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CHAPTER NINE: Unexpected Guests

James and Martin were sat in the Hogwarts greenhouse along with several other students. "Why did we choose to take Herbology?"Martin complained.

"Because your dad takes the lesson,"James answered.

"Well, that's not going to help us. Dad's so fair he'll probably mark us down so he doesn't show favouritism."

James looked at him and spoke slowly. "Your dad takes the lesson. That means you should be good at it."

"Oh."

"Plus it's about the only subject we both got passing grades in."

The pair fell silent as Neville entered with another man. "So, you've all got good enough grades in Herbology to continue to NEWT level,"Neville concluded. "Well done. But before we get down to things, I'd like to introduce my new teaching assistant for this year, Zacharias Smith."

James swung round to look at the man when he heard the name. "You're that researcher, aren't you? My dad told me about you."

Zacharias looked at Neville. "Is this your son?"

"No,"Neville said quietly. "This is James Potter, Harry's eldest."

"Ah. Right." Zacharias looked uncomfortable. "Sorry I couldn't help your stepmother but as I told your father all I did was provide Madame Kenwood with ingredients. I've no idea what she did with them. But I can promise you that I'm perfectly qualified to help out with this class."

"Mr Smith will be available during lessons to provide advice and assistance,"Neville confirmed. "But first, gather round the tray here. I want to show you some dragwood."

Hermione came downstairs, smoothing down her dress and pulling a jacket on around her shoulders. "How do I look?"she asked.

"You look fine,"Harry assured her with a smile.

"Are you sure this is going to be all right?"

"They'll be glad to see you. You probably won't need a coat though. We're not going outside."

Hermione looked confused. "Then how do we get there?" Harry produced a wand. "Oh, I see. Magic again."

"Hold onto my arm and I'll side-along Apparate you. Unless you fancy having a go yourself?"

Hermione took his arm. "I really don't think I'm ready to try that yet."

Harry cast the spell and suddenly they were standing in a different hallway, in another house. Luna appeared, smiling brightly. "Hello, Harry. Hello, Hermione. Do you remember me yet?"

Hermione was momentarily taken aback by the directness of the question. "Well, I remember you from the hospital and the station but I don't remember anything before that."

"Well, that's something. Should I take your coat?"

Hermione nodded slowly. Luna flicked her wand and Hermione's jacket vanished from her shoulders. Hermione blinked. "Did you just desintegrate my coat?"

Luna looked bemused. "No, it's hanging up in the cupboard. But I can desintegrate it if you like."

"No, that's fine." Hermione leaned over to Harry. "Is she always like this?"

Harry nodded.

"I wanted to cook you some black-eyed droobs,"Luna continued as she led them through into the dining room. "But the butcher didn't have any so we're having lamb instead."

Hermione looked at Harry, who gave her a don't-ask look.

Neville appeared in the floo network as they entered the room. Hermione gave a slight double take at his method of appearance but decided not to comment on it since everyone else treated his entrance like normal. Neville greeted Luna with a kiss, before shaking Harry's hand and giving Hermione a hug. "Sorry I'm a bit late. Had to make sure the students were settled before coming home."

"Anything to report on our lot?"Harry asked.

"James has picked up on Zacharias."

Harry winced. "I hope they don't try and get involved again."

"Who's Zacharias?"Hermione asked.

"He's very rude,"Luna answered.

"He used to work for someone who was attacked in the same way as you,"Harry explained. "I asked Neville to get him a job at Hogwart's so we could keep an eye on him."

"Why?"Hermione asked. "Do you think he's involved?"

"No, but strange as it might seem he's our best asset at the moment. And I really don't want him suddenly ending up with his memory erased as well. He's just about the only chance we've got of getting to the bottom of all this."