Chapter 88

Harry almost forgot about the assignment he had finished for Professor Snape. Harry quickly turned and ran all the way to Professor Snape's office. As Harry was trying to calm his breathing and heart rate he raised his hand to knock on the door. Before he could, the door swung open and Harry found himself standing in front of his Professor.

"Ah, Mr. Potter. I assume that you are here to turn in the essay I assigned to you on Monday."

"Yes, sir." Harry said still a little out of breath as he reached into his book bag and pulled out the essay.

"For your sake I hope you spent some time on this essay. I just might question you on it to be sure."

"I give you my word that I spent the time to work on the essay and it is all my work. I'm not worried about it Professor. You can ask me anything about the essay, sir." Harry said as he handed Professor Snape the completed essay.

"We will see." Professor Snape said as he accepted the essay.

Harry wasted no time and took off back in the direction of the Great Hall. Harry looked around the Great Hall as he walked in and spotted Mercedes sitting alone as though not there at the Ravenclaw table. Harry walked over to the Ravenclaw table and got Mercedes' attention.

"Harry." Mercedes said surprised.

"Why are you surprised? I am under the impression that you were looking for me."

"Oh right. I'm just not used to anyone noticing me…out of my home that is. Here's my letter to my Aunt Lucinda."

"I will send your letter tonight. I was thinking about sending my own with yours…"

"That would be great really. That way you can explain to my aunt what happened to you, in your own words. The more she knows the better really."

"Perspective of how the incident happened."

"The more details that are put out there should limit the endless questions or the repeating of the same question or questions worded differently to appear as a new question should be minimal."

"I honestly doubt anything will be minimal…this is just going to cause the unwanted attention to resurface. I hate the attention but if I have to go through that to shed light on what the Minister is really up to then so be it. I'll find a way to deal with it."

"If this is not a one-time situation with the Minister or the Ministry…the wizarding world has the right to know what sort of wizard is in office, in a role of authority."

"We will see what happens once this is out there."

"Yes we will. Harry…"

"How about you hang out with me and my friends this weekend? If you want to hang out with us meet me at the top of the staircase leading to Gryffindor Tower after breakfast. If you are not there I won't think anything of it and I'll know that you are still thinking about it."

"Thank you Harry. I do believe that your friends are waiting for you."

"That they are. Not to be rude and to just rush off, but the sooner I eat the sooner I can get our letters out to your Aunt…Lucinda right?"

"Yes. I won't see it as you being rude rushing off. I do understand the situation and Harry I do appreciate that you thought to explain it to me and not just take off. Not many in the world have that courtesy in them. Ginny is one lucky witch…go on you can go."

"Oh, Mercedes, if you don't mind…what is your last name?"

"It's Johnson."

"Why do you say that with sadness in your voice?"

"They adopted me when I was a few days old. I love them dearly…there's…I don't know why my birth parents gave me up. I fantasize that it was a selfless, honorable action. I fear that they simply just didn't want me or that I was a mistake."

"We will talk more, I promise."

"See you Saturday?"

Harry gave Mercedes a friendly smile as he made sure that her letter was in a safe place in a pocket before turning and heading over to his friends.

"Harry if you could have seen the look on her face…I mean the look from here. It was like she glowed or something." Hermione said while grinning.

"I know, but it's like what I said before, she's weird."

"There's more to her than meets eye. I must say that weird does not describe her…troubled somewhat yes."

"Harry what is it?"

"Nothing really, Ginny. I just…there's something about her that …I'll figure it out…"

"Did you find out her last name?" Asked Hermione.

"Yes…she said 'Johnson'. It seems familiar but I just can't place it."

"Johnson…Johnson…she said 'Johnson'?"

"Yeah, why do you ask Ginny?"

"It sounds familiar to me too. "

"I see no point in dwelling over a last name that we can't yet place. She will be joining us in the Room of Requirement this weekend."

"What? Why?"

"Ron give me one good reason why not."

"She's…we don't know anything about her."

"Now, there is a good reason to invite her. Seriously, Ron how else would be able to get to know her if we don't spend time with her. And before you or anyone has the chance to say it…I am not doing this out of charity. I do not pity her."

"She is a witness to what happened at Gringotts so you feel obligated to…"

"I don't feel obligated, Ron. I appreciate what she's doing so as a thank you I thought that it would be nice to include her."

"Harry that sounds…"

"Wrong? I know it does. What I mean though is…I don't know how to explain it right. The bottom line is that she has not done anything cruel to anyone, she hasn't done anything to not be trusted. There's something about her…this is going to drive me crazy until I figure it out. I feel like I should know what it is but…"

"Try not to think about it Harry. It won't do any good to dwell on it and falter on school work. I mean if you are going to be distracted from school work I can think of a better distraction. And this distraction I am sure would be a more pleasurable distraction…on a platonic level…sort of."

Harry could only smile at what Ginny had said. He completely agreed with her but kept that to himself though he was pretty sure that Ginny knew he agrees with her. Harry was truly thankful that he managed to keep his thoughts to himself as seeing the looks on Ginny's brothers' faces.

"Ginny what exactly do you mean by pleasurable?" Asked Fred, George and Ron.

"Just because mum and dad have given their permission for the two of you to date does not mean you can do anything that would be considered pleasurable with any boy." Fred and George added.

"At least not until after you're married." Added Ron.

"You three can't be serious! You know it is possible for two people to be just spending time together, talking or enjoying each other's company and it be pleasurable. Some of the best and simplest pleasures of the world have nothing to do with anything sexual."

"Name one thing…"

"Ron, Fred and George I would like your opinion on something. See I take pleasure, extreme pleasure in playing Quidditch with all of my brothers. Does that mean that I am to no longer play Quidditch with you three, Charlie and Bill?"

"That's different Ginny." Said Ron.

"Actually she has a good point there." Said Fred.

"And not just in general, I have to say that is a good example in describing a pleasurable situation that is relatively platonic."

"Thank you Fred and George. And Ron it is not different. You take pleasure in going to the sweets shop and joke shops it's the same thing."

"Humph."

"How about this Ron, I'll make you a deal."

"What kind of deal?"

"I won't do anything with Harry in public that you want to do with Hermione."

Fred, George and Harry choked; Hermione looked up and around curiously and hopeful to see what would happen with this deal; Ron turned beat red and looked like a fish opening and closing his mouth before taking off to Gryffindor Tower; Neville and Violet laughed.

"So do I have a deal with Ron or not?" Ginny wondered aloud.

"Well, sis…" began George

"Ron did not say 'no deal'." Finished Fred.

Harry smiled knowing full well what Ginny was up to. The deal she was trying to make with Ron really didn't have anything to do with Harry and Ginny. It had more, nearly all, to do with Ron and Hermione. Harry felt that it was really cleaver of Ginny but wondered if it was going to work or make it worse. Harry was just going to have to wait and see what happens over time.

Once dinner was over and they all had retreated to their common room, all except Ron and the twins sat at their usual table and studied or at least gave his or her best impression of studying. It wasn't long until Harry and Ginny were the only ones still up. They stayed down in the common room for a little longer. Their books, quills, ink bottles and pieces of parchment put away in their bags left them with nothing to do. Harry and Ginny moved over to the couch, sitting close to each other enjoying the quiet, peaceful and alone time together. Neither brining up what happened during dinner. As the time slipped by and with neither noticing how late it had become were close to drifting off to sleep. A faint, but resonating pop startled the couple on the couch.

"Harry Potter and missy no being here. Is late." Squeaked out Dobby.

"So it is." Harry said groggily after checking the time and seeing it to be one in the morning.

"Shall go on up to bed then?" Ginny asked sleepily.

"Lead the way." Replied Harry with a yawn.

As they reached the landing that lead on one side to the boys dormitories and the on the other side lead to the girls dormitories the question Ginny asked sunk into Harry's brain.

"Ginny…"

"I realize what I said…if under different circumstances and almost anywhere else…"

Harry sucked in a breath and let it out slowly before saying, "Ginny…"

"Sorry…wait no I'm not. We haven't spent much time together. I mean it seems like we spent more time together before we starting dating…"

"I know and I apologize for that. We'll figure out something, I promise. Once the notice boards list the Hogsmead weekends…although we will have to keep in mind your deal of sorts with your brother…"

"As long we keep certain activities and contact to private settings…"

"Ginny…don't get me wrong…but I don't think that it would be a good idea to spend a lot of time alone…or as you put it private settings. Oh don't worry, we will have that time just not…"

"I know Harry. Good night."

"Good ni…" Harry was cut off by a soft, sweet kiss from Ginny.

Ginny quickly turned and walked through the door that lead to the girls dormitories and ran all the way to her bed before she changed her mind and went back to where she had left Harry.

Harry stood there for a few more seconds stunned but thankful that he was too sleepy to have really caught on. He slowly made his way through the hall of dormitories and walked through the door that held the fourth years living quarters. After reaching his bed Harry readied himself for bed and climbed in. Harry hoped that sleep would claim him quickly before he woke up enough, left the dorm and tried to figure out how to gain access to the girls' dorms. In some ways luck was on his side since sleep did claim him and fast.

Surprisingly Harry and Ginny were up, dressed, had breakfast and made it to their first classes on time despite their late night. It wasn't until lunch that they had an opportunity to talk. Harry had managed to slip out of History of Magic early. Just early enough to have the opportunity to catch Ginny and talk before Ron caught up.

"Harry, I didn't expect to see you without Ron practically glued to you."

"I slipped out of class early without anyone noticing."

"I really hope you don't make a habit out of doing that."

"I won't. The reason why I did today is because…well when does your last class of the day let out?"

"Two-thirty, why?"

"I was simply wondering…my last class lets out at three…I thought that we could meet up…"

"And where were you thinking of meeting up?"

"The Room of Requirement since for obvious reasons the common room or my dormitory is out of the question. Sure Ron will probably still go looking for us but…"

"Being in the Room of Requirement he won't be able to barge in and jump to a conclusion that…"

"…would be wrong since I just want to spend some time alone with you, we can talk or just…"

"…study or try to. I have to admit that last night on the couch was nice and it would be nice to just be, without my brothers overreacting."

"Yes I think it would be a good idea to bring our homework. We can give it our best shot to actually study and possibly actually get some work done. And for should we accomplish actually getting some work done there is nothing that your brothers can say or do about it."

"Oh there is a lot they can say about it and I am sure they'll try to do something about it. Well at least Ron will but I like your idea. I'll meet you in front of the tapestry of Barnabas the Barmy."

"You're right about Ron. I will meet you there as soon as I can. Oh and Ginny please be careful. If something were to happen…"

"I'll be careful Harry, I promise. If something were to happen it wouldn't be your fault since obviously you wouldn't and don't want anything bad to happen to me."

Before Harry could comment Ginny's brothers and Hermione were just about within hearing distance and did not want to explain what he had been discussing with Ginny. Harry knew it would not be a big deal or any kind of deal with Hermione but Ginny's brothers were another story.

As the group reached Harry and Ginny, Harry caught looks that read 'what are you up too?' on Fred and George's faces. Harry started to feel nervous though Fred and George said nothing and they asked nothing as they sat down. Ron was quiet and Hermione gave Harry and Ginny a small smile. Lunch went by fairly fast and quiet or at least Ron remained silent throughout the meal.

"Good afternoon." Professor Flitwick greeted his class once they were all there and had taken their seats.

A few murmured a 'good afternoon' back to their Professor the rest were either in agreement or disagreed with their Professor.

"Settle down now. In order to have your attention and all of it from all of you…once you successfully master the charm you will learn to day you may leave even if there is still class time. So you know I have decided and have cleared with Professor Dumbledore that for fourth years and up, once you master the charm you are free to go. Now…"

Whatever Professor Flitwick was going to say was somewhat incoherent since a soft murmur waffled throughout the classroom. Hermione and a few others were close to being furious with all the murmuring it was difficult to hear what Professor Flitwick had been talking about. Hermione though was fairly sure she caught enough to give it a try. She was not frustrated that she had not succeeded yet well at least not extremely frustrated. It was understandable to her since she had not been able to catch everything Professor Flitwick had said but was happy still since no one else seemed to be as close as she was to being successful with mastering the charm. She finally reached success and noticed that Harry had also been successful. Harry, Hermione and two others were dismissed from class. Harry as quickly as he could, slipped out of the class room causing Hermione to run after him.

"Hey, Harry. Harry! Wait up a second."

"Hermione. Not to be rude or anything but I'm in a bit of a hurry…"

"I noticed, though why you are in a hurry anyway?"

"I have my reasons…"

"I'm really sorry Harry…I should have realized that you and Ginny…the two of you haven't really spent much time alone…okay I'll just go…see you…I'll see you whenever. Bye." Hermione stuttered and then took off in a different direction then where Harry was headed.

Harry turned around and resumed walking with a smile on his face and laughing silently. As he reached the hallway with the tapestry of Barnabas the Barmy he did not see Ginny anywhere and started wondering if she had been able to get away or if she was inside waiting for him. Harry walked past the blank wall opposite the tapestry three times, when the archway and door appeared he did not believe that Ginny was already there. He thought about whether or not he should go inside and wait or go look for her. Looking for her though could potentially result in bumping into Ginny's brothers and preventing the two from spending some alone time together. Harry was lost in his thoughts about several different things and did not hear anyone approaching.

"Harry sorry I'm late I lost track of the time and then had a slightly difficult time dodging Ron. It is a miracle that I managed to grab my book bag and bring it with me."

"It's okay Ginny, you're here now." Harry said a little breathlessly. He had been startled at suddenly hearing a voice from behind him.

"So shall we?"

"Ladies first." Harry said with a smile and holding out his arm in a gesture for her to go in ahead of him.

Ginny smiled up at Harry as she walked into the Room of Requirement first. She was vaguely aware of Harry following behind her and closing the door. The room was on the small side, cozy. There were two overstuffed chairs, a small couch that would seat two, a high coffee table that was not tall enough to be called a table like in the Great Hall or in the Gryffindor Common room but taller than the average coffee table, an end table next to each overstuffed chair and a fireplace. The flickering of the fireplace bathed the room with dim lighting but enough light that they would be able to see enough to do their assignments if they were to do so. Ginny made up her mind that she and Harry would return to this room as often as possible without attracting attention to themselves.

"Harry…" Ginny whispered but could think of nothing else to say.

"I know." Harry said understanding what Ginny could not find to say.

"Where would like to sit?" Ginny asked softly.

"You choose." Harry replied.

Ginny looked up at Harry with a smile on her face. A smile that was sweet with a tad of mischief in it. Ginny then led them to the couch. The set their book bags on the high coffee table and sat down on the couch. There was no space in between them not even for air to pass in between them. Ginny leaned into Harry resting her head on his chest. Harry had his arm wrapped around her. For the first half hour they just sat there silently relishing in the time alone. Neither one needed to speak or needed to hear the other to speak. It was nice to just sit there away from everything else.

"We should probably get some work done." Ginny said softly, hoping that Harry had not heard her.

"We should." Harry agreed before he carefully sat up.

Harry and Ginny picked up their book bags, pulled out their books, assignments and what they would need. As they read chapters and scratched out on parchment what had been asked for that assignment they would accidently brush the arm of the other causing a momentary pause in their studying. They would look at each other, give a small smirk before taking a deep breath and return to studying. Each time one would brush the other it was that much harder to go back to studying then it had been the first time or the time before. It had been about an hour since they had started working on their assignments and had now finished them. Once they put away their things in their school bags they sat back on the couch, sitting how they had been that first half hour in the room.

After a few minutes passed Harry though absentmindedly started to softly rub Ginny's arm. Ginny thinking that Harry was trying to get her attention without startling her sat up slightly and looked up at Harry.

Harry glanced down at Ginny wondering why she had moved. Harry intended on asking her why but instead he brought his other hand around and cradled her face in his hand. His hand lingered on her face as they stared into each other's eyes. Harry leaned closer to Ginny and kissed her, softly with the intention of just being a sweet, simple little soft kiss. He had not expected her to kiss him back and was somewhat powerless to stop the kiss from becoming more. Harry knew he should not be allowing the kiss to continue but could not find the strength to stop the kiss. A part of him rationalized it that they had not had much time alone and it had been even longer since they had kissed, the previous kiss really did not count since it was only a good night kiss or more of a good night peck. Before much more time passed by Ginny was straddling Harry's lap, not that either of them were completely aware of this. They were also oblivious to a 'popping' sound.

"Dobby no means to interrupt. Is time for dinner." The elf squeaked out causing the couple to break apart quickly.

Though no one could have walked in and seen them as they had been it was still startling to say the least.

"D-dobby." Harry sputtered.

"Dobby sorry. Is time for dinner. Miss and Harry Potter's friends worrying."

"It's okay Dobby. Let me guess my brothers are the ones that are worrying." Ginny said with laughter faint in her voice.

"Just youngest one, miss."

"Figures." Harry and Ginny softly muttered.

"Dobby what time is it? I mean other than time for dinner."

"Ten after five." Dobby squeaked out.

"Thank you Dobby. Why is it that at least one of our friends overreacts if I am not somewhere right on the dot?"

"I don't know. I'm not meaning to give you a bad time about it, but when you took off the night before we were to return to school…you know Ron, Harry. Then factor in that I'm also not anywhere for him to see me and the fact that you have permission to date me…"

"Shit! Your brothers are going to kill me before I can explain…"

"Harry James Potter! They are not going to kill you. I will not allow it. And yes it is that simple. They will have to get past me first."

"How can you be so sure that you'll be able to get through to them…"

"Simple. All I have to do is threaten them with Mum."

"You do know that eventually that won't work. They'll realize that it's just a threat."

"I know when they think…that is I can tell when they think that I am just trying to use telling Mum is a scare tactic. When I can read that on their faces I follow through on the threat. Yes most of the time it is just as a scare tactic or an empty threat but if it seems that they might be on to me I follow through with it."

"With you saying that, Fred and George could learn something from you."

"I'll never tell them my tricks how I manage to get my way with almost everyone."

"Almost everyone?'

"Yeah, almost everyone right now that is. I know that in time I will get my way with everyone. I highly recommend that you do not ask me to elaborate on that."

"Ginny…"

"I'm doing my best to be patient but I still think about it though. It's difficult not to think about it sometimes."

"I do realize that Ginny. I was just going to say that we should head to the Great Hall and get some dinner to avoid your brothers or well to avoid Ron demanding a search party for us, particularly you."

"Oh. That would be a really good idea."

Harry and Ginny looked over at Dobby. Dobby had laughed or more like giggled. Hearing the house elf giggle was strange yet it was intriguing to Harry and Ginny.

"Thank you Dobby for letting us know that it is time for dinner."

"Harry Potter needs not thank Dobby." The house elf said just before disappearing with a 'pop'.

Ginny carefully climbed off of Harry's lap, stood there in front of him for a brief moment and then leaned over to pick up her book bag. Ginny slung the shoulder strap of her book bag over her shoulder and waited for Harry to do the same. Once Harry had stood up he grabbed his book bag slipping the shoulder strap over his shoulder and took Ginny's hand into his before leading them out of the Room of Requirement.

As they reached the doors to the Great Hall Ginny slipped her hand out of Harry's.

"I just think that it would be better that we didn't walk in holding hands. This is the first time we spent any time alone together and I'd rather not set off Ron. Next time on the other hand to hell with my brothers. They know mum and dad gave you the okay to date me so…"

"I agree and understand what you're saying and you're right. Don't forget about the deal you made with Ron."

"On second thought maybe we should walk in holding hands." Ginny said deviously with a smirk on her face.

Harry did not argue with Ginny. He did smile in response to what she had said. Harry gave no resistance when Ginny took his hand. He closed his hand around hers and then walked into the Great Hall. As they reached their friends Harry suddenly wasn't so sure about this but was curious as to how it all was going to play out.

"Where were the two of you hiding?" Hermione asked curiously with a small but knowing smile on her face.

"Studying somewhere quiet." Ginny replied.

"But you weren't in the library." Ron said puzzled.

"The library is not the only quiet place in all of Hogwarts." Ginny said humorously.

"You weren't in the common room or the library…so where else could there be a quiet place?"

"Well, Ron, for starters the common room is practically never quiet since usually there are several witches and wizards in there at any given moment with the exception of meals but then again there are the rare occasions when students are there. The noise level in the common room at times is unbearable, I mean one can't even hear themselves think. Ron I know you can think." Ginny said annoyed.

"Of course I can think."

"Then prove it." Ginny said in a slightly goading tone in her voice.

"You were in the Room of…" Ron trailed off as he noticed that Ginny and Harry were holding hands and remained silent.

"Something wrong Ron?" Ginny asked with a smirk on her face.

Ron did not reply to his sister. His eyes remained on their hands for a moment longer and then turned back around to eat his dinner or rather pushed his food around on his plate with his fork.

"You did at least study for part of the time, right?" Asked Fred and George.

"Of course we studied." Ginny said firmly.

"If you must know Fred, George your sister and I finished all assigned work for the week. Or well what has been assigned so far this week there's still tomorrow." Harry added speaking for the first time.

"And that's all you did." Said Fred.

"Do you expect us to believe that?" Asked George.

"Yes. And that is the answer to both questions." Harry said calmly.

"Then why are the two of you holding hands?" Ron softly muttered.

"Because that's what couples do when they are dating." Harry quietly muttered in response.

Ginny tugged on Harry's hand indicating that she wanted to sit down. Harry gave Ginny a smirk and followed her a few steps down and joined her at the table for dinner.

The Great Hall's noise level was the normal level with the exception of a small group eating in complete silence.

Harry was surprised that Ron had not said anything about him holding hands with Ginny but was also glad. Harry then recalled how Ron had been where Hermione was concerned but mostly how Ron was where Draco was concerned and only recently had Ron changed his tune to a degree about Draco. Harry then chanced a glance at Hermione who looked a little hurt. Ron remaining quiet had come across to at least her that Ron did not want to hold hands with her. Ginny had hoped that her brother would have had some sort of fit about her holding hands with Harry. Since Ron had not said anything about it or at least not how she had hoped he would, Ginny then started to think of what she could do that would get some kind of fit of sorts out of her youngest brother. The twins weren't all that surprised that Ron did not go off, the young couple had been only holding hands after all. The twins were patiently waiting for that moment when Ron did go off. Ron on the other hand did not want to say anything knowing his little sister and the day she had tossed out a deal that he had not exactly agreed to though he knew that he had not said 'no deal'. Ron was, had been and was going to be feeling insecure. He could not see what Hermione could possible see in him. He did not have the brains that she did so how could he have a conversation with her without her being bored to death. What could he really offer her? Could he take the chance? Would she be happy or would she laugh in his face and never acknowledge he exists? Ron did not know if he could and feared that Ginny was going to get him to do something and have it all out in the open. Ron was terrified that it was going to happen in a fairly public area of the school. He was not sure if he could live through that and decided to do everything he could to not say a damn word about whatever Ginny and Harry were doing. Ron obviously was not thinking this all the way through and if he had just for a moment gave Hermione a glance he would have thought twice about the decision to keep quiet or possibly even may have decided to do something about how he feels for Hermione on his terms providing he could find his Gryffindor courage to do so.

The Great Hall had emptied of everyone except Ron who had stayed behind. Ron realized that he was the only one left in the Great Hall and realized that he had been imitating pushing food around on his plate with a fork for a while though he was not sure when exactly his plate of food and eating utensils had vanished. He immediately stopped moving his hand as though he was pushing food around on a plate. Ron was not upset that no one had informed him that they were leaving or mentioned that dinner was over. He was instead a bit relieved as he thought about it. This way he would not open his mouth and ruin the friendship he currently had with Hermione unless he had already done that somehow. As much as Ron would like to be with Hermione he did not want to hurt her and feared that he would if he hadn't already but if he had he hoped that he would be able to make it up to her if she'd let him. He was going to do his best not to let himself become riled up over something and figure out how to buck up and do something before he messed up so bad that he loses her in all aspects of his life. He had been in the Great Hall for at least an hour and a half after dinner had ended and finally got up from where he had been sitting and headed to the Gryffindor common room.

Meanwhile…..

As Harry walked into the Gryffindor common room he had thought that he would sit on the couch with Ginny and the rest of his and her friends for a little while and headed towards the couch. He felt Ginny's hand wrap around his right and pull him off in another direction. Not until he was standing on the landing that lead to the dorm rooms did he realize where Ginny had led him.

"Ginny…what are you up to?" Harry asked nervously.

"Nothing. I promise Harry, I'm not up to anything. I just want to talk in private, to talk in a quiet place without risking getting into trouble by going back to the Room of Requirement. It's too noisy and…well, I'll tell you once we are alone."

Harry was quite nervous as he led the way to the boys' dormitories. He became even more nervous as he reached the fourth year boys' dormitory. Harry believed that Ginny only wanted to talk and nothing more other than just more time alone but he was not sure if it would stay that way. Could he or they resist temptation? The only answer to that was to wait and find out if they could or not since they had reached his four-poster bed. Harry sat down and hoped that his nervousness did not show.

Ginny could tell that Harry was nervous and was pretty sure she knew why. Though her intentions were to just talk and possibly spend a little more alone time with Harry she was also nervous and hoped that she could behave herself as she had promised in the past. Ginny took a deep breath, let it out slowly and then sat next to Harry on his bed.

"I thought for sure that Ron would have said something. Other than the remark about why we were holding hands but he didn't. Did you see Hermione? I think she was hoping that he would have. Are you sure that my brother fancies Hermione? I don't mean to sound as though I am questioning you despite the fact that I am…just not in the way…"

"Ginny relax. I know what you mean. And yes I did see Hermione's reaction to how Ron reacted or didn't react to seeing that we were holding hands after finding out that we were alone in the Room of Requirement. If he's not careful he is going to lose her as a friend even. I don't know what else I can or what anyone else can say that will get through to him. Hermione might be able to get through to him but I don't know if she will though."

"What is his problem?"

"He doesn't feel that he has anything to offer her. At one point it even had to do with money though I am sure or well at least I think that he knew and knows that she doesn't care about that. He's so afraid of hurting her and the result is that he has hurt her and sadly he doesn't realize it yet."

"How long do you think Hermione will wait for him to come around before she moves on?"

"I don't know. I do know that he had better figure it out and soon."

"You mean because of Viktor Krum."

"Yes. Hey hold on. How does she know about him? I know she could care less about Quidditch…"

"Magazines. Witch Weakly in other words. He was in one of them a while back. There was this huge article about him. Still in school, being scouted by professional Quidditch teams and of course landing a spot on the Bulgarian team. It's big news to land a spot on one of the Professional teams while still in school. And if I remember correctly I believe that this is his last year at Durmstrang. It seems strange that he's still in school. You'd think that he would be done with school, I mean if you look at it how Hogwarts goes…it just goes to show that Durmstrang is different than Hogwarts aside from how they actually learn the Dark Arts. Just naming a few differences between the schools."

"That makes sense I guess. I take it that Hermione told you what I let her know…"

"Yes. I can't believe that Ron is being such a dunderhead! I can't believe that I can't believe that he's being a dunderhead. If he keeps this up…he can't get jealous if she starts going out with others and ignore her at the same time. Maybe she should go out a few times with other boys maybe…yeah right what am I thinking I'm talking about Ron."

"I know he's being a git but you shouldn't be so hard on him. He's your brother after all…"

"I know but…don't get me wrong I do love him but…he just pisses me off. Hold on, I wonder…"

"What do you wonder, Ginny?"

"What if he kept his mouth shut because of the deal I attempted to make with him? If he hasn't realized that he just needs to give it a shot you know try and see what happens."

"And he didn't tell you to piss off about your 'deal'. With him feeling the way he does…ah hell. That aside though he needs to do something or it's going to get really ugly around here. Not to be an ass but I would rather not talk about this anymore…tonight that is."

"So, I'm not the only one getting depressed over this?"

"No you are not."

"Would you have any objections to me staying awhile longer? Right here, with you but a bit more comfortable."

"You know I don't. I would like it a lot if you did but…"

"You feel it's not a good idea."

"Yes."

"Harry I promise I won't do anything. I just want to…"

"I know. Ginny…"

"Yeah."

"I am not objecting nor have I objected…I just feel that it's not a good idea…the temptation that…" Harry was cut off by Ginny hugging him.

Ginny being so excited that when she hugged Harry in her enthusiasm knocked them both over on to Harry's bed with Ginny on top of him.

"Sorry. I did not mean to…"

"I know Ginny. I…could you…this…" Harry sputtered.

Ginny carefully rolled off of Harry with a soft smile on her face and a slight blush to her cheeks. Ginny stretched out next to Harry and closed her eyes. All she wanted to do at that moment was cuddle up to him but was sure that if she did that it would be pushing the temptation over the top for Harry and quite possibly for herself as well.

Harry could not help it but smile when Ginny as enthusiastic as she was when hugging him caused them to fall back onto his bed. He was a little down when she had rolled off of him but understood and he had of course without the words themselves asked her to do so. A few seconds passed with Harry wanting and hoping that Ginny would cuddle up to him. He wanted her closer to him so he could hold her as close to him as he possibly could without pushing the temptation too far. Though he knew that being in that close proximity of her was going to push it he still wanted her closer to him, wanted her to be leaning against him and wanted to be able to wrap his arm around her.

"Ginny…"

"Hmm."

"You don't have to be so far away you know."

"Harry…I don't know if…"

"Come here. Please. You are too far away from me."

"Are you sure about that?"

"No, but I want you next to me, as close as you can get without being a part of me."

"You are pushing it you know."

"I know but still."

Ginny sighed nervously and rolled over on to her side. She cuddled up to his side, gently throwing her arm over his body, rested her head on his chest over his heart and laid her leg over one of his pinning it in place. Ginny could hear Harry suck in a breath and his heart start to beat faster nearly pounding. She knew that this was a tad bit much so soon after what had happened earlier in the Room of Requirement. Ginny had made a decision and was about to go through with moving a way but was not able to do so. Harry had wrapped his arm around her and held her close, held her firmly right where she was. He did not want her to move away from him. Not that he had any idea that she was going to, he just did not want to give her the chance or opportunity to do so.

Though both Harry and Ginny were nervous and not sure if they could resist the temptation found out that they could in fact resist it or at least for now. They had fallen asleep in the position they had been shortly after tumbling to the bed due to Ginny's enthusiastic hug. Neither stirred as two of Harry's roommates entered the dormitory.

Dean and Seamus were doing their best to be quiet and managed to succeed to be quiet as they backed out of the dormitory. Dean had just closed the door and both Dean and Seamus turned around to find Ron heading in their direction.

"Ron where were you?" Dean asked hoping to distract Ron and possibly be able to get the red head to go back down to the common room and they'd talk.

"I just left the Great Hall. No one mentioned anything about dinner being over but its okay I didn't and don't mind."

"Are you sure about that? You don't look so good. Maybe you should go see Madam Pomfrey…"

"I'm fine Seamus. Would you and Dean please move out of the way?"

Dean and Seamus looked at each other for a second and then back at Ron, neither Dean nor Seamus moved from standing in front of the door.

"What is going on?"

"Nothing, why do you ask?"

"Get out of my way I'm tired and want to go to bed."

Dean and Seamus tried to keep Ron from going into their dorm they knew it was not going to be quiet for long. They attempted to get Ron to go back down to the common room but Ron was not going for that and pushed passed the two boys and walked into the dorm room. Dean quickly followed Ron into the room. Seamus was about to do the same when he saw Neville walking along the hall.

"Neville you might want to turn around and go back down to the common room. As a matter of fact would you go back down to the common room and get Fred and George. Do it quietly. If at all possible I suggest that Hermione doesn't come here to find out what is going on. With any luck she'll already be in her dorm room."

"What's going on?"

"Ron just walked into our dorm. Harry and Ginny at the moment are passed out on Harry's bed. It's obvious that they fell asleep and nothing happened but you know Ron."

"Oi." Neville said as he turned around and ran back down the hall and through the door to get back to the common room.

Neville glanced around and did not see Hermione anywhere in the common room and with relief he made his way over to the twins and quietly told them what Seamus had told him. The three Gryffindor's ran up the stairs and all the way to the fourth year boys' dormitory. From the moment they entered the hall to the dormitories they could hear Ron yelling and sped up a bit to ensure that nothing unforgivable happened like someone hexing another or worse.

"Merlin's balls!" Said Fred.

"What the bloody hell is going on in here?" Asked George.

"Ask them!" Ron shouted as he pointed to Harry and Ginny.

"Ron piss off. Nothing happened and nothing was going on. We were asleep when you came in you could see that we were asleep." Ginny yelled at the top of her lungs.

"Wait a second. Are you telling us that Ron is having this fit because the two of you were just sleeping?" The twins asked.

"Basically, yes." Answered Ginny.

"Ginny has been doing all the talking. Harry hasn't said a word."

"Ron you and your sister have not let me get a word in. Although, it would be pointless to repeat everything your sister has said. Not that it is any of your business but you have been told the truth. Ginny and I had been talking, she wanted to stay a little longer and we fell asleep. As you all can see we are fully dressed and not under the blankets. I will add, if this has anything do with the deal you somewhat inadvertently made with Ginny than you better do something before it's too late."

"I made no deal with Ginny."

"Actually Ron you did." Said Fred.

"You did not tell her 'no deal'." Added George.

"I didn't agree to it."

"You didn't disagree either." Ginny chimed in.

"This has nothing to do with me but with you and Harry."

"Whatever Ron. You always jump to conclusions and you are always wrong. And this does have to do with you…a little bit anyway. Oh come on Ron. It's obvious that you would like to fall asleep with Hermione cuddling you the way I was with Harry. Deny it all you want but by the look on your face right now I am right. Stop being a git and tell Hermione or let her know that you are interested in her as more than a friend and then we'll all be happy. Just because you are having issues with whether or not you are enough for Hermione does not mean that the rest of us have to miserable as well. Until you find or grow the balls needed please let the rest of us, those of us that are happy be happy and leave us alone."

Ron's face was beat red and he could not find any coherent words to say to his sister. He turned and stomped off to his bed and climbed in roughly throwing his blankets over his body and head.

Ginny not quite awake despite yelling back and forth with her brother stumbled out of the dorm room, down the hall to return to the landing and then all the way to her dorm room and bed.

Fred and George left the fourth year dorm and headed down the hall to the sixth years dorm. The other three boys kept to themselves not saying a single word to anyone as they readied themselves for bed and went to bed. Harry sighed then readied for bed before climbing in his bed. As he drifted off to sleep he hoped that Ron would be in a better mood in the morning but was not going to hold his breath on that.

Harry woke up to the faint sounds of rustling and a door closing. He reached over to the night stand next to his bed for his glasses and then put them on. Harry looked around the dorm room. After just one sweep with his eyes of the room Harry knew who had just left. Only one bed was empty and that bed belonged to Ron. Harry remained lying on his bed for a while longer and then got out of bed. Since it was still quite early yet Harry did not change out of his night clothes and headed down to the common room to see if Ron was in a better mood than last night.

Harry quietly made his way down to the common room so that Ron would not be alerted to anyone heading down providing Ron was even down there. Though lighting was quite dim Harry could not see anyone as he reached the landing at the top of the staircase. As slowly and quietly as he could Harry walked down the stairs. As he reached the bottom of the stairs he looked around again but still saw no one around. Harry turned around and went back up to the fourth year boys' dormitory. After getting ready for the day Harry headed down to the Great Hall thinking that Ron left early to avoid everyone that had been there last night. As Harry walked through the castle to the Great Hall he would not be surprised to find Ron there since he had not had much for dinner and was sure that Ron was hungry to say the least.

Once through the doors to the Great Hall Harry spotted Ron easily since he was the only Gryffindor at their house table and there weren't many other students in the Great Hall at that hour but it would not be long until the rest of the student body made their way down. Harry made his way over to Ron. Harry said nothing, just sat down next to Ron and waited to see if Ron was going to say anything first or if he was going to have to say the first thing. Several minutes had passed and more students were arriving for breakfast. Ron had not said a word and Harry knew that he wasn't going to be the one to speak first.

"Ron I give you my word as wizard that nothing happened last night. Ginny wanted to talk somewhere quiet without ending up getting caught out after hours. She just wanted to stay a little longer and we fell asleep…"

"You could have told her not to stay."

"Sure I could have but…"

"But, what?"

"To be honest I didn't want her to go. Other than we fell asleep, nothing happened."

"But the way you were…"

"Ron I know how it must have looked to you but no one else is assuming that something may have happened. You are the only one that is so sure that…"

"I know nothing happened last night between you and Ginny. It was obvious yes. I just…I don't know…I…"

"The 'deal' with Ginny."

"I didn't agree to it."

"You didn't disagree…"

"I didn't agree though."

"Then what is the problem?"

"Everyone is taking it as though I agreed with Ginny and I didn't. I mean so what if I didn't tell her to shove it about her deal. I did not agree to it."

"Ron…"

"Yes I like Hermione and not just as a friend but..."

"Ron stop thinking about it and see what happens."

Ron did not say anything but did look around and was obviously nervous.

"There's hardly anyone from Gryffindor and the other tables wouldn't be able to hear a thing unless you were to scream it out real loud. Hermione isn't even here yet. In fact the only ones that do talk to her…"

"Are you and me. I just…I can't stop thinking that she could do better than me. I am nowhere near her level of intelligence not that I don't have any because I do even though I don't use it much. Okay so rarely do I ever use my brains, I admit it. I want to let her know and I am trying to deal with my issues and then Ginny…I know she meant and means well and was just trying to help but…"

"Okay. I think I get what you are saying. I will talk to her about it. I will suggest that you make it obvious that you have not accepted Ginny's deal but don't be a git about it when you do."

"I just know that she'll…"

"Ron you do not know what Hermione will do once you let her know that you your interests are not simply friendship. As for what does she see in you? Well ask her. You are good enough to be a friend when you act like one so I don't see why you wouldn't be good enough to being more."

"Thanks Harry."

"Don't mention it. Oh, it would be extremely intelligent to apologize to Ginny the second you see her. And that piece of advice is strictly between you and me."

Ron nodded in agreement instead verbalizing it. Ron had spotted the group they normally would hang out with. With them being so close Ron did not want to end up saying too much. Harry was trying to help him though Ron felt that he did not deserve the help considering what he has put Harry through as well as others and did not want Harry on Ginny's bad side not even for the briefest of moments.

As Ginny reached the spot where Harry and Ron were, Ron stood up and managed to get his apology out before she continued yelling at him for last night.

"Ginny I apologize for last night. I overreacted and I know I seem to be doing a lot of that lately. I will try to be calm and not assume anything. I can't promise that I won't ever assume anything again but I can try to not assume things."

Ginny had been ready to give Ron a true piece of her mind for the previous night's situation but was rendered speechless when her brother apologized to her. Not only had he apologized but it was in the middle of the Great Hall with the entire staff minus Trelawney and Binns and nearly the entire student body present. She was sure that Harry mentioned that Ron should apologize and she was not upset about that. Ginny knew that Ron's apology was sincere and all his own words if not it would have been blatantly obvious.

"Okay." Ginny managed to mutter out with the indication that she accepted her brother's apology.

"What happened last night? And if anyone tells me nothing I am going to hex that individual or those individuals to oblivion."

"I overreacted is all Hermione. Nothing new with me it would seem. I clearly misinterpreted something involving my sister and Harry."

"Oh." Hermione said so softly that no one could be certain that they had heard her.

Ginny rolled her eyes and then sat down on Harry's other side.

After Harry and Ginny finished breakfast, Harry did not feel like sitting around waiting for the rest. Harry wrapped his hand around one of Ginny's, stood up and gently tugged on her hand. Ginny got the message, stood up and followed Harry out of the Great Hall.

"I know you told Ron to apologize."

"I suggested that it would best to do so…"

"I'm not mad Harry. The apology was obviously of Ron's own mind. I'm just glad that Hermione is fairly clueless…the details, she's clueless about the details of last night but she obviously has an idea as to what happened."

"Ginny about the deal you attempted to make with Ron…"

"Don't tell me you are taking his side."

"I'm on Hermione's side and I do not want to see her so hurt by all of this. Don't get me wrong I do agree with you but I also agree with Ron. He obviously isn't taking the…pressure well…"

"Pressure?"

"He feels pressure…added pressure. I am sure it is his own making but it doesn't take away the fact that he feels is. He was supposed to also make it clear that he had not accepted or taken your deal."

"You might want to let him know that he should do that and soon because until he does some are going to think that the deal is in play."

"I will. We still should help him with finding a way to let Her…" Harry trailed off as several students left the Great Hall including the rest of the fourth year Gryffindor's.

"I'll see you later Harry."

"See you Ginny."

Harry watched Ginny walk off back towards Gryffindor Tower, she had little more time before her first class of the day. Harry was still standing in the same spot staring off in the direction that Ginny had gone though she was no longer in his sight. It wasn't until Ron shoulder bumped him that Harry was pulled back to the here and now. Harry turned to look at Ron and found a friendly, playing-around type smile on his best friends face.

"Thanks Ron."

"Yeah well I didn't think that you'd want to be late to Herbology and I am sure that Professor Sprout would not appreciate you walking in late and disrupting the class."

"So true."

Harry then looked behind him to find Hermione standing right there with a faint scowl on her face.

"Hermione really its fine that Ron…"

"Are you sure?" Hermione asked with a frown on her face and a threatening death glare while staring at Ron."

"Yes I'm sure Hermione. We had better get going or the three of us will be late to class. It wouldn't look too bad if Ron and I were late but if you, Hermione, were late to any class…"

"The teachers and student body would be overjoyed I'm sure." Hermione said sarcastically.

"That's not true Hermione and you know it. The teacher or well, most of the teachers would be concerned about you. Not all of the student body would be overjoyed there are some that would be quite freaked out if you weren't in class because they rely on you to keep the attention off of them. Not that I feel that way or anything. It just wouldn't be the same without you in the class. If not for you I'd goof around in classes as well." Ron said with a genuine and honest smile on his face.

"I suppose you are right about most of the teachers and maybe some of the students we have classes with that aren't in Slytherin. You are definitely right about me being the reason you don't goof around in classes. Ron, why do you say that it wouldn't be the same in class if I wasn't there?" Hermione said in a more cheerful mood.

"Because you wouldn't be there to try your best to make sure that I paid attention in class to the teachers and not goof off. Sure sometimes I'm distracted by…things…we better go. I don't want to be late." Ron said as he took off out of the castle towards the greenhouses for Herbology.

"What was that all about?"

"Nice try Harry. I know he was not originally going to say 'things'. I mean if it were just things then why the blushing? I wish he'd give himself a chance. He gets so jealous but doesn't do anything but ignore me on some level and then there's the times like what just happened. He was so close to…"

"I know Hermione. I wish that there was something else I could say that would help."

"I know Harry. Sometimes I wish that was more interested in wizards' chess or Quidditch, I mean it would make a lot easier…I suppose I could try to be more interested…"

"Hermione as thoughtful as that was…that's not you. Wait you still have Ron's books on wizard's chess…this will have to wait until later though."

Hermione looked at her watch as Harry said the last part. Both Harry and Hermione ran all the way to the greenhouse they'd be working in that year. Though out of breath and not sure if they'd be able to focus or retain what Professor Sprout attempted to teach them, they made it with merely seconds to spare.

The rest of the day went by quickly without much from Ron. Ron gave an indication of some sort to let others know that he had heard them and or understood what had been said, otherwise he was silent. To the surprise of everyone Ron on his own pulled out his books, parchment, ink bottle, quill, parchment and began working on his assignments. Most felt that it was about time that Ron actually did his assignments without being reminded or giving him a reminder or suggesting that he do so. Hermione had mixed emotions on the matter, yes it was about time that Ron worked on his assignments without anyone saying anything to him. But she was also frustrated and a little hurt that Ron was avoiding speaking and had been this way since that morning before tier first class. Hermione knew that she would not be able to take this from Ron for much longer. She thought about if the opportunity presented itself she was not going to turn it down and wait for Ron to come around and just take a chance. She also thought and hoped that if he were to see her not so available that he might do something or would do something. Though she knew that it most likely would backfire on her she still hoped and had to do something or try something and see what happens. She simply wanted Ron to decide what he wanted. She knew he had to either put all other feelings aside and just be a friend or act on his feelings and he had to stop being so jealous all the time no matter what the relationship was to be between them, friends or more.

Saturday rolled around before they knew it. As the twins, Ron, Hermione, Ginny, Harry, Violet, Neville, Mercedes, Draco and Dudley finished his or her breakfast he or she left the Great Hall and headed straight to the Room of Requirement. Neville was feeling rather anxious and could hardly wait to tell everyone what happened over the summer. Finally he was going to be able to tell his story and it was the right time, any longer and he was sure that he would burst.

After everyone had entered the Room of Requirement and took a seat, Neville stood up and told them what had happened when he and Sirius had arrived at his Gran's house. Neville reached the part where his Gran had asked why she wouldn't have worried he stopped to take a breath and of course to make them wait a bit longer.

"Neville what did you say?" Hermione asked anxiously.

Neville paused before answering Hermione. A smile that was pure pride washed over Neville's face. "I then told her, 'Oh I don't know…I'm not my parent's maybe. Or maybe due to the fact that I am not living up to the 'Longbottom' family name. Don't give me that look Gran. As often as you can you remind of what I just said. I am not my parents, I am myself. Maybe if you accept me for me and actually find a way to help me with positive encouragement I just might be a better wizard. It would be nice to not have to go through how disappointed you are that I am not living up to your expectations that I am sure no one could manage to come even close to doing. Oh and if I had my own wand, a wand that has chosen me I just might do better in my classes and just in general. Don't get me wrong, I am not complaining about my father's wand it has done okay for me but it's not the same as if the wand had chosen me. Gran, I love you. If I have come across as disrespectful…that was not my intention. I am just fed up with being compared to my parents and told that by several that it's difficult to believe that I am a Longbottom with my poor or dismal performance in school and as a young child. I may have been really young but the semi-loss of my parents obviously affected me. I am still a bit drained from the events after the Quidditch World Cup and I can't say that I slept all that well last night so I am going up to my room to rest. I would appreciate it if someone would let me know when it's time for lunch.' And then I went up to my room."

"How good did it feel? To vent I mean." Said Draco.

"Honestly at first I was terrified. You don't know how my Gran is. But mostly it felt really good. I mean it was like taking down some kind of barrier that had been in the way my whole life."

"You have been compared to your parents all this time?" Asked a horrified Ron.

"All the time. With how great my parents were individually and together they felt or assumed that I would live up to my parents' abilities or even surpass them. By the time I showed signs of being magical I would hear comments that some thought that I was going to be a squib and then they would go on in time and not that they would say it outright that they were disappointed but I could hear it in their voices and it didn't help when they would describe my magical ability to be poor or dismal."

"Neville…I…with knowing all that now…you have actually been doing really well to be honest.

"Hermione, you have got to be joking right?"

"No I'm not Neville. Not a word from anyone just yet any way. Let me explain. Neville everyone in your family and friends of your family all were expecting extraordinary things from you. Your parents as individuals were extremely good…great in what they did, their magic and in their careers. Then put them together and they, from what I have heard and read, were a force not to be reckoned with. Too much was expected and what was expected is just crazy. Your magic didn't show as soon as it does with most. No one taking in account that you would be affected by the disappearance of your parents, well at least in your eyes, the way your mind would have processed the fact that your parents suddenly were no longer around. It would have processed to one so young as an unexplained disappearance. By the time you received the explanation of why your parents were no longer present like they had been your magic and abilities would not be where most others would be. You went through the disappearance of your parents, your magic not showing when they expected it began to doubt that you had any magic, your magic shows late and suddenly the expectations are so high that it would be impossible for anyone to reach or surpass and of course the lack of support and positive encouragement…with all of that all at once, all the time and yet you have succeeded in areas which is amazing in itself. In other areas where you are not doing well is understandable. Now if you had, had the support, encouragement and if others had paused and realized that even though were so young you still would have felt and noticed something was amiss…the things you could already be doing. Harry, Dudley…Vernon Dursley was an abusive brute if he had not been and had actually believed and accepted magic things would have been quite different. Draco…not I know I do not need to say anything more there. Harry you made an effort, you offered friendship, you have been supportive and encouraging…knowing how Neville has taken to Herbology you gave him a rare Herbology book and what happened? Seriously…since Neville started going to Hogwarts…let me see, oh yes the example…think about Neville in Potions up to the end of last year now compare that to Neville this past week in Potions." Hermione said smiling at the end of her lecture of sorts.

"Hermione it has only been a week. Snape still terrifies me."

"We know Neville. But I agree with Hermione. Last school year the first week in Potions…Neville you were a wreck as always. But this past week in Potions…the explosion from you cauldron was not your fault or your doing…that aside you have done fine. Okay so Snape still terrifies you…the difference is that you are starting to believe in yourself, a boost of confidence so the fact that Snape still terrifies you, you are able to do your work without the extra load of fear or terror getting the way of it and hindering your ability." Harry added.

The rest of the group added in their own positive and encouraging words for Neville to hear. Neville took in everything each one had said and accepted it as so. He allowed himself to believe that what they said as truth and allowed himself to believe it himself that he was capable of some of it, he let this fill him up and he stored it within so that at a later date if he so needed to he could use it to build on his strength and confidence. Whenever he needed encouragement and support he could recall this day and or go to each of them so that he could hear them say it again. Neville could not remove the smile on his face even if he had wanted to. For the first time Neville knew that he would be accepted as Neville Longbottom and not Neville Longbottom the son of Frank and Alice Longbottom.

The group of students left the Room or Requirement to head to the Great Hall for lunch. Draco and Dudley held back for a while and then took an alternate route to the Great Hall. Draco would have preferred to walk in the Great Hall with the rest of the group. He was tired of having to sneak around and hide one thing or another. Draco was relieved that he did not have to hide anything from at least a small group, a small of group of witches and wizards that he could one day openly say that are his friends and hopefully would see him as a true friend as well. As Draco and Dudley walked Draco thought of something else that would be great…finding his sister wherever she might be, to find he baby girl his mother gave up for himself yes but for his mother as well…for his mother mostly.

A/N:

Sorry for the long wait for this one. I will have the next chapter up as soon as I possibly can.

A special thank you to nediel for noticing/catching the error I made and letting me know. In the last chapter I had said that Harry and Sirius had been obliviated in the Ministry when previously it had been Gringotts. Gringotts is the correct place. I have corrected that.

Any thoughts? Any comments? I hope you all enjoyed this longer chapter.