Blushes and Brainstorming

A/N: Hey guys, sorry for the long wait. Thanks for sticking me R&R PLZ

The professors predictably but understandably went back to the school. Lily sauntered over to Hermione who was stretching her arms, "So," she said rocking on her heels, "Viktor is he?" Hermione froze, slowly and jerkily lowered in her limbs. The red head continued, "And he's older, eighteen, and foreign, and an athlete so he must be quite fit."

"Lily…"

"Yeesss Hermione dear," Lily drawled.

Hermione knew she had a snowball's chance in hell of convincing her friend nothing happened, "Just don't tattle on me okay?"

"You mean you don't want the boys to know you were swept off your feet by the Bulgarian champion?" Lily pointed her thumb back at the marauders. "Did he take you on a broomstick ride over the lake? Hold you in his arms while you read some book, stealing kisses every now and then?"

"Just stop," Hermione turned pink, that second one wasn't far off and he had offered the first.

"Ooooh look who's all bashful all of a sudden?" Lily teased. "Come on tell me, what happened?"

Hermione squared her shoulders in what she hoped looked like a firm posture, "There's nothing to tell."

Thankfully Remus decided at that moment to call out, "Lily!"

Lily pointed her finger at Hermione, "We will talk later." She walked over to Remus who stood by the door, "What's up?"

"Think we could chat for moment, I have an idea," Lily nodded and Remus led her into the hall. "I've been trying to put together everything so far but I needed someone to work with."

"I admit I was wrapped in the story to notice much," Lily crossed her arms. "But still, nothing screams off."

"My problem is with Mad-Eye," Remus dropped his voice to a whisper

Lily's eyebrows knitted, "What do you mean?"

"We know Mad-Eye was attacked the night before he was set to come to Hogwarts but remember what James said, it isn't like Mad-Eye to use magic in front of muggles. Then Voldemort was so concerned about identities and strange activity."

"So you're saying that's not Mad-Eye Moody," Lily turned to lean against the wall. "Someone really did attack him, has him somewhere, and is impersonating him."

"The easiest, fastest, and most full proof way is with Polyjuice Potion which means Mad-Eye has to be alive and close by for the imposter."

"But who is the imposter? The rat?"

Remus shrugged, "Maybe the rat knows Moody well enough to impersonate him but who's going to take care of Voldemort?"

"Maybe Voldemort is there? Like with Quirrell in the turban?" Lily suggested.

"No, this time Voldemort does have a corporeal form but he needs tending and Wormtail has been doing it for the longest, he would know best. Besides if Voldemort was in the castle, Harry's scar would have burned by now."

"Then the imposter would have to be someone who has had dealings with Moody on a regular or somewhat regular basis and a grudge to boot – like a death eater," Lily concluded. "I think you've discovered that faithful servant Voldemort was talking about earlier."

"That must be him but who is he?" Remus thought aloud. "Moody has dealt with many death eaters."

"I don't know, any of them are possible," Lily rubbed her eyes. "Hey what if the imposter entered Harry's name in the Goblet?"

"But Mya just told us 'Mad-Eye' helped Harry," Remus pointed out. "Unless there is a specific reason why Harry HAD to get through the tournament…"

"Possible," Lily acquiesced. Suddenly a great shout of laughter came from the living room, "Come on, let's go see what those loons are up to."

James and Sirius were busy discussing all the possibilities of what Harry could mean by the fun times coming for them. Sure they could badger Mya about it but it was more to create scenarios, many of which involving girls. Hermione sat with Harry in her lap, not saying a word but enjoying it all the same.

James for one, had decided not to consider anything bad until absolutely necessary. His son had made it through whatever Mya would tell them and that was enough for him, as long as Harry was alive and safe. "I'm telling it has something to do with that Cho girl," James insisted.

Sirius guffawed, "Maybe he pulls a Potter that ends in failure as usual." For his part, Sirius decided to take each event as they came, good or bad. He was committed to giving his godson and the world a better future so he planned to pay attention and try to identify points for change.

James was quick to defend himself, "it didn't always end in failure, I did marry Lily."

"After being turned down for six years," Sirius quipped. "I have to say I am very curious about what our dear bookworm is hiding from us." Hermione stilled for a second time, they were going to be unbearable. "Don't think we didn't notice that little slip earlier Mya."

Hermione raised her shoulders a little, "We know each other, that's all."

"Mhm," Lily hummed as she took her seat. "The professors will back just now." Hermione handed off Harry to his mother and resumed her place with her notes. Right on schedule, the professors came back through the fire.

McGonagall dusted herself off and muttered irritably, "I'll never get the soot off at this rate and this is my best cloak."

"These times do call for sacrifices Minerva," Albus said solemnly to everyone's quickly hidden amusement. "Shall we begin Ms. Granger?"

"Yes headmaster," Hermione looked around, she was more than willing to keep the content mood for as long as possible.