(a/n): Thanx for the reviews!

First about Lavender. She was just a little too creepy in the movies. I just stepped it up to obsession. In canon she got the boy she wanted. Here Hermione stole her man before she ever got the chance. Totally frustrating for a borderline personality. She didn't intend to poison Ron. She trusted Susan to poison Hermione. She lost it when the wrong person was apparently poisoned.

Alecto Carrow in Hogwarts? Don't see a problem. Many Death Eaters got off on the 'Imperius Plea' And while Amelia could very well have known her by sight, there's no reason Susan should. And I imagine in the build up to any Quidditch Match any number of visitors would be milling about. Last game? Packed house.

Teachers, at least some, seemed magical as a kid. They looked at you and knew what class you had next. And there were no IPads for instant lookup. When I was in school the TRS80 was state of the art. My brother is a teacher and it's been a revelation to see what he does.

Master Wolfy seemed good Dobby-speak. But I think he'd develop out of it under Harry's regime. Hermione's life-debt, I don't think given the circumstances, properly belonged to Harry anyway. Harry and Hagrid had a certain healing, but as long as they disagree over Dumbledore it'll be an obstacle and both POVs are legitimate. Harry and Hermione get a moment here, whether it lasts? Time will tell.

Wizards in the USA? That gave me some thought. When I first developed the magical superpowers idea, it was simply 3 largest populations = 3 largest wizard populations. The comment was "...US muggle population grew alot through mass immigration. Wizards never had the same problems that they would need to immigrate..." But maybe they did.

Dan's "Frankenstein" film? Hear about that? Well, they can just transfer the Harry scar.

Hope you're all happy with the crap hitting the fan. Another sequel-named chapter.

34 – The Last Quidditch Match ii

"We'll have to wait a few years before we see multiple Weasleys again, brother and sister Ginny and Ron. She'll be Captain next year. Beaters Esmeralda Parkinson and Dennis Creevey. The Chaser line filled out by Ritchie Coote and Tom McDonald. And Gryffindor …your Captain and Seeker HARRRY POTTER!" He streaked out after Luna's echo faded.

Gryffindor stands shook with foot-stamping and fist-pounding.

Luna then announced "Here come the Hufflepuffs! "A young Chaser line of Kevin Lynch, Steven Stebbins and Hazel Whitby. Eleanor Columbus and Ben Cadwallader are your Beaters. Has anyone wondered if Eleanor is Susan Bones' doppelganger? Just an observation Professor Flitwick. Salazar Summers is your highly alliterative Seeker. In goal is the Hufflepuff captain Rose Zeller!"

Hufflepuff cheered just as boisterously for its team as 'the other guys' had.

"You're gonna have to win by almost three hundred points to take the title, Potter." Rose taunted, but not harshly.

Harry extended his hand and smiled "Never had a finer Gryff team than today. I'm counting on four."

"A decided break with game protocol." Announced Luna, everyone noted the streaking Cadwallader as he slowed near the two captains. Then he shot straight toward the Hufflepuff stands. Went from 60 to 0 in the width of a Sickle right over Susan, offered her a long-stemmed red rose and coasted back to his place over the game pitch. Luna was struck speechless for almost a minute, then commented "Well an example of an older custom where knights would gallantly dedicate a quest to a la—err…someone they are fond of."

Harry's grip tightened vise-like on his fellow captain's hand and he growled "Warn that git to keep his distance!"

"It's a game! I can't promise that!" countered Rose as she yanked her hand, shaking the feeling back into her fingers.

He menacingly circled her broom and said "He made it personal. Consider THAT a threat!"

"Zeller has a quick tête-à-tête with her Beater, nods. There goes the Snitch! Bludgers! ANNNNND the Quaffle!" Luna called out the start of the game. "The Hufflepuff Chasers get first possession. Weasley with the save, passes to Coote and to Weasley. And the first goal of the game."

Justin was on a mission, but he was also doing his best as a Beater. He picked up assists on two goals by forcing Ron to duck instead of defending the target ring. Then a chance! He blasted a Bludger right into Potter's path. Harry, however, was an old hand. Sneering, he grazed alongside the projectile, caught it, spun and a curving counter caught the talented, but inexperienced, Justin in the gut. He plummeted fifty feet before recovering.

"That's 150-90 at the thirty minute mark!" an excited Luna called out "One of the highest scores this reporter has seen. This half hour brought to you by The Quibbler – truth in Wizarding news for the Isles of Britain, Man, Jersey, Guernsey and Wight. Soon to be available daily. OOH! That was a close one Harry!"

This one from Eleanor, her first; while the Beater he knew as Ben had sent six. As Beaters varied their attacks and roamed the pitch, this was getting to obsession levels. Illegal? No, but still.

Justin's eyes widened as he spotted one of his helpers in the stands. Her expression spoke volumes. And distracted, he did not see the Snitch fluttering past him. "Bloody idiot!" Ginny cursed him "Watch where you're going!"

"Score still climbing! Amazing!" said Luna "440-370 at the two hour mark. The Snitch has been highly elusive. But it can't last much longer. Players are beginning to slow. Definitely the Lions' game, but the Badgers should win the title. There go the Seekers again!"

Summers was closer, but simply, Harry was better and had a faster broom. The excitement of the chase consumed him. Forgotten was the feud with the Beater. Combined score of well over a thousand, the whole crowd erupted in cheers. Gryffindor racked up the highest score in a single game in Hogwarts History. However Hufflepuff took the Quidditch Cup.

Eleanor congratulated Harry on a good catch. And Harry shook her hand as cordially. The teams mobbed them. The more enthusiastic visitors followed suit.

"Potter again the hero!" resentful Justin growled. He had not landed his broom with everyone else. He missed several chances to take out his nemesis, whether bad luck, or a missed aim, or Potter ducking. The ex-HUfflepuff climbed, flipped his Beaters bat and tilted over into a nose dive. "I'm gonna kill the bastard!"

Harry caught Susan as she ran up to him. They kissed passionately, parted and hardly a syllable difference "We still have to work out-"

"But that was an amazing game." She finished.

They were about to kiss again when Ron screamed "LOOK OUT!" He'd seen the incoming attacker. It was one of those 'could not do it again if he tried' moves. Ron charged, pushed the couple over, and jumped a dozen feet into the air. Accidental magic, either Susan or Harry's back, or maybe it was their heads. Whatever the case, there was a mid-air collision that crunched bones.

"NOOOOOOOO! YOU KILLED MY BROTHER!" a young voice wailed. Ron was struggling to push his face out of the grass and utterly defenseless. The kick to his groin hurt so much he didn't feel it.

Harry was completely dazed, but managed to shake out the cobwebs, He saw someone attacking Ron and no one was doing anything. He snatched up his broom and threw it javelin like. He wasn't quite satisfied, so he stumbled to his feet and charged. Which was just as well as the attacker had recovered. Instead of another crippling groin kick to Ron, Harry took the blow on his forearm. It hurt. Then Harry had a weight on his back and teeth tearing at his ear. He screamed, twisted and threw off his opponent.

"Ohhhh…uhhhhhH" Ron groaned.

It distracted Harry, he forgot about the fight and knelt to help his friend. A foot caught him in the jaw, but despite the pain, he caught the second kick, managed to get under it and throw. He ordered "Now stay down!"

"I HATE YOU!" long dark hair came apart, revealing a young girl, crying. She yanked out her wand.

All he saw was the wand. And he was faster by far "EXPELLARMUS!" he yelled. That unique spell that could either just flick a wand from an opponent or blast them into a wall. It depended on the user's intent.

"You think that was hard enough?" came a sarcastic question.

Harry spun in a crouch, wand pointed, but it was Susan. He stood and holstered it. "I was protecting Ron." He answered, tiredly.

"That was a little girl!" Susan yelled "A Fourth Year!"

He shrugged, too weary to be affected by shouting "So? She was going to kill Ron. And don't forget, he saved your life too."

"Still, you didn't have to be so rough." She argued, less harshly, wanting to diffuse the argument.

But Harry didn't back down "Little bitch is lucky to be alive."

"Oh…is that so?" Susan snapped "And what if-"

The simultaneous intervention of Hannah and of all people Hermione cut off the couple who were venturing into real trouble. "I don't think you want to ask that." the blonde said sharply as she pulled her away.

"I'm really tired." Harry admitted, hating the weakness, but swaying on his feet.

The two surviving Marauders, who had been otherwise occupied until then, caught Harry between them. Sirius said "Come on, kiddo, looks like you need a nap."

"Why did you stop me?!" the red-haired girl demanded of her friend "I can't believe he was ready to kill that girl."

Hannah sat patiently for a full minute "I'm a real late Harry fan," she finally replied " And you didn't see it all. You couldn't have. Now I'm pretty sure Ben was going for Harry. Not that it changes things, he could have easily hit you as well. Ron pushed you two down and took the hit himself. I promise you, if I was in Harry's situation I would have done EXACTLY what he did. And from what I saw, he was trying not to hurt her anymore than he had to."

"What is wrong with me lately?" Susan complained "It's like I'm two different people."

Hannah hesitated, then answered "I have an idea. And I could be totally wrong, but have you used your spells EVERY time you and Harry…ummm?" she made a circle with her right thumb and forefinger, stuck her left in the hole.

"Tact much Abbott?" Susan complained "But to be honest, no potion, or spell, is perfect. Annnnd…. Noooooo, sometimes, we do just, well, do. Y'know? Can't find out for sure until Madam Pomfrey is free. And I bet that's hours away."

There were, in fact, multiple serious injuries as a result of Cadwallader's failed attack on Harry. It was Ginny, Captain during her Fourth and Fifty Years, who gave the orders. Very likely there would be trouble indeed, but the Gryffindor Team attacked and speedily disabled the Hufflepuff Team. Using whatever of brooms, balls or spells came to hand. They were not, however, fast enough to offer direct assistance to Harry and Ron.

Few noticed, but Hogwarts has two fully equipped hospital wings. One near the main entrance that was close to the Great Hall, the other facing the Quidditch Pitch. Madam Pomfrey and a couple of assistants, were always enough to handle the crises that came up in ones and twos. This time, however, both wings were full and the Healer Staff would have been completely overwhelmed except for the support of qualified visitors.

Broken bones and other such minor injuries were dealt with by those in Healer Training. Fully qualified Mediwitches and Healers were needed to treat more serious wounds Harry and Tabitha Cadwallader inflicted on each other. Only the best, and several per patient, worked on critically wounded Ron Weasley and Ben Cadwallader.

"Your sentimentality sickens me, Alecto." The masked Death Eater said.

The witch could not refrain from stroking the cheek of the real Ben Cadwallader. "Inasmuch as you and I were never really under the Mudblood's orders I am not obliged to take yours." Alecto sneered "And as this war still remains unresolved, another generation must be prepared for. And this one's bloodline, though not Noble Born, is more verifiably pure than most."

"The Mudblood failed, and must die." Changing the subject.

Alecto almost giggled, replying "Actually, he performed precisely as our Mater expected. AH! However, your point is taken. Nothing must lead back to you and I. You may go." Moments after her partner disapparated, Alecto, with her captive, did as well.

x

"You're hiding something, Lupin. I can tell." Harry grumbled "We've gone through the Quidditch incident a dozen times. So whatever it is, talk."

Sirius frowned. HE somehow hadn't, but now that it was pointed out, his Padfoot senses told a great deal. Eyes narrowed, he observed "Curses, nasty ones. You've seen Snape!"

"Harry, I had hoped to let you get rested." Remus attempted to evade the subject.

The almost completely healed youth bounced out of bed, growling "Don't even try a Dumbledore on me or I swear I'll beat you with his beard!" And Remus reported, factually, he had little choice as either Harry or Sirius caught anything less than 100%. And Harry would not tolerate even a white lie.

x

Headmistress McGonagall had done the unthinkable, overriding a Healer in her own Hospital. And over the resistance of the Minister of Magic. She had ordered patients moved even if medically risky "I have a near civil war on my hands, Madam Pomfrey. And Minister, you have no jurisdiction here. I may, however, need a squad of Aurors to maintain order. Poppy please, you must obey in this. Hufflepuffs in one ward, Gryffindors the other."

"I will be lodging a formal protest with The Board." Hogwarts' Head Healer said, stiffly "And if any student … You will have my immediate resignation."

There was a knock on the office door and all Heads entered "You called us, Minerva?" Professor Slughorn asked the obvious.

"Indeed." she replied "Your first job, all of you, is to get the families out of here. The situation is too volatile. Hufflepuff and Gryffindor are on lockdown. Get them to the Common Rooms, at least, and keep them there."

The Head of Gryffindor spoke up "Those in the Hospital Wings?"

"A good point Charity." The Headmistress considered "We might have a riot if … very well, at your discretion, students in either Wing may remain there. And let me warn you, in all seriousness, Professor Burbage, Professor Sprout if there are any more casualties I will have your careers. Both of you. Am I clear?"

Dumbledore attempted to interject "Surely Minerva-"

"Are you in charge of this school? Or am I?" she demanded harshly.

Professor Slughorn coughed significantly "If I might offer a recommendation? Perhaps the Slytherin and Ravenclaw Prefects could be of help?"

"Volunteers. Seventh Years only." The Headmistress replied "I do not want a hapless Fourth Year risking herself to separate more experienced students. Thank you Horace, Filius."

Dumbledore, somewhat chastened, asked "May I contribute a thought? Mister Potter and Miss Bones are a likely bridge to resolving this fracas."

"Hmmmm." Minerva was less pleased with the idea and shaking her head "I dislike the showing of favoritism. There should not be an appearance of that among us. Especially now with tempers running high."

Horace persisted "The idea still has merit, Minerva. We might not need to directly bring them together. Harry is not famous for is ability to sit about."

"Headmistress I am much more of a scholastic …ahh…nature." The Head of Gryffindor began, uncomfortably "I feel I would best serve… What I mean to say, this is more than I signed up for. Perhaps another … I wish to resign as Head of House."

Minerva nodded, she had little time for weaklings "That is your wish. Effective as of June 30, this year. In the meantime, you will help handle this emergency and under the same terms I previously mentioned. So? What are you all waiting for?"

"That was unduly harsh, Minerva." Dumbledore scolded her after the Heads filed out "Charity is not the … She said it herself. There is room for every-"

She slapped the desk, her desk and told him coldly "Lead or follow, Albus, but get the hell out of my way!"

x

"Report, Snape." Alecto demanded as she strolled into the Malfoy dining room.

A pale-bluish hand with elongated fingers acknowledged her "Enter, Alecto. And sit. Severus was just regaling us with tales of his mighty conquest. He even brought us a prisoner. Unfortunately. At a rather higher cost than planned for."

"Amycus." She greeted her brother as if they had just spent the last few days idly, instead of on very hazardous missions. A real reunion would have to come later.

The Potions Master and attack leader resumed "We could not possibly have anticipated the werewolf's presence."

"Lupin is a traitor to his kind. Do not include him so casually with the rest of us!" Broderick Bode snarled. He had taken control of the British Pack, with Death Eater help. Like Fenrir Greyback before him, Bode was not inclined to be a Death Eater and the alliance was one of convenience.

Lord Voldemort merely waved a hand "Then perhaps it is just as well. Much more effective to assert your authority personally. Would you not agree, Broderick?"

"As you say, ally." The Werewolf leader replied, emotionlessly.

The Dark Lord's next gesture was for Snape to continue. Which he did "My Lord. We are certain of two defenders. As I said, Lupin. And the brat's Elf. Once the presence of unanticipated resistance was determined, I ordered our party to evacuate. The basic objectives were achieved, the Potter estate is a charred ruin. At little cost."

"Four dead, six wounded?" Amycus pointed out "And against a target you said could not fight back. The moment something untoward was detected, all action should have ceased. You should have withdrawn us until the entire situation could have been reevaluated."

Snape gave an impressively cold stare, countering "If you can't stand a bloody nose, do not get into the fight. My Lord, we never would have gotten back in. Would you rather lose a few followers in a successful operation, or reveal a major weakness in the enemy and gain nothing in return?"

"Severus was charged with command." Voldemort decided "It is not for you to question that, Amycus. Less than 10% loss is quite acceptable. You may proceed with the assault on the Bones estate."

Snape lowered his eyes and bowed his head "Of course, My Lord. I do, however, request a small delay to consider the first attack. Some changes are warranted."

"This time, I will definitely be there." Said Alecto "With your approval, My Lord?"

That fit in perfectly with the Dark Lord's private orders to the brother/sister pair "Yes, the three of you will lead. However there shall be no additional reinforcements."

x

"Welcome to freedom, Gellert Grindelwald." A new agent woke the former Dark Lord from a deep, restful sleep. His first in decades "We have a considerable program for you to improve your physical and magical condition. Tests done while you slept have suggested several compatible wands. You can chose from them and we will get started."

Grindelwald sat up revealing a lean, sagging torso. He acknowledged "I am rather out of shape. Solitary confinement does that to a wizard. I'd like to start with a good breakfast and some questions answered."

"Follow me, sir." Said the young agent. "Perhaps you would first care to select a suitable replacement wand?"

Grindelwald rubbed his hands together appreciatively scanning the table "Yew, Ashe, Maple. I remember Gervaise Ollivander said any would do. But anything other than Dragon Heatstring would handicap me. Ahhh,,," he grinned maliciously, claimed one, pointed it and fired "Crucio!"

"Your magic is quite weak!" she gritted out.

Another, an older man entered "Miss Vijay?"

"Orders sir?" she asked coolly. He nodded and she fired back "Crucio!"

Grindelwald screamed for a solid minute. Maybe he was strong enough to cast the Unforgivable. Withstanding it was another matter. And he panted on the floor for quite a while. "I permitted that as a demonstration of futility." He said pitilessly "Your first lesson of many. And I am your schoolmaster. You will address me as Indira."

"Indian?" asked Grindelwald "A woman's name I believe?"

The Spymaster shrugged "I have had many names in my career. And while you recover from your lesson, my operative indicated your interest in one Severus Snape. He is back in Britain following the orders of his master. Informants tell me he just returned from a raid that gutted the Pureblood Potter estate known as Kiln Keep. I also have information which, although grown back, your grandson was punished by having his left arm consumed by a rather large snake."

"And Dumbledore did nothing to prevent this?" Grindelwald demanded, his pain forgotten "My oldest friend and companion has betrayed me. Give me my revenge. That and the continuation of my line; I will pay any price, endure any indignity. Let the continent burn!"

'Indira' smiled, not at all pleasantly "My organization will do what it can. Take advantage of any good opportunity to pull Snape out and get him under our protection. Your job, when the right moment comes, will be to indulge your desire for vengeance."

"Then let's get me in shape." Grindelwald almost ordered. He would now, definitely, slaughter this bunch of interlopers. Once he got what he wanted, naturally.

x

CHARLES GIDEON WEASLEY the sign mounted above the cabin door proclaimed. The outside was very unassuming. An elderly Chinese woman rapped on it. Some little distance away, a ball of fire erupted and a powerful voice commanded "Down Norbert! We have a visitor!"

The Norwegian Ridgeback sniffed, then snorted at the witch.

"I understand." Charlie patted the massive head after he slid off. His wand was out. "I don't trust anyone that makes a Dragon do that. So why don't you toss your wand away?"

The witch shrugged, held her wand by the tip and tossed it across the grass. "I trust that makes you feel better, Mr. Weasley?" she asked.

"Enough to listen to you." He replied coolly "You came to see me. Talk."

She began "Not that you asked, but in some circles I am known as May. My job is to keep an eye on things in the world, you might say."

"A spy in other words." The redhead concluded, bluntly.

She glared "There are other terms for my profession."

He was much coarser in appearance than when he appeared at Ron's wedding. Hair hanging freely instead of neatly tucked into his collar, beard untouched since his return, all in deference to his Mother. His lack of concern for his looks carried right through to courtesy. He pointed out "Less truthful ones."

"Be that as it may." The old witch grumbled "At present, Britain is nearing full scale war. With your family right at the heart of it."

THAT got Charlie's attention, but "What can I do? That Bones Woman made my exile pretty permanent."

"Word has possibly not reached this remote area." Said May "Amelia Bones was slain months ago. Of course, that would not affect your Unbreakable Oath. But there are loopholes. I also have learned that a particular mission would benefit from your skills."

Charlie considered then, "Two questions, sorry, three. What mission? What skills? What loophole?"

"You don't get the chance to say no." May said abruptly and a yellow spell struck Charlie right in the chest. He crumpled onto the grass like a broken doll.

Norbert roared in fury and stomped over to guard Charlie. IN the Dragon's mind, his Human was as near a parent has he'd known. But the other human did not move. Norbert roared again, inhaled deeply and ignited his breath.

"Do not fear, Mighty Dragon." May said softly "He is only sleeping. I am a friend. This was necessary to get him back to his nest. Tomorrow, you will leave for Hogwarts. You remember Hogwarts?"

An image of the Castle and of the shaggy, bearded human who called himself 'Mummy' formed in the Dragon's mind. They were pleasant and happy images that blanketed Norbert's anger. He lolled on the ground. The Human was not bad after all. Then there was a soft pop which the Dragon barely heard and the Humans were gone. As suggested, Norbert went to sleep.

x

Susan began her personal quest in between times. That moment between the issuing of an order and solid execution. However, she ran into powerful resistance. All of the usual Gryffindor leaders were occupied. Harry recovering, Ron still unconscious, Hermione by his side, Ginny, who would be returning next year as Captain also with her brother. Neville, Dean and Natalie McDonald took over.

"Look at what it is." Esmeralda confronted her at the entry of the 'Gryffindor Hospital Wing' "A Hufflepuff."

Colin, who had come to know the red-head Hufflepuff quite well, thanks to acting as Harry's chauffer during the previous summer, came up behind her and ordered "That's enough, Parkinson. You know who she is. Go get Neville."

"I'm not here to talk to Neville." Susan snapped impatiently. She started past the Sixth Year, only to find she'd walked into a wall. Of flesh that is.

Colin gently, but firmly, pushed her back. If the formerly excitable little boy could tower over Harry, he was a near-giant compared to Susan "Neville decides. So you'll talk to him first."

"I don't much care for this." She snapped "Get out of my way, Colin!"

Less gently, he pushed back "And we don't care for what Justin did to Ron."

"In all fairness, don't forget what Harry did to Tabitha." She retorted, hotly.

That was when Neville appeared, jaw clenched and eyes stormy. He demanded "What do you want?"

"Leggo me!" Susan growled at Colin, then to Neville "Call off this oaf! Then both of you let me by! I want a word with MY fiancé!" She had a momentary success, but then Esmeralda Parkinson was in her way. And Susan steeled herself to walk into, through, or over the Fourth Year Gryffindor. And that was the last conscious thought she had.

When the Hufflepuff awoke, the Headmistress' face filled her vision "No Gryffindor stunned you, Miss Bones." McGonagall told her icily "To be accurate, Miss Parkinson of Slytherin fired the spell. We had hoped you and Mister Potter would help to diffuse this crisis. What have you to say for yourself?"

"How long was I out?" Susan rubbed her temples.

Tone unchanged, the Headmistress stood, dragging the semi-awakened girl with her "I have a school to control. Can I count on you? Or not?"

"Of course, Professor." Still shaky Susan replied.

The Headmistress and Pansy led/dragged Susan to the Hufflepuff Common Room where the story was related entirely accurately. And yes, she accepted her responsibility for provoking the Gryfindors. In the back of her mind was the thought from Hannah that she indeed might be pregnant, but had no intention of revealing without both confirmation and first speaking to Harry. Their next stop was the 'Hufflepuff Hospital Wing'

x

"You're going to pay for what you did!" Harry Potter was shouting. He, Hermione, Remus, and Sirius had easily slipped through Professors, Prefects and Hufflepuffs to the wing where Ben Cadwallader was recovering from his injuries. His Invisibility Cloak seemed infinitely useful. From a single eleven year old, to three of them, now to four adults.

His sister, Tabitha, was out of her bed "Don't touch my brother!"

"Sit down and shut up you little bitch!" That came from Hermione, a second shock for those in the room who were amazed at the intrusion. A spell caught the younger girl and lifted her off the ground.

The parents of the siblings reacted quickly, for average magicals, but were immobilized all but instantly by spells from the trio of wizards. Noise brought the guardians into the room, and they were highly agitated at finding intruders. The spell use also brought Headmistress McGonagall and Minister Dumbledore in via apparition. Through it all, the Hufflepuff Beater did not waken.

"You had best explain yourselves." The Headmistress ordered, flustered enough to not direct her command at any one of the Gryffindors. "And Mrs. Weasley RELEASE MISS CADWALLADER!"

Hermione smirked unpleasantly, flicked her wand a couple of times, muttered. A red glow circled Tabitha's neck and she gurgled futilely as she rose a full foot off the floor "You nearly killed my husband." She said, in an almost conversational tone. For an instant, the Fourth Year could not make any sound, then slumped to the floor "But I am the better person."

"Can you not control your Mudbloods?" Mr. Cadwallader demanded of the Headmistress, as he shook off the Petrificus spell to help his daughter. His family was comfortably middle class, but solidly Pureblood.

Susan, unable to apparate with McGonagall, arrived just as Hermione was choking the life out of the younger Hufflepuff. Her intervention was prevented by a perfectly placed Expelliarmus from, shockingly, Harry. Not that his expression showed a hint of pleasure at the act. Her hand only tingled for a moment, but she gaped at her fiancé. They were definitely on opposite sides here.

"Do you not think this has gone far enough, Harry?" Dumbledore demanded. Still with the totally calmly dignified aura of authority.

Nothing had changed from Harry's perspective. He shot back "Stick it, Judge. As for you Cadwallader, I'd take a Mudbloood any day over someone like you. My Mum was a pretty impressive Mudbloood, the whole killing Voldemort thing? Ya'think?"

"I swear you will go down for this Potter!" Mr. Cadwallader gritted out as he comforted his daughter.

Both parents were stunned yet again, this time by Sirius and Remus. Harry advanced on the unconscious Ben, yanked on his arm. The Hufflepuff Seeker was pulled out of bed and unceremoniously dragged into the aisle between beds. It was to Harry's advantage that all were stunned into inaction. He finished his demonstration by stepping on the patient's chest and ripping apart the right pajama sleeve. Thus, exposing Voldemort's Dark Mark.

"NO!" hissed Mrs. Cadwallader "It can't be! Yes, we believe Purebloods are superior, but we never taught-"

Hermione spat, literally, at her. Not really intending to hit and did not, sneered at her "I guess I imagined the word Mudblood then?"

"Now, now, Hermione." Said Dumbledore in a scolding tone "Everyone is entitled to an opinion."

She snorted "And if I think you're an old fool well that's my opinion too!"

"Mr. Potter! This in an outrage!" shouted Madam Pomfrey "I'll not have patients treated in this manner."

Harry gave the arm a savage twist to bring the Mark into her view.

"Naturally I saw it!" she snapped "But something called the Hippocratic Oath requires me to keep a patient's secret."

Hannah arrived then, and seeing Harry over a defenseless Ben, was about to pull her wand. Susan stopped her, pointing "Look! Ben, he's got His Mark!"

"NO!" the blonde Hufflepuff exclaimed, more in shock than denial.

Hermione sneered "Hufflepuffs have problems believing their own eyes."

"And Gryffindors lack faith in their friends." Susan defended her friend. She saw Harry glaring at her and asked "What?"

Sullenly, he answered "Kind of bothers me, y'know. My fiancé getting flowers from Death Eaters."

"I should like to know, Harry-" began Dumbledore

He was cut off by "Refer to me by title or at least Mister Potter. We are NOT on a first name basis."

"Very well." the Minister used his best 'disappointed' tone "Mister Potter please explain how you knew. Voldemort's mark was not visible through clothing."

Harry smirked and tapped his forehead "No great secret there."

And that was when it happened. Bubbles of flesh appeared and spread all over 'Ben Cadwallader' who finally awoke. He was obviously in pain, but even Madam Pomfrey was held motionless by the surprise. The bubbles inflated and deflated, moved about exposed flesh, increased and decreased in number. Hair color changed from the sandy blond to deep black, about Harry's shade.

"What?" the Meddiwitch wanted to know.

Harry and Hermione looked thoughtfully at each other, nodded and said together "Polyjuice Potion."

"Impossible." Said Hannah "The game was five hours and it's been over for three. Even I know Polyjuice is only good for an hour."

"The game is easy." Harry explained "We all have drinks handy. Never know how long one lasts."

It was Remus who answered the other mystery "Severus is arguably the best Potion Master in Britain. If anyone can figure out how to extend that limit, he could."

"Complementing Snivellus?" Harry's Godfather quipped.

Remus rolled his eyes "As much as you'd want to insult him, denying his very real ability is foolish Sirius."

"He's back. That's all that matters." Said Harry "And he's ruined my home. Destroyed many of my priceless treasures. Stole my Mother's portrait. He broke his word to stay away. The greasy-haired git is dead."

Dumbledore spoke up immediately "The loss of property, while unfortunate, cannot be equated with a human life. Harr- Mister Potter, see reason. Your word is to me. And I choose not to release you from it!"

"I don't care about some stupid ex-professor!" Mr. Cadwallader was again free "Where's MY son?!"

The last of the Polyjuice effect gone, Susan was the first to recognize the false Ben as "Justin?" she gasped. Then more surely "Justin Finch-Fletchley! Merlin's Beard!"

"WHERE IS MY SON!?" furious Mr. Cadwallader advanced on the barely conscious Justin "TALK MUDBLOOD!"

Madam Pomfrey stunned him "No one mistreats a patient in my Hospital!" then went about caring for the dislocated shoulder (compliments of Harry) and investigating whatever new injuries the kicks of a furious father caused.

"As an Auror, for the record." Remus announced "Justin Finch-Fletchley is under arrest for two counts of attempted murder."

Mrs. Cadwallader flicked a hand toward Harry and Hermione "And what about their assaults on my daughter?"

"I think the attempted murder of my husband is much more serious." Hermione declared. "Maybe twenty years in Azkaban would do her good."

Tabitha whimpered at the notion then sobbed in her Mother's shoulder.

Dumbledore turned a kindly scolding on her "Mrs. Wealey, I hardly think such a punishment justifiable. Miss Cadwallader was distraught over her-"

"Miss Cadwallader" Harry cut in coldly "is the same age I was when I went to Azkaban, Judge. Remember that?"

The Minister did not show a hint of emotion as he began "Harry, one has nothing-"

As far as Harry was concerned, the old man was talking to himself. He simply turned away. Focusing on Susan for the first time since they entered, and smiling for the first time as well "Sue, I know we've been…well… arguing a bit. Nothing we can't work out. Right?"

"I need to think some of this through, Harry." She replied "Get a clear head. Right now, I'm confused, angry. And, I have to see Madam Pomfrey."

Harry took her shoulders, kissed her lightly on the lips "Sure." He said with a smile, and without another word, left. Not a person in the Hospital Wing saw the storminess in his eyes. Everyone on his way out did. Curiosity as to how a Gryffindor had penetrated their defenses abounded, but his expression did not invite inquiry.

"Precisely how, Mr. Potter, did you manage to get unseen past ten people including myself?" the Head of Hufflepuff was not intimated by the angry face of any student.

He barely looked at her. There was adequate space in this corridor for him to pass. This was just as well, as Harry might well have walked through Professor Sprout. He gave a curt, one word answer "Magic!" and kept going.