Chapter 31

Slug Club Party

"I have to say, Ginny, for a week and a half, you are taking to occlumency very quickly and adeptly." Tonks said as she walked with Ginny in the Burrow of her mind.

"I'm motivated," Ginny replied more or less neutrally. Her hands were in her trouser pockets as she stood in the living room with her auror trainer. "I know this is supposed to be some sort of mind shielding technique, but the mental organization, compartmentalization, securing, it creates a sense of … control, I guess I'd call it."

Tonks smiled warmly. "Good, I hoped you would find that." Tonks took another look around. "So last week we focused on Locking the Door, and this week it was Cleaning House, show me your organization."

Ginny shrugged, "I went with normalcy. General knowledge or memories are the figurines here. More individual memories are in their rooms. Mum's got the kitchen, largely because ninety percent of my memories with her are in that room. Out the back door goes directly to the barn for Dad, similar reason. My brothers are upstairs."

"Well reasoned." Tonks said with an approving nod. "Harry? Logic says there are some memories of him."

The girls shared a smile. "His room. The trunk." Ginny nodded to Harry's halfstack trunk in the living room.

"Really?" Tonks asked in surprise.

"I thought you knew. When his inheritance came in, he kept it simple and bought himself one of those trunk rooms. He can afford his own manor, he just adds a bedroom and bathroom to the Burrow."

"That definitely sounds like Harry." Tonks nodded. "So while I'm here, may I ask where you've secured… your First Year?"

Ginny sighed and crossed her arms. "Monsters go in the attic," she said with a nod upward.

Tonks gave an approving look. "I promise I don't want to go inside or see anything, but may I review the door?"

Ginny nodded and led Tonks up the stairs, a few extra doors now appeared to make room for siblings and friends. Finally they came to the attic door. Ginny gestured.

Tonks looked carefully. "Any reason you've left it as a normal door?"

"What else would it be?"

"This is still your mind, Ginny. Yes, you started with the Burrow, but you grow and build from it. Your perimeter shield is decent. You've done well with your organization. I think the next project for you is to shore up and strengthen the doors to your memories. The stronger you make them the safer I think you will find yourself. And I think on the doors that matter most to you," Tonks said with a nod to the attic, "... you'll likely see them noticeably grow stronger."

"Okay," Ginny said with a nod. "Thanks again."

"We're friends. I am baffled that no one presented this to you before, but I'm happy to now."

The rest of the Marauders were making good progress with occlumency, not surprisingly Hermione at the lead. It seems she already had a fairly organized mind. But with as much reading and knowledge as she had gained, it demanded logic to command all those facts.

"You know Hermione, you're not the first to choose a library," Tonks smiled, as she looked at the recreation from Hogwarts "But you many have the largest."

Hermione smiled. "Only child muggleborn from busy professionals. As soon as the auror explained what was happening to me, my parents started getting me books about magic. Although to them I think they just consider it another field of study. Law, Medicine, Witchcraft."

Tonks nodded her head in understanding as they walked in the hall of Hermione's mind. "For muggles, that is a very healthy view to take, even if it is simplistic. You've very lucky to have such supportive parents of your unique gifting.

Hermione nodded, "I would never tell him this, so I would appreciate privacy, but that's one thing Harry has taught me."

Tonks sighed in agreement as she surveyed the rows of thoughts, facts, and figures ordered and cataloged. As she looked down a row she saw one are gated and locked off labeled the Restricted Section. Then curiously the aisle next and outside of it labeled Dark Arts, as bright and normal as any other. "So clearly, the Dark Arts don't scare you."

Hermione steeled herself for partial judgment from the Sergeant. "Knowledge of a thing does not make it evil, only aware. Committing the act is what makes one evil.

Tonks shrugged, "I have no issue with that position."

"Really?" the student asked surprised.

"Auror," Tonks said holding her hands wide. "I arrest people based on their actions, not motives. I may care about both, but the law only convicts for one." Tonks looked back to the reinforced gate. "So if the Dark Arts are just another subject of study, the Restricted section."

Hermione raised an eyebrow. "I'm Harry's best friend, you think I haven't seen some things?"

Friday, 20 December 1996

Most of the school was packing up in anticipation of the after breakfast rush to the station to head home tomorrow, with the notable exceptions of the Slug Club and their escorts. Neville looked dashing in a set of black dress robes with red accents, as he left early to pick up Hannah. Ron was in his dress robes as well, strangely nervously and pacing when Harry climbed upstairs in the first wear of black suit, black shirt, and as instructed emerald green tie.

"Ron, you okay mate?"

"Ya, I will be, just… the yipps I 'spose."

"You're nervous? About your girlfriend of like five months?" Harry asked with a curious look on his face. "Was there a row I didn't hear about or something?"

"No, we're fine. Especially since the Howling. She really stepped up for me so we've even been smoother."

"Okay, still not seeing the reason for jitters man." Harry replied as he leaned back against his bedpost.

"Look, you and Gin have had some fancier dates already, your house stuff and her Crimson stuff. I get it. No jealousy. But like the last fancy party we had here at school I royally messed up with her. I don't want to repeat."

"Do you mean the Yule Ball?" Harry asked in confusion.

"Well … ya!"

"Ron mate," Harry said, slapping his friend's back. "We both screwed up on Yule Ball. But we've both come a fair bit since then. Where's the confident bloke I've been fighting beside these last few months."

"I know I'm decent in a fight. All this fancy dress, high society… That's not me."

Harry shrugged. "Well first, I wish you wouldn't cut yourself so short. I think you are worried about nothing. Second, you'll have Hermione on your arm. Frankly that alone is all the reason to be anywhere for you."

Ron smiled.

"Third, most of the Marauders are going to be there, so just take a breath, calm down and let's give the ladies a night. Merlin knows they deserve it."

Ron exhaled and relaxed. "Thanks, Harry."

Harry shrugged. "You would have done the same."

The two lads made it down to the Common Room and leaned on the back of one of the sofas while they waited briefly. Hermione arrived first dressed in a lavender colored gown with ruffles on one side of the skirt that tied up in a little knot at the waist. She easily looked like she had matured three years overnight.

"Hermione… wow." Ron managed to spit out, mostly trying to remember how to speak. But having been there before Harry wasn't going to say a damn thing.

Clearly the sentiment was understood as Hermione absolutely beamed as she took Ron's hand "You look quite dashing tonight." Then she did turn to Harry with a kind nod. "Handsome as always, Harry. New suit?"

Harry shrugged. "Got it before term. Been saving it for a special occasion. Gin's going to get me used to wearing these things whether I like it or not."

"They are quite becoming on you," she confirmed.

"Ya, I think it suits you." Ron said with a smile and a pat to Harry's shoulder.

Harry groaned as Hermione buried her face in Ron's chest. "Oh Ronald… that one was bad!" she laughed.

Moments later Ginny descended the stairs in an emerald green dress with just a hint of sparkle on the top when the light hit it. It cut off abruptly at the knee, and showed off her slim and athletic figure quite well. She had hands free of her shiftweave gloves but had charmed them to match the dress and hair and make up shined even more that her Crimson photo shoot.

Even Ron was blown away. "Holy sh-"

"Language, Ronad," Hermione cut him off with a smile and a playful slap to his chest.

Always willing to move forward, Harry approached, grinning hard, and met his lady and the base of the stairs. "I am dating so out of my league right now. Gin… you look brilliant and fantastic," he said as he took her hand and kissed the back of it.

"Again, you could out charm the devil," Ginny smiled. "You look great too, Lightning." After greeting Harry with a kiss to his cheek, Ginny looked to her brother…. and smiled. "My gods, Ronald Weasley, is that actually you?"

"Ha, ha, sis."

"I meant it in a good way. I would actually claim you as family like this. Nice work!"

Ron smiled and nodded. "You look good too, Ginny, elegant even." Hermione smiled in approval.

"Ahhhh," Ginny said as she approached on Harry's arm. "That had to hurt."

"Actually, not so much. I mean, I still don't want any backstage passes to…" he waved his hand in the general area in front of Harry and Ginny, "...this, but you two are good together. We're all mates."

Hermione even smiled and tapped Ron's shoulder, when he turned to her she smiled and said. "Ten points for maturity," and rewarded him with a chaste kiss.

"Well, C'mon everyone, let's not keep Colin waiting."

"Colin?" Ginny asked.

"Respectfully, I was pretty sure you and Hermione and the others would look great, though I admit my imagination under sold you. Anyway, he agreed to set up his camera outside of Slughorns' office for some pictures. Memories, easy Christmas gifts, that sort of thing."

The quartet made their way to Slughorn's office. Just before the last bend they met Hannah and a very flattering red dress that wrapped around the back of her neck, revealing lovely shoulders and Neville to her side. As they all greeted and complimented each other, Luna and McLaggen arrived. Luna was wearing a set of spangled silver robes that were attracting a certain amount of giggles from the onlookers, but otherwise she looked quite nice. Most important to Harry and Ginny, she was smiling. McLaggen, also went with a muggle style suit and silver tie, but most notably looked smug more than anything. Luna instantly started pointing and waving.

"So much for 'Not talking about us on the date.'" Ginny muttered.

"Ginny, you look absolutely on fire." Luna said with a huge expression of joy.

"You too."

"Oh no, never like you. And Harry you absolutely spark tonight."

Harry smiled and nodded, "You look lovely, Luna."

Realizing distancing herself was a dream Ginny decided to hell with it. "Luna, we're getting some group photos. Come on over."

Harry smiled and tried to keep things positive with Luna's escort for the night, "Cormac, you're a lucky bloke tonight."

McLaggen shrugged and gave Harry a look more arrogant than Harry had ever been. "Meh, but we'll see how the night goes. Know what I mean?" McLaggen elbowed Harry in the ribs to deliver the point. Then he walked off to watch the photos beginning.

Harry most definitely was not amused. He had to fight the urge not to hex McLaggen on the spot. "Luna's not a first year. Luna's not a first year." He muttered to himself. He clenched his fist in frustration and could feel his electricity arcing between his fingers.

When they had a bit of distance as they were waiting for photos Ginny did whisper to her date. "Luna looks happy," she said with a touch of nervousness.

"You have no idea how much I hope that smile stays." Harry whispered back.

"Oh yes I do."

Luna did seem to be enjoying the photo time with the Marauders. She happily complimented Ron. "You look so cold today."

"Um, I think you mean cool, but thanks." Ron smiled awkwardly, but soon shrugged it off.

Everyone but McLaggen seemed to enjoy getting photos of the various pairs, mixes and matches of them. Strangely, aside from his couple's photo with Luna, no one really wanted him in the photo. He leaned along the wall till they were finished.

As Colin manned the camera taking pictures of them all a flashbulb went off in Harry's own head. Harry looked down to his hand, still arcing with lightning. Luna's voice came to mind. 'you absolutely spark tonight.' He tapped his glasses to activate his mage sight again. He looked to his girlfriend, the goddess of flame itself. He remembered Luna's voice 'you look absolutely on fire.' He looked to Ron, and his auroa looking like a blue suit of frozen armor. 'You look so cold today.'

"Babe, you okay?" Ginny asked as she looked up.

"I did it," he smiled brightly, "I think I just figured out Luna Lovegood."

"What?" Ginny asked, reflexively lowering her voice and pulling Harry off to the side.

"How did Luna describe you tonight?"

"She said I was on fire, I take that as a compliment."

Harry took his glasses and put them over Ginny's eyes. "Look at yourself." Ginny did and slowly nodded. Harry pointed to the others. "Look at Ron." As pieces started to fall together Harry remembered something else. "The first day of term, the thestrals. Luna took a turn with my mage sight glasses then, but she was completely unphased, and didn't care. She wasn't impressed… because nothing changed for her. Ginny, I think Luna's natural sight is mage sight. That's why she never freaked out about the werewolf bite. Remember what she said then, 'Just look at us. Professor Lupin is the only furry one.' She saw her aurora never changed."

Ginny started to smile with a new understanding of her friend. "All those magical creatures she goes on about..."

"She sees them, because she sees their magic. I - I think she was born this way. Mage sight is just normal for her."

"This explains so much about her. How she seems to know things. Harry, if it is so fundamental, her sight, how do we explain this to her?'

Harry wrapped behind Ginny as they looked at their friend. "I don't think we do. I think it's best we now understand her better. If it comes up, we explain it but it's just her. That's part of Luna, always has been."

"Oi! Lovebirds, " Neville shouted. "Group photo, get over here!"

They rejoined the others and finished for the camera, everyone well on their way to a good time.

"Colin," Harry finally said at the end, "I know there is a cost of supplies and stuff. Will you at least let me pay you for that?"

"Nope," the young man replied. "Call it a Christmas gift. I'll owl them over Sunday or Monday. Have fun," he said as he headed off to the dorm.

Slughorn's office was much larger than the usual teacher's study. Harry didn't know if the Professor had used magic to expand it or demanded it as part of the job, and neither would have surprised him. The ceiling and walls had been draped with emerald, crimson, and gold hangings, so that it looked as though they were all inside a vast tent. The room was crowded and stuffy and bathed in the red light cast by an ornate golden lamp dangling from the center of the ceiling in which real fairies were fluttering, each a brilliant speck of light. A haze of pipe smoke hung over several elderly warlocks deep in conversation, and a number of house-elves were negotiating their way squeakily through the forest of knees, obscured by the heavy silver platters of food they were bearing, so that they looked like little roving tables. But most important to Harry, singing accompanied by what sounded like instruments came from somewhere.

Slughorn moved with surprising speed and energy for a man of his age as he pounced upon Harry as soon as he entered. The Professor was wearing a tasseled velvet hat to match his smoking jacket. Slughorn led him purposefully into the party; Harry looked to Ginny with and expression of, 'Save yourself.'

Smiling though, Ginny held tight to his hand, with an expression of 'Nope, not getting rid of me that easy.'

Slughorn continued unimpeded. "Harry, I'd like you to meet Eldred Worple, an old student of mine, author of Blood Brothers: My Life Amongst the Vampires."

Worple, who was a small, stout, bespectacled man, grabbed Harry's hand and shook it enthusiastically.

"Master Potter, I am simply delighted!" said Worple, peering shortsightedly up into Harry's face. "I was saying to Professor Slughorn only the other day, 'Where is the biography of Harry Potter for which we have all been waiting?' "

"Er," said Harry, "were you?" He looked at Ginny, who just bit her lip and smiled.

"Just as modest as Horace described!" said Worple. "But seriously" — his manner changed; it suddenly became businesslike —"I would be delighted to write it myself — people are craving to know more about you, dear boy, craving! If you were prepared to grant me a few interviews, say in four- or five-hour sessions, why, we could have the book finished within months. And all with very little effort on your part, I assure you, you have no ideas of the the gold you could make-"

"Thank you, for your suggestion. My apologies. Not interested currently, if I ever want to put something out, it won't be until the war is over… minimum." said Harry firmly, "and I have a lady with me tonight." Then he deliberately turned to her. "Ginevra Weasley, may I have this dance?"

"Absolutely," she smiled. Harry led her off to an open piece of floor.

Ginny did smile, "Harry, I am always happy to help be a getaway, but I don't think this technically is a dance."

"We're dressed up and there's music. What more do you want?"

Ginny thought about it for a moment, then replied with a smile. "Not a damn thing."

Having watched from his capture to his release Neville took Hannah's hand. "I'm with Harry," then turned to his girlfriend, "M'lady?"

"Good sir." Hannah nodded enthusiastically.

Hermione raised a finger in correction and clarification, Ron took the raised hand and led her to the floor.

"Mione, I love you, but just let this happen." Ron said as he led her to the others.

"Sorry, but just technically, the invitation said more drinks, meet and greet and such." she explained, but did nothing to stop Ron from taking her out to the floor and even smiled and they slowly started to sway.

"Yes, but technically, we shouldn't even be in Auror Training, and technically we shouldn't be the ones fighting the war, but we are so… if I can get away with a few slow dances with you in the middle of it, I'll call that a happy Christmas."

Ginny wasted no time wrapping her arms around Harry's neck smiling warmly, as Harry held her waist. "So," he grinned. "Is this good enough for one of those rainchecks?"

"Raincheck?" she asked.

"First date, I said I owed you something like a dance or a ball. You said you didn't care, but you'd take rainchecks, separate dates of course."

"Oh, wow… your memory sometimes." she laughed. "Yes, Harry, I will happily count this for your dance raincheck." Then she pointed a finger at him. "I'm still holding you to the ball though. Especially since I know you can deliver," she teased. She enjoyed the moment, but Harry could tell her mind was working.

"What 'cha thinking?" he asked.

"Someday, will you think about it?"

"Which 'it', dear?"

Ginny looked up to him with eyes filled with pride and admiration. "Writing a book, about yourself, this war, everything you've do-"

"Gin, I don't need the galleons, I certainly don't need the press."

"It wouldn't be for you." She paused for a moment to think about her approach. "Harry, will you please be honest with me, and admit you are an incredible individual?"

As normal he was essentially defenseless looking into those hot chocolate eyes. "I may have had an incredible moment here or there. I still claim luck and help."

"Uh hu, sure." Ginny smiled as that was far better than he often was. "Will you admit your noble senses, your literally unbreakable will, your limitless heart… you are a very unique man?"

"Argh, alright, yes, but you are not playing fair. You're too pretty to deny tonight."

"Thank you, but stop changing the subject. I agree with you the war should be over first, but after, you know there is going to be the Rita Skeeters out there, and everyone and their cousin will have crazy theories. For me, please, think about writing the truth to put it out there. Merlin, knows you will deserve it."

"Who's going to want to read some stories about me?"

"Harry, I grew up on stories about you. Dad used to tell me the story of Boy Who Lived as I fell asleep at night. Now it's my privilege to fall asleep with the Man Becoming. There are other Little Ginny's and Little Harry's, out there. When the timing is right, please think about it. Not for you, not for me, not for the public at large, but you know, our kids and their friends. Let them have the happy ending for a bedtime story."

Harry smiled wide. "Back to talking about kids again?"

"After the war and stuff, why not?" Ginny smiled unapologetically.

He couldn't help but share her infectious smile. "Ya, why the hell not?" he answered, brushing a strand of hair behind her ear. "I love you," he finished as he bent to kiss her, and after the last few weeks, he appreciated the sweet familiar taste even more.

They continued dancing a while longer, until Ginny's head jerked up from Harry's shoulder quickly. "Bollox."

"Problem?"

"Luna's not smiling anymore, and she's coming this way." Ginny could feel the muscles in Harry's body already tightening. He looked over to see Luna, definitely not happy, and looking distinctly disheveled, rather as though she had just fought her way out of a thicket of Devil's Snare. As she came closer what immediately became clear was her left shoulder was bare, and Harry was certain there was a strap on both sides earlier.

Ginny refused to let her friend feel awkward. "Luna! Come over here!" She welcomed her with a hug. When they hugged the Ravenclaw turned and Harry got a confirmation of the broken shoulder strap hanging off the back. Harry's fist clenched and he could feel the electricity arcing between his fingers again.

For the first time Harry could ever remember, Luna seemed nervous and upset. "Ginny…can I take you up-"

"Absolutely." Ginny said before Luna could even finish a sentence. She glanced at Harry who nodded a very clear and strong yes. Then Ginny noticed her shoulder. "So, not hitting things off well with Cormac?"

"Not really. It was okay after pictures for a little bit. Then he caught me under some mistletoe. And with it being Christmas, and a date, I truly didn't mind the first kiss. Then I wanted to come see the rest of the party…"

"But?" Ginny asked as gently as she could.

"Cormac said it would be only fair if we spent equal time under the mistletoe as with the pictures-"

Ginny interrupted. "Luna, he said that after you told him you wanted to leave?"

Luna nodded. "I'm sorry, I didn't know that was a rule. First date you know?"

"Luna, that's not a rule. You did nothing wrong." Ginny said, hugging her friend. She looked at Harry who shared expressions of equal rage.

Still apologizing, "I don't mean to ruin your nig-"

Harry jumped in. "Luna Lovegood," he said as deeply and kindly as he could muster. "My little sis is always welcome. Doubly so when she has a rough night." Both the ladies smiled, "Let's get off the main floor."

Harry and Ginny both slipped a supportive arm behind their friend as they walked over to the edge. As they passed Ron he paused to whisper to him, "Get me the others." Then he continued to walk Luna off to the other side of one of the hanging curtains. Luna seemed to brighten up when they got to look out the frost etched window to see the white Christmas coming. "I didn't do anything wrong?" she asked.

"Not even close." Ginny reassured.

Harry kept an eye out as he started to take more of a sentry position by the column they were near that was most draped with a blue curtain. "The only one who broke rules was Cormac." Ginny growled.

Harry nodded as he looked around to see Ron and Hermioned coming in on the right side and Neville and Hannah approaching from the left. Though they may not have known the details, they were reading the situation. None of them looked happy.

"Why am I the one that feels bad then?" Luna asked.

Ginny rubbed Luna's back, "The night is still young." she replied, her Crimson purr starting to show and her jaw clenching as she looked over to Harry.

Finally, from across the room the smug face of McLaggen was pushing his way through the crowd, and he clearly spotted the Marauders… and Harry was glad. "Luna," he asked, "Would you like to know what it's like to have a big brother?" He looked back to see the blonde nod her head.

Harry unbuttoned his blazer to give him more flexibility. Then Harry stood and waited. But he didn't have to wait long.

"Hey Potter," McLaggen asked casually, "Have you seen Lun-"

With a speed Harry normally only had for drawing his wand he latched onto McLaggen's necktie and twisted it as he shoved him against the column. In the same fluid movement he grabbed McLaggen's wand and threw it off to the side to Hermione who caught it. "Hey McLaggen, let's you and me have a chat." Harry hissed as he hissed and raised McLaggen off the floor. His eyes were completely full of lightning and they were focused on the bastard who touched his friend. Neville subtly loosened the curtain tied to the column letting it fall further open covering the pair. Then Neville stepped in front of the curtain. Ron soon stood beside him.

"What the hell?!" McLaggen gasped.

"Shut up you dumb son of a bitch! All term you have made and arse out of yourself but tonight you crossed the line!"

McLaggen looked over to Luna, but only for a moment, before Harry planted gleaming metal into the pillar in front of his eyes. "Holy Shit! Is that a knife?!"

"Whole damn school of magic wands and that's what fucking scares you?" Harry twisted his grip on the necktie. "Little tip, don't fear the blade, fear me! You little bastard, you don't even know how to treat a lady. Crash course right now. Point one, " Harry extended his finger in front of him and McLaggen's eyes focused on the electricity arc in from it to Harry's knuckles. "Keep your filthy hands off the lady unless you're invited. Point two, when she says it's over, it's fucking over. Do you understand?"

Trembling in fear, held aloft, McLaggen finally had lost all words. All he could muster was a nod.

"Good." Harry growled, "Because if I ever hear you pull this shit with any girl again. I'm not going to hex you. I'm going to hunt you! And with that knife I'm going to cut off parts of your anatomy and feed it to the Giant Squid!"

"You… you can't do that." McLaggen tried to protest.

"I'm Harry fucking Potter! Consider my track record!"

Then, only then, did the level of trouble he was in finally hit McLaggen. The man who grew up evading the Dark Lord himself and already defeated a troll, basilisk, dragon, and dementors, the man leading the war… was the same man he had now pissed off and was holding him by his throat. "You can't… witnesses."

"Look closer." Harry sneered. McLaggen started to look away from the lightning filled eyes around him. He could see Ron and Neville standing in front of the curtain further hiding Harry and he. He saw the surrounding crowd; Hannah, Luna, Ginny also with her eyes aflame, Hermione holding his wand.

When McLaggen looked at her, Hermione shook her head and stepped forward. "Harry, I think that was very kind when helped pick Cormac up after he tripped and fell."

"And then you went the extra mile, to help fix his tie." Ginny added.

"I'm sorry I couldn't figure out how any of those injuries happened." Hannah finished.

The team, the whole damn group of some of the most powerful wizards in Britain, and he had pissed them all off. Out of desperation, "Oh gods, I'm sorry, I'm sorry, I'm so so sorry. " McLaggen began to cry.

"No, no you're not." Harry let him onto the ground but still held him by the collars and growled into his ears. "If I ever hear you've laid hands on any lady again," McLaggen flinched as the spit from Harry's rage landed on his neck. "... I'll be coming for you. Then you'll be sorry." For a moment he was afraid the Chosen One was about to rip his throat out. Finally the fear broke him as the pee started to drip down his leg.

Harry looked down at the puddle beneath McLaggen. "Coward too, huh?" With a shove against the pillar Harry finally released him. "You get your wand back at breakfast. You are off the quidditch team. And don't think for a second I'm not reporting this higher up. Now get the fuck out of here."

A terrified trembling McLaggen paused for a second, looked around to see the Marauders all staring daggers at him, then stumbled awkwardly around the pillar and soon started running away and out. Harry reached up to retrieve his knife and looked back to the team, finally letting the lightning drop from his eyes and body. "D.A. takes care of its own." They all nodded in agreement. Neville quickly grabbed his wand and cleared McLaggen's mess.

Luna came over and gave Harry a tight squeeze hug, her smile returned. "Thank you Harry, I feel much better now."

"Anytime, Luna," he replied, returning the hug.

Ginny was next smiling with pride. "Last damn noble hero, I love you." She kissed his cheek and hugged him saying, "Thank you."

As they collected themselves footsteps approached from behind the pillar, and Slughorn emerged with an eyebrow raised. He seemed far more subdued than normal. "Harry?"

Unphased, and truly not caring, Harry turned to look the Professor square in the face. "Sir?"

"I believe I saw you and Mr. McLaggen in… a rather intense fellowship?"

"Yes, sir, you did." Harry said, standing tall shoulders back, hands clasped in front of him.

"May one ask the topic of debate?" Slughorn asked as he looked at the expressions of the Marauders.

"He felt it was okay to manhandle one of my friends. I disagreed."

Slughorn's expression became far more serious. "I see." He looked over to Luna. "Are you alright now, Miss Lovegood?" Luna nodded. "Good." Slughorn took a breath, for once seeming to think carefully about his words. "Mr. Potter, when I was a young man, we were taught how to treat a lady." He stopped and looked at Harry with deep appreciation and admiration. "Thank you very much for continuing the lessons. I would say do not worry about Mr. McLaggen's attendance at any of my future events. And fifty, oh, it's Christmas, seventy five points Gryffindor. Also my personal respect." He finished with a nod as he left.

Harry nodded when the teacher left. "Not what I expected, but no complaints."

"Speaking of not expected," Ron said, "You all may want to see this." Ron nodded ahead to show all of them Draco Malfoy being dragged by the ear toward them by Argus Filch.

"Professor Slughorn," wheezed Filch, his jowls aquiver and the maniacal light of mischief-detection in his bulging eyes, "I discovered this boy lurking in an upstairs corridor. He claims to have been invited to your party and to have been delayed in setting out. Did you issue him with an invitation?"

Malfoy pulled himself free of Filch's grip, looking furious. "All right, I wasn't invited!" he said angrily. "I was trying to gatecrash, happy?"

It was just then that Harry realized all term, he'd been attending parties and missions that Draco didn't qualify for. No wonder this term seemed to be easier despite the term. He let a smile cross his lips.

"No, I'm not!" said Filch, a statement at complete odds with the glee on his face. "You're in trouble, you are! Didn't Professor McGonagall say that nighttime prowling's out, unless you've got permission, didn't he, eh?"

"That's all right, Argus, that's all right," said Slughorn, waving a hand. "It's Christmas, and it's not a crime to want to come to a party. Just this once, we'll forget any punishment; you may stay, Draco."

Filch's expression of outraged disappointment was perfectly predictable; but why, Harry wondered, watching him, did Malfoy look almost equally unhappy? And why was Snape looking at Malfoy as though both angry and . . . was it possible? . . . a little afraid?

But almost before Harry had registered what he had seen, Filch had turned and shuffled away, muttering under his breath; Malfoy had composed his face into a smile and was thanking Slughorn for his generosity, and Snape's face was smoothly inscrutable again. "It's nothing, nothing," said Slughorn, waving away Malfoy's thanks. "I did know your grandfather, after all. . . ."

"He always spoke very highly of you, sir," said Malfoy quickly. "Said you were the best potion-maker he'd ever known. . . .

Harry stared at Malfoy. It was not the sucking-up that intrigued him; he had watched Malfoy do that to Snape for a long time. It was the fact that Malfoy did, after all, look a little ill. This was the first time he had seen Malfoy close up for ages; he now saw that Malfoy had dark shadows under his eyes and a distinctly grayish tinge to his skin.

"I'd like a word with you, Draco," said Snape suddenly.

"Oh, now, Severus," said Slughorn, hiccuping again, "it's Christmas, don't be too hard —"

"I'm his Head of House, and I shall decide how hard, or otherwise, to be," said Snape curtly. "Follow me, Draco."

They left, Snape leading the way, Malfoy looking resentful. Harry stood there for a moment, irresolute, truly frustrated.

"We're going after them, right?" Ginny asked.

"I was trying to give you a night, dear." Harry replied.

"Then come with me, but we both know no good is coming from those two, and it would be better to know early than later."

Harry looks at the team.

"Ginny's right, and you have the best means to follow." Hermione nodded.

Neville extended his extra arm to Luna. "And unless the lady disagrees, Hannah and I would be happy to accompany our Ravenclaw for the evening." Both the blondes nodded.

"You lot are awesome." Harry said as he took Ginny's hand and quickly left the Slughorn's office. Harry pulled the Invisibility Cloak from his breast pocket while Ginny cast silencing charms on each of them.

"Which way did they go?" Ginny asked.

It was a fair question, perhaps Snape had taken Malfoy to his office in the dungeons . . . or perhaps he was escorting him back to the Slytherin common room. . . . Fortunately, Harry had a simple answer. He drew his wand. "Point me Draco Malfoy."

The wand rose and spun like a compass needle down the hall.

"I can't believe that worked." Ginny asked.

"I fully admit this is a low level charm, but if he forgets to add the low level counters, that's not my fault."

They followed the floating wand down the corridor it pointed to until it pointed to a classroom on their left. Beneath the cloak they crouched down to the keyhole of the last classroom in the corridor and heard voices. Ginny for once appreciating her height.

". . . cannot afford mistakes, Draco, because if you are expelled —"

"I didn't have anything to do with it, all right?"

"I hope you are telling the truth, because it was both clumsy and foolish. Already you are suspected of having a hand in it."

"Who suspects me?" said Malfoy angrily. "For the last time, I didn't do it, okay? That Bell girl must've had an enemy no one knows about — don't look at me like that! I know what you're doing, I'm not stupid, but it won't work — I can stop you!"

There was a pause and then Snape said quietly, "Ah . . . Aunt Bellatrix has been teaching you occlumency, I see. What thoughts are you trying to conceal from your master, Draco?"

"I'm not trying to conceal anything from him, I just don't want you butting in!"

Harry grabbed his pocket notebook and quill, and started taking notes as questions came to mind. What had happened to make Malfoy speak to Snape like this — Snape, toward whom he had always shown respect, even liking?

"Butting in? Do you have any idea what lengths I am going through working with your personal training? The spells I am equipping you with just to complete your mission? Yet you still keep me at arms length?

There was a silence that Harry felt Snape was waiting for a response from Draco that never came. Harry and Ginny exchanged knowing looks. 'Spells?'

Listen to me," said Snape, his voice so low now that they had to strain very hard to hear. "I am trying to help you. I swore to your mother I would protect you. I made the Unbreakable Vow, Draco —"

"Looks like you'll have to break it, then, because I don't need your protection! It's my job, he gave it to me and I'm doing it, I've got a plan and it's going to work, it's just taking a bit longer than I thought it would!"

"What is your plan?"

"It's none of your business!"

"If you tell me what you are trying to do, I can assist you —"

"I've got all the assistance I need, thanks, I'm not alone!"

"You were certainly alone tonight, which was foolish in the extreme, wandering the corridors without lookouts or backup, these are elementary mistakes —"

"I would've had Crabbe and Goyle with me if you hadn't put them in detention!"

"Keep your voice down!" spat Snape, for Malfoy's voice had risen excitedly. "If your friends Crabbe and Goyle intend to pass their Defense Against the Dark Arts O.W.L. this time around, they will need to work a little harder than they are doing at pres —"

"What does it matter?" said Malfoy. "Defense Against the Dark Arts — it's all just a joke, isn't it, an act? Like any of us need protecting against the Dark Arts —"

"It is an act that is crucial to success, Draco!" said Snape. "Where do you think I would have been all these years, if I had not known how to act? Now listen to me! You are being incautious, wandering around at night, getting yourself caught, and if you are placing your reliance in assistants like Crabbe and Goyle —"

Snape's confession to acting made Harry want to raise a fist in victory, but his sense of protection for Ginny kept his reaction in check.

"They're not the only ones, I've got other people on my side, better people!"

"Then why not confide in me, and I can —"

"I know what you're up to! You want to steal my glory!"

There was another pause, then Snape said coldly, "You are speaking like a child. I quite understand that your father's capture and imprisonment has upset you, but —"

Harry had barely a second's warning; he heard Malfoy's footsteps and reacted grabbing Ginny around the waist with his left arm and also adding a protective covering over her mouth to muffle the surprise he was sure he would create with his right hand, as he pulled her from in front of the door to standing beside it. He pressed himself firm against the wall purposely to squeeze and lock the invisibility cloak in place over them. The door burst open and Malfoy strode away down the corridor, past the open door of Slughorn's office, around the distant corner, and out of sight.

Neither of them dared to breathe, Harry lowered his cover of Ginny's mouth and reached out to pinch the cloak with that hand as he pressed her as close as possible, a dynamic absent of the enjoyment it usually brought. Understanding the situation, Ginny reached out to the sides of the cloak to help Harry hold their protective cover as Snape emerged slowly from the classroom. His expression unfathomable, he returned to the party.

They waited a good thirty seconds after the sound of his footsteps ended before they relaxed or even breathed.

"Sorry for the sudden jerk. Is your side okay?" he asked in a quiet voice with an apologetic caress.

Ginny gave a dismissive shrug and even patted his hand. "We both know I can take a harder hit than that, Harry. Don't worry." She turned to whisper to him, staying under the protection of the cloak. "What the hell is that about?"

"Greengrass previously said the two of them were thick as thieves and that Draco had a mission important to the war. Snape just said he was trying to help and protect Draco."

"Not just trying, Harry, vowed, the Unbreakable Vow."

"Help me out, Gin. I missed the specifics on that one. Logic suggests its magic and major. What happens if you break it?"

"You die. Snape literally put his life on the line for Draco's mission."

"And apparently, he's training Draco with some additional spells for it too. Something tells me not to like that."

"What the hell is going on here?"

"Okay, let's put pieces together. Draco has a mission for the war, big enough he's got a Dark Mark."

"His last attempt was dominating Rosmerta."

"To make Katie deliver that necklace."

"Remus said it was lethally cursed."

Memories flashed to Harry's mind. "Gin, Rosmerta said it was 'important that a package be delivered to Professor Dumbledor.'

"Wait… no… Draco Malfoy has been assigned to assassinate Professor Dumbledore?" Ginny said in disbelief. "Harry you're the best battle mage I've ever seen and, respectfully, I don't think you could take Dumbledore."

"Agreed, under normal circumstances, agreed."

Ginny looked up with concern, "What does that mean?"

"It means Dumbleore is not at the top of his game! Remember Welcoming Feast and his gloved hand? That happened sometime in summer. As of my last private lesson, a bloody month and a half ago, it still hasn't healed, and the old man was looking tired then. You factor that in, whatever the hell Snape meant by 'spells' and subterfuge like cursed items. Ya, I think there is cause for concern here."

"Bollox…What do we do?"

"This is getting over our paygrade. We talk to Tonks."

"Agreed. Damn Lightning, I know I said dating you would never be boring, but could we try once in a while?"

"You have no idea how much I would like to Gin."

Again the pair of them, found themselves standing outside Tonks door. They knocked, when she opened the door and saw the pair of them her head fell low. "Gods, now what?"

"Is that how you greet everyone at Christmas?" Harry asked.

"Are you telling me you actually are bringing me good tidings?" Tonks asked with a raised eyebrow.

"No." Harry replied.

Tonks sighed, "Come in, Remus is out." Then she finally got a better look at each of them. "You two look lovely. Especially you, Ginny. Harry, you barely deserve her. "

"Actually, I agree with you, Sarge."

"Both of you, shut up. I'm rather fond of my boyfriend, thank you." Again, the ladies exchanged smiles.

Tonks led them to the table again and she grabbed her cop book to take notes as Harry took off his sports coat and took out his book and they relayed what they had seen from Draco's party crashing to his storming out. Tonks sat back in frustration at the end. "You two aren't going to like it, but I don't have enough to charge anyone yet. All this is hearsay and conjecture. The only direct threat to Dumbledore is from Rosmerta's memory which isn't clear enough to call it Draco."

The teen threw up their hands in frustration. "Now, I'm not saying he's innocent. I'm not saying you're wrong. I'm just saying this is the job and part of the job is we have to watch the suspect and we need evidence. Due process is largely what separates us from them. You have given me enough that I will talk with McGonagall about some more safety features over break. So it's not all for not. Anything else?"

Ginny coughed. Harry looked over with a questioning expression. "McLaggen." she reminded.

"Merlin," Harry said, "that pales in comparison."

"What pales?" Tonks asked, again curious, especially with the slight evasiveness.

Harry sighed. "Sergeant, I regret to inform you I may have lost my cool with a student tonight."

"I will remind you Harry, our definitions of acceptable behavior may differ. But please tell me what happened."

So they relayed what happened to Luna up to Slughorn's awarding of points. Ginny noticed Tonks making a fist with her left hand as she took notes.

"Most important thing first, how is Luna now?" Tonks asked.

Ginny nodded. "I think she will be fine. I imagine she's disappointed and sad, but I don't think this went into trauma or anything for her. We had her smiling before we had to chase Malfoy."

"Neville and Hannah agreed to welcome her with them tonight."

Tonks nodded approvingly. "Good call. Both of them are good people. All you Marauders are." She looked up and grinned at Harry. "There are reasons you have certain liberties." Tonks read through her notes again. "Harry, where's the part where I'm supposed to be upset with you again?"

"Er, scaring McLaggen so much he pissed himself."

"Harry, he assaulted one of our cadets. You did fine. I will be filing charges though. Damn to hell. I am really wondering how bad the reporting process is at this school was if there never were cases before and I've had four cases in a term."

Harry and Ginny shared a look and replied, "Non-existent."

Harry elaborated. "Professor Dumbledore, was very big into forgiveness."

Tonks shook her head. "I'm very much into serving and protecting, especially minors. No Harry, again, no discipline from me. If anything, my respect and appreciation, though you have given me much to think about."

"Thank you, ma'am."

"Anything else," Tonks asked expectantly. The teens shared a look and shook their heads no. Tonks took a few pieces of paper from her drawer, wrote on them and tapped them with her wand. "All right, go start your Christmas break already. Here are a pair of hall passes. At least take a long walk back to the tower. You two bloody deserve it. I'll see you next week."

The teens bid Tonks bye for the evening and started meandering through the hall. He noticed the all too uncommon castle draft and automatically slipped his coat over Ginny. She smiled and joked, "Technically, Harry, I never said I was cold."

"So… you're complaining?"

She shook her head, "Not in the slightest."

When they came to a stretch of windows with ledges deep enough to sit on she gently pulled him over. "Sit for a minute?" she asked. Harry happily did as he held her waist while she stood in front of him lightly scratching and caressing his neck. It was late enough in the day and his hair dark enough in color, his five o'clock shadow was coming in fiercely.

"Harry, I do want to thank you tonight, for Luna."

"Actually good to hear, I was concerned I might have crossed a line, into like scary Harry or something."

"Oh? No, no way. I know what you are capable of. But you've also given me the privilege of getting to know you, and your heart. So I know you're always going to be the protector. So when someone like you gets all angry or feisty, that's not scary." She smiled affectionately. "You're actually quite attractive when you're all vengeful and wrathy."

Harry's grin grew to a full smile and laugh. "Thank you, Gin."

"Seriously though, Harry, unfortunately, there are a lot of blokes like McLaggen."

"Give me names, I'll take care of them."

Ginny smiled. "I know you would. I don't have any other names, but we both know there are many jerks in the world."

Unfortunately, Harry had to nod and agree.

Ginny continued, "And there are a lot more guys who are very much 'Not my girl, not my problem."

Harry squirmed uncomfortably. "I guess I can barely see that point of view but then what happens to like, their friends and stuff?"

"Exactly my point. So Harry, for once again being the last damn noble gentleman, and since I'm the one with snogging rights, let me at least thank you properly this time."

"Your welcome," he said as their lips met.