Chapter Thirteen: Seamus' Bright Idea

Harry, Ron and Hermione were having breakfast in the Great Hall the next morning when Professor McGonagall stood up, and the Hall went silent. Harry noticed throughout breakfast that Sarah Davenport was giving Ron looks every so often and Ron was trying his best not to notice. Hermione was turning redder by the second.

'I would like your attention please,' said McGonagall. 'Professor Castor wishes for me to make an announcement for him. A defense study group as it were will be held every Saturday night at eight o'clock here in the Great Hall. This study group will only be open for fourth years and above and will be instructed by Professor Castor as well as his assistant, Harry Potter. These sessions will begin next Saturday, and the students of Balmorhea are also welcome to come'

Harry tried to sink into his chair until he disappeared under the floor as everyone in the Hall turned his way and started gossiping. Hermione and Ron especially. He chanced a look at Castor who was deep in conversation with Professor Addams, as though he hadn't heard the announcement. Castor was still looking rather thin and beat, but the patch over his eye was gone, as well as his crutches. His face was still bruised but other than that, he looked his usual cynical self.

'You didn't tell us about this,' Ron said shocked.

'It happened last night,' Harry said keeping his eyes on the floor. 'Castor is doing this so he and I can practice alone and no one will get suspicious.'

Hermione smiled at this.

'This is good, isn't it?' she said. 'As much as I think he's a bit overly eccentric and definitely vial, he is really good at his profession. We can learn so much with him running the D.A.'

'Yea,' Ron said sarcastically. 'Demetrius' Army.'

Hermione rolled her eyes.

While in Potions, Harry, Hermione and Ron sat at the far end of the classroom. They were brewing Veritaserum today, and it was overwhelming hot down in the dungeons. Slughorn, who looked like a beached whale stuck in a sauna waddled happily down the rows, inspecting the works of the seven American students who were partaking in the day's lesson. Harry felt this as a great relief since there was something else to take away Slughorn's attention.

An hour and a half later into the classroom, Harry had disregarded his robes, unbuttoned his shirt and chucked his tie. It was stifling in the dungeon as he added his last ingredient and stirred five times. Ron, who was working at the same pace as Harry leaned back in his chair and wiped the sweaty hair out of his face.

'Bloody hell,' he said. 'It's merciless in here.'

'I wouldn't know about that,' Harry said as his eyes traveled down to the other end of the classroom. Ron looked up and caught his voice in his throat.

Sarah Davenport was sitting next to Susan Bones, just completing her potion as well. Sarah had unbuttoned her blouse dangerously low, her skirt riding extremely high in her seat, her long legs caked in sweat. As she stood up to deliver her vial to Slughorn, she dropped one of her ingredients. Harry and Ron both groaned aloud as she bent all the way down, revealing her chest concealed by a sweaty black lace bra. She stood back up, and caught Ron looking at her. Ron immediately turned away so fast he knocked over his cauldron where the contents sputtered out onto the dungeon floor.

'Shit!' Ron said pulling out his wand.

'Reparo!' he shouted. Immediately, the cauldron was wiped clean, the liquid vanished and Ron looking very put out. He cast another glance at Sarah who was still looking at him. She smiled sheepily and walked towards the front of the classroom.

'It's not like you're being obvious or anything,' piped Hermione.

'What?' Ron said still looking at Sarah.

Hermione let out an agitated huff and stored the rest of her books into her bag.

'What are you on about?' asked Ron turning to face her.

'You're ogling that girl as if she were a piece of steak,' Hermione said primly.

'I was not,' Ron said. 'It's just, well, I was admiring her potion-work. She's quite good you know.'

'Her potion-work Ron?' Hermione said squaring her shoulders. 'Is that why you accidentally knocked over your cauldron?'

'I was distracted.'

'With something with long legs, blonde hair and a C cup?'

'Hey!' Harry said trying to keep his voice low. 'Will you please quick bickering, I was kind of liking the peace and quiet.'

Ron opened his mouth to say something but shut it again and mumbled 'sorry.'

Hermione stood up, flattened her shirt and dropped off her vial. She heaved her bag over her shoulder and marched out the dungeons without another word to Ron or Harry.

'She's pretty steamed,' Ron said after he and Harry had put their samples of Veritaserum on Slughorn's desk.

'Gee, I wonder why?' Harry said sarcastically.

'What are you on about now?' Ron asked angrily stowing his books away.

'Ron,' Harry said as he put a hang through his sweaty hair. 'Have you asked Hermione to the ball yet?'

The question took Ron completely off guard. The look on his face reminded Harry of the night he had kissed Ginny in front of every body after winning the Quidditch Cup.

'What,' Ron sputtered. 'What are you talking about?'

'Look Ron,' Harry said, his patience completely evaporated in the unbearable heat of the dungeons. 'I know you want to take Hermione to the ball, and I know you fancy her. And I'm pretty damn sure she fancies you, but unfortunately, you two are the most stubborn gits I've ever met in my life. So, stop wasting any more time, bite the bullet, and ask her to the ball.'

Ron stared at Harry for a good minute until making a strained laugh.

'Hermione?' Ron said. 'As in Hermione Granger, Head Girl, our best friend? Harry, I think the heat has gotten to you.'

'Among many other things, Ron,' Harry said swinging his bag over his shoulder and starting to walk out. 'Listen, I just got this hunch that you two would have a good time together, so I'm thinking you should ask her.'

Ron looked at Harry with a very unfamiliar look, as though he was actually thinking about doing something someone else had advised him to do.

'The girl likes you, Ron,' Harry said flatly. 'Well, when you're not being a total moron.'

'You don't know that for sure, Harry,' Ron said.

'Give me another reason someone would attack you with a band of psychotic yellow canaries unless she didn't like you.'

Ron grimaced at the memory.

'Yea, well,' Ron said his eyes lingering to the tall picturesque figure walking in front of them. 'I was thinking about asking Sarah.'

Harry hesitated. He hadn't thought of that, but then again, he had thought in great detail on how he was going to ask her out himself. The second Hogsmeade trip was next Sunday, and he was hoping of spending it with her, then asking her to the ball. Harry now understood that in order to get the American goddess, he would have to pull off the impossible, getting Ron and Hermione to go with each other.

'Well, Ron,' Harry said evenly. 'Check this out. She leaves for the U.S. in like two weeks, so there really isn't much of a point going with her. I mean, you can't really have a relationship with a girl three thousand miles away.'

'You're point being?' Ron asked.

'Is that I think you should ask Hermione, then if she says no, which I highly doubt, ask Sarah.'

'Well,' Ron said. 'What if someone asks Sarah before I do?'

'Better someone ask her then ask Hermione. Remember what happened last time. So, in the words of your ingenious brother Fred, get a move on mate or all the good ones will be taken.'

Harry let his words sink into Ron's thick skull over lunch and through the rest of the day. Professor Castor's course required everyone's full attention, and two students, Dean Thomas and Hannah Abbot were caught lounging off and screamed in agony as the bone-breaking curse made their mark. Castor was being rather compassionate about it, Harry thought after leaving class, stunned but not hurt. Castor was aiming for ankles, fingers, and wrists, and in Harry's experience, they hurt a whole lot less than breaking an arm or a leg.

On their way out, Ron tried to get Harry into another argument over what if someone else asked Sarah to go out to the ball before he did. Harry simply shrugged.

'Look Ron,' Harry said. 'If she likes you, she'll ask you out. She seems like a girl to get what she asks for. Ask Hermione tonight, and if all else fails, ask Sarah tomorrow. Now will you please drop it?'

Ron smiled.

'Thanks mate,' he said.

They walked in silence towards the Great Hall for dinner until Ron snickered.

'What?'

'I was just thinking,' Ron said.

'Don't hurt yourself.'

'Ha, ha, but seriously,' he said lowering his voice. 'Who do you want to take to the ball?'

Harry knew the question was coming and side-stepped it.

'I don't know really,' Harry said shrugging. 'I was thinking of asking one of the American girls, or maybe Susan Bones, she is looking pretty good this year.'

'Not Ginny?' Ron asked.

Harry simply shrugged unenthusiastically.

'Nothing against her,' Harry said. 'I'm sure we'll dance a lot at the ball, but we broke up, and I want to see what other girls are out there.'

'So you're saying you want to be a whore?' Ron asked with a grin.

'Something like that yea,' Harry said laughing. 'Besides, I'm taking two men's advice on this.'

'And these two pimps would be?' Ron asked.

'Charlie and Professor Castor.'

'What?' Ron shouted. 'You saw Charlie?'

'Yea,' Harry said sitting down at the table and helping himself to chicken. 'At Hagrid's cabin yesterday. Hagrid was moving Norbert out of the pitch, and Charlie and I talked a little. Told me to get a move on with these American girls. Funny thing really, because Castor said the same thing."

'He did?'

'Yep.'

Harry looked down the table and saw Sarah Davenport staring down the table at him. She smiled and waved and Harry smiled in return.

'Quidditch game tomorrow,' Ron said piling his plate up.

'You're not gonna muck things up for us this year are you?' Harry asked teasing.

'Real hilarious Potter. I'm over my nerves, mate. We got this year in the bag, like the year before that.'

'And the year before that.'

'And the year before that,' said Hermione who sat down next to Ron and smiled.

'Hufflepuff shouldn't be much of a problem,' Ron said. 'They're seeker is only in his third year.'

'Don't underestimate them,' Harry said in a warning tone. 'Remember what happened in our third year. I nearly got killed, my broom was destroyed and we lost.'

'We'll win, Harry,' Ron said sternly. 'This year will be our best.'

The fans erupted in applause as Harry closed his hands around the Snitch and soared over the crowd.

'Harry Potter caught the snitch,' Luna Lovegood said in a rather unenthusiastic voice. 'Gryfindor wins!'

The Gryfindor supporters exploded out onto the field and engulfed the team in one gigantic frenzy. Harry landed next to Ron who patted him on the back. Ron played his best, only letting in four goals. It wasn't just a win, it was a massacre. From the start, Hufflepuff didn't have a chance. Ginny, Pavarti and Demelza worked perfectly together and never once went to the other end of the pitch without scoring.

Harry hugged Ginny tightly and smiled down at her for a moment before heading off in search of the rest of the team. Hermione came running through a gap in the crowd and flung her arms around him.

'Harry,' she squealed, 'you were wonderful.'

'Thanks, Hermione,' he said looking over her shoulder.

'Who are you looking for?' she asked.

'What,' he said. 'Oh, no one.'

'Well,' she said catching her breath. 'I'm going to go congratulate Ron, I'll see you later.'

Harry watched her dash off and grinned as he saw her run into Ron's awaiting arms. They smiled at each other and walked off together back towards the castle.

'Party in the common room!' Seamus yelled triumphantly.

Harry looked up at the stands and saw Professor Addams along with Professor Castor sitting alone at the deserted staff box. Addams was applauding politely as Castor raised his hand, and waved at Harry. Harry grinned back as he felt someone place a hand on his shoulder. He spun around to see Sarah Davenport, in very fitting jeans and a light peach tank top smile at him.

'Hi,' she said smiling. 'You were great.'

'Uh, thanks,' Harry said feeling heat crawl up his neck.

'I saw that bludger hit your arm, are you okay?' she asked as she put her hand on Harry's bicep and gave it a squeeze. Her eyebrows went up.

'I'm fine,' Harry said trying to act more casual. He slung his Firebolt over his shoulder and grinned. 'Nothing I'm not used to, my second home is the hospital.'

'Lots of battle scars I'll bet,' Sarah said teasing.

'Plenty.'

They stood in an awkward silence, until something occurred to him.

'Hey, where are you staying in the castle?'

'Fourth floor corridor,' Sarah said. 'Apparently it used to be out of bounds but now they just use it for storage, but Professor Flitwick charmed it into two dormitories. The last door at the end is locked though, don't know why.'

Harry didn't have the heart to tell her that behind that door was Fluffy, the three-headed dog that once protected the Sorcerer's Stone in his first year. He didn't know if Fluffy still kept that room occupied, protecting whatever was down there, but he sure as hell didn't feel like finding out.

'Well,' Harry said. 'I'm gonna get out of my gear.'

'Okay,' Sarah said.

'Do you think you might want to come to our victory party?' Harry blurted.

Sarah smiled.

'I'd love to,' she said. 'Can I bring a few friends?'

'Sure. I'll meet you at the fourth floor corridor, say thirty minutes after dinner?'

'Okay,' Sarah said.

'Bye,' Harry said.

'Bye.'

As Harry turned to leave, he couldn't help but grin like an idiot. He made a note to pull out the Marauder's Map and have a little conversation with Seamus Finnigan.

'Do I even want to know where you got this Potter?' Seamus said as he clambered back into the seventh year boy's dormitory, carrying a small brown box in his arm. He set the box on the floor, pointed his wand at it and muttered, 'Engorgio.'

Instantly, the box became five times its size. Dean helped Seamus open the box and peer inside.

'I'm sure it came in handy,' Harry said putting the map back into his trunk.

'Damn right,' Seamus said. 'I'd been nailed by those Aurors and ran into McGonagall if it wasn't for that thing. Thanks for letting me borrow it.'

'Jesus, Seamus,' Dean said bewildered. 'What in the hell is that?'

Seamus, Neville and Ron were all taking out bottles of Ogden's Firewhiskey and placing them on Harry's bed.

'That is a keg,' Seamus said proudly. 'Inside is about fifteen gallons of the finest lager England has to offer.'

'What kind of beer is it?' Neville asked.

'Don't remember,' Seamus admitted.

'You don't remember?' Dean shouted incredulously.

'Truth be told I was so thrilled that I could buy it, and get it back to the castle that I forgot what kind I bought. The guy let me have a sip of it though. It tastes really good.'

'Not to completely ruin the mood or anything,' Neville said, 'but how are we not going to get caught. I mean, if McGonagall finds out we have a keg and all this whiskey, we're all screwed.'

'I thought of that,' Seamus said. 'First, McGonagall won't bust us, because she's Headmistress. If anyone is going to bust us it'll be Castor, and I'll make sure its only sixth and seventh years drinking.'

'Besides,' Harry said, acting more confident than he was feeling. 'Tomorrow is Hogsmeade, so if no one shows up at the gates, the teachers will assume we're just relaxing in the common room.'

'And in all this time that Castor has been the Head of House,' Ron said, 'have you guys ever seen him come into the common room?'

They all shook their heads.

'Motion settled,' Seamus said. 'This is worth the risk.'

'Just make sure it's only sixth and seventh years drinking Seamus,' Dean said.

'Thought of that too,' Seamus said. 'I've charmed all the glasses that we're going to serve the booze in. Anyone under the age of sixteen that tries to drink this stuff, it'll immediately turn into water the second it hits their lips.'

Each boy gawked at Seamus. They had never seen him look so prepared.

'I'm impressed,' Ron said smiling.

Seamus bowed. 'When there's drinking and partying to be done,' he said wisely, 'you're always in safe hands with the Irish.'

'I invited Sarah to come to this party,' Harry said, his face going red.

'Really?' Dean said grinning. 'The tall blonde?'

'Yep,' Harry said. 'And she told me she's going to bring some of her friends.'

'I hope her friends all have long hair and legs like her,' Neville said smiling.

'Maybe you're redhead will show up Seamus,' Dean teased. 'What's her name again, you've only said it in your sleep for the past three nights over and over again.'

'Shut it,' Seamus said blushing.

'What's that name again Neville?' Dean said, starting to laugh.

'It's, uh,' Neville said chuckling. 'Lindsay.'

'No, Neville,' Dean said laughing. 'You got to say her name as if it were a musical note.'

'I'm warning you bastards,' Seamus said but he too was smiling.

'As if it were the very air you breathe,' Neville said as he laughed as Ron and Harry dropped to one knee, each grabbing Seamus' hand.

'Lindsay,' they both said in a sing-song voice.

'I'm gonna kill you lot,' Seamus said but he was now laughing out loud.

'It's gonna be our night tonight,' Harry said standing back up. 'Who knows, maybe Won-Won will even get some.'

'Not funny Harry,' Ron laughed.

'I don't' know about you guys,' Seamus said conjuring up five glasses. 'But I could use a drink.'

He carefully measured five shots of whiskey into the glasses and passed them to each of his roommates.

'Well,' he said clinking his glass with the rest. 'Here's to the success of Gryfindor and the success of the party tonight.'

'Cheers,' they all said in unison. They downed their drinks, only Neville sputtered, the rest giving off a deep groan as they all made their way into the common room.

'A couple of girls?' Ron asked incredulously. 'A couple?'

'Ah, don't tell me you're complaining about all the beautiful ladies that Potter brought?' Seamus teased toasting Harry with his third glass of beer.

'Everybody is here!' Ron as waving his glass dramatically splashing a non-suspecting fourth year.

'More the merrier,' Seamus said eyeing the pretty red head who was busy chatting with Hermione, Ginny and Pavarti.

'And how is it that we are not gonna get caught?' Neville asked once more, holding his drink with both hands as people slammed into him, dancing to the music blaring from above their heads.

'It's cool,' Seamus said still peering at Lindsay. 'We sound proofed the common room and all the liquor is in our room. Dean is in charge of distributing.'

'He doesn't mind?' Ron asked.

'Nah,' said Seamus. 'All the broads go to him rather than he goes to them. He's a bit lazy.'

'I hadn't noticed,' Harry muttered under his breath.

'Besides,' Seamus went on as he took a long drink and wiped his mouth with the back of his hand, 'it's worth the risk.'

'It's worth getting expelled?' Ron asked grinning.

Seamus pulled out a flask from his pocket and smoothed out his hair as he walked towards the girls.

'That all depends on you mate.'

Harry, Ron and Neville watched Seamus as he strolled up to Lindsay, extending the flask to her. The next moment, Seamus was sitting next to her, while the rest of the girls, getting the hint, excused themselves and headed to the other part of the common room.

Harry was feeling pretty loose after his second glass, then reminded himself that he had taken two shots of whiskey before going to pick up Sarah. Sarah, along with every girl from Balmorhea were in attendance, and each stuck out wonderfully. Each wore summer skirts and pastel tank tops, all fitting tightly around their bodies, accentuating their curves. Harry had gotten separated from Sarah when he walked into the common room. The entire house congratulated him, patting him on the shoulder, thrusting him glasses of beer.

Now, with the hand claps, congratulations and first impressions out of the way, Harry could focus on what had been slipping his mind throughout the evening, but this was not as easy as he thought it would be. Sarah, like most of the American girls there, were surrounded by gawking boys. Harry cringed at the thought of them asking her to the ball. She must have been asked already, he gathered. She was easily the prettiest girl at Hogwarts, at least in his opinion. Harry saw her finish her drink and make her way up to the seventh year boys dormitory, but before he could make two steps forward, he felt a tap on his shoulder.

'Can I ask you something Harry?' said Hermione.

'Yea,' Harry said still looking up at Sarah. 'What?'

'Did you tell Ron to ask me to the Ball?' she asked flatly.

The question caught Harry completely off guard.

'Did I what?' he asked.

'Tell Ron to ask me to the Ball?'

'Uh,' Harry stuttered. 'Why?'

'Because he just asked me.'

Harry's eyes immediately scanned the room looking for Ron who was sitting by the fire. Although he was surrounded by Colin and Denis Creevy, Neville, Lavendar and Ginny, he looked as though he was sitting by himself, his eyes unfocused, staring down at the floor, at a loss.

'Well,' Harry said gaining composure. 'What did you say?'

For a moment Hermione paused looking around the room as if making sure she wasn't being overheard.

'I said yes,' she said stiffly raising her chin and looking determinately at Harry, as though daring him to make a joke.

'Ah,' Harry said. He noticed that Hermione was trying very hard not to grin.

'Well,' Hermione said, 'It's only a dance and I know that he'll get upset with whoever I'd go with and he'd give me a hard time the whole night, and he'd be in a bad mood for the rest of the week, and you know how he gets sometimes, and,'

'Hermione!' Harry shouted cutting her off making a few people nearby jump. 'I got you. I'm sure you're just going with him because of, well, whatever you just said.'

Before Hermione could say a second thing, Harry bolted up the stairs and into his dormitory. Dean was standing behind his desk which had been moved into the center of the room. Standing next to him was a American girl with long black hair and light green eyes. She smiled at Harry before going back to her conversation with Dean who magically floated a new glass of beer to Harry who nodded in thanks.

Sarah was standing next to his bed, which made Harry all the more reason to feel nervous. She was leaning against one of his posters, gently stroking Hedwig as the snowy white owl sat on his desk. A letter was clutched in one of her claws.

'You like her?' Harry asked walking up to Sarah, who turned and smiled.

'She's beautiful,' she said in a soft voice. 'She yours?'

'Yea,' Harry said giving Hedwig a treat. 'Hagrid gave her to me.'

Harry took the letter and opened it. Immediately after reading the first line, he closed it and went pale.

'Anything wrong?' Sarah asked looking concerned.

Harry clutched the letter in his hand. Taking a deep breath, he put the letter in his pocket and pulled an uneasy grin.

'I'm fine,' he said untruthfully. 'Just surprised is all. Do you, er, are you, uh, enjoying the party?'

Sarah blushed at his timidness.

'I'm having a great time,' she said smiling. 'Thanks for inviting me, and letting my friends come to.'

'Believe me,' Harry said standing a bit closer to her and pointing over her shoulder. 'Thank you.'

Sarah turned and saw the black haired girl and Dean kissing enthusiastically, their arms wrapped around each other. Just then Seamus burst through the door, dragging the pretty red head into the room but froze when he saw Dean and the girl, along with Harry and Sarah staring at him. He hastily wiped the lipstick from his face and grinned.

'Sorry to bother,' he slurred. 'Me and Lindsay were just, uh, just,' he stuttered.

'There's a really nice broom closet on the fourth floor Seamus,' Harry said trying not to laugh. 'Very cozy.'

Lindsay went immediately red but still looked expectantly at Seamus. The Irishman looked at Harry then back to Lindsay, then to Dean and the black haired girl who apparently hadn't noticed there were other people in the room, or, they just didn't care.

'Fourth floor?' Seamus asked Harry.

Harry nodded.

'Fourth floor.'

Lindsay smiled greedily and pulled Seamus back out of the room and Harry could hear them fly down the stairs.

'I guess she likes him,' Sarah still laughing. 'Oh, and her too,' she said jerking her thumb at Dean who was beginning to lead the girl into the bathroom.

'Yea,' Harry said. 'Listen, uh, Hogsmeade is tomorrow.'

'I heard about that,' Sarah said excitingly. 'I would really like to go.'

'Well,' Harry started, his mouth feeling very try and his tongue thick. 'If you would like, I know the village pretty well, and I was wondering -'

Harry was cut off mid-sentence as Sarah leaned in and sealed her lips over his. It wasn't a very forward kiss, but it wasn't chaste either. Harry's eyes flew open in surprise until he regained himself and put his arms around her waist as she slipped her fingers through his hair, until they finally broke apart.

'I'd love to,' she gasped still playing with his nape.

Harry was dumbstruck, as if an invisible hand had slapped him on the back of the head.

'Great,' was all he could say.

They stared at each other for what seemed an eternity until finally, Sarah looked up.

'Do you hear that?' she breathed.

'What?'

'Do you hear something?' she said looking around the room.

Harry paused and waited.

'I don't hear anything.'

Sarah looked at him in the eyes and cringed.

'That's what I'm afraid of.'

'Knock, knock,' came a cold voice from the doorway.

Harry spun his head around and froze when he saw the figure in the doorway. Harry's heart jumped to the base of his neck and all the color drained from his face.

Standing in the doorway was Professor Castor, looking more tired and pale than Harry had ever seen him. Behind him, was Professor Addams.

It took Harry all but two seconds to realize that the Headmaster of Balmorhea was staring at him, along with the Head of Gryfindor. It took him a full minute to realize that he had been caught, with a girl in his room, coincidentally wrapped in his arms, her lips red from kissing, and they were both holding glasses of liquor, a half empty keg sitting right next to them.

'Uh…hi Professor,' he stammered, and like an idiot, he waved at him.

Castor stared at Harry with narrowed eyes for a minute, until clearing his throat.

'Professor Addams,' he said still looking at Harry. 'Perhaps it would be better for your students to return to their dormitories.'

Addams was glaring at Sarah who was bowing her head in shame, after entangling her arms from Harry and standing a good five feet from him.

'Of course,' he said his eyes not moving away from Harry. 'Tomorrow I will speak to the Headmistress about this little party, and I will also be speaking to a few of your students.'

'The Headmistress will find out soon enough, and I will deal with my own students.'

'But this is -' Addams started but Castor cut him off.

'I said I will deal with this,' he said flatly. 'Potter, downstairs. You too, Thomas, and bring that tart with you.'

Harry and Sarah both turned to see Dean Thomas along with the black haired girl emerge from the bathroom, both looking extremely embarrassed.

Downstairs, the American girls were being lead out of the common room and back to their dormitories. Professor Addams said a few sharp words but no one from Gryfindor was listening. Everyone knew full well that Castor was going to be a lot worse, and if he wasn't, McGonagall would be.

'She's going to have kittens over this,' Ron whispered to Harry as Hermione tried to hide behind him. 'Absolute kittens.'

'More worried about Castor me 'self,' said Seamus whose shirt was ripped and his lips raw from kissing, though he was still grinning. Apparently, Harry thought, to Seamus, this was all worth it.

'I want you all in your dormitories for the rest of the night, even if the tower catches fire, you stay put!' he said loudly, a few second years flinched at his voice.

'I don't know whose idea this was, and frankly, I don't care,' he said. 'I have more important matters to deal with'

'Sir,' Pavarti Patil said raising her hand. 'Forgive me, but, how did you find out?'

Castor glared at her.

'I didn't,' he said. 'I had no idea, and if the reason for me coming here hadn't happened, I wouldn't have found out.'

Everyone in the common room started giving each other confused looks.

'What's happened sir?' a brown hair third year boy asked timidly.

Castor's face immediately became grave.

'You will find out tomorrow morning in the Prophet,' he said, his voice more of an echo than anything else. 'For right now, I need to see the following people.'

He dug into his pockets and fumbled with a piece of parchment. Unfolding it, he cleared his throat and read out loud.

'Denis and Colin Creevy, Mark Ribbons, Jude Sterns, Kimberly Stiles, Ron Weasley, Leslie Torres, and Hermione Granger, please come with me.'

Ron and Hermione exchanged nervous glances but nonetheless walked forward towards Castor.

'You too, Potter,' he said coldly. 'This concerns you especially. The rest of you, up to your rooms, and if I so much as here a pin drop from up here, I'll make that greasy haired git Professor Snape seem like a pleasure cruise. You're all in deep enough shit already.'

The rest of Gryfindor filed away into their dormitories as Hermione, Ron, Harry and the other students made their way down the corridors. Castor walked briskly, and didn't say a word until they had reached the hospital wing.

He opened the door and ushered in his students, but stopped Hermione as she tried to walk past.

'You three,' he said, his voice cracking a bit, 'come with me.'

They made their way to the other side of the castle to the doors of Castor's office.

'In,' he shortly.

Harry, Ron and Hermione hurried into the room and as Castor shut the door behind them.

'What is this about sir?' Ron asked, his face white with fear.

Castor didn't say anything for a minute, but merely took out a cigarette and lit it. As the light of the flame hit his face, Harry noticed that Castor had two fresh bruises. Blood flowed slowly from behind his left ear and there was a dark purple bruise on the side of his neck.

'You're hurt,' Harry said walking forward.

'Brilliant deduction, Potter,' Castor snapped. He checked his watch and heaved a great sigh, putting his focus on the map of Ireland above his mantle.

'There has been an attack,' he said, his voice cold and distant.

'An attack?' Ron said. 'Where?'

'Actually,' Castor said dropping his head a little. 'It was more like a dozen.'

Hermione, Ron and Harry remained speechless as Castor turned his head and put his back to them.

'By the command of the Dark Lord, over thirty Death Eaters attacked thirteen homes earlier this evening. They were all muggle homes.'

'Muggles?' Ron said confused.

'For retaliation against a Death Eater attack thwarted by the Ministry earlier this month where four Death Eaters were killed.'

'I didn't see anything like that in the Daily Prophet,' Hermione said.

'That's because there wasn't,' Castor said calmly. 'The Minister decided to keep it under wraps.'

'Why muggle homes?' Harry asked. 'Why not after wizards, or the Aurors responsible.'

At this Castor turned around, and Harry grimaced at the sight of him. The blood from his head had soaked the side of his shirt and he looked barely able to stand.

'Not just any muggle homes,' Castor said. 'These were the parents and guardians of the top students that attend Hogwarts. The Creevy's, the Smith's and also,'

He paused and looked at Hermione and for the first time, Harry caught a glimpse of sadness on Castor's face, as though he himself was at a loss for words. Hermione gasped, and put a hand to her mouth.

'My parents,' Hermione said, her voice trembling, her eyes welling up with tears.

Harry and Ron stared at Hermione who stood still, her eyes wide with horror, unable to make a sound as tears fell down her face. They both looked at Castor, who simply nodded in confirmation.

Hermione screamed and flung herself at Castor who held her off with his hands.

'Are they alright?' she cried hysterically, as Ron pried her from Castor's grip. 'Are they hurt? Oh God! Professor, please,' she whimpered as she slumped to the floor, 'please tell me.'

Castor looked at her, his gaze never faulting, his eyes leveled showing no emotion, though he winced as he took a step closer.

'Fortunately,' he said coldly. 'The Death Eaters assigned to your home did not get there in time. We found out about the first attack on the Ribbin's home, and we were able to put protection on the other muggle homes, and evacuated most of the guardians and parents.'

Harry looked up, at a lost.

'Most of them?'

Castor, for the first time, broke eye contact and looked down.

'There were a few casualties. The Smith's, Ribbin's, Boot's and Fowler's were killed.'

'But my parents!' Hermione wailed.

'Are fine,' Castor said. 'I was able to get to your house and floo them out of there just as the Death Eaters were arriving.'

Hermione looked up, her eyes puffy and red.

'You,' she whimpered. 'You saved them?'

Castor snorted.

'Where do you think I got this,' he grunted pointing at the blood on his ear. 'But considering that you are so close to Mr. Potter here, and seeing as the Dark Lord knows that, I've decided to put your parents in a more secure location for the time being. We need to put up some wards around your house, additional security and so on.'

'But,' Hermione said standing up and wiping the tears from her eyes. 'Where are they now?'

Castor looked at her then down at his watch. He continued to look at it, until finally Harry cleared his throat.

'Three - two - one,' Castor said.

'Sir, what are you -'

BANG!

Instantly, the fireplace erupted into flames and with a flurry of soot, wood and broken glass, two figures shot out of the fireplace and onto the floor in a dusty heap. Harry and Ron had both pulled out their wands but Hermione let out a scream and lunged herself at the thin balding man starting to stand up.

'Dad!' she wailed and she clung to her father for dear life.

Hermione's father, who had the same dark brown eyes as his daughter's, put his arms around her.

'It's alright, sweetheart,' he said soothingly as Hermione cried into his chest.

Hermione's mother stood up slowly and wrapped her arms around Hermione too, and the Grangers embraced in a three person hug, Hermione crying hysterically as her parents continued to reassure her that they were alright.

'I'm so happy you're okay,' she wailed as her mother rubbed her back. 'Professor Castor told me there was an attack.'

'There was, sweetheart,' said Hermione's father. 'Professor Castor here showed up, told us that we were in danger and took us to what I believe was Grimmauld Place.'

Harry's eyes snapped up and stared at Castor, who simply nodded.

'We've been using it as a safe house,' he said.

Hermione stepped back from her parents and wiped the tears from her eyes once more.

'You're okay,' she said to them, smiling and crying at the same time. 'You're alright.'

Once again, she flung her arms out and hugged her parents. Harry and Ron could only stand there in amazement, and listen to her sniffling.

'Thanks to Professor Castor here,' her mother said smiling, and wiping away tears herself. 'Those evil men broke down our door right when we were coming downstairs. He held off three of them while we got to the fireplace and escaped.'

Hermione's mother, Alice Granger turned and looked at Professor Castor astonishingly.

'We thought you had been killed,' she said in wonder.

'Close, Dr. Granger,' Castor said stepping forward. 'Very close, but right now, we must discuss your safety. For the time being, I want to make sure you two are safe until we can put additional security around your house and we can get this whole mess handled.'

'And where do you intend we stay,' Hermione's father said angrily. 'Bad enough our home is being destroyed by those vicious bastards but now I can't work in my own office, and my wife is on the run!'

'Scott,' Hermione's mother said warningly.

'Relax, Dr. Granger,' Professor Castor said coolly. 'You want be gone for too long, and would you prefer it that I didn't help you and you were back at your home with those men, being tortured?'

That immediately silenced the Grangers. Fuming, Castor grabbed a handful of powder from the mantle and threw it into the fire.

'Dobby!' he shouted.

Harry and Ron exchanged looks.

'Dobby?' Harry said confused.

Castor turned around and faced the Grangers.

'For the time being, you may stay at my home. It is secluded and only I know its exact location, and how to get to it. You will find anything you need there, and until the end of the Christmas holidays, you two will remain there, for your own safety.'

'But what if I want to talk to them!' Hermione wailed who was still wrapped in her mother's embrace.

Crack!

Hermione's mother let out a hell-raising shriek as Dobby the house elf appeared out of thin air. He wore the same jeans and muscle black t-shirt Harry had seen him wear over summer. Dobby paid no attention to Hermione's baffled parents staring at him in wide horror, but merely walked forward and bowed low to Professor Castor.

'What the hell is that thing?' Hermione's mother screamed, pointing dramatically at Dobby who looked more confused than offended.

'This,' Professor Castor said, 'is Dobby. He is a house elf, and he works for me. Dobby, this is Dr. and Dr. Granger, Hermione's parents.'

Dobby turned and bowed low.

'Dobby is very pleased to be meeting you,' the house-elf squeaked.

The Grangers looked ready to collapse.

'It can speak?' Hermione's father said, looking stunned.

'Of course he can speak. He can also do magic,' Harry said smiling at the house-elf who grinned back.

'Dobby is so happy to be seeing Harry Potter again,' he said beaming, his large oval eyes welling up with tears.

'Dobby can do much more than talk,' Professor Castor said walking to his desk and putting out his cigarette. 'He takes care of my home while I am here.'

Hermione's parents entangled themselves from their daughter and made their way over to Castor's desk who was pouring two glasses of fire whiskey, and handing them to each of the dentists.

'Maybe this will calm you down,' he said sternly, lighting up another cigarette. Harry guessed that Professor Castor smoked more when agitated or stressed. Castor was busy pulling out parchments and powder and thrusting them into the hands of Hermione's mother.

'Until we can figure this whole mess out,' he said coldly, 'you may stay at my home. I have no phones or computer or anything that would resemble the muggle world, so to speak. If you need to contact anyone, tell Dobby and he'll come to me immediately.'

'When can I see my parents again?' said Hermione, her eyes still watery.

'After term,' Castor said. 'Once the Ball is over and students go home, I'll send you to my home and you can spend some, quality time with your parents.'

Castor said the word as though the mere thought was revolting.

'In the meantime,' he said turning to Dobby, 'the same rules apply to all my guests, Dobby. Whatever the Grangers here want, make sure they get it, and if they need me, come as quickly as you can, understand?'

Dobby bowed, clicked his fingers and vanished once more.

'You'll find some cloths for your wife in one of the spare bedrooms upstairs. I will be checking in on you in a couple of days, just to make sure everything is adequate.'

The Grangers simply stared at Castor in amazement, until finally Hermione's mother walked forward, and stared deliberately into Castor's eyes.

'Thank you,' she said, her voice cracking. 'You saved our lives. How can we ever repay you.'

Castor looked at Dr. Granger and shrugged.

'Just doing my job.'

Ron and Harry continued to stand there, but gave reassuring nods to Hermione as she looked over to them. Ron was looking completely lost. But Harry was staring resolutely at the floor, every muscle, every fiber, every once of himself was boiling over in hatred and fury. He wanted to get to Voldemort. He wanted to find the evil son of a bitch and tear him limb from limb with his bare hands. He had never been more angry with Lord Voldemort than he did at that moment. At that moment, Harry thought he was able to commit murder.

'I want to find the bastard, and burn him alive,' Harry said through gritted teeth.

'That can wait for later,' Castor said sternly. He rubbed the back of his neck and winced at the pain.

'You should go get that looked at Professor,' Hermione's mother said softly. 'It looks pretty bad.'

Castor grunted.

'Yea,' he said. 'I'll just drop these two off and leave you some time with your parents Ms. Granger until they leave. Directions to my home are on my desk Dr. Granger.'

Hermione's father was standing in the middle of the room, covered in dust and wearing a helpless and fearful look on his lined face.

'This war,' he said looking at the wall opposite him. 'All these murders, disappearances, these poor people. For God's sake, the Headmaster, Dumbledore….' he trailed off.

He looked at his wife then at his daughter and he looked even more frightened at the prospect of what reality was revealing to him. After a brief silence, he spoke, his voice trembling and full of fear.

'How does this all end?' he asked. 'What in God's name do we do?'

Castor turned at the doorway, and the Grangers recoiled at the sight of him, as did Harry and Ron. He breathed heavily and blood continued to pour from the wound behind his ear, but he stood as straight as a board, his eyes narrowed, a look of total hatred and yet understanding upon his beaten face.

'Kill them sir,' he finally said in a hollow and chilling voice. 'Kill every last one of 'em.'

And with that, he closed the door, leaving the Granger family alone in his office.

A/N: Sorry this one took a while, again. Hope you guys enjoyed it, a lot will be answered in the next chapter, Elizabeth Mary Albin, the letter from Lupin and a few more little j's and i's. Review, tell me what you think. Laters.