The following Saturday Luna was ecstatic and was skipping next to her short Professor as they walked to Professor McGonagall's floo. Flitwick had informed his coworker of his plans and the situation that followed as soon as he could. While Minerva was furious for the young witch, she agreed with Filius' decision and choices. She also gave him 20 galleons to help pay for the young witch's new pet to show her support on the condition that he didn't reveal it to anyone. The half-goblin wizard nodded and smiled; he was always touched when Minerva went out of her way to help subtly.

Filius didn't want to interfere with Luna's classes and had planned to take the young witch as soon as possible to get her a pet. He also didn't want to rush her or make it so she had to decide quickly. Hence they were leaving at 9am on a Saturday via floo.

"Magical Menagerie!" Luna said clearly and happily.

With a burst of green flames, Luna was swallowed up and deposited into the magical pet shop. With a simple skip Luna was able to make a clean entrance, quickly followed by her Head of House.

As soon as Filius entered the shop he looked up at the blonde witch.

"There's no time like today to look for your animal companion, if you're lucky you'll find your familiar!" the short wizard said, "Don't let me hold you back!"

"Welcome to the Magical Menagerie, Miss Lovegood! Your professor here wrote me ahead of time that you were hoping for a companion at school. I did you the favor of making sure all the cats we have available are out on display instead of in the back. All the owls are here as well. We do have a few toads and snakes as well as other creatures about. I know they're not technically allowed, but I have written permission from the Deputy Headmistress that they're willing to make an exception for you. So please look to your heart's desire!" the shop keep said.

Luna beamed and skipped over, looking at the owls first, then the cats. She pet each of them but aside from the usual amount of love she felt when she saw animals, she knew none of the owls or cats were for her. She did give the rats a glance, and also gave them loving pets. The toads weren't interested in her. The salamanders were interesting, but she knew she wouldn't bring one with her to Hogwarts. She saw a few bunnies that caught her interest as well, but when she looked in another cage, she knew.

In that other cage were 5 ferrets. Two were sleeping, two were eating, and one was standing up, propping itself against the cage, clearly trying to sniff her.

Luna got closer and extended her hand to it. The ferret was a lighter color than the ones surrounding it, a cinnamon in coloring with the typical sable mask that most have.

"Hello there, you. May I pet you?" she asked the small creature.

The ferret did it's best to reach for her through the bars of its cage, and Luna gave it gentle scratches between its ears. The ferret gently nibbled on her finger before forcing her to pet it more.

"I think I may have found the one." Luna said happily, "Would you like to come to Hogwarts with me?" she asked.

The ferret made small dooking sounds causing Luna to grin.

"I think I've found them professor," Luna said happily.

"What a marvelous choice, Miss Lovegood!" the shop keep said, "She's been here for almost a year and unlike our other ferrets she seems to prefer human companionship, so we haven't had much luck in pairing her off with a friend. I know she'll do well at Hogwarts."

"Mia, Harry, Greg, Neville meet Willow. Willow meet Hermione Granger, Harry Potter, Gregory Goyle, and Neville Longbottom. We sometimes call Hermione, Mia, and we often call Gregory Greg, and sometimes Neville gets called Nev," Luna said introducing her ferret to her friends.

Many thoughts went through Hermione's mind before she opened her mouth, mostly along the lines of 'ferrets aren't on the approved listing', "Hello Willow, it's nice to meet you. I hope you'll do a good job of keeping Luna company when I can't."

Hermione then began to lightly give the ferret a few behind the ear scratches that Willow seemed to adore.

"How old is she?" Hermione asked.

"Willow here is 3, but the shop keep said that she was a little different than other ferrets. I think she might have absorbed some ambient magic, so I hope she lives a little longer than expected," Luna said.

Willow then wiggled and managed to climb up Luna's arm and made herself comfortable around the back of her neck.

"Be careful there, Willow. I don't want anything bad to happen to you," Luna said gently and firmly.

"I have to admit I haven't done much research on ferrets before, but I'll make a special trip to the library to learn more about her," Hermione said.

Luna beamed at her friend.

"Is she going to attend classes with you or are you going to leave her in your room?" Hermione asked.

"I was thinking of bringing her with me to most of them, but I'll leave her in the room for transfiguration and potions. I think I'll bring her when I tag along to your lessons though. I just don't want her hurt in an accident," Luna answered.

"I'll check out some protective spells for familiars and pets while I look up information about her," Hermione stated decisively.

Luna beamed at the curly headed witch and kissed her cheek, "Thank you, Mia."

Hermione beamed back at the younger witch.

"A'right! A'right! Today ye'll be learning somet'ing exciting! I go' a real treat for you lot! We're gonna go inter the forest fer today since they prefer th' dark!" Hagrid boomed excitedly as he picked up half a cow carcass.

"What prefers the dark?" Malfoy asked Crabbe in a high pitch voice with bits of panic in it, "Did he say what prefers the dark!?" the blond hissed at his friend.

Only a few students were glad to have him back as opposed to Grubby-Plank who taught what would be on their O.W. L.s. Some of them were also looking a bit nervous.

Weasley secretly agreed with the blond wizard, but at that moment was being more spiteful than self-preservative.

"I've been savin' a trip inter th' forest fer yer OWL year. Though' we'd go an' see these creatures in their natural habitat. Now, what we're studyin' today is pretty rare, especially in Britain, I s'pose I'm probably the on'y person from Britain who's managed ter train 'em." Hagrid stated.

"Course you would be a coward about a class in the Forest," Weasley sniped at Malfoy.

"Weasley! It ain' funny to talk abou' people's fears." Hagrid said, "Keep it up and I'll 'ave to give you detention wi' Filch."

Ron's mouth dropped open at Hagrid response, "Wha– !? But he –"

"Malfoy has been in th' forest b'fore. It was a detention after dark, when th' Forest is at its spookiest. He ain' seen it durin' th' day when it's a bit better. He's allowed to be a lil afraid." Hagrid said, "Now, come along."

In reality, Hagrid had to face some really deep introspections after he had to remove his brother from the forest. He thought that with the full Giant being his half-brother that Gwarp would be allowed to stay. In addition to that Hagrid was deeply hurt that he disappointed Dumbledore for focusing on family over the mission. Family was something deeply important in the wizarding world. Molly was never reprimanded for caring for her family, so Hagrid struggled to understand why it was different for him. Eventually Hagrid asked Snape and McGonagall in the staff room and got some surprising truths. Additionally, they spoke with him about his lessons, he mentioned the treat he had in store for the students only to be reminded a few important facts. Namely: The students might be afraid to enter the forest because it was normally Forbidden to enter and some students had detentions in there after dark.

The half giant led his class into a clearing not far from the

"Thestrals!" Hagrid boomed happily.

"Aren't they an omen of death!?" Parvati exclaimed.

Hermione gave Hagrid a look with an arched eyebrow that had Hagrid think before he spoke.

"In some cultures, yes. How'ver, ye'll be surprised to know tha' th' horseless carriages are horseless, only 'cause they're pulled by Thestrals."

The class broke out in whispers that had Hagrid smile.

"Those tha' 'ave seen death, as in seen someone die, can see 'em," Hagrid explained kindly, "Th' catch is tha' th' person also 'as to understand death. So if y' were in yer nappies an' th' family crup or kneazle died and y' thought they were only sleepin', y' wouldn' be able ter see 'em."

Hermione had a small smile on her face as she felt Harry's enlightenment at what Hagrid said. She knew from what Harry said that he was in the same room as his mother when she was killed. However he hadn't been able to see the Thestrals until this year. Luna had been able to explain what they were when they arrived this year, but hadn't really explained why.

Lavender raised her hand.

"Yes, Brown?" Hagrid asked kindly.

"If not everyone can see them, why are we going into the forest?" Lavender asked.

"Ev'n if on'y a few of yeh can see 'em, those few will be asked teh sketch 'em for those who can't. Also it's better to talk abou' a beastie wit' 'em in class. As I got 'em trained, these ones are real gentle like. So's I can 'ave yeh pet 'em one a' a time," Hagrid explained.

Draco was clearly still nervous.

"Jus' r'member tha' yeh are near 'em all the time. The Thestrals pull the carriages and they nev'r hurt yeh before," Hagrid followed up.

The gentle reminder did calm the blond pureblood more than the previous explanation as well as a few of the other students.

December arrived with as much snow as homework for the Fifth Years, Hermione included. She may have had less than the typical student, but Severus made up for it with more lessons. Hermione wondered if it was just a habit as Severus was giving her what he was giving his NEWT students as review and then following up with Mastery tidbits in their private lessons. Hermione was very thankful for Barty warning off students from asking her about Defense OWL and NEWTs while she still helped with practical application in the Defense Association.

Severus was as exacting as always, and started to help his apprentice think creatively. He planned to immediately start her Journeyman part of the apprenticeship as soon as she finished her NEWTs at the end of the year. He had told her next year, but Severus didn't want to leave anything to chance with the war kicking up. It was bad enough that he was having trouble having the Order listen to him as he tried to suggest an emergency system. Molly was listening, surprisingly, but no one else had taken his suggestions seriously. He hoped that they didn't lose anyone due to their own idiocy at this rate.

"Albus is calling a meeting this evening, I hope to instill a safety precaution," Severus told his witch.

"Like potions or a portkey?" Hermione asked.

"I had thought of the portkey, but I hadn't thought to give them potions in case they let them expire," Severus admitted, "The idiots never check and knowing them, they'd poison themselves."

"I think we should make them a small emergency pouch, a Blood Replenisher, a Pepper-Up, and a bezoar, at least until they can get help and get a proper antivenin," Hermione listed, "Then we can tell them which day to bring the pouch back for inspections so they don't do that."

Severus rubbed his thumb against his lower lip, "I can see those being helpful enough to at least survive, I'll bring it up. If it doesn't, I'll speak with a few people and ask if they want it anyways."

Hermione nodded knowing that it was a shot in the dark, "If you're able please let me know how the meeting goes. Also let me know who wants pouches if it's blocked. I can write in my agenda 'check potions', and as your Apprentice, no one but us would know what it really means. I'll arrange the check dates to correspond with the shortest shelf expectancy for them."

"I appreciate that, I will do what I can," Severus said, "However I am going to ask if you know off the top of your head, which of those it would be."

"Without checking, I think it would be Blood Replenishers. However I'm not so certain that I would leave it up to chance and would appreciate double checking," Hermione replied, nibbling on her bottom lip nervously.

"We will work on your hesitancy about the shelf life expectancy, but you are correct. It would be Blood Replenishers with 3 months, Pepper-Ups with 6 months, and then the bezoar with 12 to 18 months depending on freshness. The ones we have here are 12 months."

Hermione nodded before she smiled and leaned over for a kiss that was quickly given without a thought. They had slowly been building casual affection when Luna was at Defense tutoring with Harry and Barty. Overall it had only made them closer and more in tune with each other, which helped with the trickier potions.

"Meeting is now in session," Albus called.

The noise around the kitchen of 12 Grimmauld Place quitted.

"First things first, Alastor; how has guarding The Weapon been?" Albus asked.

"The Weapon is safe. After Sturgis' bang up, I feel like we need extra measures in place so it don't happen again!"

Doge snorted, "It's just sitting a hallway making sure Death Eaters don't get it."

"And we ain't got procedures should one happen upon them do we!?" Moody snapped back.

"I agree with Mad-eye," Snape said, causing all eyes to snap to him, "I think we should have a few extra security measures so members are able to make it out alive."

"Like what?" Alastor asked.

"First off, an emergency portkey. It would be best if it was a bracelet, ring, or even a button that can be sewn into your cloak. If it doesn't go to a safe house, it should at least go to St. Mungos. With some of your day jobs, it should be easy to get ahold of," Severus answered.

"I like tha' idea," Alastor grumbled, "What else?"

"Blood Replenishers, Pepper-Ups, and bezoars," Severus responded.

"What, ya think we're gonna be poisoned or something?" Doge scoffed.

"The Dark Lord has a very venomous snake that he occasionally has be his eyes or take out his enemies. Her venom is specific and very potent. You get bit by her and you'll be lucky to last 10 minutes without one."

"It's a snake, I think we can take a snake," Doge huffed.

"And if you were to be hit by a dark curse that left you bleeding, then what?" Severus snapped.

"Severus, I believe Elphias has a point," Albus said gently, "I don't think we'll be needing those right now."

Severus sneered while Alastor crossed his arms, Molly sat at the table and wrung her apron. They knew at that point that Albus wouldn't listen to their concerns.

Once the meeting ended Severus stood and went to stand in the corner to observe the members. Normally he would have been one of the first to leave, but he did tell Hermione that he would let those interested address him.

"Snape," Alastor growled.

"Mad-eye," Severus nodded.

"You and that Apprentice of yours making those kits?" he asked.

"The potions yes, if you want to make the portkeys, you can. I think it would be best to have those who can go and have the Ministry make them so St. Mungos won't have to address it later. We also plan to do kit checks so no one poisons themselves with expired potions," Severus replied.

"Good, I want one made for everyone but Doge and Albus. Albus doesn't see as much action to need it, and if Doge is against them he doesn't get one," Alastor gruffed.

They both noticed the redheaded witch with her apron in her hands. Severus subtly raised a Muffliato.

"May we be of assistance, Molly?" Severus asked politely.

"I want two of those kits and a portkey, I'll go to the Ministry and have an official portkey for Arthur tomorrow, please" Molly plead.

"Will you stop potioning the Order?" Alastor growled menacingly and low enough only the three could hear.

Molly paled, "You know about that?" she asked in a faint whisper.

Alastor and Severus scoffed.

"Of course, I know. I check my aurors and force them to drink purging potions," Alastor answered.

"Albus –"

"Shouldn't be ordering it either," Alastor said firmly.

"People on those potions can't always think clearly in a life or death situation, which is exactly what war is," Severus said with a glare.

"You're lucky I made antidotes for Potter and your children," The dark wizard continued, "Your twins regularly work with potions that could explode if they're not exact. Not to mention my Apprentice. Thankfully she hasn't imbibed any of them, or else we'd very much be having a duel."

"Stay away from the lass," Alastor growled.

"I-I –" Molly started.

"Stop potioning the Order and stay away from Granger." Alastor growled, narrowing his eyes. Severus was also glaring at the witch.

"Okay," Molly said meekly.

She wouldn't put her husband's life at risk over her plans and Albus's orders. Despite everything, Molly very much loved her family and would do anything for them. If it meant she had to stop trying to coerce a witch into paying her children any attention, she would do so and have to hope for the best. While she could make the potions herself, she didn't have the extra money to procure the ingredients.

"We will make the potions for you and I'll have them delivered with a school owl," Severus said.

Molly nodded, "Thank you."

"Mollywobbles, I'm off!" Arthur shouted toward his wife who was cleaning up in the kitchen.

"Wait, Arthur!" Molly shouted back. The wizard stopped himself from grabbing a pinch of floo powder before walking to meet his wife.

"Is there something I've forgotten?" Arthur asked.

"Yes," Molly said wiping her hands with a dish towel.

"What? I have the sandwich you packed me, the invisibility cloak from Moody, and there's a chair in the hallway where the post is," Arthur rambled.

"Severus has mentioned more than a few times that we don't have anyway of knowing anything or getting and help should something go sideways," Molly fussed, "Well I went to the Ministry and asked them to make you a portkey to St. Mungos. I told them it wasn't as though you'd be in much danger, but when you go out on the field there's no telling if someone's misuse of muggle artifacts would blow up, and there'd be no one to help you since you often go alone. I know there hasn't been much, but there's already been 2 incidents involving The Weapon. One, the reason you're there, and two poor Sturgis. I know I'm probably just over worrying, but I know things come in 3s. If something were to happen, please use it." Molly said, taking a small pocket watch from her apron pockets.

"Molly I'm sure you're worrying over nothing, but I will take it to ease your mind," Arthur said, kissing his wife and taking the pocket watch and clipping it to his person.

"I know you don't swear, so I asked them to key it to a swear word instead of the usual 'portus'," Molly continued, "They keyword is 'Shit'."

"Molly," Arthur chuckled, "Thank you. If I were to swear, and it were serious that would be the choice word."

"I know, I worry, Arthur. I have a bad feeling about this." Molly confessed, "I also have the emergency kit Severus tried to bring up. Here" she reached into her apron and passed him the kit.

"Well now, should anything happen I'll be sent immediately to the hospital. I'll have abandoned post, but I'll live," Arthur said, reassuring his wife.

"If you use it, we'll have to thank Severus and make sure the rest of the Order actually listens to him and Alastor," Molly said firmly.

Arthur could see this had bothered her for a while and had held on to the Potions Master's suggestion like a lifeline. "Of course, we always knew he was brilliant. He may call everyone stupid, but it's not his fault when they actually are, hm?"

Molly sighed and nodded, "Be safe, Arthur," she said.

"I'll do my best Mollywobbles, I love you," Arthur replied.

"I love you too," she kissed him quickly and then watched him walk to the floo.

As soon as he left she sat down, picked up her knitting needles and watched the Weasley clock. She felt a little better as she knitted the grumpy Professor a sweater with fine alpaca wool. It had cost a little extra, but if his idea saved her husband, it was the least of their concerns.

She still hadn't told Arthur about the money from Harry, instead she had been secretly selling more of the cider she made from the orchard in the backyard. Both regular and hard cider, and thanks to magic, both were made in a timely manner and her permits were still valid. She was even getting a bit more than she had from the monthly deposit from the upsell from the hard cider. The only downside was she wasn't able to make as many desserts to send to her kids at Hogwarts, but she consoled herself that they were at Hogwarts and were indeed given 3 meals a day. They didn't need treats from home and sadly no one had written to her about the lack.