Chapter 14 - Surprises

At noon that Saturday, there was a knock on the door. Mr Granger opened to find his daughter, her fiancé, and two others he assumed to be Harry and Ginny on his doorstep. Mr Granger had learned about the accomplishments of these remarkable young people, and it was hard to imagine that these four teenagers were war veterans and the greatest heroes in the Wizarding world. He still flinched a bit when he thought of Hermione as a witch, but having seen her perform magic had greatly contributed to help him relax about his daughter's astonishing powers being perfectly normal, although odd by Muggle standards. He looked at Harry, the famous Chosen One, who was reputedly one of the richest wizards in the land. He remembered how Hermione had told him that Harry didn't feel comfortable being treated like a hero, so he would do his best to remain cordial.

"Hello! Welcome, all of you. Hermione and Ron, lovely to see you...and you must be Harry and Ginny, I'm Richard Granger" Mr Granger greeted them, shaking their hands and hugging his daughter. He gave Ron a fatherly pat on his shoulder. Harry and Ginny also shook his hand. He showed them into the living room where Mrs Granger served lunch. "Is everything well at Hogwarts," Mrs Granger asked.

"Pleased to meet you Mr Granger. Hogwarts is a lot of work," Ginny said, "but we really learn a lot."

"And you Harry, I understand it, you're teaching," Mr Granger asked.

"Actually, I lead a group known as Dumbledore's Army, or at least the eight of us becoming Aurors," Harry told him."We teach Defence Against the Dark Arts sometimes too, but none of us are actual Professors."

The conversation continued for a while before shifting over to business. Mr Granger seemed to feel a bit awkward. "I admit starting our own clinic has been our dream, but still it feels a bit strange accepting your money to do it."

"Ginny and I are quite uncomfortable having all that gold in our vault as it is. We decided we should use some of it to help others. Besides, if it hadn't been for me, you wouldn't have ended up in Australia last year. We are happy to invest some money in your dental clinic," Harry said pointedly.

"We know. Hermione explained it all, and it isn't because of you. We know why you kids had to go on the run. We know it was because of that evil Voldemort all of that happened," Mrs Granger said. She handed Harry a paper with figures written on it. "This is a draft of what kind of investment we're talking about."

The paper listed equipment, rent, supplies, and everything needed to run a clinic. The Grangers had found perfect premises in central London. Mr Granger blushed a little as Harry read the paper and took note of the amount of funds necessary to start the clinic. "Are you sure this is enough," Harry asked. "I could add some more, just in case."

Before the Grangers had a chance to protest, Harry looked at Ginny. "Well, we'll take this to the goblins at Gringotts," Ginny explained. "They'll prepare a contract and once signed, you will have the funds at your disposal."

"I don't quite know what to say," Mr Granger said.

"You don't have to say anything. I'm just glad we could help you," Harry said matter-of-factly.

Harry never ceased to amaze Ron with his almost-flippant attitude toward money and how he suddenly became so confident and sure of himself. The final year of the war had changed them all. Harry seemed more secure and had emerged a confident leader figure. He had always been a leader, but over this past year, what with leading the DA and facing his fame, Harry seemed to accept the role more readily, but still held on to that kind and generous nature that had endeared him to so many all these years.

What Ron didn't know, though, was that Harry's relationship with Ginny made him more comfortable with situations he used to consider awkward, if not frustratingly annoying. Since he was able to constantly feel Ginny's love, and knowing that she constantly felt his, Harry knew he could face anything. The meeting concluded with Harry promising to get in touch with the Grangers once he had the contracts ready.

When the Grangers were alone together again, their thoughts and conversation turned back to the day Professor Dumbledore knocked on their door to explain that Hermione was a witch. Hermione's was not the only life that changed that day. The Grangers hadn't bothered to learn much about the Wizarding world, but now they realised it was necessary that they did. Their daughter was marrying Ron, who's family were wizards and witches, so they couldn't very well arrange a proper wedding for Hermione and Ron without some understanding of their world and its customs.

Hermione had to modify their memories and send them to Australia because of her part in the war, and that made them more interested in understanding it. They wanted to be able to answer the most basic questions about Hermione's war experiences and understand the significance of their daughter having been awarded the Order of Merlin, First Class. It wouldn't be proper for Wizarding people they'd never met to know more about Hermione's life than they did. Harry's and Ginny's generous offer to fund a dental clinic for them was the icing on a very many-layered cake. The Grangers still felt a bit dubious about accepting money from such young people, but they had to admit that it was a sound business investment, so that relieved much of the awkwardness. They couldn't be happier. After all, Hermione was becoming part of the Weasley clan, as was Harry, and for some reason, that, in itself, seemed significant enough.

hphphphphphphphphphphp

During the first week of March, Harry received an owl from Malfoy. He had written his report and was ready to meet Harry at King's Cross Station. Following some discussion with Ron as to the best day to meet with him, they agreed that noon that coming Friday would be perfect. The Auror Office and DA were notified, and duelling training became more intense than ever all that week. Harry had to settle the DA down after sending Cho and Lavender to Madame Pomfrey with cracked ribs and bruises, and Ron with a broken leg resulting from a tumbling mishap. They all recovered practically overnight, good as new, and focused intently on their first mission. They were all cautiously eager prove themselves a precision team of crack crime-fighters.

Early Friday morning, the DA gathered in their classroom for a quick briefing before they reported to the Ministry. "All right, people. This is our first mission," Harry said, surveying his team for one last time. "What we do today could make or break this programme."

"Is there anything special we need to know over and beyond what we've already been told," Anthony Goldstein asked.

"Not that I know of, Tony. I just want to stress that no one is to engage in any reckless heroics. That gets people killed," Harry said pointedly.

"Yeah, that sort of recklessness is reserved for Harry," Ron snorted, trying to dispel some of the nervous tension in the room.

"Stuff it, Weasley," Harry smirked. "You've been known to engage in a bit of recklessness yourself. Just do your job, that's all we ask." Harry thought back over the years to the night during their first year at Hogwarts when he, Ron, and Hermione went through the trapdoor. One of the obstacles in their quest for the Philosopher's Stone was a giant chessboard designed by Professor McGonagall. Ron, sacrificed himself as a Knight in a violent game in order to allow his friends to advance to the next step, ultimately resulting in Harry thwarting Voldemort's plan to use the stone to revive himself.

"Are there any more questions," Harry asked his team as he studied each of their faces. "No? Then let's move out. Be safe, people!" The eight future Aurors left their classroom and made for the headmistress' office to Floo to the Ministry for further briefing and instructions.

hphphphphphphphphp

No one seemed to notice the black-haired boy shuffling through the station. He stopped, looked at something, and continued. He was an ordinary-looking teenager, except for a strange scar in his forehead, but his out-of-control hair mostly covered that. Harry surveyed the chosen location for the rendezvous with Malfoy. It would be possible to cut this area off with the wards, if necessary, and deal with Muggle memories later. With the Aurors controlling the surveillance cameras, there was no risk of revealing themselves to the Muggles at all.

Robards busied himself with setting up the anti-Apparition wards. He was impressed with this plan that Potter and Weasley had dreamed up, considering that the worst case scenario would be that no one would follow Malfoy. However, if he was tailed by a Death Eater, they would nab him or her—he felt sure of that.

Ron sat in a Muggle coffee shop overlooking the area. From his table, he could see the other DA members disguised as Muggles milling about. He felt reassured knowing they and the Aurors were nearby to cover Harry and Draco. It was still some time before Malfoy would arrive, so Ron let his mind wander a bit. He thought about he and Harry leaving Hogwarts this morning. Hermione had been really nervous kissing him goodbye, for the first time not joining him and Harry in the fight against darkness. She was weepy and a bit clingy—he knew she would be.

Of course, Ginny didn't like it either, but accepted it more readily. After all, she had the luxury of being able to feel Harry's state of mind, whereas Hermione wouldn't have a clue as to his own. Ron imagined his sister having a hard time keeping her focus on lessons today, and by Merlin, he could consider the possibility that studies wouldn't be foremost in Hermione's mind today either.

Ron smiled nostalgically as he licked dry lips. He could still feel and taste her kiss lingering faintly there. Hermione was, beyond her logic and wit, a warm-hearted, passionate, and impulsive woman. Breaking Malfoy's nose in their third year or blowing up the Dursleys' front door last summer had more than made that clear as well water. Anyone who dared cross her today might very well regret it. Yes, he loved that part of Hermione as well as her wit and logic.

Harry had sat down on a bench prepared with a Muggle-repelling charm. Any Muggle sitting down there would suddenly remember that they really needed to check which train was scheduled to leave Platform Three, to double-check their reservation with National Rail, to buy a newspaper, or something else that would cause them to leave immediately. The bench needed to be empty for Harry and Malfoy to have their conversation.

Right on time, Malfoy approached Harry's bench and sat down. He looked at Harry conspiratorially and neither said a word to the other. Malfoy handed over a file and Harry opened it. It seemed as if Malfoy was waiting for Harry's approval. In fact, Harry was merely trying to make this meeting last for a couple of minutes, giving his team a chance to spot any Death Eaters who may have followed Draco into the station.

Suddenly, Harry and Draco heard the sounds of Apparition. Harry supposed it was Aurors Apparating in, because Disapparition wouldn't be possible with Robards' wards in place. They must have seen someone and Harry's concentration spiked a warning through his bond with Ginny. He felt calm, though, from her instant response. Ron noticed his friend's focused face but hadn't heard the Apparition pops from the coffee shop. The next moment all hell broke loose.

The Aurors sprang into action, sealing all the exits with magical walls and anti-Muggle charms. Everyone outside this area of the station would not be aware of anything strange goings-on inside this hall of King's Cross Station. A small battle had begun. Harry watched as the Aurors closed in, with the DA members prepared for battle, looking after panicked Muggles who had no idea what was happening.

"Stupefy!" The first spell originated from the wand of a person disguised as a Muggle. Harry remembered the experimental stunning bombs Ron had given him. He threw one into a group of Muggles and they collapsed to the floor. He threw a few more at a spot where he knew none his team would be. Knocking out the Muggles was the best way to deal with them until the situation could be brought under control. Harry had to duck to avoid another Stupefy, but found himself engaged in a duel a split-second later.

Ron dashed out of the coffee shop to cover Harry, and heard Malfoy swear. He had probably tried to Disapparate. Ron stunned him from behind for his own safety as well as because Ron couldn't be certain whose side Draco was on. Ron evaded an attack directed at Harry's back with a shield charm, and began to duel the attacker. There seemed to be at least five of the enemy. This should be a rather short fight because there eleven of us and only five of them.

Gawain Robards moved toward the stunned Malfoy. He needed to cover him to keep him safe. Spells and curses flew everywhere in rapid succession, and there were still Muggles in the line of fire, despite Harry's great idea to stun them all collectively.

Cho observed the battle from her position. She wasn't under attack, but awaited in disguise to assist whenever and wherever needed. She identified a Death Eater making his way toward Harry, who couldn't see him. The wizard raised his wand and Cho called out. "Harry, on your right." Cho threw a badly-aimed stunner as a distraction. Harry heard her warning followed by an unpleasant voice hissing, "Avada Kedavra." Harry avoided the curse as he spun to his right and stunned his attacker.

"No," he heard someone yell in agony and moments later, the spellfire ceased, followed by the popping sounds of Disapparition. Harry had a hard time understanding what had happened until he turned his head in seemingly slow motion. Dawlish held the lifeless body of his boss in his arms. Gawain Robards was dead, struck by the killing curse meant for Harry. Gawain couldn't have seen it coming because his attention was fixed on the unconscious Malfoy.

Harry took stock of the aftermath. Everything had happened so fast. The Head of the Auror Office was dead and two of the enemy had been able to Disapparate because Gawain's restrictive wards lifted when he died. Three of the attackers were stunned and arrested. Seamus was bleeding but standing on his own. The rest appeared to be unhurt.

Harry sent a Patronus to the Muggleworthy Excuse Office and the Obliviator Office to come and deal with the fifty or so Muggles who had witnessed the fight. That meant some overtime and a lot of paperwork, but they had handled worse. Harry immediately tried to get a grip on the situation. They had arrested three Death Eaters and would use every means available at the Auror Office to find out what they could from them.

The isolation of the area minimizing exposure to Muggles had worked perfectly. Cho had saved his life, but they had lost Gawain Robards in the bargain, and in a meaningless way. All that was left was for Harry to check on and debrief his team. "Are you all right," he asked with a tremble in his voice. "Seamus? Anyone else hurt?"

"I'm fine. I guess I look like shit though. I'd better get to Madame Pomfrey. I took a Sectumsempra in me chest."

Harry gave him leave and went to check with the others, who confirmed that they were fit and fine. Harry breathed deeply making his way to Dawlish.

"He took it straight in the chest, Harry," Dawlish said bitterly. "Those filthy Death Eaters we arrested better be worth it."

Harry didn't know what to say, but he patted Dawlish's shoulder reassuringly, which Dawlish seemed to appreciate. Clearly the Aurors were in varying stages of shock, more so than the DA. The Aurors looked for someone to take charge after losing their leader and they seemed to be looking to Harry. "All right. Get the Death Eaters locked up at the Ministry, let the Muggleworthy Excuse Office and the Obliviators do their job, and we'll meet at the Auror Office as soon as possible," Harry said.

He didn't like stepping up as the leader, but someone had to do it. Dawlish certainly wasn't in any shape at that point. The Aurors left with the prisoners. Ron ennervated Malfoy and explained truthfully that he had taken a stunner in the back, omitting the fact that it was Ron himself who'd cast it. Harry had an idea and turned to Malfoy. "We've arrested three people," Harry said, casting a silent Legilimens. "But Gawain Robards took the killing curse in the chest."

Malfoy didn't show any hint of emotion and Harry couldn't get anything through Legilimency either. He had hoped for some kind of emotional response strong enough for him to feel something that might have revealed Malfoy's loyalties.

An hour later, the DA, sans Seamus 'Irish' Finnegan, and the Aurors met in a conference room at the Ministry for debriefing by Kingsley Shacklebolt himself. Dawlish was the last one to report. "... and once Chief Robards was dead, two of the Death Eaters escaped," he concluded.

Kingsley tried to perform a quick evaluation. The loss of Gawain Robards hit him hard because no one he knew would be a natural replacement for the fallen Auror Head. It was good news the DA had performed flawlessly, and they did manage to apprehend three suspects. This was the most significant arrest of Death Eaters in months, and the first major step in uncovering a mysterious plot.

Kingsley looked at the team. "The Aurors will this weekend off, except for Dawlish and Smith, who I want to interrogate the prisoners. The rest of you, your only task is to write your reports and meet back here Monday morning. I'll have a decision on a replacement for Chief Robards." Kingsley decided. "Dumbledore's Army will return to Hogwarts. Mr Potter and Mr Weasley will collect your reports on Monday morning and represent you here at the meeting."

After the meeting, Harry took Cho aside. "Thank you. Your warning saved my life," Harry said.

"But resulted in Chief Robards' death," Cho said.

"That wasn't your fault, Cho. But it does hurt that a great wizard like Robards died because of a stray killing curse. You did well today—all of you did." It meant a lot to Cho that Harry was pleased with her part, and not only for saving his life.

"Thanks, Harry. See you back at Hogwarts then," Cho said.

Harry gave her a quick hug and then hurried to join Ron in the atrium to Floo back to Hogwarts. They stepped out of the fireplace in Professor McGonagall's office. The instant they arrived, she could see that something terrible had happened. "Gawain Robards was killed," Harry told her. "But we arrested three Death Eaters."

Harry and Ron looked at their former Head of House. She simply nodded. It seemed only yesterday that innocent eleven-year-old Harry Potter set foot in Hogwarts castle for the first time. Now, a little over seven years later, he returned from a joint operation with Aurors fighting the dark arts. It didn't seem that long ago that Gawain Robards was a student at Hogwarts himself. "He was a good man and a great Auror," Professor McGonagall said, dabbing at her bespectacled eyes with her handkerchief. "He was one of my Gryffindors, you know."

Harry and Ron left the headmistress to find their fiancées. They were in Hermione's and Ron's room, already aware that something bad had happened because Ginny felt it through her bond with Harry. She had sent Harry as much strength as she could muster, and maybe it was that strength Harry had felt when he took charge of the situation at King's Cross Station. They sat down on the rug in front of the fireplace to talk.

"Robards was killed," Ron said flatly. "He took a killing curse meant for Harry."

"What? Harry, is that true," Ginny asked in panic. "What about the others? Seamus..."

"Yes, Gin, it's true. Cho managed to warn me just in time. I spun and it missed me, but Gawain... Gawain was busy covering Malfoy and didn't see it coming," Harry told her, his voice full of regret. "Malfoy was stunned, but in the open. Seamus took Sectumsempra to the chest. He should be with Madame Pomfrey right now, if she hasn't released him already. The others are fine."

"I'm sorry about Mr Robards, love," she said softly, taking his larger hand in her smaller one. "Seamus'll be in the hospital wing for the night. I know for a fact that Madame Pomfrey won't let him go until morning, at least."

"I was worried sick, but Ginny assured me everything was fine until she felt... it must have been Gawain's death... " Hermione said cuddling up close to Ron. "But we knew you would have sent a Patronus if... you know, either of you were hurt."

Ron gave her a squeeze as he leaned down toward her ear. "I thought of you before the fight, love. It kept my head screwed on straight in all that chaos."

"So what happens now," Ginny asked.

"Dawlish and Smith'll interrogate the prisoners, we'll write our reports and then go back to the Ministry on Monday. I can just about guarantee that there'll be something about this in the Prophet," Harry sighed.

Harry was right. Gawain Robards' death was front-page news the next day. Harry was interested in reading what the paper had to say about the mission. He knew Kingsley was on good terms with the Editor-in-Chief, but this was big news.

Head of Auror Office Killed in Action

Gawain Robards, Head of the Auror Office was killed in battle yesterday. The Ministry reports that a joint operation between Harry Potter's DA and the Auror Office led to the arrest of three Death Eaters. In the turmoil, a battle started and Mr Robards was hit by the killing curse. The Death Eaters are in custody under interrogation.

There has been no news as to who shall replace Chief Robards, and none of his Aurors wished to speculate. The loss of Gawain Robards is a heavy one, but according to the Ministry, there are several candidates under consideration.

"Imagine that," Harry said tossing the paper to Ron and Hermione. "No mention of Malfoy or King's Cross Station."

"Yeah, it looks like Kingsley truly does have friends at the Prophet," Ron replied. "They actually let Robards go with dignity."

"Careful, big brother. You might give someone the impression you—shall we say—endorse that rag," Ginny teased.

"As if," Ron sneered. "I'm not ready for the psych wards yet, little sister."

"Well, you do have to admit that the Prophet has been good to us since...well, you know," Hermione reminded them.

"Hermione, really. Do you think the Prophet would leave us be if Kingsley didn't have any influence," Harry reasoned. "I wouldn't trust this ridiculous publication if my life depended on it!"

"So you're Xeno Lovegood's man then," Ginny teased. "All the way?"

"All the way," Harry laughed.

"Here comes the rest of the team," Ron said, jerking his thumb toward the entrance. "Looks like Madame Pomfrey turned Seamus loose after all."

As soon as the DA sat down with their respective houses, they were surrounded by curious students asking all about the joint operation, however, the war veterans were not among them. They knew too well that these elite didn't need nosey students asking them a lot of curious questions. When Seamus entered the Great Hall, the students without battle experience immediately understood that they'd do well to back off and leave the Auror DA alone.

Despite Madame Pomfrey's expert care, Seamus' Sectumsempra cut still had not healed. A nasty gash ran from his ear downward, disappearing under his shirt. Harry knew it extended across his friend's chest. Once the bleeding stopped, Seamus was cleared to leave the hospital wing, so long as he took a number of repulsive-smelling potions. His neck and throat were swollen and purple, his voice gravelly.

The sight of the injured Seamus seemed to hit the students harder than the news of Gawain Robards' death. The horrors of battle became reality. The Prewett twins, Patricia, and Joseph had only just arrived as the DA made their way into the hall. They stared at Seamus with eyes wide and mouths agape. They were among the students who hadn't asked questions, mostly out of respect for their part-time instructors, but when Seamus sat down next to them they couldn't resist.

"Are you all right Mr Finnegan," Emma asked with a quietly concerned voice.

Mr Finnegan. Seamus jerked around as if he thought his dad had suddenly appeared, but then he remembered that the younger students called him that. Since he'd been teaching Defence against the Dark Arts, Mr Finnegan, was the compromise between his own preference, Seamus, and the students' choice, Professor Finnegan.

"Thanks to Madame Pomfey I'm fine, Emma darlin'...unless these Potions kill me," he grinned.

"You haven't lost your humour," Harry laughed. "You'll live."

Patricia caught the smell from the Potions. "Ew, it smells like one of my disasters," she cried, wrinkling her nose.

"It's s'posed to heal this accursed wound," Seamus told her. "But sometimes I think Madame Pomfrey adds somethin' to her potions to make 'em taste like dragon dung—to torture us."

Harry agreed with Seamus' assessment and told the Munchkins about the various potions he had taken over the years. Of all the horrible stuff he'd ever had to drink, Skele-Gro still topped the list as the worst.

"In my second year," Harry began, "we had a perfectly useless Defence Against the Dark Arts professor."

"Gilderoy Lockhart," Ginny, Ron, Hermione, and Seamus all laughed together.

"He was really into himself," Harry continued. "He'd written books about all kinds of stuff he was supposed to have done, but he really didn't do..."

"Yeah. He was a real nutter," Ron said. "Thought he could smile us all into liking him."

"Hey, he had a nice smile," Hermione said.

"Yes, but he was useless, really," Ginny said. "And those stupid dwarves in Cupid's wings on Valentine's Day delivering singing Valentines all over the school.."

"Right in the middle of class—or outside it, eh Harry," Seamus added with a pained chuckle as she held his chest. "Laughin' through the pain, laughin' through the pain."

Harry and Ginny blushed scarlet. "Let's not go there, Irish," Harry warned.

"I was just sayin'. That's all," Seamus said in mock penitence. "It was funny, though."

"Shut it, you," Ginny said, throwing a piece of toast at him. "Let Harry finish!"

"As I was saying before I was so rudely interrupted by my crack crime-fighting team..." Harry began again. "Lockhart was a useless fraud. He claimed credit for stuff other wizards did so he could sell his ruddy books."

"You mean his those books about Werewolves and Banshees are rubbish," Erica asked, crestfallen.

"Yes and no. The events in them are true, it's just that Gilderoy Lockhart had nothing to do with them, Love," Harry replied.

"Gryffindor had a big Quidditch match against Slytherin. I played Seeker opposite a fellow called Draco Malfoy. He and I didn't like each other very much."

"Didn't like each other? Harry, you two bloody well hated each other," Ron exclaimed. "The ruddy git."

"Give the man a break, mate," Harry chided his best friend. "He's trying to turn over a new leaf."

"I'll believe it when I see it," Ron muttered.

"Malfoy and I were both looking for the Snitch. We'd been chasing each other all over the pitch when a rogue Bludger took after me. The Gryffindor beaters spent so much time keeping that one Bludger away from me, our Chasers took a beating from the Slytherin beaters bashing them about with the other one," Harry explained. "Finally our Keeper and team captain, Oliver Wood, called a time-out. I told the Beaters, Ron's and Ginny's older brothers, Fred and George, to let me worry about the bad Bludger while they looked after our Chasers."

Harry had to stop to take a drink of orange juice before he could go on. By this time, a crowd had gathered around the Gryffindors, comprised of students from other Houses, including a few from Slytherin. Harry looked around, threw his hands in their air and continued his story as his audience urged him on.

"All right, all right! So I headed back up to my favorite place about fifty feet above the action to watch for the Snitch and dodge that crazy Bludger. Finally, I saw it! I dived after it, but Malfoy was watching me and followed...and so did that ruddy Bludger. That thing chased after me and Malfoy as we chased the Snitch. It careened around the pitch, crashing through everything in its path to get to me."

"But 'Arry," Joseph said. "Ain't it illegal to mess with Quidditch equipment?"

"It is, Joseph, but this one hadn't been tampered with by a wizard. It had been charmed by a House-elf out to save my life."

A buzz passed through Harry's now-substantial audience. "Harry, why would a House-elf out to save your life charm a Bludger to attack you," Patricia asked. "And what's a House-elf?" The crowd erupted with laughter, as did the elder Gryffindors at the table, including Seamus, who once again had to hold his chest.

"That's another story, Patricia dear," Hermione said. "Please go on, Harry." The others nodded to each other, prompting Harry to continue.

"Where was I? Oh yes, Snitch... Bludger. Malfoy and I raced closer and closer to the Snitch as the Bludger came at me from all different directions—left to right, then back to front, all around us. Finally, Draco crashed and I caught the Snitch, giving Gryffindor the win." The Gryffindors erupted in cheers and applause, but Harry quieted them so he could finish his story. "But there's more. You see, when I caught the Snitch, the rogue Bludger slammed into my right arm and shattered it."

"Yeah. Harry sat there on the ground holding his broken arm while a bunch of us gathered round," Ron continued. "Hermione got to him first, then me, then a few others."

"And then Lockhart," Harry said with a snarl. "The bloody fool insisted that I let him fix my arm when I really wanted to go to the hospital wing. Somehow I knew that idiot was going to foul this up, especially after the Cornish Pixie Incident."

"I remember that! They hung Neville by his ears on the giant candle holder," Seamus exclaimed, snickering and holding his chest. "Lockhart panicked and left us to clean up his mess!"

"Hermione was the one that contained them," Ron said. "But that's another story too!"

"I tried to tell him I didn't want him to touch me, but he wouldn't listen. He pointed his wand at my arm and shouted something like brachia immendo or some such nonsense," Harry stopped to take another sip of orange juice.

"So what happened," Emma cried in frustration. "Did he fix it?"

"Oh he fixed it all right," Harry laughed. "He removed every single bone in my right arm and hand! It just flopped around like a rubber chicken." The audience burst into fits of laughter, including those who'd witnessed the entire affair. Some of them could barely breathe for laughing so hard.

"Professor McGonagall was furious and Madame Pomfrey wanted Lockhart's head on a platter," Hermione laughed. The audience began to laugh anew, clutching at their sides and falling all over one another.

"So they took me up to the hospital wing, leaving Lockhart on the pitch muttering to himself," Harry continued. "Madam Pomfrey took one look at me and..."

"...screamed bloody murder," Ginny said. "I was standing outside the ward while she was examining Harry. I was crying my eyes out with worry, so I stayed back while Ron, Hermione, and the team went in. I didn't want Harry to see me blubbering over him."

"You were blubbering over me," Harry asked, rubbing her back. "Really?"

"Of course, you silly prat! I was in love with you, but you didn't notice," Ginny confessed sticking out her lip. The audience let out a collective Awwww.

"I was a silly prat, wasn't I?"

"Finish your story, Silly Prat-boy," Ginny laughed, nudging him. "You're finally at the point as to why you're telling it in the first place!" The audience laughed again and pressed Harry to finish his story.

"Madame Pomfrey was fit to be tied, bustling about between me and Malfoy. He was lying in another bed, moaning and groaning when there was nothing wrong with him. She threw him and his friends out while she fussed over me. I'm her favourite patient, you know," Harry said taking a swig from his orange juice.

"She produced this bottle of potion that looked like a skeleton called Skele-Gro." Harry winced and made a face at the mere thought. "She fussed that she could mend broken bones in a heartbeat, but re-growing them would take all night, and the that process would be painful." Harry paused again for effect. The audience winced and groaned together as they held their respective right arms and tried to imagine Harry's painful ordeal.

"I had to drink a shot of that stuff every couple of hours all night long until my bones grew back. If you think what you're taking is disgusting, Irish, you haven't tasted anything yet! Polyjuice potion tastes like Butterbeer compared to Skele-Gro. I was good as new come morning, but it hurt like hell all night! On top of that, the House-elf that charmed that Bludger had the audacity to visit me that night to confess and justify himself! I wanted to strangle the little bastard." The crowd gasped.

"So what happened to the House-elf, Harry," Patricia asked meekly. "Does he still work here?"

"He didn't work here at that time, Patricia. He belonged to...a family. He finally did save my life one night—mine, Ron's, and Hermione's…and few others—but he died doing it. His name was Dobby," Harry said sadly. "He was a good friend."

Ron raised his glass of orange juice and called, "to Dobby! A free Elf! Sláinte!"

"To Dobby," the Gryffindors replied. "Sláinte!" None of the Gryffindors outside the Weasley assemblage had the slightest clue what Sláinte meant, but they repeated it anyway. If Ron Weasley said it, it must be right. The Gryffindors drank to Dobby's memory, the crowd applauded, and then dispersed.

Ginny rubbed Harry's back as he sat there staring down at his empty orange juice glass. "You miss him, don't you, Love?"

"Yeah, I..."

"Harry, I'm sorry," Patricia said. "I didn't mean to make you sad." Tears welled up and began to steal down her smooth little face. Her bottom lip trembled as she fixed her gaze on the floor.

"Oh hey, Patricia, Love. Don't cry," Harry said drawing her into a hug. "You didn't do anything wrong. I'm all right." He let her sob into his shirt until she felt better. "Now, chin up and give us a smile."

Patricia lifted her head up gave him a teary smile.

"That's it. Now run along and we'll see you later, okay?"

"Okay, Harry," she said as she turned and skipped away. "Hey, wait for me, you lot!"

Hermione and Ginny left their men to finish their essays, reminding them about the reports they were supposed to write for Monday. "She's right, and she knows it," Ron said about Hermione. "We'd better write our reports," Harry sighed. "I know Ginny and if I don't get it done..."

"Yeah, I know," Ron snickered knowingly.

The reports took several hours to finish, and by supper on Sunday evening, Harry had collected all the reports from the DA. He was looking forward to hearing the results of the questioning, but anxious about who the new Head of the Auror Office might be. He had built a trust with Gawain Robards, but now there were only two people left in the Ministry he really trusted—Arthur Weasley and Kingsley Shacklebolt. Percy still had a long way to go before he could gain Harry's trust, despite being his future brother-in-law. Of course, there were a number of other Ministry workers Harry considered good people, but he didn't know them well enough to trust them as he had trusted Gawain Robards.

Harry and Ron had just headed down to the Great Hall to meet the girls for supper. They had finished their reports, so they knew the meal would be pleasant. The rest of the student body had just about filled the Great Hall and were eating already when Hermione and Ginny appeared and made their way to the Gryffindor table.

"Hey, Gorgeous Guy," Ginny said silkily, giving Harry a moderately lingering kiss. "Have you finished your report?" She gave him her signature blazing I want you look making Harry gulp.

"Hey, Gorgeous Girl," he said huskily and sent a wave of love and desire through their bond. She blushed hotly as she slid into the seat next to him. His arm immediately snaked its way around her waist while her hand slid up his thigh. "Yes, they're ready to turn in tomorrow morning."

Across the table, Hermione hugged Ron from behind and whispered something in his ear that made him grin, blush, and then chuckle. She slid in next to him and raised her face for a kiss. "Mmmm, tasty," she cooed.

He wrapped his arm around her and pulled her in tight, whispering into her ear. "Careful, Love. I might have to ravage you right here in front of the entire school."

"Promises, promises," Hermione laughed as she served herself some mashed potatoes and ham. "Have you finished your report?"

"Mate," Ron said to Harry, "I believe we have been sabotaged by two very beautiful operatives."

"Nice undercover work," Harry said, looking down at Ginny. "Perhaps we'll just have to surrender, yeah?"

"Just try to escape," Ginny purred, moving her hand a little further up Harry's thigh. Harry hitched in a ragged breath as his emerald green eyes darkened as she sent flames through their bond.

"We might have to restrain you for the interrogation," Hermione said, licking butter off Ron's fingers as she stared into his eyes. Ron about passed out right there at the table. His sapphire eyes had already gone cobalt with desire.

Harry and Ron had never eaten so fast in their lives. When they were finished, Ron practically picked Hermione up and carried her out of the Great Hall to their room while Harry all but dragged Ginny out.

"So does this mean I'm under arrest," Ron teased as they closed their door behind them.

Hermione threw herself into his arms and wrapped her legs around his hips. "You are, Mr Weasley." She crushed her lips to his and grabbed a fistful of his flaming locks. "You are accused of impersonating a god," she growled into his mouth, allowing him to claim her tongue.

"Oh? Well, if this is an interrogation, I'll tell you anything you want to know," he groaned as he carried her toward the bed. "What's your first question, Auror Granger," Ron said as he lowered her to the mattress and began to bite at her neck.

"You've been seen driving a chariot across...oh my, Ron," Hermione moaned as he began to unbutton her blouse while he continued to kiss and nip at her pulse point. His scent of spice and chocolate was driving her wild and she arched in to him. She reached down for the hem of his jumper and pulled it over his head, exposing his muscular chest and bulging biceps that still bore the scars from the tentacled brain attack in the Department of Mysteries three years before. "You are a god," she groaned as she ran her hands across his hips and up his rippling back. "No further questions. You're free to..."

"...ravage you, Auror Granger?" Ron continued to tease her as he fumbled with the button of her jeans. When the button came loose, he began to slowly pull down the zipper. "Has the physical evidence spoken for itself?" He continued to kiss her neck and shoulders as he slowly slid her jeans off her perfect legs, taking her shoes and socks off as they dropped to the floor.

"Mmm, yesss," she hissed as she fumbled with his belt. She could feel his arousal as she unfastened his jeans. "My ginger god has enjoyed this line of questioning," she cooed. She set her thumbs into the waistband of his jeans and his boxers and tugged them both down together, freeing him from his cotton and denim prison. This sight never ceased to amaze her.

"When the interrogator is a goddess, the god always enjoys the interrogation," he began to chuckle. "But let me continue the line of questioning, my goddess. What is it that I may do to worship you?" Ron helped Hermione sit up long enough to discard her blouse and bra before he carefully removed her lace bikini knickers and pressed his fingers into the soft globes of her arse.

"So beautiful," he breathed into her ear. Lavender and vanilla—nectar of the gods. "I love you so much." He heaved himself over her to the other side of the bed, so as not to crush her. He couldn't get his head around the fact that this lovely creature, this true goddess could be in love with him.

She pulled his head down into a searing kiss, full of love and desire. Her hands worked their way up and down his back as she adjusted her hips to receive him. "Now, my ginger god. Now," she moaned. "If you want to worship me, take me to your Olympus!"

White hot desire filled his already addled head and all reason escaped him as he positioned himself at her entrance. He growled that animal growl that drove Hermione into a frenzy. "You drive me mad!" Ron grabbed her hips and thrust forward, crying out her name as his brain exploded with the heat rolling off her. She wrapped her legs around his waist to pull him in deeper. "Sweet Merlin," Ron cried. "That's so good!"

Hermione soon matched his rhythm as they began to build into an earth-shattering climax. The abyss yawned ever closer as the tension grew ever tighter. "RON," Hermione screamed as her body began to shudder with ecstasy. "Oh gods, Ron," she cried as she found release.

Ron kissed her deeply, just on the edge of his own release into the abyss. Wave after wave of pleasure washed over them as he worked his way to climax, their tongues lashing furiously at one another. "HERMIONE," he howled as he tore his mouth away from hers, his release filling her to the brim. They fell together into ecstatic nothingness until their bodies recovered.

Ron rolled off Hermione as their chests heaved for breath. They were covered in sweat, but filled with everlasting fulfilment. They gazed into one another's eyes, kissing and caressing and sharing in the afterglow of their love. "I love you, Hermione Jean Granger," Ron said as he caressed her skin, making laps around and across her perfect breasts. "I love you so much." His blue eyes blazed with unquenched desire.

Hermione stared back into his blazing eyes and lost herself in them. "I love you, Ronald Bilius Weasley," she whispered. She wrapped her arms around his neck and grabbed a handful of his hair as he leaned in for another blockbuster kiss. She found herself melting into his arms at the touch of his lips to hers. Electricity shot through her body as she wrapped one leg around his thigh. She couldn't get enough and wanted more. She rolled over on top of him and began a new ascent into the heavens until they collapsed, spent, and fell asleep, their arms and legs entwined in a sweet embrace.

hphphphphphphphphphphphp

Harry waved his hand at the fireplace as he and Ginny hurried through the door to their room. A blazing fire burst forth from the grate and began to heat their chilled quarters. Ginny opened the dresser and pulled out a flimsy something Harry assumed was a nightgown. "Be right out," she called as she sashayed into the bathroom. Harry could hear the water running as she brushed her teeth.

Harry undressed to his boxers and cast a warming charm over the bed. "No reason we can't have a warm bed to climb into," he muttered to himself.

"What did you say, Love," Ginny asked as she padded out of the bathroom.

"Uh... I..." Harry gulped and stammered. Ginny stood before him in the flimsiest green nightgown he'd ever seen. It just barely covered her curvaceous bum and reached only to the middle of her thighs. It was held up by only two thin strips of ribbon that lay over her milky shoulders. "I... Ginny, that's beautiful."

His Light Goddess stood before him as though a dream, her eyes blazing with desire. "What's the matter, Harry? Kneazle got your tongue," she asked him as she slowly walked toward him, her hips rotating with each step. She pressed her body against his, marvelling as she always did at how well they fit together. She slid her warm hands up his defined chest and wrapped them around his neck. She pressed her lips to his in a seductive kiss. She pulled away and stared into his darkened eyes.

Harry leaned in for another of her sweet kisses as he snaked his arms around her waist and gently pulled her in tighter, his arousal pressing into her belly. She twisted her fingers into the band tying back his still-growing raven locks. She pulled gently and it slid off, releasing his hair into her hands. "Mmm, I love your hair, Harry. It's so sexy this way." She let him claim her mouth again.

There was something about this that spurred him to deepen the kiss. He moaned and ran his tongue along her bottom lip until she opened her mouth, but beat him to the tongue war. The moment his tongue entered her mouth, she latched on and held it for a few seconds as the heat of their passion blazed into a flame. He growled and grabbed a fistful of her fiery tresses. "I want you, Gin. I want you now!"

"Then take me," she snarled and pulled herself up until her face was buried in his woodsy, spicy scent. "Take me now, Harry!"

Harry picked Ginny up and carried her to their bed. He silently cast another wandless warming charm on it and laid her down gently, pressing her into the mattress with his own body, careful not to crush her tiny frame. His unruly hair fell into his face, but she took great pains to smooth it away as she ran her hands through it. He captured her lips once again in one of his mind-blowing super-kisses that drove Ginny wild. In a trice, the remainder of their clothing was gone. "My sweet, sweet Ginny," Harry moaned as he entered her with another searing kiss.

"Harry! Oh gods, that feels so..." Ginny cried as she matched his rhythm. Extraordinary emotions passed through their bond as they experienced one another's experience in a way they'd only done once before in an experiment several months before. But this time it was different—they were able to do it in the actual moment.

Harry's head spun as they thundered on. There were again no words to describe this experience as wave after wave of a new brand of their unspoken thing passed between them. It was more intense, more precious, more sacred than it had ever been before. Her wildflowers and strawberry scent intoxicated him in a whole new way, or so it seemed to him. "Gin, my gods, what you do to me!"

The familiar molten lava coursed through their veins and erupted through their bond. Gryffindor's lion roared in Harry's chest as his climax began to build to dizzying heights. Their breathing became more and more ragged with each passing moment until their tears of joy and ecstasy began to flow onto each other's faces and into their kisses. Ginny moaned and whimpered as her own climax welled up in her like a tidal wave ready to crash on to the shore. They shouted one another's names as they reached their pinnacle and exploded together in release.

They lay there motionless for what seemed like hours as their bodies trembled and shuddered as they recovered. They held each other in a desperate embrace until the last wave ebbed away and they could move again. Harry raised up on his elbows and gazed into Ginny's chocolate eyes. "I love you, Gin. I love you so much."

Ginny couldn't speak. Her heart was so full and her body's energy spent, that all she could do was stare back into his emerald green depths and him and hope he could feel her reply. He rolled off her and held her trembling body, while he stroked her hair. They lay together, still shedding tears of ecstasy until she was able to collect herself. She lay her head on his chest to listen once again to Harry's heartbeat.

"Harry."

"Yes, love."

"Could you feel that?"

"Feel what, Gin?"

"It was like I could feel you feeling me," Ginny said tentatively. "Like when we did the experiment that second time here in front of the fire. Remember?"

"You felt that too? I thought I was losing my mind," Harry confessed. "That was bloody fantastic!"

"It was. I felt closer to you than ever before, and I didn't think that was possible," she said, snuggling in tighter.

"It reminded me of the way I felt that night that you told me about your... year."

"How do you mean," she asked.

"Well...after you fell asleep, I laid here for a bit holding you, thinking about how you'd been so brave and how I loved you so much. After you told me that, I... I felt more like a part of you and you more a part of me," he said, haltingly. "I can't explain it, really."

"Harry, do you think this might be another phase of our... connection?"

"I don't know for sure, Gin, but it sure looks like it is," Harry said. "It just seems to me that whenever something momentous or important happens between us or we learn something new about one another, something happens with the bond."

"Yeah, you're right. Do you realise how this thing has progressed and where from," she asked.

"What do you mean, Gin?"

"Well, I've given a lot of thought to what you told me Dad and Bill said about this bond and how it came to be. Our hearts were bound in the common room when you kissed me for the first time after that Ravenclaw game. Our souls were bound when you walked into the forest to die for me," Ginny explained.

"Go on, I'm with you," Harry urged.

"Our bodies were bound when we made love for the first time after you proposed to me on my birthday," she said. "All that's left is our minds. What do you think that means?"

"I'm not sure, but I can only guess that, at some point, it's going to be more than just emotions and shared feelings we'll be able to pass between us," Harry speculated.

"Something more? Like what, Harry," Ginny asked.

"Like we'll be able to literally talk to one another through the bond and that's when our minds will be bound, completing the...I don't know...circle, I guess."

"That'd be bloody brilliant, Harry! Imagine being able to talk to one another even if we're miles apart," Ginny exclaimed with a renewed energy. "Harry, we'll never be lonely for each other again...at least not completely!"

"I don't know, Gin. We'll just have to wait and see," he said. "But for now..." He rolled her back over and claimed her still-swollen lips for a goodnight snog. If it progressed further, that was just fine with him, but he'd be content to just fall asleep in one another's arms. And they did.

hphphphphphphphphphphphphp

Kingsley Shacklebolt was worried. He couldn't decide who should be the next Head of the Auror Office. There was talk after the King's Cross operation about the Ministry of Magic yet again failing, and depending on Harry Potter to save the day. Those who disliked the way Kingsley tried to run the Ministry made the most about the death of Gawain Robards. The Minister for Magic looked at John Dawlish, the Auror he had called for a meeting in his office to brief him before meeting all the Aurors, Harry, and Ron.

"John, what is the situation in the Auror Office?"

"Chaotic. Honestly it's a big mess. Losing Robards has dealt a low blow to morale."

"Who would you like to see appointed as the new Head," Kingsley asked. Dawlish looked at Kingsley, to see if it was a question or a hidden offer to make him the Head. Kingsley seemed to ask him, expecting only an honest answer. "Have you considered Harry Potter," Dawlish asked.

Kingsley was surprised by this answer. Kingsley was hoping that Harry would one day become Head of the Auror Office, but now? He's not even an Auror yet.

"He's not an Auror," Kingsley said. "He's just barely an Intern."

"No, but he beat three of us in a duel, and he is the leader of DA, a much better organization than the current Auror Office, as much as I hate to admit it."

Kingsley looked at Dawlish to encourage a further explanation. "Miss Chang and I both saw what was about to happen. She warned Harry and saved his life, but Gawain had no one to warn him. I didn't think about it until later, but if I had warned him, he might have lived," Dawlish admitted.

"Sure. The DA has an outstanding record," Kingsley said.

"Also, Harry is the Saviour. He would inspire the entire office. Many of our people watched him duel Voldemort. They didn't see a wizard who just became of age, but the disciple of Albus Dumbledore becoming the new Master," Dawlish added.

"Are you speaking for all the Aurors?"

Dawlish nodded.

"Harry doesn't like things like the Saviour or the new Dumbledore," Kingsley said.

"I know, but that's what people think no matter what Potter wants them to," Dawlish replied.

Kingsley was relieved in a way, knowing Harry had the trust and support of the Aurors. But he couldn't make him Head of the Auror Office. Not yet, anyway.

"I'll make you Head, John. Concerning Harry, appoint him Auror if he pass the exam, make him your Assistant Head if you wish, get as many DA members as possible through the exam. We need a strong Auror Office."

Dawlish nodded. Kingsley knew John Dawlish wasn't the most skilled in a duel, at least not by Auror standards, but he had good ideas, he was able to see new ways to work, and could possibly bridge the gap between the 'old' Auror Office and the new one.

"I'll do my best, sir." Dawlish replied, accepting the position. "Any other directives for the Auror Office?"

Kingsley thought about it. "Let's get those reports together and go to the meeting. We need to get to the bottom of this Death Eater plot. I'm curious about your interrogation of our prisoners."

Kingsley Shacklebolt stepped into the conference room where Harry, Ron, and the Aurors all met. His countenance was grave and broad shoulders a little slumped as he sat down with a heavy sigh. He surveyed the people around the table, folded his hands and rested his forehead on them as if in prayer. "Gawain Robards' death is a tragic loss for this Office, and you need a new Head," the Minister for Magic said, raising his head." Therefore, after much consideration, I have decided to appoint John Dawlish as the new Head of the Auror Office. I'm sure you're all aware of Dawlish's qualifications."

Kingsley scanned the room again. Some of the Aurors nodded in outright agreement, but others chose to offer a supporting glance to their new chief. "Since it appears that there are no objections, there is no need for discussion, so we'll just get on with the meeting, shall we?"

The Aurors and the two trainees nodded their assent and Kingsley continued. "All written reports of Friday's operation shall be turned in to Chief Dawlish. In the meantime, what have we learned from interrogations? Chief Dawlish?"

"The leader of this plot is a young woman, still in her teens," Dawlish began. The group looked around at one another, while Harry and Ron sat stunned. "She is described as a brilliant, but frightening witch, cold and calculating. One of them said he'd met both Bellatrix Lestrange and this young witch and told us he has never been more afraid in his life than when he was introduced to the two of them. Unfortunately, none of them know her name or what her plans are. All they knew for sure is that they were ordered by a man they describe as her right hand to follow our Mr Malfoy."

Ron gasped and Dawlish paused to address him. "Mr Weasley?"

"I had a scary hunch. You wouldn't happen to have the prisoner's memory of meeting this young witch, would you," Ron asked shadily.

"Of course we do," Dawlish said. "Why do you ask?"

"Can I see it," Ron asked darkly.

Harry didn't know what Ron was thinking, but he could see he was really worried. Harry watched him leave the room with Dawlish to watch the memory in a Pensieve. A few minutes later they returned and Ron looked like he'd seen the ghost of Bellatrix Lestrange.

"We have an identity, thanks to young Weasley, here," Dawlish announced almost giddily, turning to Ron.

"All right. Here goes," he said turning red, blushing because he was not used to being the centre of attention, and in this room, everyone was looking at him with great interest. "My mum, Molly Weasley—well, Prewett before she married dad... but that's beside the point—she has something like a second cousin who's a Squib. She told me about him before the war started. She said he's the only one in our family who wouldn't be considered a blood traitor by Tom Riddle. He always hated his pure-blood relatives, he hated half-bloods even more and Muggleborns most of all, as they have magical powers without being born in a Wizarding family." Ron paused as thoughts of his best friends and his Hermione filled his mind.

"Anyway, he isolated himself from the Wizarding world and married a Muggle. Although he hated his own, the Prewetts and the Weasleys, he was a big fan of other worthy pure-blood families, such as the Blacks, the Malfoys, and the Lestranges. You get the picture. He and his wife had a witch-daughter, Mafalda. She's a few years younger than me. Mum's cousin didn't want her manipulated by Albus Dumbledore, so she never attended Hogwarts."

"Excuse me," Harry interjected.

"Go ahead, Potter," Dawlish allowed.

"What makes you think it's her?" Harry couldn't fathom that any member of that family could conceive of such a thing as to plot to overthrow the Ministry or commit murder.

"Mum showed me a picture of her once, and told me that Dad had seen her hanging around with known Death Eaters. It's her all right, because she's the one in the memory I watched. Mafalda Prewett's as crazy and evil as Bellatrix Lestrange."

The room fell deathly silent. "Are you saying a teenager filled with hatred towards our world, possibly taught magic by Death Eaters, is the one behind this plot," Kingsley asked.

Ron nodded and sat down. He leaned forward in his chair, resting his elbows on the table. He blew out a long puff of air and ran his hands through his shaggy hair. Harry felt bad for him. Ron looked positively sick. It was hard to imagine that a member of Ginny's and Ron's family, no matter how distant, could be so closely associated with the evil of Tom Riddle.

"But she can't be...she's only...fifteen or so..." one Auror argued.

Harry snorted at the comment. "As I'm sure you are all well aware, in my fourth year at Hogwarts, I participated in the Triwizard Tournament, not by choice, you understand. By a sick twist of fate, I ended up duelling Voldemort to a draw in a graveyard at the age of fourteen. In my fifth year, I organised and led the original Dumbledore's Army—the DA, as you now know it—with Ron, here, and Hermione Granger. We were fifteen and sixteen years old, and some of our members were as young as twelve."

Harry's face began to take on an urgently earnest look not often present in that of a mere eighteen-year-old. He had the attention of the entire room now, and he knew it. "We were six teenagers—in the exact same age group as Miss Prewett—who broke into this very building, lured here by Voldemort on a mission to rescue my godfather, Sirius Black. Remember him?" Harry's tone had become sarcastic in his desire to make his colleagues understand what he was driving at.

Harry raised his voice a little, almost shouting. "We ran into Voldemort's most powerful and trusted Death Eaters, one of whom murdered Sirius Black that night. We fought them off in a running duel all over the Department of Mysteries, and lived to tell the tale. When the Order of the Phoenix arrived, we fought alongside them and captured several of them and severely injuring at least one," Harry said with a quick glance toward Kingsley, who nodded.

"So what's your point, Potter," Smith asked, a bit agitated.

"My point, Auror Smith, is that young people are capable of just about anything we set our minds to, and should never be underestimated. I don't think I need to go into last year, do I? Mafalda Prewett could very well be the one behind all of this, but the most frightening thing is that, Death Eaters aside, she was very likely trained by Voldemort himself!"

Harry's words hung in the air for a few moments as the Aurors and the Minister sat in contemplative silence. They all knew Harry was right and that there was no need to confirm anything. Once Chief Dawlish recovered his own rattled composure, he continued to read the reports, but little that mattered much to Harry came out of them.

"Who are you and what have you done with the silent and brooding Harry Potter," Ron snickered quietly as he nudged his best friend and partner-in-crime-fighting.

"He's seething on a back burner," Harry snorted, trying not to smirk because what actually ran through his mind was not something he cared to discuss with his future brother-in-law.

Following the adjournment of the meeting, Dawlish asked to see Ron and Harry, so they followed him into the office that now belonged to their new chief. "Ron, how did you come to think of your distant relative," Dawlish asked. "I'm just interested, because it's our best lead so far."

"Well, you said she was in her teens. Most likely a Slytherin if she'd studied at Hogwarts. Because she's still in her teens we should know her, but I couldn't picture any Slytherin girl we know leading a Death Eater plot. Harry, could you see...Pansy? Or Millicent...leading something like this?"

Harry was amazed by Ron's ability to draw conclusions. Most certainly this girl had to be a Slytherin if she'd ever been sorted into a house at Hogwarts. Like Ron said, neither Pansy nor Millicent, nor any other Slytherin girl they knew of had the brains...or the stones to lead anything like this. So any teen girl sharing Voldemort's ideas would have to be someone relatively unknown who had not studied at Hogwarts.

That narrowed the list considerably, leaving only one girl—this Mafalda that Ron, by some lucky twist of fate, knew about because of his unfortunate distant relation to her. Well, Ron was distantly related to Bellatrix too. And Harry knew the Potter family also was related to the other pure blood families, so he could very well have some distant familial link to her too. Harry cringed at the very notion. "Hermione must have had a good influence on your wits, Ron," Harry grinned. "That's really sharp thinking."

"How do we proceed? Any ideas," Dawlish asked. These two kids are brilliant and I'm going to make the best use of them I can. I know better than to look a gift Gryffindor in the mouth.

"We should check on Mafalda's mother. If Mafalda wants to follow in the footsteps of Tom Riddle, she might try to kill her Muggle parent, just like he murdered his own Muggle father," Harry suggested.

"If she hasn't already. I don't think she'll kill her dad, though, but maybe we should try and get in touch with him, anyway," Ron added.

"All right, I'll get some people on that. You'd better have a talk with Mrs Weasley. She might know more than she already told you," Dawlish told them.

Harry and Ron nodded. Dawlish looked at the two of them. "I also want you and the rest of the DA to take the Auror exams as soon as possible—that is, the parts you failed in September. We really need to strengthen the Auror Office and the Ministry, and if your performance last Friday is any indication, we need you desperately. Those opposing Minister Shacklebolt's administration are using Chief Robards' death as a means to undermine his position.

With you and the rest of the DA joining the ranks, Mr Shacklebolt's position could become infinitely more secure. Like it or not, Potter, your opinion carries a lot of weight inside the Ministry and out. Weasley, yours too. You have no idea how valuable you are to this Office. Your skills have proven you as outstanding Aurors, but your fame precedes you," Dawlish told them honestly. "And just so you're aware, most of those opposing this administration are people who were sympathetic to Voldemort's agenda, but who never took an active part as Death Eaters."

"How bad is it, sir," Harry asked.

"Well..the Aurors support our Minister, and the Department of Magical Law Enforcement is loyal too. But even with our combined power, another war will most assuredly tear our community apart. Basically, we're almost through with our internal investigation of ministry employees and their actions during the war, but we suspect there are still many who are loyal to the Death Eaters, or at least their ideals, still wandering about this building on a daily basis just laying low and biding their time. Gentlemen, there is a silent unrest that's been growing after Mr Robard's death. The situation could become volatile just that quickly," Dawlish said, snapping his fingers.

Harry and Ron thought about what the new boss had told them. Harry had expected to feel happy about taking the Auror exam, but the situation at the Ministry drained his happiness but strengthened his resolve. "I'll take the exam," Harry declared. "I'm ready."

Neither Harry nor Ron had much use for politics or politicians other than Kingsley Shacklebolt, but they wanted to become an Aurors so badly they could taste it. They both realised, especially Harry, that as soon as they became licensed Aurors, the Ministry would use that and their Fellowship in the Order of Merlin to gain support. So now was as good a time as any to take the exam since Kingsley needed them more than ever before.

"I'll take it too," Ron said, uncertain if he would even pass, since he hadn't been in training as long as the rest of the DA.

"I think the rest of the DA is ready to take the exam as well," Harry claimed.

Dawlish seemed to relax. "I have one request, Harry. I would like to make you my Assistant Head of the Auror Office once you've passed the exam."

Harry's jaw dropped. "What? Chief, that's not possible! I haven't...there are certainly more..." Harry looked to Ron for support. Run just shrugged, equally gob smacked.

"There's no one more skilled in duel, no one more experienced against the dark arts. My battle experience is limited, since I've spent most of my career behind a damned desk. Hell, I'm liable to die behind a desk! This administration needs your experience and I need you in a position where you can use that experience to do better things than make speeches and push parchment. As Assistant Head, you would be authorized to give orders that will very likely save a lot of lives in a battle situation."

Dawlish's idea made sense, although it alarmed Harry. But Harry nodded his acceptance anyway, still stunned by this surprising revelation. He and Ron left the office and made their way to the bank of lifts.

"Blimey, Harry! Assistant Head! If anything mental happens, it happens to you, mate," Ron said in awe of his friend. "Should I call you sir?"

"Shut it, you," Harry said shaking his head, still disbelieving. "My name is Harry."

"All right. Sir Harry, then," Ron snickered as they boarded the lift that would take them back to the atrium to Apparate back to the school gates.

"Sod off," Harry snickered and Disapparated.

Ron landed right next to him and they began their trek across the grounds to the castle. The delicious smells of the noonday meal reached their nostrils as they pushed open the great oak and iron doors and stepped into the Entrance Hall. "Perfect, we're just in time for lunch." Ron said. Nothing seemed to diminish Ron's appetite.

Harry and Ron spied Ginny and Hermione already eating lunch. But they also noticed the Prewett twins sitting further down the Gryffindor table with Patricia. Harry had a hunch and moved over to them after getting a much-needed kiss from Ginny. Erica, Emma and Patricia looked surprised when Harry asked if he could sit with them for a moment. They nodded.

"Erica, Emma, do you know of a relative of yours, Mafalda? She's about fifteen..."

"Mafalda... stay clear of her, Harry. She's really mean. I've only met her once, but she scared me when she pointed her wand at a bird in our garden...and it died. That was two years ago, before the war. All Mum would tell us is that she and her daddy are distant relatives and didn't have anything to do with the family unless they wanted something," Erica said shakily.

Harry was more worried than ever by the little girl's story. A thirteen-year-old witch capable of casting the killing curse was beyond even Harry's imagination for a teenager.

"Do you know anything else about her?"

"Only that she's evil," Emma said with narrowed eyes. She cocked her strawberry head to one side quizzically. "Why do you ask, Harry?"

"Oh, she might know things about Death Eaters, but please don't tell anyone else about her, okay? It's really important," Harry told them gravely.

"We won't," Erica and Emma promised in unison.

Harry returned to Ginny, Hermione and Ron. Ron had already filled his plate to overflowing and was shovelling the food into his mouth when he looked up at Harry questioningly.

"Later, all right," Harry said, grabbing a plate.

That afternoon, Harry and Ron told Ginny and Hermione parts of what had been said at the meeting, including the part about Harry becoming Assistant Head.

"It's great that you're taking the exam," Hermione said. "You've all worked really hard and you're ready as you'll ever be."

"Assistant Head of the Auror Office Harry Potter, that's quite a first job, love," Ginny said proudly.

"Well Holyhead Harpies Chaser is quite all right too," Harry replied, winking at his fiancée.

"I found a job I'll apply for," Hermione revealed.

"Whatever it is you'll get it," Ron said confidently. "What is it, love?"

"It's a junior position in the Beings Division at the Department For the Regulation and Control of Magical Creatures," she said very fast looking very happy.

"Uh huh!?" Ron said knowingly. "And what exactly would you be doing?" As if I didn't know.

"House-elf rights for starters." Hermione said.

"Oh dear! SPEW invades the Ministry," Harry thought out loud. Ginny elbowed him in his ribs. "Ow! Such abuse!" He laughed and put his arm around Ginny.

Hermione stared half-amused and half-patronisingly at her friend and surrogate brother, a House-elf owner, no less. "Well, you're not my top priority among slave-owners, because I know for a fact you treat Kreacher fairly," she said.

"Slave owner," Harry sputtered, immediately regretting it because it was just what Hermione needed to get started on one of her House-elf rights diatribes. "I inherited Kreacher, I didn't buy him or however one gets house-elves. Besides..."

"Harry, I know about how you feel about Kreacher and how you felt about Dobby, but house-elves are slaves. And don't tell me they like being slaves...they just don't know anything else."

"Hermione, you know I would free Kreacher if it wouldn't break his heart and kill him. I can't do that to him," Harry said, still on the defensive. "Honestly, you know I'm all for better treatment of house-elves and you'll probably do wonders for them," Harry said, hoping to placate his surrogate sister.

Hermione knew that Harry, Ron and Ginny supported her, even if they did tease her by telling her she was a bit mental about the house-elves. She didn't think about it as anything stranger than their collective obsession with Quidditch.

Before the House-elf discussion heated up, Harry decided to steer the conversation back to topic. "I'm going to the Burrow on official business—to talk with Molly."

"I hope you're not arresting Mum," Ginny grinned.

Ron laughed. "Even if Mum would do something illegal, who would be suicidal enough to arrest her? No, we need to see if she knows any more about Mafalda and her dad," he said.

"Did you send an owl to warn her we were coming and what about," Harry asked.

"Of course I did. She needs a decent chance to prepare a meal worthy of a discussion like that," Ron smiled.

"Always thinking with your stomach," Hermione sighed. And a fine stomach it is.

"Ron. Do you think Aunt Muriel might know anything? She is a Prewett and seems to know almost everything about everyone," Harry suggested.

Ron looked at Harry with an unreadable expression. Of course Aunt Muriel knew anything worth knowing, but to actually go there and take the insults to get the information from her didn't appeal to him at all, especially since he knew food would definitely not be involved.

"We'd better see her too...but I'd rather have Ginny Bat-Bogey me," Ron sighed starting another letter to his mother's paternal aunt.

The next day, Harry wanted to read the Prophet just to see what it would have to say about Dawlish having been appointed Head of the Auror Office. He and Ginny had breakfast in their room, where they read the paper together.

John Dawlish Appointed New Head Of the Auror Office

In a decisive move yesterday, Minister for Magic Kingsley Shacklebolt appointed John Dawlish as the new Head of the Auror Office. He replaces Gawain Robards, who was killed this past Friday in a battle against a small group of Death Eaters. John Dawlish worked with Kingsley Shacklebolt during his own time as Head. His position among the leading Aurors continued with Gawain Robards, who took over the position when Shacklebolt was appointed by the Wizengamot as Minister for Magic following the death of Rufus Scrimgeour and the arrest of his dubious successor, Pius Thicknesse. No one is surprised that Mr Dawlish was appointed and he has the full support of his colleagues.

There are unconfirmed rumours that Harry Potter and Dumbledore's Army's involvement in the operation on King's Cross Station had been a final test designed to determine if they were ready to take the Auror exam. The loss of Aurors like Mr Robards, Mr Moody and Mrs Lupin (Miss Tonks during her time as an Auror) have weakened the force. Mr Potter, Mr Weasley, Mr Boot, Mr Goldstein, Mr Finnegan, Miss Brown, Miss Bones and Miss Chang are, despite their young age, all among this nation's most experienced witches and wizards when it comes to fighting the dark arts. They would add competence, reputation, and skill to the Auror Office. The only official comment we have been able to procure comes from the newly-appointed Head, John Dawlish himself, 'Dumbledore's Army will take the exam when they are ready.'

Gawain Robards will be buried privately following a ceremony officiated by Kingsley Shacklebolt.

"It could have been worse," Ginny commented.

Harry nodded. It was for the most part reporting facts and didn't single Harry out for once, but credited the entire group. "I'm glad they haven't announced I'll be the new Assistant Head," Harry said. "That could have created a whole new set of problems."

"Me too. They will, though, when it happens. You do realise that, don't you? But I'm glad for Dawlish's sake that he got the headlines today. It would have looked bad if the Assistant overshadowed the Head in the Prophet," Ginny said ironically.

Ginny was right. Instead of reporting the replacement for Gawain, the Prophet would have focused on Harry, as he probably would be the youngest Assistant Head ever or something like that. He tried not to think about it, and felt the need to send Lee Jordan an owl, instructing him about how to deal with the press once his appointment to that august office was made official. Harry hoped that they would wait until he passed his exam and received his Auror licence before anything like that leaked out.

After breakfast, Harry kissed his beautiful soon-to-be wife and inhaled the intoxicating flowery scent he never grew tired of. He sent a wave of the unspoken thing through their bond and then left their room to meet Ron for their official visit with their beloved matriarch.