Author's note: I dedicate this new chapter to Eli Cole...for being there to read my story and also helping me with my mistakes!!!...and do forgive me if this chapter is too short with exams coming and all I don't get that much time to write. So bear with me guys!...REVIEW PEOPLE!!!!!!

Chapter: 10 Settlements

At the Ministry:

"So minister what do you propose we should do?" Arthur asked solemnly.

"The news that you just parted with me Arthur is very grave indeed," Rufus Scrimgeour said.

"But we should take immediate actions for the protection of the people…" there was a short pause before Arthur continued again "Since we cannot take any risk like last time we did about Voldemort…even after Dumbledore cautioned us against him. And what was the result…his death!"

"We cannot solve our present situation by dwelling in the past. I think the people should only be aware of this that a new evil has taken its path to revival hence everyone should be on their guard so as to not fall for any tricks Larissa might want to play with them," Rufus answered.

"Also what do you plan on to do about the protection of Miss. Lovegood?" Arthur questioned.

"Hmmnn, yes what are we to do?" the minister expressed thoughtfully.

"Ahh, I think I know. Why don't we give her an escort for all times sake to protect her from any perils she might come across in the upcoming future which I'm damned sure she will!" Rufus said again.

"Well who do you suggest for this job? If you don't mind my interference in your affairs of providing what is best for the safety of the people may I suggest Kingsley Shacklebolt as her appointed guard," Arthur suggested.

"By Jove! My thoughts exactly Arthur!" exclaimed the minister.

At that Arthur beamed and said," Then I think I should be on my way in search for Kingsley for Miss. Lovegood's service if I may that is, minister?"

"Yes…yes why not," Rufus replied.

As Arthur made to go out from the minister's office, he was stopped by the minister once more and he called after him and said,"Umm...Arthur one more thing before you go."

Arthur stopped short in his tracks and asked," Yes minister?"

"I would prefer if you didn't tell about this arrangement with anyone..not even to Miss. Lovegood. Oh and also bear in mind the most important factor among all this no 'matter' what happens the Potter boy mustn't get too deeply involved into this matter….if we want him to stay 'alive!' Since he will play a vital role in this approaching war!" said the minister in a low voice.

At that Arthur's face turned grim and nodded in acknowledgement.

Fred and George climbed down from their brooms; George still had his wand directed at Draco.

"What the hell is going on here?" Fred demanded.

"And what in the world are you doing here Malfoy and how dare you attack our brother and Harry and Hermione at our Home!?" bellowed George.

Draco spat out on the ground near the fallen trio and said, "Hold it George before you jump into conclusions and more over a wrong one to that, I also was beaten and humiliated."

"But it doesn't show that it went that way mate," Fred retorted.

"Listen I never wanted to start any fight with any one. You yourself can ask your oaf of a brother!" Draco fired back.

As George made a go at Draco for calling Ron an oaf, Luna came out of the house with a puffy eyed Ginny.

"Stop!" Ginny shouted when she saw that Draco was about to get another beating from George.

All of them turned their heads toward her direction in unison.

"Wait!" Ginny called out and came up to them running.

"Why are you defending this SCUM!?Gin?!" Fred spat out.

Fire blazing in her eyes, she turned to Fred and said with anger," Because this 'SCUM' happens to be the one I love!"

Both the twins were stunned to know this information.

But before anyone can say anything, Hermione came back to her senses and when she saw that she was bounded by thorns, she mumbled the counter curse and she was free.

She stood up and cleaned herself up with the 'scourgify' charm.

Then she turned to the rest of them and said in a calm but deadly voice," Can we all take this little squabble inside and settle everything before I reach the optimum level of losing my patience?"

Knowing the consequences when Hermione loses her temper, everyone nodded their head.

But before they went inside the Burrow again, Hermione revived Harry and Ron and also instructed to follow them back to the Burrow in the same calm and deadly voice.

Once inside, the twins exploded," Will anyone now explain to us what the Fuck is going on here??!!!"

"Well," Hermione began but was interrupted by Harry, who bellowed," Malfoy attacked Ron for nothing so Ron also fought by giving him a blow…"

"Woah! hold it Potter! Don't you think we are leaving out a little bit of detail here? Like why I punched Weasley here?"

To this Luna said quietly," Ron accused Draco of going out with Ginny just for sleeping with her.

Hearing this the twins became silent for a few minutes and slumped on a nearby couch.

Then Fred questioned Ron," Is it true that you threw such an insult at Draco relating to Gin?"

Head bowed low, Ron nodded his head slowly.

Scowling George stood up and announced in a firm voice," You know what? I've had enough of all of your childish shenanigans!"

"And it is high time you lot stopped and called a truce. So Ron, Harry and Draco shake up and end this stupid grudge for each other once and for all!"

Ron and Harry looked slightly dumbstruck at the twins' statements. For they couldn't believe that they were saying this, FRED and GEORGE!! To stop all of their fighting and loathing! What is this world is coming to?

Still Ron and Harry shook hands and turned towards Draco, who was still looking at the two of them with malice.

But when he saw Fred and George narrow their eyes at him with a slight raise of his chin he stepped forward and shook hands with Ron first letting go very quickly.

When he and Harry shook hands, both were gripping each others hands hard trying their best to break the other's bones.

Luna knowing what they were on about rolled her eyes slightly.

Stepped in front of their gripped up hands, lightly but firmly, hit a spot on both their wrists causing the two to release each others hand quickly as if they were electrocuted.

Smiling and tilting her head a little Luna looked at the two before turning and walking away toward where Hermione and Ginny sat while humming a tune to herself.

Both of them were looking at her reproachfully.

This seemed to trigger a question in Fred and he asked,"Hey how come Luna you're here?"

Instantly everyone went stock still.

The twins frowned and looked expectantly for an answer.

Hermione seeing that no one was saying anything took the initiative to provide the answer to Fred's question.

"Luna is here because she needs protection from Larissa, Draco's aunt, who also killed her father," supplied Hermione.

Eyes wide the twins were looking from one face to another with a clear look on their face which showed that they wanted to know why?

Sighing Hermione said," This will take a bit of time so I suggest we all better sit down."

When they all settled down comfortably she started relating the incidents of yesterday.

As she finished the twins looked so pale that they would have resembled the ghosts at Hogwarts.

They turned to say something to Luna but knowing what they were going to say Luna raised her hand at them as a sign of stopping them from saying whatever they wanted to say.

Lowering her hand she told them, "There is nothing more to say what has happened so happened. It can't be altered. And I know that you will say that you are sorry to hear about my father, which I appreciate, but I don't want to talk about it anymore. All I want to do now is look ahead and figure out what all of us can do to stop this new Evil from reigning havoc in our realm?"

Nodding their heads the twins remained silent.

So as to break the silence Harry asked, "Er...anyone want to have a little picnic?"

"Picnic?" Hermione questioned Harry with a raised eyebrow.

"Yeah I think we need to enjoy and lighten up a little with what all of us have been through these few days. What do you think guys?" Harry asked again.

"Sure" was all everyone could say.