An Ace in The Hole

Chapter Nineteen: Feast, Panic, and Long Live the Queen!

"As quickly as it had begun, the year to remember had reached its final day. The students packed their trunks as they prepared for their departure aboard the scarlet steam engine. The only thing that remained was the closing feast. Though many would be merry, a few hearts would be breaking as they left this wonderful world and returned to the humdrum life that awaited them in the muggle world."

"Hermione? What are you doing?"

Hermione turned away from the mirror to find Parvati staring at her. "Just letting the Watchers know what's going on. It's been a while since their last update, and they'd be lost without it. Harry would have, but he's busy preparing for his departure."

"Oh. Well, I'll just leave you to it."

"Thanks, Parvati. I knew that you would understand." Hermione flashed her a bright smile, then turned back to the mirror.

"I understand that you're a freak," Parvati muttered as she exited the dorm.

Hermione watched her through the reflection. As she did, Hermione's smile grew broader until her white teeth were borne.

"Today is going to be wicked. Stay tuned."

~~~ACE~~~

The Great Hall had filled with students from all houses. The acid green banners of Slytherin's house adorned the walls. As the custom, the winner of the House Cup from the previous year was paraded, and the colors would change if another house had scored more points. While Gryffindor had won the Quidditch Cup, the Ravenclaws held the most house points and would likely be awarded the House Cup.

Harry nodded to twin one and two as he joined Hermione at the Gryffindor table. The twins returned his nod, then smiled. Ron, who had watched the exchange with interest, shivered as he contemplated what it could mean.

"Attention, everyone." The tables fell silent as the students turned to see the headmaster standing at the podium. "Another year has come and gone. Before we go any further, how about a round of applause for our Quidditch Cup champions and all the house teams for an amazing and entertaining year."

Harry and the Gryffindor Quidditch team took a bow as everyone clapped and whooped, except for the Slytherins. Dumbledore then motioned for quiet, and the hall fell silent once more.

"Now, before we begin our wonderful feast, we need to award the House Cup. As it stands, Ravenclaw is in first place, with four hundred and eighty-two points. Slytherin is in second, with four hundred and sixty. Gryffindor is in third, with four hundred and fifty. Finally, Hufflepuff is in fourth, with four hundred and twenty. Well done, everyone." Cheers and applause filled the hall. "Now, unless there are any last-minute points to be awarded," the professors shook their heads, "then it's time for a change of colors."

Dumbledore waved his hands, and the green banners in the Great Hall changed to blue. The Raven replaced the snake, and the Ravenclaws erupted.

"Bet you didn't see that coming," Harry whispered.

"Yes. Yes. Excellent work, Ravenclaw. Now, let the feast begin!"

The tables were filled with food and drink. Everyone began to eat, converse, and enjoy the day. Even the Slytherins, brooding as they were, began to partake of the bountiful meal set before them.

Harry waited until the feast had nearly ended, then poured a small vial into his goblet and took a drink. A strange sensation spread through his body as a feeling of calm soothed him. He placed the vial back inside his robes, then looked up and admired the floating candles as lightning crackled across the enchanted ceiling. He lifted his hands, and music began to play as if from everywhere and nowhere simultaneously. As it did, the professors at the staff table rose as one and started to sing in unison:

'Is this the real life?
Is this just fantasy?
Caught in a landslide,
No escape from reality.'

'Open your eyes,
Look up to the skies and see,'

Draco leaped up to his feet and sang:

'I'm just a rich boy, I need no sympathy,
Because I'm easy come, easy go,'

'Little high (Sang the Ravenclaw table), little low (Sang the Gryffindor table),'

'Any way the wind blows doesn't really matter to me,' (Draco sang)

Malfoy climbed up on top of the Slytherin table, raised his right hand towards the enchanted ceiling, and lifted his head as he sang:

'To meeeeee!'

'Mama, I just hexed a man,
Pulled my wand from my robes,
Cast the spell, and now he looks like him! (Draco pointed at Snape)
Mama, life had just begun,
But now I've gone and thrown it all away.'

'Mama, ooh,
Didn't mean to make you cry,
If I'm not back again when school is over,
Carry on, carry on as if nothing really matters.'

An interlude played as the whole body of students swayed.

'Too late, what's done is done,
Sends shivers down my spine,
He scares me all the time. (Draco pointed to Harry)
Goodbye, everybody, I've got to go,
Gotta leave you all behind before he sees his face.' (Draco pointed to Snape)

'Mama, ooh,'

'Any way the wind blows,' (Sang the Slytherin table)

'I don't know how to sing,
I sometimes wish I'd never come here at all.'

Peeves the Poltergeist floated into the Great Hall on his back while strumming an air guitar solo. Terry Boot leaped to his feet and pointed to the ceiling as he sang:

'I see a little silhouetto of a man,'

The entire hall sang in unison:

'Scaramouche, Scaramouche, will you do the Fandango?'

Peeves happily obliged and danced some bizarre jig across the ceiling as lightning flashed once more, followed by a low rumble of thunder.

'Thunderbolt and lightning,' (Sang Ravenclaw table)
'His voice is frightening me.' (Sang Hufflepuff table as they pointed at Draco)
'Freddie,' (Sang Gryffindor table)
'Mercury.' (Sang Ravenclaw table)
'Freddie,' (Sang Hufflepuff table)
'Mercury,' (Sang Slytherin table)
'Queen Figaro,' (Sang all four houses in unison).'
'Magnificooooo! (Sang the staff table in unison)'

'I'm just a rich boy, nobody loves me.' (Draco sang)
'He's just a rich boy from a rich family,' (Sang the Gryffindor table)
'Spare him his shame, for he cannot sing.' (Sang the Ravenclaw table)

'I will hit every note. Will you let me sing?' (Draco sang)
'Bismillah! No, we will not let you sing.' (Sang the staff table)
'Let him sing!' (Sang the Slytherin table)
'Bismillah! We will not let him sing.'
'Let him sing!'
'Bismillah! We will not let him sing.'
'Let me sing!'
'Will not let you sing.'
'Let me sing!'
'Never, never let you sing!'
'Never let me sing, oh!' (Draco sang)
'No, no, no, no, no, no, no!' (Sang the staff table)

Harry perched himself on top of the Gryffindor table.

'Oh, mama mia, mama mia, mama mia, let me sing.' (Draco sang)
'Beelzebub has a devil put aside for me, for me, for meeeeeeeeee!'

As Malfoy held the last note and the music swelled, Harry rose slowly from his perch to a full standing position, lifting his hands towards the ceiling. Then, Harry raised his voice and sang:

'So, you think you can belittle me and call me a freak?
So you think you can control me and send me to die?
Oh, baby, can't do this to me, baby,
Just better get out, just better get right outta here!'

A third interlude swelled, followed by another Peeves guitar solo.

'Oh, yeah, oh yeah!' (Sang the hall in unison)

Dumbledore rose to his feet and sang:

'Nothing really makes sense,
Anyone can see,
Nothing really makes sense,
Nothing really makes sense to meeeee.'

Professor Snape rose to his feet and sang as he held the final note for a full minute and hissed like a snake.

'Any way the wind blowsssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssss.'

The moment the song ended, Peeves dived around the Great Hall and slammed every head into their plate of food. Then, he swooped out of the Great Hall with a final wail of delight. Harry did a backflip off the Gryffindor table, then dropped into his seat. Hermione laughed as she wiped pudding from her hair and face. Draco spun around in a circle, shrieked, ripped open his shirt, held it open, and then ran around the hall as he shouted, "See my scars! See my scars!"

Professor Snape rose from his chair, waved his wand to clear away the food from his face, and then pointed it at Draco. A jet of red light flew from the tip and struck Draco in the chest. Screams echoed throughout the hall as Draco crumpled to the floor.

"Silence!" The entire hall wilted as Dumbledore swelled to his full height. "Everyone, please calm yourselves. Professor Snape hasn't harmed Mr. Malfoy. He's simply been stupefied. Unfortunately, peeves' unfortunate prank has left Mr. Malfoy, and this feast, in disarray. Now, I authorize our prefects to use magic to assist their heads of house in cleaning their fellow students. Once you have been cleaned, please return to your common rooms in an orderly fashion."

Laughter had begun to spread through the hall as the realization of what had happened set in. Even Dumbledore and the staff, except for Snape, chuckled. The heads of houses joined the prefects as they cleaned each student around the tables, then excused them to their common rooms.

Harry waited for Hermione to leave the Great Hall and then walked up the staircase.

"Not coming to the common room?"

Harry glanced at her then laughed. "You know me too well. First, I have something to do, and then I'll be there."

"I'll wait for you."

He scooped her hand in his and brought it to his lips, then sighed. "I'm one lucky freak."

"I agree," she retorted with a wink.

Harry slipped away then flung the invisibility cloak over himself as he sprinted down a corridor.

~~~ACE~~~

"Headmaster! Is there nothing that we can do about that poltergeist?" Professor Sinestra growled as she entered Dumbledore's office.

"You think it was Peeves that caused all this?" Professor Snape's right eye twitched as he turned to face her. "This is all Quinn's fault! He's the ringleader around here!"

"Now see here, Severus!" Professor Sprout interjected from the opposite side of the room. "While I grant you that Mr. Quinn is different, he and Mr. Longbottom just saved young Ms. Weasley from a basilisk. I mean, why–"

"His name's not Quinn! It's Potter, and he's just like his father!" Spit flew from Snape's mouth as he uttered the last word.

"Severus, that will do."

Snape glared at Dumbledore but held his tongue.

"Now, I know that this has been an unusual year with the return of Peeves, a basilisk, and young Mr. Quinn in our presence. And though things have been chaotic, I believe that they could have been much worse. However, rest assured that I will be meeting with the school governors to implement new rules that should assist us in returning order to this school next year."

"I doubt then, Headmaster, that this includes—"

A knock at the door interrupted Snape's statement. Dumbledore glanced up at one of the portraits on the wall then rose to his feet. "Please come in, and welcome back, Mr. Filch!"

All the professors turned to face the door, and in stepped a man that looked like Argus Filch. However, this Filch stood straight, had short, clean slicked-back hair, and wore a smile that would make the bravest witch or wizard hesitate. Mrs. Norris followed him in and purred as she rubbed against his legs. Snape's eyes twitched as he beheld the Hogwarts caretaker.

"Good evening, Headmaster." Filch inclined his head to Dumbledore. "Forgive me for taking so long to return. However, I feel like a new man."

"Forgive me for saying so, Mr. Filch, but you look like a new man."

"Thank you, Professor Sinestra." Filch inclined his head in her direction. "Sometimes, a little time away allows one to find themselves and remember who they are."

Dumbledore swallowed at this statement. "Yes, well, I cannot wait to hear all about your travels. The timing of your return is impeccable. Peeves has just made a complete mess of our end-of-term feast."

Filch's smile changed to a smirk. "My old nemesis. Time to take a different approach."

Before Dumbledore could retort, another knock at his door interrupted their meeting. He glanced up at one of the portraits, then called out, "Please come in, Madam Bones."

The door swung open, and Amelia Bones stepped inside. "Good evening, Headmaster. I didn't expect to find you amid a staff meeting. Shall I wait outside?"

"Not at all, Amelia," Professor McGonagall greeted. "If the head of the DMLE needs to speak with the headmaster, then we will adjourn until tomorrow after the students have boarded the Hogwarts Express."

"Very well said, Minerva," Dumbledore agreed. "I shall meet with you all tomorrow, and we will continue this conversation. So again, welcome back, Argus."

Filch bowed to Dumbledore, then followed the rest of the teachers out.

"Professor McGonagall."

The head of Gryffindor's house paused as she reached the door. "Yes, Headmaster?"

"Please stay. I would prefer to have the Deputy Headmistress present for whatever Mrs. Bones has to say."

"Very well, Headmaster." Professor McGonagall nodded, then closed the door and returned to the center of the room.

"Now, what brings the head of the DMLE to my office so late in the evening? Not to mention, at the end of term?"

Amelia sighed. "I'm here to discuss the status of Harry Potter."

Dumbledore's eyes twinkled as he examined her face. "What of Mr. Potter? Though I must add that he prefers to be called Mr. Quinn."

"Dumbledore, are you aware that the people he was living with when he came to Hogwarts are muggle criminals and considered dangerous?"

Dumbledore nodded. "I am aware. However, that should not affect his status here."

"Agreed. However, it is Mr. Potter's departure that concerns me. Since he has been here, these criminals have made their way to Britain from the States and have aligned themselves with witches and wizards. They are now in London. No doubt they're waiting for Mr. Potter to depart the train tomorrow."

Dumbledore eased into his chair. "That's a strong possibility. What does the DMLE wish to do about this?"

"Let him proceed as planned, then arrest the lot at platform nine and three quarters. Once we have them in custody, we'll decide where Mr. Potter will live from here on out."

Dumbledore glanced at Professor McGonagall, then cleared his throat. "Amelia, please forgive me, but I must warn you not to underestimate Mr. Quinn or those that he calls family. Especially the one they call the Joker. It has come to my attention that the latter has experienced a bit of enlightenment since he arrived in Britain and may not be as easy to apprehend as you might believe."

"Leave the details to me, Dumbledore," Amelia quipped. "Apprehending dark wizards is what I do. I will handle the capture of these muggle criminals in the same fashion. This meeting is just a courtesy to let you know the status of your most famous student in advance."

"Thank you, Amelia."

"Of course, Dumbledore." Amelia nodded to both him and Professor McGonagall, then turned to leave.

"Oh, and please say hello to John."

Amelia paused as she reached for the door. "John?"

"Yes. John Constantine. Please tell him that I said hello."

"What makes you believe that I've seen John lately?"

Dumbledore smiled. "Simple. He smokes Silk, and you don't."

"Good evening, Dumbledore." Amelia yanked the door open then slammed it behind her.

"John Constantine?"

"Yes, Minerva. He's been by to see me this year already, and the same scent followed him then."

Professor McGonagall's eyes narrowed. "Do you believe that he's behind her wanting to relocate Mr. Quinn?"

"Most definitely. Constantine wants the Joker, and his followers stopped. Involving Amelia is the best way to achieve this."

Professor McGonagall wiped her face with her hand. "What a year this has been."

"Yes, it has. One that won't be forgotten any time soon."

"Did you know that the basilisk would be released this year?"

"No, Minerva. No more than I knew that Quirrell would attempt to steal the stone for Voldemort last year."

Professor McGonagall shivered at the sound of the name. "You figured that out as well, and rather quickly, I might add."

"His attempt with the troll gave him away. Luckily, I was able to put his threat to rest before the students were the wiser." Dumbledore sighed. "This year, we were fortunate to have young Mr. Quinn amongst our numbers."

"Are you going to let Amelia do as she wishes?"

"Long as she doesn't prevent Mr. Quinn from returning next year, I refuse to interfere."

"Very well, Dumbledore." Professor McGonagall yawned. "If you don't mind, Albus, I believe that I will turn in for the night. We've had a long evening, and tomorrow morning will be upon us before we know it."

"Excellent idea, Minerva. Have a wonderful night's rest, and I will see you in the morning."

Professor McGonagall nodded to the headmaster then exited his office. She headed left at the bottom of the spiraling staircase, and Harry ran right. Once he reached the portrait of the fat lady, he removed the cloak and entered. He found Neville, Hermione, and the twins waiting for them.

"Productive meeting?"

"The most, my dear," Harry cooed as he flopped onto the sofa. "First, Snape ranted, then Filch interrupted the meeting."

"Filch is back?"

"Yep, my dear. He looks like his time with my family did him well. Wore a smile that made me want to burst out laughing."

Hermione's eyes narrowed. "Then, do you think that we can trust him?"

"Oh, we'll find out soon enough, but he didn't look like someone that had just escaped with their life. Instead, he strolled in with a swagger that reminded me of Mistah J."

"Anything else happen?"

"Yes, indeed. Some Bones woman showed up—"

"Amelia Bones, of the DMLE?"

"That's right, Nev. You know her?"

"She's a friend of my Gran and is Susan Bones' guardian. What did she want?"

"Oh, she stopped by to inform Dumbledore that they're planning on arresting my family and placing me with a wizard family."

Hermione's eyes widened. "What do we need to do?"

Harry shook his head. "Nothing, unless necessary, my dear. I don't want to risk exposing you all to your Ministry just yet. Nope," he popped the 'P', "I'll just have to get the message to my family before the DMLE pounces."

"How are you…"

"…going to do that?"

"Simple, twin one and twin two." A smile curved his face as he looked up. "We have a way of sending messages to one another. It's so overt it'll be covert!"

~~~ACE~~~

The next day the whole student body made their way down to Hogsmeade to board the Hogwarts Express. As they exited the castle, murmuring raced through the groups of students. Mr. Filch had taken his previous position at the doors. However, instead of harassing the students, he bid them farewell and safe travels until next year. With each seventh year that passed, he swept them a bow and wished them the best. When Harry reached the entrance, he made eye contact with the caretaker.

"Farewell second years and safe travels. We will see you again soon."

Filch inclined his head, gave Harry the slyest of a wink, and then Harry lost control. He spun in a circle with his arms wide, faced the inside of the castle, and shouted, "I love this place! I'll be back soon, hogy wogy Hogwarts!"

At the top of the stairs, Harry caught a glimpse of Peeves. The poltergeist tipped his cap, bowed, then twirled as he disappeared. Harry skipped down the steps to catch up with Hermione, Luna, Neville, Ginny, and the twins. He started dancing as they made their way across the grounds. Soon the others joined him, including Ginny, who danced all the way to the gates. Harry attempted to get Joseph to join them. However, one glare from the sixth year and Harry gave up with a bow.

"Never will understand why students who live in Ireland or Scotland travel to London before heading home," Harry muttered as they boarded the train.

Seamus shrugged. "It's tradition, I guess."

"Yeah, and witch-burning used to be a tradition too." Harry glanced at Draco. "Anybody suddenly wanna build a fire?"

Draco started to retort. However, instead, he darted down the train when Luna waved.

"I wish that he'd just give in and play," Luna sighed as they settled into a compartment. "We had so much fun that night."

Ginny's eyes widened as she looked at Luna but didn't ask.

"It's okay, Luna, dear. He'll come around."

"I hope so, Harry. It'll be so disappointing if not."

"I don't know if we envy…"

"…Or if we feel sorry for ole Draco."

Luna's cheeks turned pink, but she didn't say a word. Instead, the conversation turned to what they all would do during the summer holiday. Harry listened, but he didn't join in.

"What's your plans for the holiday, Harry?"

"Sorry, Ginny, but I can't divulge my plans. Too many Watchers are listening. Besides, there's got to be some mystery left, lest we lose the magic."

"Don't ask," Neville interjected. "I'll explain later."

"Going to be keeping in touch this summer, you two?" Harry's eyes widened.

Ginny turned pink as Neville cleared his throat. "I've written my Gran, who reached out to Mr. and Mrs. Weasley. So we're all going to get together this summer."

"Excellent!" Harry rubbed his hands together. "Will you be joining them, Hermione dear?"

"Yep." Hermione popped the 'P'. "Mum and Dad will be delighted to let me visit with my friends. I wish that you could be with us."

"Fear not, my dear. I'll write you as much as I can, no matter where I am. Having y'all spending time with each other means that both my families will be together. Plus, I won't have to write multiple letters!"

Hermione slapped him on the shoulder as he pretended to fear her. The rest of the trip passed by, and before they knew it, the train had begun to slow as it approached the London station. The group took turns changing into their muggle attire, then sat and waited for the call to disembark.

Ginny scrunched her nose. "That's really not your color, Harry."

"Really?" Harry looked down at his bright orange shirt and pants. "Well, I guess that it depends on where I'm going. Fashion statements and all."

"It's definitely a statement," Hermione giggled. "The muggles might be able to see you through the wards."

Harry rubbed his chin. "I believe that I'm brave enough to pull it off."

Before anyone else could comment, the call came, and they made their way out onto the platform in London.

Harry stepped off the train, spread his arms wide, and then threw his head back as he proclaimed, "Long live Queen!"

One of the conductors cleared his throat. "Excuse me, young man." He looked at Harry from head-to-toe then cleared his throat again. "I believe you meant to say, long live the Queen."

"Oh yeah," Harry nodded. "Her, too."

"Well, hello there, again."

Harry looked over to see the Weasley matron. She stared at him with her mouth ajar.

"Well, hello there, mother of my friends." Harry swept her a low bow.

"Hi, Mum!" Ginny exclaimed as she exited the train behind Harry.

"Hello, dear." Mrs. Weasley hugged her daughter. "I'm so glad to see you smiling. Feeling better?"

Ginny nodded. "I am, Mum. Harry and Luna helped me come to grips with what happened."

Mrs. Weasley's smile faltered.

The conductor shook his head then continued unloading the trunks from the train for the younger students. Witches and wizards that had gathered to collect their children gawked at Harry. However, he paid no attention to their pointed fingers or whispers.

"Come on, Harry." He turned to see Hermione standing beside him with her hand outstretched. "I'm sure that your fam won't be greeting you on this side of the barrier."

Harry smirked as he accepted her hand. "Look at you. Taking care of a poor lost soul like me."

He leaned away and prepared to duck. However, he received a giggle instead. They turned to see Neville, Luna, and the twins standing behind them.

"Off you two…"

"…back into the muggle world?"

"That we are, my favorite twins," Harry nodded, then inclined his head. "Until we return to this world of pure imagination, stay mischievous."

"We solemnly swear," the twins chorused in unison.

Mrs. Weasley's eyebrows rose high into her hairline as her eyes darted from Harry to her sons. Ron watched the exchange as well. However, he showed no signs of surprise.

"Well, come along, children," Mrs. Weasley quipped as she regained her composure. "Your father couldn't come with me to collect you, but we have some exciting news. I'll tell you all about it when we get home."

Harry and Hermione waved to the Weasleys as they departed down the platform. Then, Harry spun around to behold an older woman, wearing a stuffed vulture on her hat.

"Excuse me for startling you, young man." The woman looked him up and down. "Good heavens. What in Merlin are you wearing?"

"Orange," Harry proclaimed as he stuck out his chest.

"Indeed," the woman huffed as a small smile tugged at her lips. "However, if you are planning to enter the muggle world, this is not what they consider proper attire."

Before Harry could retort, Neville called out, "Gran!"

The elderly lady let the smile fill her face as her eyes found him. Neville moved past Harry and Hermione to give her a side hug.

"My boy, it's so good to see you so happy. Dumbledore sent me an owl, stating that you had earned a special award from the school for helping to save Ginny Weasley's life? Is this true?"

Neville beamed. "It is, Gran. Harry," he pointed to Harry, "and I saved her from a basilisk. Harry did most of the work, but I helped."

Mrs. Longbottom's eyes widened as she stared at Harry. "You mean to say that this is Harry Potter?"

"He goes by Harry Quinn, Gran. It's his aunt's last name."

Harry waved a hand. "It's okay, Nev. I'm starting to get used to it." He released Hermione's hand, then swept the woman a bow. "Mrs. Longbottom. It's a pleasure to meet you."

"Oh, and Gran, this is Hermione Granger." Neville pointed to Hermione.

"Ah," Her eyes found Hermione. "This is your young friend from last year that darted off before you could introduce her."

"Pleasure to meet you, ma'am," Hermione extended her hand. "Forgive me for darting away last year. I was still rather shy."

Mrs. Longbottom shook her hand. "No apologies needed." She turned her gaze back to Harry. "I must say, Mr. Quinn, that you must be quite like your father. You have brought these two out of their shells, and your flair for the flamboyant is a family trait. It's a shame that you never knew them. Your parents, I mean."

"Thank you," Harry sighed. "It's a comfort, though, having friends to get me through all the changes that this year has brought about."

Mrs. Longbottom smiled. "Indeed. I see that you have an owl." She pointed to Hedwig in her cage atop his trunk. "I assume that you know how to send an owl."

Harry nodded. "My education this year has been both thorough and quite rewarding."

"Very good. Welcome back to the wizarding world, Mr. Quinn. I was quite fond of your family and am happy that you and my grandson have become friends."

Harry nodded and had opened his mouth to speak when Luna shouted, "Bye, Harry Quinn, Neville Longbottom, and Hermione Granger!"

Harry turned to see Luna halfway down the platform and waving at them while holding the hand of a wizard in bright purple robes. The three children returned her wave. Harry glanced up at Neville's grandmother and smirked at the mixture of expressions upon her face.

"Bye, Luna!" Hermione called out. "We'll write you soon!"

"Lovely shade of orange, Mr. Quinn!" Mr. Lovegood shouted.

"Lovely shade of orange?" Mrs. Longbottom huffed. "Xenophilius hasn't changed one bit. Come, Neville. Pleasure to meet you, Mr. Quinn. Ms. Granger."

Harry and Hermione nodded to the elderly witch then watched as she and Neville headed up the platform in the opposite direction. Neville smirked as he waved, then turned his attention to his grandmother.

"Time to find your parents and see if my fam got the message," Harry whispered.

Hermione nodded, and they set off together for muggle London. They crossed through the barrier and into the bustling King's Cross station. The moment they did, Hermione spotted her parents sitting on a bench. Mr. Granger arched an eyebrow at the sight of Harry and whispered something to Mrs. Granger, who shook her head.

"Hi, Mum! Hi, Dad!" Hermione greeted.

Her mother smiled. "Hello, Hermione dear. Smooth ride in from school?"

Hermione nodded.

"Hermione," her dad hesitated, "who is this young man?"

"Dad, this is my friend, Harry Quinn."

"Pleasure to meet you, sir," Harry greeted as he extended his hand.

Her dad stared at Harry as he accepted his hand. "Nice to meet you, young man. Are you gifted like our Hermione?"

Harry shook his head. "Not nearly so, sir. However, if you're asking if we go to the same school, then yes."

Hermione opened her mouth to speak but fell silent at the appearance of Madam Bones and several other wizards dressed in muggle attire.

"Mr. and Mrs. Granger?"

Hermione's dad turned to greet them. "Hello, madam. Can we help you?"

"Mr. Granger, my name is Amelia Bones. We are part of the government that oversees your daughter's school. The law enforcement division."

"Has our daughter done something wrong?" Mrs. Granger interjected.

"No, ma'am. We're here for young Mr. Quinn. Unfortunately, his guardians failed to show up today to collect him from the train. So we will be taking him with us until his guardians arrive or until we find a suitable place for him to stay."

Mr. Granger glanced at Hermione, who gripped Harry's hand tight, then at Madam Bones. "Mrs. Bones, we would be happy to wait around with Harry until his guardians show up. If, for some reason, they don't, he can come to stay with us until you find a suitable place for him."

"Mr. Granger," Madam Bones forced a smile, "while I admire your kindness, the matter of Mr. Quinn's wellbeing has now come to the attention of my department. We will see to it that he is well taken care of."

"I don't think so," her dad retorted. "I'm not fond of child services in our part of the country, and I would wager that yours isn't much better."

"Sir, this matter isn't up for debate."

"I agree. Let me ask you something, Mrs. Bones," Mr. Granger growled. "Are you prepared to deal with our law enforcement and in the middle of King's Cross station? Because I'm prepared to make a bloody scene before I let you take this young man anywhere."

Madam Bones folded her arms. "More than you, Mr. Granger, I assure you."

Hermione's mother gripped her husband's arm as his eyes narrowed. "I doubt that very much."

The two stared at one another as several tense minutes passed. Harry worked hard to hide his excitement as he watched the silent exchange. Finally, Madam Bones cleared her throat. "Very well, Mr. Granger. Mr. Quinn can go with you to your home. We will come around later to discuss the situation."

"Thank you, Mrs. Bones," Mr. Granger nodded. "I'm sure that you know the way."

Hermione's father ushered them past Madam Bones and the other wizards without another word. They walked in silence until they reached the parking lot. Then, Hermione cleared her throat.

"Are my parents okay?"

Mrs. Granger smiled, "She is a smart one. Isn't she, Puddin'?"

A broad smile broke across the face of Mr. Granger, and a chill shot up Harry's spine. "Yes, Hermione, my dear. Your parents are perfectly fine. As a matter of fact, they're asleep in their car. As soon as you're with them, Rover will send you to dreamland, and we'll be off."

"That way," Harley, aka Mrs. Granger, interjected, "Mrs. Needs a Bone will see you as an innocent victim and won't be able to blame you."

"All Rover's planning. Oh, he is the clever schemer!"

"Mr. and Mrs. Granger!"

Harry looked around to see Madam Bones and her group of law enforcement wizards hurrying to catch up. The look in her eyes said it all.

"She's onto us," Harry hissed.

"Keep walking," Mistah J hummed. "Rover's plans have plans within plans."

They turned a corner, and there sat Mr. and Mrs. Granger in their car, fast asleep. Madam Bones glimpsed the sleeping Grangers before she and her fellows had to dive for cover. A woman on a bus bench had dropped her paper and began hurling shards of ice at the witch and wizards. Passersby screamed and ran for cover. The next moment, a nearby hydrant exploded as water gushed from the pipes below. Before they could blink, the water had frozen into a wall of ice.

"Time to pick up the pace!" Mistah J chuckled.

They sprinted for the car as the wall of ice exploded behind them. Harry looked back to see a deranged Madam Bones with her wand brandished in their direction as any concern for secrecy had disappeared. They reached the car just as a large black dog bounded up to them, carrying a bone.

"Time for plan B!" Harley shouted.

She flung open the car door and grabbed the Grangers. Mistah J wrapped his arms around Harry and Hermione, grabbed Harley's outstretched hand, and grabbed the bone with the other. Frost threw an arm around the dog's neck just as the bone glowed bright blue. Harry felt a jerk around his navel the next second, and the street disappeared.

~~~ACE~~~

Draco felt the tight squeeze about his body disappear as he opened his eyes to see the familiar family room. His father removed his hand from Draco's shoulder then sighed.

"Father, when do you plan on going to find mother?"

His father eyed Draco's folded arms. "Your mother is a grown witch, Draco. She knows how to find her way back home."

"So that's it then. You're just going to leave it—" Draco raised his hands to cover his face as he saw the anger in his father's eyes and the flash of silver that marked the presence of his cane.

"How dare you speak to me in that tone," his father growled. "I have already lost our house-elf and my wife. I will not be disrespected by you or humiliate myself by searching all over the countryside for her."

"Never fear, Lucius. Your fragile ego need not be damaged by your son or me."

Draco recognized her voice, but her tone gave him goosebumps. He turned to see his mother standing in the entranceway. She held her wand at her side as she glared at his father.

"Narcissa," his father breathed.

"Don't go weak now," she drawled. "It's unbecoming. Though father always did regret agreeing to our marriage. Something about marrying down."

His father stiffened. "Then I should presume that you haven't come home with the intentions of staying?"

Draco gasped as vines snaked around his father's legs. The next second, his father laid on the ground and wrapped in vines up to his shoulders.

"No, Malfoy," another voice purred. "She hasn't come here to stay."

Draco scanned the room until he saw a beautiful woman dressed in a green dress and standing in the corner next to the fireplace.

"Draco," his mother whispered.

He jerked as though she might have screamed. His eyes traveled across the floor as he turned to face her. He closed his eyes, then opened them to behold her soft smile.

"Draco, I'm going to give you a choice. Come, and live with me in my family home, or remain here with your father."

Draco chewed the inside of his lip.

"Son, I know that it's a difficult decision, but–"

"Leave with her, Draco," his father interjected, "and you'll never be welcome here again."

Draco turned so that he could see both of them. He swallowed hard as he weighed the decision. Then, without realizing what he was doing, his fingers began to trace the scars on his chest. Though no one else could see them, he could.

Taking a deep cleansing breath, he looked up over the mantle at the picture of his grandfather. Then, he turned to face his mother. He had made his decision, and he knew what he had to do.

A/N: Woo! There you have it! This marks the end of Harry's first year (Year Two) at Hogwarts! I hope that you enjoyed the read! Please leave a review and let us know what you think! Special thanks to Critters At Play for being beta! The next chapter will start Year Two (Year Three, if you go by studies) at Hogy Wogy Hogwarts!

Dun, dun, dun! What will Draco do? What happened to the Grangers and the gang? Will Constantine calm down Madam Bones with some more "personal time"? Find out the answers to all these questions and more. Same Ace time. Next Ace chapter! ;)