Disclaimer: Some say the world will end in fire . . .

A Touch of Frost

Friday night found six death eaters making their way through the sewers. This was going to be easy. Just wait around until Jeremy returns, kill him, and then party back at Riddle's house. Unfortunately, they ran into Tim preparing for his date with Tonks. Which was convenient, because as they showed up, he realized he had forgotten something and wouldn't have time to run to the store.

IIIIIIIIII

Hermione woke up with a frown the next morning as she remembered the events from the night before.

"GOD DAMN IT," Hermione screamed. "I was so bloody close."

"Good morning to you too Hermione," Luna said with a happy smile. "I take it you're not doing well?"

"Seems like the world is conspiring against me," Hermione replied absently. "Luna you're willing to help me with something right?"

"Of course Hermione," Luna agreed quickly.

"Ok," Hermione began with a grin. "There's this potion I'm planning to brew. If make a list of ingredients I need, would you be willing to get them for me?"

"Of course I will Hermione," Luna agreed. "What do you need?"

"After breakfast," Hermione said as she walked towards the bathroom for her shower. "Thanks Luna."

"Should we get that started Hermione?" Luna asked.

"Fine," she groaned. "Any requests?"

"I'd like to have Harry's sausage," Luna said slyly.

"I . . . I'll see what I can do," Hermione said slowly. "Ok?"

"Thank you Hermione," Luna said. "May I wait in the sitting room?"

"You may," she agreed. After Luna was gone, Hermione turned to the sleeping Harry with a wicked grin on her face. "Frigus Aeris."

Harry shrieked in surprise and turned to the giggling girl with a glare. "Did you have to do that?"

"Yes."

"You keep doing this and I'm going to forget that I'm a gentleman and seek revenge."

"Hah, I'd like to see you try."

"Remember, you brought this on yourself."

"Luna wants sausage for breakfast," Hermione changed the subject. "Do you mind?"

"Of course not," he agreed cheerfully. "This isn't over," he said in a low voice.

"What was that?"

"I said why don't you take your shower," Harry suggested. "I'll go get breakfast ready."

"Thank you Harry."

Harry reluctantly got out of bed, got dressed, and walked to the kitchen.

"Good morning Harry."

"Luna," he said with a smile. "Would you mind helping me with something?"

"What is it?"

"Could you hit the off switch for the hot water for a few minutes?" He asked innocently. "I need to show something to Hermione."

"Of course I'll help," Luna agreed. "Where is it?"

"It's behind the panel in that closet behind you."

"Here?" They both looked up at the muffled outraged scream.

"That's it," Harry said cheerfully. "You can turn it back on now."

"Ok Harry."

Hermione appeared a few minutes later and sent a deadly glare Harry's smiling face. "Have a good shower?" He asked innocently.

"Very," she growled.

"Good," he said with a happy grin. "Breakfast is ready."

"Thank you Harry," Hermione said sweetly. "What are you doing?"

"Throwing a quick ward up," Harry replied. "Nothing big?"

"Why?"

"Because I'd rather not have my shower interrupted by your petty attempts at revenge," Harry said with an arrogant grin. "And I know that you'll never believe me if I were to tell you that the universe avenged me. I never went anywhere near the hot water cut off switch."

"Really?" She studied him for a few moments before reluctantly concluding that he was telling the truth. "I see."

"And with that," Harry said as he put down his fork. "I'm going to get clean. Later girls."

"Bye Harry," Luna replied.

"Luna?" Hermione asked after Harry had left the room.

"Yes Hermione?"

"Who cut off my hot water?"

"I did," Luna said proudly.

"Why?"

"Harry asked me to."

"I thought so," Hermione said with a smirk. "Thank you Luna."

"No problem Hermione."

"Would you mind helping me with something?" Hermione asked. "Since you helped Harry I mean, it's only fair."

"Of course Hermione, what do you want me to do?"

"Just cast a couple of freezing charms on . . . the section of wall above the light over there."

"Now?"

"Wait until he's been in there for a while," Hermione said in triumph.

"Ok."

Knock! Knock!

Hermione opened the door to find out who was knocking. There were very few who could be this far into the building, so she felt safe doing so.

"Hello, Tonks. Rather embarrassing picture, wouldn't you say?"

"What picture?" Tonks asked, suddenly not sure about the turn of the conversation.

"The Daily Prophet. See." Hermione handed Tonks the paper with a picture of Tim holding up a wizard with a bandana covered face while Tonks was slumped against the wall.

"Actually, are you OK?" Hermione asked.

"Oh, yes. They fixed me right up. Anyway, I was wondering if you could key someone into the wards for me."

"Anyone I know?"

"My partner," she answered, pointing to the picture on the front page, "Tim. He invited me out Friday night, and. . . ." her voice trailed off.

Hermione knew her relationship with Harry and Luna was a bit unorthodox, so she reserved judgment. "Alright, we'll key him in."

"Thanks, Hermione."

"Acer Gelu," Luna incanted.

"Thank you Luna," Hermione said with a smile. "So . . . you and Tim huh?"

"I just want to make sure he's alright," Tonks said with a downcast expression. "He did save my life and . . . you saw what happened to him."

"I know it can be hard but you can't blame yourself. Besides, the specialist from Japan hasn't arrived yet. He might still be fine soon."

"I know, Hermione. It's just it makes me feel so unprofessional. I've always been clumsy, you know. When I finally made it to DMLE I thought... I was sure I managed to overcome this and now look what happened to Tim."

"Hey, it could be any other auror in your shoes there. You were just lucky to have him for a partner. And you have no idea how glad we are that you are all right. I tell you, Harry and I were really worried when we heard what happened."

"Logically, perhaps it means something. But I still can't get it out of my mind. And don't even get me started on how much sleep I already lost over that. When I think about it it's just impossible to go to sleep."

"You know, I think what you need right now is a good book. Something light to read before you go to sleep to take your mind of that."

"Hermione is right" Luna's voice cut in from the library "It could work. I think I know what you might like. It's from Hermione's Muggle collection." Luna emerged holding a stack of books "I hope you won't mind Hermione?"

"Of course not. Tonks is a friend after all."

"Then it's settled. Try the one with green cover first - it's my favourite. And if it doesn't help you can always use the other method."

"The other method?"

"Of course. It's called the year of fun."

"The year of...?"

"Sure. You get twelve men, get them dressed for each of the months"

"Luna! I mean, Luna, we should try the books and see if they work first, don't you think? No sense being pessimistic, right. Oh, and Tonks - we are going to the cinema tomorrow, sort of a girls day out. Perhaps you'd like to come with us?"

"Why not?. I don't have duty tomorrow."

"Then it's settled. Why don't you try to get some rest now."

"Perhaps I should. Bye, Hermione, Luna"

After the door closed behind the auror Hermione turned to Luna

"So, which books did you choose?"

"Oh, you know, just some light, what do you call it? Science fiction. I liked the sense of humor there."

"You liked... never mind. If she doesn't like them she knows she can always borrow something else . . . so what did you give her?"

"Hmmmm?"

"What books did you give her?"

"Oh, just a small selection on time travel and mind control."

"Time travel and mind control?"

"Uh huh."

"I . . ." She calmed her features and turned towards the opening bedroom door. "How'd you like your shower?" Hermione asked with a lazy grin.

"It was great," Harry enthused. "Though one odd thing happened towards the end of it."

"Oh?" She leaned forward with a look of great antisipation. "Do tell."

"Well, I'd just gotten out and turned off the water when frost began forming around the shower head. Weird huh?"

"Yeah," she sighed.

"And Hermione . . ."

"Yes Harry?"

He leaned down to whisper in her ear. "That puts me one ahead."

"Curses."

"Curses?"

"Always wanted to use that line, but I never seemed to get the opportunity to slip it in without it sounding awkward."

"Ah."

"Well . . . I have to go," Luna said reluctantly. "I'll see you later."

"Goodbye Luna," Hermione said.

"Yes, goodbye."

"I've got some potions to brew," Hermione offered. She gave Harry a quick kiss on the cheek.

"Have fun," Harry replied.

He had been relaxing in the sitting room for about an hour when he heard Hermione's semi panicked call. "Harry, I need you to come here."

"What is it?" He demanded as, wand in hand, he ran towards her.

"I just dropped a hot cauldron on my foot," she replied with a catch in her voice.

"Come on." He gathered her in his arms. "Let's get you to the hospital."

Harry burst into the lobby and was quickly directed to place his injured friend in a wheel chair. "We'll take care of her Mr. Potter," the nurse assured him. "Why don't you have a seat, we'll call you when we have some news for you."

"Fine," he agreed. He managed to sit still for about five seconds before jumping up and nervously pacing back and fourth.

IIIIIIIIII

"What happened?" The Healer asked bluntly as he examined her damaged foot.

"I was brewing a potion and I dropped the cauldron on my foot," Hermione replied.

"Explains the burns and broken bones," he mused. "What kind of Potion were you brewing Ms. Potter?"

"Um muphghml," Hermione muttered with a blush.

"I didn't catch that. Could you speak up?"

"Muuuvlal."

"Is it some sort of . . . potion for . . . personal things?"

Red faced, Hermione just nodded in agreement.

"Would you feel better if I got a female Healer in here to talk to you?"

Hermione seemed to shrink as she nodded again.

"Very well." The Healer stuck his head out of the room. "Healer Brown, could you take over here?"

"Sure thing," a woman's voice replied. "Hi there Hermione right?"

"Yeah," she agreed.

"My name is Healer Lucy Brown," she said with a smile. "I normally work in the Psych ward but we all take turns in the General and Emergency wings. So what seems to be the problem?"

"I dropped a cauldron full of half done Potion on my foot," Hermione replied.

"What sort of Potion?"

"Well . . ." she looked around to make sure they were alone. "A um . . . an endurance potion."

"What sort?"

"One to help . . . um . . . a couple . . ."

"Having problems then?"

"Just having problems finding alone time," Hermione confessed. "I was gonna brick up the floo and lock the door and . . ."

"I understand," Lucy laughed. "So what were you brewing?"

"Quadraginta Hora Erectus," Hermione said.

"I see . . . well, I have good news and bad news."

"What's the bad news?"

"I dont' feel safe giving you anything for the burns and broken bones until I'm sure there isn't any potion residue in your system, so about a day."

"What's the good news then?"

"I know a much better potion to use," Lucy giggled. "It's called the Quinque Putesco Orgia, I'll have the Pharmacy send some up for you. Just be sure to read the directions before you two take it and promise me that you'll wait until that foot of yours is healed before you have your fun."

"I promise."

"The decision to engage in . . . normal activities is up to the two of you, just don't use any potions unitl I clear you ok?"

"Ok."

"Healer Brown," one of the orderlies stuck his head in.

"What is it?"

"Just wanted to tell you that we're borrowing Mr. Potter for a few minutes," she explained. "He was good enough to agree put some more wards up around Snivvy's room."

"Thank you Sandra," Lucy said. "I'll keep Hermione here company until he gets back."

"Why do you need Harry to put up some wards?"

"Well, I'm sure you're aware of the Snape case?" Lucy continued after seeing Hermione's nod of agreement,. "we have him in the secure ward and your husband was kind enough to make it a bit more secure."

"How grand," Hermione said with a smile. "Um . . . I know it's not my place to say but . . ."

"What is it Mrs. Potter?"

"Well . . . it's just that . . . my parents are dentists and well . . . his teeth have always bothered me," Hermione said in a rush. "So yellow and crooked . . . do you think you could have someone take a look at them?"

"One of the other Healers is working on developing a branch of Dental Healing," Lucy mused. "And I'm sure he'd be delighted to have a chance to practice some of his theories."

"Thank you," Hermione said.

IIIIIIIIII

"Hello," Luna said as she read over the Healer's shoulder. "What are you doing?"

"I'm working up a new treatment plan for one of my patients," the Healer explained with a smile. "You may have heard of Snivelus Snape?"

"He was my potions instructor," Luna said in delight. "Can I help?"

"That would be both illegal and immoral, but . . . ok." He agreed. "What do you suggest?"

"I just want to tell him something," Luna said. "Oh, you might want to have Harry put up some more wards around his room."

"Harry . . . Potter?"

"Yes he's upstairs right now," Luna continued. "I'm sure he'd be happy to donate a few wards to keep the wizarding world safe if you ask him really nicely."

"I'll keep that in mind . . . what did you wish to tell Snape?"

"Do I just talk now?"

"Just talk."

"Hello Snivelus," Luna said cheerfully. "I just wanted to give you the good news. Harry and Hermione have gotten married and I'm sure that it's only a matter of time before they propose to me. Isn't it wonderful? There will be plenty of little Potters running around in a few years."

"Well . . . that certainly got a reaction," the Healer said in admiration. "He hasn't tried to chew through his gag like that in days, just seems to sit there with a vacant expression."

"Happy to help."

IIIIIIIIII

"That should take care of your wards," Harry said with a satisfied smile. "Only way he's going to get out is . . . well, he's not going to get out of there."

"Thank you Mr. Potter," the Healer said with a smile. "We really appreciate this."

"Happy to help," Harry waved it off. "Any hope that he'll recover?"

"I'm afraid not," the Healer mourned.

"I see." Harry did his best to hide his grin. "I know it's not my place but could I make a suggestion?"

"What is it?"

"Well, he's a Potions Master isn't he?"

"Yes?"

"I'm sure that he's concerned about the Potions he's being given," Harry said. "Wishing to know who brewed it and such."

"I see . . . well, I'm afraid we get our Potions from . . ."

"Oh I'm sure it doesn't matter who actually brews it," Harry interrupted. "You could just tell him that one of his students brewed it for him."

"Yes . . . yes I could see how that could help. Who do you suggest we say it's from?"

"Well how about." Inwardly, he laughed sadistically. "Neville Longbottom."

"I'll make a note of it Mr. Potter, thank you."

"Like I said before," Harry said with unrestrained glee. "I'm happy to help."

IIIIIIIIII

"There you are Hermione," Luna announced as she walked into the room. "I knew I'd see you again today but I didn't know it would be like this. I'm sorry, I wish I could have done something to prevent that."

"I know you do Luna," she comforted the other girl. "Have you met Healer Brown?"

"Hello."

AN: The ongoing list of people that contributed to this fic without whom, it would not have been nearly as good . . . one might go so far as to say it would be quite bad: nonjon, Ed Becerra, ausfinbar, David Wangen, neil.reynolds, dogbertcarroll, hattenjc, the caitiff, AlanP, Lone Wolf, meteoricshipyards, Shawn Pickett, Morris Rague, luinlothana, Treck, Drake, David Brown, Moshehim, Arthur Hansen, Marneus Calgar, Goblin214, Chris LeBron, khadon99, Shawn Pickett, tekobaka, Freddie, Musings of Apathy, Brian Arcis, Fenris, Pelel, shinji the good sharer, and everyone on my yahoo group. They gave me scenes, ideas, and all sorts of other things. Tell me if I missed you so I can add to this list. Another thanks goes to meteoricshipyards who wrote the majority of the continuing adventures of the tentacle monster as well as several others. Anything I wrote on that sub plot was fairly minor so kudos. And still another goes to neil.reynolds who wrote a large number of scenes. Yet another goes to The Resident who was good enough to do a bit of editing and caught several of my mistakes.

Omake by David Brown

Hermione woke up. Bad news. Harry's not there. Worse news. Luna is there. In bed. With Hermione. Hermione feels...something. "Luna, what the hell are you doing?"

"It's called The Shocker."

"What?"

"Two in the pink, one in the.." Hermione suddenly felt...something else.

"LUNA! I AM GOING TO KILL YOU!"

"I guess the name is properly descriptive. Maybe I can get Harry to
try..."

"No."

"Pooh."

"Luna, go wash your hands."