For those of you in our facebook group - Bubbleybear & Pienuniek's Story Nook - this news will come as no surprise. But I recently lost a very dear friend to cancer who was also an unofficial Pre-Reader for the Under Her Spell Series. Leonie Price, I miss you, so very much but I hope that you are free from pain, wherever you are.

In her honour, I am dedicating this entire book to her. Her enthusiasm helped me continue to write on many days where I felt ... lost. In fact, one of the last emails she sent me was that she wished that these books had been on the big screen; that they were better than the originals. I know it will never happen, but the thought was enough to encourage me. Please keep her in your thoughts as we continue with this story. Cheers.


I'm so glad that I can finally give you the next in the series. Just know I've already read Book Six and have taken my notes. Now ... I can say that I've started to write!

Thanks must go out to my team. My pre-reader Pienuniek and my Beta Alice's White Rabbit. I would be lost without the pair of you, truly.

I don't own Twilight, or Harry Potter, I'd be a richer person if I did. But I do so love to create my own places for them out in the world. No copyright infringement is intended.

See you at the bottom ...


Chapter Twenty-Eight ~ Looking to the Future

After our revelation, we all sat in a stunned sort of silence. We had, essentially, just ousted Snape as a death eater, at least between the three of us.

"Do we really think Snape is still a death eater?" Bella whispered from next to me.

I shrugged, but Aberforth leaned forward and reached for Bella's hands. "We have no proof of him being on either side at the moment." Aberforth paused but turned to look at me. "Do we?"

I shook my head. "I've heard things that made me wonder. Both verbal and mental. Although he keeps his mind well locked up but nothing definitive."

"He makes a lot of odd decisions." Bella sighed. "And the way he treats the students—Harry especially—seems to indicate a lot of anger and resentment but also joy at hurting them, scaring them."

"And none of that makes him a death eater now." Aberforth held up his hand when we both went to argue with him. "Yes, we've made a compelling case, and I believe he never really stopped—playing both sides—but we have no proof. Until we do, there's nothing we can do about it." He sighed. "As for the prophecy, it is entirely possible that he told Voldemort about it, but again, we have no proof. Just don't tell him anything and, possibly, keep from telling my brother, too."

Bella and I nodded. We understood what he was saying. There wasn't anything we could do about it right now.

"Now, what about this drawing?" I asked, pulling the drawing out of my pocket once more and laying it on the coffee table between us.

"Ahh, yes. The reason for this whole conversation. Do you know what these are?" Aberforth asked as he tapped the drawing in front of him.

Bella shook her head, but I answered. "They look like the thing Dumbledore was recording the prophecy on from your memories."

"You would be correct. Every single one of those little glass balls is a prophecy that has been recorded and placed into the care of the Unspeakables in the Hall of Prophecies."

"The what?" Bella and I asked together. Both of us with varying degrees of confusion.

"Really?" Aberforth asked. "Nobody has told you about the Hall of Prophecies?" Bella and I shook our heads, only for Aberforth to let out a disgruntled sigh. "I can't believe you've been in the magical world for nearly five years, been researching everything about Voldemort and the first war, and nobody—especially my brother—has told you about the Hall of Prophecies. What the hell?"

I smirked at Bella when Aberforth wasn't looking. To hear someone swear in the magical community was rare. I always found it extremely funny when they did. Bella knew what my reaction would be, so she tried to distract me by pulling a silly face.

It seemed that Aberforth didn't need any conformation from either of us because he just kept ranting about how we should have been told everything right from the get-go. Aberforth was so agitated about the fact that we hadn't been told about the Hall of Prophecies—and the Unspeakables—that he got up from the lounge and started to pace around the room.

Bella and I tried to get him to stop, to calm him, and to let us know what he was thinking because most of what he was saying didn't make any sense to us, but as I tried to listen in on his thoughts, I realized that they weren't making any sense either. They were just as rambling, just as mixed up, as what he was saying. We watched him pace for a few more minutes before a knock at the door alerted us.

Bella looked up at me with her eyebrows furrowed, mostly because of the surprised look on my face. Didn't you hear anyone approach?

I shook my head. "I heard footsteps but thought they were walking past. There are no thoughts …" But as I said that, the person at the front door opened their mind. "Ah, it's Opi," I said as I stood because it seemed like Aberforth hadn't heard the knock. "I wonder what he's doing here?"

"To find out, you'd have to answer the door, silly." Bella laughed at my retreating back as I went to let Opi in.

"Smarty pants," I grumbled before I reached for the door handle. Opi only looked mildly surprised when it was me who answered the door instead of Aberforth. "Opi, what are you doing here?"

A rather large smile curled Opi's lips. "It seems my two favorite students are in need of my tutelage."

"And how do you know that?" I frowned. I wasn't sure I liked the idea of Opi being able to sense when we needed him. I would rather look for him than be able to be found, no matter what.

"An old man has to have some tricks, young Edward. Are you going to let me in?"

"Yes, of course. Sorry." I stepped aside, allowing Opi to sweep past, leading me back toward Aberforth and Bella.

He sensed that we needed him, Bella thought when I stepped into the room after Opi. She was giving him his usual exuberant hug but looking at me over his shoulder. I nodded in reply. That's just a wee bit creepy.

Opi stepped back from Bella and watched as Aberforth paced around his living room for a moment or two. Bella and I sat back on the couch, hoping that he could calm our friend down. We watched and waited before Opi made his move.

"Aberforth, my good man, how are you?" Opi asked as he moved into Aberforth's path with his hand outstretched. "It's been an age since I saw you last."

Aberforth's reaction was automatic. Years of being polite and answering someone had become habit. He paused only long enough to shake Opi's hand and give a polite, "I'm good, my friend, and you?" before he continued pacing and muttering around his living room.

"I'm good," Opi replied, but his answer trailed off as he continued to watch Aberforth. "What happened?"

I pointed to the drawing that had been left on the coffee table. "I drew that not knowing what it was I was looking at. You'd already left for the weekend, as had the others, and Professor Dumbledore isn't at the castle anymore."

"So, I suggested that we bring the picture here and ask Aberforth what it was." Bella took up the mantle. "Once he heard that we didn't know what the Hall of Prophecies was, he started muttering and pacing." Bella indicated to where Aberforth was still doing exactly that.

Opi let out a sigh. "He's not wrong." He took one last look at Aberforth pacing before sitting down on a chair across from us. "You know what a prophecy is, correct?"

Bella nodded but I replied. "Yes, it's a vision of future events seen by a witch with practiced arts in divination, like Professor Trelawney."

"Unless you talk to Hermione." Bella snorted.

"Hush, Bella." I chuckled.

"Exactly," Opi agreed with a smile. "If Alice had had magical abilities, I would say that she would have been an excellent diviner. In fact, learning about some of the other ways she can predict the future might hone her gift." Opi trailed off before shaking his head to clear it. "Another thought for another time. Anyway, when a prophecy is recorded"—here Opi tapped the paper I had drawn the shelves of little balls on—"on these Prophecy Records, they are stored in the Hall of Prophecies."

Bella and I looked at Opi expectantly, as if there should be more of an explanation, before we both frowned in his direction.

"What?" he asked when he saw the change on our faces.

"What do you mean 'what?'?" Bella asked. "Is that it? Is there no more to it?"

This time, it was Opi who frowned. "I'm not sure I understand."

There was a snort from behind us as Aberforth made his way around the couch and took a seat on a chair. "What they want to know is what happens to these prophecies once they are stored in that place."

Opi looked stunned. "Oh."

"Oh? What do you mean 'oh'?" I asked now, just as confused as Opi had been.

"It means that he's not sure what to tell you," Aberforth stated with a pointed look in Opi's direction. Aberforth tapped the picture on the table. "Essentially, a prophecy is recorded on those balls, and then placed into storage there. If something needs to be done, then it will be; otherwise, they are left to rot in that hall, being looked after by the Unspeakables. Other than that, nothing."

My mouth had dropped open. "Nothing gets done. No attempt to change the outcome?" I couldn't help the gasp of shock when both Opi and Aberforth shook their heads. "How many …" I trailed off. I couldn't help it.

"How many what?" Opi asked, leaning forward.

But Bella had followed my line of thinking, and she blurted out the question I wasn't sure I wanted to know the answer to. "How many people has the ministry let die? How many people—like Lily, Alice, and Frank—could have been saved if the bloody ministry looked out for the people it was supposed to and tried to change the future?" By the time Bella had reached the end of her question, she was yelling. She jumped up, ready to do something drastic though I wasn't sure of what because her thoughts were all jumbled, only to stop when I reached out and gently held her hand.

"Bella …" Opi started in his most placating tone. One I knew Bella wouldn't appreciate.

"No. Don't you 'Bella' me! That is the most despicable … horrifying … disgusting thing the ministry—and the people running it for centuries—has done that I have ever heard. And that says a lot, considering what's been happening the last years. But that"—Bella thrust her finger at the picture that had started this conversation— "that is … beyond … I have no words." Bella started to make her way to the door.

"Baby?"

"I'm okay, Edward. I just need some air. I'll be pacing around outside." With that, she walked out through the door, slamming it behind her.

"Well, now. Can't blame her for that reaction, can we?" Aberforth mused. "Wonder what the greater population would make of all of this?"

I pointed at the door. "Probably about the same as that, if not worse." I shook my head leaning forward and resting my elbows on my knees, clasping my hands together. "How could they let those terrible things happen and not do anything?"

"My sentiments exactly," Aberforth grumped from beside me.

Bella walked back in as Opi sighed and leaned back in his seat. "The wizarding world doesn't see visions of the future as you do, Edward. They are prophecies, not something that could, or should, be changed."

Bella snorted as she sat. "So because they're classed as prophecies, they should be allowed to play out? No matter who it hurts?"

"I didn't say I agreed with it, just that was how things have been done."

"Yeah, well, that needs to change. That room needs to go."

I kissed the side of Bella's head and pulled her to my side. "Enough, my girl." I dropped my voice to vampire pitch. "If we get the chance, one big spell, and it's gone. Okay?"

Bella nodded. Good.

We all sat quietly for a few moments before I remembered who looked after the prophecies. I looked up at Opi, hoping he would answer me. "You said that the Unspeakables look after the Hall of Prophecies. What exactly do they do if they don't try to change the outcome? And what is an Unspeakable?"

"I wish I could tell you." Opi held up his hand when Bella and I went to argue with him. We didn't want him to start holding out on us like Albus. "I can't tell you what I don't know. Their jobs are shrouded in mystery. They aren't allowed to tell anyone what they do. And for as long as I've been alive, I haven't found anyone to talk about it. The only thing I know is that they look after the Hall of Prophecies. They are rumored to study time. To study love, life, and death, all in various rooms behind that door. The only way to find out would be to get close enough to one who isn't shrouding his mind with Occlumency.

"I do know, however, that not all the Unspeakables live outside the ministry. Some of them stay there, inside those walls. Those are the ones you want to listen, too."

"Sounds like we have some planning to do," Bella murmured as she looked at me.

I smirked. "A visit to Uncle Arthur at the ministry might be in order."

Aberforth laughed. "Just wait until the summer. You get caught sneaking out, I'm sure Umbridge will have you expelled."

It was my turn to snort. "Of that, I have no doubt."

~*~UHS~*~

By the time Bella and I had made our way back into the castle, Umbridge was on a tear. She was interrogating everyone who was coming back from Hogsmeade about the goings on in the castle. Like any of them knew what was happening. Sure, some of them had an idea, but not one of them had solid proof. The good thing about it was that Umbridge's thoughts were so loud that I was able to steer Bella around to a quieter, less used entrance and sneak our way into the Great Hall where everyone was gathered and waiting for us.

I couldn't help but chuckle at the looks on our friends faces. They all looked very smug. "Had a good day, did you?" I asked as I sat down next to Bella.

Bella and I cracked up when they all started talking at once. They were talking so fast and so excitedly that even I had trouble discerning all the information coming at me.

"Okay, okay!" Bella snickered, holding her hands in the air. "I don't want to know the details because then Umbridge can't try to get them from me. But did you have a good time?" There were nods and chuckles from everyone. "Did you get Umbridge good?" More nods and louder laughter. "Then that's all I need to know."

"Oh!" Harry pointed in our direction. "You may want to steer clear of the seventh-floor corridor leading to the other side of the castle."

"Where the swamp was?"

There were more chuckles, but Harry answered us. "Yeah. That swamp has grown, and it's taken on a complete life of its own. I'm not sure how they're gonna get rid of it."

"I'm sure they'll come up with something," Bella muttered wryly. "If they haven't already." Fred and George just smiled even more smugly than they did before—if that was even possible.

There were murmurs of agreement before Hermione spoke. "What happened with Aberforth? Did you get some information?"

"Ugh, yes." Bella scowled. The tone of her voice and the look on her face caused the levity to come up short. There was a shift in attitude and attention as they registered the change in Bella. "And none of it was good."

Bella pulled the drawing from her pocket and laid it flat on the table after checking that neither Umbridge, Snape, nor Filch were anywhere near us. "This is the Hall of Prophecies, and this is the worst room in all of the ministry."

"How so?" Fleur asked, leaning on the table.

It took time but for the rest of the afternoon, Bella and I explained what we had talked about with Aberforth and Opi. Including our little revelation about Professor Snape.

"Oh, wow." Gabrielle breathed while the others looked on quite disgusted. But it was Hermione I was looking at. Her thoughts were all over the place, but they were also loud, angry, and so full of hurt that I cringed.

"Hermione …"

"No, Edward. That room. Those people. The ministry itself is abhorrent. They tout magical co-operation but refuse to help their own people. They say they support all of magical kind but put creatures underneath themselves when there are some out there who are stronger, better versed in magic, than those of us who use a wand." Hermione shook her head, a frown on her face. "But what the ministry does with those prophecies … it's deplorable. Just because it's a prophecy doesn't mean we shouldn't act to change the outcome, especially when someone is set to lose their life." Hermione huffed and crossed her arms. Harry—the ever-supportive boyfriend that he was learning to be—reached over and rubbed her back. "That room and the rules that govern it need to change. It needs to …"

"Go," Bella finished. "Yes, I agree. And if you end up going into the ministry and working your way up, then you'll be able to make changes for the better. Is that still your goal—the job you want—after?"

Hermione nodded. She was still angry. As were the rest of our friends. We were all silent for a moment, thinking about all we'd learned this afternoon. How much more would we find out about the first war with Voldemort? With Snape? And even the ministry itself?

A shadow fell across the table as I was wishing I had Jasper's power to help those around me calm and settle their anger. In almost a synchronized moment, our whole group looked up to see that Professor McGonagall was standing just behind Harry and Hermione.

"Good evening, everyone. I hope that you've had a nice day." Professor McGonagall looked around at us with a funny little smirk on her face. It was like she knew something the rest of us weren't privy to. "I'm not sure if your friends have informed you yet, Mr. Masen and Miss Swan, but come Monday morning, you will have a meeting with me for career advice."

"Sorry, Professor, we hadn't gotten around to telling them yet." Fleur gave our professor a small smile that she pulled off as guilty.

McGonagall waved her hand. "Not to worry. It was why I came to tell them myself. I will see you both in my office at nine AM sharp."

"Both of us? Shouldn't we be seen separately?" Bella asked.

"Normally, yes, but I figured it would be best if I saw you two together. With your long lives ahead of you, it might take a while. You know, since you could be anything and do anything you would like to do." Professor McGonagall smirked again. "One could say that you might be able to do it all. So, a long appointment will be needed, I think."

I laughed. "You might be right, Professor, we'll see you on Monday."

~*~UHS~*~

The rest of the weekend was smooth sailing. We made sure to steer clear of Umbridge and her rampages, which were becoming more and more frequent, especially as more and more students started using the pranks the twins had started to continue tormenting our illustrious headmistress; her classes were also at most half-full when the students became more familiar with the twins skiving snack boxes.

Come Monday morning, Bella and I dressed for classes before heading down for breakfast in the Great Hall. The fifth-year students were all abuzz about what Professor McGonagall could possibly think they should be doing after they finished school. Bella had a list of ideas she had written down to discuss with McGonagall while I wasn't sure where I wanted to start. We could be anything. My biggest concern was whether Bella and I should become Aurors first before we did anything.

I had spoken to Bella about it this morning, and she posed the questions of "Why can't we do both? Become Aurors and prepare for the future at doing the thing we want to do most?" And for that, I had no answer because she was right. We were able to do more, concentrate on more, than our fellow students. We could do anything we wanted. Be anything we wanted to be.

It didn't take us long to eat our breakfast and make our way to McGonagall's office. There seemed to be an air of excitement about what we would find out. That was until we walked through the door to see Professor Umbridge sitting on a stool, making her a little bit taller than us, and looking down her nose at us.

Professor McGonagall looked to be doing her level best to ignore the big pink elephant in the room. "Welcome, Mr. Masen and Miss Swan, I'm glad you could meet with me this morning." Professor McGonagall indicated to the seats in front of her desk.

"What are they doing here?" Umbridge asked with venom. "They're creatures; they will never get a job within the ministry. I'll make sure of it. And because they won't be working at the ministry, they won't be needing career advice."

"Hmph, and if you had half a mind as to what these two could do—especially Charlie Swan's daughter—then you would be chomping at the bit to recruit them to your department," Professor McGonagall said with a straight face, not even turning to look in Umbridge's direction.

I couldn't help the smirk I unleashed because Umbridge continually forgot who Bella was, who her father was, and she always slipped up. This time, her face screwed up so tight it looked like she had sucked on the sourest of lemons.

Professor McGonagall smiled at us ever so slightly. "Would you two like some tea and biscuits while we discuss your options?"

There was a rather loud "hmph" from Umbridge, but we all chose to ignore her. Bella and I politely accepted the tea and biscuits, doctoring it to the way we liked it, and sat back on our chairs.

"Now, because of your very long lives, there are many different options for you as far as career goals. What I would like to know is where do you want to start? I have some ideas—especially for you, Mr. Masen—but I want to know what you see for your future." Professor McGonagall leaned back in her chair and looked at the two of us. She had thought through what to present us with but was leaving the ball in our court.

Bella reached into her school bag to pull out her list of chosen careers when Umbridge spoke up once more. "The Ministry of Magic is a proud institution that relies on the magic from witches and wizards that are the best of the best. A vampire and a Veela can hardly produce the same level of magic their human counterparts do."

Professor McGonagall, Bella, and I all turned to glare at the woman, so ignorant that it could be classed as a handicap. "Then why are we/they here?" we all asked at the same time as if we'd practiced it. But Professor McGonagall continued. "Miss Swan, can you please transform my hornbill into a crystal water goblet?"

Bella performed the spell flawlessly. But she didn't just perform the spell, she did so silently. No words were spoken just the ever so subtle move of her wand, and the bird turned into a beautiful goblet with gold and silver accents and a twisted stem.

"And now, Mr. Masen, if you please?"

I smiled as I completed the reverse spell just as silently. The goblet changed from the gold and silver accents to black and white before slowly melting from one form to another. The look on Umbridge's face was absolutely priceless, and her thoughts more so. She couldn't believe that two "creatures" could perform magic so flawlessly and silently. Especially a spell that she still hadn't mastered.

"Thank you. Now, if you would be so kind?" Professor McGonagall pointed to a FIPRA sitting innocently in the corner. I knew that FIPRA. I'd seen that one before. It seemed that Opi had known what was coming. And that would explain the note I received from him early this morning.

I reached into my bag to retrieve a vial I had put there after receiving Opi's note and walked across the room to place it in the bottom of the FIPRA. By the time I'd made it back to my seat, it had already risen to the top of the tester and had been poured into the top funnel for testing.

We were all silent as the potion filtered down through all the testing places only to be returned to a vial at the bottom. "I have never tested a finer polyjuice potion," the FIPRA began. "This is NEWT level with lacewing flies that have been poached to perfection, not a moment too long. The ground bicorn horn is the finest, smoothest, I have encountered. And I can taste that this potion would grant the user twelve hours of the best disguise the magical world has ever seen. Well done. Outstanding."

Before another word could be said, Umbridge stood from her stool, causing it to slam against the wall and stormed toward the door. She stood there, glaring at us from over her shoulder. "You two will never work in the ministry as long as I'm working there."

Bella gave her what most would describe as an evil grin. "That's okay, Professor Umbridge, Edward and I can wait until Hermione Cullen becomes Minister for Magic and she needs our help to clear out all the riff raff and corrupt politicians."

You could almost see the steam coming out of Umbridge's ears as she glared at us with her almost kitten-like anger. She really thought she was scary. When really, she was just a scared little girl, trying to play within the big leagues. Umbridge threw the door open, banging it against the wall, and stormed off into the Transfiguration room before leaving altogether.

Laughter rang out in Professor McGonagall's office for a few minutes before we calmed down enough to talk. Bella finished pulling out her list of jobs to show Professor McGonagall.

"This is an extensive list, Miss Swan," Professor McGonagall stated as she looked it over.

"Please, Professor, I prefer Bella, and he prefers Edward," Bella said, pointing at me. "And I know that list is quite long. There's so much I want to be able to do; I just have no idea where to start."

Professor McGonagall snickered. "I'm not surprised, considering this list. But let me ask you this. What is your passion right now?" McGonagall left Bella to think about it and turned to me. "And what about you, Edward, do you have a list for me as well?"

"No," I said with a snicker. "I know there are so many things I want to do, and so many things I will do, but my biggest concern is … with the war we know is coming, do I become an auror first?"

Bella looked up at me before she turned back to one of our favorite teachers. We watched as Professor McGonagall thought it over before shaking her head. "I don't know that you're going to have to become aurors to fight in this war. I think we're all going to have to fight regardless of the training or not. That's not to say that you can't be one, but I think this one might be more up your alley. And something that we are in desperate need of."

I looked down at the pamphlet Professor McGonagall slid across the table. It read "LIAISON OFFICER NEEDED IN THE DEPARTMENT FOR THE REGULATION AND CONTROL OF MAGICAL CREATURES". I pulled the pamphlet toward me and flipped through the advert. What the Ministry of Magic was looking for was a liaison between the Ministry of Magic and MACUSA—or the Magical Congress of the United States of America—Regulation and Control of Magical Creatures departments. The role would liaise between both departments and help to, essentially, rewrite the rulebook on what a creature truly was. It would then decide the different danger levels for the creature and help to work out which ones were sentient—could do things for themselves, including looking after themselves—or which ones could be classed as pets. It would be a step in the right direction for the SPEW (Hermione's and my Society for the Protection of Elvish Welfare) group and would even give us a head start with American law.

"I love animals," Bella began only to pause when I snorted aloud. "Shut up, Edward!" She laughed as she nearly pushed me out of the chair. I couldn't help but laugh harder, only for Professor McGonagall to chuckle. Bella shook her head at me when I'd calmed down. She turned back to the professor. "But I think I also want to teach. I want it to mean something. And I want to be able to give others the best chance they have … out there."

Professor McGonagall smirked. "I think there is a certain curse that needs to come to an end then. What do you think?"

"Ooooh, I could have a lot of fun with that position." Bella smiled. "But I think I also want to see if I can become an auror, too. What about you, baby?"

"Yeah. What do we need to do?"

"To become a teacher, Bella, you need to have at least three years experiences away from Hogwarts. Although, considering the outcome of what's coming that may be waived. For both of you to become aurors, I would suggest that you acquire at least five Exceeding Expectations in your NEWTs. The subjects I would aim for those in are Defense Against the Dark Arts, Transfiguration, Charms, and Potions." Professor McGonagall paused for a moment.

"That's only four," I pointed out.

Professor McGonagall looked at me over her spectacles. "Thank you, Edward. I wasn't sure I could count to five."

"Sorry."

"It's fine." Professor McGonagall waved it away. "I was looking at your course load. I think the last lesson you want to gain your "exceeds" in should be either Herbology or Ancient Runes. Both of which will be extraordinarily helpful out in the field. I do want to warn you that there is supposed to be three years of training to become an auror." She sighed as she looked at the two of us. "I suppose that all depends on what happens over the coming few years."

"Do you think we could start the courses to become an auror, even without the five exceeds in our NEWTs?" Bella asked. "Like if we had recommendations from some of our professors?"

I snorted. "We wouldn't get it from Professor Snape," I said with no small amount of sarcasm.

Professor McGonagall smirked over at me. "No, you wouldn't. But I'm not sure you'd need him." She made a note on the parchment in front of her with our names on it. "Let me investigate that for you two. And, Edward, is this something you're interested in?" she asked, pointing at the pamphlet in my hand.

"Yes, absolutely, professor. There's so much good I could do for all magical kind in both places."

"I thought so, too." Professor McGonagall pulled something from her desk drawer that looked familiar. In fact, I had seen if before when Hermione was selling them to raise funds. Professor McGonagall was a badge-carrying member of SPEW. "There needs to be changed, and the only way to do that is from within." She closed the file in front of her and folded her hands on top. "I think by the time you're done with school in a couple years, you'll be well on your way to becoming aurors. Especially if I have anything to say about it."

Bella and I froze in our seats, looking at her. She didn't know. Of course, she didn't. The only ones who knew were Opi, Newt, and Moody. It seemed that we were going to have to tell Professor McGonagall, too. Maybe all our professors would need to know at the end of this year.

"What? What does that look mean?"

"Uh …" I scrambled. I wasn't sure what to say.

"Professor McGonagall, we aren't going to be here another two years. Edward and I will be finishing our last two years next year," Bella explained.

Professor McGonagall was surprised. Flabbergasted. "Why? And how?"

"I suspect you don't know much about Bella's and my relationship, and what it means when she comes of age?" I asked and let out a sigh when McGonagall shook her head. I spent the next several minutes explaining what was going to happen when Bella's scent changed after she turned seventeen and how we were going to finish the next year with our current tutors' help. "So, you see, we need to begin those courses as soon as possible. Either now, or at least over the summer."

"That's a lot to work through. The last two years are intense. Are you sure this is what you want?" Professor McGonagall asked as she stood from her chair and paced around.

"It's not what we want, professor; it's what needs to happen. Bella and I won't be in any shape to be near the children of this school when her scent changes. Nothing will stop us from completing our bond."

Professor McGonagall nodded. "I certainly don't want that around the students. Hormones are bad enough without that kind of influence." She turned back to her desk and made a note in the file. "I'll figure out some way to get you the lessons you need. But who to talk to?"

Bella and I smiled as we stood and grabbed our bags. As we were about to step away, I asked, "Professor, mind if I make a suggestion?"

"Not at all."

"We were at the ministry over the summer." I snorted because we had no choice. "But we spoke to a Madam Bones, who was very interested in bringing us into the auror office. Maybe she can help you?"

"As well as Opi and Mad-Eye Moody," Bella suggested.

Professor McGonagall nodded. "I'll talk to them and get back to you as soon as possible. Now, I only have one last question before you head off to your classes."

"What's that?" Bella and I spoke together.

"Does Miss Granger really want to become the Minister for Magic?"

Bella and I cracked up laughing. But Bella was the one who answered. "Yeah, that's her end goal. But she wants to start at the bottom, maybe coordinating with Edward on SPEW."

Professor McGonagall smiled. "Then I have a feeling I'll be able to help her, too. Now, off you go to class. And good luck on your finals."

~*~UHS~*~

The week sped by after our meeting with Professor McGonagall. It was all any of the fifth years could talk about. Hermione was so damn happy that her path—what she wanted to do—could lead her to becoming Minister for Magic. And I had no qualms about her becoming that. I knew she would be a fair and just leader.

Harry had his eyes set on becoming an auror. And if he could keep his grades up, I didn't think he'd fail at that. Neville couldn't wait to start learning all he could to become the newest Herbology professor at Hogwarts. He was building up the courage to see if he could start shadowing Professor Sprout when he had some spare time. Professor Sprout loved Neville and his endless questions about plants; she wouldn't say no.

While Luna was a no brainer as a Magizoologist, like her grandfather, she had also talked to Bella about helping her out from time to time. Bella agreed because there were going to be some animals that Luna couldn't handle on her own. But Bella had also suggested that Luna should ask Emmett, as he wanted to start a magical zoo. Maybe it was something they could work on together.

Ginny was another one who didn't surprise me. We all knew she had a talent for quidditch and that it was something she wanted to pursue as a career. I had no doubt she would make one of the greatest players in modern wizarding history. But it was what she was going to study while she was flying high that was going to surprise most. She wanted to be a journalist. I found it funny that she wanted to go to a muggle university to gain a degree in journalism, considering all my employees at The Truth didn't have any degrees at all. But Ginny had high expectations. She didn't just want to become a journalist at The Daily Prophet, she wanted to become the Editor in Chief. Ginny wanted to turn the newspaper around and make it reputable once more. Although, I did wonder if that would put The Truth out of business. I'm sure we could work alongside each other. Besides, there was always two sides to every story.

The one that surprised me, though, was Draco. I honestly thought he would want to do something away from the ministry. Away from anything that his family had built. But when I thought about it, his career choice made sense. He, also, wanted to be an auror. He wanted the chance to stop wizards doing dark things before they were led down the same path his father—hell, just about every member of his family—had taken. He wanted to save another child from having his life. He wanted to change lives, and he thought this was the best way to do it. I didn't disagree. I hoped that those in charge could trust him, considering the reputation his family had. On the other hand, maybe Draco could prove them all wrong.

The last one in our group who had seen Professor McGonagall was Fleur. She'd missed career counselling at Beauxbatons because they believed their whiles could get them anything they wanted. But that wasn't Fleur. She should have had it at the beginning of the year, but it fell through the cracks unfortunately. But thanks to all the work Fleur put in over the summer and throughout the year, her grades were able to get her in just about any door she wanted. And she wanted to work with Bill at Gringotts bank as a Curse Breaker. Part time anyway. The one thing Fleur wanted more than anything was to become a mother. She wanted the family that she had only dreamed of. Grandparents, parents, aunts, uncles, and cousins. And Fleur knew we had that … in spades.

I certainly could understand her wish. It was something I longed for. Something I never thought I would get. And the one greatest thing that Bella would ever give me—children of our own.

I was daydreaming about Bella being pregnant and really round with my child while Bella was sleeping when I was—once again—interrupted by Emmett. Uhh … Edward, I know Bella's sleeping, but we could really use your help, and hers, with Grawp. Something's gotten him spooked, and we can't console him.

"Okay, Emmett, we'll be there shortly. Let me wake Bella. We'll meet you there."

Thank you. I'll head back.

I waited until I could no longer hear Emmett outside the Gryffindor Common Room before leaning over and nuzzling Bella's neck. It didn't take her long before she started to stir.

Edward? What are you doing? I'm tired.

I couldn't help the snicker that slipped from me. That was an age-old excuse in the muggle world not to have sex with your partner if I ever heard one. "I'm not waking you up for that, my girl."

I didn't mean that. Bella giggled, still rather sleepily.

"I know. Emmett needs our help. Something's spooked Grawp, and they can't get him to settle."

Oh. Bella sat up, all sleep rumpled and adorable. Need my help?

I leaned forward to place a gentle kiss on her lips. "Always. But I think you'll be especially helpful with him this time."

"Okay then. Let's go."

Bella and I dressed quickly so we could follow Emmett out into the Forbidden Forest. The Fat Lady smiled as she swung closed behind us because Bella was sitting on my back, making it easier for us to scoot through the castle unseen. I managed to dodge all the teachers who were on patrol, only to sneak through the door just as Professor Snape walked into the foyer of the castle. His thoughts registered movement, but he thought he was seeing things and didn't bother to check out what he'd seen.

Emmett was waiting for us, watching, and melted into the trees as I raced down the hill. I didn't even pause as I followed him into the copse of trees and through the forest. It didn't take us long to hear Grawp; he was beside himself. The wails he was releasing were painful to hear, and I could feel the physical shudder as Bella heard poor Grawp.

Did you bring something to block your ears?

I nodded. "And I brought enough for Hagrid and Emmett, too."

Good. Bella shuddered again as Grawp let out another wail. I can't stand to hear someone in that much pain. Nobody should feel that. Can you see what has him so upset?

"No. His thoughts are incoherent. We'll need to calm him before I can get a clear idea."

Bella nodded only to suck in a gasp as we entered the clearing that was Grawp's home. The giant was curled up on the ground in a ball, as tight as he could get. Except for when he wailed. Then he would throw his head back and scream and cry as loud as he possibly could.

"Oh, Grawp," Bella whispered as she scrambled down from my back. "What happened?" Bella asked as she walked in his direction.

"We're not sure," Emmett answered her. "Hagrid and I were talking to the centaurs about the fact that Umbridge and the ministry are still trying to restrict their area in the forest when we heard the first of those wails come from Grawp."

Hagrid nodded. "He's ne'er been like this before. I know 'e's lost 'is temper, and 'e lashes out, but 'e's ne'er been despondent."

"Okay, okay." Bella sighed but looked to me. "We aren't gonna get anything out of Grawp this way. I need to sing. Can you hand out the wax?"

"Got it, baby." I kissed the side of her head as I placed some wax in my ears and headed over to Emmett and Hagrid. "You're gonna need this," I said as I handed Emmett a ball of wax, but it was Hagrid I was worried about. I had ordered a large ball of wax from the same company that wrapped the minibell cheese. "Hagrid, you need to fill your ears full of this. Otherwise, Bella is going to knock you out."

"What is she gonna do?"

"Just relax him. I promise he'll be fine, but if you don't block your ears, then you might not be."

Hagrid nodded and took the large ball of wax from me and started to pull pieces from it to place in his ears. Once he indicated that he was good, I turned back to Bella and gave her a thumbs up. I wasn't sure what I was expecting except to hear the siren tone to her voice, but when she started singing one of our favorite songs by Ed Sheeran, I almost couldn't help running over to kiss her. If it wasn't for Emmett grabbing my shoulders, I very well may have done.

Slowly over the course of the next few minutes, Grawp started to calm down, and as he calmed, his thoughts became a little bit clearer. It seemed that over time, Grawp had come to love living in the forest surrounding Hogwarts. He'd started to love it so much that Hagrid had begun giving him some freedoms instead of being tied to a tree. It was during one of his traipses around the forest that Grawp had made a connection to a bird, a parrot, and they had become friends.

Unfortunately, it had only taken one time for Grawp to lose concentration on how hard to hug his beloved friend before the parrot had turned on him and pecked at his face until Grawp had let him go.

We were all quiet as Bella lulled Grawp into a light sleep, and she slowly lowered her voice until she stopped singing altogether. Bella then turned to me. "What happened, Edward?"

I pulled the wax from my ears, showing that Emmett and Hagrid could do the same, before walking over to stand with Bella. "Hagrid, do you have a first aid kit in your hut?"

"Under my bed. Why, Edward?"

"We're going to need it. Emmett, can you run and get it? And, Hagrid, come and help me lay Grawp down."

Emmett took off at vampire speed while Hagrid came over, and carefully, we laid Grawp down on the nest that Grawp had made in the clearing, Bella ensured that Grawp's head was resting on some soft bracken she had pulled together. Once we were sure he was comfortable, Hagrid and I gently rolled Grawp onto his back so that I could inspect the area in and around his face where the bird had attacked.

"Wha' 'appened, Edward?" Hagrid asked quietly.

I smiled at the big guy we considered our friend. "Grawp had made a friend in a little parrot, but earlier today, he squeezed a little too hard when giving him a hug."

"Oh no!" Bella gasped. "Did he kill it?"

"No," I said, but I couldn't help the chuckle at the relieved sigh Bella let out. "Unfortunately, the little bird attacked Grawp's face, trying to get him to let go. I just want to make sure that he didn't hurt his eyes at all." Emmett skidded back into the clearing as I finished explaining with—what I assumed was—Hagrid's first aid kit. Only this kit was a trunk, a large trunk. "You kept this under your bed?"

"Yes," Hagrid replied. "Why?"

I shook my head. "Doesn't matter." I opened the trunk to see that it was a magical first aid kit with some simple healing potions in the way of a bottle of dittany and skelegrow. As well as a few different poultices made from different healing herbs and a bezoar.

Gently, I rolled Grawp's head back so that I could see if there was any damage to the skin on his face or around his eye. From what I could see, there were only a few minor scratches, but I knew from Hagrid that giant skin was tougher than a human's, so I didn't expect to see much damage. I reached into the first aid kit and pulled out a healing poultice and rubbed a bit of it on the few scratches around the eye. Then I cleaned my hands before pulling back Grawp's eyelid.

"'verything okay, Edward?" Hagrid asked after a few seconds.

I breathed a small sigh of relief as I stood up. "Yeah. There doesn't seem to be any damage to him physically. Maybe just emotionally." I heard a parrot chirping from behind us. "Seems Grawp's friend has come back."

Bella let out a whistle, calling the bird to her, while I transfigured a large stick into a beautiful birdcage for Grawp's friend. I took note of all the animals that had come when Bella had begun to sing to Grawp. It wasn't just the fact that they came, but also the fact that Grawp's little friend had come to apologize for hurting him. "There. That should help keep both safe."

"Thank you, Edward," Emmett said as he heaved the trunk back up. "I thought it was something much more … terrible."

"I'm sure to Grawp it was," Bella murmured as she placed her hand on Grawp's head. I knew she was using her healing abilities to help him rest a little easier. "There; much better." Bella looked up. "He'll be fine, Hagrid. He won't remember hurting his little friend, but he will remember Edward and I bringing him the birdcage. No harm done."

Hagrid sat down next to Grawp. He wanted to make sure that he didn't wake up alone. "I can't thank yeh enough. I'm sure Grawp will thank yeh, too."

Bella and I smiled. "Anytime." Bella waved before she scrambled onto my back. "Let's go, Teddy," Bella murmured quietly. "I wanna get some more sleep."

I kissed the side of Bella's head when she rested it on my shoulder. "You got it." I looked back at my brother. "See you at the game?"

Emmett smirked. "Wouldn't miss the last quidditch game of the season for the world. Nor would I miss seeing you and Bella play again. The whole family will be there. See ya!"

"Bye, Emmett." I followed him back through the forest, and we parted ways with him heading back to Hagrid's hut. I didn't bother waking Bella to change when we got back to my trunk; I simply pulled her jeans off and wrangled her bra free before curling up around her and letting her continue to sleep.

~*~UHS~*~

"Welcome to the final for the QUIDDITCH CUP!" Lee Jordan's voice rang out over the stadium high above us. As well as the cheers. We were standing in the ready room, waiting for him to call the teams out to the pitch. "The winner of this game will be the one to win the quidditch cup!"

Screams rent the air from just about every corner of the stadium. Even from the Slytherin end, although theirs was less enthusiastic because even with all of Umbridge's machinations, Slytherin didn't get to the final.

"Let's welcome our Ravenclaw quidditch team! Captain Roger Davies and his fellow chasers Bradley Thomas and Geoffrey Chambers! The Ravenclaw beaters Anthony Goldstein and Lee Jigger! And their keeper and seeker Lisa Turpin and Cho Chang!"

The cheering got louder from the Ravenclaw side of the pitch as their team flew out through the air and around the pitch until they settled on their side with Lisa taking our goal.

"Annnnd nooow … the Gryffindor quidditch team … Captain Angelina Johnson and her fellow chasers Katie Bell and Alicia Spinnet! Their beaters Edward Masen and Bella Swan! Keeper Neville Longbottom and seeker Ginny Weasley!"

Bella smiled at me as we kicked off the ground and raced around the pitch at our top speed, flying low over our fellow students and blowing off their hats. Bella even went as far as to grab Professor McGonagall's before throwing it to me so I could drop it back. The crowd loved it. Our fellow teammates were only just taking their positions as we flew into place.

"The trunk with the quidditch balls is already in place, and now, we welcome our favorite umpire to the start the game—Madam Hooch!" Lee Jordan called as Madam Hooch came out onto the pitch.

She looked up at us and gave us her patented stare as well as her usual line. "I want a fair game. From all of you." With that, Madam Hooch kicked the trunk, the balls were released, and the game began.

"The Gryffindor team is faster off the mark with all the chasers racing toward the quaffle with their beaters following behind them. Alicia gains control of the quaffle while Edward and Bella keep the Ravenclaw chasers off her tail with their exceptional playing skills." Lee seemed to have been practicing his skills as he was having to commentate a lot faster than normal. Thanks to all our training, our team was a lot faster and better skilled than the Ravenclaw team.

"Whoa, look out, professors!" Lee shouted into the mike a short while later as one of Bella's bludger hits swung out over their heads, only to swing back in my direction so I could pelt it in the direction of Lisa, Ravenclaw's keeper, so that Angelina had a clear shot at the goals. "GOAL FOR GRYFFINDOR! That brings the score to thirty to zero for Gryffindor!"

I could hear Bella snicker as she flew back over the professors' heads, blowing off a few more hats, especially Umbridge's … causing the horrible woman to scowl in Bella's direction.

"The Gryffindor team has been playing an awesome game today. They've been able to shut down every play the Ravenclaws have been using, stealing the quaffle, and dictating the direction of just about every bludger hit. Is it just the addition of Bella and Edward that has made the difference, or have they had a new training regimen that has helped them to become a better team?" Lee speculated as Katie intercepted another pass between the Ravenclaw chasers. "Katie has once again taken control of the quaffle with Edward and Bella coming up alongside her, acting as defense."

Okay, Edward, Bella thought. Just like we practiced. Let's give Katie a clear run to the rings.

"Got it, baby. Let's have some fun."

With a wink in her direction, I dropped low, only for Bella to rise higher. This was a maneuver we'd been practicing. With Katie dictating our direction of flight, Bella and I would rotate around her. Essentially going around and around her, stopping anyone from coming near her for the ball, and being able to beat the bludgers away from her.

This move had taken longer to get right because Katie, Alicia, and Angelina had all but slowed down to a crawl when we were practicing. It took Ginny volunteering to be our guinea pig to let us practice as fast as she could fly. Once the girls realized that we could gauge distances, speed, and could adjust on the fly much faster than they could, they kept going full tilt down the pitch.

"MERLIN, what are they doing?" Lee exclaimed. "Bella and Edward have been known to bring new moves to the game, but this seems to be something else. How are any of the Ravenclaw team supposed to get close enough to steal the quaffle?"

"They aren't!" Bella cackled as she circled Katie once more on the opposite side of me. "That's the whole point!"

I couldn't help but laugh at her happiness. Being able to play quidditch was a dream come true for both of us. It was something we never thought would happen.

At the last possible second, Bella and I left Katie's side and rushed at poor Lisa, causing her to scream and dart away from the goal posts, leaving them open for Katie to score a goal.

Lee's commentary rang out once more. "And that makes seventy to ten for Gryffindor. This game has been exciting thanks to all the action, but wait … what's this? Has Ginny seen the snitch?"

I tuned into Ginny's thoughts to see that Lee was right. She had seen the snitch and wasted no time chasing after it. Poor Cho hadn't been looking for the snitch, she'd been watching the maneuver we had made, so by the time she'd realized that Ginny was after it, she was already a few seconds behind her. Unfortunately for Cho—thanks to our training—Ginny had picked up more speed, and the more she chased the snitch, the farther out in front she became.

I turned back to the game, pelting a bludger that had been hit in my direction, before chasing off after Angelina, who was trying to gain control of the quaffle.

Edward! Bella shouted in her thoughts. Aim for the other chaser!

"Got it!" Bella knocked a bludger in my direction only for me to pelt it back in the direction of the chaser who had the quaffle.

We had used this trick before, so it was no surprise that it didn't work this time. But what they hadn't anticipated was the fact that when the chaser spun upside down to avoid the bludger, Alicia came up underneath them and knocked the quaffle to Katie, who sped off with it in the opposite direction.

"What a move! What a move!" Lee shouted over the din of cheers that were raining down on the stadium. "Nobody can stop this Gryffindor team! Where are they getting their moves from?" There was a slight pause before Lee shouted, "Ginny has caught it! Ginny has caught the snitch! Gryffindor wins the cup!"

~*~UHS~*~


What a way to win the cup! Gryffindor wins! Gryffindor wins!

See you all in a fortnight!