Once more I feel the need to apologize for the delay in the new chapter. But when I look at submission dates, I'm running about average. You would think now that I'm retired I would have more time... Boy are you wrong. But I believe it is more of a time management issue.

A reader correctly commented that a lot of what I am typing is cliché. I agree. A lot of it is. I hope you will continue to read it anyway. Speaking only for myself, the cliché is so popular because everyone likes it. However it does get old after awhile. Hopefully I've turned things slightly to make this more interesting.

I won't keep you much longer- I have seen other tales where people have used the same vehicles to take their story in the direction I want it to go. (See cliché). I am in no means trying to plagiarize anyone's efforts. With so many Harry Potter stories there are, it will be hard to find an entire story that is perfectly unique. Especially one that is as long as SMARTARSE is going to be.

So thanks again- Don't forget I love your feedback, both good and bad. We learn more from our failures than we do from our victories.

Thank you to Mr. Beta - get cracking on your story! You're fans want an update.

B.

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Harry was once more rubbing the feet of the girl's. He didn't mind, but just once would like to win a bet from these two. Luna had sent an owl to her father, who loved the idea so much that he printed it up as a muggle human interest story. Professor Burbage read the story and decided that it was just another "proof" that wizardkind was superior to the dim muggles.

The lecture Burbage gave was told to all of the purebloods, while once more the half-bloods and muggle born laughed behind their hands.
This proved to be such a popular story, student's were owling their parent's and the Daily Prophet picked it up and ran a special about silly muggle customs. Citing the "expert" Charity Burbage as the source. Some of the highlights included:

Sun Phoenix that lays an egg to begin a new day.

A Rabbit that delivers chocolate to children and hides all of the eggs in the house.

A rodent that people believe foretells whether the spring equinox will come or not.

A fairy that collects children's teeth leaving behind bits of shiny metal.

One could hear here and there a muggle born trying to explain that these customs were held, with the exception of the Sun Phoenix, but not believed. The powerful all knowing purebloods didn't believe the arguments and thought this was just so much sophistry. A few even commended the lesser beings with the insightful Sun Phoenix story. A Ravenclaw was heard promising to investigate the culture closely to discover the truth mixed in the mysticism.

Harry sighed, his dreams no longer had baby Voldemorts and snakes, but he was tired of ballerinas leaping everywhere and carousel roundabouts with pink unicorns, ballerinas twirling while rising and falling, (reminding him of the pole dancers Finnegan preferred,) and beautified hippogriffs, and griffins.

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Ron was also ministering to females. Combing and brushing young mares was a lengthy process. And naturally, the girls gossiped about everything. It took him a bit, but he realized he had some dexterity and quickly learned how to braid their long hair. He almost paid no attention when they were bathing. In fact, when some of the younger males "accidentally" wandered by, he turned red from embarrassment and caught himself hiding his nonexistent boobs.

The other girls saw him and smiled, "Any day Ronnie. You're getting more like us. Your hair is already as long as ours."

It was true. His hair long from his captivity; doubled in length in just the few short weeks he had been here. Thinking about the future had never been one of his strengths, and he was kept busy with all of the same chores the other unmarried mares had, as well as learning about the stars. He remembered a lot of the names of the stars, impressing the instructors, which were both male, and females. But they also spoke of "houses," and that was different from what they taught at Hogwarts, and therefore was difficult for him to pick up on. Additionally since spring was rapidly approaching. All of the weapons had to be inspected, and all of the bolts and arrows used as well. Then too there was further instruction with bows and arrows. He was neither the best or the worst of the girls, although with practice he improved.

Finished with the day's events, the girls like girls everywhere were talking before the elders enforced sleep on them. He had a knife that he had used all day shaving arrows. Finding a piece of wood too short for anything else, almost absentmindedly he trimmed away the wood. He hadn't really paid attention. Until he didn't hear anything. Looking up, he saw everyone staring at him.

"Oh Ronnie! What is that?"

"Umm, nothing really. I just found this bit of wood and trimmed away the parts that didn't fit. It's only half done, there's still some more that needs to come off."

The piece left was six inches long and about as high. Now that he looked at it, he saw that it was a stallion rearing.

Darla and Amie immediately asked him to carve something for them as well. Soon followed by everyone else.

For the first time in a while, Ronnie had a sense of belonging; and that staved off any other thoughts of the future.

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The rat didn't know where he was, or who these wizards were. He knew they were wizards. He was enervated and he watched as they forced him into his human form. Forced him into a cell, but the cell had a solid door with a window high up on the door.

Inside the cell was a toilet, a bed with linens, and a blanket and pillow. On the bed was one orange jumpsuit with a large "P" on the back of it.

"I want to see my solicitor. I have rights."

No one answered. After an hour he realized they weren't going to speak to him until they were ready.

Carefully examining every inch of the cell wall and floor, he looked for any small cracks where his rodent form could fit. He even tried to hang onto the small window and force his animagus change thinking the front digits of his paws could hang on and he could then jump through the small window. Finding a purchase proved beyond him though. After three unsuccessful attempts, he sat on his bunk and waited.

He didn't notice the small camera hidden in the vent in the ceiling observing and recording every moment of his day.

"Now that he realizes he's not going anywhere, we can interview him. Sergeant Major, did we contact Madam Bones?"

"Yes Sir, we sent an owl, and Major Granger is going to meet her at 1900 hours. We'll have the elves bring them. Should the prisoner be fed sir?"
Markum shook his head, "Negative. I want him hungry."

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"I have rights. I have very powerful friends. You don't want to irritate my friends."

Peter's attempts at being intimidating fell on deaf ears. Each wrist was cuffed to a steel loop at his waist. The belt around his waist also had a chain that hooked to either ankle. He couldn't take a step longer than eight inches, nor could he even clap his hands. Of course, clapping was the furthest thing from his mind. Both of his guards were over six feet in height, each looked physically imposing. His ridiculous attempt to intimidate didn't even rate an upraised eyebrow. Neither spoke, they pulled him, ensuring that he had to concentrate on walking fast without tripping. He was brought to a small room and his hands were hooked up to a padeye on the table top. Once more movement was impeded. He was left there in the dark for 15 minutes. Not realizing that he was monitored both with cameras and through a special mirror. The lights came on, and someone entered the room. Unfortunately, the lights were bright and focused on his eyes.

Squinting, he tried to demand again. "I am a wizard. I demand my rights!"

"Why won't anyone talk to me," he wondered.

But the man just sat and flipped through a folder. As if familiarizing himself with its contents.

After a protracted silence, "Mr. Pettigrew. You have no rights. You were declared dead in November 1981. As far an anyone knows you've been dead a long time. Who is going to miss you now?"

Not getting it at all, "I want to see a solicitor."

The figure in front of him fell silent and once more flipped some pages. This time making notations using a muggle pen and paper. After some more minutes, he answered. Enunciating clearly, "No...You are dead. Supposedly killed by one Sirius Black." Repeating himself, speaking to Wormtail is if he was an idiot, "You have no rights. I can do what I want with you and no one would be the wiser. I promise you this, you are going to tell me everything you know. You are going to tell me where Voldemort is. Who his associates are, and everything else I want to know. Once you do you are going to a secure facility for the rest of your life."

Almost whispering he answered, "He'll kill me. He'll always be able to find me," terror was plain on his face as he glanced at his arm.

"Oh yes. I had almost forgotten. The dark mark. Very shortsighted of you to let him access your magic. But I am not going to waste my time with you. I have someone waiting in the other room, I believe that you will be happy to answer all of our questions." The colonel gestured and Madam Bones entered.

She too was shrouded in light, but 30 plus years of interviewing criminals had taught her to use her voice. "Hello Peter Pettigrew, aka Wormtail. I am Madam Bones head of the DMLE. Two friends of yours are especially excited to see you. You remember Moony and Padfoot don't you? I think I am going to arrange a meeting. Sort of a class reunion. Won't that be exciting!"

Pettigrew swallowed involuntarily. Not for the first time he wished he had died instead of tying himself to a madman.

The day got even worse as she broke out the veritserum. She even brought an extra vial for the colonel. She was excited at the prospect of muggle science finding a way to make it. Her exposures to the muggles had done nothing but impress her. The things they could do without magic was astounding. Before coming in for Pettigrew she had watched the recording of the shipboard events. She watched it in real time and in slow motion. She even provided information on the spells used by Snape and Malfoy based on color. Right then and there she determined to throw in with the colonel. Fudge still had his heels dug in and was in her estimation dragging the magic world straight to hell.

Wormtail couldn't catch a break. He told them everything, including things he thought he had forgotten. Madam Bones knew when to back off on oath breaking questions and how to ask questions that ran right up to the oath without killing him outright. When he was thrown back into his cell, he pulled himself up off the floor onto the cot and covered his face with his pillow seeking release from his troubles that way. Of course, that didn't work either.
His demands for food were finally acknowledged, but he was told the only way he was to be fed is if he was in his orange suit, and his clothes folded neatly by the door.

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"Merlin damn those muggles. Wormtail captured, we will need to find another way to bring product into the country."

"Calm yourself, Lucius. We were able to portkey half of the shipment. That will hold for a time. Of course Wormtail cannot be trusted, does he know where your warehouses are?"

He shook his head and rubbed his tired eyes. Severus' timely intervention had saved him, and he knew it. But his worst fears had been realized, Muggles working with wizards. He fully believed the dogma he spread, privately not discounting the amazing progress muggles had made. In direct opposition of many of the others pure-blood supremacists.

"I never trusted him with it. He always portkeyed here."

"That's one good thing anyways."

Pain crossed his face, despite Snape's excellent tending, the blast wounds were still painful and would be so for another day or so. "We'll need to keep the muggles chasing their tails, while we brief the dark lord."

Snape looked murderous. There were many he wanted to pay back. "I have some ideas. I'll flesh them out and bring them to the dark lord. I don't expect him to have any difficulty with the targets."

"And I'll pass the word to any that might be exposed by Pettigrew's mouth."

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Once more Harry was giving backrubs when Her royal highness 'Mione commanded him. "Harry. Pansy and Drakey have not been here once. Do you even know if they've ever even tried pizza?"

"You know I've been just a tad busy. You know you or Luna could ask them just as easily."

"And we're not busy?" Luna asked. Harry had just spent 15 minutes working on her feet and she lay sans shirt on the bed. "Hurry slave, you have much to do before we retire," she said imperiously; and then ruined the ambiance by giggling.

"Yes, M'em Sahib. My feet are like wings. I hurry to do your bidding," he answered trying to sound obsequious.

It had been a fairly quiet term. No one was exactly sure of his status. True, the teachers referred to him as Draco Black but that didn't mean much. It would be a very Slytherin thing to curry favor with an enemy before cutting their throat.

His former father wasn't going to say anything, any loss of prestige, either through loss of funds or social standing would also make him a target. And who is who in the pecking order of Voldemort's henchmen was an important thing. And of course the dutiful Slytherin children told their parents everything. So what happened in the school was known the next day by everyone.

Every once in a while Draco or Pansy would throw out a "mud-blood this," or "scarhead that" but their hearts weren't in it. And the little black snakes were everywhere. People got tired of trying to find a way around the snakes for mischief and were resigned to following the rules, at least for now.

The snake slithered on his bed. The first few times it happened it unnerved him, but now it was just a matter of routine.

Hw was surprised however when the snake's face oriented on him and Harry's voice came out of it.

"Hey Drake, we were sitting around and realized that we hadn't had you or Pansy up to see us."

He could hear a couple voices in the background, as the snake was relaying every sound it heard from whatever room they were in.

"Hi Drakey! Tell Pansy, Hermione and me say 'hi' to her too!"

Harry once more took over. "Yes, of course Pansy. The girls were wondering of you've ever had pizza? No one knew if you ever had visited the restaurant or not."

This time Hermione interrupted him. "Harry quit dancing around it. Ask him if he wants to come up."

"I was getting to that," Draco heard the exaggerated patience come through the snake. He smiled at the image of the girls haranguing a beleaguered Harry.
"We realize it may be to precarious for you to come up but the invitation is always open."

"Harry tell him about this weekend. He can come to ..."

The snake actually turned its head away from Draco and started to speak as if to someone behind him. "Did you want to do this? I can show you how."

"No you're doing fine. You just beat around the bush and save the important stuff for last. You don't do it right at all. Do you not know how to hold a conversation?"

"Apparently not," Harry answered Hermione dryly.

Harry was just a tad put out. "Fine." The snake turned back to him. Draco had a huge smile. In all of his upbringing, he never remembered anyone being so open and honest with him. It was refreshing. Even during the Snape regime in the snakepit, everyone watched everything that everyone else did. No one wanted to give away position or secrets. Many a stomach ulcer began here.

"Thank you. I'll get with Pansy and we'll coordinate with you sometime tomorrow. As far as pizza is concerned, we love it. The snakepit is littered with pizza boxes. A few of the less intelligent members of my house tried to turn the boxes into snake traps. But we'll tell you that story this weekend." He turned serious. "Hey Harry. One thing of import I wanted to mention to you. I was going to send you an owl, but this is better. I saw some the others here outside on the grounds speaking to Karkarov. The only thing unusual about that is they were trying to hide that they were even speaking to one another. It may not be anything, but..."

"It may mean another attack." Harry finished for him. "Thanks Drake." The snake turned around again. "Anything else I should say mistress?"

"Stop it, Harry. You have a back rub to finish."

Luna added, "Bye Drakey, see you when you wakey!"

He snorted, picturing the three of them. As the snake slithered off the bed and continued its rounds.

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Albus had asked Igor to show him the ship so he could see the impressive expansion charms for himself. They both knew what this was really about.

"I can protect you. You know the wards are among the strongest in the world."

"Like you protected Snape?"

Albus snorted. "He did it to himself. He made the mistake of planning an attack on Longbottom and on Potter while in the castle. You know we still can if we are careful. There is much we can do to upset the little lord."

"He has been unflinching while standing up to everyone. I don't see what else you can do."

The headmaster shrugged, the tour by now consisted of raising the shot glasses and inspecting the inside of them. "A brave front. But a front nonetheless. Take one of his girls away from him, and he begins to fall apart. Take both of them and point him at the dark lord and they'll hurt each other and you and I can clean up what is left. Then our place is assured."

"I've had several tell me the dark lord wants me back. He is willing to forgive my past actions against him."

Dumbledore snorted, "Can you take that chance? He has another agent here. Not hiding as well as he thinks he is."

"Who is it?"

"Better you don't know now. Just keep the same face that you've been showing. If I was you I would tell Tom that you regret your past and will help him."

"How would I do that?" The two had been hitting the vodka hard, but neither showed any effect from it.

"By hurting his enemy. First, we'll take care of that Fae bitch, and then the mud-blood. After that Potter will be beside himself in grief and want to lash out at everyone. We just need to make sure that we use the right tool to eliminate her with."

"I have the perfect man. His family is among the darkest. If they are not aligned with the dark lord, they soon will be."

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Marco Bruno was regarded as the best dueler in Durmstrang. A seventh-year student he was the first alternate for the national dueling team. The tall dark wizard was generally thought of as the next best candidate to represent the school. If Krum had been called away for Quidditch or family affairs, then Bruno's name was sure to come out. He was magically and physically strong, and he was also raised without too many of those measly, unwanted morals. In other words, he was a weapon. Identify a target and let him go.

"I tell you I am getting tired of eating here. It seems as if every fifth time we eat here. Something happens."

The girls snorted while Neville just shrugged at the idea. It wasn't impossible but Harry may have been exaggerating.

All of a sudden they were shrouded in shadow. "I vould have vords wit you."

"See!" He said to the other five. "Not so crazy now, huh?"

"Pish posh Harry you don't know what he wants. It could be a perfectly normal conversation."

Harry snorted, Hermione was always the optimist. To the big shadow he said, "Who are you and what can I do for you?"

The big guy shook his head. "Not you. You!" He said pointing a finger at the youngest blond.

Harry gave Hermione a pointed look that said, "See. I told you so."

The others just shook their heads and made sure their wands were ready.

Luna finished chewing her food, holding a finger up asking for a moment. When she was done chewing, she finally spoke. "My lord asked you who you were. As I am his betrothed any questions of his should be answered."

"Ya. I am Marco Bruno and you have insulted my family." He ignored everyone else and continued to focus on Luna.

"Mr. Bruno. I do not remember ever meeting you or your family before. So how did I insult you?"

Harry was keeping his temper under control. "As she is my betrothed, should this complaint come to me first?" He spoke to Bruno but was looking at Daphne.

Marco answered, "Your father insulted my father, two years ago. He is explorer ya?"

Daphne spoke to the group, "That was before your betrothal. That would make it Lovegood House affairs. Especially since it was the head of house."

Harry nodded, not liking this.

"And exactly how did my father insult your family?" There was no sign of nerves in the slip of a girl. She calmly ate her dinner in front of her antagonist and wondered if he knew that she was intentionally insulting him by continuing her dinner, dismissing him as if he was beneath her notice. Apparently, Daphne, Tracey, and Neville did, as they all hid smiles in their napkins.

"He said my family was infested by blibbering humdingers."

"And...?"

"That is insult! Ve have no humdingers blibbering or otherwise. I am my family's champion. I demand satisfaction."

"That's it? Blibbering humdingers?" She looked at her friends. "I don't think this is even worth my time." Turning back to the big goon, she stood and backed off a step. "Very well. The house of Lovegood unreservedly apologizes to the house of Bruno, for the perceived insult of being infested with Blibbering Humdingers." So saying she curtsied to him and waited there for his response.

He didn't like the way this was going. But he needed to duel her, not accept apologies. "No. This is not acceptable. I am family champion. I demand duel."

Luna straightened and smiled coldly. "Good. I was hoping you would refuse. As I am the Lovegood family champion I will answer your challenge. This evening, after the evening meal. No unforgivables, and we will duel to satisfaction."

"Vat is satisfaction?"

"The duel continues until the winner is satisfied that the loser has learned their lesson and the winning family's honor has been vindicated."

"Ya. Ya, I like this satisfaction." He turned to the head table and proclaimed loudly, "Ve dule tonight until satisfaction!" He was excited about it.

Karkarov was obviously pleased. A smile graced his grim visage, while the headmaster sat back, his fingers interlocked behind his head. The kids could tell even from their position that his eyes were twinkling merrily.

Harry stood up. "Headmaster, you are not going to try to influence this? You're going to let the duel transpire?"

He shook his head, suddenly affecting sadness. "I'm sorry Lord Potter. This is out of my hands. I cannot interfere in this a house matter, especially one that is international in scope."

"Thank you headmaster. We thought that."

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People hurried through their dinner, hoping to enjoy the after dinner show courtesy of Potter et al.

The six had stayed in their rooms after lunch. Luna had gone to take a nap with Harry and Hermione. This time she was in the middle. The time together was all about Luna. Just hugs and kisses and a light relaxing massage.

Somehow she managed to doze. Of course, Harry's stomach was in knots. He wanted to threaten the brute, and he silently determined that if he hurt his Luna at all, the man wouldn't see the next sun. Of course with his ladies, he had to work as hard as he could to keep that information from flowing to them.

The dining hall was silent as the six walked in. Luna was dressed in dueling robes. Specially made leathers with basilisk hide lining. It would resist many attacks. You couldn't cast any spells on the basilisk hide, but the leathers had featherlight and cooling charms applied.

Once again the diminutive Flitwick was the referee for the match. "Champions," his voice carried to the farthest corners of the room. "The Champion for House Bruno and Champion for House Lovegood, once more I ask if honor can be satisfied with an apology."

"No! The insult is not to be borne. It must be answered via a duel."

"Very well. This duel is to the winner's satisfaction. Will either of you change your mind to first blood only?"

This time Luna jumped in before her opponent could answer. "No. This is to satisfaction. That is the minimum I will accept."

Flitwick's eyes narrowed. He had thought that stipulation something Bruno wanted. He looked at Miss Lovegood with fresh eyes. He didn't see a scared little girl. He saw confidence and something akin to amusement? "Very well. Is there anything else?"

Luna looked at her opponent. "I have one request and then two other statements"

"Vat are they?"

"First my request. Excuse the first and second years. They do not need to see this. I am afraid it will scar some of the younger children."

He started to shake his head in the negative before she even finished her sentence. "No. They are here to learn. Let them see what happens when you insult the most noble house of Bruno."

"Very well Let it be on your head. Then my two statements. First. I spoke to my father this afternoon and he denies ever meeting anyone from your house. Let alone insulting them. You and I will deal with your lie in a moment."

He looked unrepentant that he had been caught in a lie. "So. Who cares. The duel has been agreed to. What is your third statement? Are you going to beg for mercy?"

She snorted. "You will wish that you did by the end of the duel. My third statement is this. We. That is my Lord Longbottom told you before. My betrothed is Lord Potter. Scion of House Black. We took the oaths that bound us to House Black and consider this nothing but an attack on our house. Since you speak as champion for your family this duel affects your family thusly. I am the Champion for House Lovegood, but my lord is Champion for House Black. Since you just admitted that this was nothing more than a lie against my liege lord, should you defeat me, my lord will face you in a duel. In that case, I don't expect you to see tomorrow. Think on that Marco Bruno."

He had no answer to that, but he did look a little less sure of himself.

After the rest of the standard rules and warning to everyone, he started the duel.

Marco came out hard and fast. Chaining spells. bombarda, incarcerous, diffindo, and being a smart dueler, threw a couple of silent spells in there as well.

Watching carefully Luna was easily able to dodge the spells. and from his wand movements, she thought the silent spells were simple langlock and jellylegs.
She theorized that he was everything they thought he was, strong, fast with a powerful magic core.

Luna wasn't too frightened. She had dueled Harry and Neville together, neither of them giving her any breaks because of love. All of them knew that there was seldom quarter in life. So everyone gave everything they had, all the time. If she could last seven minutes with two supernovas simultaneously, then one giant gas bag, er umm, gas giant should not post too much of an issue.

Filius had seen the girl duel several times. He knew that the kids held back on some of their strategies and spell work while dueling him, but now he was seeing just how devious this little girl was. While Marco was throwing high energy spells out like there was no tomorrow, which the lithe girl avoided easily. Sometimes by less than an inch.

Her spellwork though, actually had her opponent and most of the audience laugh. Her first spell was avis oppugno. While avoiding Marco's spells, twelve birds immediately flew out of her wand and hovered in between the two. Rather than attack him they stayed more or less hovering like hummingbirds avoiding the red stunners that were sent at them. Very colorful, all bright vivid colors. The pretty birds' song was loud enough to be heard by at least the front two rows was distracting poor Marco. One bird would sing and then the other would pick up at the note that the last one stopped on. When you were trying to focus everything on an opponent a sound heard on the left side and then on the right. And then it would be somewhere else. Anyone would naturally turn to the sudden sound. Marco being the dueler he was only shifted his eyes two or three times before he sussed that the birds were nothing but a distraction.

Luna looked a little put out over them. Shaking her wand as if waving them away, the birds split up and rose to the ceiling and continued their song. While she waved her wand seeming haphazardly, as if something was stuck in it, one last bird came out. It was at least five times as large as the others, only this one had no color at all. It was completely gray and had one wing larger than the other. It looked more of a sick buzzard than a songbird. Once more the bird hovered in between to two opponents. When Marco cast spells at it, instead of the deft movements of the others this one seemed to almost roll out of the way. With one wing larger than the other, it seemed the only way for it to fly was a continuous clockwise circle, sometimes even doing a barrel roll to avoid a particular spell.

Luna snorted with the ease in which she distracted him. Every time she thought he was going to get suspicious, she would cast a bombarda or a stunner, just to get his shields up and keep him focused on her. He continued to throw high powered spells at her but wasn't smart enough to really attack her. He was content to just cast spells and hope that they hit. Still thinking to outlast her. One good hit and she would be done. Too bad he never got the chance for the one powerful attack to hit her.

After a full five minutes, she tired of this. She didn't need to look up. Luna knew her songbirds were sitting on the eave just waiting for her command. They had been singing but everyone had dismissed them as they would a missed stunner. However, no one noticed they had been feasting on the magic of the Great Hall. And every spell and the ambient magic "fed" them.

"Lumos Solem Maxima!" She didn't need to say it out loud but did so for her friends to close their eyes just as she did. The spell caused a solar flare of the brightest intensity that could blind someone for up to 30 seconds or more. Of course he didn't have 30 seconds.

Blinded, Marco stooped down and cast his strongest shield, knowing the girl had out maneuvered him and caught him underestimating her. He was expecting another bombarda maxima or over charged diffindo. It's what he would have done.

While he cowered behind his shield, twelve and by this time very large birds impacted on him. Each flying at the speed of a bludger, impacting the back of his head, his back, and his arms. By the time the twelveth bird hit him, he was already bleeding from his ears and his nose. Feathers covered in his blood and sweat lay around and on him.

Luna wasn't done though. "Petrificus Totalus!" And Bruno became as stiff as a board.

"Yes, yes very good. House Lovegood has proved its point. Why don't you let Mr. Bruno up Miss Lovegood so Madame Pomphrey can attend him."

She looked at the headmaster as if had two heads. "You had a chance to step in before the duel headmaster. You said you couldn't interfere in-house business, especially international house business. Stay out of it now. This duel is to the winner's satisfaction." Her voice rose until she was almost yelling, "And I am not satisfied!"

Casting a Wingardium Leviosa on the frozen stiff, she elevated him 20 feet into the air. She looked directly at Karkarov and brought her arm sharply down.
He didn't fall, he was slammed into the raised platform that Professor Flitwick had erected. The sound reverberated through the dining hall. Silence reigned as she did it a second and then a third time. When she was done, there was more than one compound fracture. The body of the proud student lay there mercifully unconscious.

"Now I am satisfied. Let this be an object lesson to all of you. This pathetic excuse for a wizard attacked me not as a Lovegood, but an attempt to inflict pain on house Black. Attack us at your peril. My Lord will be contacting House Bruno for the insult demanding recompense. If there are any allies to House Bruno here, you may not want to let your headmaster handle this, he's done a poor job so far and doesn't seem to be working to the betterment of the houses."

Karkarov bristled, "You dare?"

Harry's turn. He didn't yell, although he wanted to. Instead, his voice was controlled, ice cold. "She does. I am her Champion death eater. Take exception to her words, please. I know you have years of experience on me. C'mon. Take a chance."

Since no further challenge came, she turned to leave the hall and saw more than one firstie with their hands covering their head or being hugged by an older student. Luna turned back and the conversations that had just started died again. "Oh. One last thing. Of the six of us..? I am the weakest dueler."

Before anyone could get to the still frozen Marco, the gray bird circling/hovering more or less over his head before the spell wore off and turned into a huge pile of bird droppings.

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Luna sat on Harry's and Hermione's lap. "I know I have to learn. And I know I have to be heartless sometimes. I just hate it."

"We know you do sweetie. You did very good. Now they'll leave you alone."

"Hermione's right," Sirius on the big mirror on the wall said.

"You did well my Little Moon. I am proud of you. Not just because you were victorious, but because your actions were all planned to prevent further injuries."

"I agree, and you will be an excellent Lady Black when the day comes. I as Lord Black will be contacting Lord Bruno demanding certain sacrifices. I don't know too much about the house. It was only enobled in the last 100 years or so. They could lose their noble status if the don't deal honorably with this. I am sorry they engineered it though Luna."

"And I as Lord Lovegood will be doing the same." Speaking of the contacting of the house Bruno.

"I meant to ask you," Sirius asked. "What happened to that last bird. You know the one with one short wing."

"Oh you mean Charlie."

"Charlie?"

Excited to be thinking of something else, she continued, "Yeah Charlie. Like on the island of misfits."

"Oh my god. Luna. I can see we're going to break out the Rudolph tape. And Christmas is over little girl."

"Christmas is never over Emma mum." Then she had an idea. "Oh! Put the mirror to show the telly! I want to watch Rudolph!"

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The following days were more of the same. The kids had long ago been briefed about the student body being potioned so they tried to ignore all of the comments made. There was always debate in the rooms about the students, it had long been decided not to act unless there was a clear need or a majority thought a particular thing needed to be done.

Hermione reiterated her favorite point. "None of us have been affected, yes I know it's part of the bond, but each of our rings or necklaces have a charm to detect poisons and potions. Look at Draco and Pansy, if there were two that were liable to be potioned, it would be them."

Tracey disagreed snorting before responding, "Those two were trained to detect for potions before they could spell the word."

"That's her point," Luna interjected. "They're not soul bonded and show no sign of the antipathy."

Daphne picked up the argument, "Most of the den are already aligned against us. They don't need a potion to feel antipathy for us. It makes them even more effective, they're not going to be subject to the overweening verbal or physical assault the potion encourages."

It was Luna's turn to snort, "So if they attack us then it's because they're stupid all on their own."

They all chuckled, "Exactly!"

It wasn't always Potter ladies versus Longbottom ladies. Tonight it just shook out that way. What was normal was for the guys to listen without too many comments. They weren't afraid to add to the discourse and frequently did. But the ladies were all scary smart and a smart guy will listen, and hopefully learn something from it.

"We've repeated this argument several times now," Neville interjected. "We keep going in a circle. There are only two options, continue as is or object to it. Both may have serious consequences."

"And we've discussed those outcomes as well, Nev. You and I have thick skin, we can take it. If they keep picking on our girls, it doesn't say much for us."

He didn't hesitate, "I agree Harry. One more attack to any of the girls and we will take action."

"We're right here you know." Hermione wasn't angry but liked to have a say in matters affecting her anyway.

"We know you can take care of yourselves 'Mione." Neville smiled at her. He was sure the other girls felt like she did. "We know you're not some delicate porcelain vase. But as lord's and as your fiancés, we have to do our jobs."

She grumbled a bit while Harry held her. The other girls had told her this several times and she knew this, but really didn't like it. "I know," she finally admitted.

"Look at it this way," Luna said cheerily. "If someone tries to back attack our guys, you get to take them apart."

Hermione bit her bottom lip and her eyes unfocused as she processed that. Only a few seconds later, "Thanks Luna. That helps."

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Three days later, Hermione was just finishing up in the girl's loo on the third floor. This was the time she was most vulnerable, and she knew it and was always in readiness for an attack. Luna was in her own level rotation and Daphne and Tracey were still involved in Slytherin Class schedules, "Herbology," she retrieved from her prodigious memory.

"Oh here's the uppity mud-blood now. Too good to come to the common room. You just hang with those snakes and that looney bint."

"What's your problem Lavender?"

"She's not the problem," Parvati came in pushing Hermione back from Brown. "Don't stand so close to us."

"I never thought I would ever agree with the pureblood crap. But I am changing my mind. You don't belong in the same school as us. You shouldn't be taking our men either."

"Perks, I never believed you were as challenged as these other blab queens." Her wand was in her hand pointing at the three. "As far as taking your men... you three can have whatever's left. I know that at least two of you are very practiced in pleasing the boys around here. Sally you'll have to learn a charm to protect your knees if you don't want to get callus' like your friends here."

"Just get out of here mud-blood. Your protectors aren't here now."

Hermione remembered the adage, "Never let the bastards see you sweat." She wasn't worried about these three. But it hurt more than she showed. She also remembered the other adage appropriate to this situation, "Never turn your back on an enemy."

She backed out of the loo, suddenly not wanting to take the rest of the classes for the day. She was very proud of the fact she didn't let a single tear fall until she was in the room.

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Harry was researching runes in the library when he a surge of anguish through the bond. "Winky."

"Yes Master Harry."

"Please check on Luna and 'Mione. Something's wrong with one of them."

She didn't even answer, she wasn't going to let one of her family suffer if she could do anything about it. She disappeared and didn't return for a full five minutes.

When she came back she was twisting her ears. Tears in her eyes.

"Are they alright? What's the matter?" Now he was upset.

"Nose theys be okay Master Harry. Theys just upset. I saw Mistress 'Miney in ladies room and bad girls be pick pick on her. Then I goes to Mistress Moon girl and bad girls pick pick on her toos."

Harry lifted his glasses and rubbed his tired eyes. "So If I got this right, they're physically okay, but some girls were messing with them."

"Could you keep an eye on them, for me please? If they have any more trouble, "pop" them back to the room."

"Can do Master Harry. Mistress 'Miney going there now. I look look Mistress Moon girl."

Thanking her Harry turned back to the tome he had pulled from the stacks. Sighing, he realized, he wouldn't get anything else done today, worrying about the girls. "Maybe a little cuddle will do us good," he thought gathering all of his things together.

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The cuddle did and it didn't. It made Hermione feel better and shortly after that Luna as well. However, it did nothing to alleviate the issue the precipitated all of this. Come to find out a little later, Daphne and Tracey were also accosted, only they were together.

Neville pulled out a galleon when the six were together. "Okay Heads I get to play bad guy, tails you sit this one out."

Harry smiled, he appreciated what he was trying to do. "Wait that's not fair!"

"Okay Harry you're too smart for me. Let's do it this way. Heads you sit this one out and tails I'LL do the talking." Stressing the "I'll" to try and sell it.

"No, that won't do either. Why don't you let me speak to everyone."

With exaggerated head shakes in the negative and elongating the first word, the girls were giggling enjoying the show their loves did just for them. "Noooo! You sir, are a barbarian! You'll say something wrong and we'll wind up having to fight everyone."

Harry was trying to look offended, "You say that like it's a bad thing. Kill all the stupid people and it's just us left."

In a dramatic stage whisper, "Harry. That will make us the two stupid ones. And I'm sure some of the mums out there will miss their precious babies."

Sighing, as if he was really sacrificing something. "Fine. Get it over with. Flip your coin."

"Call it in the air."

Neville must have pushed some magic into the flip because the coin hung in mid-air just flipping for a protracted 15 seconds. As soon as it was airborne Harry had called "Heads."

Adroitly Neville caught it in his right hand and slapped down onto the back of his left hand. He peeked, just lifting a portion of his hand. Then showed it to Tracey and then Daph covering it up each time.

"Sorry Harry. You really suck at this."

"Hey!"

"Doesn't he ladies?" His smirk was evident. The playing was worth it to make the girls smile. And they appreciated the guy's efforts.

"You really do Harry."

"You're awful."

"That's the truth, Harry."

"Yeah Harry. You really suck!"

"Luna! Really?" Still playing the wounded victim.

"Well you do." Then she looked and smiled at him. "Oh. You guys are talking about the coin flippy thing. That's not what I meant at all. But you stink at that too!"

Everyone smirked, Tracey hid her face suddenly embarrassed. Harry sat there, his eyes wide, his mouth hanging open inviting flies.

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The next evening, Neville stood to address the entire school. The two Lord had already sent out Hedwig and Tracey's bird, "Ares," with letters to all of their elders. Even the deputy had given her permission for Lord Longbottom to address the schools, on "The deleterious effects of improper comportment in everyday life."

McGonagall smirked a bit at the title of the "lecture" he promised. She made a mental note to clue Filius in. The night promised to deliver some excitement and a headache for her both from stunned students and concerned parents.

Dinner was over and Neville stood in his school robes and waited for everyone to settle down. Once he had their attention, he removed his hat and tossed it to Tracey. With his wand, he waved it over his robes and they transformed from the Gryffindor edged school robes to the robes of Lord Longbottom. Once more he waved his wand, this time at the ceiling, and the candles' lumens decreased slightly except for where he stood.

"It wasn't all that long ago when someone tried to assassinate Lord Potter and me in this very hall. Despite the cowardice of the attack, that family was spared, their son is alive."

He paused to look at everyone before continuing, "Shortly after that Lord Potter was nearly killed and his bond mates severely injured in another attack." A slight edge crept into his voice, "Still We showed mercy. The guilty were forgiven, with the sole exception of the author of the attack." He began to speak a little faster, his voice even harder. "We have endured attacks on our persons from the staff, and now most recently a spurious attack on one whom I love like a sister." Now he looked at Bruno who sat and tried to meet his gaze. "He lives, hopefully a wiser man. But now... Now our ladies are accosted in the hallways. In the loos." His voice raged "COWARDS!"

His look froze the headmaster who wanted to interrupt. "These ladies train four days a week and are a match for anyone here, but that's not why we are here. Every act has a reward. Some rewards are good, others... not so much."

He turned and specifically looked at the sons and daughters of allied houses. "Because of your acts of cowardice. Because of your lack of support to your liege lords. With the let of Lords Potter, Black, Greengrass, Davis, and Lovegood. We are calling in all loans and debts. All rights granted to use all of the aforementioned house goods, family magics, and processes are rescinded."

Every table was affected, many Slytherin benefitted from Greengrass, Davis, or Black magics or goods. Hannah Abbott had her hands covering her mouth, her face pale. Susan Bones, based on Harry and Neville's actions, had planned on taking her place this summer as Lady Bones. She had been studying and knew the state of finances for House Bones. Several loans had been outstanding, but everyone realized there were only two and very little in gold available. An auror's salary wasn't much, even if you were in charge of the department. Tears ran down her face. She already had her wand out and was tapping furiously on the medallion around her neck.

Neville wasn't done. He turned to the head table. The ministry during the last war needed funds to wage that war. Both House Potter and House Longbottom supported the ministry both with gold and our parent's lives. We will present those bonds and demand payment."

He waved his hand and the lights returned to normal. "That's all I have to say. I wish you all a good evening. Lord Potter, did you want to say anything?"

Harry stood, gave his trademark smile, the one he celebrated with after a successful prank. "Just one thing." He pointed an accusing finger at everyone. "You danced to the tune. You enjoyed yourself at our expense. Now it's time to pay the piper."

They weren't out the door before 30 people started to run to the owlry.