Chapter Three:

Parents are Insane

A/N: Thanks for reading and reviewing! This chapter has a lot in it so I hope you enjoy it!

Savoren.

SNAP!

Harry jerked himself awake and jumped to his feet. Clutching his wand tight, he pointed it out in front of him as he spun around, looking for danger. In the back of his mind he took notice that somewhere above the canopy of trees the sun was rising.

Dirt clung to his tear-stained cheeks and his nose felt runny - surely he wasn't catching a cold?

When he didn't notice any danger, he let out a small breath and then started walking again.

Where am I going? He didn't have an answer.

Severus ignored the yells of Remus, Nymphadora, Poppy and Minerva. He didn't care what stupid "plan" they were creating to find his son - it has been hours since he found Harry's bedroom empty, they were wasting time! Somewhere Harry is sad, cold, and alone.

This is all my fault. He ran through the forest, pushing branches out of his way as he ran. His mind felt as if it were racing a thousand miles per second and he couldn't think straight.

A branch snapped out and slapped him across the face, leaving a streak of blood in its wake.

Severus barely flinched for he is on a mission and nothing is going to get in his way of finding his son.

"He is not thinking straight," Poppy snapped irritably as she stared at the spot where Severus disappeared into the forest.

Nymph nodded and unconsciously rubbed her stomach, "He might not even be in the forest."

Draco ran after Hermione, "They told us to stay inside!" He came to a halt when he noticed the four adults. He gulped, praying to Merlin they wouldn't yell at them.

Minerva leveled the two with a disapproving look. "We told you to stay inside! We cannot worry about the two of you while we are trying to look for Harry."

Hermione sniffled and fought back her tears, "I-I just need to find him!"

Poppy closed the gap between herself and her daughter quickly, "I know, Hermione."

"I screamed at him. . ." She whispered into Poppy's shoulder.

Remus walked over to Draco and placed hand on the boy's shoulder, "Please take Hermione back to the house and this time, stay." He leveled him with a firm look.

Remus is never really strict and so Draco immediately took that look as being serious. Draco quickly nodded his head, "Yes, sir."

Poppy led Hermione over to Draco and placed a gentle kiss to her forehead. "Go with Draco back to the house." She tapped her chin until she met her daughter's eyes, "I expect you to respect me and stay inside like I have told you to. Let the adults find him." She gave her a firm look before saying, "I don't want to have to worry about you in that forest. Anything could happen to you." She gave her one last hug and noticed her words had made Minerva start to cry. She gently pushed Hermione toward Draco and landed a firm swat on her backside as she did so, "Stay inside!"

Hermione and Draco quickly raced back to the house, not wanting to cause any more trouble.

Poppy and Nymphadora quickly pulled Minerva into a hug, "It's alright, Min. We will find him."

Minerva gasped for a breath between her tears, "You're right. Anything could happen to him. W-we need to find him!"

Feeling awkward, Remus tried to ignore them and flicked his wand, "Point me - Harry." Remus felt his wand tug to the left and he immediately started in that direction, "Come on!" He shouted over his shoulder as he entered the forest.

Immediately the three woman hurried after him.

Severus felt his heart race. His legs had long ago turned numb but he pushed on.

"Harry!" Severus screamed, his throat felt raw and his breathing was hitched.

He knew he needed to take a break but he forced his legs to keep moving, I will not stop until I have him.

Sleep still hung on his limbs as Harry slowly climbed over a fallen tree. He sniffled and tried not to think about the family he was leaving behind or his future child.

They made a mistake of taking me in - they should have left me with my aunt and uncle: maybe I would have died with them too.

Harry suddenly froze. Frowning, he turned and looked around the forest behind him. He thought for sure he heard a faint echo of his name.

Shaking his head, Harry chalked it up to him starting to hear voices. This forest can do a lot of damage on your psyche.

He stumbled forward, forcing himself to keep moving even though he wanted to go back to sleep.

He stopped and turned around again. This time he couldn't push his name off as hearing voices. He frowned deeply and squinted into the forest line.

Harry could hear twigs and branches snapping. Just as he was about to hide he noticed who was running. Though the man was dirt covered and bloody, Harry immediately recognized him as his father.

Harry felt as if he could fall on his knees, He came after me. He stayed, frozen to the ground.

When Severus saw Harry, he came to a stop a good fifteen feet from the boy. He stared at his son and didn't move forward. Is it really him?

Just when Harry thought his father was never going to come to him, Severus closed the gap between them in a split second. He crushed Harry in a hug and held him tight.

Hugging him back, Harry let his tears fall. "I am so s-sorry! I don't mean to be a s-screw-up! I never do anything right!"

Severus didn't let him go, he just held him tighter. "Why did you run, Harry?"

Sobbing, Harry hid his face in his father's shoulder. "I thought you would be better off without. . . Without me." Harry admitted in a heart-wrenchingly quiet voice.

Severus pulled Harry back far enough to look into his face. He felt anger flow through his veins from his son's words. Without thinking about it first, Severus landed a stinging swat to Harry's backside and then pulled him into another hug, "I don't ever want to hear you say that again, Harry James." Severus felt his own tears start to roll down his cheeks as he held his son tight, too scared that if he let go then this would all be a mirage. "You are not a screw-up! You are a teenager that makes mistakes."

Harry gasped for breath as he felt his tears shake his body. "B-but this is a huge mistake! I c-can't fix this one!"

"She's not pregnant, Harry. Aunt Poppy did a scan of her," Severus quickly explained to him.

Shocked and angry at the same time, Harry tried to pull out of his father's arms. "W-What?!"

"She lied to you," Severus told him quietly as he let him go. He stared at him, scared he might start to run again.

Harry felt as if his whole world was starting to spin. "She lied? But why? S-she ruined everything!"

Severus shook his head. Part of him wanted to take Harry in his arms again but he realized that Harry needed a little space right now. "She didn't want you to stop dating her for Hermione." He ignored his son's blush. "She was jealous. Jealousy can make a person do crazy things." When he saw Harry's flabbergasted expression, he said in a soft voice, "She didn't ruin anything unless you let it be ruined, Harry."

Harry eyed him closely, "You don't hate me?"

Severus felt a pang in his chest. He quickly shook his head, "I love you. I know I didn't handle what you told me well and I am really sorry for that."

Harry gave a shake of his head, "You s-swore at me! I thought I broke you and that you didn't love me or want me anymore."

Severus tried to pull Harry into another hug but Harry side-stepped him. Severus felt a lump form in his throat. "I know and I am really sorry. Sometimes we say things that we don't mean."

Harry could understand that, he does that all the time! However, he still felt hurt by his father's actions. "If she really was pregnant would you still act like that?"

Severus let out a deep sigh, "I was surprised and confused and, honestly, I didn't know what to do. Part of me felt like I let you down - I should have given you the sex talk. Then you would have known to wear a condom."

Harry blushed deeply and shook his head, "I know to wear a condom! I just wasn't thinking that night. . . "

Severus gave a small nod of his head, "Will you ever be able to forgive me for how I acted?"

Harry eyed his father closely. Harry knows he forgives too easily, always has. "You scared me." He watched as a few tears rolled down his father's pale cheek. "You didn't listen to me and you scared me."

Severus let his walls down, "I am so deeply sorry, Harry. I won't do that ever again."

"You spanked me instead of letting me talk to you," Harry whispered. "I had never seen you as angry as I saw you that night. You told me that you would never spank me while angry and yet you did." As he watched his father's tears turn into sobs, Harry could tell that the man was very sorry. "I can forgive you but it might take a little while to not be concerned when you're angry. You really scared me. . ."

Severus gave a quick nod of his head, "I promise that I will never do that again and I will prove it to."

Harry gave a small smile and nodded in his head in acceptance, "Then I forgive you, dad." He allowed himself to be pulled into another hug. Closing his eyes, Harry breathed in the scent of his dad and wondered how he could have ever survived these treacherous woods knowing that he had a family waiting for him. Running away was stupid.

Together the two stumbled their way back from the way they came.

Harry smirked and looked up at his father, "So, since you swore at me does that mean I get to wash your mouth out with soap?"

Severus laughed and ruffled Harry's hair, "You wish."

Harry chuckled as he climbed over the fallen tree, "Hypocrite."

They continued in a comfortable silence until they ran into the small search group.

Harry felt himself be pulled into a death-grip hug by his mother and then spun to the side. He winced at the three smacks but smiled anyway - he knew he scared the living crap out of her. He let himself be pulled back into another hug and felt her tears soak the top of his head. "I'm sorry, mum."

She hugged him tighter, "Don't you ever run away again!"

Harry gave a nod and looked at the other three adults, they all looked annoyed about his actions but they all seemed relieved to find him at the same time.

"Did your father tell you that Olivia is not pregnant?" Poppy asked as they started on their journey home.

Harry felt his anger return. "Yes. I can't believe she did that! That's just fuc- scr- messed up!" He struggled with finding an appropriate word.

Remus nodded in agreement and then smiled as he looked at Poppy and Minerva, "Don't worry though, your mother and aunt got revenge for you."

Harry smirked, "Oh yeah?" He eyed the two woman curiously.

Poppy and Minerva exchanged innocent looks.

"We don't know what you are talking about, Remus," Poppy snapped.

Harry laughed, "Alright, well thanks for whatever you did."

"You have some making-up to do with Hermione. She is quite upset with you," Poppy told him softly as they walked.

Harry sighed sadly, "I don't think she will ever forgive me."

"I think she will. She was very concerned about your disappearance," Nymphadora reassured him softly.

Harry blushed deeply, "Does everyone know?"

Remus chuckled, "What? That you have a crush on her?" At Harry's deep blush, he laughed harder. "It's not hard to figure out. However, what is hard to figure out is why you aren't dating yet?"

Minerva bit her lip from saying that he is too young to date - after all, she just found out he lost his virginity!

Harry dropped his eyes, "I don't think she would say yes now."

Severus gave Harry's shoulder a comforting squeeze, "I will help you." I have to make up for the pain I have caused him.

When they returned home they all went their separate ways. Minerva promised Poppy that Harry would come over to speak with Hermione later but right now they needed to have a family conversation. Harry was definitely not looking forward to this "family conversation".

Harry sat on the couch, his nerves felt shot.

Minerva and Severus took their seats and then Minerva started speaking, "You are not in trouble for what happened three months ago - we cannot go back in time and change it. However, I do want to speak to you about it."

Seeing Harry's deep red cheeks, Severus quickly jumped in. "I know you said that you did not use a condom because you didn't think about it that night. That cannot happen again, Harry."

Minerva nodded, "I know I have been very strict in the past about your hormonal feelings" she noticed Harry's blush deepen, "But I realize now that you are almost sixteen and you will follow your feelings whether I tell you no or not. If we tell you no then you will probably want to do it more. Saying that, you have my permission to start dating."

Harry smirked and kept his mouth shut. He finds it highly amusing that she thought she could keep him from dating anyway.

Severus continued, "Since we cannot trust that you will remember to wear a condom next time, there are other options."

Harry frowned, curious as to what other options there are.

Minerva took over, "We can place a birth control charm on you and a protection charm on you. The birth control charm will, obviously, keep you from being able to impregnate anyone until the charm is removed. The protection charm is used to keep you from receiving or giving sexually transmitted diseases."

Harry felt insanely awkward with this conversation.

"Now, just because we are willing to put these charms on you does not mean we approve of you having intercourse at your age," Severus explained softly. "You are fifteen-years old and we think you are too young to be performing in such actions. We cannot stop you though and that is why we are having this conversation."

Harry gave a small nod of his head. "Okay."

Minerva stood and twiddled her wand in her hand, "Okay?" She sighed as she realized that was all they were going to get from him - no promises of not having intercourse. "I need you to sit still until the charms are done." When Harry nodded, she started.

The charms took five minutes to complete. For a few seconds it felt as if butterflies were flying below his navel and then nothing anymore. "Is it done?"

Severus nodded, "Yes. Remember what we have told you, Harry. We expect you to be responsible and honor your morals. Can you do that?"

Harry felt as if his face was on fire. He would agree to anything if they would just drop the subject! "Yes, sir."

Severus sighed and looked to Minerva. "Alright, then let's fix your problem with Hermione."

Harry jumped up and followed his father to the kitchen, "What do you have in mind?"

"I was thinking about a bouquet of flowers and charm them to never die," Severus said as he eyed him closely. He hoped he didn't sound corny.

Harry smiled and with his father's help they created a bouquet a multi-colored flowers and then they placed the charm on them.

Severus handed him the bouquet and then transfigured a cup into a beautiful crystal vase. He took the flowers and put them in the vase and then handed the vase to Harry, "Go get her, Harry." He laughed when Harry blushed and gave him a glare. "Good luck, is what I meant to say." He gave him a wink and then laughed again as Harry took the vase and left.

Awkwardly, Harry stood on the front porch and waited in front of the door. He had just got done knocking on the door. A million scenarios ran through his mind as he thought about how Hermione will react. What if I not only lost my chances with her but what if I also lost her as a friend?

Just as these horrifying thoughts crossed his mind, the door opened and Poppy gave him a cheeky smile as she eyed the flowers. "I will get her for you." Poppy returned inside.

A few minutes later a pink-eyed Hermione exited the house and moved to sit on the porch swing. "What do you want, Harry?" She eyed the flowers for a second and then dropped her eyes to her hands in her lap.

Sitting down beside her, Harry offered her the bouquet, "I'm really sorry, Hermione. Will you ever be able to forgive me?"

She took the flowers and smelled them, "Why would you ever do that with her?"

Harry bit his lip, "I don't know. . . I wasn't thinking. I was so mad and I was worried that L-Lium ruined me forever."

Hermione sighed and crossed her legs up under her. She turned to the side to look at him, "I understand that I just wish you hadn't done it." She worried on her lip for a few seconds before saying, "I just. . . If you like me like I think you do," she took a shaky breath, "And hope you do then why would you do that?"

Harry dropped his eyes, "Because I wanted to prove to myself that He didn't destroy me and that I could still do it if I wanted to and I knew she would say yes. I thought of asking you but I was scared you would slap me and think I was ridiculous."

Hermione huffed, "I would have you rather asked me instead of asking her."

At that Harry snapped his eyes to her, "Wait, are you saying that you would have experimented with me?" He couldn't help the small smile that started to appear on his face.

Hermione blushed deeply and looked away. "I'm not saying that I would have but I am not saying that I would not have."

Harry laughed softly, "Okay."

She quickly cut him off, "This isn't funny." Once Harry's laugh disappeared, she said, "You really hurt me. I need to know, Harry!"

Harry let out a soft sigh, "Know what?"

She lightly punched his shoulder, "If you like me or not you dummy!"

Harry smiled and rubbed his shoulder. "I thought it was obvious?"

"Can you just say it? I need to hear it," Hermione told him.

Standing, Harry knelt down in front of her and gently took her hands in his. He stared into her beautiful eyes and said sincerely, "Hermione Jean Pomfrey, I am so extremely sorry for what happened with Olivia. I like you so much it hurts to know that I have hurt you. I don't only like you, Hermione, I think I love you. You are my best friend and I don't know what I would do without you in my life. If you do not feel the same way, please let me down easy?"

Smiling, Hermione leaned down and gently captured his lips in a small kiss.

When he felt her let go, Harry smiled and returned to his seat, "I'll take that as your answer."

She eyed him closely before saying, "You promise that it meant nothing with Olivia?"

Harry sighed, "I promise. It was a mistake and if I could go back and stop myself, I would."

Smiling softly, she moved closer to him on the swing and intertwined her fingers with his. "So?"

Harry forced himself not to laugh awkwardly, "What?"

She blushed and let out a small huff. "A-are we dating now?"

Harry pulled her closer and put an arm around her shoulder, "Yeah, if that's okay with you?"

She smiled and laid her head on his chest, "Sounds good to me."

Suddenly Poppy came out from around the house where she was hiding and listening in on their conversation. "Good. Now that's over with," she eyed them with a small frown, "Leave enough room for God, children." With that, she squeezed herself between them and wrapped her arms around them.

Hermione's face turned a deep red, "How long have you been out here?!"

Harry couldn't tell if she was calling herself God or if she was having fun with them.

Poppy smiled softly, "What? You think I was going to leave you two alone?"

Hermione rose an eyebrow at her, "Uh yeah, kind of? It's called privacy?"

Poppy let out a small laugh, "Oh, darling, you're funny."

Harry gave Hermione a small smile but she was past having a good time. She looked absolutely livid. Harry tried to jump in before Hermione got herself in trouble, "What did you mean by, 'leave enough room for God?'"

Hermione rolled her eyes and slouched on the swing, "There should be room between us at all times."

Poppy nodded, "There will be rules and I expect you to follow them."

Hermione clenched her teeth and looked to Harry, she mouthed "Sorry" to him and felt her cheeks heat more.

Poppy continued as if there wasn't a single problem in the world, "As I said, I expect you to leave enough room for God between yourselves. When in a room by yourselves you will leave the door open. I expect you to respect yourselves and your morals. No making out, sex, or oral sex-"

Hermione cut her off by jumping off the swing and yelling, "Oh my God! You are so embarrassing! I can't believe you!" Hermione stomped inside and slammed the door shut behind her.

Poppy couldn't stop the small smile from appearing on her lips. It's kind of fun to embarrass your children. She looked to Harry who also had pink cheeks, "I think it was very sweet of you to get on your knees and express yourself the way you did."

Harry's cheeks caught on fire, "Um, thanks Aunt Poppy."

She stood from the swing and pointed a firm finger at him, "Don't let the kissing become a frequent habit, understood?"

Biting his lip Harry nodded, keeping his eyes glued to the floor, "Yes ma'am."

She nodded, satisfied with how this all played out. "Good. There has to be boundaries - after all, you are both very young."

Harry gave a silent nod, "Yes, ma'am."

She patted his knee, "Good boy. Your mother and I agree with all that I have said. These rules aren't only mine, keep that in mind."

Once again, Harry nodded. Please just stop.

She picked up the bouquet of flowers and entered the house, leaving the embarrassed boy on the porch.

Standing, Harry made his way home. He felt as if he would fall over and die of embarrassment at any second. When he got to the porch he saw his mother sitting at the table with a cup of tea. He let out a tired sigh, "Let me guess, want to talk about boundaries?"

Minerva smiled softly, "I see Poppy as beat me to it."

Harry rolled his eyes, "I think the two of you are being ridiculous. I will be sixteen soon and Hermione is already sixteen. Why can't we kiss? Why can't we be in a room with the door closed?"

Minerva sighed and patted the chair beside her. She waited until Harry sat down before explaining, "You are allowed to think of us as being ridiculous, dear. It is our job to protect you even from yourselves. Kissing leads to more extreme sexual activities and you know exactly why a door must be open, Harry."

Harry wanted to find a hole and jump in. "Kissing doesn't always lead to other. . . Things."

Minerva nodded, "These are the rules."

Harry felt his irritation spike, "And if we don't' follow the rules?"

Minerva leveled him with a daring look, "Oh you will."

Harry rolled his eyes, "The two of you are insane." With his opinion out in the open, Harry went inside and immediately went to his bedroom.

Severus watched Harry stomp up the stairs before going outside to Minerva, "I told the two of you that this was a bad idea. We need to trust that they will handle themselves properly. Rules and boundaries will only make them want to perform such acts more."

Minerva waved him off, "You don't know what you're talking about, Severus."

Hurt by her words, Severus gave her a cold glare, "Because I haven't had a love interest since Lily?" He didn't wait for her response, "When you and Poppy are proven wrong, I will tell you I told you so." With that he went inside to brew a potion.

Minerva immediately knew she hurt him. She hadn't meant her words to be harmful but now that she is thinking back on them, she recognizes why they were.

Sighing, Minerva rested her head in her hands. Being a Head professor has made her realize that teenagers need boundaries in relationships or things can quickly become heated.

Harry laid on his bed with his pillow over his head for a long time until he heard an owl tapping on his window. He opened the window and made sure the owl didn't enter his room. Reaching out, he untied the folded parchment and then gave the owl one of Hedwig's treats. He watched closely as the owl flew off and landed on the house next door, Hermione and Poppy's house.

He quickly unfolded the letter and read it:

Harry,

I am SO sorry about her! I cannot believe what she did. I am so embarrassed it's not even funny! I feel like I could die.

Did she say anything when I went inside? Again, I'm so sorry!

After she came inside she came to talk to me about the "boundaries" again. What's wrong with kissing? They are acting like kissing can make a person pregnant for heaven's sake. They are all ridiculous and obviously have no trust in us!

I'm livid.

Sorry, Hermione.

Harry quickly sat down at his desk and jotted out a reply:

Herm,

It's okay. We will figure this all out.

I know it feels like they don't trust us but I think we need to play along with their boundaries until they realize that we are old enough to make our own boundaries and respect our own morals.

~Harry.

Harry whistled and waited for the owl to fly back to him. Hedwig is still in a hopeless romance at the owlery - Harry has given up on her.

It didn't take long before he got her response.

Sitting down at his desk, he quickly opened the letter and scanned it. To his surprise the letter only held one sentence.

Harry,

Let's become animaguses so we can do whatever we want (plus it would be loads of fun!)

Please?

Harry's eyes lit up with excitement. I wonder what I would be? A dog? A stag like my father? A bird? A fox? Harry's smile grew as he thought of himself as something other than a human being.

Herm,

That's a fantastic idea! We can go to the library and get the books for it.

If we need resources from Hogsmeade we need to get them before school starts back up or we will have to wait for a Hogsmeade trip.

I wonder what animagus form we will take?

~Harry.

When he did not get a response after five minutes, Harry sighed softly and left his window open. I need to talk to mum. Harry found her sitting in front of the fireplace, a book in hand.

He quietly went up to her and said, "Mum?"

Looking up from the book, Minerva put a bookmark in her spot and closed it. "Yes, dear?"

"I need to talk to you," his tone was quiet because of his nerves.

She stood from her rocking chair and sat down beside him on the couch, "What's wrong, dear?"

He bit his lip softly before getting the courage and asking, "Do you and Aunt Poppy not trust me? These rules and boundaries are because of me, aren't they?"

She let out a soft sigh, "I can see why you think that but no, Harry, these rules are not only because of your actions. Your actions have concerned us, that is true. We do not want you to make a mistake and we believe that the two of you are too young to engage in such actions."

"What about the kissing rule? Why does that even exist? Why don't you trust me?" Harry demanded. He tried to keep his tone even so he wouldn't get in trouble.

"It's not you or Hermione that we do not trust, Harry. We don't trust your hormones. Sometimes, in the heat of things, people do things without thinking about it first. Kissing, many times, leads to excitement which leads to. . . Well, more than just kissing," Minerva felt a little awkward with this conversation but she knew the importance of it.

Harry shook his head, "And you can't just take our word for it?"

Minerva sighed, "No, dear, we can't."

Harry felt his anger start to grow and he tried to keep it from showing on his face. The last thing he needs right now is a sore backside. "This is completely unfair, mum."

Minerva gave a small, sad nod of her head. "You are allowed to feel that way."

Harry let out an exasperated huff, "Good because that's how I'm feeling!"

Minerva nodded, "You are feeling that way now but all will change with time. Someday when you have children of your own, you will understand."

Harry rolled his eyes, "I feel like I'm talking to a brick wall."

"Why? Because you are not getting your way?" Minerva leveled him with a firm look, "You cannot always talk yourself out of situations that displease you. I am sticking my ground to this and I will not budge."

Clenching his teeth, Harry looked away from her. It took all of his self-restraint to not flip out. He managed to ask between his clenched teeth, "May I go see Draco and Hermione?"

Minerva rose a single eyebrow at him, "With that tone? No."

Harry had to close his eyes. Taking a deep breath, he opened his eyes and asked in a calmer tone, "May I go see Draco and Hermione?"

She nodded and before she could even open her mouth to tell him when he needs to be home, Harry was out the door.

Relieved to be away from his crazy mother, Harry hurried off to get Draco and Hermione (if Hermione is allowed out after what happened earlier).

Soon enough the three teenagers were standing outside on a path, "Which house do you want to hang out at?" Harry asked. He quickly said, "Not mine. Mum is insane and something is up with dad."

Hermione sighed, "Not mine. Poppy is just as crazy. . ."

Draco groaned, "What? Go to mine? You realize how much baby crap and wedding junk is littering the house?"

Harry shrugged his shoulders and sat down in the middle of the path, "I'd rather be outside than deal with any of those options."

The other two agreed and sat down in the shape of a triangle.

Hermione nudged Draco with her foot and gave him a sly smile. "Well, you know about Harry and I. Tell Harry what I found earlier in your bedroom!" She smiled at Harry, "Draco has some important news to tell you."

Draco gave her an accusing look, "I don't have to tell everyone! Besides, she wants it to be a secret."

Curious, Harry frowned, "She?"

Draco huffed as he felt his cheeks warm. "Hermione found a love letter from Pansy in my bedroom and won't shut the bloody hell up about it." Here he threw her an irritated glare.

"Pansy Parkinson?" Harry asked, shocked. "Why is it a secret and when did this little relationship start?" He playfully wagged his eyebrows at Draco.

Draco sighed softly, giving in to their torment. "The other day I got the first letter from her. In her letter she told me that she couldn't deny her love for me anymore and it was important that she told me. Now we are dating but she wants it to be a secret. She probably wants it to be a secret because her parents are as insane as yours!"

Hermione gave a very unlady-like grunt of disapproval. "Sounds ridiculous."

Draco quickly changed the subject to their love life so he didn't have to explain his complicated one anymore. "So, I heard Nymph and Poppy talking about your boundaries."

Both Harry and Hermione groaned.

"I don't want to talk about it," Hermione muttered.

As luck would have it, neither Harry nor Hermione had to talk about their problem for they saw Minerva exit the house and, seeing them, immediately hurried in their direction.

Just by seeing the look on her face, the three jumped to their feet unsure of what they did wrong.

"What's wrong?" Hermione quickly asked, praying to Merlin this wasn't another fit about Harry's and her beginning relationship.

"It's Ginny. She ran away with Dean last night," Minerva explained to them, exasperation obvious in her tone.

Hermione felt her heart stop. "And?!"

"And no one can find them. We are going to the Burrow to help search for them. We expect the three of you to behave yourselves while we are gone."

Harry noticed Poppy, Remus and Nymphadora coming toward them. "No. We are coming too."

"No, you most certainly are not, young man," Minerva snapped as she leveled him with a stern look.

Annoyed, Harry stood up to her. "Yes I am! I am not going to sit by as my best friend's little sister is missing! I am going and you cannot stop me! If you say no then I will just go after you leave." He had a smug look on his face as he admitted this.

Minerva felt as if her face was beginning to turn red from anger. Seeing the rest of the adults coming closer and not wanting to waste any more time, she snapped, "Fine but we will be having a discussion about your lack of ability to follow directions."

Seeing his father exit the house, Harry smirked, "Fine."

When they arrived at the Burrow the three teens were ushered inside where Ron, Fred and George were pacing the living room. They were told to stay there and wait to see if she comes home. If Ginny returns home before the search party does then they are supposed to contact them via Severus' floo watch.

Displeased with his part in the search party, Harry flopped on the couch and just barely kept himself from crossing his arms.

Seeing his best mate, Ron stomped over and immediately started ranting, "When I see that Thomas I'm going to rip him another arse-hole!"

Deciding this was the best way to fuel his anger, Harry nodded in agreement. "I'll help!"

"The four of us will teach Dean a lesson but mum and dad will surely teach Ginny a worse one," George said as he took a seat beside Ron on the couch.

Hermione flinched, "If I was in her position I wouldn't be able to sit for the rest of my life!"

Fred nodded in agreement, "Mum will see to it that she doesn't."

Fred smirked and playfully threw a pillow at his twin, "Hey Georgie! Do you know what I just realized?"

George smirked and threw the pillow back at him, "That you suck at throwing?"

Fred rolled his eyes, "No. That this is one thing that we have never done before! Ginny beat us to something! Why haven't we ever disappeared with girls before? It sounds like a blast!"

Ron rolled his eyes, "Because the two of you aren't lacking brain cells like she is." Surprisingly.

Hermione sighed softly and squeezed herself between Harry and the arm of the couch. "I hope they find her before something bad happens."

Their light-hearted conversation immediately darkened. All five teenagers went silent as their worries grew.

Screaming from outside alerted the teenagers that Ginny had returned. They jumped to their feet and ran outside, hoping she wasn't hurt.

Harry stopped beside Ron and watched on with wide eyes.

Hermione gasped and took Harry's hand in her's when she noticed Ginny's split lip.

"Ginevra Molly Weasley I am only going to ask you one time, young lady! How did you get that bloody lip?" Arthur hollered, sweat beaded at the top of his forehead.

Ginny screamed out in outrage, "I already told you! I ran into the door!"

The rest of the search party apparated into view.

Molly closed the gap between Ginny and herself faster than anyone knew she could move. "If you are going to lie you should have thought of a better excuse. Did he hit you?"

Minerva quickly moved over to the five teenagers, "I want the five of you to go back inside." She eyed them dangerously, "Now."

Fred and George stood their ground and said in unison, "You can't tell us what to do anymore, Professor."

Eyes flashing, Minerva flicked her wand causing both twins to yelp out and cover their backsides. "I said, now!"

Without turning around, the five teenagers, ever so slowly, backed their way back to the house.

Ginny's face was redder than her hair as she screamed, "He loves me! Why doesn't anyone leave us alone?! We are happy! I am dating him, not you!"

"Answer the question, Ginny," Severus stepped forward. He held a healing potion in his hand and calmly offered it out to her.

Ginny ignored the potion and snapped, "I don't have to answer a question if it's stupid! I already told you how I hurt my lip - I was stupid!"

"Did he say you were stupid?" Molly asked softly.

Infuriated, Ginny headed towards the house. "I'm so fucking done! You are all insane!"

Seeing the angry red-head running their way, the five teens parted like the red sea, not wanting to get in the bull's way.

Just as Ginny went to enter the house there was a huge blast and the windows blew out.

Without a second thought Harry grabbed Ginny and threw her to the ground. Covering her with his body, Harry looked up and saw that the rest of the teens had run over to stand beside the adults.

With caution, Harry turned to look at the Burrow - it was on fire. He jumped to his feet and pulled Ginny along with him. When he got to the adults he looked up and watched as two shadows smashed their way through the Burrow, causing more destruction.

Harry felt his fury grow: Death Eaters.

He watched closely as the two shadows flew into the high grass surrounding the Burrow. Just when he thought his fury couldn't get worse he heard Bellatrix singing: "I killed Sirius Black. I killed Sirius Black!"

Snarling, Harry took off, wand in hand. I'll kill her this time! He can't stop me again! He ignored the shouts from the adults as he disappeared into the high grass.

Without another thought, Hermione sprinted after him, not willing to let him go into danger alone.

Severus and Remus quickly ran after the two.

TBC.

A/N: Thanks for reading! I hope you liked this long chapter, I know the last two have been a little short.

QUESTION: What Animagus should Harry have and what Animagus should Herm have?

Harry options - lion, snake, fox, or bird.

Hermione options - lion, owl, or tabby cat.