of a Hero to do that.

"I know. It just hurts. I thought that one date was perfect," she said a little dreamily.

Demelza gave her an understanding smile. "I am sure it was. Harry seems like a nice guy."

Ginny sighed again. "He is. I just wish I didn't seem like wide-eyed school girl when we went to Brighton. Elza, I saw things I have have before. Did you know Muggle women pretty much wear thier bra's and knickers when they go to the beach or swimming? Even the one piece suits showed more than I ever have outside out dorm," Ginny told her.

Demelza was a pureblood, like her. The girls eyes widened a little. "I don't mind going in my skin if it was some friends or a boyfriend, but just prancing around the beach like that?"

Ginny snorted. "Yeah. I asked mum if I could get one and she thought I was trying to find something for my bridal night."

Demelza laughed, her face brightening a little, like Ginny's. "I'm not sure I'm ready for a guy to see me like that yet."

"After seeing Harry in only his night shorts this summer I'd let him see me all he wants," Ginny said, her eyes unfocusing a little.

"You slag," Demelza said scandalized. "We can arrange that in the locker rooms."

"Elza!" Ginny scolded, her neck and cheeks feeling warm. "You are such a slag."

"If the right boy came along," the girls said with more bravado than her face showed.

Ginny laughed at her friend's reaction. Soon they were entering the girl's locker room and changing into their gear. Ginny's mood rose some when she realized Lavender wasn't on the field. Looking around, half the house was on the field though. Out of the eighty or so in Gryffindor, thirty or more were on the pitch. Ginny and Demelza lined up next to Katie Bell. Katie nodded at them. "Finally some good players," Katie said to them.

"I am going for Chaser this year," Ginny told her.

"I figured. No one is beating our Captain to the snitch. You any good, Robbins?"

"Ginny says so," the brunette replied.

"Good. I like an all girls squad," Katie said with a smile.

"Right! Everyone quiet down," Harry yelled over the milling crowd. "I want to get this done by lunch, so if anyone came down just to gawk, or don't have a broom, up into the stands."

Romilda and her clutch all started to giggle at something again and took off towards the stand. "Now.. Katie, why are you over there? Get over here. You are co-captain," Harry said to the girl next to them.

"Don't let me down," Katie said with a smile and a wink as she stepped up to Harry's side.

"Right. You five. Do five laps around. I am going to see how you fly first." Four more were told to leave the field in just a few minutes. By the time he he started to evaluate the Chasers, there were only seven of then left trying out. Harry and Katie weren't putting up with any goofing off. By the time she was flying with Demelza and Katie, practicing some drills as Harry evaluated the Beaters, she felt really good for her chances.

They all landed and thirteen of them were left as the tower struck half-past-eleven. "Thanks for trying out. Katie and I will be talking and I will post a roster of people and alternates by Tuesday. Wednesday at quarter past four will be our first practice. Anyone on the team, we will have two practices every week. Wednesday after last class and Sunday's after lunch. I do expect you all to do some run and workout every Tuesday and Thursday morning. Six AM in the practice fields."

A few groaned. Ginny didn't care. Harry had started to do that four times a week at the Burrow, and Ron and her had joined him. "It't not that bad," Ginny told Demelza.

"I have a hard enough time waking at seven to get to breakfast," she whinged.

A few talked to Harry before Lavender came and joined him. She watched as the girl walked up to Harry, kissed him and then took off to fly around the pitch with him.

"Let it go, Gin," Demelza said softly. "Ben is looking at you," she said, nodding her head to Benjamin Greives.

The boy was cute, and he was a half-blood that qualified. She still couldn't stop looking at the raven-haired boy that was laughing as Lavender hit his arm while they casually made a circuit twenty feet in the air. She wanted Harry, but she couldn't try what she was thinking. Marietta Edgecombe had been caught trying to potion Micheal Corner last week and she was lucky to only get an in-house suspension for the week.

This law was ruining everything.

-oOo-

September 20, 1996

Hogsmeade, Scotland

Harry and Lavender were walking away from the main streets of the village. It was a rare warm day in the highlands of Scotland and getting away from the town sounded like a good idea. The more he spent time with Lavender, the more he liked her.

As they walked past the style marking the edge of the town and the wards around it, they angled towards the path that led to the Shrieking Shack. "You know, the shack really isn't haunted," Harry told her.

She looked at him. "Another of your adventures you haven't told me about yet?"

He smirked, before his face dropped. "Well, there was a creature that howled and shrieked in at one time, but that is a story about my father. Mine is well after that time," he told her.

"Alright, you got me. What story do you have?"

"You going to tell me about that bet you lost that time Diggory caught the snitch?"

"Maybe," she said coyly.

"Maybe?"

Lavender gave him a mischevious look. Harry was starting to learn that look meant he was going to get a good snog, and after touching her again last weekend, he might get her hands on him again. Harry was happy that he had been able to kiss her chest before she had undone his zipper. It was so much better having Lavender relieve the bulge in his pants than what he did to himself at times. He almost lost it again when she licked her fingers when they were covered in his cum.

"Maybe," she said back.

"So," he said, a little thrill of excitement going through him. "It was a werewolf that used to go to the house every night of the full moon," Harry told her.

She missed a step and he stopped, his arm shooting out around her waist to keep her up. "A werewolf? Harry, we can't go there is there is a werewolf there."

"Last I checked, it's not a full moon tonight, and there used to be a werewolf that used it. When Professor Lupin was here, he was friends with my father and Sirius Black. they both became animagus so they could spend the full moons with him," Harry told her. "That was how it became known as the Shrieking Shack."

She looked at him, her eyes still a little wide. "If I didn't know you better, I would say you just gave me a tall one."

Harry laughed. "I wouldn't believe it myself if I didn't know it was real."

She took his hand that was on her waist and pulled it tighter so he ws holding her against him. "Are you sure there isn't a werewolf there anymore? I liked Professor Lupin. I never knew he was one."

"He doesn't like to tell people."

They started to walk about that way again. A few younger years in blue and green trim cloaks were walking back. "I get the feeling that isn't all that happened."

Harry sighed. "No. It was the night I found out my godfather was innocent. It was also the night Professor Lupin forgot to take his wolfsbane potion and he was going to leave anyways, even if Snape hadn't let the secret out. He didn't want to hurt anyone."

She nodded. "Tell me about it?"

And he did. They walked to the house and found a rock in the woods just a short distance off the path. Ron had told him the twins had shown him this area. It was off the path, not easily seen, and if you touched the rune array they had left, it put up a nice distraction and silencing charm. He took up the seat that had been carved into it and Lavender sat on his lap as he told her the story.

"Merlin, Harry. You were all only thirteen!" Lavender exclaimed.

"Well, Ron and Hermione were fourteen at the time," he said a little sheepishly.

She just blinked at him. "Tell me that is the craziest thing you have done! There are rumors of other stuff," she mentioned.

Harry nodded, his expression serious. "Lav, that was probably the tamest end of year I have had."

She put her forearms on his shoulders, moving a little closer to him. Her eyes searched his for a moment. He liked her eyes. They were almost hazel. After a moment, she asked, "You don't want me telling Parvati, do you?"

He regarded her for a moment. "I am trying to open up to you about what you are really going to get with me. I seem to attract trouble. The battle at the Ministry was worse than what the Daily Prophet has said and I have other... skeletons that don't always make me a good person."

Her eyes were still scanning his. "I don't believe that."

"I have killed people."

His heart stopped for a moment as she kept regarding him. She didn't look scared or as though she wanted to run. "Where they Death Eaters?"

"Yes. Most of them."

After a moment, she nodded. "Quirrell?"

"He was possessed by Voldemort. He was the first one I killed. I also killed three people at the Ministry. I'm not a good person, Lav," he said.

She nodded. "I don't believe that," she told him. "If you can tell me it wasn't because of self-defense then I might agree with you."

Harry took in a deep breath and let it out. "I cut down Bellatrix Lestrange when her back was turned to me after she killed Sirius."

Lavender's face became thoughtful. "Is that the worst you have done?"

He let out a nervous, mirthless laugh. "Isn't that bad enough?"

She moved a little closer and put her forehead on his. "From everything I know, she was no better than an animal. I may not understand why you would do it that way, but I think I can understand you wanted vengence. Would you do it again?"

"No," he said without hesitation. "I won't just cut down someone like that again."

"Good. Do you still want to be an Auror?"

"I don't know what I want to do. I wanted to be an Auror because I needed to kill Voldemort. Now that he is gone, I don't know what I want to do," he told her truthfully.

Lavender nodded her forehead against his. "To tell you the truth, neither do I."

"You don't think me a murder? You would still want to be with me?"

She smiled. "Harry, we all knew you had to do what you needed too. If you killed someone because they were sending deadly spells at you, I would like to think I would do the same. I would do anything to protect my friends and my mother," she told him.

The tension in his body lessened. "I'm still not a good person."

"Oh, posh," Lavender said, leaning down and planting her lips on his. Harry returned the kiss. When she pulled back. "You aren't getting rid of me that easily, Harry Potter."

He laughed. "That was easy?"

She smirked. "I imagine it wasn't. Thank you for opening up to me. Am I the first person you have talked to about this?"

He let out a big breath. "Yes."

She leaned down and kissed him again. It wasn't long for their tongues to start to dance, and then her hands fisted his hair and they desperately snogged. His hands roamed under her jumper and shirt. The moan she gave for him to run his hands over her bra had him straining against her leg. He tried to cup her tit, but she was too big for his hand to fully hold her. "I like when you kiss my neck," she told him. He was too happy to comply as he rubbed her nipple and she managed to get his earlob in her mouth, sending a pleasant shiver down his spine.

He pulled back after a few, the signs that a hicky might form on her neck soon clearly visible. "Lav?" he breathed a little heavily, especially as her hand had managed to get between her their pants and was stroking him. He had hard time not to groan with need. "Yes, Harry?"

He made sure his eyes met hers. "You know I like you for more than just your body?"

He couldn't keep his groan in as she squeezed his cock. "I know. But I do like your body," she said, a seductive smile on her face. She ran her hand up his shaft.

"Merlin, you are beautiful," he complimented her, moving in for another kiss. His hand left her breasts to wander towards the hem of the long skirt she was wearing. He snaked his other hand around her side and up her shirt, sliding his hand under her bra. Lavender dover her tongue into his mouth, her hands rubbing his chest.

She gave a sigh and her breath washed over his neck as he put his hand on her thigh. She parted her legs enough for him to get his hand between them. Taking that as a good sign, he wanted to return the favor she had done for him last weekend.

He had had to have Dean swear to say nothing as he asked how to do this. Dean had given him a book that Seamus and him had been using. Harry ran his hand up to her crotch. She was wearing leggings, so it wasn't really possible for him to get his hands into her knickers without shedding some clothes. Harry was adventurous, but he didn't want her exposed if someone got around the wards. Maybe later they could find somewhere better than a broom closet to explore this more...

She did start to squirm and make the most enticing squeaks as his thumb started to stroke up and down her panties, his thumbs making a crease in her leggings and knickers as he pressed into her folds. She moaned into his mouth, "Take them off," she begged. He managed to slide his hands up and over the top of her under garments and into inter her knickers. She was wet and slick when his fingers rubbed the length of her slit. Lavender quivered and groaned. He pressed hard against her thigh.

Soon he found the spot at the top of her slit and he played with it as best he could with the tight space in her knickers. Harry really wanted to just get them off her. She was fisting his hair and sucking hard on his neck, her moans sending shivers down his body. She spread her legs a little more to let him bury his hand between her legs more, his fingers sliding part way into her as his thumb made small circle at the hardened nib he had found. She bucked her hips into his fingers. After a few more minutes, she was panting hard and her legs started to shake before she buried her face in his shoulder and cried out. Her whole body shook as he pressed harder and went faster. He moved so that one of his fingers could slide further into her. For a good minute or two she just moaned and screamed into his shoulder until he stopped. His fingers were soaked from touching her.

Her body was quivering as he pulled his hand away. "You alright," he asked, unsure to be worried or smug.

"Holy shit, Harry," she muttered. "I've never given myself an orgasm like that."

As he looked at his shiny hand, he asked, "Do you taste sweet?"

She looked up at him, her chest still heaving. "Can you be any more hot?"

He chuckled, kissed her, than licked his fingers, like she had done after she had giving in a handjob the other night. He could get used to her taste.

"Merlin," she whispered, putting her head back on his chest and curling up against him.

Definitely smug, he thought as he smiled into her hair.

-oOo-

September 25, 1996

Hogwarts, Scotland

It had been nearly a month since they had been back that the first bad reaction came from the stresses that those under the law finally broke. It was a relatively quiet morning. There had been a few rumors, and some not rumors, of the use of certain potions or charms. Everyone had heard what happened to Edgecombe. No one knew her target, but it was obvious she had gotten in trouble for a love potion.

It made most on edge, but no one suspected that it would be tried again, or in the way it had been expected.

They were eating breakfast when there was a commotion across the hall. "You complete pig!" a girl cried out. The smack of a hand across someone face could be heard as the hall quieted down. Turning in his seat, Harry saw a blonde girl march over, grab a younger girl by her arm, and drag her up. "Daphne, what are you doing!" the younger girl screamed as she was dragged from the table.

Daphne, the older and taller blonde, looked absolutely livid. A blond boy shot up, the red mark of a slap clearly across his face. "Don't walk away from me, Greengrass," Draco snapped, his wand coming out.

On instinct, Harry drew his wand, as did others that had been in the DA last year.

"Mr. Malfoy! Wand away," a stern voice came from the head table.

"Just leave us alone," Daphne yelled over everyone.

"Daphne, let go," her sister yelled, trying to loosen the grip Daphne had on her arm.

"If you think I will let you marry that arse, you are mistaken," Daphne snapped at her sister. Two other girls took off after Daphne and her sister.

Draco's face contourted into rage. He wand went up and Harry had to blink twice when he say it sail out of his hand and then he was hit with two stunners before ropes wrapped around him. The hall was quiet for a moment. Daphne had spun and had put up a shield between then and Draco.

"That is enough, Ms. Chang and Mr. Smith," the Head Mistress said. "Ms. Greengrass, you may go to my office if you need. I will join you in a couple."

Daphne just nodded and then frog marched her sister out of the hall. A moment later, Madam Pomfrey was floating Draco away, his head of house, Professor Sinistra, walking with them.

"Well, that was dramatic," Parvati giggled from across them.

Hermione, Dean and Ron didn't say a word. Lavender frowned. "I would would wish that ponce on anyone."

Harry snorted. "Definitely not my type."

Lavender and a few others chuckled. "If I didn't know better, I would be worried," Lavender teased. She turned back around and kissed his cheek.

"Well, you know," he said back cheekily.

Hermione shook her head. "I am surprised that is the first," she commented.

"I am to, actually," Parvati said. "There has been a few other instances, but not like that yet."

Lavender nodded. "I heard Mary Doyle and Brenda Galston from Hufflepuff talking yesterday. Brenda was saying Marcus Fenwick from Ravenclaw tried to force her sister, Trudy, into signing a betrothal."

"It's only going to get worse as Christmas approaches," Ron agreed.

"Isn't Trudy only fourteen right now?" Parvati asked.

"Fifteen. She turned sixteen in January," Lavender said.

"Who is Trudy and Brenda Galston," Parvati asked.

Lavender turned to look up and down the table. Harry reached for his goblet of orange juice. "Over there. Four down from Neville and Hannah," Lavender said. "The two sisters both have sandy coloured hair."

Parvati nodded.

"Dean, didn't you find something about forcing people?" Hermione asked, taking out a notebook. Harry just about had his goblet to his mouth when he looked at her and Dean. Harry had been so busy with classes, Quidditch and Lavender, he had not spent much time with Hermione in the last month or so. That was something he was going to have to remedy.

"I think there was a study done on the runes in the seal that only the Ministry could force a marriage, and only if they were compatible and had not found a mate by a the time of selection, otherwise the 'free will' clause would be violated," he told her. Seamus gave his friend an equally mystified look, as though he didn't know Dean.

Harry figured he would ask her later, finally taking a drink of his orange juice.

Almost immediately he realized something was off. It tasted really bitter with a sickly sweet aftertaste. He made a face. "Uck. I think this has gone bad," he said.

As he put his cup down, he slowly closed and opened his eyes, feeling like he was looking through a tunnel. He blinked again and when he leaned back a little it felt like he was floating on water.

"Harry, you alright?" his girlfriend... no... his friend... no...

"Yeah..." he said a little slowly. He was starting to have visions. Lavender... his girl friend?... He looked at her. In his minds eye he saw her her shirt off like last night... no... why would he have her shirt of?

As he looked at her, her curly brown locks became curly locks of a raven hair girl... then they started to morph into a mix of raven hair and straight firery hair. He blinked again. The more rounded face of the girl he was looking at tried to elongate itself. Her eyes turned into a tricolour of brown, blue and hazel. Her vision twisted, as though he was trying to see three people in one. The visage of the girl he liked had turned into something unholy.

He put his hand to his head and groaned as a massive headache started.

"Harry?" It was... it was... Hermione?

"What is going on? HARRY!" Lavender screamed as he felt like he was floating for a moment before a pain lanced through the back of his head...

-oOo-

Later that day...

Hogwarts, Scotland

Lavender sat at the side of the bed. She was holding Harry's hand in both of hers. Hermione was on the other side.

Lavender sniffed. She didn't want to cry anymore.

"He'll be alright, Lavender," Hermione tried to bolster her.

Lavender snorted. "Harry tried to warn my he was a magnet for trouble."

Hermione snorted back in amusement. "That sounds about right. Madam Pomfrey said he should be fine by tomorrow."

As Lavender thought about what happened, her face contorted. "Someone tried to poison him with love potion, Hermione. Two people. When I get my wand on them..."

"I get it. I have felt that way for years every time he comes in here," Hermione replied.

Lavender nodded. She looked at Harry and then Hermione. The same fear and caring showed in Hermione's face. Lavender knew she was stealing him from Hermione, but what choice did she have? What choice did either her or Harry have? She found she was really falling for him. According to the laws, Harry couldn't marry Hermione. She had never felt this concerned for someone, aside from her mum, before. She had also not gone as far as fast as she had with Harry before. She didn't regret it... no. She was really enjoying that physical side of their relationship, but it was still fast.

"Hermione, does Harry really like me?" Lavender asked.

There was a sad smile of resignation on the other girl's face. "Yes."

When Hermione didn't elaborate, she had to ask, "Are you sure? I know I'm stealing him from you, but I really like him and I don't want to be assigned to someone from the Ministry."

Her dormmate looked a little sadder. "You aren't stealing him from me, Lav. He was never mine. I also think you two are really good for each other. He smiles more lately than I have ever seen him. I've never seen him really seek out anyone elses touch before. You both like to do similar things and he is as scared as you. He likes you, Lav. I can see it."

Lavender gave an uncertain smile. "I just wish we had more time. I feel like there is so much he hasn't told me."

"Have you told him everything about you?"

She bit her lip before saying, "Mostly. He doesn't need to know about my first two boyfriends or some other stuff."

Hermione nodded. "You would tell him if he asks, though?"

Lavender looked to Harry. After a moment, she said, "If he asks."

"Then ask him. I think Harry would tell you. Trust and family are very important to Harry, especially since he really hasn't had any," Hermione told her.

Lavender looked up. "I know he is living with the Weasley's now, but he hasn't told me what happened to his family. Did the Death Eaters get them last year?"

Hermione gave a mirthless chuckle. "I wish," the girl said darkly. Lavender's brow scrunched up in concern. Hermione sighed. "He will probably be upset with me later, but you should know, Lav, Harry didn't grow up a nice house. His relatives hate him and neglected him. He won't ever say it, but I think he was abused as well. For him to open up to you and look at you like he does, well, its nice to see."

Lavender's eyes filled with tears again. "Is that why he won't ever talk about his relatives? Or some of the scars he has?"

Hermione nodded. "Harry is a very private person. His life has not been easy. If you ask him to open up to you, I think he will." The tolls of the bell striking six came to them. "I think he needs someone he can really open up too. You want to come down with me to dinner or stay here?"

Lavender looked at Harry. She was hungry, but didn't trust anyone else except Hermione, Ron, Parvati or Neville to keep an eye on him. "I'll stay here," she told Hermione.

The bushy hair girl nodded. "I'll make sure you get some dinner up here." Hermione leaned over Harry and kissed his forehead. As Lavender watched, it looked more like a sister kissing him than a potential rival.

She left and Lavender was left alone. A few minutes later, the curtains across from them opened. A bleary eyed Daphne Greengrass stepped out. They regarded each other for a moment. "Is your sister alright?"

Daphne looked on the edge of tears. An internal struggle went across her face before she shook her head. "No. Nothing has been alright since father died this summer," the blonde said.

Lavender nodded. It had come out that the Greengrasses had been 'approached' by Death Eaters shortly before the battle at the Ministry. It was rumored her father was under the imperious curse. He died at the Ministry, but was not marked, so there was probably good evidence the man had been imperious.

"I'm sorry. I know we aren't friends, but I can be a good listener," Lavender offered.

Daphne sniffed, her usually haughty expression crumpling. "They raped her. Draco, Gregory, Theodore and Vincent. They raped her. They took advantage of her weekend state. Then they tried to obliviate her."

Lavender let go of Harry's hand and moved to Daphne. The girl broke down in her arms. "Draco was trying to... force me into a marriage contract,... say they would do this. I didn't know... they had. He had been offering... a betrothal to her. She said no originally... then suddenly changed her mind," Daphne got out through great racking sobs. "Astoria thought she was pregnant..."

Parvati had come by earlier, saying that Aurors had shown up, but no one knew what was going on. Daphne just cried against her. Lavender held the girl she had never really spoken to before. She wasn't sure she would be in any better state.

It was a little while before Daphne was reduced to just sniffling.

"Can I do anything for you," Lavender asked, her heart going to the Greengrass girls. They may not have the kindest people, but no one should have to go through that.

Daphne shook her head. "No. Mother should be back soon. We are thinking we may move to France."

Lavender nodded. "If you need anything I can do for you, I don't care you are a Slytherin."

Daphne wrapped her arms around her, hugging Lavender before pulling away. Lavender summoned a handkerchief and helped Daphne clean herself up. After a few, she helped the blonde to her feet.

"Thank you," Daphne said.

"I'll keep an eye on her if you need to step out for now," Lavender offered.

Daphne gave her a wan smile. "What happened to Potter? How did he wind up in here this time?"

Lavender gave a nervous expulsion of breath. "Love Potion poisoning."

Daphne's left eyebrow rose. Lavender quickly said. "Not me. I don't need love potion."

Daphne chuckled. "I suppose not. You are rather attractive."

Lavender smirked. "Believe it or not, I don't think he likes me for just my body."

"Really?" Daphne asked, looking to her Harry. "Maybe if things were different I would have made a play for him."

Lavender bristled. "You better not."

Daphne gave her a level look. "I said may. And I would definitely not require love potions. Good luck, Brown. And thank you."

Lavender relaxed. No, Daphne Greengrass would not need love potions. Not with a body like hers. "You're welcome. I mean it, I'll keep an eye on her."

Daphne nodded. "Give me an hour or two so I can freshen up and pack our things."

Lavender nodded.

When the girl walked out, she went back to Harry. A few minutes later, Parvati came in with a plate and a goblet. "I checked it. There is nothing in it," Parvati said, putting them down on the table.

"Thanks, Parv," she said, gladly accepting the hug when her best mate wrapped an around her shoulder and gave her a hug.

"Who did it," Parvati asked.

"I don't know. McGonagall won't say if they have figured it out or not," Lavender told her.

"I've heard Vane and Weasley are after him," her friend told her.

"I've heard that too. They aren't the only ones. I won't lose him if he wants me, Parv," she said rather fiercely.

Parvati snorted. "Harry likes you, Lav. It's not just lust in his eyes, though I see that too," Pavarti commented with a sly smirk. Lavender gave a soft chuckle. "By the way, what did you do to him last night to have him look so happy when you got back?"

Lavender smirked. "I think Harry is very much a breast man," she said.

Parvati laughed. "So, he's learning you are a big perv?"

Lavender bit her lip. "For a boy that hasn't dated before, he's pretty good at what he does."

"Is he as large as Seamus says he is?"

"Large enough," she said, not wanting to let Parvati know Harry was pretty endowed. He was definitely larger than Dean and Micheal Corner.

"Slag," Parvati said affectionately.

Lavender laughed. "Only for Harry."

After a moment, they sobered. "How is Harry and how are you?"

Lavender let out a sigh. "Madam Pomfrey had to call Slughorn to make an antidote. Nothing she tried up here worked. He was foaming at the mouth and convulsing," she told her friend.

Parvati hugged her again. "I'm sorry, Lav. If we find them, I'll make sure they don't do something like this again."

"They will lucky to move again," Lavender added with a certain venom in her voice.

Lavender hugged Parvati before taking up Harry's hand again.

"You should eat. Hermione said you wouldn't leave his side," Parvati told her.

"I will in a few. Did the Aurors arrest anyone?"

Parvati's face lit up with the juiciness of whatever happened. "Four Aurors escorted Draco Malfoy, Theodore Nott and Vincent Crabbe out. They are still looking for Gregory Goyle. I wish I knew what they did," she said, excitedly.

Lavender motioned for her friend to quiet down. "Parvati, it's not for anything good. I think someone was raped, but you can't tell anyone. Best mate honour," she said seriously.

The joy in Parvati went to horror, then anger and then rage. "They did what?!"

"Keep your voice down. I am not going to say anything else, but it's serious," Lavender said in a harsh whisper.

"If any of them dare to touch me or Padma I will castrate them," Parvati replied.

Lavender nodded her agreement. "I'll hold them down for you."

They fell into hushed conversation as she ate the beef and potatoes that Parvati had brought her. About eight, Parvati left. Hermione showed shortly after, handing her a cloth she had never seen before. When she unfurled it, she realized it was a cloak that felt like water in her hands and covered in fine runework on the inside.

"This is Harry's invisibility cloak. I'm sure he won't mind you using it if you want to stay and avoid the matron," the girl said.

"You really are a good person," she told Hermione.

"I help my friends," she replied, and was gone soon after.

The only other thing of note happened about nine. A group came into the infirmary: Headmistress McGonagall, Professor Sinistra, Daphne, a woman that looked much like her daughter and three Aurors.

She silently looked on as the group talked and Daphne went into her sister's curtains. Not long after, Daphne walked out Astoria. The younger girl looked broken. Her eyes were sunken from crying and she just looking spent. Daphne nodded to Lavender before most of the group left.

Professor McGonagall watched the doors close with Madam Pomfrey at her side. "How could this happen, Poppy? This is a school. How could this happen? What have we come to that four underaged wizards assault someone almost three years younger and then do what they were going to do?"

The woman's voice was harsh and emotion filled.

"I don't know, Minerva. Gregory Goyle and Vincent Crabbe are not underage. I can only blame their parents. I know we were concerned about allowing them all back, but it was you, Filius and Hagrid that said they deserve another chance," Madam Pomfrey said.

There was a long silence. "Albus always thought everyone deserved another chance." The Headmistress sighed. "I have already sent a letter to the Board of Governors to allow me to enforce new rules to prevent anything like this again."

"I hope we can avoid it."

"As do I. How is Potter?" asked McGonagall.

"He'll recover. Ms. Brown has been attending him since this morning."

There were some clacks of boots on the flagstone and the women came around the screen at Harry's bed. "How is he doing?"

Lavender held his hand a little tighter. "He's just sleeping. He stopped moaning before lunch."

"Good," Madam Pomfrey said, moving to the bed. She ran her wand over him. "The antidote is working nicely, but he still has a little damage to his liver and kidneys. That should be right as rain by morning."

McGonagall seemed to relax a little. "That is good to hear. You should get to bed, Ms. Brown."

"I am not leaving Harry," she told her Headmistress.

Madam Pomfrey nodded. "You can sleep in the bed next to him. And I mean the bed next to him."

After a moment, she nodded. "Yes, ma'am."

"Keep an eye on him and make sure he doesn't get into any more trouble," McGonagall said with a shake of her head.

"I don't think Harry likes to get into trouble," she replied.

Both woman shook their head. "Perhaps not, but it finds him. Poppy, let me know if there is any change in him. I need to notify Authur and Molly Weasley about this."

"I already sent them an owl earlier today," Madam Pomfrey said.

McGonagall nodded. "Very well. I still need to finish my report for the Governors and then hopefully get some rest. Night, Ms. Brown."

"Good night, Headmistress."

When the woman left, Madam Pomfrey gave her a look. "I want you to lay down no later than eleven. In that bed. No funny business," the woman told her. The Matron waved her wand and a set of bed clothes appeared on the bed she was to sleep in.

Lavender nodded. She was too worried about Harry to do anything inappropriate. Besides, it wasn't any fun if he wasn't awake to reciprocate...

-oOo-

That same day...

Hogwarts, Scotland

Ron had helped Katie run the practice. She was good, but not as good as Harry at getting people to listen. Her squad listened to her without pause in the air, but on the ground, his sister was proving to be as head strong as their mother if she disagreed with something.

By the end of the practice, Ginny and Katie were at logger heads, even if Katie was the assistant-Captain. Harry would have squashed the disagreement, but he was in the hospital wing.

As he came down, Ron stopped his sister before she stormed off into the locker room. He knew it was dangerous, but something was off with Ginny and he needed to know. "Gin, what's wrong?"

Ginny stopped and glared at him. "Besides fact Harry is in the hospital again and we are out here? I don't know, Ron, what's wrong?" she snapped.

Ron shrugged. "Harry's always in the hospital. You've never reacted this way before."

Ginny huffed and Demelza came up behind him. "Gin, you should tell him."

Ron suddenly was very suspicious. "Tell me what?"

If Ginny's looks could kill, Demelza would have stopped breathing.

"If you don't tell him, I will. I know what you are thinking," the brunette threatened his sister.

Ginny huffed after a moment. "I bought some potion from Fred and George. The real stuff, not what they sell in the store..."

Ron's eyes narrowed. "Tell me you didn't spike Harry's juice this morning."

"No. I wanted to, but I won't do that," Ginny told him. "I won't be like mum."

Ron blinked. "What do you mean you won't be like mum?"

Tears were starting to well in Ginny's eyes. "Ron, dad really loves mum, but..."

Ron got it, but closed his eyes. "She used something to get him to notice her when they were at Hogwarts, didn't she?"

Demelza came in and wrapped an arm around Ginny. Ginny screwed up her face before putting her head on her friends shoulder. "One time. Mum said she did it one time for their first date. Aunt Mildred too. She said that was common back then. She did it once or twice with Uncle James."

"Merlin," Ron said, running his hand over his mouth. Susan had worked her way down from the stands. "Ginny, what did you do with the love potion?"

"I had it locked in my trunk. It wasn't there when I went to check it after Harry went to the hospital wing," she told him.

"Go get changed. We have to go talk with Babbling or Pomfrey," he told her.

"I didn't use it, I swear."

Ron let out a small huff. "I'll believe you this time."

"Ginny had already added one of her hairs, so it should have been keyed to her. Whoever took it must not have know and added their own," Demelza said.

Susan was standing a little distance away. He nodded for her to come over. "Hey, Susie. We have some family stuff to handle. Can I catch you at dinner?"

Susan's beautiful brown eyes looked concerned. "Sure, Ron. If you need anything, let me know."

"Thanks, Susie," he said, pecking her on the lips.

"Come on, Ginny. Let's go get changed," Demelza said.

As they walked away, Susan asked, "Is she alright."

He let out a huff. "I love my sister, but she's been so obsessed over Harry her whole life."

Susan looked as Ginny and Demelza walking through the door to the girl's locker room. "She isn't the one who poisoned Harry, is she?"

"No, but I am pretty sure she bought the potion that caused it," Ron told her.

She didn't seem to care he smelled as she hugged him. Ron enjoyed the hug. The comfort was stronger than his teen hormones right now, though the feel of her body was not lost on him. Susan told him, "Come find me when you are done. I'll either be in the library or you can asked someone to get me from my common room."

They shared a small kiss again. "Sure, Susie."

-oOo-

-oOo-

Chapter 7

September 26, 1996

London, England

Kingsley Shacklebolt looked at the reports from Hogwarts yesterday. Four students had been arrested for rape, extortion and bribery. A fifth was looking at a fine, maybe a a trial, for interfering in a courtship that had been sanctioned under the Proliferation Covenant.

The only surprise he had was that it had taken nearly two months for something like this to happen.

There were other cases similar to this between some adults and other instances, but Amelia and him had been worried what the stress of everything would do to the younger population, and with all the students having been back for almost a month, the strain was starting to show.

A knock came at his door. Looking up, he nodded to his Boss's boss. "Minister Bones," he greeted.

She nodded back and shut his door. "What is the damage, Lead Auror Kingsley?"

Kingsley kept from handing her the folders. Everything was still under investigation and the woman wasn't head of the DMLE anymore. She couldn't see the files until the investigation was released to the Wizengamot. He could give some details.

"Four heirs of Wizengamot seats rapes a fourteen year old girl. There is evidence they did it. Two of them kept her under clothes covered in their secretions, and hers. From what we can piece together, it was a reprisal because her sister had been refusing one of them to go into a betrothal under the laws," Kingsley told her.

Amelia's eyes flared with anger. "They were trying to make her unsuitable for anyone else?"

Kingsley nodded, knowing the way Purebloods viewed virginity, loose women and illigitamate children. "It's worse. The assualt happened just after school started. She it more than three weeks along and I can't tell you who is the father. Their mother withdrew them from Hogwarts and has informed us they will be moving to another family property in France."

"Merlin. Has the Daily Prophet gotten wind of this yet?" She had to know. A statement would have to go out soon, but if she could buy them a few days to investigate then that would be better.

"I honestly don't know."

"Who?"

"You know I can't release the names before we file charges. I expect to file the rape charges this afternoon. We are still questioning the boys to see what other charges we need to investigate. Two of them turned seventeen this month, but they were all sixteen when it happened," he replied.

Amelia let out a breath. "We have to make sure that this is not a common occurance. I will talk with Natalie to make sure you have all the backing you need."

Natalie Porter had been confirmed as the new Head of the DMLE about two weeks ago. She was coming out of the law offices and Kingsley had liked working with the woman for years now. "Sure, Minister."

"So, that was one of the cases I heard about. What is the other?"

"A minor case of love potion poisoning. The potion was bought legally and is not banned by the DMLE or Hogwarts. It's a rather mild one. The issue was, someone stole it from the girl who bought it and two girls tried to key themselves to it," Kingsley informed her.

She shook her head. "I feared this might happen. Is Minerva asking for any aid?"

"Not yet. I was going to offer her a small detail if she wants to run any searches or to have Aurors there if anything else happens," he answered.

"I want it done anyways. Four Aurors at all times. Cycle them out on eight hour shifts," she told him, falling back to her roots.

Kingsley gave her an indulgent smile. "Sure, boss," he said

"Oh, hush. This Minister things isn't all its cracked up to be," she told him.

Kingsley figured she was missing her old department. Amelia had pretty much been steamrolled into the position in early July. Everyone needed a stable person in the lead right now. "Maybe not, but you seem to be doing a good job. I hear it in Diagon Alley and Hogsmeade. They trust you. More importantly, there is a sense they are trusting the Ministry again. Fudge and the others had seriously harmed our image in the last few years."

"I know. It's been a battle," she replied.

Kingsley nodded.

"Let me know if anything else comes up. I am going to talk with your boss now," she told him.

"I filled in Porter with what we know about twenty minutes before you showed," Kingsley informed her.

She nodded. "Good. Head Porter should know before I do. Oh, and Kingsley," she said, getting up. He met her eyes. "Whomever you place at Hogwarts, I want them to keep issues down, but they are not to interfere with the normal operations of the school."

"Understood, Minister Bones."

-oOo-

Same day...

Hogwarts, Scotland

Neville was holding Hannah's hand as they left Transfiguration. Lavender and Parvati were talking in hushed whispers before them as Ron pulled up next to them with Hermione, Susan and Dean.

"I was going to go up and give Harry the notes from today, if anyone wants to come," Hermione told them.

"I'll go with you. The berk is just playing it up to get out of class," Dean said sounding jealous, though Neville could hear the hint of laughter in his voice. It was hard to be in the same dorm with the same people for five years and not pick on on things like that.

Ron chuckled. "I know. The nerve of some people," Ron commented.

"I highly doubt Harry wants to be in the infirmary again," Hermione huffed.

"Usually it's the first quidditch game of the year that puts him in there," Dean replied.

Neville shook his head. "I agree with Hermione on this one. It's not really funny what happened to him."

"Talking about that, has anyone seen Romilda Vane, Malfoy or the others that the Aurors pulled out of here yesterday?" Hannah put to the group.

Lavender and Parvati looked over their shoulders. "I don't think Malfoy, Crabbe, Goyle or Nott will be returning. When was Romilda Vane taken?" Lavender asked. Neville heard an odd tenor to Lavender's voice.

"Just before dinner. Sally-Anne and Meaghan said they saw her leaving with her parents and an Auror," Hannah answered.

Ron and Susan shared a look that even brought some suspicion in Neville. The narrowing of eyes from Lavender wasn't missed either.

Hermione pursed her lips. "You don't think..."

"I think we should leave it up to the Aurors and Headmistress," Ron spoke over her.

"I swear if I find out it was Romilda Vane, she will wish she never thought of it," Lavender said in a low voice. It sent a shiver up his spine.

"Lav, if you go to Azkaban, you won't be eligible until you get out," Susan told her. "Think about Harry."

"I am," Lavender replied.

Parvati took her friend's hand. "Leave it be for now, Lav," Parvati told her friend. A look was shared between them.

When they made it to the next intersection, they all stopped. "Are any of you coming to see Harry," Hermione asked.

"I'll see him later today. I went up this morning," Ron told her.

"He's your best mate," Susan reminded him.

"He is fine. Madam Pomfrey said he should be out for lunch. Besides, mum and dad were supposed to be here some point this morning. I think he'll like not to be crowded," Ron told them.

Hermione rolled her eyes. "Mrs. Weasley means well. Hold up, Lav," she called to Lavender and Parvati, who had continued on toward the Hospital wing. Hermione took off to catch up with them.

"I better keep an eye on her," Dean said with an easy smile as he followed Hermione.

Hannah tightened her grip and looked to Susan. "Hermione?"

"Must be," Susan replied with a shrug. "She could do worse."

Ron chuckled again. "Dean's not a bad guy. They have gone into Hogsmeade twice now."

"I never said he was. Twice you say?" Hannah looked very interestedly after the other group.

"Leave them alone, Hannah. I think Hermione has been having a rough time," Neville told her. They may not be great friends, but Hermione had always been nice to him, and last year she had helped him as much as Harry.

Hannah looked at him, and after a moment looked satisfied at what she saw. "We have a bit before lunch. Should we go check on our projects in the greenhouses?" Hannah asked, an innocent look on her face.

Neville had a smile come to his face. The last few times they had 'checked' on their projects when they didn't need to had turned into some nice snogging sessions.

Susan laughed. "Go check on your projects. Ron, lets go exploring," Susan said. The smile on his face was probably the same one Neville was sporting at the moment.

As they walked away, Hannah moved in a little closer. Neville leaned over and kissed her temple. "Do you really want to go check on our projects?"

"It's more private than a broom closet and that bed someone put in the back room is rather nice," Hannah said with a smirk. Neville had seen her without her shirt twice now on that bed in the last week. It was meant for those that needed to spend a night while taking care of plants, but the upper years that had special projects in Greenhouse Eight knew what it was usually used for.

They rushed down towards the greenhouse. Once inside Greenhouse Eight, they made sure no one was inside and he put his tie on the outside of the door. It was the sign not to disturb them for a while.

Once the door closed, Hannah threw herself at him, wrapping her arms around his neck and pushing him against the wall. A little more than a month ago he would have been surprised. Now, his tongue invaded her mouth and his hands quickly went to soft parts of her that had her moaning.

She discarded her coat and Neville threw his onto the side of the bed. She groaned and squeezed his arse as he kissed down her neck. "Father sent... me a... letter," she panted as he undid the buttons on her shirt.

He kissed the exposed flesh as he did. Hannah had been very forward in letting him know what she liked and he found himself to be a quick learner. Confidence from last year had done wonders for him. "What did he say?"

Neville liked the squeeze she gave to his arse as he pulled in a nipple into his mouth through her bra. "Oh, Merlin, Neville," she said, her hands going to his belt buckle. She hadn't done that yet, but he wasn't complaining.

He chuckled before he did the same with her other nipple. When he pulled his mouth away from the now damp material, he said, "I doubt that is what your father said."

She giggled and whacked his head. "Keep that up and we are done for today," she warned.

He slipped his hand low as he crouched down to do pull in her nipple into his mouth again. She groaned and held his head to her breast. His hands moved to the hem of her skirt and he moved up the back of her legs. He had allowed him to do that just the other day and she put much of her weight onto his hands as he found her arse.

She fumbled with his belt with the hand not holding his head to her chest, finally loosening it and then going for his button. "He got the... results of the test," she said. Neville groaned as her hand slipped up his shaft as she searched for his zipper. He wasn't sure if this was too fast or much, but if she wanted to do what ever she was about to, he didn't want her stop. Not when his hands were kneading her bottom over her knickers and he kissed any exposed flesh her bra didn't cover. He was going to have to take it off soon.

"And?" he asked.

"Betrothal contract..." she started to say as he slipped one hand from her nice arse to her front. She groaned as he found a mound at the split of her legs and rubbed it. He didn't really know what he was doing, but she seemed to like it. He might have to thank Seamus and Dean with some fire whiskey for at least giving him a crash course when they had come back this year.

She had undone his pants now and shoved them down. Neville stopped just long enough to stand up and look at her. Her large chest was heaving as she took in long breathes. Her blue eyes were needy and he felt the want from her, if the heat by his hand was any indication. "Do you want to?" he asked.

He wasn't sure if it was his hormones or not making him ask.

"I've liked you for a while," she told him. He took in a sharp breath as her hands found his shaft still in his shorts.

"I've liked you too. Since the D.A. last year. Hannah," he said as she started to stroke him. She took on a coy smile.

"Having issues, Neville?" she asked in a sensual way that had him stiffen in her hands. She closed her eyes, her face looking like she was enjoying his hand rubbing her mound and his finger tips just slipping a little between her legs. She shifted a little to widen her stance and let him go a little deeper.

"About as much as you. Do you want to become betrothed?" he asked her.

When she opened her blue eyes, he would have agreed to anything she wanted at the moment as she slipped her hands down his shorts. Her fingers brushed the tip of his cock and then one of her thumbs started to spread the slick fluid that was seeping out of him around his head. He almost thought his eyes would roll back into his other head.

Neville knew Hannah had dated some. He found he wished he had little more experience. He just had no clue she could do this to him. She moved forward, kissing his chin, then his mouth as she started to stroke him again. "Yes," she told him against his lips.

"Okay," he responded. He knew he liked Hannah for more than this, but his brain was too far gone to think of that right now. His body was in control... well his hormones were.

She pecked him. "Enjoy this," she told him, before dropping down. Neville watched with wide eyes as she pushed his boxer shorts down. She pulled him out, both hands wrapped around his shaft before she kissed the tip of his head.

"Merlin," he said.

Dean and Seamus had said this was the best way a girl could use her mouth. He thought it rather crude and demeaning. From Dean it sounded like a joke. From Seamus it sounded dirty and like it was all he thought of girls. Either way, Neville found himself agreeing now as she wrapped his lips around him and then moved her head. It was warm, moist and sent shivers through him as he slid along her tongue. Who was he to argue this point if she was willing to use her mouth on his cock?

Neville grabbed the wooden edging until his knuckles turned white. "Merlin, Hannah," he said a few times as she caused a pleasure he never knew could exist. When she started to pump him as she bobbed her mouth around his head and her tongue did things he couldn't explain, he tried to pull away. "Merlin. Merlin. Merlin," he repeated before she hummed as he exploded in her mouth.

He felt like a quivering idiot when she was done pumping him. He was only standing by holding onto the wall. The satisfied smirk on her face brought a rather silly smile to his. She kissed his now very sensitive head before standing up.

"Did you enjoy that?"

He didn't know what to say. Instead, he took one hand off the wall and pulled her in. The kiss he gave her was the deepest, most passionate and sloppy kiss to date. His shaft pressed into her side and rubbed against the bare skin of her hip above her skirt. When he pulled back, she looked very satisfied. "That was... that was... Merlin, Hannah."

She giggled at him. "Well, if you are willing to return the favor later, I can promise you that will be a regular thing. I want to play until we are married, then you can have all of me."

Neville just nodded, his brain still blown by the blowjob he had just received. "I will write to Gran later. I would like to use our solicitors."

She pecked him, pressing her body against him. He liked how her chest squished against his. "I will write to father to expect word from Madam Longbottom."

Neville went to touch her against and she let him for a moment. He liked moan as his hand pressed between her legs and over her panties. It was only a few moment before she reluctantly pulled away. Hannah bite her lip before saying with a longing to her voice. "Later or tomorrow. We should be at lunch. I want to know how Harry is doing and we may need to keep Lavender from killing Vane if she is back. I am not sure Hermione may not do the same."

"Sure," he said, reaching to hand her her shirt. He didn't think Hannah wrong. Though, he really didn't like to see her dressing. The prospect he might be kissing more than her chest soon still had him rock hard.

-oOo-

October 7, 1996

Hogwarts, Scotland

Harry met Lavender and the others in the common room. Like most mornings in the last week and a half, she threw her arms around him and gave him a little more of a kiss than he was comfortable with in the common room, but she wasn't trying to snog him.

He knew she had been really spooked by his love potion poisoning. To Harry, it was just another one of those things being Harry Potter.

"You two ready to go? There are others of us that like to see our girlfriends too," Ron teased.

Harry gave him a two-finger salute and Lavender moved to his side. Many of the others in their group laughed. That was one thing about the Marriage Covenants, it had mostly brought the fifth-year Gryffindors and Hufflepuffs together in a way they never had been before.

Lavender took his hand. "I'm alright, Lav. You don't need to cling to me like I am going to vanish," he said to his girlfriend, hoping she might finally realize that.

She looked a little flustered. "I know." Her hand didn't loosen.

He figured they would get over this. She hadn't been this clingy before.

"So, how are the new chasers working out," Seamus asked.

"Katie is happy with Ginny and Demelza. They aren't quite the team Katie, Angelina and Alicia were, but they are good," he answered Seamus.

"I heard Katie and Ginny went at it again," Parvati put to him.

He shook his head. "No. They are good. Ginny just had a few ideas that Katie didn't like. I'm not saying they are bad, but I think Ginny and Demelza need more practice before we follow up on them. Maybe our second or third game this year. If not next year. I see the three of them staying together until next year."

"Well, I don't see anyone else being Seeker until you graduate," Lavender told him.

Harry grunted in response, which earned him a look from Hermione. After a second, he said, "I'm not sure I am going to play next year."

They all looked shocked and Lavender's grip tightened even more. "A little tight, Lav," he said quietly.

"Why not!" Ron exploded.

"You can't be serious, Harry," Seamus exclaimed.

"Why not?" Parvati asked.

"Because he wants to focus on his NEWTs and to take the OWLs in Runes," Lavender replied. He had talked with her about it the other night when she had asked what he wanted to do with his life after they left.

"I think it a prudent decision," Hermione added.

"Oh, come off it," Ron snapped. "Harry, it's our last year in Hogwarts. You're last year to really be a Seeker unless you go professional, which you could. Why would you give that up?"

Neville gave him a look and he nodded. "Have you also considered that Harry, you, me and Lavender will be married some point next year and possibly have a child," Neville asked.

Ron went to open his mouth and then left it open. It was obvious that Ron hadn't really considered that, even though things were getting serious with Susan.

"Sucks that," Dean commented.

Hermione's lips had pursed. Harry added, "That was some of what I was thinking. I talked with Babbling. She said it is possible to apply for an apprenticeship next year for a few hours a week. I'm not really sure I will need Herbology now that I don't want to be a Auror, so I was thinking I might see if there was some place I could apprentice."

Lavender moved a little closer. "I think that a good idea. I am going to talk to mum. Maybe I can help her at the fret shop some of there year."

Ron, Seamus and Dean looked a little shocked. Hermione just nodded her head. "I think that is a good idea too."

"Maybe I can organize to work back at Longmarche half the week, taking care of all our greenhouses? Maybe Hannah will want to help?" Neville put to them.

"Oh, bloody hell," Ron whinged. "Did you have to get so serious?"

"Hannah and I are going to sign a betrothal in a few weeks. We have been talking about getting married over Christmas or Easter holidays. If we do, Hannah will need to be pregnant within a year," Neville replied to Ron. The boy was serious, but looked like he liked the idea of marrying Hannah. "Harry, would you mind, maybe, standing as my best man?"

Harry smiled and extended his hand. "Anytime you ask, Nev."

"Bloody hell," Ron gripped.

"You and Hannah will be the third I know about now," Parvati said, sounding pensive.

"Isabella Tintwhistle and Eddie Carmicheal. Horatio Pershore and Hestia Carrow was it?" Parvati nodded in agreement to Lavender. "Now Hannah and Neville. Ron, are you and Susan...?"

Ron shook his head. "We haven't talked about it yet. I thought I would see where we are after Halloween. We still have two and a half months," he told them, his hand going to rub the back of his neck.

"This is all so stupid," Hermione huffed, stamping her foot.

Harry understood, but without this, he never would have gotten to known Lavender. The last two months with her had been rather brilliant. The feelings he had towards Hermione were now that of a beloved sister... or so he had convinced himself.

"It is what it is, Hermione," Lavender said. She gave him a look and he knew they would be talking about this later. Unless something really bad happened, he had already committed himself to her. Did it really matter if they went to talk to the solicitor tomorrow or three weeks from now?

"I heard Flora wasn't as pleased that Hestia didn't want to enter into a marriage with her and Alex Sykes. I hear he has two lines he could fill," Parvati said, the gossip in her unable to contain it.

They had all heard that. Most of the great hall had heard that when the sisters got into a row a few days ago. They were some of the numerous war orphans of Death Eater parents. They were twins form an incestuous relationship and apparently Flora wanted to continue that. Hestia didn't. Not that they said that in as many words before Professor Slughorn ushered them out of the hall with Pershore following his betrothed.

"Please don't say that. Isn't it bad enough others are still talking about it?" Hermione put to Parvati. Harry was sure she was sensitive due to the rumors that had persisted about them in the last few years.

They made it to the hall and sat at the Gryffindor table. Ron and Neville sat with Hannah and Susan at the Hufflepuffs today. As they say, Dean asked Hermione, "Are we still on for Saturday?"

Hermione gave him a small smile. "Yeah. My treat this time?"

Dean shrugged, obviously not caring whether the man treated or not. Seamus looked like he was going to say something and instead cried out when Parvati stamped on his foot. "What bloody hell was that for?"

"To keep you from putting your foot in your mouth," she said in a scathing tone.

He made a face at her before turning to breakfast.

Harry snickered at Dean. Lavender shook her head. They talked about other couples and classes until the owls arrived.

Hermione took her copy and a moment later dropped her spoon full of porridge.

They all looked to her, Hermione being the only one in their group to regularly get the Daily Prophet. "Are you going to leave us hanging?" he asked his best mate.

"Goyle and Crabbe are going to be tried as adults. Charges include rape, money laundering, muggle baiting and helping the Dark Lord. It could be twenty years or more in Azkaban, maybe even death. Holy... Malfoy and Nott are going to be facing the same charges, but they will be tried as minors. They could get no more than five years in Azkaban," she told them.

Lavender snorted. "They all deserve the veil," she told them. Lavender had told him about the Greengrasses.

"Is that why Daphne and Astoria Greengrass left?" Seamus asked. "Daphne had the best arse around."

"You are such a pig," Parvati said, a sneer on her face.

"Seamus, that is a little out of line right now," he told his dormmate. After a second, the Irish teen nodded contritely.

"Don't look now," Dean said, his eyes following someone from the doors to the hall.

Lavender and Hermione both stiffened to look at a girl with raven-black locks and a nice figure. She was walking next to two other girls. Her eyes found him and quickly looked away as she heading towards the front of the hall and the far side of Gryffindor table.

"What is she doing back," Lavender hissed.

"Lav, don't cause a scene. Not here," Parvati whispered.

Harry put and arm around her shoulders and she took a few seconds to relax into him. Hermione glared at the girl. "I swear is she does anything to any of you they will never be able to trace it back to me," Hermione spat.

For those that didn't know Hermione like him, they looked apprehensively at her. Well, Lavender shared an approving look with his best mate. After a moment, she put a hand into the one he had over her shoulders.

"Well, there is one positive," Dean said and they all turned to him. "No one will be paired with Goyle, Crabbe, Malfoy or Nott this year."

Harry snorted in laughter as Hermione shook his head. Lavender giggled after a moment, more out of nerves than joy. Parvati just looked at Dean incredulously.

"You are all mental, you know that?" Seamus put to them. "This whole thing is mental."

-oOo-

October 12, 1996

Hogsmeade, Scotland

Ron was walking hand in hand with Susan. They were heading towards the edge of town. Susan was looking at him. "You are being really quiet today," she pointed out.

Ron shrugged his shoulders. "Just thinking."

"Something good I hope? Like how the Arrows won the last three games?" she asked with a teasing smile.

"Oh, do you have to keep rubbing that in?" He returned her smile, not really feeling that offended. He loved the Cannons, and they were actually keeping a 4-6 season so far, but Arrows were dong better at 6-3 right now.

"Yes," she said and then screamed as he went to tickle her. "Don't you dare!"

He tried a few more times before they took each others hands again and he fell back into his pensive mood. They were heading out towards the Shrieking Shack, having done everything else in town they wanted.

Susan pulled him down to kiss his cheek. "What are you thinking about, Ron Ron?"

He screwed up his face. Lavender had teasingly called him that when Susan and him had been being a little lovy-dubby the other day and Susan had taken up calling him that to get a rise out of him. "I hate that."

"I know," she said cheekily.

He smiled at her antics. "You really want to know what I am thinking?"

"I wouldn't ask if I didn't want an answer. Auntie always says never ask a question you don't want answered, even if you don't like the answer," she told him.

They made it to the shack and leaned against the fence. She looked at him a little apprehensively. "Aren't you worried about being that close?"

"Nah. It's not really haunted. It was a werewolf that used to spent the full moons in the shack," he told her.

She raised her eyebrows. "How would you know that?"

He smirked. "Do you want to know what I am thinking about or why I know it was a werewolf?"

"Both," she said, tentatively taking the few steps to join him along the fence, leaning her bottom on it and leaning into his side. He wrapped an arm around her shoulders. "You know Hannah and Neville are signing a betrothal soon?"

"Yeah. Hannah was so excited. She rewarded Neville the day he agreed," she said with a grin.

"Really? How?"

She bite her lip before saying, "If we get to that point, I'll show you."

He was intrigued. He was no complaining where they had gotten in their relationship yet, but he was definitely more aggressive than Susan at times. He didn't mean to be and always backed off when she wanted him too.

Her face went a little red. "I'll show then," she told him again.

He could imagine a few things and like all of the possibilities. "Right. Well. That is kind of what I have been thinking about after an interesting conversation the other day."

"What conversation?"

Ron spent a few minutes tripping through what the Gryffindors had talked about on the way to the Great Hall Tuesday morning. Susan pressed further into his side the more he talked. Once he had gone quiet for a few minutes, she asked, "So, what are you thinking?"

He let out a sigh. "I want to do this in a more formal way, but I'm not sure I am ready yet. If I was to ask if you wanted a betrothal, what would you say?"

She wrapped her arms around his middle. "I would prefer a more romantic way of asking," she told him.

"So, you would say yes?"

She shrugged, turning her face up to look at him. He moved to look at her expressive brown eyes. "If you find a better way of asking me, you'll find out," she told him.

His insides were a bundle of nerves. "Maybe I will," he told her, leaning down to kiss her.

When they separated, Susan said, "If you are going to ask, please do it by Halloween. I really like you Ron, but if you aren't ready to commit, I need to find someone that is. I don't want to be matched with someone I don't know."

He felt his heart sinking to his feet. This was all too much too fast, but he was sure he didn't want to let her go either. He moved so that he could wrap his arms around her and she buried her face into his chest. "I really like you, Ron," her muffled voice came to him.

He kissed the top of her red hair. "I really like you too."

-oOo-

-oOo-

Chapter 8

October 31, 1996

Hogwarts, Scotland

Hermione was looking herself up and down in the mirror. Tonight was the second school dance she had ever been too. It had been decided to be a fun night and to go with the more Muggle traditions of dressing up in costumes.

The Headmistress had decided to cancel the last class today and all Friday classes tomorrow to allow everyone to 'let their hair down and have fun'.

She turned. She was in a much slinkier dress than she would normally wear. It was torn around the hem and one of the straps was hanging down. She could see most of her trim legs. It clung to her flat stomach and showed off her modest breasts. It didn't expose anything she didn't want to, but she wasn't sure it was proper for school. If they had been out of Hogwarts, Hermione probably wouldn't have cared. She wore much less to the beach or when she put on her short jean shorts.

"You need to make your skin look a little paler and sickly. Zombies are not as flush," Parvati told her.

Hermione gave a critical eye. "Do I have to look so much like one?"

"Dean will like it," Lavender assured her.

She looked towards her dormmates. Lavender was in a black dress that hugged her body. She wasn't surprised Harry liked the girl so much. Lavender's chest was easily twice the size of her own, with wider hips and a pretty face. She put on the straps of the black wings to go with the 'dark angel' costume. They flapped some once they were on and she gave a nod as she straightened out her dress. "You think Harry will like this?"

Parvati giggle. "I think he's going to want you out of that."

Lavender gave a mischievous grin. "If he plays his cards right."

Hermione rolled her eyes. She wasn't a prude, but for weeks now the two of them had been going on how Lavender should just jump Harry and how Parvati was jumping Ernie. As she thought about it, she had a small smile come to her face. In the last month, Hermione was rather enjoying how Dean and her were getting along. She had even enjoyed his wandering hands in the last week or so.

"What are you so pleased about?" Lavender put to her.

"Just thinking of the shocked look on Harry's face when you try to jump him," Hermione teased. Lavender's smug look grew a little red.

Parvati laughed. She was wearing white stocking with a white fury one-piece. The rabbit ears on her head here moving like she was using them to hear. Her body was a little more straight, and her chest between Hermione's and Lavender's. She was a pretty girl. "Merlin, Hermione, I love you," Parvati said with a grin.

"I'm not sure Harry and I are quite ready for that," Lavender told her.

"Oh, please. You want a good shag with him," Parvati put to her friend.

"I'd rather my first time be a little more romantic than just a shag, thank you," Lavender shot back.

Hermione had thought that she had had sex with Seamus last year... apparently Seamus had exaugurated.

"We both know you aren't a virgin anymore," Parvati burst Hermione's bubble.

"It was one time and it wasn't that good," Lavender said, her face showing what she thought about losing her virginity. "Harry, I don't know, he's just..."

"Makes you feel special when he kisses and touches you?" Hermione asked.

Lavender gave a genuine smile. "Yeah. I don't want to push him, but Merlin, his hands are learning fast. His mouth too."

Parvati giggled while Hermione felt her cheeks heat a little. Deep down, she still had feeling for Harry, but she was getting over them now, and Dean was helping her. "Alright, you slags. I want to have a good night with Ernie and you two need a good shag."

"I do not," Hermione said incensed. Both her dormmates giggled at her outburst.

"Who is the slag? You slut," Lavender accused her best mate.

Parvati shrugged her shoulders. "It's just a bit of fun. Besides, Ernie is a good shag. I hope to make it number four tonight. Plus, he's like this long," Parvati said, holding her hands a good eight inches apart.

Lavender laughed and Hermione shook her head. She could never be that loose, but Parvati was seventeen now, like her, so it shouldn't be a taboo to just have some fun.

Lavender looked a little smug. "Harry still has him beat. I still can't swallow all of him in one go. Maybe if I was to lie on a bed and tip my head back..."

"Alright, I don't want to hear that. He's still my best mate," Hermione said, grabbing her beaded bag and marching for the door. Lavender and Parvati broke down into fits of giggles. They were still whispering and giggling with each other when they walked down to the Common Room.

Harry, Dean, Seamus, Ginny and Colin were waiting for them. Harry was in an old fashioned, turn of the century, suit with top hat, cane and long coat. Hermione had to admit he looked really good. There was a slight tinge of jealousy to see Lavender bounce up to him and throw herself at him, wrapping her arms around his neck and giving him a passionate kiss. She didn't miss the desire in his eyes to see his girlfriend.

When her eyes fell on Dean, the jealousy fell. She dark skin boy was in a similar outfit. Where Harry was still bulking out, Dean was fit, taller than she was, with a smirk that held mischief. His eyes went up and down her body and she liked the desire in his own eyes. It wasn't the lewd looks that Seamus was giving her, or the way Ron would size up many girls like they were a piece of meat... though he had stopped doing that now he was with Susan.

She gave him a smile as he bowed to her. "My lady undead," he play acted.

She giggled at his antics. That was another thing. Dean brought out this side in her she hadn't known she had. "Oh, hush," she said playfully.

Ginny looked a little sad. She was in a more princess costume. It looked nice on her. "Can we get going? I am meeting with date soon."

"I'm glad I'm a free agent tonight," Seamus said. "You are all too serious."

He was dressed as a pirate, while Colin was in a highland Scots kilt and shirt.

"Padma is supposed to be dressed like me, just a cat instead," Parvati said.

Seamus looked her up and down and smirked. "Sounds like fun."

Dean held out his arm and she took it. "Where is Ron and Neville?" Hermione asked.

"They left about ten minutes ago. Something about panty raiding the Hufflepuff girls," Seamus commented with a smirk.

Most of them chuckled. "Is it really raiding if you are already betrothed," Parvati put to them.

"Well, Ron and Susan aren't yet," Ginny countered.

"Well, Neville did have a pair of her knickers in his pocket the other day," Seamus added.

"I don't need to know that," Ginny said with a scowl.

"What colour where they?" Lavender asked.

"Black," Dean replied. "A little lacy too."

"Did you all see them," Lavender put to Harry.

"Only after the berk took them and Neville had to chase him," Harry said, nodding to Seamus.

Seamus rubbed his elbow. "He didn't have to tackle me."

"You were being a berk," Dean told his friend.

"Are all boys like this," Hermione asked, not really wanting an answer.

"Many," Lavender agreed.

"Oi! I'm not like that," Harry told her.

Lavender smirked. "So, if I gave you a pair of my knickers...?"

Harry's face looked a little abashed. "I wouldn't brag."

Lavender looked like she liked his answer and pecked his cheek. They were almost the same height so it was easy for her.

They bantered back and forth as they walked down to the Great Hall. It was supposed to be a fun night for everyone, so the entry hall and the courtyard outside the main doors were full of stalls. Games, treats, a few vendors... all of them to provide fun for first through seventh year.

When Hermione had sent in the suggestions to Headmistress McGonagall, she hadn't expected this. All year, the Hogwarts staff had been very accommodating to what was going on and changing the culture to be more inclusive.

"I want to try out some of those games," Dean said next to her.

"Sounds like fun," she agreed.

Seamus stuck with them as they were joined by Ernie, Susan, Hannah, Ron and Neville. Susan was in a dress that looked as form fitting as the one Lavender was wearing with fairy wings. Hannah was much the same, but hers were blue, compared to the green Susan was wearing. There didn't seem to be any great organization besides them all being shuffled into the Great Hall. Round tables were scattered through the hall. A few tales of food, drinks and treats were along one wall. A wooden dance floor has been added to the center of the hall and led up to a stage where the Head table usually was. By now, much of the school had gathered in the Entry Hall or Great Hall.

"Oh, I like this," Hannah commented.

"You are dancing with me tonight," Parvati ordered Ernie.

Harry gave a nervous chuckle. "I've only ever learned the ball dancing we needed for the Triwizarding Tournament."

"I don't think we are going to be doing ballroom dancing tonight. That is the Weird Sisters banner," Lavender said excitedly.

"Brilliant," Susan said.

Hermione laughed internally to see the apprehensive looks on Harry's, Ron's and Neville's face. Seamus looked thrilled. "This is going to be a good night."

It was just about seven when they were all in the hall. McGonagall had walked up onto the stage and put her wand to her throat. "Can I have your attention please?"

Everyone looked up to her.

"Thank you. I won't keep you long. Welcome to the first Halloween Dance. It has been more than fifty years since we had an event like this. I see most of you have gotten into the spirit of the night. It is nice to see so many dressing up," she said with a smile. It didn't hide her usually stern demeanor, but she looked more approachable.

"As you have all seen, some stalls and other activities have been provided. There is food available here or in the courtyard. About eight, we will have the Weird Sisters... " she could say anything for a moment as the hall erupted in cheering. The Headmistress have an indulgent smile to her students and went on when it calmed a bit. "Yes, I am sure you are all excited. All I ask tonight is to ensure everyone follows the normal rules, especially the older students."

The eye she put out to the crowd had a few smirking.

"Now, enjoy yourselves and curfew is extended to a half-hour after the Weird Sisters are done."

Hermione was shocked, as were a few around them. There was more cheering and the night had been kicked off. "I want to go get some food and check out the stalls," Dean told her.

"I'm going to go find Brocklehurst. Did you see what she was wearing," Seamus put to them.

"You're a pig," Parvati put to him. He winked at her before walking off. Dean chuckled as he shook his head. "He really is," Dean agreed about his best mate.

"Why don't we all go check it out. I want to be in here for the Weird Sisters," Susan put to them.

As a group, like many others around them, they wandered out. Nearly three hundred students made a crowd in the spaces things had been set up. She laughed Harry and Ron were dragged off to a photo booth. Dean leaned down and whispered into her ear, "You want to try the ring toss? Maybe I can get you one of those dolls," he put to her.

She looked over and say a stall with a ring toss. A crowd was already around it and egging people on. There were some beautiful porcelain dolls and other sewn animals up there for prizes. "I bet you can't do it," she told him, playing along.

He wagged his eyes. "Let's find out."

They made their way over, their group slowly dispersing as they all went their own way. Dean tried four times. No one was having much luck getting the big prizes. Hermione suspected some charms or hexes. After putting a galleon down for the fourth time, he had a really determined look on his face. "It shouldn't be this hard."

Hermione had been watching him and a few others. "Try to hit that red on in the back. Throw it more level. It seems to be bouncing the rings to the front," she told him. Many were trying to go for the red to get one of the large prizes. But, if he could get all three rings on a blue on, it would count as a red bottle.

He looked at her for a second before turning back to the stall. A group next to them gave a dissapointed groan as the girl missed the red bottle again. Dean threw his first ring in a more level path. It bounced off the red and onto the blue bottle before it. Dean's smile at her was brilliant.

"You are the brightest witch," he said. It sounded more a compliment, making her inside squirm a bit. He threw his other two and they all bounced back onto the blue bottle. "And we have a winner," the older man running the stall said. He was smiling, but his eyes were looking a little beadily at her. Dean must have seen it too becuase he stepped to shield her. "What one you want, luv?"

She blinked for a moment. Luv? "How about that one," she said, pointing to a porcelin doll that had was dark like Dean. The man gave it to them and then shoes them away to let others play. Dean chuckled and gave her a peck. "That was brilliant."

"If you paid attention, you could see the pattern. I'm sure there are hexes on some of the bottles, but he had to leave someway for people to win, otherwise the Ministry wouldn't give him a permit," she replied.

Dean nodded. "Makes sense. When did you come across that?"

"When I was looking into breeding and how magical businesses work while trying to save Buckbeak a few years back. I thought if I could get Hagrid a breeding permit, it might save Buckbeak," she replied.

"You really are brilliant. Oh, Seamus," he said. She followed his eyes to see him with an arm around Meaghan Jones.

"What's wrong now?" she enquired.

He shook his head. "Meaghan has already shot him down like six times. He only wants to go out with her because there is a rumor she liked to deep throat."

"Oh," Hermione said. "He really is a man-slut, isn't he?"

Dean laughed. "You have no idea. Come on. I bet Harry and Neville will be more fun to hang out with."

She smiled at him and grabbed his tie before they walked away. He gave her a questioning look before she pulled him down to give him a longer kiss than normal. "Thank you," she told him.

"For what?"

"Not trying to get into my knickers the first night," she told him. Perhaps Lavender and Parvati were getting to her more than she thought.

Dean's smile definitely had her insides flutter some. "Hermione, I know some people say I am bad as Seamus, but I'd rather take it slow and make sure we both want it than force myself on you. Besides, who else am I going to talk about becoming a solicitor in a few years?"

"Thank you," she said again. Maybe she would find a broom closet or something to drag him into and give him a little more of a peak tonight...

-oOo-

Elsewhere at the party...

Ron was feeling flush with heat. Susan and him had been dancing with everyone for the last hour or more and he needed a break. Susan looked just as hot... well, she looked hot in the barmaid outfit anyways...

The song ended and they all stopped jumping or grinding with each other. Hannah laughed at something Lavender said to her. Susan's chest was heaving a little and her smile was wide. "You want to get a drink or something," Ron asked.

"Merlin, yes," Susan yelled over the crowd. It looks like most fourth-year and up where out on the dance floor. She took his hand as he pulled her through the crowd to the tables and picked up two butterbeers for them.

She giggled as they tried to find a clear path outside. He wanted the cool night for a few.

Once they were free of the crowd, he walked with her out onto the stone bridge that was just past the courtyard. There were a few other couples hiding around the pillars or just talking as they leaned against the railing. He led her to a clear spot and she sidled into his side.

"Having fun tonight," he asked her, popping open a butterbeer and handing it to her.

"A lot, actually. We should find a way to do this more often," she told him, taking the butterbear and taking a big swig. He did the same, feeling thirsty.

"Yeah, I could do that. Maybe Harry and Lavender know some places around London when we are home over Christmas," he offered to her. She gave him a big smile and he pecked her on the lips. As he did, he felt his nerves starting to build a little. She nuzzled his nose before he pulled back.

"I would really like that if we could go out like that," she told him.

He nodded. "So, you still want to be together over Christmas," he asked her.

Her face became a little concerned. "I was hoping so," she commented.

He let out a long breath, put his butterbeer on the railing and reached for his pocket. "How about if we were still together over Easter? I bet we could go home and find someplace to dance then too."

Her concern became more pointed. "Please tell me you are being serious."

He sighed again. "Well, I know you said you wanted to see the Bones line go on. I talked with my parents last weekend, and they have agreed to either let me take on the Bones name, or to merge our lines."

Her eyes were wide. "You would do that," she asked incredulously.

He pulled back just a bit. "You said you wanted to know by Halloween. Well," he said, his hands feeling a little clammy. He would have preferred to just date Susan for now, maybe do this in a few years, but she had been right. It was less than two months now before the Ministry would make their minds for them. He backed up just enough to get on one knee. Susan's hands went to her mouth. "Susan Anna Bones, would you marry me," he asked quickly before his courage gave out.

He held out the box and opened it. Harry had offered Ron to go through the Black jewelry. Ron swore he would pay Harry back some day. They had gotten permission to go to see his parents last weekend and Harry had gone to Gringotts, Ron tagging along. He had no clue how much the diamond ring was worth that he was offering Susan at the moment, but he doubted it was cheap. He had fought Harry on it for a few minutes before Harry told him he was thinking of just melting all it down for the jewels and scrap metal.

It made Ron realize Harry wasn't over Sirius death yet.

He felt a little guilty about taking the ring. Technically though, Ron did have Black blood in him. It was five generations back, but was really taking something he did own if he was technically family to the Blacks? Besides, Harry really wasn't going to use it. He had taken a ring from the Potter jewelry though. Tonight they were both going to propose to their girlfriends and go see the solicitor this week if they said yes.

Susan stood there frozen for a moment, and he started to get a little nervous. "Susie?"

She suddenly squealed. "YES!"

Throwing herself at him, he just barely kept them up right as she hugged him and started to kiss him. Someone wolf-whistled from nearby and Susan giggled as she pulled back just a bit.

"Way to go, Weasley!"

It sounded like Katie.

He gave a thumbs up as Susan took the box. "Put it on my hand," she told him giddily.

He smiled at her, taking the ring out and she had to point out the left ring finger when he tried to put it on the wrong on. "Oh, Auntie will be so pleased!" she said, lunging to hug him again and kiss him.

Ron was shocked for a moment, before he stood up, lifted her up and spun her around. She laughed at his antics.

Her smile widened and she hugged him hard when he stopped. "We should go find somewhere private. I promised to show you what Hannah did when Neville asked."

His eyes widened and he hugged her tighter.

She had dragged him into the room near Ravenclaw tower. There were screens in two corners. When she pulled him around one, there were blankets on the floor. "What is this place," he asked.

She cast a quick scourgify on the blankets. When she looked up at him, she looked a little shy. "Hannah told me some of the upper years have a few classrooms set up like this. The teachers and prefects never check them for some reason. I think its the wards," she said, pointing her wand as a few rocks.

"Really? How come I never knew about this," he asked, looking at the setup. He noticed some candles and empty bottles on some shelves.

She came up to him, her hand slipping into his. "This is one of the Hufflepuff places. I don't know what Griffindor does. I heard the two rooms in the upper dungeons would be used tonight."

Her face was a little red. He liked, pulling her in and giving her a kiss. She wrapped her hands around his waist and they were soon snogging. He liked how she grabbed his bottom and he was allowed to run his hands where ever he wanted. She moaned as he kissed down her neck.

It wasn't long to have her pushing him down onto the blankets. When she did, she straddled his legs. Her dress had ridden up and her knickers were against his bulging pants. It was hot. What she did next was even hotter and he felt himself press hard into her knickers.

She looked a little shy, but her hands went to the hem of her dress and she slowly pulled hit off. He was breathless to see her large breasts pop out with no bra and to have her only in her knickers now. He rushed to get his shirt off. She leaned down, her chest pressed against his as they danced their tongues around each other. After a few, she broke the kiss and sat up again. He groaned with pleasure and pain as she rocked back on him with his dick caught in his pants. She looked a sexy as hell, her large breasts exposed to him, and made the experience totally worth it. "You promise to let me know if I am doing this right?"

"What are you doing, Susie," he asked, hoping it was what he was imagining.

She bit her lip, slid down his legs and moved to undo his pants. He helped her remove them and his boxers when she started to tug them off and she just stared at his cock for a moment when it was out. He felt a little self-conscious with how she looked at him. "Do you mind if I touch you?" she asked.

"No," he told her.

Her hands were soft and so much better than his own hands. She explored his length before she started to find an easy pace that was soon driving him crazy. He wasn't sure if he would last long, his eyes closed and his head back until he felt something wet and warm wrap around the head of his cock. He opened his eyes to see her looking at him. "Oh, merlin," he said.

She released him. "Is this alright?"

"More than alright. Is this what Hannah did to Neville?" he asked her.

Her face reddened a little. "I will try to swallow," she told him before moving her head down again. Ron couldn't keep his hips down as she did what she did and it wasn't long before she was gagging.

"Susie, I'm so sorry," he said, feeling that that had been the most brilliant thing, but feeling a little guilty at her reaction. After a moment, she made a show of swallowing what was in her mouth and then licking her lips. "It wasn't bad," she said, a little cringe on her face.

"You don't have to do that again, if you don't want," he told her, hoping anything but.

After a moment, she moved up to kiss him. "If you liked it, I will do it again."

His smile was huge. "It was brilliant. Want me to do kiss you down there too?"

She bit her lip again before nodding. They started to kiss heavily again and it wasn't long for her to be totally nude before him. He liked that her muff matched the hair on her head. Her soft skin made him tingle wherever it touched him. Her chest was raising and falling fromm the heavy snogging they had been doing. Susan was not a skinny girl, she wasn't anywhere close to fat either. She was healthy with wide hips. Her stomach was firm. Her body really was an hour-glass shape. Looking down at her, he said, "Susie, you are beautiful."

She had looked a little unsure until he said that. After a second, she reached up and pulled him down for a kiss. His cock brushed the hair of her muff and they both groaned. She stopped after a moment. "I'm not ready to have sex yet," she told him.

Having them both naked against each other it was hard for him to think straight, but he nodded. "How about I return the favour then?"

She bit her lip and then nodded. Ron took his time kissing down her body. She spread her legs and sighed when he put his hand between them. He rubbed her, not knowing what else to do yet. When he finally made it between her legs with his lips, she smelt musty from all the dancing they had been doing. It was a smell that he found he liked.

She moaned as he kissed her thighs, then the mound with her red hair. Ron stopped for just a moment to look at the folds and the way they clung together. Between looking at her slit, then up to her breasts and to meet her brown eyes that looked so sexy, he found this would probably be his patronus memory for the rest of his life.

She was panting a little and watched as he leaned down to kiss her folds. "Let me know what you like," he told her, then he used his tongue to lick from the bottom to the top of her folds. She closed her eyes and her mouth was half open. Her chest stopped moving for a moment as though she was holding her breath. "I like that," she said after a moment.

Ron smiled and did it again, just licking the top of her folds. She let out a contented breath and then moaned when he pushed his tongue in further the next time he did. She spread her legs a little wider and her slit opened some. He liked the hot pink inside and the way it glistened. Using his tongue more, he pushed it in further and slowly went the length of her slit again. Susan moaned even deeper. His cock was rock hard to see her reaction. He would have to relieve himself again later if she didn't.

He continued his ministrations on her, repeating anything that had her squirm or moan again. She soon had spread her legs at far as she could and he wrapped his arms around her thighs as he figured she liked it when he licked and then sucked on the nib at the top of her slit.

Doing that shortly had her panting and putting a hand over her mouth so that she didn't make too much noise. Merlin, he was so hot to see her like this that he did all he could to make her scream out. When she fisted his hair to pull his face in more, her legs started to quiver and she cried out like he had never heard her. Her whole body shook as he kept licking, sucking and kissing.

"Stop," she panted after a few, pushing his head back. She giggle. "Stop," she squealed when he flicked his tongue out and just caught the top of her nib. He wanted to lick and suck on her more.

He looked up at her, uncertain he hadn't done something wrong, though. Her chest was heaving, her other arm was over her eyes, a smile was on her face. "Oh, merlin! Is that how it was when I sucked you off earlier?"

"I don't know. That was brilliant. Did you liked it?"

She giggled again. "Merlin, Ron," she said through her pants. "That was the best thing ever."

He gave her a big smile, not caring his face was slick with her juices. "Well, if you want me to do it again, " he told her, leaning down to kiss her mound. She shivered.

"Not right now, but, Merlin, yes," she told him, finally taking her arm off her eyes and looking down at him. "Merlin, I love you."

Neither of them had said that yet. He wasn't sure what he was feeling for Susan was love yet, but it was turning that way. When he met her eyes again, they were gleaming in the light of the candles. OH! Bloody hell! he thought. He had gone this far, mind as well go all the way. He kissed her mound again, enjoying the way her body quivered. "I love you too," he said, realizing he meant it.

Susan took him into her mouth again when she saw how stiff he was after giving her her first real orgasm of her life. He wondered back a little after curfew, a huge smile on his face. That night he decided he would never regret asking Susan to be his wife. He also found he wouldn't put up with Seamus trying to suggest things about Susan. Ron didn't want anyone saying those things about her. A few punches were thrown at each other... even if he had to agree with Seamus some. Her mouth was brilliant. He really liked her taste. He also really liked her moans when he return the favor in the classroom they had found.

Ron finally went to bed with a smile, and a black eye.

-oOo-

Harry watched Ron pull Susan off the dance floor. He knew what Ron was probably going to do, and his nerves shot through the roof. Lavender was laughing at something Parvati and Hannah were saying. Neville just shook his head to say he had no idea what was going on.

Thinking this would be a good opportunity, he moved in. "Do you mind if I steal my girlfriend for a few," he asked them.

"I would stay away from the normal spots tonight. I hear there is a nice abandoned class room or two on the sixth or seventh floors," Parvati suggested.

"Will you stop tonight," Lavender said with a pointed look.

Hannah pulled her over for a moment and whispered something into her ear. The look Lavender gave him was quite heated and he felt himself stir in his trousers. "I have my own plans, thank you," Harry told them, pulling Lavender off towards the gardens that had been planted during the Triwizarding Tournament and kept up since then.

Hannah and Parvati giggled as the walked away. Neville just shook his head. He didn't thing that Hermione and Dean were no where to be seen.

"Where are you taking me?" Lavender giggled. Harry's insides squirmed.

"To the gardens."