(a/n): Thanx for the reviews, they were interesting.

Rant on the fiance/e topic noted. Think I got them all going forward.

First criticism was Harry sounding whiny about his/Sirius imprisonment. I would disagree with that. It needs to NOT be forgotten. To paraphrase "Learn from history or repeat it" The other was objecting to Harry needling Snape (more early on in the story) A bit of a Snape apologist I think.

The Diggorys? Not sure if they'll appear again or not. Can't be used as spies again. We'll see.

Sirius needing a lady friend? Hmmm... He's been busy, but something for graduation time I think.

Old crow likes 'major yabos' got more here. Spies, plots and counterplots? Them too. Taking both Hagrid and Hermione lovers on a ride. Right off, my superpower spies are back. There's a few German words for scene setting. Used an online translator so forgive any grammar errors. Bewegen = Move Ja mein Herr = Yes sir Innen = move

33 – The Last Quidditch Game

Hidden in the Black Forrest in Germany was a prison. The massive, forbidding structure was no less intimidating than its British cousin. However there was only one inmate. This was the most evil Dark Wizard of his era. Not very often, Gellert Grindelwald would, under closest guard, be permitted to leave his cell. In solitary confinement for half a century, he was not at his best when a guard opened his cell.

"Bewegen!" ordered the unhappy man in guttural German.

Miserable, the prisoner snapped an affirmative "Ja mein Herr" and obeyed. To prevent escape, a visitor was escorted randomly through the complex as was the prisoner. Bones creaking and hunched over, the old man got in line between four burly guards. They led him all over the prison for almost two hours.

Finally, the ranking guard slapped the prisoner on the hip with a baton, commanding "Innen!"

"The international Confederation of Wizards has ordered proper and humane treatment for this prisoner, Sergeant." An equally ancient voice spoke reprovingly.

The prisoner cackled then degenerated into a coughing fit "So, the victor deigns visit his victim."

"Nonsense, Gellert." Only the Chief Warlock addressed the prisoner by name. Guards did not have time. "Sergeant I wonder, do not all of you have something else to do?"

The lead guard snapped to attention and replied "Sir! Standard procedure requires five guards with the prisoner whenever he is out of his cell. Sir!"

"A true shame. A true shame." Dumbledore sighed and stroked his beard.

The guards all glanced at each other, then their boss who asked "How do you mean, sir?"

"Had even a couple of you been slightly flexible" answered Dumbledore, he shook his head sadly "I could probably have taken over in an orderly manner and spared your lives. As it is…. Avada Kedavra! Avada Kedavra! Avada Kedavra! Avada Kedavra! Imperio!"

Even before the first body hit the floor the evil mastermind of World War Two was cackling in delight with the last impact of the Killing Curse. "Impressive, Brian …hahhahhah… Time, it seems, has not slowed your reflexes. So, did you just wipe them out for some playtime?"

"Don't be more than an idiot than you have to!" snapped Dumbledore.

Grindlewald's eyes narrowed shrewdly "Your beard is not quite the way Brian would wear it. Though I must admit the impersonation is remarkable. Who are you?"

"The group I represent wants to see the bearded wonder taken off his throne. England needs to join the rest of the world in the twentieth century." It was an admission of the suddenly obvious fact that Britain's Minister of Magic was not here today.

An evil smile cracked the aged face "I have a grudge against Brian for imprisoning me here. But just why would I care a drop of Skrewt piss about England?"

"Two things." Answered the fake Dumbledore "One, you don't get out of here without our help. And second, two words … Severus Snape."

THAT got Grindlewald's undivided attention "What do you know about that? And how?"

"All that I need to, to ensure your cooperation. I promise you." Was the uninformative response "For the moment…shall we say your lover has broken his word? Now, this is a prison break. Are you coming or staying?"

And the secret, magical, instigator of World War II bowed charmingly to his rescuer answering "I am, friend, at your disposal." All the while, his reviving mind was beginning to plot a break from his rescuers and a return to power.

x

A witch with dirty blonde hair strolled through the courtyard of Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. Nothing special about the woman. Just one of many early arrivals for the last Quidditch game of 1997.

x

Harry and Susan quickly found peace once they talked under the watchful gaze of her best friend, who was now a complete Harry convert. And for the most part, NEWTs went along without further problems. One of the highest averages in Defense Against the Dark Arts was recorded for the class. He waited outside Care of Magical Creatures for Susan to appear.

"—just wonderful, Susan!" the half-giant professor's voice boomed. Hagrid had never quite gotten the hang of written tests, so his colleagues developed some magical aids for him. A grading spell on his desktop was the favorite. A simple tapping sequence with his umbrella and all papers were instantly scored. As they approached the door he continued "The only perfect score!"

Harry congratulated her far more affectionately than a professor would have been permitted. Arms dangling over her shoulders, he said "Way to go! Not even Granger can beat that!"

"Hmpf!" snorted Hermione "I am perfectly capable of matching it however!" But, when Ron gave her an unpleasant look, she added "Although, for the record, Bones. Well done."

Hagrid enthusiastically shook her hand, which meant almost to the girl's elbow vanished in his grip. And her whole body bounced. "Sorry, carried away. Congratulations to you as well, 'Ermione." He said abashedly, and more uncomfortably found himself facing Harry "Mr. Potter, I understand you put on a good show in your Defence NEWT."

"Thank you, Professor." Replied Harry, politely. He was about as ill at ease as the half-giant. Giving his fiancée an appreciative smile when Susan squeezed his hand, Harry cleared his throat and said "Professor…Hagrid… I was very bitter when I got out of Azkaban. My friends have been reminding me - You were my first friend in the Magical World. And you did get Hedwig for me. What I'm trying to say … I miss our friendship."

The Care of Magical Creatures Professor was delighted. While managing to NOT pick Harry off his feet and spin around, barely, he thumped the narrow shoulders joyously. "Thank ya Harry! Thank ya! There one person Ah missed, 'twas you!" exclaimed Hagrid "Now just go make up with the Professor and all's righ'wit tha world!"

"What?!" snapped Harry. And he shoved Hagrid away. Or, more accurately, given the three feet of height difference, he ended up pushing himself from the half-giant. Looking up into the no longer smiling face he growled "After what that old coot did to me!?"

There wasn't a student outside Harry's inner circle who didn't know of the near-legendary former friendship between these two. No one, however, really knew exactly what caused the rupture. Very good guesses, yes. But there had been no witnesses. As usual, word spread without anyone leaving to report the confrontation and the hall quickly filled.

"No one." Hagrid began, voice full of menace "And I mean… No one… insults Albus Dumbledore in front of me."

Coolly confident in the face of a man who could toss a car, the young wizard smirked "Gonna hit me, Professor?"

"ENOUGH!" came a screech from Hermione. And she did something that, not since Harry's wrongful conviction, she had dared or wanted to do. She yanked violently on his arm and dragged him bodily down a corridor. As a grand finale, tossed him in the nearest classroom, slammed the door shut and locked it behind them. What she'd done landed on her like a ton of bricks. Spinning, with a horrified look, she squeaked "oh my."

Harry's demeanor was completely different. He slapped Ron's raised hand and laughed "Well, mate! You really do know her!"

"Yeah." The redhead grumbled "Now would you care to explain why we had to go through all this bullshit?"

Hermione spared him a sigh "Honestly Ronald! Now what is going on here? A joke?"

"Well, hafta admit… expression on your face!" chuckled Harry "Worth a bucket of Galleons!"

Susan nudged him, sharply, in the ribs and scolded him "Don't make this any harder! We don't have a lot of time!"

"The fight with Hagrid was an act." Harry explained hurriedly "Well, the first half was real enough. We needed to explain this to both of you at the same time. But, Lavender … if we're away too long-"

Ron cut him off "What does she have to do with anything?"

"You might not have noticed, but she has a bit of a crush on you!" Hermione snapped at him.

Ron's brow furrowed in deep thought before asking "So? I'm married."

"It's much more serious than that." Susan put in, and produced a tiny flask pinched between thumb and forefinger, containing "Just a dram of Basilisk venom. So far, all we know is it came from what was sold to the Ministry."

Ron jumped up, face redder than his hair, and charged for the door. Harry struck lightning fast "Petrificus Totalis!" And Ron fell over.

"I can't bloody believe you did that!" the victim shouted.

Hermione, instead of raging at Harry for 'attacking her husband' merely walked over to the fallen Ron and canceled the spell. She pulled Ron to his feet and burst out laughing. Ron glared at Harry, then gave his wife a 'you're barking' look. That was when Harry guffawed, his body shook with restrained laughter as he muttered "Sorry Ron."

"The exact words were 'I'm really really sorry about this.' I believe." said Hermione between breaths of laughter.

Susan was stunned to see her fiancé NOT object to being corrected. And actually still laugh boyishly. His response was more perplexing. He pitched his voice higher and said "It's for your own good y'know."

"There's a story behind that, I'm sure." Susan commented. And held up her hands to cut off all three of them "BUT there's no time if this plan is going to work. So here it is -"

x

The Big Three : Severus Snape plus Amycus and Alecto Carrow had gathered an assault force of fifty Death Eaters of various skills. "Seems we are investing thrice the force necessary." The sister sneered and the brother nodded.

"Thus bearing out the Dark Lord's wisdom." Replied the former Potions Master just as if he were speaking to a bunch of First Year Gryffindors "He entrusted this mission to me. And it will be conducted in the manner I see fit."

Alecto's wand inched out of its wrist harness. But Amycus restrained her, whispering "Remember His commands."

"What exactly is our plan of attack?" asked Alecto.

Smirking through the rising vapors of several pungent potions Snape explained "It is fortunate that I had a childhood relationship with the Mudblood. As a result I had the opportunity to collect, and preserve, hair. I collect samples whenever possible. This mixture will produce a result not dissimilar to Polyjuice, except no physical transformation will occur. Dear Lily Potter will have supplied a way through wards, helping us to destroy her precious spawn."

"And how does this trick help us in the assault on the Bones property?" Amycus demanded.

Snape barely looked up from his work, replying "It does not. Obviously. I do one thing at a time. I do it very well. Then I move on. Alecto, I do believe you have another assignment from the Dark Lord. Should you not be about it?"

"I am not your servant, Severus." The witch hissed. She pecked her brother's cheek, then glared again at her 'leader' "Anything happens to my brother and you will answer to me Severus. That I promise you."

x

At an inn at the intersection of Gryffindor Blvd. and Helga St. a witch not dissimilar from one who had made her presence noticed over the last week approached the Guest Desk. She politely address the proprietor "Could you tell me my sister's room, please."

"OF course, Madam." Replied the wizard, and directed "14B. Down the hall to your right. Turn right at the end of the corridor and it is the first door on the left."

The witch gave a charming smile, dropped a Sickle on the counter and departed. At her destination, a few minutes later, she rapped on the door. Upon entry, demanded "Have you followed my orders?"

"To the letter." Replied the young wizard. He was wearing the only set of wizard robes he had. There were a dozen sets of witch's ones in the cupboard. "And don't talk down to me. I don't give a skrewt's ass for you or your Dark Lord. I just want Susan back."

Contemplating the boy's already decided fate, Alecto only smiled "How a lowly Mudblood can be so deluded as to expect a member of our Most Ancient lines… What could you possibly have to offer a Countess?"

"Bitch." Justin snapped "Forget that. What's next, Carrow?"

As if on cue, a knock on the revealed the third member of the conspiracy, tall and wearing a Death Eater mask. "Greetings Alecto." The distorted voice said. There was no way to know if it was male or female. "This is the plan, boy. We will lure your classmate away. Apparate here. You will replace him with a generous supply of Puolyjuice. From there, your job is to terminate Potter during the Quidditch game. Should be no trouble for a talented Beater."

"And you're not going to hurt him?" asked Justin, almost plaintively.

Alecto's features softened, became identical to the ones Justin had been wandering about between the town and Hogwarts "It does not do any good for us to kill the one supplying the main potion ingredient. Your job now, is just to prepare the Polyjiuce. Follow those instructions to the letter."

"And no, boy, you do not need to know my identity." Said the masked one "Come Alecto."

The Death Eater pair apparated to a neglected corner of Hogwarts, plotted briefly, and the witch entered the castle. It wasn't long before she encountered her prey "Why as I live and breathe! Benjamin Cadwallader!" she exclaimed "Merlin's Beard! I never imagined you were so handsome and biiiiiig!"

"Uh…well that is… hi." Answered the flustered Seventh Year. The witch was middle age, which in the Wizarding World meant anywhere from 40s clear up to 80s. Her provocative outfit displayed substantial cleavage and a magnificently curvy body. The Huffllepuff Beater was no wallflower, nevertheless, he extended his hand somewhat shyly "Pleasure to meet you…err … ma'am."

Petite in comparison to the towering youth, Alecto took the proffered hand, caressed it, pressed it against her right breast and cooed "It's been a couple years since I graduated. You can spare time for a tour?"

"Well… it is dinner." Ben stammered "An-and then we're … meet for …uhh.. game."

There was a very obvious division among his fellow Hufflepuffs at the scene. Indicative of the male response was Quidditch Captain Eric Summers "GO BC! Just don't be late!" Susan, for the female contingent, jeered "She could be your grandmother!"

"Silly little girl. Man like this needs a woman." Countered Alecto. But she wasn't looking at the redhead, she turned her eyes up to 'her man' adding seductively "How about that tour you promised me Bennnyyy!"

He'd made no such promise, nor did Ben like the childish nickname he shed before starting at Hogwarts. But all this older woman's compliments, wiggling and touching made him so much putty in her hands. He just nodded mutely agreeing to her slightest whim.

"Delightful!" the witch exclaimed, girlishly. Alecto spun herself around, she was quite enjoying herself and somewhat regretted the limited time she would have. Rotation done, she rested the large boy's hand over her shoulder, just low enough to offer a hint of her breast. And, tugging on his waist "Come, luv, it's a beautiful summer day."

Susan was all set to rush off in pursuit when she was grabbed around the waist, spun around and the back of her neck subjected to a nibbling and sucking assault. She caught the hands at her belly and giggled "Better let me go. I have a very jealous fiancé."

"Is that all men ever think about?" Hannah complained.

Not taking his mouth from Susan's neck, Harry retorted "I'm pretty sure Ben's new girlfriend is thinking the same."

"Harry!" Susan squealed and squirmed "You're leaving a mark!"

It was not anyone's fault. And maybe Ben would still have gone with Alecto. Teenage hormones were a tough thing to overcome. But Harry's arrival was exactly the distraction needed. The assassination attempt would now proceed as planned.

For a while Alecto permitted herself to be led. Then, so insidiously that her victim had not noticed, they were exactly where she needed them to be. A hand signal with her accomplice went unnoticed as she guided him to the ground. She enjoyed the erotic motions, guided eager hands to her breasts. While it probably seemed to the young Beater that he was the aggressor, it was Alecto that allowed herself to be mounted.

Ben was glassy eyed and panting. He expertly pulled at the older woman's top. And, completely distracted, he was defenseless when a blue spell struck him in the side of the head. He was unconscious before his limp body hit the ground.

"Another minute would have been nice." Alecto snapped at her masked partner.

The masked man laughed wickedly "Perhaps our master will allow you to keep him as a plaything. Assuming, that is, he allows him to live."

"Let's get him back to 'the boss." said Alecto, with a highly sarcastic note on the last part. And together with their captive, they Apparated to Hogsmeade, where not an inhabitant commented on two people carrying a third.

Back at the inn, Justin had followed instructions carefully. The Polyjuice potion was ready and perfect. He was busy filling flask after flask. It smelled horrible and he knew it would taste worse. But once he had Susan away from this horrible world, it would all be worth it. He had convinced himself he was doing the best for her. His work was disrupted by the arrival of the two Death Eaters. Concerned, he demanded "Ben! Is he alright?"

"Dead bodies don't give useful samples." The masked one snapped as he dropped Cadwallader across the room's one bed.

Alecto sensuously caressed the unconscious Hufflepuff's cheek and smiled "He was quite the gentleman."

"Fine. Great. Wonderful." Replied Justin, nervously "Look as long as nothing happens to him."

In answer, the mask whipped out a particularly fiendish looking knife. Before the expelled student could react, he seized a lock of hair and sliced it off Cadwallader's head without any regard for neatness, or that the blade drew blood. He smirked "This should suffice for your mission."

"HEY!" Justin protested. Out came his wand with impressive speed and he yelled "Expeliarmus!" Then he was screaming under a Crucio.

Precisely one minute later, the spell was canceled and the mask chuckled evilly "You have a lot to learn boy." And another fistful of Cadwallader's hair was hacked off.

x

While the plot against Harry proceeded apace, Lavender Brown's scheme was set to blow up in her face. Meal attendance was only mandatory for certain occasions. First and last dinners of a semester, Hogwarts' anniversary, the Founders' birthdays. As the end of term approached, studying intensified, meal crowds thinned. As testing finished, the Great Hall filled. There wasn't much left. NEWT Hufflepuffs, for instance, needed to take their Apparition tests.

As planned, Ron and Hermione entered the Great Hall, paid the would-be assassin no mind. The couple settled themselves side by side neither too far nor too close to Lavender. Husband and wife began drinking pumpkin juice and sharing a letter from Mother Weasley about the latest antics of their babies.

Susan and Harry were in one of their 'moods' bumping bodies together and poking each other.

"We'll have no more of that, Potter, Bones!" primly proper Professor Umbridge scolded them and moved on to her place at the Head Table.

Susan brushed Lavender's back with a finger as they passed then flashed a thumbs-up behind her back. The Gryffindor could barely keep the glee off her face as she watched her ally sit across from her love. In minutes Ron would be hers.

"Bloody Hell!" gasped Harry as his eyes drifted to the Ravenclaw table. His grip tightened painfully on his fiancee's hand "Ginny! She NEEDS to know!"

Susan nodded and whispered back "Go! I'll give you an extra minute!" It was an unexpected twist, but something that turned out useful as it became a legitimate distraction for Hermione and Ron both followed Harry's path. She slipped the contents of the tiny flask into Hermione's drink.

Lavender gave a satisfied nod and turned. She didn't want to be seen staring at her nemesis as she fell. But when nothing happened right away, she looked back.

"Heya Stew." Harry greeted Ginny's boyfriend as casually as he could. Nothing objectionable about the Sixth Year Ravenclaw, which was one of the few disagreements he had with his best friend. He leaned over whispering in her ear, then clamped a hand on her shoulder until he finished. And until the whole incident played out.

Ron had insisted on a change to Susan's plan. He would down his pumpkin juice in a gulp and, rather classic Ron, snatched Hermione's glass and chugged it too. He flashed his wife a crooked grin, then turned horribly pale, croaked "It burns!" and toppled off the bench.

"NO! RONNIE! MY RONNIE! NOOOOOOOOO!" came, not from Hermione, but all eyes focused on Lavender Brown. Who jumped from her seat and flung herself on the fallen redhead. She pulled the limp form up and screamed "IT WASN'T SUPPOSED TO BE YOU RONNIE! WHY DID YOU DO IT? I'M SO SORRY! IT WAS HER! HER! GRANGER SHOULDA DIED!"

Trap sprung, Ron lashed out. It took a bare instant for his expression to go from a placid death mask to one of utter hatred. He seized Lavender's throat and squeezed. "What you wanted to do!" he snarled "I should break your bloody neck!"

"But Ronnie! I looooooove you!" pleaded Lavender. "You and me … we-"

The girl's protest ended in a squeak as Ron's grip on her throat tightened "I hate you, bitch!" he growled. Then he shoved her away, whipped out his wand and yelled "AVERDI KEDABRA!" A green bolt covered the distance between them in an instant.

"What? N-" yelled Lavender, then her body flew and skidded to a halt in front of the Head Table. There wasn't a sound in the Great Hall. No one even breathed. They couldn't believe what they just saw. Goofy, silly, Ron Weasley had just killed a fellow Gryffindor! Hadn't he? But, before that shock began to wear off, his victim stirred and began crying miserably.

Her ever-loyal friend Parvati Patil was at once thrilled to see her alive, confused about the entire affair and willing to offer her devastated friend whatever comfort she could. The impossibility of apparently surviving the Killing Curse barely registered. She got down on the stone floor, hugged Lavender and whispered "There, there."

"Mr. Weasley, regardless of the result.." Headmistress McGonagall began "Use of the Killing Curse on a human is punishable by at least life imprisonment in Azkaban. I order you to surrender your wand." Hers was out and trained on the redhead. It took considerable effort for her to ignore the years he had been a favored student and even more to focus on the immediate threat instead of a lucky mystery.

Ron impertinently tossed his wand to his wife and chuckled "Too funny. Moody - sorry, that was the Death Eater Dumbledore let teach - was right. People DON'T pay attention."

"Insulting the Minister of Magic does not help your cause, Mr -"

Ron cut in, rudely "AS I was saying! I did not, repeat NOT use the Killing Curse. Didn't anyone LISTEN to what I said? I'll spell it out A-V-E-R-D-I K-E-D-A-B-R-A. I want the bitch to die legally."

"Enough cursing Mr. Weasley." The Headmistress snapped, as she approached. Then, to Hermione she gestured and ordered "Your husband's wand! THAT was NOT a request!"

Smugly, arrogantly, Ron bounced on his toes as the last dozen spells from his wand were displayed. He only coughed nervously at #12 and commented defensively "My wife and I decided to wait until after graduation." The disgusted hacking was female, from the Ravenclaw table.

"Your statement is apparently correct, Mr. Weasley." She admitted, sternly "You will remain at liberty. However, until confirmed by a Ministry Auror, your wand will be in my custody."

Harry spoke up "That'll be tomorrow m'am. Auror Lupin is at the Potter Estate right now and will be coming for the Quidditch match."

"Mr. Potter!" the Headmistress began, coldly. Then shook her head in frustration. "Never mind. I assume the four of you worked this out thoroughly. Professors Umbridge and Flitwick, please take Miss Brown and secure a classroom. She is to remain there until Auror Lupin comes. No visitors except for yourselves."

Ginny stomped up to Ron, punched him on the arm. Hard. "That's for not telling me!" she hollered. Then hugged and kissed him.

"Sorry, it was a - blame Susan." he gave a mock glare, returned the hug and kissed the top of her head.

Ever thoughtful, ever looking out for Harry, and willing to do the unpleasant Ginny separated from her brother and faced her sister-in-law "I'm glad Brown's plot failed, Hermione." She said and even hugged her "You know, I thanked Harry when he saved my life."

"NO!" declared Harry, vehemently "Once is enough! I didn't do it for that! And I DO NOT want it. PERIOD!"

By now the entire Wizarding World was aware of the linkage between Harry and Ginny (Magical and Legal). Hermione all the more so as an actual eyewitness to the event. In complete denial she shook her head "Absolutely not!"

"A life debt going unfulfilled is potentially quite dangerous." Luna Lovegood appeared from nowhere "However, based on what I overheard … Sorry Harry you need to do better at whispering … Your actions were certainly a factor in preventing Hermione's murder. It is clear to me Susan was the prime mover. Magic would be most satisfied by that."

Hermione looked displeased, but nodded. Formal words, such as Ginny used when pledging herself to Harry, turns out they are unnecessary. The simple existence of a debt and the willingness to honor it, coupled with the acknowledgement of the rescuer, created a bond. And, in front of the entire school, Susan did so "Hermione Weasley, I accept your service to House Bones."

"Only one thing left to do." Said Harry as he passed Susan, on his way to the Head Table. He touched his wand to his neck so the Great Hall could all hear him say "Professor Hagrid, I'd like to thank you for your part in our little play. And I apologize for some of the things I said earlier."

The Giant scratched at his tangled shaggy beard and asked "Some?"

"Some." Answered Harry, firmly and offered his hand. They shook, publicly.

x

"Harry Potter requires Dobby to ask, sir." The House Elf confronted the visitor "Who sir is Prongs?"

A tired wizard acknowledged the wisdom of the code "Good evening, Dobby. Of course Prongs is James Potter's Marauder name. My errand is partly urgent business, but also the need to rest after a transformation. Take me, please, to James and Lily."

"Yes, Master Wolfy." Dobby acknowledged, with just a polite head-nod. He was dignified and polite, not subservient and excitable. "Yous please to follow Dobby."

Remus Lupin smiled boyishly. His impoverished family could not house him safely during the full moon, so he'd spent a fair amount of his life within these walls and he was delighted to be back. More than anything, he was looking forward to a reunion with his best friend. Even if only in portrait form. Long before reaching their destination, he knew where they were heading, and required no further guide, but Remus respected the Elf's performing his function. So as they turned a corner, he beamed "HI Lily, Hi Prongs!"

"Hpmf!" snorted portrait Lily. She was glaring at James, refused to look at Remus "Well, this was your project!"

Patience incarnate, portrait James said "Lily, we both agreed, and with Harry… that if they made peace, you and I would as well."

"That was before I saw The Prophet." She countered angrily, and 'noticing' Remus sneered "You know the one. Quite a kick you have."

The Werewolf's buoyant mood deflated instantly. He did the only thing he could think of. Pulling his wand, he declared "I, Remus John Lupin, do solemnly swear upon my magic and my life that I have sought and received the forgiveness of Harry Potter. Admitting we are still working through our troubles."

"My son is entirely too forgiving." Lily responded, completely unimpressed. "Dobby, I order you to expel this person from the estate."

James frowned at his wife "It's not your decision to make." He said coldly "This family has always offered sanctuary to those who need it. Dobby, Remus is spending the night. Would you please prepare a room?"

"He has nothing to say I want to hear." And inside her portrait, Lily turned her back. The image took on an appearance of night. You could only see a silhouette.

James sighed "C'mon mate, we'll chat while Dobby's working. Dobby, lead the way, please."

"You go with him, you can just stay there!" snapped Lily.

Remus had slid a chair into the hallway. The first thing he did was apologize "I'm sorry to be the cause of that, Prongs. I don't want there to be trouble between you. I'll be gone first thing."

"NO! You won't Moony!" replied James. The painting was temporarily fixed outside while the House Elf did his stuff. "You will get a good night's sleep. And have a good healthy breakfast. Then we can talk about the Horcrux mission, and most importantly, about Harry."

Remus laughed "Maybe you've got Potter looks, but all I heard was your Mum's voice. Remember the time she caught Sirius with those Hufflepuffs? In your woods? What were they? Fifth Years?"

"Not sure what made her madder." James giggled "That there were five of them. Or that we were Third Years."

Remus made to slap his friend on the back, remembered he wasn't there in the flesh … frowned … but refusing to spoil the mood, added "I'm pretty sure it had more to do with Mr. Potter high-fiving him."

"Enough of that, young man!" James scolded "To bed with you!" Annoyed with his wife, he remained outside his friend's room. Which was just as well.

x

Well after midnight, and for no obvious reason, Harry Potter jolted awake. There was nothing hazardous about his surroundings. The only variation from total normalcy was the pleasant scent around him and comforting weight . It wasn't the first time he'd drifted off in the Common Room. But to have his fianceé curled all around him was another matter. Hormones taking over, his left hand brushed her breast, then lightly rubbed her bra encased nipple.

"Have you thought about how many other people are still here?" came Susan's teasing voice. She pushed their bodies closer together, further tangling their legs.

Harry kissed her lingeringly "Guess I really should turn in. But I don't wanna move."

"I like it here too." Susan complained, lazily "But that captain of yours is a real tyrant."

He laughed "Yeah I know. But we love him." That he was that person did not enter the discussion. Anyway, what his hand was doing was much more interesting.

"Why, Mr. Potter, shame on you taking advantage." she teased as her hand slipped between his legs.

That was when he abruptly clenched a fist to his forehead and rolled away, in pain. The worst only seemed to last a few seconds. "Dunno wha'tha was?" he groaned, pinching his nose "Not like a stabbing anymore. More like Dudley playing the same song over and over, too bloody loud."

"Well, guess that ends tonight's fun." Susan quipped. And she was more than a little surprised when she received an angry look. Deliberately ignoring it, she helped him to his feet, and advised "Why don't you go to bed and I'll see you before the Quidditch match?"

Harry was completely unaware he'd done something to upset her, just nodded groggily "Yeah, sure." He replied and staggered up to his dorm. "g'nite"

x

The cause of Harry's symptoms had nothing to do with him physically, Rather it was connected to events unfolding at the Potter estate. Masked men and women were gathering near an apparently deserted stretch of land.

"You are certain this will work, Snape?" demanded Amycus Carrow for what seemed like the twentieth time "None of us look any different."

And the Potion Master replied as if he had answered forty times "As I have told you, this potion has nothing to do with visual trickery. I am not trying to fool other humans. This will get us through magical wards."

"And you have tested this?" the high Death Eater pressed.

Sneeringly, Snape answered "I have studied potions and their interactions all of my life. This combination of ingredients will logically, inevitably, produce the desired result. Nor will any purpose be served in issuing the threats that are so obviously on the tip of your tongue."

"Crucio!" Amycus fired at one of the lesser minions who dared chortle at the insult.

As soon as the potion was administered to the group, Snape grandly gestured "Behold! Kiln Keep." They were at the edge of the wards, but the massive structure was clearly visible. He led the way across a line that Fawkes, powerful creature that he was, had barely stumbled through. "I trust you will accurately report this success to the Dark Lord?"

"Huzzah!" the small, but potent, army charged forward eager to commit mayhem.

And the protective wards gave no alarm, because they were set to admit Lily Evans Potter. Which they did, several dozen times.

"Confringo" A nastily gleeful Severus Snape blew the front door practically out of existence. Not really necessary as it was not locked in a real sense. That was when alarm wards went off. But again no intruders were detected. Paintings throughout the Keep were awake and alerted to danger. Many ceased to exist before they could spread a warning.

"REMUS!" the portrait of James Potter screamed with all the power of a jumbo jet. Finally waking his friend, and none too soon.

A masked Death Eater turned down that hallway, drawn by the shouting. She was thrilled by her find "James Potter himself!" she declared "I bet you're worth quite a price!"

"Avada Kedavra!" the guestroom door burst open and the sickly green bolt struck as the witch reached for James. Lupin rolled into the corridor looked each direction and demanded "What's going on?"

The portrait replied "Death Eaters! But the wards didn't go off."

"Lupin!" a second attacker burst in and began "Fiendfy-"

This time, he countered "Expelliarmus!" the effect was just as fatal, because the almost completed spell consumed its caster then snuffed itself out.

"Dobby!" yelled James.

The Elf's pajamas were scorched "Dobby apologizes for not being in uniform sir! There is bad wizards-"

"WE know!" Remus cut him off "Listen carefully, Dobby! Nothing is more important than saving the portraits. We're outnumbered. You can pop about freely. Grab whatever you can, but no unnecessary risks, understood? James and I will get Lily." He pulled his friend's portrait free, taking bits of stone, and ran.

Dobby apparated here and there throughout the great mansion. Several times his magic refused to obey. This was because a corridor or room was engulfed in flames. More than once. Sometimes he arrived too late, finding nothing but a charred corridor. He succeeded as often as not. He shook his head between pops "Harry Potter willnt be happy with Dobby!"

"We made it!" portrait James exulted. But then "Moony! Watch it! Kill the greasy git!"

Warned by the shout, Snape turned and fired "Avada Kedavra!"

"Stay here." Lupin ordered, unnecessarily. He couldn't spare the attention to note James' rolled eyes. He flung himself to the floor, firing spells. Aim was impossible, his wand just flashed with spells to keep his enemy off balance. But then, as suddenly as the fight began it was over. Remus had rolled out of immediate line of sight and stood. Nothing more came from the hall. He called out "Lily!"

Nothing.

He repeated "Lily!"

Nothing

Louder "LILY!"

"Mister Wolfy!" came Dobby's voice "Evil Greasie not here. Hurry to Dobby sir! Bad wizards coming!"

Wizards do not usually obey shouting House Elves. But the itself situation was unusual. And neither were the participants everyday samples of their kind. Dobby was very free-thinking for a House Elf. Remus had senses only to be compared with his wolf alter ego. He smelled and heard 10 witches and 23 wizards approaching. "Odds? That's not fair!" he commented as he grabbed James and ran "The other portraits? They're safe?"

"Yessir!" Dobby nodded curtly "Dobby will take you there. WE go. NOW!" All the approaching attackers saw was the puff of smoke that an elf leaves behind.

Werewolf, Elf and portrait reapparated in a distant, unmarked cave. Where was it? Only known to bloodline Potters. A hiding point of last resort. "Snivellus stole Lily!" James growled.

x

By breakfast time, Susan had completely forgotten any irritation with her fiancé from the previous night. When the Gryffindor Quidditch team appeared, she smiled. But it did not last long, Harry looked terrible. Yes he made a point of greeting Professor Hagrid in a friendly way to demonstrate that the previous day's antics really was an act. She looked at her friend "Han, I'll be back."

"Dunno if they'll let Hufflepuffs in today." The blonde quipped

Susan punched her shoulder lightly as she walked around the Hall.

"What are you doing here, Bones?" demanded hefty Esmeralda Parkinson, as she blocked the Hufflepuff's progress. The fully dressed team was sitting together as a unit, even to the exclusion of such notables as wives. Hermione was off to one side.

Ginny was nudging Harry "Eat! You can't play on an empty stomach!"

"I'm not hungry." He muttered, directing an expression that might have been angry if it wasn't so devoid of feeling.

Susan pushed past the Beater and leaned over Harry. Hands finding knotted shoulder muscles "Problems, luv?"

"Couldn't sleep." Harry complained groggily. In fact, he had tossed and turned practically from the moment he and Susan went to their own dorms the night before. Despite the very real benefits of Amelia's influence there were still things Muggle-raised Harry did not know. In this case, his home had been shouting warnings that it was under attack. He smiled, with effort "Morning Sue."

"You sure that's it?" she asked, concerned. Her fingers dug into knotted neck muscles, to little effect.

Wearily, he yawned, told her "Mmmmm… that helps. Thanks. Nightmares kept waking me up. Weird, haven't had any Voldemort dreams in a long time. One good thing that came out of Azkaban."

"Hufflepuffs shouldn't be here." Esmeralda complained.

To which Hermione replied "Miss Parkinson, if Susan was really out for her team, she would do better to let Harry suffer." Most of the population of Hogwarts had not heard a shared joke between her and Harry.

"Think you can do my temples?" asked Harry with a satisfied sigh. He could not remember the nightmares that kept him tossing and turning in the night, but now even the feelings were fading. He chuckled at the remark and, unaware of the stir already created added "Now, Essie, do what Hermione says she knows best."

Ron and Susan shared stunned looks. With Ron it was mixed with delight. Ginny wondered if the feud was really over, or was this just a cease-fire. She definitely wanted out of the line of fire, but hated the cause. And, in a way, wasn't happy about it. If Hermione was really coming back into Harry's life, where did that leave Ginny?

"Let's go!" shouted Ron. No, he wasn't Captain, just enthusiastic and, still occasionally tactless "Crush Hufflepuff!"

Susan just tolerantly flipped him a dirty gesture and kissed Harry. "And when I'm in the 'Puff stands yelling Down with Gryffindor! you'll know why." She countered loudly enough that most near them could hear.

"C'mon Bones!" Hannah taunted, good-naturedly "Join the good guys." She had an arm mostly around Ben Cadwallader's waist. House unity sort of demanded putting aside of the 'old witch' incident.

Harry and Susan kissed again, both looked over simultaneously. She felt him tense suddenly and asked "What is it?"

"He gave me a dirty look." Harry accused.

Susan guffawed "Who? Ben?! He's one of your biggest fans! He just hasn't worked up the guts to ask for your autograph!"

"I know what I saw." He argued.

She stopped abruptly, declaring "I think you're overreacting."

"And I know what I saw!" he repeated, a bit angrily.

Susan flared "And I know Ben Cadwallader! He most definitely did not give you a dirty look!"

"I don't have time for this now." He whispered harshly, then walked away in frustration.

Susan stood rooted to the spot for several seconds, staring after him. Glanced at her House making its way to their seats at the Quidditch Pitch. Gryffindor, from the castle, had to walk two-thirds of the way around in the opposite direction. She rushed after her fiancé calling "Harry, wait! Wait! HARRY!"

"Bloody! Fucking! God-damned shit!" Harry was stalking toward his housemates uttering an impressive stream of obscenities. Then he heard Susan calling his name. He stopped. Hardened his resolve, took about ten more steps, changed his mind and turned. He waited stonily as she approached, and demanded "Well? What is it?"

She took a couple of deep breaths. Calming ones, she was fit enough that that short distance wasn't THAT much of a strain. "I still love you."

"Yeah." He did not even hesitate "I still love you, too. Don't doubt it."

She gave a almost smile, kissed his cheek and said "I don't. Promise me a couple things? …. Play hard like you always do, but don't play angry. And be safe."

"I will. Thanks." He answered, returning the same almost smile. And clutched her hand kissing it.

Susan felt much better this time, watching Harry depart. She stayed there for a bit, then followed the other Hufflepuffs. She did not rush however, remembering one of her Auntie's lessons. Under the circumstances, there could not be the slightest chance of Harry seeing any contact between herself and Hufflepuff's lead Beater. She kept her pace such that the team split from the other students.

"Here Sue!" called Hannah as soon as she saw the flash of her friend's bright red hair. Naturally, she held a seat "So what happened? You know, Ben missed not seeing you. He said make sure to tell you."

Susan sighed, motioned for her to lean in and relayed the event, as nearly accurately as she thought it happened. The while wondering, Maybe it was an overreaction? Is something wrong with me?

"And now!" the amplified voice of Luna Lovegood boomed from one end of the arena to the other "First out the wildcard challengers Gryffindor!"