It's a bit ironic, I love long chapters but I keep producing short ones.

Still not my characters, just my thoughts.

Grief, Deceptions, and Hope for Freedom

Part the Fifth

He stayed until dinner. They'd found 30 different lawyers to follow up on, though they hadn't cross-checked them against the other deatheaters yet. There were also ten cases in 1981-3 with the names Potter, Evans, and Dumbledore attached to them. Ginny had noted that his underage magic trials weren't in her book. Harry wasn't sure what the significance of that could be. Were all underage trials not in these more public listings? Or had Fudge done something just to suppress his?

He had grabbed a couple catalogs before he left, which immediately had Ron switching to the Quality Quidditch Supply catalog, and Hermione complaining. Harry sat next to his dorm mates as Dean once again was preaching the value of football. Harry tried to suggest rugby was a more substantial sport, with hands and serious bodily injury both in play, but Dean wouldn't be derailed. The full staff was at the head table tonight, only the second time since Dumbledore's little talk with him. Seeing McGonagall starting dessert, Harry suddenly remembered one of his many questions from before, "Hey guys."

Dean, Neville, and Seamus turned to him. "Do any of you know what classes we were supposed to have this week?"

Neville answered, "We were supposed to have introductory classes to the electives that are offered for sixth and seventh years."

Dean added, "We were also supposed to have a government class every morning, to start prep for various licenses and intoductions for summer programs."

"Summer programs?"

Seamus answered, "Yeah, exchanges with magical families in France and the States. Study programs and internships and all that rot. Didn't Hermione fill you in on the meeting?"

"What meeting?" Harry made an effort not to raise his voice.

The others shared a look, then Dean answered, "Back while you were still taking remedial potions. There wasn't a posting in the common room, but McGonagall got all us fifth years together and told us about all the summer programs that were offered for sixth years. She said Hermione would tell you, when Neville asked."

Neville added, "She took Hermione aside after word and gave her a packet. You were sleeping so rough then, and with the detentions and all, I never thought to check."

Harry sighed, and rubbed the back of his neck. "Were there any other meetings that I missed?"

Seamus replied, "Not really. McGonagall came back a week after that to pick up applications and advise people who needed recommendations."

Harry tried to smile, "So did you guys sign up for anything?"

"Internship at the Blunbott Greenhouses for me." Harry nodded.

Seamus said, "Me mum wants me home now, but I was accepted at the Ministry in the Muggle offices. But she reckons it might not be the best, But I've still 'nother week and a half to decide. The underage magic waiver makes me want to."

"I'm working for a football camp outside of London. It'll be all muggle kids, but the pay is good. So no waiver for me." Dean finished.

"But if I were you I'd sneak some headache and healing potions from Madam Pompfrey. Hate to see a seven year old girl's well-shot kick give you a Snape nose." This elicited the laughter he hoped for, and brought the conversation back to sports. He peeked up at the head table, and was unsurprised to see the staff suddenly look elsewhere.