Second Year:

Chapter Six

Alan Prince lay lengthwise on a dark armchair in a small sittingroom lined with many books. On his chest lay a folded letter face down, and he was absently chewing on the back end of his quill as he stared upside down at the fireplace opposite him. Alan was presently at Severus Snape's home at Spinner's End, a dingy house, slightly rundown, but in better condition than it had been for a long time. Alan was happy to be there with his father, but he did miss the numerous children who would run about everywhere at his Uncle's family mansion. However, for this summer, he was certainly willing to spend the time with his father, who was likely ensconced in the Potion's lab upstairs again.

Alan Prince was eleven years old, still a month away from his twelfth birthday, and a small, dark-haired boy with a distinguished face. His nose was reminiscent of his father's, his eyes were dark, and his hair was kept short and out of the way. It wasn't greasy, but the shine it had was indicative of at least a similar tendency. Alan had grown up with his uncle in America, which gave him an accent that Severus had commented on disdainfully several times. But Severus was a wary father, and he tried hard to make the best of the time he now had with the son he'd never known. However, presently, he had other requirements on his time, and Alan was spending his time contemplating the best way to get his Uncle to come over and visit, and maybe get Severus to do something a little more 'fun'.

Alan's awkward contemplations, however, shattered as someone knocked on the front door. He glanced that way, but Severus shouted down the stairs.

"Alan, stay put. I'm coming, I'm coming."

Alan didn't move. Severus had warned him to not answer the door, and several times, he had been asked to leave for his room. Of course, the passages that ran through the house made eavesdropping simple and almost expected, and Alan knew who each of those guests had been. It was a matter of importance that he know who his father didn't want to see him, and the names he'd gathered had been recorded in a locked and cursed diary. Lucius Malfoy, and the older Crabbe and Goyle. Parkinson. Rookwood. All of them men Alan knew from his uncle's books as suspected Death Eaters, none of whom had been imprisoned. All of who were rich.

The knocking returned, and then the door was pulled open.

"Ah, Severus. How wonderful to see you."

"Albus." Severus returned. Alan could hear his father's stress. Quickly, Alan stood and moved off the chair and back behind the sofa across the room. He curled up casually, as though he were reading his letter, and pulled out a second piece of parchment and a small ink pot, his ears trained upon the men talking in the front hall.

"You've done marvels with this house, Severus. I haven't seen it this clean in years."

"What do you want, Albus?" Severus grated out.

"Must I always have a reason for visiting a good friend?" Albus sounded genuinely curious and Alan curled his lip. "Will you be inviting me in, then?" His tone had changed to something more business-like.

"Fine." Severus growled. "The sitting room is here."

Alan heard the door to the front close as the one to the sitting room, where he lay crouched, opened.

"This is lovely indeed." Albus blustered, and suddenly the candles in the lamp above flared, bringing several times more light into the room than before. Alan could hear several grumbles coming from his father before someone stiffly seated himself on the sofa Alan was behind. A glance up showed lank dark hair, and Alan smiled slightly, turning back to playing with his quill as he listened in on the conversation.

"What do you want, Albus? This is not a social visit, I can tell."

"Is Alan about anywhere?" Albus returned, his voice curious.

"He's somewhere about. Possibly out in the village, possibly curled in his room with a book. I was working on my potions, and he tends to busy himself elsewhere when I haven't requested his help. He is only a child, still." His tone, which tried to sound dismissive, couldn't hide the slight warmth that coloured the words. Alan could also easily imagine the dismissive gesture he would have made, alongside the small glitter in his eyes that reminded Alan of a soft laugh.

"You care for him, then." Albus observed. Alan felt cold at the clinical sound of the words, and he quickly uncapped his inkpot and dipped the quill, scratching an introduction onto the blank parchment he had. If Albus was here for what Alan suspected, he really would need to send a letter. "Severus, are you sure you are in a position to care for a child?"

"Albus, why are you bringing this up? There is no present danger, and I don't feel this matter is anything you should be troubling yourself with. Am I not allowed to care for a child, then? You do not control me outside of your school, Albus, I am no longer your spy." Severus spat. "I feel I've earned at least some choices of my own. The danger is past."

"We have no proof Voldemort was vanquished, Severus, and in Quirrel you know he tried to return to power. I would be mistaken if I said that I did not believe Voldemort knew who Alan was. Having him here, without protection makes him a target. I do not want your child to be in danger, Severus." Albus returned earnestly.

Severus was silent for several long moments before he answered. "I think I know already the dangers of having a child, Albus, and I appreciate your offer of protecting him. I have kept him out of sight, though, and he is a smart child, able to keep himself locked away when he needs to be. This house has many corners to protect him, and were something to happen to me, he does still have his uncle to return to, and methods to get there." Alan had shown Severus the emergency portkey his uncle had insisted he wear, easily activated, though he hadn't told Severus how.

"Severus," Albus sighed, "do you really want to trust a man you do not know with your son?"

"He's done a fine job raising him before now, Albus, and we have communicated through the school year. I feel perfectly confident trusting him with Alan's safety. I don't feel the same confidence with you, Albus, as I don't want to fear you will use him as leverage against me were my 'unique position' required once more."

Albus gave a deep sigh, and Alan furiously continued to scribble down his note. "Severus, this is also what concerns me. A child will endanger your position as a spy, and he may very well be demanded as a promise of your loyalty."

"No one other than you, sir, and Alan's uncle know that Alan is my son. Only you, I, and the boy's uncle even know he is here."

Alan could hear Albus' frown. "Indeed, this uncle of his concerns me as well. I do not know the man, and I'm not sure I can trust him with all that you seem to be entrusting him with."

"Albus, you must be slipping." Severus teased. Alan smiled brightly, finishing off the note. "Something you don't know? I'm astonished."

"Severus, this isn't something to make light of."

"Considering how much you're trying to control me, Albus, I think I'm allowed to make light of anything I want. This is my house."

"And the matter is the safety of your son. Do you really want to play games with his life?"

Alan had had enough of them bantering back and forth as though his opinion was nonexistent. This was something that definitely wouldn't have happened at his uncle's without someone having made sure no child was in the room, and Alan stood quickly behind his father and leaned over his shoulder to smile at him, holding the letter he'd written loosely in hand.

"Hey Dad."

Albus choked slightly and Severus jerked back and blinked. Honestly, did he think Alan would just not listen to this conversation when he'd listened to every other conversation Severus had had supposedly without his knowledge?

"Can I borrow your owl to send this letter or do you need me to acquire another post owl? It's for my uncle."

Severus paused for a moment, and then rubbed his eyes. "I observe you were listening in, Alan. And I suppose we could even floo it to him after Albus leaves if you would like. It's for you uncle?"

"Mhmm," Alan nodded happily. "My uncle Geoffrey." Alan gave Albus a short look from the corner of his eyes. "Geoffrey Alfaerus."

Albus blanked his face before he could show any expression, but Alan had seen the reaction several times. The Alfaerus, although not well known this side of the ocean, were a large, influential family in America. That Alan's uncle was a member of the family made using him as leverage highly unwise. Alan just grinned as he leaned over the couch, and Severus finally blinked out of his surprise and shook his head.

"Why don't you just … go up to my room and floo it over, alright? I need to finish up in here."

Alan pouted, but dropped down, picked up his letter and inkpot, and strode out of the room in as stately a manner as he could manage.

IIII

Harry hurtled towards the ground on his Nimbus Two Thousand, laughing as he evaded Neville's wild dart towards him once more. Neville pulled himself up and tried again, but Harry levelled off with the ground and shot forward, back towards the large Longbottom Manor on the hill before them. It was their game of tag and Harry loved it: he was unbeatable, had been even before he had his own Nimbus. Between him, Neville and Ron, Harry had always been the natural on a broomstick, just like his father.

However, as Harry flew along the pathway, he had to pull into a barrel roll to get off the path and not bowl Albus Dumbledore over as he apparated onto the walkway to the front door. Harry quickly jerked his broom to a stop and dropped to the ground before him, smiling widely even through his concern. Flying always made him smile.

"Headmaster Dumbledore, we weren't expecting you here – Look out!" Harry shouted, ducking down. Dumbledore copied him and Neville hurtled over their heads, trying to engage his brakes still. He came to a stop twenty feet beyond and looked back over with a pale face. "Neville!" Harry shouted. "I thought you knew how to stop!"

"I do, Harry, but … I'm so sorry, Professor Dumbledore, really, I am. Are you alright? Do you want to talk to our parents; they should be up at the manor still. I really didn't mean to almost hit you, sir."

"It is fine, children. Yes, I am here to see your parents, however, from the looks of things they're already coming this way."

Harry and Neville both looked up to see their parents running down the pathway towards them. Harry raised his hand and eagerly waved up at them, while Neville did so a little more timidly. Chances are, they'd seen his amazing blunder and he wasn't too eager to hear any more comments on his rather amazing lack of control.

James arrived first, and smiled brightly at his son before turning to shake Dumbledore's hand. "Good to see you, Albus. Better to see you're alright; that was some crazy flying the two of them were up to. To what do you owe this wonderful visit, hm?" James ducked his head as Lily swatted him on the shoulder, but he just smiled cheekily at her and she exchanged her own pleasant greeting with Albus in turn, along with Frank and Alice, who came up behind them, ruffling Neville's hair as they passed.

"To all of you, I am here just to check up with some good old friends. After my short visit with Severus, I felt catching up with a few others would be just as well."

James curled his lip at the mention of Severus, and then laughed and agreed. Albus was led inside, and once more Harry took off on his broom, Neville trailing behind. It wasn't until fifteen minutes later that Harry found the owl coming in with a brilliant red letter. Neville was beside him in a rare moment, and Harry pointed it out.

"Who do you think the letter's for?" Harry asked.

"Dunno, I don't think my parents have gotten anyone angry with them in a long while."

"Mine neither. Maybe …" Harry looked over at Neville and both grinned widely and flew down to the front door, dropping their brooms beside it and racing up to the sitting room where their parents were talking happily with Dumbledore. They arrived just in time.

"-Such a year again." James finished. "Hey, don't owls usually pick better times to show up? Oh dear, Lily … have you made anyone angry recently?"

"Certainly not, James. What – oh my. Well, someone needs to let the letter in. Let's see who receives it …"

There was silence, and then a strained chuckle.

"Oh dear." Albus returned. "This doesn't appear good."

"Might as well open it, Albus." Frank returned. "I don't think we could get far enough away to give you much in the way of privacy. We'll keep it quiet, promise."

Harry gave Neville a tight look, and Neville just shrugged. Suddenly, a man's irritated but controlled voice filled the room.

"Mr. Dumbledore, I don't believe my ears or eyes from the letter I just received. I never pegged you as a manipulative cur, but I appear to have been wrong. After all, since my nephew just wrote me, you were trying to use him as leverage against his father. What is it with you and trying to control Severus?"

The voice, amplified but not yet sounding too angry, changed suddenly to a woman's strident tone.

"Mr. Dumbledore, I myself have my own views that you really should keep your nose out of our business, and out of Severus'. Someone's child is their own concern, and since you have already agreed that immoral Mouldy-shorts is dead I think it's high time you let a few select people," Her tone was sarcastic, and they all heard a cough in the background that sounded like 'Severus' "live their own lives. If I hear one more time that you're trying to use my sister's son as leverage, you're history!"

"You'll have threatening letters every four days!" The man shouted. "And don't think we won't go through with them!"

"Ads in the Daily Prophet; the real person who charmed those goats, and why!" A second, male stranger threw in.

"No American funds to your school!" The man continued, followed by the woman,

"Salem will never recommend Hogwarts again!"

"We'll pull the boy and send him to Salem or Durmstrang!"

"And trust me, Severus will never be named a Death Eater again; he has the backing of the Alfaerus family as an upstanding citizen, and solid evidence he worked as a spy. More evidence than even you have, Dumbledore." The woman finished. "So hear this out," The man joined in as they both shouted, "Mind your own fucking business and leave Severus Snape alone!"

The Howler shrivelled and collapsed as ash. Harry looked at Neville once more and swallowed. Harry quickly directed Neville to follow him and they left the hallway, Neville pulling Harry with him to his bedroom. When they were in there, Harry fell onto the bed and glared at the ceiling, his head swarming with questions. Neville spoke first.

"I never thought I'd hear someone defending Professor Snape."

"I never thought I'd hear someone accuse Dumbledore of something so … so … callous." Harry returned. He sat up and fixed Neville with a confused look. "They said Dumbledore was trying to use their nephew against Snape. As leverage. That means he's trying to get him to do something, and is threatening his kid in some way if he doesn't."

"That doesn't sound like Dumbledore." Neville returned. "Maybe they were wrong. Maybe the kid overheard and misread what he was hearing."

"If he was wrong, would his aunt and uncle have sent a howler to Dumbledore? They sounded pretty serious."

Neville shrugged. "Maybe they overreacted."

"And if they didn't?" Harry asked, his voice low. Neville looked back up at Harry to see his friend wearing a strangely fierce expression. "I don't want to be used, Neville."

Neville met his eyes for several long moments, and then nodded carefully, in complete agreement with Harry's words. He didn't want to be used either. After a few minutes of commiseration, Neville leaned back in his armchair and put his hands behind his head. "Somehow I don't think your dad would be easily intimidated."

Harry snorted. "No, I don't think so either. He's a little too forward, almost. He wouldn't be cowed by anything."

Neville snorted. "Nah, and my dad neither. If one won't be intimidated, the other won't either. Besides, James is my godfather."

"And so you're my brother." Harry drawled. Silence stretched for several long moments, and then Harry sat up and gave Neville a small smile. "And I'm glad."

Neville met his smile for a short few moments, and then looked away, slightly pink. "Does this mean you're going to play keep away again?"

Harry's grin sounded in his voice. "Nah, lets go practice throwing gnomes."

Neville groaned as Harry jumped off the bed and walked out into the hall, following slowly behind. "But Harry … I don't want to throw gnomes. You always throw them to heck and gone and I don't stand a chance. How about chess, we could play chess …Gobstones? Anything else?"

IIII

Diagon Alley was very busy in the summer, after students got their Hogwarts letters. Harry knew his parents weren't entirely fond of the crowds, but he himself found them fascinating. However, even he could see that the massive crowd inside Flourish and Blotts was abnormal. The only thing he could see as being the cause was a large banner stretched across the upper windows:

Gilderoy Lockhart

Will be signing copies of his autobiography,

Magical Me

Today 12:30 – 4:30 pm

Apparently his parents saw it as well.

"Oh god, James." Sirius drawled. "Do we have to go in there? I think his hair spray is making my nose itch all the way out here!"

"Sirius, be reasonable." Lily snapped. "That's all the perfume the women have slopped on to try and get his attention. Honestly."

All three of them wore expressions of distaste, and Harry could only laugh as he remembered the last time his parents had run across Lockhart. They had all been at a press release about the aurors and Sirius and James had taken to laughing at the get-up Gilderoy was dressed in. Lily had tried to respect him at first, but after failing to avoid ten pranks in a row, their respect went completely bottoms up. Now, they each took a glance at the crowded bookstore and Harry offered his own suggestion,

"We could come back later."

James shook his head. "No kiddo, we won't have time. There's more stuff going on in the auror business, and I don't want Lily taking you all out by herself." He ignored the token hit Lily gave him for talking like she was helpless again, and squared his shoulders as he pressed his way inside, Sirius beside him as Lily followed in their wake, her hand resting gently on Harry's shoulder.

"Can't believe we've got to get all the bloody books, James. Isn't that a little bit of extortion?"

"Sirius," James muttered. "You've got three guesses why they got assigned. There's rumour the job is cursed, already. Lockhart's so much of an airhead he wouldn't think much of that curse to begin with. I still stand by my part of the bet that says that he lied in all of the books."

Harry snickered. Most likely, he wasn't meant to hear all of that, but he didn't really care, nor did he mind. He found their attitude amusing. As they'd wandered through the store, they came upon the crowd that had settled around Gilderoy Lockhart, and could hear the questions now being sent his way.

"Sir, I see that the students have all been snatching up your books. Someone told me they're all on the list for the students to buy this year. Do you know who it is that has assigned your works?"

Harry saw him flash a warm smile around the crowd, and upon seeing Harry his eyes lit up. Harry tried to move back, but ran into Lily moments before Gilderoy pulled him through the crowd. He was pressed against him before he knew what was happening, and Gilderoy responded.

"Well, since I find teaching so important, and am so excellent a duellist myself I decided to take on the job as Defence Against the Dark Arts teacher, to show kids like young Mr. Potter here how to fight for themselves! Isn't that right, Harry? You're going to be one of my ace students, aren't you? You've already got the history."

The flashing lights blinded Harry and he quickly shook his head, pulling to try and get away. He didn't answer, and when he could see he found Lockhart's smile become a trifle forced. He didn't have to wait long, though, as a rumbling growl Harry knew very well started behind him.

"Let go of my son, Gilderoy. I think my opinion of you is plain." James hissed. Several more lights went off, and Gilderoy released Harry at once, into Lily's waiting arms. One of the reporters took the bait immediately and shot a question at them.

"Mr. Potter, you are a well respected auror. What is your opinion of Gilderoy and his accomplishments?"

James growled again, and then answered in a clear voice. "I think Gilderoy must have either fabricated his stories or stolen them from someone else, as he has yet to prove to know anything about defence to me. I certainly am not most pleased to have him teaching my son and godson. Now, excuse me. I have actual business to be taking care of." He levelled a glare at the excessive fanfare surrounding Lockhart and then directing Harry to the till to pay for the books, his face a dark glower. Lily was hissing in his ear about being polite in public and not making a scene, but her words fell on deaf ears and Harry himself frowned. His father wasn't really the most tactful person, but then again, his dad was a true Gryffindor. The thought made him frown, and suddenly Sirius pressed his hand onto Harry's hair and messed it up.

"Cheer up, Harry. You can always make his life miserable once you're in school with him. If nothing else, you can direct the Weasley twins his way and let them take care of him. They'll do a good job, I'm sure, and you can always pitch in to help. You've got a mean eye for trouble, you know."

"I know, Padfoot." Harry returned, ducking away to save his hair. "But really, I think I'll leave that to the experts" Sirius laughed again, and then sent him on his way as James stormed out of the store, people skittering out of their way. They stepped out into the sunshine, and James was once again muttering under his breath. Lily sighed deeply and glared idly his direction before gently ushering Harry towards the Leaky Cauldron. Harry went along, glancing around the streets. They were just past Madam Malkin's when James stopped muttering and spoke up once more.

"What's going on up there?"

Harry looked where he was pointing and blinked. There were two men standing in the alley, glaring at each other, and just to the side was a slight, dark-haired boy Harry thought looked like Prince. He was certainly holding himself in the way Prince usually did. The man with his back to them was slightly scruffy looking and confrontational, but the man he was facing was distinctly Lucius Malfoy. James stalked towards them, and Lily and Sirius followed, Harry trailing them carefully. As he came closer, the words cleared, and Harry could tell the scruffy man had the same accent Prince bore; one he thought was American. However, they quickly stopped as James came upon them.

"What's going on here?" He repeated, looking between the two arguing men, and pulling himself straight. He wasn't in his auror robes, but his bearing made it clear he had authority. Lucius also recognized him, and sneered.

"Just a discussion, Potter. No need for interference." Lucius drawled.

"Discussion my ass." Prince and the scruffy man both muttered together. Prince was tucked next to his side, and they clearly knew each other. The scruffy man smiled brightly as Harry's father turned to him, and gave a short bow that seemed both respectful and mocking. "No need to interference, indeed, sir, but not unwelcome. I'm just taking my nephew for a stroll, and we'll continue as is. No more arguments for us, and good day." The man turned without a word and left. James and Sirius both watched him leave, and as he did so, Lucius slipped off as well. Harry wondered what he was doing in the alley without taking Draco for his things, but just brushed it off, and followed as James began cursing under his breath again, leading them back to their home. When they arrived, there was a dilapidated owl waiting in a clump of feathers on the table. Lily covered a snicker as she gently lifted the creature and removed the note.

"It's from the Weasleys. They'd like to come over, and we just need to floo them when we're back. James …" Lily turned to look for him, but James had left the room. Harry knew he was heading off upstairs, dragging Sirius along to blow off some steam by practicing duelling. Lily's mouth twitched into a smile, and she looked down at Harry. "Well then. Do you want me to floo Neville as well, so you and him can both hang out with Ron?"

"Yeah, mom, please?" Harry brightened. Hanging out with Ron and Neville was grand fun. "Oh, and when I have a moment, I need to owl Hermione. She responded a few days ago."

"Harry, Hedwig is your owl, you know." Lily responded, as she looked over her shoulder at him from by the fireplace. "You don't have to ask before sending her out."

Harry flushed lightly, and Lily tossed the powder into the fireplace as she kneeled before it, and called the Longbottoms' address. Several minutes later, she pulled her head out, and Neville followed her retreat. He stumbled as he came out, and then darted over to Harry.

"Harry! You got your stuff, I presume?" Harry gave him a look that clearly asked, 'do you think I'm stupid?' Neville grinned and danced around him again. "I can't believe Lockhart took over the bookstore like that. He's such a loony!"

"It's worse, Neville." Harry returned. Neville blanched.

"How can it be worse than having him both in the Alley while we were getting our stuff, and having to buy all his books?"

"Being stuck with the idiot for a teacher."

Neville gaped silently at him for several long moments. Harry heard Frank's indignant spluttering to Lily telling him the same thing, and then the second roar of the floo as Lily contacted the Weasleys. Neville hung his head and faked a whimper.

"It's alright." Harry patted his back. "I got to see my dad and Sirius growl at him when he tried to use me as a publicity stunt. It was really funny, mostly because I seriously thought Padfoot would bite him if given the chance."

Neville barked out a laugh. "Sirius would bite someone, wouldn't he?"

They both laughed, and heard Molly greeting Lily as she came through the fire. Shortly thereafter, Ron came through as well and once he found Harry and Neville he ran over with a grin. Harry skittered out of reach when he tried to tackle him once more, and Ron pouted. Neville laughed again, taking on his announcer voice.

"Tackling Champion has now been foiled by favourite victim. How do you feel about this astounding loss?"

"Unsurprised, Neville." Ron grumped. "He had to catch on eventually. He's a Slythindor."

Harry leapt forward and planted his hand flat over Ron's mouth. "Ixnay on the house, Ron." Harry hissed. "No speaking of it." A jerk of his head indicated Lily talking to the Weasleys and Longbottoms behind them.

Ron looked confused and Harry removed his hand before ushering them both outside to the broom shed. Once the adults were left behind, Ron asked,

"Why are you so quiet about that, Harry? You'd think your mom would find it funny."

"Mom would, probably." Harry shrugged uncomfortably. "However, dad wouldn't. I just don't even want to run it by him." Neville nodded in understanding, but Ron was still confused. However, Neville looked between Harry's tight expression, and Ron who seemed ready to continue asking, and quickly slapped Ron's shoulder.

"Tag start, Ron's 'it'!"

Harry laughed immediately and raced to the broom shed, pulling out his Nimbus as Ron floundered.

"Hey wait a minute, we're not in the air yet!"

"You're still 'it'!" Harry called. "Catch us if you can! I'd advise cornering Neville; he still can't stop!"

"Harry!" Neville yelled. "You're not supposed to give me up!" He swung himself onto his own new comet, and tossed the spare comet to Ron as he joined Harry in the air. "If I end up 'it', I'm conspiring to catch you!"

"It'll take you both to get me anyways!" Harry returned. Ron joined them in the air shortly, and they both scattered. Ron went after Neville, and, true to Harry's word, managed to catch him out on a turn. However, Neville himself kept his word, and he and Ron began to work on cornering Harry, which was a task and a half with his high quality broom and hairpin control. They stopped after Neville thumped into one of the mansion walls, and Alice yelled at them to stop being insane and play nice. Landing finally on the roof, Harry rolled over and turned to Ron.

"Did you guys have the 'honour' of meeting Lockhart today, too?"

Ron rolled his eyes. "Don't bring it up! Mom is still barmy about him, and I can't figure why. The only good thing about the day was when dad got in a brawl with Lucius at the entrance to the store."

Harry growled. "Was he getting all uppity about money again?" Ron nodded and Harry growled deeply once more. "I hope he got a bruise to remember the indignity by. He was being snarky to Prince later on, too. Prince and his guardian, I think. Didn't recognize the guy, but he's got the same weird accent Prince does but they look nothing alike."

Ron propped his head up. "Percy says Prince sounds American, but he also thinks he recognizes the family name."

"It could just be another branch that moved off." Neville added. "Lots of purebloods sent family to the Americas when the colonies developed. Squibs, weaklings, werewolves, family members in disgrace. Others ran over there for the same reason without being sent."

Ron deflated. "I suppose. You said he was being snarky to Prince? He was picking on Ginny at the bookstore. Mocking her books, and their quality. Said we only got them that nice through charity." Ron gave Harry and Neville a sidelong look, but both shrugged with a determinedly casual air. They both knew why the Weasleys had a bit more money than before. The minister hadn't had much choice but to give Arthur a raise when four of his finest aurors threatened resignation if he didn't, and he didn't keep quiet about it. They knew Arthur would suspect their involvement, but all of them turned a deaf ear when it was mentioned. Harry found it fun to practice that himself.

Ron shrugged then, and let it drop. Harry sighed, watching the clouds scud quickly across the sky. Neville daydreamed for a moment, and then grinned.

"So, Harry. How much are your parents willing to give you to prank Lockhart?"

Harry groaned as the other two boys perked at the thought. Honestly, what was it with Gryffindors and pranks?

A/N:: Thank you to everyone that has reviewed so far! I'll just reassure you all that unless I lose access to a computer, I will be putting up a chapter every two weeks; so far I have twenty complete, and being betaed. So don't worry about losing the story. The pace is allowing me to write at my comfort.

Please Read and Review!

Fire and Napalm