Chapter 4- Discussions and Unexpected Tasks

Snape, McGonagall, Harry, and Hermione had just arrived in McGonagall's office and were enjoying some tea. They had the room warded for silence and it would alert them if anyone approached.

"You know Harry, I'm surprised you didn't explode when the inheritance ritual revealed Tom Marvolo Riddle as your great-grandfather," Hermione stated.

"Well, it did surprise me, but somehow I always got a familiar feeling around him, sort of like I was related."

"What do you mean Ms. Granger, uh I mean, Mrs. Potter?"

"You two don't know who Tom Marvolo Riddle is now?"

"I was married to the man, but he died after Rose was just born. Do you mean to tell us he's still alive?"

"Yes, great-grandmother. He's still alive, living under a different name, though."

"Who is he now?"

"I don't think you want me to tell you."

"Harry James Potter, you'd better tell me right now, or help me, I'll transfigure you into a box."

At this threat, Harry took out his wand and wrote the name TOM MARVOLO RIDDLE in the air in fiery letters. Then, he waved his wand and it shifted into the phrase: I AM LORD VOLDEMORT.

"WHAT?" both McGonagall and Snape shouted.

"You see now why I didn't want to tell you."

"But how, Albus said he died?"

"My guess is that Albus convinced you he died after he slowly had turned Riddle to evil. From there, he must have influenced Riddle to attack me and mum and dad. He, himself, could have been the one to attack us and then altered everyone's memories. He, then probably did something to Riddle to make him turn into a wraith. Hmm…we'll have to research that and a way to restore Riddle to himself."

"As if we don't already have a full plate, what with the Triwizard Tournament," Hermione stated dully.

"Well, seeing as how it is late, we should be going to bed. However, with your soul bond, that might be a problem."

"Nonsense, we can stay in the married quarters. I know there are some behind the painting of Godric Gryffindor in the Common Room. So don't worry about us, " Hermione fired off rapidly.

"Do you ever take a breath, Grang- er, I mean, Hermione?"

"Occasionally, when I feel like it."

"Ugh, my niece-in-law is going to drive me insane."

"You'll grow to love her as I have, Uncle Sev."

The four went off to their respective bedrooms and prepared for bed. Harry and Hermione went to the married quarters. Once there, they were both nervous since both slept in their undergarments. Harry was the one to charge, like all Gryffindors do.

"We can't let this bother us, Mione, we are married and all I want to do is sleep tonight."

"You are right, love, I suppose I'm worried that you won't like what you see."

"I'll always like and love you to my dying breath."

They both got in bed and snuggled close together. About ten minutes later, both were sleeping peacefully.

~Struggles of a Teenage Wizard~

The next day, Harry and Hermione went to breakfast and there they were confronted by two angry Weasleys.

"Where did you two disappear to yesterday?" Ron asked furiously.

"They were discussing their schedules with me and both then left to talk to Professor Snape about their homework essay, Mr. Weasley," McGonagall stated tersely as she came up behind him.

"Well, what about them not coming back to the dormitories?"

"I gave them my guest rooms, Mr. Weasley," Snape said coming to stand next to her.

"But, you're you!"

"I am who, Mr. Weasley? As such, it doesn't matter, they were both exhausted and I kindly offered my guest rooms to them. Five points from Gryffindor for questioning me rudely and for being uncalled for."

"WHAT?"

"I think its time you went to class, children."

The Golden Trio, followed by Neville, exited the Great Hall and said goodbye to Ginny. The quartet then went to Transfiguration. Once there, they sat down and waited for the bell to ring.

"Good morning, class. Today, we will be taking notes on transfiguring porcupines into pincushions."

They took notes and then were each given a porcupine to change into a pincushion. Harry and Hermione both achieved the feat before the end of the class, which angered Ron to no end.

"Well done, Harry and Hermione, since you were the first two to be perfectly completed with the assignment, you two will not be required to do the homework. Now I have an announcement before you go. During the Yule season, while the Triwizard Tournament is going on, the host school has a Yule Ball. This is a time when we can let our hair down and dress up. It is not a time to goof off and act like a clown- Mr. Weasley, quit playing and pay attention. Now, as I was saying, we will be hosting the event and it will be held for fourth year and up; although you may bring a lower classmen if you wish. That is all, Mr. Potter, Ms. Granger, stay behind, please."

"Go on, mate, we'll catch you at lunch."

"Ok, good luck."

When Ron had left, Harry and Hermione went up to McGonagall's desk and asked what was wrong.

"Oh, nothing is wrong, except with the Weasleys. Watch out for them at lunch. Also, Harry, the champions have to open the ball with their date."

"I know, and I hope that my lovely wife is available?"

"Of course, dear. Minerva, could you please give us some dancing lessons?"

"Of course. I'd be delighted."

With that said, Harry and Hermione bid farewell to Minerva and decided to go to the kitchens for lunch since they didn't want to deal with the Weasleys. They went to the kitchens and found the painting of the bowl of fruit marking the entrance. Harry tickled a spot on the pear and the door opened. Once inside, they were met by a very familiar house-elf, or at least familiar to Harry.

"Dobby! What are you doing here?"

(A/N I'm not doing accents in this story, I have enough work as it is.)

"Master Harry Potter sir, I work in the kitchens, now. Headmaster offered Dobby a job when no one would take Dobby in. Dobby was wanting wages for working and Headmaster gives Dobby a galleon a week and one day off a month."

"Dobby, I have a few favors to ask. First, could we get some food? We really want to avoid the Weasleys, so we came here. Second, how would you like to work for me?"

"Both Dobby can and would like to do. But, could Master Harry Potter sir, hire Dobby's friend, Winky, as well?"

"Yes, Dobby. I still want you to work at Hogwarts, acting as a spy against the Headmaster. Could you do that?"

"Yes, Harry Potter, sir. Would you like me to get Winky, so we can bond with you?"

"That's fine, and Dobby, the name is just Harry."

Dobby got Winky and both swore to serve the House of Potter. Harry accepted them and Winky went off to look at his houses; he was surprised at this, but Winky sobered when she bonded to Harry. Both elves were informed that Hermione was his wife, and that they were to be called Harry and Hermione.

Harry and Hermione ate lunch and then went to get ready for their potions class.

Up Next: Another confrontation with Ron and Potions with Snape.