It came in at 11K. I am going to have to buckle down and get some more writing done. I am as always looking for suggestions.

Thanks to Mr. Beta, (rob4133) he is continuing to do a wonderful job. He is starting his own story soon. I am looking forward to following it.


Harry seldom needed an alarm to wake him and today was no exception. He found that Neville also woke and was moving the same time he was. Less than ten minutes later the two were at the doors. "It's pissing down!"

"You're not made of sugar. You won't melt."

"That's what Marion says, except she says shit."

"I was just trying to be nice Nev. Let's go."

They made two circuits around the lake before deciding to stop. They were just too wet. Getting to the entrance. Neville stopped. "Filch will kill us if we get water on his floor."

"You only live once Null." Harry was going to brave it. But 2 passing 7th years took pity on them and used a drying charm on them.

Hermione was waiting on them as they came down the boy's stairs fresh from their showers.

"Good run?"

"Better than no run. You know Harry, Marion was introducing me to weights as the summer ended."

"That would be so cool. I'll put it on the list."

"The list?"

Hermione sighed, "Harry has this mental list of things he wants to accomplish."

"Good idea. Where is this list?"

"It's somewhere in his head."

"Wouldn't it be better to write it down?"

"Yeah but I want the girls to be able to access the list in my head. As a challenge you see."

"How is that going?" He was curious. Not a lot was known about bonds, and what was told was lies and legends.

"Not too good. the only thoughts we can see of his all deal with sex."

"So you see most of his thoughts then." He added jokingly.

"And the other 2% probably isn't worth knowing," Harry finished as they got to the Ravenclaw eagle.

Two firsties were walking out so they didn't need to worry about any riddle. "I thought she would be outside or meet us outside of our common room."

Not a sound was made but the two turned to the corner. There in the corner, a corner almost hidden by a book shelf and a large plant was Luna doing her best to blend into the gray colored seat cover. "Luna love?" Hermione yelled running to her. She helped raise her head. Her skin was red her eyes unfocused and on any exposed skin, you could see a dark roadmap tracing her veins.

"Dobby!" Harry yelled.

"Yes Mast..."

"Take them to the infirmary."

Dobby nodded and touched the 2 girls. In a moment they were gone.

"You're my second?" Harry was fuming. He was mad at himself, at the headmaster, and all of Ravenclaw. He had to force himself to be calm.

"Of course, let's do it."

The two strode into the dining hall as if marching to war. Being early the hall was sparsely populated, but both of the professors Harry wanted to talk to were there. Along with another he didn't want to talk to.

"Professor Flitwick and Assistant Headmistress McGonagall. I am sorry to intrude on your breakfast but I need a moment of your time."

"The school year has just begun and you already show your arrogance Potter."

"I wasn't addressing you Snape."

"That's a detention with me tonight Potter."

"That's Lord Potter, Snape and you are interfering with House Potter and House Black business. I will not sit for your detention. You interrupted a private discussion." He kept his voice low he really didn't need to get loud he was trying to keep it at a civil volume.

Professor Flitwick interrupted. "How may I help you, Lord Potter?"

"Would you like to do this here or somewhere else professor?"

"You're right. Let us retire to the anteroom."

The four made their way to the room, Neville the last to enter. Seeing Professor Snape there he turned," You were neither asked for nor wanted., excuse us, professor," as he closed the door on Snape's angry face.

"Lord Potter you wished to speak with us?"

"Before I begin I wish to express my reluctance to take this course of action. I have nothing except the utmost respect for the both of you. However, this is the third year in which this has occurred. Your inaction or your incompetence forces me to challenge you to a duel."

McGonagall's sharp intake of breath showed her surprise. "And how has professor Flitwick been incompetent Lord Potter?" Clearly not happy.

"My bondmate lies in the hospital wing. Once again the victim of abuse. Every year it is the same thing. She has reported this previously to your prefects and that only exacerbated the issue. You are in charge of Ravenclaw. You are the one assigning the prefects. The ghosts report to you. You are either complicit or incompetent. I stand ready to meet you now or any time."

McGonagall's mouth opened and closed several times. Flitwick stood as if poleaxed.

"Lord Potter's challenge may not have been exactly as proscribed by tradition, but I stand ready as his second."

"Lord Potter I ask your indulgence. I ask for 48 hours to resolve this to your satisfaction. If not I will be glad to cross wands with you."

"Your reputation precedes you Professor. I know that there is none but the smallest chance that I would be able to overcome you. Luna is my responsibility and I will shoulder those responsibilities come what may." Harry turned his head to silently ask Neville.

"It's allowed, Harry."

"Then that will be acceptable professor." They nodded to one another then Filius turned to Minerva, "May I ask you to pass out schedules?"

"Go. Take care of business."

The door to the anteroom nearly exploded off the hinges. The now filling breakfast hall stopped silently. Before talk resumed at a higher pitch. Most asked the question, "I wonder what happened?"

More than a couple guessed, "Must have something to do with Potter." While Snape stared at his hated enemy just wishing they were alone. He would show that Potter. They're all alike.

Harry followed the diminutive man into the sickbay. Immediately Hermione was in his arms. She hadn't stopped crying since she had gotten there. "How is she?"

"She will be fine Mr. Potter. It was a good thing she got here when she did it was a near thing."

"What happened?" Filius demanded.

"Isenthe poison, in an aerosol form. She probably didn't realize it was there. I am amazed she was able to dress and move today. I've cleared her lungs and her body will do the rest."

"Can we have something for Hermione?"

Poppy looked at the girl, she was a wreck. Nodding, she took a dreamless sleep potion and made Hermione drink it. Without thinking, Harry took his wand and levitaed Hermione's bed closer to Luna's. No one realized, not evn Harry that he had done so silently. In a flash she was holding on to Luna as she fell asleep. Covering her up Harry took a seat and began his vigil over his ladies.

"You can go to class Mr. Potter, they're safe."

"You'll excuse me, but that hasn't been my experience so far."

"Let him go Poppy. Mr. Potter would not do very well right now. I am going to use your floo." Taking a handfull of powder he threw it in yelling, "Aurors!"

A face appeared, "Aurors here. Who am I speaking with?"

"This is Professor Flitwick we have a situation. There has been an attack."

It was at that time the headmaster chose to enter the room. He interrupted the professor. "I don't think aurors are really necessary. I'm sure it was just an accident."

"Well I'm not. I want the aurors!"

"Filius, let's discuss this."

The Auror interrupted, "What do you want me to do?"

Flitwick lost his patience. "Johnson. What are you supposed to do when someone calls for aurors?"

"Standby. Someone will be coming through momentarily."

Dumbledore for the first time looked around the room. "Mr. Potter? What are you doing here?" His voice had an edge to it that wasn't lost on anyone else.

"I am protecting my bondmates sir."

"I am sure they will be fine."

"I am glad you are. I'm not. The first night in the school and I nearly lost my Luna. I'm not moving."

Dumbledore was going to yell at him when the aurors stepped through. "Imagine my surprise, headmaster when we receive a call from Hogwarts. I can't ever remember getting a call for assistance from here." Amelia Bones stepped through with the young Auror that Harry assumed was Johnson. "What happened?"

"Miss Lovegood was poisoned last night with Isenthe poison."

"Just how could someone be exposed to that be a mistake Headmaster? And again something to do with Lord Potter? I thought I cautioned you before about interfering with Lord Potter and his bondmates?"

Albus stood there his face beginning to get red; too angry for words. Getting himself under control, he demanded, "You will apprise me once your investigation concludes?"
It wasn't really a question. In this circumstance as the headmaster, he was within his rights to know what happened in his school. Without another word, he turned and left.

"I am sorry that this occurred. Do you have any insight to this?"

Harry told her everything, the prior abuse and the actions of the headmaster the previous evening. He told the aurors how they had found her this morning.

"This poison is devilishly difficult to detect. It's colorless and almost odorless. It's fairly easy to obtain and although we're going to try unless we get a break, the perpetrator may get away with this."

"Lord Potter is holding me responsible for this. And I agree with his assessment."

The aurors left with the professor leaving Harry and Nurse Pomphrey and the girls. Hoping it was unnecessary, he broke out one of his books that had some spell chains that might help him against the professor. He wasn't going to win, but he was going to put up a fight.
-

Luna was the first to wake up. She saw his face, his beaming smile welcoming her. "Luna love. How is my girl?" He gently kissed her.

"I'm tired. I don't feel good."

"Go back to sleep. I'll be here when you wake up." She immediately turned and grabbed Hermione. It wasn't another minute before she was back asleep.

Neville came up with a sandwich. "You hadn't eaten breakfast, and you're about to miss lunch. How is she?"

"She woke up a couple hours ago and fell back to sleep. Hermione was pretty upset so she needed a potion."

"What about you? What do you need?"

Harry pointed. "Them. The two of them healthy. The walls have eyes and ears here. "But you know who I suspect?"

"Of course, I do as well. Proving it is an entirely different matter. You couldn't know this, but except for firsties, all Ravenclaws have been excused from classes for the day. I saw a couple when I was down for lunch. They didn't look happy."

"I very nearly pulled the whole room down when I was there earlier. If it happens again, I will."

"That's just it. You can't let it happen. You've put Flitwick in an almost impossible situation. If he doesn't satisfy you in what, 40 hours from now; he has to duel a 15-year-old. There's not a lot of honor in that for him or you."

"I know that. I honestly couldn't think of another way to protect Luna without changing schools. If I had just complained the problems would have come from another avenue, and he should have seen it when she first got there."

"Harry. I don't disagree with you."

"By the way. You've quickly made yourself a target also."

"Not as much as you. But yeah I know." Neville thought back through the conversation and what he knew of Harry. "Don't tell me. You've got an idea."

Harry smirked, "Okay, I won't tell you, but yeah. I just hope it works."

It was later as both girls were waking up that the aurors and Professor Flitwick came back. "It was as we feared, there is just nothing to go on. No trace of magical energy, nothing left behind, nothing to point us to an enemy."

"What about that other issue I mentioned? Did you check into that?"

"I did. I am seeing a pattern here."

"I would like to talk to you further about this when there is time."

"I look forward to it."

Flitwick was curious, "I realize that I am completely blind and only half aware of what you are talking about. But is this other matter related to this one?"

Amelia was about to say she was unsure when Harry answer first, "I believe so. As do others. Which makes this more important."

The girls stirred and Hermione was at once hugging her mate. "Easy Miss Granger, let her relax a bit," Pomphrey recommended. Luna's smile was dazzling as she enjoyed Hermione's attention.

After being question by the officers, Johnson and Bones went to brief the headmaster. Waiting till they were alone Filius put up privacy charms.

"Mr. Potter, do you suspect the headmaster's involvement with this?"

"I do professor. Did you also know that my godfather Sirius Black is innocent? The headmaster and professor Snape know this for a fact. Also, the headmaster tried his best to stop me from accepting my lordship. As well as making a weak attempt to keep me from my ladies during the summer."

"So part of the reason why you challenged me was because of his influence over me."

"Correct. If you are Dumbledore's man, you would happily put me in my place like his pet bat does. Your actions today show me you are your own man."

"You have given me much to think about. When there is time I will let you know of my investigation into Miss Lovegood's difficulties and we still may have a date in the very near future."

"I am kind of looking forward to it Professor."

He smiled at Harry, "I knew you would."
-

Filius knocked on Minerva's door and walked in. "Break open the bottle."

"That bad?"

"Worse." He said tossing a quick dram of fire-whiskey down his throat. "Hit me again", as fire came from his mouth. "I am so disgusted right now. If I was in Mr. Potter's shoes I would challenge me too."

"What was going on?"

"Did you know that Miss Lovegood is a seer? I'll have to talk to her but from the little I've heard, she's powerful. And without any training, she sees things that no one else can and was too open and shared what she saw. Her mother's death nearly destroyed her father and he is only now beginning to cope with it. Anyway, no mother, no father, no friends she came to school looking for acceptance and found more people to pick on her, 'Looney Lovegood.' She's been beaten, cursed, stuck into closets , tripped. You name it, its probably been done to her. She's even had her shoes stolen in the winter time. I'm sorry Minny I know this report is disjointed I'm just too upset," as he drained another glass and reached another. I've fired all the prefects. They either participated in it or knew about it. I've removed the Quidditch team, next year we will have to field a new one. And if I am around I doubt I will let anyone who was actively involved in it. If I had all of Ravenclaw to pick from, not counting first years, choosing only the totally innocent, I would perhaps find 6 players.

"Are you going to tell Albus?"

"Do you really think that Albus didn't know? Who do you think is Mr. Potter's prime suspect?"

It was Minerva's turn to take a pull. "Why?"

"First, he accepts his Lordship. Amelia told me Albus stopped Potter from doing it when he was younger. He never he told him that he was a lord or mentioned that his parents had a will ... that he was a witness to. He knew James and Lilly's wishes for the boy but ignored them. Did you know that Sirius is innocent?"

"No!"

"He is. Mr. Potter and Miss Granger were witnesses to Pettigrew's confession."

"Peter is alive?" She took her second shot.

"Indeed he was Weasleys pet rat."

"Damn."

"Yeah, Damn. So to look at from Potter's perspective, Albus hides important facts from Harry, Keeps Harry away from Sirius and all of the others that would raise him, hides his lordship, once Mr. Potter rebels, he then accosts him in Gringott's, sends Weasley to 'rescue' him and then the day school starts almost kills the greatest seer since Helga."

"What are you going to do?"

"You know Potter was right to challenge me, I overheard him and Longbottom talking. He was going to pull the entire Ravenclaw tower down this morning."

She snorted in her glass. "He's strong but not that strong."

"Don't fool yourself. Albus is still the strongest in the castle, but Potter is right behind him and Longbottom dead on his heels. Those two are powerhouses I would hate to enrage the two of them together."

"That maybe why Albus did it. To try and kill Luna at the same time Potter gets his wand snapped and thrown into Azkaban."

"I wouldn't doubt it."

"So what are you going to do about Potter's challenge? He may be stronger than you, but certainly not a match for you."

"I have an idea, but I'll need your help."

She raised her glass, "Confusion to Dumbledore!"

"And to his pet bat, I hope he gets rabies!"

"Here-here!"

"Mr. Longbottom, Mr. Potter a moment of your time please." Harry and Neville were in the Great Hall grabbing dinner. Harry wasn't going to leave Luna but Professor Flitwick promised to stay in his stead until he had a chance to eat.

Rumors were spreading quicker and quicker, the more so because no one knew what to believe. They knew that someone in Ravenclaw had nearly died, and then did die, (again according to rumor), and that Harry Potter was involved. A few has seen him in the common area that very morning. Everyone knew this was fact because the head of the DMLE was there today, in Ravenclaw and then in the headmaster's office.

A Slytherin yelled out, "Hey Potter, did you kill a Ravenclaw tody?"

Neville and he just laughed. He answered, "Did you do a headcount?"

Neville called out, "Do a count of Slytherin today too, cause tomorrow... well you know."

People started to run around as talk increased. Everyone eyed the pair as McGonigall had the boys follow her up several flights of stairs; past the Gryffindor entrance. There was a portrait of the griffin in all of his glory. "Open," She said . There was a common room similar to the other Gryffindor one, except a tad smaller. There waiting for him was Professor Flitwick, Luna, and Hermione.

"Harry! The girls exclaimed jumping up in his arms.

The girls were tightly against either side of him as they sat on the couch. "While the investigation proceeds, there is actually little hope barring some unforeseen miracle that we will discover the culprit or culprits. As far as the past abuse is concerned, I have taken appropriate steps and punished the individuals and the house in general for fostering that atmosphere. I can if you will give you a complete list of people punished and details of their punishment."

"No that's fine professor. I don't want to know, it would be too tempting. But any further issues with these people will see them hurt, and I give you fair warning, I mean hurt."

"Understood Lord Potter, and our other issue?"

He was going to respond when Neville cleared his throat, and with his hand indicated he should rise. He did so and faced the man. "I believe everything has been resolved satisfactorily," he said looking at both girls who nodded. "I want to thank you for addressing this so promptly, I look forward to your; the both of your tutelage." He finished with a bow.

"You are most welcome," he returned the bow. "I shall consider this matter closed. And by the way, I would like to offer the four of you some extra training? Perhaps a couple times a week?"

"That will be marvelous." Hermione was especially eager.

"See me after class tomorrow. We will set up a time then." Both professors left the four, everyone was smiling.

They quickly inspected the living quarters. There were two bedrooms each with two beds in it. Each room had 2 large desks. The girls put their heads together. Neville and Harry knew enough to let them go. The girls done with their conversation asked, "Neville? Which room do you want?"

He shrugged, "One is much like the other. They each have a private bath. Why?"

"Because we want you to take that one," Luna said pointing to the left hand. "And we want to take that one, " Hermione finished pointing to the right.
"Fine by me. Harry?"

"That works for me. I'll have Dobby move all of our things to the different rooms."

"No." Hermione started.

"You don't understand," Luna finished.

"You're going in there with us." They said together.

"Oh..." Dawn broke for the young men.

"You mean you will be sleeping together?"

"Yes Neville that is what one does in bedrooms is sleep. However, if you're referring to sex."

And once again Hermione finished, "we will not be engaging sex for some time yet. We will be doing normal boyfriend girlfriend girlfriend stuff though. Does this bother you?"

"Not especially. It would have last year, but Marion really opened my eyes."

"I wish I had gotten to know her."

Luna asked, "Hermione? Why is everyone always asking us about sex? Do they need lessons? Or not remember how? I don't understand."

"It's okay Luna love we'll try to explain it to you."

"I think it's going to be one of those things you don't understand though." Harry finished.

After the run with Null the next morning and a quick shower the quartet began the trek to the dining hall. "I want to make a detour."

"Harry, what are you doing?"

"Is this what we spoke of?"

"Yeah Nev, it's basically your idea, just working off of it." He smirked and the girls sighed. They knew it was going to be an interesting day.

Their luck was good, and they spied a lone first year Slytherin. This was almost as rare as a Crumple-horned Snorcack sighting, so they jumped on the chance. "Excuse me. Do you have a second?"

Every Slytherin firstie knows who Harry Potter is. They have to endure a 30-minute lecture on why he is evil their first night. So naturally he was nervous. "What do you want?" He replied nervously gripping his wand in a death grip. The fact that he knew 2 spells neither of which would help in this situation. But he could bluff. He waved his wand threateningly.

"Relax, I don't hate Slytherins. Despite what you have heard. Just certain assholes." The boy relaxed a bit. "What we want is just a simple business transaction."

This was something most Slytherins understood. "What is it?"

"Simple, you skip breakfast. Go anywhere you want. Just don't be seen by your housemates until after breakfast."

"I don't have class this morning, nothing until after lunch. What do you get out if it? And better yet, what's in it for me?"

"We are pranking some professors. As far as you are concerned, I will pay you 2 galleons, if this goes well maybe some other easy tasks down the road."

"Down the road?"

"He means in the future," Hermione added.

The Slytherin thought about it, "No one is getting hurt?"

"Not at all. This is a prank nothing further."

"I want my gold now."

"Great!" Harry said handing over the gold. "By the way, don't look Snape or the headmaster in the eye, they read minds."

"That's illegal!" He was affronted.

"Since when did that matter to those two?"

"I am going to the library, enjoy your prank."

They only stopped him to find out his name and to shake his hand. Marcus, they found out was a half-blood that was as surprised as anyone that he was placed in Slytherin.
With no friends there yet, the ambitious boy jumped on the opportunity to make some easy gold just by missing breakfast. Even if it was found out, no one would blame him for making 2 galleons for no work at all.

They walked into the hall and naturally everyone's eyes gravitated towards Potter with the 2 ladies on either arm and his close friend right behind. They were eating when Neville stood up and pointed his finger at each member of the Slytherin table counting heads and then sat down. This garnered almost no attention. Then Hermione stood up and did the same followed closely behind by Luna each doing the same head count. They would lean in close and whisper, Luna could be heard giggling followed by "shhh's." Finally, Harry stood up and did the same.

Someone remembered Longbottom said, "Slytherin was next." Others stood up and started doing it too, forgetting they would need to know how many were in the house to begin with. Eventually, the Slytherin prefects started it as well. Much talk was heard from the table everyone trying to account for everyone else's location. A few even stood and ran to the dungeon looking for people which further confused the count.

Hushed whispers were uttered throughout the hall at every table with snippets of "Potter and Longbottom killed some Slytherins." While everyone eyed the quartet nervously. Eventually one of the prefects got the brilliant idea to run to the head table and tell Snape what the commotion was. The entire head table listened as the nervous prefect loudly whispered that Potter had killed some Slytherins. Snape's eyes grew wide with surprise and then anger as did the headmaster's. Minerva and Filius smirked and hid their smiles behind napkins, while Trawlney was heard to say, "I foresaw it, but I didn't think it would happen today."

The four done with their breakfast and their fun stood to leave. Everyone grew quiet, not a sound was heard until Harry said, "What do you think Nev, tomorrow puffs or griffins?"

He shrugged, "Why not both?"

Sounds good, "Girls could you get a count for today please?"

The girls jabbed their finger at the student bodies, Hermione taking the puffs and Luna completing the griffins.

They were in Flitwick's charm class when it was interuppted by Professor Snape. "Forgive me," he said even making that sound condescending. "I need a moment of Mr. Potter's time.

"By all means. Mr. Potter," he said indicating the door.

"How can I help you professor?"

The greasy bat just gestured towards the door, "In the hallway Potter."

Harry followed him out the door only to be joined by Filius a moment later. Snape couldn't very well object to it, it was his time they were interrupting. "3 of my snakes are missing Potter. I will see you expelled and sent to Azkaban for this!" He couldn't hide the vitriol.

And Harry couldn't help himself, "Wait a minute. 3 students that you are responsible for are missing and I am going to jail? Does that mean I am in charge of Slytherin house? If you can't find them maybe you should go to prison."

"I know you killed them. I will have my revenge."

"You're going a bit fast for me," he stressed the word, "Professor," to make it sound disgusting. "First, they are missing and now they are dead. Do you have the bodies? Was I seen near the corpses? Should I get some representation?"

Just then a 7th year ran up, "Wilkes and Donahue were found professor. They were in a broom closet."

"That's a relief, professor. Oh wait, they were in a broom cupboard. If she gets pregnant am I responsible for that too? Professor Snape, write these rules down of what I am supposed to be responsible for will you? This way maybe it will make your job easier."

While Flitwick smirked and Snape fumed, Harry helped him out one last time. "You know the headmaster has control of the wards. He can with his command demand to know where everyone in the castle is. Before you embarrass yourself further ask him for his help. That's a much better choice than running up to a 4th year."

Snape was nearly apoplectic. "I know you did something Potter. 10 points from Gryffindor for wasting my time!" He snarled and seemed to fly away. He never thought of asking the headmaster. His only thought was to finally have something to hurt a Potter with, any Potter.

Once back in the classroom Filius awarded, "15 points to Mr. Potter for assisting Professor Snape."

Lunch time was quite a different matter. Null had nearly demanded that they all get there early. They took a good seat at the Gryffindor table as they watched everyone file in. The four laughed as every house had their first and second years file in together under the watchful eyes of a prefect, all with wands in hand. The snakes and puffs had all of their students together, first and seconds surrounded by prefects and upper years. Marcus winked and the four laughed and applauded as the parade strode past their spot.

Luna couldn't let it go. She stood and looked to each of the four houses, "Are they all there?"

A few nodded, and one of the upper year claws answered, "everyone's accounted for."

She turned to the head table and said, "and that's how you get your prefects to do their fucking jobs!"

She walked out closely followed by an extremely proud Hermione and Harry. Both of which kissed her soundly.
-

They were sitting in their common room. The girls hugging Neville. It had been a tough day for him. He had following the darks arts class had dressed completely in black and had put on the full makeup. Seeing the spider tortured was just a bit too much for him. Things had quieted and fallen into a routine. Luna had a couple of girls in her year that was starting to talk to her, and the four were either at or near the top in all of their classes. No one mentioned that Harry had ordered Dobby to keep a close watch on her. An order he was happy to follow.

No one wanted to go to the hall so Dobby had fixed their meals for them. He was hugged every day by both girls and thanked by Harry. He knew he had made the right decision 2 years ago. All of the pain and discomfort was worth it to be bonded to these loving people. A knock at the door disturbed the quiet conversation. The griffin announcing 2 guests.

The twins stood in the common room not daring to sit down not even able to meet anyone's eyes. "May we help you gentlemen?"

For once the twin speak didn't work. They started "umm, and ahh."

"Okay," Harry said. "Let's make this easy. Fred, what's on your mind?"

"We needed to speak to the ladies, Lord Potter." He was clearly embarrassed.

"That is up to the ladies. However, Lord Longbottom and I will be right here while you do so. Recent actions on your part have suspended any kind of trust we had for you."

"And you are right to do so," George jumped in with Gryffindor courage. "It has been made clear to us, that our brother did lie to us. We are not even sure why we believed him in the first place. Most of Gryffindor has found his stories too much to believe and they've only grown with the retelling."

"Oh really!" Hermione was quick to respond. "What is that prat saying now?"

"The latest retelling now has him fighting Harry off after a long magic duel and him barely escaping with his life; heroically of course."

"With Harry as the bad guy?" Luna jumped in.

They nodded. "Fred, George sit down. We have much to discuss. I want to point out that we can understand that you have to defend siblings, but we really don't know what it is like. All of us here are only children. But we would imagine if a story sounds like a bunch of dragon dung then no matter what the source, it has to be pointed out."

"That's the point." One started.

"We know that and him." The twin speak was beginning to flow again.

"but we almost had to believe him," they both finished.

"Someone must have been helping him then. That's fine. This is what we want to do. Tell us now if you have a problem with it..."

-
A week or so later they were at breakfast and Harry was reading the newspaper. Mrs. Granger had forwarded it via Hedwig. The headline read,

"DRUG KINGPINS OF SURREY SENT TO PRISON."

Harry read through the news. The Dursleys had followed their attorney's advice and had accepted a plea deal of 15 to 20 years. The article went to say they were convicted of
possession and sale of illegal narcotics, (Daedalus never did figure out what those white packets of powder were,) child abuse, forgery, and Harry couldn't believe it, tax
fraud. He thought for sure that was going to be resolved. He was ambivalent about the whole thing. One part of him rejoiced that there was no way they would hurt him anymore,
but the other argued they were family. Without even glancing at the headline Hermione pulled him away from the table and sat him facing out. Hitching her robes up she sat on
his lap her legs on either side of his hips and just hugged him. She noticed almost immediately the mood shift as well as all of the blood leaving his head for other
regions.

"That's 10 points Mr. Potter for the public spectacle you are making of yourself." The greasy bat sneered.

"Some things are worth it," Hermione said as she kissed him one more time before finishing her toast.

None of the guys worried about the points. Thet wished they could have someone sit on their laps.

"Some of us are trying to eat here Potter!" Well almost all the guys, the redhaired vacuum almost lost his appetite; almost.

Luna scrunched her eyes almost closed. Trying to read Harry's paper upside down. It wasn't as easy as Daddy's, the typeface was too dissimilar. "Harry, what is this thought I
have about the list and Dudley?"

"Oh my Luna! I owe you a foot rub! I had almost forgot." He dove back onto the paper looking for information on Dudley. While he was beating me, I was trying hard not to lose
my temper and I decided to move him up to the top[ of the list. I have an idea for a prank that will help Dudley and be funny as hell at the same time."

"Well Mr. Potter. You can start at my feet but it won't end there."

"Luna, may we know your friends?"

They sat down at the claw table for breakfast. Luna was all too happy to introduce Harry and Hermione as her bondmates. No one was surprised by this anymore but no formal

introductions had been made. Neville however, was scouting new territory. He sat at the snake table directly across from a 7th year. He made small talk with her after

introducing himself. She didn't look immediately affronted, and returned the polite conversation, asking Neville why a boy would color his nails and especially that color.

"Hey squib," yelled Malfoy. "Why don't you go back to where you came from?" His cronies laughed, most just stopped to watch the entertainment.

Neville stood up, "Are you addressing me?"

Malfoy gave him the finger and continued, "No one wants you here squib."

Neville looked at him cooly, "Stand up when you are addressing your betters Scion Malfoy."

That should have tipped him off, but he was too full of himself to realize when he was being played. Pansy tried to get him to shut up, but he threw her hands off of him. "You're not my better!"

"I am in every sense of the word. Refrain yourself before you get into a situation that you cannot hope to succeed in."

"I'll prove it. I challenge you to a duel!"

"Silly boy, since the one challenged, I get to name the time, place and event." Malfoy still looked confident until Null said, "Here, now and boxing. It is and has been part

of a gentleman's education since going back to the days of Camelot. As we are both of noble houses you are expected to be proficient in the sport."

"Is this really necessary boys?" The headmaster had come over to try and end this.

"There are no 'boys' here headmaster. Scion Malfoy has insulted me twice and challenged me. I have accepted."

"Can we resolve this without bloodshed? It is, after all, better to forgive one another. You should just forgive Scion Malfoy Lord Longbottom. The Greater Good demands it." As soon as he spoke the phrase, his eyes bulged out for a moment and his face quickly turned a nice fuschia color as his underwear tightened up 3 sizes in an instant as everyone thought he stopped of his own volition and grew angry.

"I doubt it headmaster, Scion Malfoy would have to recant right here and right now, that I am indeed his better."

Dumbledore just waved towards the head table and gingerly walked out of the hall as the four tried not to smirk due to the seriousness of the new situation.

Malfoy looked sick, but Harry had to hand it to him he didn't back down.

"Very well, who are your seconds?" The deputy asked.

"I ask my Lord Potter to stand as my second."

Harry stood up, "It is my honor, and I will always have your back Nev."

Draco with a nod indicated Crabbe as his second.

A few quick waves of his wand and the center of the dining hall all of a sudden had a boxing ring in it. Showing that Minerva had at least a passing familiarity with the modern look of boxing.

"I don't believe that Lord Longbottom is looking to permanently disfigure Scion Malfoy. May I suggest gloves, headgear, and mouthguards?"

Neville assented to this and Draco not wanting to show his ignorance agreed also.

"Any other suggestions Lord Potter?" She was getting very irritated with Potter and now Longbottom; they had too much freedom, she would have to talk with Albus and Severus today.

"May I suggest that someone warn Matron Pomphrey? She is going to have a blonde haired patient very soon.

Once again Flitwick as the school expert on dueling became the de facto referee. Malfoy appeared lost as he sat having finally figured out how the headgear and gloves went on,
while Harry cinched the gloves tighter.

"Why did you insist on headgear and gloves Harry. I can take him."

"Nev, I know you can take him. It never entered my mind that you couldn't. My first thought is I didn't want you breaking your hand on his face and my next thought was to ensure he survived."

"I can accept that. Any strategies Mr. Corner Man?"

Laughing, "I know almost nothing about boxing. But Malfoy I do know. He will look to get in early blow before the start of the fight and either punch beneath the belt or
kick. "Null, do me a favor when you put him down, make sure he can't get back up."

"You can bet on it. I've been looking forward to fixing this little prick for a few years."

"Hey I have an idea. How quick are you going to put him out?"

"How long do you want it to last...?"

The twins were seen running all over the hall. They had regular customers that liked to place the odd bet with them. One was even seen talking to a couple of the professors. Luna and Hermione each chose a different twin after speaking with Harry and made a very specific bet.

The two gentlemen faced each other from their corners. Crabbe looked lost, while Harry had just a little more experience seeing some Olympic boxing competition on the telly.

Flitwick enhanced his voice. "We will be following the current Olympic guidelines for this match. Each of the professors has a scorecard and have been given instructions in its use. There will be 3 rounds each 3 minutes in length. When a competitor falls to the mat, the other man will retreat to the farthest corner until called by me. If any boxer cannot continue after being knocked down following a ten count the match will be over. If it continues to the end of the third round then the scorecards will be tallied and a winner declared. We begin in 1 minute."

The head gear and transfigured trunks shifted to the house colors. Neville's head gear had his Longbottom crest featured dead center on his head gear as Malfoy's had his as well. Flitwick called them to the center of the ring, Harry a step behind on Neville's right. Crabbe had to rush to get to the same spot. "There will be no blows beneath the belt, that's the waistline gentlemen. If I tell you to break apart, then you break apart. Continuous disregard of my warnings will result in loss of points and if I have to warn you 3 times for the same infraction it could cost you the match. Do either of you have any questions?"

Neville immediately said no, while Draco appeared scared but his face became resolute and said no as well.

That by itself actually increased Harry's opinion of the little ponce, out of his element but he was determined not show weakness. "Touch gloves and retreat to your corners. At the sound of the bell come out boxing."

"Last chance Scion you recant of your comments?"

He still looked green but shook his head no.

When the bell sounded Null came out and to his credit only had to wait a few seconds for Malfoy to come near. Just as predicted, once Malfoy came close he swung wildly and Neville just leaned backward to avoid the blow. As the blow went past, Null stepped forward and gave a left jab directly to Draco's nose. It stood him up and his eyes crossed for a moment. Nev taunted, "Come on Malfoy. Man up. You're better than me right?"

Malfoy through his mouthguard had a scream of rage and started to punch with everything he had. Neville ducked, leaned and caught blows on his arms and on his gloves. None of Malfoy's rage came close to hurting him. Just as Draco's strength was ending and the blows coming slower with no force, he heard Harry say, "Now."

Two straight jabs with his left and a right cross had Malfoy on the mat in the center of the ring.

A quick ten count and the match was over. It wasn't until Neville's arm was raised by Flitwick's Wingardium Levosa did Neville become aware of the very exuberant student body.

Crabbe and Goyle seemed unsure what to do. Their friend was lying and sobbing quietly, his only outward sign his shoulders shaking. Harry signaled the girls to watch the bodyguards and the rest of the Slytherins as they tried to build up a fallen foe. Harry gently removed the headgear while Neville did the same for the gloves. "Come to gloat Potter?' The disgust plain in his voice. Harry couldn't tell if it was for him and Null or himself.

"Never. It's not right to gloat.

"Especially one who even though afraid fought valiantly."

Draco was stunned into silence as Harry as a proper corner man should wipe his face with a moist towel and dried it as he helped him to his feet. Harry looked as the crowd still talked animatedly, somehow Flitwick was interceeding. Intercepting both students and staff. "Look Draco. I told you before and I will speak for Neville in this as well. Everyone has value. Everyone. Neither of us wants to coerce you into making a decision, but you are running out of time. Soon you will make a choice. You will have to decide whether to stand on your own two feet or to kneel at the feet of a bastard. And Draco?" He said catching the young man's eyes. I really mean bastard, he's been lying to everyone and I can prove it."

Neville added quietly, "Draco, he is a half-blood. Come and see us when you can. Come alone. You will be safe you have my word."

Unable to say anything, as they were about to be overrun by students he nodded, put on his I am better than everyone look and hopped out the ring as he yelled at the bookends, "Where were you? Those two could have killed me!"

The girls had bet and won a lot of gold. They had bet that Draco would be knocked out at 2 minutes into the first round. Hermione looked a bit queasy, "Harry I don't feel right about this."

The four were sitting in the common room just relaxing and drinking butterbeers. Harry went and sat next to her and pulled her on to his lap. She was so pretty. Everytime he looked at her his love grew a little. "It doesn't feel right that we should profit over Malfoy's defeat."

"Oh my little Jiminy Cricket, I hadn't seen you in so long." He said kissing her. "Sweetie, we're not profiting over Malfoy. All of those wankers that bet on the dark pureblood defeating our Null. Remember the muggle saying? 'A fool and his money are soon parted."

"So what do you want to do with it?"

He shrugged, "It doesn't matter. Keep it, give it all to Null, give it to charity. As long as it doesn't go back to those that lost it in the first place."

"So this was all for education?"

"Sure. let's go with that," He teased. Seeing her still uncertain he got serious. "It was a lesson but also a bit of fun. You know I have plenty of gold. Tell you what, why don't you and Luna split it and put in your accounts that I setup for you. Once there is enough you can have Bloodbringer begin to invest into the muggle stock market. That is an area the goblins haven't heavily invested in, too few wizards want to risk their money on a bunch of muggles."

That got Neville interested. Between the four of them, they hashed out a plan to earmark gold for the stock market. Harry admitted he knew almost nothing about it, but the richest of the muggles invested in it winning and losing vast sums.

The conversation lulled and Hermione still sat on his lap. "Harry?"

"Yes, Luna love?"

"Why is Hermione all of a sudden someone called Jiminy Cricket?"

Neville caught on almost immediately that it was allegory. It took Luna a little while longer to understand and she had to hear the whole story. Hermione had been talking for a half hour straight before Luna caught it.

"Harry?" she sounded a little left out. "Who am I? If Hermione is Jiminy Cricket then who am I? Am I Gepetto?"

"Oh, Luna no. You are someone much more important." It was her turn for the lap. But Hermione rested her head on his shoulder. It had been a long day. "You know I actually thought about this while I was running the other day. You my love, are Chicken Little."

In stereo, the girls said, "Chicken Little?" Luna bouncing up and down on Harry making him wince, the sudden bouncing hurting the 'boys', and Hermione sitting up straight questioning whether her Harry had lost some marbles, and not the ones that Luna was torturing. She quickly cut that thought off. She was too tired to teach Luna about that reference tonight.

"Oh! Tell me about Chicken Little!" She still jumped not paying attention to Harry's discomfort.

Harry in a bit of pain, croaked "'Mione please."

"Harry I will get even with you. Just you wait Potter!" Neville was laughing, he loved these three and learned so much from them. Harry smiled through his pain and Hermione spent another 30 minutes explaining about Chicken Little and the sky falling.

The story over Luna still didn't get it. "But why Chicken Little?"

"Luna, our love. Don't you see? You've gone around for years telling everyone things they didn't want to hear, and they made fun of you for it. Now you're being proved right. and everything you've seen and said will come to pass. And you will go from a no one to one of the two most important people in the world, and you already are."

She just had to kiss him. Hermione understanding and seeing he was right kissed him just as hard.

"Okay I'm knackered and I have to get up and run tomorrow. First though I need a bath. Who wants to wash my back?"

They both jumped up and ran into the bedroom yelling "I do, I do!" With Luna adding, I want to wash his front too!"

Hermione yelled to Luna already in the bathroom, "You got to do the front the last time!"

-
"Dobby."

"Yes Mr. Harry Potter sir."

"Dobby, just Harry is fine."

"Dobby remembers the Great MR. Harry Potter saying that before."

"And...?"

"And what can Dobby do for the Great Mr. Harry Potter, sir?"

After a sigh, he continued, "I need a couple of favors. We have a letter here all written out, but we want to have it look like it came from some muggle healers."

"Dobby not be knowing what muggle healers letter looks like." His ears started to droop and his went down and tears began to form, fearing he had failed the Great Harry Potter.

"That's okay Dobby," Hermione interrupted before the floor got wet with a thousand tears. "We have an example here that a doctor sent my parents when I was in school a few years ago.

Dawn broke and a smile almost as wide as his face lit the room. "Then this be easy." A quick snap of his fingers and a very convincing letter appeared. "Did you wants me to take this letter to Whale boys prison?"

"Yes please Dobby, Luna answered for the group.

"and Dobby?"

"Yes, Master Nevy?"

"You should be proper you know. That is the Great Lord Harry Potter."

"Oh Thank you Master Nevy! Dobby bes remembering that!"

After the flash of Dobby leaving, all eyes turned to the Great Lord Harry Potter. "You know... I really hate you Master Nevy."

"Of course, you do Great Lord Harry Potter, it's only proper after all." None of them would let him forget it for the next week and beyond.

The governor found a letter on his desk the next morning. Thinking his secretary Mavis had left it, he read and called to the kitchen and surgery, changing the plan for one Dursley.

The stationary read: From the offices of Dr's Ján ítor, Ibea Dok-tor, and Serge Ion. "Hmmm, must be a new contract of foreign doctors."

To: Governor, St Brutus'Secure Centre for Incurably Criminal Boys

Subject: Dursley, Dudley

Sir, It has come to our attention after review of Body Mass Indicators (BMI), height, weight, blood studies, as well as psychological studies performed by Hea D. Shrinker. That Mr. Dursley is in dire need of a new diet. If left unchecked he could be a candidate for high blood pressure, high Cholesterol, heart disease, and even death. Such deaths are easily preventable, and patient morbidity, especially one of this sort would be a huge black mark on anyone's career.

It is recommended that Mr. Dursley's diet be changed immediately. Going forward, he should be on a vegetarian diet, with the exception of liver for iron and protein at LEAST three times a week. The liver is important to keep young Mr. Dursley healthy while the vegetables will help with all of the other aforementioned issues. Should he refuse the liver or vegetables, he should be force fed.

Additionally, once per week, he should be given 32 ounces of prune juice given over a 2 hour period. All other meals and fluid needs should be met with warm water.

Finally, to ensure no digestive issues occur he should be given at least weekly and more often as needed, soapsuds enemas. This treatment and diet should be followed for at least 3 years or until new information are provided by our office.

Thank you. - For the above named physicians - signed: Geta Clew


The talk of the upcoming tournament began to dominate, as the date for the schools to come grew closer. "You know there is something wrong with that tournament right?"

"You don't plan on entering it do you?"

"Course not Nev. I have as much interest in it as you. I don't need the gold, and that eternal glory crap ..."

"Of course not Potter." Ron interrupted his conversation sitting with Seamus. "You already have all the fame and the gold you want. Life is easy for you isn't it Potter? Sitting there with two birds when most of us can't even get one." Just like volcanos, after they erupt it continues to pour out crap that no one wants to see. "... and you're hanging out with other lords leaving the rest of us peons to live in squalor."

Both Harry and Neville were going to say something but the girls stopped them. "No, let the anger vent for awhile."

"You're even too good to come to the common room. No one likes you, and all of the girls are glad that you aren't there. They haven't forgotten the attacks and the missing people."

Ron's voice grew louder through the whole diatribe. The talk in the hall grew quiet as everyone including the staff let Mount Ron of Talkingouthisassadonia spew. "You won't have me to save you this year Potter, not at all. This time, when you get in trouble I won't bail you out." He continued to talk or at least tried to while he was shoving food into his mouth several times hitting Seamus with food that was chewed but never swallowed.

None of them saw Minerva come close. She even hopped on the seat next to Harry and listened. The four just smiled at her. Mr. Oblivious wasn't done, "I saved your ass every single year. Without me you never would have gotten the stone. You know I've only your word that there was a stone. I'll bet there was gold there. Gold that should have been mine but you shared with your bint there. I'm sure of it."

People moved away from him as his mouth continued to overload his ass. (Sorry this is English English- I meant Arse). The three girls there all restrained Harry, but Minerva especially was not going to let this play out much further.

"Then the next year you would never have made it here. You would have been expelled for missing the train. But I was the one with the broken wand and got in trouble with my mum taking my dad's car. Then you tried to kill me in the chamber of secrets. You didn't give me any of the gold that you got from there did you? The squib got some, didn't he? Is he one of your girls Potter? Is that why he wears makeup?"

With a voice that had practiced for 40 years in talking to rowdy children; she didn't need to yell or even talk loud, but the entire hall heard her. Especially the youngest male Weasley. "I think that's enough. Congratulations Mr. Weasley, you have just won an award."

"You agree with me, don't you? Harry Potter is evil and has been stealing all of my gold." He was happy that Potter was going to get his.

Harry turned to look at Malfoy. Catching his eye he nodded as if to say, "Is this what you want to be?"

"No, Mr. Weasley. What you win is five days detention with every single professor sitting at the head table right now. That starts tonight and some of that time I am sure will be with Mr. Filch." Ron's downcast eyes did not mean he was humbled, everyone could see his red face another explosion imminent. "And further, I believe you have set an individual record. You have just lost 150 points. I don't remember anyone losing that many points in a single go before."

"It's your fault Potter! You, the squib and your whore." He couldn't say anything as she cast a full body bind on him.

Then she levitated and left him floating while she turned to address the students. "And that is another 10 points from every single prefect in attendance right now. All of you prefects are charged with protecting your classmates no matter what house they are in. You were given power to protect. Why would you wait for a professor to do it? I am ashamed of every one of you, especially the Gryffindor prefects. Come Mr. Weasley it is time to floo call your father. We will then determine if you will be a student here tomorrow."

She had the still immobilized dunce following out the door as conversation slowly resumed, everyone talking about the latest episode of the life and times of Harry Potter. Hermione got their attention, "When he comes back, we start Operation Pan."

Null asked, " Are you sure he's coming back?"

"Oh, I'm sure Nev. Harry isn't that lucky; or if you will has exactly that kind of luck."

Arthur sat his desk already littered with devices both magical and mundane with parchments that constantly shuffled themselves trying to gain attention. Either hand held a small duck one yellow the other pink. He squeezed them rhythmically. It was his method of dealing with the tension of a busy desk and even busier household. One paper airplane had flown into his office five minutes ago. It patiently circled his head waiting to be noticed. Most circle once or twice and just land on the pile. This one wouldn't add itself however and started to run into Arthur's head several times until it got the attention it deserved.

Molly was bored, all of the kids were in school and there was only so much that she could do there. She sat leafing through a muggle magazine called Life and thought it was fiction and yellow journalism. The pictures were in black and white and didn't move and the clothing and autos were something from make believe land. She was surprised when Arthur stepped forth from the floo. "Molly?"

"Why are you here?"

He waved the paper visibly upset. "We've been summoned to Hogwarts."

Her voice got dangerous. "What did the twins do?"

"Don't know. It's from Minerva. She said she needs to see us now."

"I will kill them. I've always said they would amount to nothing if they didn't buckle down."

"Let's wait to find out what is going on before we kill someone shall we?"

The office had the twins, Ginny and Minerva sitting at her desk, tea and biscuits waiting for them. But no one was hungry. Ron stood frozen in the corner. She was too upset with him and daren't let him go. If he was to say one wrong word then she wasn't sure he would be matriculating tomorrow or maybe even conscious. "Minerva?" Arthur's voice called from the fireplace.

"Good. Glad you are here. Step through."

Arthur and Molly stepped through. The three seated Weasley's were quick to pick up the tea and cracker and began to talk amongst themselves. Anything to deflect the parent's ire away.

Molly was the first to speak,"What?" Looking around the office completely missing statue Ron. "Who?" Spying her children trying to find out which one was going suffer their wrath. "Where?" Before four hands pointed to the furthest corner.

Two more chairs appeared, as well as Albus' pensieve. "Have a seat, and no I won't release him. Not until you've had a chance to see what he has done."

None of the Weasleys had ever seen her this mad. Her brogue was so thick it took a moment for everyone to figure out what she had said.

The body bind spell locks up the voluntary muscles. This way the one affected can still breathe, hear, feel and also allows for the eyes to move for blinking. Ron's eyes moved back and forth, he wanted to claim the injustice of it all. But he also knew that he was in deep shit. Of course, it was Harry's fault but he was the one in trouble. "Damn that Potter!" He thought. But wondered why no one else could see how it was all Potter's doing.

Minerva didn't want to, but she entered the Pensieve with the elder Weasleys. She wanted to see if perhaps she had over reacted. When she came out however, she was just as mad and felt justified in what she had done.

Molly wanted to rant and rave and destroy her youngest son. But having lived with Arthur so long she automatically knew when he was in his head of house mode. His gentle bearing and dazed expression gone, left in the pensieve. The children caught the change in aura as well. "How has Harry treated you three?"

"He's been great father." George started

"He forgave our stupidity when."

"We believed the prat."

"What did you have to do to earn his forgiveness? And just one of you please. I don't want to hear twin talk now."

The two looked at each other this was hard. Their minds normally operated in tandem, for them to be this close and for one to be silent was difficult. Unerringly he pointed, "Fred your go."

Once again they looked at each other. "He could tell!"

"Ahem" got him responding.

"We had to apologize to Hermione and Luna. We had called them a bad name."

Ginny's sudden intake of breath wasn't lost on anyone. "And he didn't kill you? You know how much he values them!" She turned to catch her parents up to date. "Luna had gotten hurt. The rumor was that Harry was going to destroy the claws tower."

Molly interrupted. "Oh Ginny just rumors. He's only 15 and Harry I'm sure likes Luna but even if he wanted to doesn't have that kind of power."

Minerva corrected Molly. "No. Ginny has the right of it. Someone tried to kill Luna. Harry was justifiably upset with someone attacking his betrothed. And yes he does have that level of power, only Albus has more and from what I'm told Harry is catching up with him."

Arthur got up and walked over to statue Ron. Drilling into his son's eyes he asked Ginny. "And you Ginerva? How has Harry treated you?"

"He has had no interaction with me at all father. The girls have each told me that he considers me a close friend."

"Then why doesn't your close friend talk to you?" Molly still had a hope of finding something to mitigate her son's thoughtless actions.

Ginny didn't answer, the silence became uncomfortable. "Ginerva?" Her father tore his vision away from Ron to look at her. "You're mother's question is a good one. Answer her please."

She suddenly decided to look at the floor while her face colored. "It was because I still hoped he would want me."

"It's true," George added. "Everyone in Gryffindor saw how Ginny would try to get near Harry. We were watching in case things had gotten out of hand."

"And Harry didn't say anything?"

"No Father. Luna told me, he values my friendship too much but couldn't associate with him until I could lose the infatuation. She told me that he is bonded to two girls and it wouldn't be appropriate to be seen like that with a third. Unless it was for courtship."

Molly and Arthur exchanged a look. "I agree with Harry's actions. I might have done the same if I was in his position. Tell me Ginerva, do you desire a relationship with Lord Potter? You know it would at best be as a third wife, or perhaps a consort."

"Not anymore." Meeting her father's eyes. "I like Harry but not like that; not anymore."

"Very good, to business then."

Since the initial explosion took place in public, the next meeting had to as well. The quartet was eating the evening meal when Arthur, with Molly on his right followed by the twins with Ginerva behind them and even further behind her a humbled Ron; all in their dress robes. Neville cleared his throat and drew Harry's attention. After a moment Harry realized what he had to do. Standing he met Arthur halfway. He had Neville at his right hand a half step behind and the two ladies were directly behind Harry side by side.

"Lord Potter. I have seen the altercation for myself and the house Weasley unreservedly apologizes. There can be no excuse for his actions. We remain ready for any remedy you demand."

Neville whispered. "Ron knew you are Potter of Potter's. You can demand almost anything and they would be honor bound to acquiesce to it."

Harry nodded. "Mr. and Mrs. Weasley. You have shown nothing except love and acceptance to myself and my bondmates. There can be no debt between friends and family and you are all considered such. Ronald is an exception to that however. I will not tolerate my betrotheds being publicly humiliated like that. Our patience is near its end."

Arthur looked over his shoulder, "Ronald. Isn't there something you want to say?"

Ronald stepped forward, still sure that he was the injured party. However, he had to follow his lord's commands or be disowned. Anger still in his eyes he almost growled a very terse, "Sorry." before stepping back.

"Your apology so rudely delivered is not accepted. However because of our past association even that I will look past."

"Damn you Potter. Still a prat. Everyone can see it." He couldn't say anything further because the twins got out of formation and dragged him away after silencing him before Harry demanded his head as redress.

Harry stepped forward and whispered so only the senior Weasley's could hear. "Mr. and Mrs. Weasley. You gave me shelter and welcomed me when I sorely need it. I can't thank you enough. Ron though needs a mind healer. I don't know why he feels this way. Maybe he's under a spell, but please get him help." He knew what they were thinking. "I have the ability to help you. If we are friends then let me help."

"We won't accept charity Harry."

"It's not charity Mrs. Weasley. You helped me when I needed it. I have the ability to help you now. Please let me."

"Thank you." Was heard from both Weasley's. A hug and a handshake sealed the deal before a noraml dinner resumed.

Draco watched the interplay carefully. He scoffed with everyone else at the table when Potter forgot to bow at the proper time and misspoke the formal response. He rehashed the whole procedure and the responses that he had heard. He was surprised at the end when Harry err... Potter, hugged the mother and shook hands. If that had been his father he could have demanded the daughter or the house and lands. His father he was certain would have demanded them. Instead, he saw everyone relieved and happy, except for the idiot. Draco wondered which was better, to have the lands or a pureblood daughter as a virtual slave or people that were indebted to him but as friends. He would pen a carefully crafted letter and feel his father out about this.

Beta note: Dr. Ján ítor is a fictional character belonging to the tv series Scrubs. For those who haven't seen or figured it out yet, it was a Janitor that would pretend to be a doctor. The other doctors names in this story were made up by the author. Hope you enjoyed.