Chapter 15 – The Aurors
"I should have sent Gnomes," Mafalda Prewett hissed glaring at the two men.
"But we killed Robards," one of them whinged.
"Did I tell you I wanted Robards dead," she snapped raising her wand.
She pointed it on the one being silent. "Can't you speak," Mafalda asked and without waiting for an answer pointed her wand. "Crucio!"
The man cried out from indescribable pain. He felt as though he was being slowly torn apart, burned alive, and stabbed by countless knives all at once.
Mafalda sighed. "You apparently still have a voice," she said, lifting the curse.
"My lady, we have no excuses. We were outsmarted, attacked, and surrounded by the Aurors and Potter's group," the other one claimed.
"And three of you were arrested, one of whom knows my identity," Mafalda said. She thought about the events. Robards death could maybe be used to further make the Ministry believe she was attacking them. It was unlikely her identity would have stayed secret forever. What was her next move? After thinking about her options, she knew. Oh yes, she knew.
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Ron and Harry appeared at the Apparition point just outside the Burrow's protective wards. They trudged up the path to the gate, finalising their strategy as to how they would broach the subject with Molly. Ron had already begun to have second thoughts about visiting his batty old Great-aunt Muriel and told Harry as much.
"But we've already sent her the owl, Ron. She's expecting us this afternoon," Harry argued.
"I know. It's just that Aunt Muriel... you know..." Ron sighed, knowing there was no escape.
Harry smiled. Aunt Muriel was indeed a very unpleasant person, but very sharp, and she knew a lot of things. Things that might be useful in their investigation.
"Mum, it's us! Ron and Harry," Ron called.
"Come on in, dears! How are my...fine...Aurors this morning," she asked brightly, hugging and kissing them both. "No need to shout."
"We didn't want to startle you, Molly," Harry said in Ron's defence. "Ginny sends her love."
"Of course she does. And don't be silly," she replied waving her hand at them. "I was expecting you, after all. I'm sorry you just missed Arthur. Tea?"
"Sure, Mum. Thanks," Ron said, reaching for one of his mother's famous breakfast biscuits. "Are these..."
"Of course, dear. I baked just for you because you and Harry like them so much. I have some ready to take back to school for Ginny and Hermione, too," Molly said, nodding to a basket on the counter. "And make sure they get at least one, young man."
Ron blushed. "Mum! I wouldn't..."
"Yes you would," Harry chuckled. "Unless I got to them first." Harry snorted, reaching for his second biscuit as Ron bit into his third.
"Harry James Potter, don't you dare," Molly admonished her surrogate son.
They shared a few laughs and some small talk over their tea at the scrubbed oak table. Harry looked around the unusually quiet kitchen in the jumbled house that had become a home to him. Most of the time Harry spent at the Burrow, it was full of people and activity, but now it was just the three of them. He wished this scene had been taking place under different circumstances.
"You needed to talk to me," Molly said, breaking the moment of quiet serenity.
"Yes, it's actually Auror business," Ron said.
"You know that Gawain Robards was killed and that we were there. It was not only an operation to arrest those Death Eaters. It was an attempt to gain information. Those DEs—sorry, Death Eaters—have been interrogated and they've given us enough information to identify their leader," Harry said. He looked up at his surrogate mother. "Mafalda Prewett."
Molly looked like someone had hit her. Harry and Ron winced and waited for the explosion.
"Molly, I understand you might not want to talk about this, but it's really important we learn everything we can about her," Harry explained, still trying to impress the necessity of learning what she knew about Mafalda.
Molly sighed. "Her father is my second cousin, but he's a Squib," she began. "He hates everything about the Wizarding world except the pure-blood families who followed... Voldemort. He actually believes he wouldn't be a Squib if it weren't for blood-traitors like us, half-bloods like you, Harry, and Mudbloods like Hermione."
"Yes, but he married a Muggle and they had Mafalda," Ron said.
Molly nodded. "I haven't met them many times because of his hatred for all of us, but I remember Mafalda appearing to be a very gifted witch. You could probably get the record of her underage magic, but I think she managed to find a way to lift the Trace since refusing to attend Hogwarts."
"Lift the Trace? Can it be done," Harry asked.
"She convinced her father to agree to let her marry. Arthur heard about this at the Ministry. She was registered as married and that lifted the Trace. I would imagine she killed her husband immediately after the wedding charm had been cast," Molly told them in hushed tones.
"That's terrible," Ron said. He thought about his impending marriage to Hermione and how he could never hurt her, let alone kill her in cold blood. "That'd be like..."
"Yes, but in the eyes of the law, she would have automatically come of age. Her views are identical to Voldemort's and she if she met him, he might have accepted her. She is probably as gifted as Hermione, but evil in every way," Molly finished. Harry and Ron exchanged dubious looks. A mental girl in her teens as smart as Hermione wasn't exactly the enemy of their dreams.
Not even Molly's lunch could distract Ron about their impending visit with crazy Aunt Muriel that afternoon. Molly noticed that Ron was eating less than usual. "Are you ill, Ron dear?" She reached over and touched her son's forehead with the back of her hand.
"No, we're going to see Aunt Muriel after this," he moped, playing with his fork.
"Oh. I see," she said, patting her son's hand sympathetically. "Yes, she might know things I don't. Good luck," Molly said, both amused and empathetic. There wasn't much she could say to allay her son's fears. Aunt Muriel was a formidable old woman and very difficult to get along with. Molly often found herself at odds with the elderly witch, but had determined to let a lot of her blustering go and think of it as senility.
Sighing resignedly, Molly turned to Harry. "The wedding plans are progressing, dear. We are starting to receive answers from the invited guests. Kreacher has been most helpful in every way. He's really excited about his master getting married. I think deep down he's proud of you, Harry, and Ginny coming from a pure-blood family certainly does the trick too."
Dear old Kreacher. Despite all the change in him, of course it mattered to him that Harry was marrying a pure-blood and not a Muggleborn. But Harry knew that Kreacher would have accepted his wife no matter what her blood status.
Ron looked up at the old clock that told the time and where various members of the family happened to be. "Harry, it's time," Ron said as though they were going to their executions. "We're due at the old...er...Aunt Muriel's at three. It's a quarter to now."
"Oh yeah, right. Okay. Well, thanks Molly. Thanks for the information and tea and lunch," Harry gushed.
"Oh not at all, dear. Anything to help the Auror Office, you know," she said brightly patting his cheeks. "Ron, dear, don't forget these biscuits for Hermione and your sister. Hermione and your sister, young man." The stern look on his mother's face told him that those biscuits had better find their way to Ginny and Hermione as there would be an owl checking on them.
"Yes, Mum. You heard her, Harry. Hands off," he smirked. "See you later, Mum." Ron and Harry kissed their mum goodbye and walked out the door.
At three o'clock, Ron knocked on Aunt Muriel's door. She opened it and looked at them. "Ronald Weasley! And... Harry Potter," she said sharply, ushering them in. Harry thought at that moment that if Aunt Muriel had been covered with feathers, she look like one of Molly's fluttery old hens. "It took you this long to come here and tell me about your engagements in person?"
Both of them blushed scarlet. They hadn't told Aunt Muriel about the engagements. They'd assumed Molly would have told her. She already had the invitation to Harry's and Ginny's wedding, which actually gave Harry a crazy idea. That could be the segway to getting this rude grapevine hag to talk about Molly's Squib cousin and his mad evil daughter.
"And Ronald, why did you let me believe you knocked up that Granger girl? You shouldn't lie to an old woman, young man" Muriel raved.
"But...I...you said..." Ron sputtered, obviously caught off-guard by his Great-aunt's ranting. "I never..."
"Balderdash! How could you let me believe that that sweet girl was a scarlet woman trying to trap my grand-nephew into marriage," she accused.
"But Aunt Muriel, I never said she was pregnant, you did," Ron protested. "I never said..."
Harry shook with silent mirth. He knew there was no way he could bail his friend out of this, but even if there was, he wouldn't. This was far too entertaining for one thing, and he wasn't going to open himself up to the old biddy's abuse when he had come for the express purpose of extracting information from her.
"Apologise, young man," the old woman demanded. "I thought your mother taught you some manners!" Muriel's steely glare put the fear of Merlin into Ron, who looked as though he'd been kissed by a spider.
"But...I didn't...oh bloody hell! I'm sorry to have mislead you, Aunt Muriel," Ron said, defeated.
"That's better, Ronald. You may kiss me," she said sweetly as she leaned forward for Ron to kiss her cheek. He looked sick, but obliged her. "And mind your language." Weasley, you're going to have to brush your teeth and wash your mouth out before you even look at Hermione.
Harry had to hold his breath to keep from bursting forth with laughter. Poor sod. When he was finally able to compose himself, he addressed the old witch. "As you already know I'm marrying Ginevra, and my best friend Ronald told me there's no one that knows the Prewett and Weasley families better than you. I'm here in the hopes of learning about the family I'm joining."
Aunt Muriel looked at him suspiciously for a while. "Trying to flatter me, eh? Well, it just might work. Come on into the parlour." Harry and Ron followed the old woman as she waddled down a dim hallway and turned left into a room decorated in the old Victorian style. The windows were decorated with dark fringed curtains with braided satin ties. The mahogany furniture with burgundy velvet upholstery, and bead-draped gas fixtures hanging from heavily-papered walls gave the room an air of obsolescence. The air felt dry and a little dusty, causing both young men to pull at their collars and rub their eyes.
"Sit down, boys. Sit down," she barked, gesturing to a couple of fancy, but ugly chairs. "Now, then," she said adjusting her ample bum onto a settee. "You want to know about Ginevra's ancestors, is that right?" Aunt Muriel talked about the Prewetts and the Weasleys for an hour straight. Harry wondered when or if she needed to breathe, or if there was a charm doing it for her. She was at least more boring than rude. Harry listened for an opportunity to ask an innocent question about Mafalda. Finally, Aunt Muriel got to her nieces and nephews. One of them should be Mafalda's father.
"How many nephews do you have," Harry asked, pretending to be completely enthralled.
Aunt Muriel looked at him and huffed. "Technically, six."
"Technically?"
"I only count five of them," she said, jerking her numerous chins.
Harry thought he was getting closer. "What happened to the sixth?"
"Oh, that's the family Squib," Aunt Muriel spat as if she was referring to the family dog. It was plain that Muriel Prewett held her own unsavoury prejudices in the magical world.
Harry thought carefully about the next question. "That must be the one Molly is too ashamed to talk about," Harry said to Ron, who nodded.
"Too ashamed? Well she should be! He's a disgrace, let me tell you that, Potter," she said, happy to enlighten Harry with family gossip. "That idiot Squib married a Muggle—a Muggle—and produced a witch daughter, and then had the gall to tell us we were impure! How else would he be a Squib, he asked! Have you ever heard a bigger load of rubbish, Potter? We, the Prewetts, impure? Not jolly likely! He's a Squib because he's a Squib, for goodness' sake! He left the family with his Muggle wife and that brat of theirs! Nobody forced him!"
Harry looked at Ron who was listening, for the first time, with great interest. Barmy and prejudiced. Wonderful. "They left to live in some ruddy place called Little Hangleton," Muriel added with a huff of indignation.
Harry almost fell off his chair at this revelation. Clearly Aunt Muriel had no idea what she just had revealed. Mafalda had grown up in the home town of Tom Riddle's family. During Harry's fourth year at Hogwarts, Wormtail and Voldemort had lived there. Most certainly Voldemort, or possibly Nagini, would have discovered the talented Mafalda and learned about her views concerning blood status.
Following his return, he probably recruited her into his ranks as soon as he could get his slimy hands on her. After all, Bellatrix was still in Azkaban at that time, and maybe the newly-returned Voldemort thought he needed a back-up apprentice. But because she was so young, he opted to keep her a closely-guarded secret. Mafalda had been waiting for news somewhere when she learned about Voldemort's death. Harry guessed his death had been for her what Professor Dumbledore's death had been for him. He was guessing, of course, but it made sense. Harry wanted to talk to Professor Dumbledore's portrait as soon as he returned to the school, but first, he had to listen to another hour of lecture about the Prewetts.
"Young man! I say, Potter! Are you quite well," Muriel demanded, shaking him from his thoughts. "Is there a history of madness in your family?"
"Er...no, Aunt Muriel. I was just..." Harry stammered.
"Well, I should certainly hope not. You had a tell-tale vacancy about you just now. I don't want our Ginevra marrying a potential lunatic," Muriel blustered on.
"Oh. No, ma'am," Harry said, squaring his shoulders. "I was just thinking about what you'd said about your Squib nephew, that's all." She actually thinks I'm a nutter. Takes one to know one.
"And think you should, Potter. You don't want to go mucking about with his kind, let me tell you," she said pointedly. 'Him and that good-for-nothing Argus Filch up at that ruddy school of Dumbledore's." Now Ron was trying to hide his laughter.
Finally it was over and they looked at Aunt Muriel. "Will Ginny and I see you at our wedding," Harry asked.
"Of course you will, and Ginevra is wearing my tiara," she said proudly, gesturing toward a velvet box on the mantle.
Harry sighed silently. He guessed there was no point arguing about it. At least not today. Meeting with Aunt Muriel this day had been utterly boring, except for the revelation about Mafalda growing up in Little Hangleton. At least Aunt Muriel hadn't been rude today, much, even if she had all but called him a nutter and his best friend a liar.
"I'll tell Molly," Harry promised dubiously.
"Good boy. I like men who have the balls to decide such things without consulting their women. That's the problem with Arthur. He depends too much on Molly's opinion," she said with a pert nod.
Ron was tempted to ask how Aunt Muriel might tolerate a man with the desired balls, but decided against it. A few minutes later, they had managed to say goodbye and escape before the old biddy launched into a diatribe about Ron's and Ginny's parents.
Ron looked at Harry with a smirk. "So Harry, you decided that Ginny'll wear her damned tiara. I would like to see when you tell Ginny about that. I'm willing to be she Bat-Bogeys you," Ron said, looking his friend straight in the eyes.
"Why would she do that? Doesn't she want to wear it? Don't all the women in and joining this family want to wear it? Fleur did," Harry reasoned.
"No, Harry. She hates the bloody thing. You're in for a row, mate," Ron assured him with a smirk.
Harry knew that if what Ron told him was true, he was indeed in for a row with Ginny. He sighed and rubbed his eyes behind his glasses. "Ginny probably already knows Aunt Muriel expects her to wear it. I'll bet she sighs and agrees to wear it."
"All right, you're on, mate. The loser takes the next first-year Defence against the Dark Arts class for the winner."
"You're on, mate," Harry said. I'm not worried about losing to Ron. It's those Bat-Bogeys I'm worried about.
Ron got a more serious look in his face. "Little Hangleton! Of all places, they had to move there?"
"Yes, and that could be really bad. Instead of Hogwarts, she no doubt had Tom Riddle as her teacher, and we know he wanted to teach Defence Against the Dark Arts at Hogwarts at one time. A talented evil witch like Mafalda might have been exactly what he was looking for," Harry said gloomily.
As soon as Ron and Harry left, Muriel sat down at her writing desk and began a letter to her niece about her youngest son. When she finished, she rolled up the parchment and called for her owl to deliver the letter to Molly post-haste.
"Honestly. I thought that girl knew what she was doing with all those children. Long hair, dragons, pomposity, explosions, no manners, and precociousness! Disappointing, the lot of them. Must be that fool Weasley blood," she muttered as she set to preparing her evening meal.
Molly had set to preparing supper for Arthur and George and Angelina when Aunt Muriel's owl appeared at the window. She let the bird in. "Ave, Caesar," she laughed. He held out his leg for her to remove his burden before he settled on Errol's perch for a snack and a drink of water. As soon as he was satisfied, Caesar took flight and disappeared through the window.
"I wonder what she's on about now. Probably Ronnie, since he and Harry had been there today," she thought out loud. Molly sat down at the table to read the letter.
Dearest niece,
Your Ronald is out of control. Do you know that that boy led me to believe he had made that Granger girl pregnant? I had been expecting a baby announcement instead of an engagement announcement from him. Of course, I made him apologise, but you and Arthur need to sit him down and remind him to respect his elders before he corrupts young Potter. And for Merlin's sake, teach that woman of his to charm his clothes properly. He's a disgrace!
I hope this has found you and Arthur well,
Aunt Muriel
"Bloody hell," she shrieked.
Just then, her husband appeared at the door. "What is it, Molly? Is something wrong with one of the children? Has the baby come early? Has Charlie been eaten? Has Percy eloped? Has George finally blown himself up," Arthur asked in a half-panic. He never worried about Ron or Ginny anymore. Hermione and Harry looked after them.
"Just look at this," Molly demanded, thrusting the letter at him. "Muriel seems to think Ron got Hermione pregnant or some such nonsense!"
Arthur started and then broke into fits of laughter. He removed his reading glasses without even looking at Muriel's note. Tears streamed down his face as he howled and waved the parchment.
"Arthur, what on earth are you laughing at? You haven't even read her note and you're hysterical," Molly huffed, her hands on her hips. "What's gotten into you!"
"Molly, dear. Sit down and I'll try to explain," he said, taking her hand and pulling her into the seat next to him. "This is all a big misunderstanding. It started at the funeral." Arthur explained about rescuing Harry and Ginny from Aunt Muriel during the wake following Fred's funeral. "So you see, Molly, it was Muriel who accused Ron. Ron never said..."
"Do you mean to tell me, Arthur Weasley, that you sicced that mad cow on Ronnie and that sweet girl and let her belittle them like that," Molly demanded. "Poor Hermione! Ron must've been mortified!"
"I'm sorry, Mollywobbles," Arthur pleaded, "but she was terrorising Harry and Ginny and I had to do something! I knew she'd take the Mickey out of Ron, but I never dreamed she'd go that far."
"And I suppose you thought it was great fun, didn't you," she said, as tears began to fall. "You allowed that old bat to embarrass Ronnie in front of his best friend and girl!"
"I told you, Molly," he said become a bit annoyed now. "As soon as it went that far, I steered her off to embar...talk to Charlie about his dragons!" Arthur had steeled himself for a full-out row with his wife. It didn't happen often, but when it did, it was loud and sometimes messy. He decided to make one last-ditch effort for peace. "Come now, Molly. Don't get your knickers in such a twist. There's no need to cry, my beauty," Arthur soothed her, taking her in his arms.
"Oh Arthur," she sniffled into his robes. "Aunt Muriel is going to be the very death of us all! I don't know how much more of her blustering and rudeness I can take." Molly began to sob in earnest. She sobbed for her husband and for her youngest son. Ron was her pride and joy and the thought of that barmy old battle axe hurting him or embarrassing him needlessly drove her to distraction. "I think I'm going to have to write her a letter of my own," she said determinedly. "This is going to stop right here and right now!"
"You do that, Mols. You have my unyielding support," Arthur said, mentally wiping his brow. That was close.
Dear Aunt Muriel,
I received your note this evening concerning my Ron and Hermione. HOW DARE YOU? Ronnie is a good boy and a dutiful son.
You know very well that Ronnie didn't lead you to believe she was pregnant. That was your idea of a very sick joke at his expense. You humiliated him in front of his best friend, his sister, his father, and his future wife! If anyone owes anybody an apology, it's you who owes one to Ronnie. And this escapade this afternoon, again in front of his best friend and now professional partner is unacceptable.
Aunt Muriel, I love you very much, but this disruptive and downright malicious behaviour of yours is going to stop right now! Don't you ever humiliate or attempt to humiliate me or mine in public ever again, and that goes for Fleur, Angelina, Hermione, Harry, and any other significant other my children might bring home.
As for Ron's appearance, there is no charm on this planet that will keep his clothes proper—at least proper enough for you. It's just who he is and if Hermione loves him for it, we can love him for it too. As for Charlie's profession, that's his business. If he wants to chase Dragons, we will support him in it.
Furthermore, the subject of the length Bill's hair now and forever shall be closed! Did you notice Harry's? If you have a problem with it, I dare you to take it up with Ginny. As for George...he is a very successful businessman and that is fine with us. You ought to be well-pleased with Percy. He's just like YOU—pompous, overbearing, and perfectly tactless, but we love him anyway.
Lastly, Arthur is a good husband and father. His children, including Harry and Hermione, love him dearly and value his opinion and counsel. I adore him now more than ever and all of your threats of disowning and disinheriting won't change it. The Arthur Weasley family is strong and will continue on long after the Prewetts die out.
I hope this finds you well,
Molly
"Errol," Molly called. "Errol! Where are you?"
A flapping of wings descended the stairs as faithful old Errol skidded to a landing on the table.
"Oh there you are, you dear sweet bird," Molly cooed as she stroked his feathers. "Could you take this to Aunt Muriel for me?"
Errol hooted and blinked his round eyes in assent.
"Now there's no big hurry, so take your time. Stop to rest if you get tired, all right? Good. Now, off you go," she said as she opened the window so he could fly out. "Poor old fellow. We really need to retire him."
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Harry and Ron returned to Hogwarts, but, as Ron pointed out, it was another hour before supper. He and Harry decided to settle their bet on a full stomach and retired to their classroom to get in a little one-on-one duelling practice until it was time to meet the girls for the evening meal.
"Still got the biscuits," Harry asked Ron with a smile.
"Right here, completely unmolested," he replied, holding up the basket.
"Good. You know your mum'll be checking with Ginny to make sure they got them," Harry said. "You wouldn't want another one of Molly Weasley's howlers..."
"Sod off, Potter," Ron snickered. "I may be a bit slow, but I'm not stupid!"
"Oh yeah, you're slow. You only planned that whole operation almost single-handedly," Harry said, putting off his friend's self-deprecation. "You're a brilliant tactician. We couldn't have done that without you."
"Yeah well, I have my moments, I guess," Ron said. "You're the real..."
"Ron, I don't want to hear any more of that," Harry snapped. "I didn't request you for a partner for nothing, you know."
"Partner? I'm your partner," Ron said, his blue eyes brightening. "Honestly?"
"Well who else would you expect, mate? We've been through bloody hell together. I wouldn't trust anybody else," Harry almost shouted. "You're my best friend and my brother!"
"Blimey, Harry! I had no idea. I don't know what to say," Ron replied, trying to hold back the tears stinging his eyes. "This is brilliant!"
"I wouldn't have anyone else. Dawlish and Kingsley already knew that," Harry admitted. "That's why we were assigned to attend the meeting together yesterday and why we were sent on this fact-finding tour today."
"Bloody hell," was all Ron could say. He had never been chosen above any other for anything in his life, save Hermione. Of course, he knew that he was Harry's best mate, but to be chosen professionally was something truly monumental. It was then that Ron realised how much he truly loved his sister's soon-to-be husband—how much of a brother Harry truly was.
Later that evening, Harry and Ron were relaxing with Ginny and Hermione. Ginny had been in a foul mood today. She dropped a heaping spoonful of dried slug phlegm into her cauldron while she had been brewing a protective paste to be used on gloves for Herbology. If brewed properly, it would protect the gloves against caustic substances such as Bubotuber Pus, preventing burns and other nasty injuries to the hands. It was probably when Harry learned about Mafalda growing up in Little Hangleton that she had felt him, resulting in the mistake.
The result was immediate and devastating. Green smoke from her botched potion soon covered the dungeon in a fog that smelled like rotten meat, resulting in a full-scale evacuation of the dungeons.
The potion in her cauldron had solidified harder than stone, and her attempts to crumble it to clean her cauldron had ended with a shattered cauldron.
Ron looked smugly at Harry, confident he had won the bet. Ginny was certainly in a mood to Bat-Bogey someone. "So, that was my day. How was yours," she asked sulkily.
Ron took the chance to get her even more annoyed. "Well, Harry and I had to withstand one of Mum's home-cooked lunches. As you can imagine, it was delicious. And after that, we had to see Aunt Muriel. Harry has some very happy news for you."
Harry looked at Ron, clearly aware of Ron's attempt to increase his chances to win the bet. "Well, first of all, Gin, your mum sent this basket of her famous tea biscuits for you and Hermione to share. I made sure Ickle Ronnikins stayed out of them."
"Oh wow," Ginny cried, reaching greedily for the basket. "These are the best! Oh thank you, Harry! Thank you!" She leaned up and kissed Harry full on the mouth. "Hermione, you've got to try these. They're wonderful. You're going to love them," she gushed as she passed the basket to Hermione.
Ginny had one in each hand and was munching away happily as Harry looked up at Ron and mouthed, Gotcha! Then for good measure, he conjured a tea service so Ginny and Hermione could have some tea to go with their biscuits. "Oh you're so thoughtful, love," Ginny cooed as she poured out and handed a cup to Hermione.
Harry knew he wasn't out of the woods yet and he certainly hadn't won the bet. He cleared his throat and plunged in head first. Time to get it over with, Potter. "Ginny, love," he began.
"Yes, Harry," she replied, her mouth covered in crumbs. She's so beautiful. "Er...um...dear old Muriel has honoured you by letting you borrow her goblin-made tiara for the wedding." Ginny's eyes darkened to almost black and narrowed as she wiped the crumbs away from her lips. "And I... sort of...you know Aunt Muriel...agreed that you would wear it." He steeled himself for the onslaught of Bat-Bogeys.
"I would rather feed that damned thing to your Hungarian Horntail, Harry, than have it on my head," Ginny stated emphatically. Ron had a look of triumph on his face that soon faded as his sister continued. "But..." Ginny sighed, "I expected she'd force me...or Mum would. No worries Harry...but it's going to have to be cleaned."
Ron moaned, knowing he'd lost and had to teach an extra lesson. He thought sure Ginny was going to hex her fiancé.
"What," Hermione asked.
"I bet Harry that Ginny would Bat-Bogey him for agreeing with Aunt Muriel that Ginny would wear the tiara," Ron admitted.
"You... prat," Ginny spat at Ron.
"But... Harry was on, he made a counter-bet..." Ron protested.
Ginny's eyes flashed as they nailed Harry to the armchair he was sitting in. "I... I told Ron I thought you'd sigh," Harry said in a full-scale panic.
Ginny pulled her wand and cast a charm at Ron. Moments later bats were orbiting his face attacking him. "You wanted to see the Bat-Bogey hex, you can have a taste of it yourself," Ginny told her brother and turned to Hermione and Harry. "Don't either of you even think of helping him to counter it. He can figure that out for himself!"
They nodded and one look at Ron was enough to discourage them from helping him. Harry felt really bad because it was just a friendly bet. He truly believed Ginny overreacted, but that it was probably due to her bad day in Potions. He had to admit that that might have been his fault for sending that jolt to her through their bond, even from that distance.
The discussion slowly shifted to what they had learned about Mafalda, interrupted by Ron's various attempts to break the curse. Both Ginny and Hermione giggled at his failed attempts. "This blasted curse, nothing counters it." Ron grunted.
"You had it coming," Hermione said with a grin. I'm sorry, my love. If you don't figure it out by bedtime, I'll figure out how to un-hex you.
Harry told Ginny and Hermione everything they'd learned from Molly and Muriel about Mafalda and her father, including the part about them having moved to Little Hangleton after they left the family for good. They pieced that information together with what Emma and Erica had told Harry the day before and drew their conclusions.
"From what we learned about Tom Riddle and what we know about Mafalda, I think it's very likely she might have been his replacement apprentice for Bellatrix. Between a half-blood like him, and she hating the Wizarding world, her father keeping her out of Hogwarts to distance her from Professor Dumbledore, and sharing the ideas about blood purity, it's a lead-pipe cinch," Hermione said, nodding.
"She's supposedly as brilliant as she is evil too," Harry added.
The four of them were very concerned. No one actually said it, but they knew this conflict had come in parallel to Harry's and Ginny's wedding plans. Ron and Hermione were only waiting until after that wedding before setting a date for their own.
"Finally," Ron barked when he finally managed to banish the Bat-Bogeys.
"So, you did it," Hermione said proudly. "I knew you could."
"Yes, but there's only one problem," Ron replied with a painful look. "I cast like five different charms at the same time, and I have no idea which one countered it."
The four of them laughed at Ron's new predicament. "If you want, I can curse you again and let you find out," Ginny offered.
"Thanks, but no thanks," Ron answered with a sneer.
"And Harry, there was another letter from Andromeda," Ginny told him and handed it to him. Andromeda Tonks had been writing Harry and Ginny on a regular basis telling them all the news about little Teddy. In a little over a month, he have his first birthday. Harry and Ginny were invited to his birthday party, since they were his legal guardians as Godparents after all. Harry felt bad about not being able to see Teddy more often, but Andromeda had told him that she understood he had to finish his studies.
"Shall I owl her that we'll be there," Ginny asked with raised eyebrows.
"Of course. I wouldn't miss Teddy's birthday for the world," Harry replied with a grin. And I know just what to get the little tyke too.
"Well, it's been fun, you lot, but I'm knackered," Ron announced, yawning and stretching his long arms over his head. If he were standing, he could just about reach the ceiling. "You about ready, love?" He finished his stretch and rubbed Hermione's back.
"I've been ready. I'm about to fall asleep right here at this table," she admitted as she rose. "Good night, you two. See you in the mor...mor...morning." She yawned and leaned over onto Ron. "Thanks for the tea and biscuits."
"Good night," Harry and Ginny said. They exchanged hugs. "And thank Molly. She sent them," Harry said, giving Hermione a brotherly kiss on the cheek.
After Ron and Hermione left, Harry and Ginny undressed and climbed into bed for a goodnight snog before they drifted off to sleep. "I love you, Harry," Ginny yawned, sending a wave of the unspoken thing through their bond.
"Love you too, Gin," Harry replied, returning her wave. They fell asleep almost immediately.
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John Dawlish surveyed the group of eight people, all teenagers who appeared to be just like any other their age. But this group wasn't like any other; they were the new elite force of specially-trained Aurors dedicated to fighting the dark arts. "DA, as you know, I've been appointed the new Head of the Auror Office. Because of the recent events and your development and skill, it's time for you to take the parts of the Auror exam you failed last September. If you pass, you will be fully-fledged licensed Aurors. You will continue training and living here at Hogwarts, at least until school ends in June. If any one of you fails your test, you will simply continue your work and training until you do. Those of you who pass will join the Auror Office and help us defeat and bring in Mafalda Prewett. Any questions so far?"
They all shook their heads, so Dawlish continued. "We will be merging Dumbledore's Army and the Auror Office. Once Harry passes his exam, he will become Assistant Head of the Auror Office. It seems reasonable that the leader of Dumbledore's Army also takes a leadership position at the Auror Office."
The DA enthusiastically welcomed this arrangement. They were used to following Harry's lead, so they felt comfortable knowing that, once part of the Auror Office, Harry would still be a leader. Soon all the members, except Ron, were sitting their written exams on the Auror Field Manual and Ministry Organisation. Ron was off to perform his practical Auror test at the Ministry first. After lunch, Ron had returned to Hogwarts to sit his written exam, while those who had failed parts of the test at the Ministry had took those tests again.
Harry was waiting for Ron outside the classroom. Ron looked surprisingly calm, considering he'd just sat a demanding written exam. Ron had always been apprehensive about written exams, but Hermione had studied hard with him. She would probably pass the test, if she'd taken it. Late in the afternoon, Dawlish gathered the DA again, this time in the company of Professor McGonagall and Kingsley Shacklebolt.
"We have your results," Kingsley declared. "Susan Bones, come forward, please." Susan blushed and stepped forward to face the Minister. "You passed your exam with grade E," Kingsley declared.
Dawlish handed her a parchment with her grade and Auror licence. "Congratulations, Auror Bones," he said and shook her hand.
"Terry Boot, come forward, please." Terry stepped forward. "You have passed your exam with grade A," Kingsley declared. Dawlish handed him a parchment with his grade and Auror licence. "Congratulations, Auror Boot," he said and shook his hand.
Lavender, Cho, Seamus, and Anthony also passed and received their licences. Cho had earned an O and looked very surprised. Harry wasn't. Cho had developed more than anyone else.
"Harry Potter, come forward, please," Kingsley boomed. Harry approached him. "You passed with grade O," Kingsley declared with a wide grin. Harry sent a wave of pure euphoria through the bond to Ginny, letting her know he had passed with flying colours. Dawlish gave him a parchment with his grade and Auror licence. "Congratulations, Assistant Head Auror Potter," he said, shaking his hand. Harry's dream of becoming an Auror had come true, and with top marks to boot.
Finally it was Ron's turn. He felt a bit nervous. Despite Hermione's help, he wasn't sure if he had passed the written exam all the others had. He did feel confident he'd passed the test at the Ministry, though, thinking it had been rather easy, all told.
"Ronald Weasley, you have achieved something truly amazing, something never before done in any Auror class in recent history. You pass with grade A, having successfully completed the course in less time than any of your comrades or predecessors. Congratulations to you, Auror Weasley." Dawlish handed him his grade and licence and shook his hand."Congratulations, Aurors. Well done!" Kingsley, Dawlish, and Professor McGonagall beamed and applauded the new Aurors and soon, they joined in applauding one another.
Ron was stunned. He, Ronald Bilius Weasley, youngest of the Weasley brothers, had made history. He had a beautiful fiancé, a good job, the best partner any Auror could ever have, and now a place in Ministry history. It's all down to Hermione. I'm going to do something special for her.
Minerva McGonagall was so very proud of her students, and surprised them all with hugs. "It's almost time for supper, my Aurors," she told them. "And the Minister has kindly offered to present you to the rest of the school. Congratulations, everyone!" She left them to their own celebration, dabbing at her eyes with a handkerchief. These eight, especially Harry Potter and Ron Weasley, had been among her and Albus' favourite students, and now they were grown men and women with bright futures ahead of them. We've done it, Albus. We got them through.
"Party time," Harry shouted. "Kreacher!"
Crack! "Mas—Harry has called Kreacher?"
"Yes, Kreacher. Congratulate us, old man! We all passed! We're officially Aurors," Harry told him.
Kreacher bowed to the DA Aurors. "Congratulations, sirs and misses," he croaked. "Kreacher is wishing the new Aurors all his best."
"Kreacher, I was wondering if..." Harry began.
"Say no more, Harry. Kreacher is knowing what his Mas—friend desires," the old House-elf said with a sly grin. "I shall return." He bowed low again and disappeared with a crack.
"I think I've become entirely too dependent on him," Harry confessed to his team.
A few minutes later, Kreacher reappeared. He snapped his bony fingers and a long table, laden with bottles of Butterbeer and all manner of snacks appeared on one side of the room. "Congratulations again, sirs and misses. If Harry is needing anything else, he need only call for Kreacher. Kreacher will come." He bowed again.
"Thank you, Kreacher," the DA said to the old elf. "Thanks, Harry!" Kreacher bowed low again and then disappeared with a crack once more.
"You have quite a way with house-elves, Harry," Lavender said, helping herself to a Butterbeer. "How do you get them to do anything you want?"
"It's not hard, really. If you don't take advantage of their need to serve, but treat them fairly, they're very loyal friends," Harry told her. "If you get a chance sometime, nick down to the kitchens. You'll find a painting of a bowl of fruit down there. Just tickle the pear and..."
"Yeah, I remember the first time Harry, Hermione, and I sneaked down there. Fred and George had told us what to do," Ron added.
"You mean all the food for those sudden Gryffindor parties..." Seamus began.
"Fred and George, mate," Ron confirmed Seamus' suspicions. "They knew how to get to the kitchens to nick food. They did it all the time."
"Brilliant," Seamus chuckled. "Bloody brilliant!"
"It is, really. I can't quite remember why it was we went down there, but when we got there, there were about a hundred of them, bowing and offering us anything we wanted. They even packed a load of food up and sent it with us," Ron told them.
"Snuffles," Harry said under his breath. "We needed to bring something for Snuffles, remember?"
"Oh yeah. Snuffles. Good old Snuffles," Ron said quietly.
"You're joking, right" Terry asked. "They'll really feed us any time?"
"They will," Harry said. "Ron and I have been down there loads of times since our fourth year."
"I say we raid the kitchens tonight as a kind of extra celebration, now that we know how to do it," Anthony said with a mischievous glint in his eye. "Who's in? Potter? Weasley? Finnegan?"
"Ah...not us," Ron replied. "We have women who have probably planned something ahead of time."
"Aye, and I'll wager it doesn't involve food," Seamus snickered. "Or does it?"
"You'll never know, Irish," Harry laughed. "But feel free. You won't have to worry about Filch because you're basically teachers. He can't do anything to you."
"I'm in," said Susan.
"Me too," said Lavender.
"Count me in," added Seamus.
"And me," chimed Terry. "Cho? How about you?"
"No, thanks. I promised my parents I'd celebrate with them. They're very proud of me...of all of us," she said with a slight smile. "Maybe another time, yeah?"
"Blimey! With you lot going down there at one time, the house-elves will be in seventh heaven. They might roast you a hippogriff if you're that peckish," Ron laughed.
Harry tapped his wand on his bottle. "DA! Attention for a minute?" They all gathered around their friend and leader. "Um...when we started this organisation over two years ago, we started it to learn to defend ourselves in the face of some pretty long odds. We promised to defend one another and anyone else in trouble. Never, in my wildest dreams, did I imagine we'd come to this. That we'd progress from a bunch of rag-tag students to a team of elite Aurors. I'm so damned proud of all of you—all of us and I'm greatly honoured to have each of you on my team. To the DA! Slaínte!"
They all raise their bottles and repeated the toast in chorus. "And now, I'd like to take some time out to remember two of our number who fell last spring in the final battle. I know this has been done dozens of times, but not by us—just us. Last year, we lost Colin Creevey and Fred Weasley. I'd like us all to drink to their memories as well. To Colin and Fred, wherever you are—good on you, mates! Sláinte!"
The DA again repeated the toast. All of a sudden, Ron's voice barked from the back of the room. "DA! Salute!" Instinctively, they all snapped to attention, drew their wands, and as one, saluted the memory of their fallen comrades and friends as though preparing to duel. "Thanks, you lot. Ever since Neville gave that order at the memorial service, I've wanted to," Ron said a little embarrassed.
"Not at all, mate," Seamus said with a few unshed tears burning his eyes. "It was the right thing to do for Colin and Fred."
The newly-licensed Aurors continued their little celebration until Professor McGonagall and the Minister reappeared to call them to supper. The Great Hall fell dead silent as the Minister for Magic, flanked by the Headmistress and the Head of the Auror Office led the DA to the front of the room. Harry winked at Ginny, who, through their bond already understood what had happened. Hermione gazed dreamily at Ron, who gave her his signature lopsided grin and mouthed thank you, love to her.
Kingsley faced the students. "I have the great pleasure and honour to present our community's eight newest Aurors. Susan Bones, Terry Boot, Lavender Brown, Cho Chang, Seamus Finnegan, Anthony Goldstein, Harry Potter, and Ronald Weasley!"
The Hall exploded in cheers and wild applause. Kingsley allowed them a few moments and then held up both hands so as to silence the students.
"As you all know, we arrested three Death Eaters recently. I can tell you all that based on their performance in that operation last Friday, these eight joining the Auror Office will surely help bring in the last few Death Eaters at large in very short order. Please join me in a round of applause for this very outstanding new class of Aurors!"
The great ceiling shook with the cheers and applause of everyone in the Great Hall. Hagrid's tears flowed like rivers as he beamed with pride at his four Gryffindors in the group. Ginny and Hermione hugged one another and the Munchkins as they jumped up and down, screaming with glee. Both young women had plans for their men tonight.
After supper, Harry asked to speak with Kingsley and Chief Dawlish. He kissed Ginny soundly and promised he would join her soon. Ron decided he would tag along, kissing Hermione and sending her on with Ginny. The four of them found an empty classroom and Kingsley looked questioningly at Harry. "What's on your mind, Harry?"
"I have this nagging thought I can't get out of my head," Harry said. "There's something that's not right. I don't think Mafalda wants to take over the Ministry." Ron nodded his agreement with Harry.
"Despite killing Chief Robards," Kingsley asked, taken aback.
"I know how that looks, but the killing curse that hit him was meant for me. Malfoy might be a spy, and I'm certain there are spies at the Ministry, but the Ministry stands for everything she hates. Ron and I have talked about this and we think it would make much more sense if she simply wanted it destroyed." Ron again nodded in agreement. He allowed Harry to relate to them what they had learned about Mafalda from Molly Weasley and Muriel Prewett.
"I agree with you, Harry, but we can't dismiss the fact that she might consider it necessary to take over the Ministry in order to use its power to create the world she wants." Harry and Ron shrugged doubtfully. That idea makes sense too.
"Yes, I think so too. I have confirmed her mother was killed. Her father is alive, but I don't know where," Dawlish reported.
"Could you check and find out if she's been married? We think she got married in order to have the Trace lifted. And look for her underage magic report too," Harry said.
"That's a brilliant idea," Dawlish said. "I'll look into it."
Kingsley put his hand on Harry's shoulder. "I'm really happy to finally have you officially in the Auror Office, Harry." He extended his hand to Ron and said, "You too, Ron."
"Thank you Kingsley," Harry said. He noticed Dawlish's surprised look that Harry was on a first name basis with the Minister. Of course, Chief Dawlish had no way of knowing about Harry's or Ron's personal relationship with the Minister. He hardly knew either one of them.
"If you'll excuse me, I have to write a statement. I'm afraid you'll be on the front page tomorrow, Harry," Kingsley said apologetically.
Harry sighed. "I guess so. Please try to see that all of the DA receive credit," Harry said pleadingly, thinking about his best friend and partner.
"You know I will, but I think the Prophet will make the most of your appointment as Assistant Head." With that Kingsley and Dawlish bid them goodnight and left Hogwarts.
Harry and Ron made for Harry's and Ginny's room. Upon their arrival, they were overwhelmed by Ginny's and Hermione's joint attacks on their bodies. "You made it," Ginny yelled, throwing herself at Harry. "Assistant Head of the Auror Office! By Merlin!" She planted a very passionate kiss on his mouth, intimating in his ear as to what would come later. He wrapped his arms around her and returned her kiss, deepening it unashamedly.
"Ron, I'm so proud of you," Hermione cried as she reached up to kiss him. "In so little time, you did it!" Ron picked her up off the floor to make it easier for her to reach and more comfortable for her to snog and be snogged. "I have a surprise for you tonight, my ginger god," she whispered in his ear, his scent of spice and chocolate mingling with her lavender and vanilla. He hugged her tighter and kissed her neck in response.
Following a spontaneous celebration, with refreshments provided by a very proud Kreacher, Harry told them about his talk with Dawlish and Kingsley. Ron agreed, and after thinking it through, Hermione did too. From what they knew about Mafalda, it made sense if she indeed wanted to destroy the Ministry of Magic.
Ginny furrowed her brow in concern. "But if she's as smart as they say, why would she be stupid enough to attack the Ministry?"
Even Hermione was surprised. She hadn't thought about that, but Ginny's remark made a lot of sense too. It was an awful lot of trouble to go to just to attack and destroy the Ministry of Magic. Mafalda also knew that Harry, along with the entire DA, would aid the Ministry and very likely take her and her people down.
"So, if she wants to destroy the Ministry, and our community, but in a smarter way than attacking the Ministry, what is her plan," Ron asked.
They all turned to Hermione. "What are you all looking at me for," she asked.
"Come on, don't be so modest. You are the brightest witch alive. If you wanted to destroy the Ministry in the most simple way, what would you do," Harry asked.
"I don't know. Maybe cause mayhem among the Muggles by leaving cursed objects all over the country for them to find, therefore flooding the Ministry with emergencies and burying it in its own paperwork," Hermione suggested with a little trepidation. They sat in thoughtful silence. Yes, it would be a much safer way, but it didn't seem efficient enough. "I'm not much of a Death Eater," Hermione said excusing herself. "I can't think like them.
"Well, we'd better keep our eyes open anyway," Harry said.
The evening ended with Harry and Ron writing Molly and Arthur a letter with the news of their exams, while Ginny wrote a letter to Andromeda accepting her invitation to Teddy's birthday party. She finished first and Ron and Hermione left for their room. Harry got up from the desk and turned around to tell Ginny he was going to take the letters to the owlery. But the inviting sight before him caused him to drop the letters and gape. Ginny lay on her belly on the bed wearing... well Harry didn't know what it was called, but he did know what it made him feel. Ginny invited him to bed.
"I think you earned some private commendations, love," she cooed.
Harry was speechless as he moved over to the bed and allowed himself to melt into Ginny's embrace, filled with her love and intoxicated by her wonderful, flowery scent. Her fervent kiss sent shockwaves through his body and into her. "Gin, you are so wonderful," he moaned as she began to undress him.
The flimsy garment Ginny wore came off easily. All Harry had to do was untie a couple of laces and it fell away, revealing her perfect form. For a moment he stared transfixed at the beauty in his hands and silently worshipped her. "Merlin, Gin, but you are beautiful," he whispered reverently as he caressed her shoulders and arms. "It amazes me that a woman as breathtakingly magnificent as you could love a brooding git like me. I can't tell you how grateful I am." His voice broke a little as he adored her.
"Harry, my Harry," she answered with equal reverence. " The moments we share in one another's arms are so precious to me. You are the most beautiful man I have ever seen and I can't get enough of you. Your very touch sets me on fire and breathes such life into me. I can't describe it and I can't live without it—without you." Tears rolled down her face as she caressed his scarred and muscular chest in her own worship of the man she loved.
They lay there in one another's embrace exchanging kisses and caresses as they stared longingly in one another's eyes. "I can't wait until you're my wife," Harry said as he kissed her lips softly and tenderly. "Only then will I be truly complete. You are my every breath, every beat of my heart. Without you, I'm an empty shell." He pulled her into a tighter embrace and buried his face in her luxurious hair. "Merlin, how I love you."
Ginny snuggled into his neck and breathed in that comforting woodsy-spicy aroma that was so undeniably Harry, basking in its warmth. "I can't wait until you're my husband forever. Together, we'll be whole—one complete being, joined in every way. We'll breathe for each other, our hearts will beat for each other." She ran her hands through his unruly raven locks. "I love you so."
The words no sooner than left her lips when a trickle of Harry's apprehension passed through their bond. Ginny raised her head and looked into Harry's face. She knew he was worried about something he was trying to mask. She knew him only too well and wasn't buying it.
"Harry, what is it, love?"
"Hmm? What is what, Gin?"
"I felt it, Harry James Potter. You're worried about something. What is it?
Harry sighed resignedly. "You're right, Gin. I'm worried about...about this whole Assistant Head thing."
"Somehow that doesn't surprise me," she agreed. "So tell me." She lay her head on Harry's chest to listen once again to his heartbeat.
"It's all moving too fast, Gin. When we got back to Hogwarts, I was an Auror Trainee leading the DA. Yesterday, I was an Auror Intern. Today, I'm an Auror," Harry rambled. "But not just any Auror, Gin. Not a Junior Auror like Ron or the others, but instant Assistant Head of the Auror Office! I haven't been on the force twenty-four hours and I'm practically the bloody chief!"
"It has been a whirlwind for you, hasn't it," she agreed. She took his hand, brushing her lips across his fingers. "But if they didn't think you were equal to it..."
"But am I ready," Harry groaned. "I mean, I can lead a load of teenagers, but seasoned veterans old enough to be my parents? Gin, I just don't know if I can..."
Ginny sent a short burst of her confidence through their bond. "Harry, you can. People respect you. You've done some mighty things—things most wizards only dream of...or dread."
"Becoming an Auror is a dream come true for me. I just didn't bargain for this...at least not for about ten or fifteen years," Harry said with a doubtful tone.
"Kingsley and Chief Dawlish trust you and your judgement. You heard what Kingsley has said to you time and again. The Office needs new blood and you're it—the whole DA is new blood," Ginny argued, trying to instil some modicum of confidence in him. "Your team knows you, Harry, and you know them. It's only natural that the Minister and the Chief wouldn't want to fix something that isn't broken. By appointing you Assistant Head, your team stays intact."
"But..."
"Harry, I love you, but you can be a stubborn git sometimes," Ginny scolded mildly. "Just give it time. You'll find that everything we've been telling you all along is true."
"Remind me. What's true," Harry asked dubiously.
"That you're a natural leader who has the respect of practically the entire Wizarding world. I know you don't like to hear that or even think about it, but it's the way it is. Here's your chance to make that difference you're always on about. Take it and run with it."
"Ginny?"
"Yes."
"I love you."
"I know. Now stop fussing and go to sleep, Auror Potter."
"Goodnight, my heart," Harry said, kissing the top of her head.
"Goodnight, my own," Ginny replied with a sleepy sigh.
They fell asleep in one another's arms.
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Ron and Hermione cuddled up on the rug in front of their fireplace dressed in nothing but a quilt. Since they had been assigned to their own private room, this had become a nightly ritual before bed. But tonight would be different. Hermione had promised Ron a surprise and she meant to deliver it.
"Ron," Hermione cooed.
"Yes, Love."
"Do me a favour."
"Anything you want."
"Lie down on your back."
"Here? In front of the fireplace?"
"Here. In front of the fireplace." She conjured a firm pillow.
Ron lay back, slipping the pillow under his head. Hermione crawled seductively toward his face and began to caress it. She kissed him every so lightly, brushing his lips again and again with her own. Her brown hair fell in cascades of wild curls around her face as she climbed aboard his sculptured body. Hermione gazed with wonder into his eyes as she manually worshipped him as though she were blind, following every curve of his defined muscles. "My gods, you are magnificent," she whispered.
Ron closed his eyes and swallowed hard. She had never done anything like this before and he liked it. In fact, he liked it a lot. She was so excruciatingly beautiful, her body a work of art. He couldn't keep his hands off her. "'Mione. My 'Mione," he whispered, pulling her forward to kiss her. He claimed her lips softly and tenderly as though they might shatter if he pressed too hard. He twined his long fingers into her curls and carefully deepened the kiss, slipping his tongue between her full lips.
She placed her hands flat against his chest and pushed away, shaking her head and smiling that wicked I want you smile of hers that drove him wild. "I promised you a surprise, remember," she purred as she slid herself seductively off him and crawled backward toward his feet. "Special delivery," she teased as she began to kiss her way down and across his belly, pausing to take a few laps around his navel.
Ron moaned in anticipation as she kissed further and further southward until...his brain exploded. "Oh Merlin, 'Mione!" The sensations that washed over him were nothing like he'd ever felt before. Electrical impulses raced throughout his body with each touch, each kiss. "That's...it's...you're... gods almighty," he moaned. His heart began to pound in his ears as his breath came in ragged gasps.
Hermione continued to work him into a frenzy. He wanted her, but he didn't want her to stop either. He shuddered as his climax threatened to take over. He wasn't ready for this to end, yet he had no desire to stop her. "'Mione, that's bloody fantastic," he panted. Ron saw stars as he reached the pinnacle of ultimate ecstasy and then plunged into the familiar abyss as all rational thought escaped him.
When he finally returned to himself, Hermione lay next to him, tracing the lines of his mouth with her fingers. He leaned up on his elbow and gazed down into her sparkling cinnamon eyes, his lopsided grin spread across his gorgeous face. She reached up and brushed his shaggy red locks out of his magnificent blue eyes. "Surprise, Auror Weasley," she whispered. "Surprise."
They lay together, kissing and caressing, exchanging vows of eternal love and devotion. Ron pulled Hermione over on top of him so she could reach his lips with no discomfort to her graceful neck. "My goddess has many skills," Ron whispered conspiratorially. "But one must wonder where she acquired such skills." He of course knew where she'd learned it. Books. Hermione learned everything from books—well, almost everything. Her kiss was pure dynamite and that didn't come from any ruddy book.
"I read about it in a magazine at my parents'...it's apparently quite common among Muggles," she cooed, her eyes dancing. "Did you like it?"
"Like it? Why don't they teach about this in Muggle studies?"
"Good. Then I'll add that to my repertoire," she giggled.
"That'll be a favourite among favourites, I think. But what about you?"
"What about me?"
"This," he said and rolled her over onto her back.''
"Ron, what are you..." She didn't get a chance to finish. He had crushed his lips against hers in one of his blockbuster kisses. Without the least prompting, she parted her lips and allowed him access. He snogged her until she couldn't breathe and then began his own descent southward, kissing breasts, belly, navel and... "RON! Oh my gods!"
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Mafalda read the Daily Prophet. The news was not unexpected, but still not what she had hoped for.
Harry Potter Joins Ministry of Magic
Harry Potter needs no further introduction. Despite his young age, he has accomplished more than most of us do in a lifetime. Yesterday, Minister for Magic Kingsley Shacklebolt announced that the members of Dumbledore's Army trained by Mr Potter sat their Auror exam. 'It's a historical exam in many ways. Never before has anyone this young sat it.' the Minister said.
Eight young wizards and witches, 18 and 19 years old, sat the exam and they all passed. Mr Potter and Miss Cho Chang passed with an O. Miss Susan Bones and Mr Anthony Goldstein passed with an E, while Mr Terry Boot, Miss Lavender Brown, Mr Seamus Finnegan and Mr Ronald Weasley passed with an A. Amazingly enough, this entire class has studied less than a year, whereas the customary time is three years.
Most amazing of all, Mr Weasley's A is historic. He studied only three months, making him the first to successfully complete Auror training in the shortest time ever. Mr Weasley's accomplishments include serving as Keeper on the winning Gryffindor Quidditch Team in 1995-96 and 1996-97, co-founding and organising Dumbledore's Army in 1995-96, and leading several counter-assaults against Death Eaters at the Battle of Hogwarts last May. Mr Weasley is best-known for his exceptional skill at chess, which has led to his uncanny abilities as a tactician.
Mr Potter is appointed new Assistant Head of the Auror Office. According to Head Auror John Dawlish, 'it's the natural way to merge Dumbledore's Army into the Auror Office.' Minister Shacklebolt added that 'Mr Potter is the perhaps the most experienced wizard in history, when it comes to fighting the dark arts.' He also points out that Mr Potter has proven his leadership several times in the past, having served as Captain of the winning Gryffindor Quidditch Team in 1996-97, co-founding and leading Dumbledore's Army in 1995-96, and taking command at the Battle of Hogwarts.
The arrested Death Eaters have been interrogated and Mr Dawlish states that the Auror Office has gained valuable information that will lead to further arrests of the last Death Eaters still fugitives from justice.
