AN: Thankfully FFN is finally working again. Almost wasn't sure I'd get to post this week. Hope everyone is enjoying having access to the site again, and hopefully you enjoy this weeks chapter.

Nightwing2013 - Glad you enjoyed the trial. Greengrass and him destroying the shoddy trial was fun to write.

BellalphineBlack - He really did deserve it.

mwinter1 - Thanks, hope you enjoy the new chapter!

scrappy8 - Yep, Fudge has been dealt a blow, but the toad ain't dead yet.

GreengrassRebel - Yeah, I wanted Fudge to be regretting he ever tried to pull that stunt, so Cyrus mopped the floor with him. Interesting random cast. I could see Anne Hathaway for that role, if Emmeline had a bigger role in the story. For everything else, I guess you'll just have to keep reading!

Guest - I don't know if Fudge's loss of political power would stop the education decrees. People might not be happy with Fudge, but many of them didn't want to believe Dumbledore either, and the whole point of them is to try and suppress Dumbledore. Plus, the first decree, which allowed Umbridge to placed there, isn't honestly a bad idea, if they put a proper teacher in place. If Dumbledore can't find someone, the Ministry placing someone is a decent idea . . . but not when it's used to further political feuds. With the Chronicle, he and Umbrdige will have to be very careful though.

Mando-Vet - Cheers, glad you enjoyed it. I'll try to keep up the entertainment.

Vik1902 - Thanks! Yep, they'll have to watch their steps, and even Lucius and those in the dark have to be careful now. As for the rest, I guess we'll see.

stars90 - No, Fudge doesn't know when to quit. He's just too stupid and blind right now.

Starstrider - Thanks! Also, thanks for the criticism. It is very helpful. Yes, Sirius would probably love to beat a joke to death, but I could probably pull back on that just a smidge, and while it is debatable what "canon" events would happen regardless of my changes or not, it is something I need to be watchful of, so thanks! Your names for the newspaper were good ideas too.

Chapter 49

Harry's trial and the subsequent unintended benefit from it changed the dynamic at Grimmauld Place in the weeks leading up to their return to Hogwarts.

First had been the debate on whether Harry and Angelina would even stay at HQ. With Harry able to do magic, Shadow Hold was perfectly safe once again, at least in the eyes of Sirius, Remus, Dora, Harry, and Angelina. However, there was one major downside. Sirius had greenlit moving up construction for the lake house, meaning one of their favorite places was mostly off limits as is, and even during the day, exploring the woods would even be discouraged with unknown witches and wizards working on the property.

Sirius had confided that he'd hired another two builders to start work on a few other buildings, one of which could be a shelter to hide if Shadow Hold was attacked, if Grimmauld Place needed to be abandoned, or simply if things go so bad that people needed to leave homes and gather for protection. The builders for that shelter had signed an agreement that after completion of the home, their minds would be wiped of the construction project, and they had sworn oaths to not speak of it or keep copies of its creation outside of the workspace, ensuring its secrecy. Harry had been a bit surprised at how far Sirius had gone to ensure the building's secrecy.

With less than a month left until their return to Hogwarts, they felt it made sense to stay and help with getting HQ fully cleaned up, and it helped that there were several benefits to staying at Grimmauld. One was just being around friends (and her boyfriend in Angelina's case). Two was now with Harry also able to do magic, the cleanup could go faster. Harry didn't have to fear any of the possible dark creatures they might run into that could be in cabinets or drawers, thanks both to his work towards becoming a mage and Astra at his side. Harry's first act with magic had been to tackle the rattling desk that they'd been waiting for Mad-Eye to verify was a boggart. Mrs. Weasley hadn't been happy, but Harry had easily confirmed and banished the biggest, and Dora and Sirius had no complaints with his actions, especially since he had Astra and his sword with him when he did the job. Third and last was what led to a fight that shook the foundations of the House.

With Harry able to do magic, a desire to not have him and Angelina locked up, and admittedly a slight desire to rub Harry's freedom in the face of the Ministry, Sirius and Dora had reopened the previous approval in Harry and Angelina being able to go out as long as they had an adult present. HQ always had more adults present and it was easy enough convincing those who stopped by for various things to make some detours or go out for certain things since they were more regularly seeing everyone.

This of course led to a major fight with Mrs. Weasley, among others, arguing that it wasn't safe and that also they weren't supposed to draw attention to Grimmauld Place. The Potter-Black Clan promptly shot back that if Order members were allowed to come and go at all times of the day (and many still rang the doorbell rather than walk in) then why didn't the same hold true for the teenagers? It was also further pointed out that Angelina, Fred, and George were of age and could leave if they wanted anyway. However, if Harry could leave, and the twins and Angelina could leave, then why couldn't Ron, Hermione, and Ginny, pending they all had adult supervision?

While Ron and Hermione had gone along with the originally strict mandates imposed by the Weasley Matriarch and Dumbledore, even they joined the fight for freedom with the chance to get out to various places (bookstores for Hermione, quidditch pitch for Ron). The fight went for hours with various members of the Order getting involved on both sides before Arthur took out their fiercest opponent by finally putting his foot down, pointing out she couldn't do anything about Fred and George, being they were of age, and that if the kids couldn't join the Order, then they also shouldn't have to devote all of their summer time to serving the Order. He also agreed that, as long as they had an adult, the kids should be able to go to their friends' houses or to very public places, since they knew the Death Eaters weren't openly attacking anyone. With Molly Weasley overruled, everyone else's opinions were irrelevant.

It had only been two days later when two adults took advantage of that victory.

"Alright my pretties!" Dora called out cheerily, inadvertently setting off Mrs. Black's portrait, which caused Dora to wail her apologies as everyone who heard it rushed to silence the dratted portrait.

"Sorry," Dora said sheepishly, as those that had gathered all shot her various looks, though most of the looks were quite amused. Dora did have the record for causing the portrait to awaken the most . . . by a significant amount.

"It's okay, sis," Angelina said, with a sly grin. "We know you're a klutz in both body and mind."

Dora pouted, and Fleur next to her laughed.

"See how I'm appreciated?" Dora said with a fake sniff, looking at Fleur. "You and I come up with this great plan to take all the youngins out for fun and this is the abuse I get!"

"Take us out?" Ron, Harry, and Ginny all asked, interested.

"Fun?" Hermione asked, looking a bit skeptical.

"Very ungrateful, my friend," Fleur agreed with amusement.

"Well we apologize for causing you such an egregious insult," Fred said pompously.

"We would never mean to insult the great Lady Potter!" George agreed. "I apologize for my girlfriend's rash words."

"My boyfriend and his equally annoying brother are correct, my dear sister," Angelina said, mock solemnly.

"Well, zhen," Fleur said, with a wide smile. "We feel zhat it would be a good day for us to go out shopping!"

"Shopping?" Ron, Harry, Fred, and George all groaned, while Ginny, Angelina, and Hermione exclaimed, "Shopping!"

The few adults in the room (Sirius, Remus, Hestia, Dora, Fleur, Bill, and even Mrs. Weasley) all exchanged amused glances at the gender divide.

"Trust us, it will be fun," Dora said. "We have plans!"

"I think cleaning the house might even be better than shopping," Ron muttered.

Dora winked at Angelina and she nodded with a grin before she turned to George and gave him a flirtatious smile, and started speaking a bit quietly, but loud enough for Dora to hear, but not loud enough for Mrs. Weasley to hear.

"George, don't you think it would be fun to help me pick out some new clothes to wear? You can be my sounding board for all sorts of things. I was hoping to maybe get some new summer dresses . . . some shorts . . . maybe even a new bathing suit . . . and we might even be able to find a nice place for a little alone time."

Dora had to give her sister credit. George quickly turned his opinion around, a smirk appearing on his face, but a twinkle in his eyes. Dora had no doubt the teenage boy was quite interested in possibly seeing his girlfriend in some more revealing clothes, and would love some snogging time in a place his mother couldn't find him, but yet the look in his eyes told Dora that those two might have a bit more than just teenage lust.

"I for one think this is a great idea!" George said, and Mrs. Weasley shot him and Angelina a suspicious look while Fred shook his head.

"Whipped, totally whipped," the twin said in disappointment before he grinned at Angelina and George and said, "Alright, shopping it is! The Ladies Potter demand it!"

Dora grinned and then she, Fleur, and Angelina all turned on Harry, who eyed them warily.

"Please, Harry?" Dora pleaded, her lower lip poking out slightly, and she morphed herself to look a little bit younger, her eyes to look a little wider and brighter. "You wouldn't want to disappoint your sisters, would you?"

"Please, Harry?" Angelina said, putting on a soulful, sad face.

"Please, Harry?" Fleur said, her pretty face looking heartbroken.

"Oh, jeez, of course I'll go," Harry said in horror, staring at the three girls. "Please, for the love of the gods, don't do that to me again!"

Dora, Angelina, Fleur, and Ginny laughed as all three instigators swarmed him and wrapped him in a hug and kissed his cheeks. He struggled to fight off the giggling older girls for a moment before he glanced over to see Ginny whispering something in Hermione's ear that had her giggling.

"Do the adults get a vote on where we're going?" Sirius asked, amused, seeing that with Harry and the twins defeated, Ron would cave quickly.

"No, you're not invited," Dora said primly, smiling innocently. "This is for the teenagers and young adults." Dora gestured to herself, Fleur, Bill, and the Hogwarts students.

"Oh, so we're too old?" Sirius asked. "What about Remus?"

"First of all, Remus is not old, he's distinguished," Dora said, her eyes narrowed. "Second, love is love, you prat. Third, he can't come either! This is for my siblings and their friends. So get lost, Paddy."

Sirius gave her an impressed look while the twins, Ron, Ginny, Angelina, and Harry roared with laughter. Remus was smiling wide, chuckling himself.

"Alright!" Dora said brightly. "It is time for us to be off."

A couple discreet apparitions later and Dora and Fleur were both smiling at the surprised looks on the teenagers since they were at a large muggle mall. Even more surprising for all of them was the presence of Alicia.

"What are you doing here?" Harry and Angelina both asked, excited as she hugged them both.

"Oh, Dora cooked this up and figured all the various pseudo siblings needed to be here, but unfortunately Katie was having a day with her mum and brother," Alicia said."

"Still, fantastic to see you," Angelina said, hugging her again.

"We figured everyone could find somezhing zhey like in a place like zhis," Fleur said, looking around. "We 'ave zhe whole day, and only a few zhings planned."

"So, let's have some fun!" Dora said gleefully. "First though, the Potter siblings and one adoptive Potter," she said, indicating Alicia, "have some shopping to do."

"Well, then we'll take our siblings," Fred said, with him and George wrapping their arms around Ron, Ginny, and Hermione, all three of whom squirmed and glared at the twins, even if it was fairly halfheartedly.

"Actually, I was 'oping zhat Ginny would come with me?" Fleur said, smiling hopefully at the youngest Weasley, who gave her a piercing look before she nodded.

"Alright, Weasley boys it is!" George said with a grin.

"Before you run off, here's some muggle money," Dora said, pulling some cash out of her pocket.

Ron frowned.

"Don't worry," Dora said. "We'll square up later, if needed, but you can't use wizarding money here."

Ron nodded, and the twins dragged him away, joking about visiting Victoria's Secret, which had Ron confused and then red-faced as they started explaining it.

"Ah, I love those two," Angelina said with a grin.

Dora then glanced over to where Fleur was walking with Ginny, looking a bit nervous, but happy that Ginny was at least giving her a chance.

"So, what did you have in mind, sis?" Harry asked, curiously.

"Well, I figured we Potters are starting to really be known as renegades," Dora said with a smirk. "Maybe it's time we find some fun ways to dress like it . . ."

**HP**

"So, why did you want to spend time with me?" Ginny asked Fleur, as they walked through the mall. Ginny was turning each way the whole time, amazed at everything she was seeing. She'd never been to a muggle mall before after all.

"I . . . I really like your brother," Fleur admitted, to Ginny's surprise. "I know zhat we haven't known each other zhat long, but I really like 'im, and I know 'ow important 'is siblings are to 'im. You especially."

"So, what?" Ginny asked. "You're trying to spend some time with each of us? Get on our good sides so we'll talk you up to Bill?"

"No," Fleur said with a shake of her head. "I really want to get to know you. 'Arry got me to open up more . . . and over that year, that included you at times, but not enough. I zhink 'Arry is 'alf the reason zhat Bill an I 'ave 'it it off so well. So, I want to keep being zhe me zhat 'Arry helped me be, and zhat me really wants to know you."

Ginny eyed her, and then sighed and smiled.

"It's hard, Fleur," she admitted. "He's my oldest brother and he has always looked out for me. Now he's home and he spends a lot of time with you, and less with me."

"I understand," Fleur said.

"I know you do," Ginny admitted grudgingly. She knew how much Fleur's own sister meant to her. "I'll try to go easier on you, and you're right. We should spend some more time together."

"Good," Fleur said, her smile wide. "Now zhen, let us find some clothes for you and me so zhat we can make our boys' eyes pop."

Ginny frowned.

"I don't have a boy, Fleur," Ginny said.

"Non?" Fleur said, almost amused. "Per'aps a girl, zhen?"

Ginny blushed.

"No . . ."

"Well, zhen we'll just 'ave to 'elp show both of zhem what zhey are missing."

"Both of them?" Ginny squeaked, and Fleur grinned.

**HP**

"Gotta say, loving the look, babe," George said, admiring the tight Green Day t-shirt and black, ripped, jeans that Angelina was wearing. "Still, I thought I was going to admire some sundresses, maybe some short shorts, and a lovely bathing suit?"

Angelina snorted and leaned forward and kissed him soundly and he returned it eagerly before she pulled back and happily stole two of his fries.

"Hey, don't you know not to steal a Weasley's food!" George complained and he immediately reached for two of her fries, which she easily let him take. She then leaned forward again and kissed him again.

"Well, I guess this isn't so bad then," George said with a chuckle after she pulled back.

"Good. Stay good, and you might still see those short shorts and sundresses," Angelina said smugly. "So, what are the chances we can find some more dates to go on during this summer? Maybe some flying? Some other muggle places like this?"

"You mean, what are the chances I'll fight my mum to take you out?" George asked, amused before he leaned forward and looked her closely in her eyes. "We're going to see a movie on Friday, love."

Angelina smiled wide.

"Is that so?"

"Yep, arranged it so that Kat, Leash, Freddy, Olly, Harry, Ginners, Ronny, and Hermy will be seeing a separate movie that night as well, unless you want to see the same one and have a giant group thing?"

"I'm impressed," Angelina said, excited. "Well, let's see what movie they all want to watch before we decide whether we see the movie with them or not. I really won't mind seeing the same movie with them . . . though maybe we could get ice cream, just the two of us, afterwards?"

"Sounds great, love."

**HP**

"Don't you think my sister looks good, Ron?" Fred said, arms wrapped around a slightly blushing Hermione, who was wearing a soft blue dress that went down to just below her knees.

"Erm, yeah," Ron said, blushing slightly before he frowned. "Wait, your sister?"

"Tsk, tsk, Ronny," Fred said in disappointment. "Show some of that Gryffindor courage and tell a girl when she's looking very pretty. I can't have my own brother without the Weasley courage, and yes! My sister. This one isn't yours. You keep Ginny. Hermione here is George and my sister and we have to make sure she goes back to Hogwats in style!"

"I have plenty of style, thank you very much," Hermione said, still a little red.

"Love, style is not your specialty," Fred said with a shake of his head. "Brains? Of course. You have more brains than all of us combined, though you might want to keep that quiet. Ministry might wonder where you got them. Obscure knowledge? Other than Dumbledore, I doubt there is a person with more obscure or incredible knowledge than you! Wit, you have it by the gallons! Why, if we could figure out how you managed that, George and I would make a fortune!"

Hermione was beat red, staring at him in shock.

"But style, my dear sister, style is not your forte," Fred said with a sad, mocking shake of his head. "Don't you worry though, the best looking Weasley is here to help you out."

"You're not the best looking Weasley," Ron said with a roll of his eyes. "Maybe the dimmest one."

"Says the Weasley who likes the Chudley Cannons and their stupid orange," Fred retorted.

Even Hermione couldn't help but snort at that and Ron threw her a mock outraged look and they started laughing.

**HP**

"Come on, Harry!" Dora teased. "One more!"

"I hate you," Harry groaned out.

"No, you love us," Alicia said, with a grin. "Now, come on out!"

"Ughh," Harry came out, wearing a bright pink shirt and neon green pants.

Dora and Alicia exchanged glances and roared with laughter and Harry sighed.

"Alright, are we done tormenting me?" he asked.

"Oh, you never had to humor us and you know it," Alicia said.

"You just loooove us," Dora sang out, "but yes, we can be done. There's an arcade a bit down the way and I think it's time to kick your ass at pac man."

Harry grinned.

"Oh, you wish, Dora. I'm going to put you in the retirement home with Remus, where you belong."

Dora's jaw dropped and Alicia laughed.

"Then I'm going to give Alicia a reminder of her first year on the Gryffindor Quidditch Team."

"Oh, rude," Alicia said, giggling despite the insult. "He's a cheeky little twat."

"Yeah, apparently we have been inflating his ego way too much," Dora agreed.

"I guess we'll see," Harry said, smirking.

A couple hours later found them all enjoying some of Fred and George's fireworks lighting up the sky over an empty field.

"So, did we do good today?" Dora asked, curled up in Harry's side, and he nodded eagerly.

"It was brilliant, Dora. Thank you."

"Of course," Dora said, her hair shifting colors with the fireworks.

**HP**

Over the next couple weeks, they kept up cleaning HQ, but also had far more fun then they'd had for most of the summer. They got out fairly often, to visit Alicia, Katie, or to even make it to things like the movies or visits to the public quidditch range. They even managed to see some of their other friends like Leanne, Lee Jordan, Oliver Wood, Penny, and Skye. Harry enjoyed seeing how much closer Katie, Alicia, Angelina, and Ginny had gotten, both over the school year, and even now over the summer.

When they weren't having fun or cleaning the house though, they were working on their other projects.

(Flashback)

"Mrs. Weasley, can we have a couple more hours off each day from cleaning," Harry asked, and Mrs. Weasley sighed.

"I know it's not the most exciting work, Harry dear, but it is important -"

"I know it's important, Mrs. Weasley," Harry said, cutting her off. "It's just, I'd like to spend a couple hours each day studying, if that's okay? It is our summer holidays, and while we're getting out more, it still feels like when we're here, all we do is clean."

"Oh! Of course," Mrs. Weasley exclaimed, not really hearing the part about relaxing and playing chess. "You still need to do summer homework. Ron does as well. You're right. I should give you more time for that."

"Bloody hell, mate," Ron complained. "I'm not sure homework is better than cleaning."

"Homework is very important Ronald," Hermione said sternly. "We're heading into our OWL year afterall. I'm glad to see you taking your class work seriously, Harry. Still, you should have already done it!"

"Hermione, I already have done it," Harry replied with a grin, shocking Hermione, Ron, and Mrs. Weasley.

"But you said you wanted time to study," Mrs. Weasley said slowly.

"I do," Harry said. "I want to study advanced defense, especially since I'm in the sixth year class this year. I'm not as ahead as I'm used to and could use some self-study to make sure I'm up to snuff. Plus, I want to start really learning the lightning element, and Angelina's starting learning the air element."

"More elemental magic!" Ron groaned. "Bloody hell mate."

"Harry, are you sure you're ready for another element?" Hermoine asked worriedly. "I mean, you still aren't done with everything for your magehood, and learning another element is supposed to be really difficult."

"I'll be fine, Hermione," Harry said in amusement. "I'm almost complete with my magehood. Mad-Eye is having me take my International Shadow Examinations once I return to Hogwarts. It's set for the first week back, already set up with the Department of Education, and I've already learned how to forge weapons, and now only need to finish two more pieces of clothing and I'll be able to submit my work for proof of magehood, along with taking the Magehood Qualification Exam. Regardless of Ministry approval, once I've finished creating shadow robes and boots, then I'll be a mage in full by Hades's standards. Pending any major issues, I'll be done by the middle of next term. Christmas at the latest."

There was still a lot to learn in the field of blacksmithing, armor or weapons forging as a whole, but for the scope of being a mage, he was complete with what he needed to learn. Everything else was just extra knowledge that he wanted to learn, especially since he rather enjoyed the time in the forge with the curmudgeonly goblin. It also had really helped him grow a lot stronger and put on a lot more muscle, something he was rather proud of, even if it was a bit vain. He would be lying if he said he didn't appreciate some of the looks he'd noticed he got from girls, Katie and Ginny especially, not that he'd admit that to anyone.

Harry was quite confident in his position with the shadow arts. In addition to his sword, dagger, and throwing knives, he now had a bow made of hellswood, whose arrows could freeze opponents in darkness, like his knives, but also could be empowered with his shadow magic to enhance the damage or destruction the arrows dealt. Lastly, he had, with Gorlok and Mr. Ollivander's assistance, combined his wand with hellswood and stygian iron to forge his wand into a magical weapon, capable of being lengthened into a quarterstaff/staff or shortened into his wand, which was now more in tune with shadow magic, strengthening his abilities with his element. While it was a quarterstaff, it was nearly impervious to all weapons, and when twirled would form a shield of dark energy. While also as a staff, like most staffs, he could put more energy through it than his wand (once he learned how to do that), and it was more accurate at longer distances (which Dora said she would help him with).

"That's very impressive, dear," Mrs. Weasley said, smiling slightly before frowning slightly. "I'm not sure how I feel about you studying the lightning element though. It's supposed to be one of the most destructive and dangerous of the elements."

"It's largely offensive," Harry admitted, "but I wish to learn it. I'm going to take it slow, but I have hopes that being several years older now, and having mastered an element, I shouldn't have quite as much trouble with it as I did with darkness."

Mrs. Weasley grimaced, but Harry knew she couldn't argue with Dora and Sirius's approval. It just wasn't her place.

"Very well, dear, just . . . just be careful," Mrs. Weasley said, and Harry nodded, kissing her on the cheek, and getting a blush and smile, before he moved on, winking at his four Weasley friends who gaped at him, except for Ginny who winked and nodded with approval at his handling of her mother.

"Hermione, Ron, Gin, Fred, George, and of course, even you Mrs. Weasley. You're all certainly welcome to pick an element and attempt to start learning, if you want to. Katie and Alicia both started learning this summer as well, and even Dora and Sirius are thinking about it, after Dora finishes her Defense Mastery and Sirius finishes his Runes Mastery. It's a big task, and it takes a lot of time and effort, but it's something different, especially compared to the Hogwarts curriculum, so just think about it. My family has tomes for seven of the ten elements, so you have options if you are interested."

(End Flashback)

Harry couldn't really decide if he had been surprised or not, but Ron, Mrs. Weasley, and the Twins had not taken Harry up on his offer. Granted, the twins were working very hard to invent new products, doing testing, and working towards their future business, so he couldn't blame them. Mrs. Weasley, likewise, was focused on her support efforts for the Order as well as taking care of HQ, and managing things for her own family, so he also didn't blame her for not studying after a long day.

Ron, per usual, was just not the most scholastically inclined person, which wasn't a bad thing. It wasn't for everyone. Harry certainly enjoyed relaxing with his mate quite often when things got too much or he needed some time away from the books. It was a bit of a shame that Ron didn't put a bit more effort though, especially with Voldemort's return. Perhaps once the summer was over, he could convince Ron to do a bit more work. Extra defense was one of the few things Ron didn't seem to mind doing so much, and Harry never minded it himself. He knew Ron wanted to be an Auror, and his friend would need to step up a bit if he wanted to have the OWLs and NEWTS needed. Harry knew that he, himself, needed to as well, at least with Herbology and Potions.

Hermione had, of course, been interested, but over two weeks later, she still couldn't decide which element interested her the most, and was still moving between notes on all seven available elements trying to learn as much as she could since "they were all so fascinating!" Harry figured she'd one day surprise him and learn all seven at the same time, somehow pulling that off with her incredible intellect, or she'd waste a large amount of time, accrue a great amount of knowledge about all seven elements, but gain no real understanding in utilizing any of them before she'd be forced to pick one and really commit. It didn't matter. When she was ready, he'd be there to help if she needed it.

Ginny, so far, had been the most committed, making sure to join Harry and Angelina for every session they met up. Like Katie, she had chosen shadow, which had Angelina laughing for some reason while Ginny blushed, but she was working hard to read through the introductions to the book, taking Harry's understanding and explanations, and combining it with her own comprehension of darkness to create her own arcanum. They hadn't tested anything yet, except for Angelina who had spent the whole summer working towards air, and had been of age, so not restricted in any manner, and even she had only managed a few small things. They were looking forward to returning to Hogwarts to test their efforts though Angelina too wanted to return, for Quidditch, to see Alicia and Katie more regularly, to spend more time with George away from his prying, even if good intentioned, mother, and to really be able to work on her defensive and elemental abilities to see just how much progress she had made, or just how far she still had to go.

**HP**

On the very last day of the holidays Harry and Angelina were letting Ginny practice her legilimency against both of them in the drawing room. Ginny was progressing quite well since she started learning the year before, but she improved the most when she was able to practice against others, and since she was capable of doing legilimency wandlessly now, her skill having progressed that much, it along with the other Mind Arts were some of the few things she was able to practice and improve on over the summer.

Harry's concentration broke and Ginny broke through before pulling out quickly as Ron entered, carrying a couple of envelopes.

"Booklists have arrived," he said, throwing one of the envelopes up to Harry, one to Ginny, and one to Angelina. "About time, I thought they'd forgotten, they usually come much earlier than this . . ."

Harry opened the letter, noting the standard two pieces of parchment: one with the usual reminder that term started on the first of September; the other telling him which books he would need for the coming year.

"Huh, only two new books," he said, reading the list. "The Standard Book of Spells, Grade 5, by Miranda Goshawk, and Defensive Magical Theory, by Wilbert Slinkhard."

Crack.

Fred and George Apparated into the room. Harry was so used to them doing this by now that he didn't even flinch.

"We were just wondering who assigned the Slinkhard book," said Fred conversationally.

"Because it means Dumbledore's found a new Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher," said George.

"I don't think he did," Angelina said with a frown. "I thought I remember Dora saying something about the Ministry having to step in and appoint someone, though they hadn't finalized when she was mentioning it."

"Well, they appointed someone then," Fred said.

"So, wait, seventh years have the same book?" Harry asked.

"Well, you are in the NEWT class now, Harry," Angelina said. "It's not uncommon for NEWT years to be one book. Potions and Transfiguration are both the same book for sixth and seventh year."

"Blimey, I forgot you wouldn't be in that class with us this year," Ron said, aghast.

"Fourth years have the same book . . ." Ginny said hesitantly, looking at her own list, and Harry frowned.

Defense was such a broad subject, especially since it contained elements from multiple other disciplines, that it was nearly impossible, if not impossible to write one book that could encompass the basic to medium level understanding of the subject an OWL student would need, and the advanced level of knowledge and understanding that a NEWT student would require.

"Well, if it was so bad that the Ministry had to appoint someone, this might just be all they could come up with on such short notice," Ginny pointed out.

"Maybe," Angelina agreed. "Though, you would think they'd just use a previous year's curriculum.

"You know, it hasn't been so bad the last few years, too" Harry pointed out. "Mad-Eye made it the whole year, and resigned, like he planned to, and I know the scores during his time were great. Remus resigned. Sure, he would have probably been sacked, but he did successfully complete the year, minus the leaving feast, and his exam scores were great too. Lockhart was a fraud, and he was arrested, but that was his own fault. It was really only Quirrell that seemed to continue the 'curse' and that was his fault too. Though, the Ministry might not want to use Mad-Eye's or Remus's because of who they are . . ."

"That's a good point," George and Fred agreed sourly.

Further conversation was cut off by an excited scream, and Harry glanced at his sister, smiling wide at the Quidditch Captain's badge in her hand. He quickly moved over to her and took her extremely exuberant hug and kiss on the cheek before he pulled back and George took his place.

"What's up with you, Ron?" asked Fred.

Ron did not answer. Harry looked round, along with Ginny, Angelina, and George. Ron was standing very still with his mouth slightly open, gaping at his letter from Hogwarts.

"What's the matter?" said Fred impatiently, moving around Ron to look over his shoulder at the parchment.

Fred's mouth fell open, too.

"Prefect?" he said, staring incredulously at the letter. "Prefect?"

George leapt forward, seized the envelope in Ron's other hand and turned it upside-down. Harry saw something scarlet and gold fall into George's palm.

"No way," said George in a hushed voice.

"I don't understand," Angelina muttered, looking at Harry.

"There's been a mistake," said Fred, snatching the letter out of Ron's grasp and holding it up to the light as though checking for a watermark. "No one in their right mind would make Ron a prefect."

The twins' heads turned in unison and both of them stared at Harry.

"We thought you were a cert!" said Fred, in a tone that suggested Harry had tricked them in some way.

"I mean, two time-Under 16 Dueling Champion, Triwizard Champion, shadow elemental . . ." Angelina muttered.

"Not to mention the other ridiculous things he's done," Ginny added at Angelina, who nodded slowly.

"I suppose all the mad stuff must've counted against him," said George to Fred.

"Yeah," said Fred slowly. "Yeah, you've caused too much trouble, mate. Well, at least one of you's got their priorities right."

He strode over to Harry and clapped him on the back while giving Ron a scathing look.

"Prefect . . . ickle Ronnie the prefect . . ."

"Oh, Mum's going to be revolting," groaned George, thrusting the prefect badge back at Ron as though it might contaminate him.

Ron, who still had not said a word, took the badge, stared at it for a moment, then held it out to Harry as though asking mutely for confirmation that it was genuine. Harry took it. A large "P" was superimposed on the Gryffindor lion.

The door banged open. Hermione came tearing into the room, her cheeks flushed and her hair flying. There was an envelope in her hand.

"Did you-did you get-?"

She spotted the badge in Harry's hand and let out a shriek.

"I knew it!" she said excitedly, brandishing her letter. "Me too, Harry, me too!"

"Oh no," Angelina muttered with a wince.

"No," said Harry quickly, pushing the badge back into Ron's hand. "It's Ron, not me."

"It-what?"

"It's Ron's badge," Ginny said, shooting Hermione a look that told her to get her shit together.

"Ron?" said Hermione, her jaw dropping, "but . . . are you sure? I mean–"

Angelina, Fred, George, and Ginny all winced.

She turned red as Ron looked round at her with a defiant expression on his face.

"It's my name on the letter," he said.

"I . . ." said Hermione, looking thoroughly bewildered. "I . . . well . . . wow! Well done, Ron! That's really–"

"Unexpected," said George, nodding.

"No," said Hermione, blushing harder than ever, "no it's not . . . Ron's done loads of . . . he's really . . ."

The door behind her opened a little wider and Mrs. Weasley backed into the room carrying a pile of freshly laundered robes.

"I heard Hermione yelling about the booklists," she said, and Hermione blushed further, as Mrs. Weasley glanced around at all the envelopes. "If you give them to me I'll take them over to Diagon Alley this afternoon and get your books while you're packing. Ron, I'll have to get you more pajamas, these are at least six inches too short, I can't believe how fast you're growing . . . what color would you like?"

"Get him red and gold to match his badge," said George, smirking.

"Match his what?" said Mrs. Weasley absently, rolling up a pair of maroon socks and placing them on Ron's pile.

"His badge," said Fred, with the air of getting the worst over quickly. "His lovely shiny new prefect's badge."

Fred's words took a moment to penetrate Mrs. Weasley's preoccupation with pajamas.

"His . . . but . . . Ron, you're not. . . ?"

Ron held up his badge.

Mrs. Weasley let out a shriek just like Hermione's.

"I don't believe it! I don't believe it! Oh, Ron, how wonderful! A prefect! That's everyone in the family!"

"What are Fred and I, next-door neighbors?" said George indignantly, as his mother pushed him aside and flung her arms around her youngest son. Angelina laughed lightly and kissed George on the cheek, patting him mockingly as he pouted.

"Wait until your father hears! Ron, I'm so proud of you, what wonderful news, you could end up Head Boy just like Bill and Percy, it's the first step! Oh, what a thing to happen in the middle of all this worry, I'm just thrilled, oh, Ronnie–"

Fred was making loud retching noises behind her back but Mrs. Weasley did not notice; arms tight around Ron's neck, she was kissing him all over his face, which had turned a brighter scarlet than his badge.

Ginny was wincing, looking at the badge like it was the last thing in the world she wanted. The funny thing was that Ginny had some of the best grades in her year, at least for the Gryffindors. Last year hadn't helped her in that department. So much time spent with fourth, fifth, and sixth years, working on advanced magic, learning about dangerous beasts and other complicated theorems had only ensured that she zoomed past many of her classmates in the practical sides, while having a fairly large memory bank for the coming years on potions, plants, and even history. She was probably going to get the badge or at least she'd get the offer.

"Mum . . . don't . . . Mum, get a grip . . ." Ron muttered, trying to push her away.

She let go of him and said breathlessly, "Well, what will it be? We gave Percy an owl, but you've already got one, of course."

"W-what do you mean?" said Ron, looking as though he did not dare believe his ears.

"You've got to have a reward for this!" said Mrs. Weasley fondly. "How about a nice new set of dress robes?"

"We've already bought him some," said Fred sourly, who looked as though he sincerely regretted this generosity, even though it was Harry that made him do it.

"Or a new cauldron, Charlie's old one's rusting through, or a new rat, you always liked Scabbers–"

"Mum," said Ron hopefully, "can I have a new broom?"

Mrs. Weasley's face fell slightly; broomsticks were expensive.

"Not a really good one!" Ron hastened to add. "Just-just a new one for a change . . ."

Mrs. Weasley hesitated, then smiled.

"Of course you can . . . Well, I'd better get going if I've got a broom to buy too. I'll see you all later . . . Little Ronnie, a prefect! And don't forget to pack your trunks . . . A prefect . . . Oh, I'm all of a dither!"

She gave Ron yet another kiss on the cheek, sniffed loudly, and bustled from the room.

Fred and George exchanged looks.

"You don't mind if we don't kiss you, do you, Ron?" said Fred in a falsely anxious voice.

"We could curtsey, if you like," said George, and Ginny and Angelina both snorted.

"Oh, shut up," said Ron, scowling at them.

"Or what?" said Fred, an evil grin spreading across his face. "Going to put us in detention?"

"I'd love to see him try," sniggered George.

"He could if you don't watch out!" said Hermione angrily.

Fred and George burst out laughing, and Ron muttered, "Drop it, Hermione."

"We're going to have to watch our step, George," said Fred, pretending to tremble, "with these two on our case . . ."

"Yeah, it looks like our law-breaking days are finally over," said George, shaking his head.

And with another loud crack, the twins Disapparated. Angelina sighed, shaking her head, though Harry could see the hint of amusement in her eyes looking at where the twins had been.

"Those two!" said Hermione furiously, staring up at the ceiling, through which they could now hear Fred and George roaring with laughter in the room upstairs. "Don't pay any attention to them, Ron, they're only jealous!"

"I don't think they are," said Ron doubtfully, also looking up at the ceiling. "They've always said only prats become prefects . . . Still," he added on a happier note, "they've never had new brooms! I wish I could go with Mum and choose . . . She'll never be able to afford a Nimbus, but there's the new Cleansweep out, that'd be great . . . Yeah, I think I'll go and tell her I like the Cleansweep, just so she knows . . ."

"The new cleansweep is a great broom," Angelina agreed as Ron dashed from the room, leaving Harry, Hermione, Angelina, and Ginny left.

Harry wasn't really sure what he was feeling with Ron's leaving.

"Harry?" said Hermione tentatively.

"Well done, Hermione," said Harry, so heartily it did not sound like his voice at all, not looking at her either. "You deserve it, of course."

"Thanks," said Hermione. "Erm-Harry-could I borrow Hedwig so I can tell Mum and Dad? They'll be really pleased-I mean prefect is something they can understand."

"Yeah, no problem," said Harry, still in the horrible hearty voice that did not belong to him. "Take her!"

Hermione walked out of the room to head to his room to call Hedwig, closing the door behind her and leaving him with Angelina and Ginny.

"You okay, Harry?" Angelina asked.

"I'm fine," Harry said, and then backtracked when he looked at her and Ginny who both shot him angry looks. " - er I . . . well I don't know how I feel."

Both girls' fiery gazes relaxed and Angelina nodded.

"That's understandable," she said. "First, let's be honest. We all would have expected you to get it. The people who don't like you at school even would have thought you'd get it due to your familiarity with Dumbledore. The academically inclined would agree your grades have earned it, though I don't know how some of your other male classmates are."

"Ron's probably got the best grades after me, for the boys that is," Harry said, his voice sounding a little hollow. "Especially with all the extra training this last year and Hermione's help. Zach Buchanan or Chris Flack might give him a run for the money. They're both in some harder electives too, so it's hard to tell. Still, Ron's no slouch, even if people think it. I'm pretty sure my overall grades are better than all of theirs though."

Angelina nodded.

"Well, like we said, favoritism, you should get it, though we know you'd never get it for that, nor would you want it for that. Grades, you deserve it. Leadership, you deserve it. You're not always the most vocal, but when you speak, people listen. You certainly took charge in most of our study sessions last year. Also, you really care, and you look out for people."

"Not even factoring in the tutoring that you did for me before last year," Ginny said. "You never minded if my other friends like Demelza or even Colin joined, and I know Colin is not your favorite person in the world."

Harry snorted at that despite himself.

"So, what?" Harry finally asked with a sigh.

"So, you're allowed to be disappointed, Harry," Angelina said softly. "You did deserve that badge. Now, something you should think about is whether you even want the badge, and then the last question is can you be happy for Ron? Those are the two important things to think about."

Harry nodded slowly.

"I . . . am happy for him. I know he wanted it . . . but . . ." Harry didn't know how to continue.

"But my brother hasn't put nearly the work into getting it, despite him wanting it," Ginny said. "In addition, he wants it for the prestige, which sadly . . . admittedly . . . most of the people who get it do. Hermione does as well. Sounds like even the Great Harry Potter might have wanted it for that reason," she finished with a teasing lilt to her voice and his lips curved towards a smile.

Harry nodded and sighed again.

"I am happy for him," he said finally. "It'll be good for him, and some of the other stuff is not fair to compare against anyway. Mad-Eye and Dora helped me with the dueling tournaments. You all, including Ron, helped me win the Triwizard. I do get too much attention, and maybe he deserves this. He's finally beaten me at something. Besides, I don't really want the badge," Harry admitted. "I have enough on my plate. I don't mind being a mentor or guide to younger students, but I think I'll enjoy my free time not doing all the rounds and meetings."

"Good! More time to spend with us," Ginny said, and kissed his cheek, making him blush slightly, and Angelina grinned and ruffled his hair and he shook her off and escaped the two girls who started giggling.

"I'm not sure I'll survive that," Harry said dryly.

"More time for Quidditch then!" Angelina said happily.

"Not sure I'll survive that either," Harry said, though grinning broadly now.

At this point Harry heard Ron's footsteps on the stairs again. He stood up and hitched a grin on his face as Ron bounded back through the door.

"Just caught her!" he said happily. "She says she'll get the Cleansweep if she can."

"Cool," Harry said, and he was relieved to hear that his voice had stopped sounding hearty. Angelina and Ginny had really helped him out, once again. "Listen-Ron-well done, mate."

The smile faded off Ron's face.

"I never thought it would be me!" he said, shaking his head. "I thought it would be you!"

"Nah, I've caused too much trouble," Harry said, echoing Fred.

Most of the rest of the day was spent gathering their possessions and packing them in their trunks for the return to Hogwarts. Around six o'clock, Mrs. Weasley returned from Diagon Alley, carrying their books but also a long package wrapped in thick brown paper that Ron took from her with a moan of longing.

"Never mind unwrapping it now, people are arriving for dinner, I want you all downstairs," she said, but the moment she was out of sight Ron ripped off the paper in a frenzy and examined every inch of his new broom, an ecstatic expression on his face. Angelina, Ginny, and Harry were only all too happy to see the new broomstick themselves, all of them admiring it, which made Ron even happier.

When they finally made it down for dinner, they found Mrs. Weasley had hung a scarlet banner over the heavily laden dinner table, which read CONGRATULATIONS RON AND HERMIONE-NEW PREFECTS. She looked in a better mood than Harry had seen her all holiday.

"I thought we'd have a little party, not a sit-down dinner," she told them as they entered the room. "Your father and Bill are on their way, Ron. I've sent them both owls and they're thrilled," she added, beaming.

Fred rolled his eyes. George started to only for Angelina to elbow him in the side, and shoot him a reproving look which got a smirk and approving look from Mrs. Weasley, while George looked sulky, yet also somewhat pleased.

Sirius, Remus, Dora, Kingsley, and Savage were already there, all of them having gotten off of work, and as Harry was getting a butterbeer, Mad-Eye stumped his way in.

"Have a drink, Alastor," Mrs. Weasley said, beaming. "We're having a little bit of a celebration, actually . . . " She gestured at the scarlet banner. "Fourth prefect in the family!" she said fondly, ruffling Ron's hair.

"Prefect, eh?" growled Moody, his normal eye on Ron. "Well, congratulations. Authority figures always attract trouble, but I suppose Dumbledore thinks you can withstand most major jinxes or he wouldn't have appointed you . . ."

Harry almost spit out his drink in laughter, along with most of the Aurors, many of whom had been trained or worked with Mad-Eye, while Ron looked rather startled at this view of the matter. Not long after, Mr. Weasley, Bill, and Fleur came walking into the room, the former two who immediately went for Ron to congratulate him, while Fleur stuck to her normal tradition.

"Bonjour, 'Arry," she said, hugging him and kissing him on both cheeks. "Comment vas-tu?" (How are you?)

Harry chuckled, returning her greeting, as he knew she expected. "Bonjour, Fleur. Je vais très bien. Comment va ma beauté française préférée?" (I am very well. How is my favorite French beauty?)

Fleur laughed, and Angelina walked up to them to grab a butterbeer, quickly pulling out a second one for Fleur.

"He's been spending too much time around Katie," Angelina said with a smirk. "He's getting far more comfortable with compliments and flirting with beautiful witches."

"Oui," Fleur said with a smile. "E is getting much better." She grinned conspiratorially at Angelina. "I would say zhat he was going to be a 'eartbreaker, but I don't zhink zhat zhe others will allow it. Now, I should go and congratulate Ronald."

"I'm sure he'll enjoy that," Dora said in a lofty tone, receiving chuckles from around the group. It was well known that Ron still hadn't quite adjusted to Fleur.

"And Hermione won't," Angelina added quietly.

"Well, I think a toast is in order," said Mr. Weasley, when everyone had a drink. He raised his goblet. "To Ron and Hermione, the new Gryffindor prefects!"

Ron and Hermione beamed as everyone drank to them, and then applauded.

"Seems the only one in our mix-matched little family to make prefect is little Remmy," Sirius said with a grin and his bark-like laugh, and Remus scowled playfully at him. "James and I were too busy being in detention, and Remus was much better about getting away with things than we were. Lily did have the badge though, so I guess that's two . . . oh and Andy was one too, so that's three. I guess we have a leaning towards not getting the badge, with a few lost souls disappointing us all."

Harry, Ginny, and Dora snorted in amusement.

"I think Dumbledore might have hoped I would be able to exercise some control over my best friends," said Remus with a sigh. "I need scarcely say that I failed dismally."

"Too much time on the Quidditch pitch for me," Angelina said with a grin.

"Professor Sprout said I lacked certain necessary qualities," Dora said brightly, her hair, Weasley red, and waist-length, making her look like Ginny's older sister.

"Like what?" said Ginny eagerly, already looking forward to the response.

"Like the ability to behave myself," said Dora.

Ginny and Harry laughed; Hermione looked as though she did not know whether to smile or not and compromised by taking an extra large gulp of Butterbeer and choking on it.

It ended up being a pretty good party, with Ron rhapsodizing about his new broom to anybody who would listen, Hermione talking to anybody that would listen about House Elf rights, and Savage and Dora getting into a rather spirited debate about the best jinx, hex, or curse to punish somebody, something that made many laugh, while it made others silently promise to never piss either of them off. Mrs. Weasley and Bill had their normal debate about the length of his hair, but now he had Fleur backing his side, claiming that she liked the length of his hair. Fred and George were doing shady deals with Mundungus to get materials for their skiving snackboxes and other prank inventions or ideas for testing. Mad-Eye brought out an old photograph of the Old Order, and enjoyed showing Harry and Sirius the photo, which led to some stories, and whenever Harry seemed to be in between conversations, Ginny would be there with a witty or dry comment that would get him smiling.

Overall, not a bad way to end the summer holidays, in his humble opinion.