Chapter 33

Then he pulled out the book on Ancient Runes and started going through it. There were even exercises within it he could do. He was still going strong when Hermione and Daphne entered.

Looking at them, confused, he asked, "Professor Babbling let you out early?"

"No, Harry," smirked Daphne.

Hermione said, "It was the full double. But, clearly, you've found Ancient Runes interesting enough to lose track of time."

Sheepishly, Harry said, "Oh. Yeah, I guess I have."

The two girls looked at each other and grinned before moving over to the opposite sofa.

"So; homework?" asked Hermione.

"Ummm... I've already done mine," said Harry.

"You have?" asked a surprised Hermione.

"I have," he replied. "Remember, I've currently got two less classes than Daphne; and three less classes than you. As well as that meaning less homework, it also means I've got more time to do it."

Hermione frowned and said, "Well, it seems you have been holding back, haven't you?"

Harry sighed and replied, "All to try and keep my friendship with Ron."

"That boy really has been nothing but an anchor around your neck, dragging you down," said Daphne.

"Yeah," said Harry. "My eyes have been well and truly opened to that."

Knowing they'd have to leave the school to visit with the Granger parents, the three went early down to dinner. As with lunch, there was no sign of either of the two youngest Weasleys.

"I'm wondering if Ginny and Ron have been suspended," said Harry to the other two.

"They should have been at least suspended," said Daphne. "The level of the crime should mean they're currently sitting in holding cells in the DMLE."

"Even though they're both minors?" asked Hermione.

Daphne thought about that for a few moments before she said, "You're right. They'd not be in cells; but, house arrest isn't out of the question."

Neville, who had arrived and sat down opposite, greeted them and asked, "So, if you don't mind me asking, what happened this morning?"

"Ginny tried to slip Harry love and loyalty potions," said Hermione. "And, it appears, Ron was carrying similar potions on him."

Utterly shocked, Neville said, "But... but, that's illegal!"

"We know," said Daphne. "That's why neither of them was here for lunch; and haven't put in an appearance, so far, for dinner."

"Nor was Ron in Dah-Dah, this morning," Harry slotted in.

"We think the DMLE may have removed them both from the school," said Hermione.

After a few moments, Neville emphatically said, "Good."

Surprised, Harry asked, "You support their removal for the use of love and loyalty potions?"

"Definitely," said Neville. "Gran calls those sorts of potions 'the Imperius curse in a bottle'. I agree. They rob people of the right to make their own decisions."

"That's actually... quite a profound concept," mused Daphne. "One I happen to agree with. Any sort of mind-altering potion... especially one that's given against the wishes of the taker... sickens me. They could all be classed as a 'liquid Imperius curse' when you look at them that way."

The talk moved to classes and how effective 'Moody' was as a Professor. Though they couldn't say anything, none of the three were looking forward to the class in a couple of weeks that dealt with the three Unforgivables.

The talk moved on to the two visiting schools that would arrive just before Halloween. Neville said he was actually looking forward to their arrival; as he wanted to know what the other two schools were like.

Soon enough, Madam Pomfrey stopped by to ask if they were ready to depart.

Because there were three of them, and Dumbledore wasn't available to make them portkeys, the four headed for the Three Broomsticks, a wizarding pub in the town of Hogsmeade, just outside the main gates into the castle grounds.

From there, they travelled by Floo - a magical form of travel that linked fireplaces across the breadth of the isles - and arrived in the Leaky Cauldron. Of the four, Harry was the only one not to exit properly and landed on his face. However, that seemed to be standard for Harry. He did the same the year before last when he travelled from the home of the Weasleys, the Burrow, to Diagon Alley in the original timeline.

"Before we go further, Madam Pomfrey," said Harry. "I think we may need to go to the bookstore to pick up a book on soul relationships for Hermione's parents."

Amused, Madam Pomfrey drew a small book from her robes and showed it to Harry, "Never fear, Mister Potter. I already anticipated that need."

Harry looked back a bit sheepishly and said, "Oh. Sorry."

"That's alright, Mister Potter," she replied. "It was good that you thought of it in case I had not."

Instead of going into the Alley, Madam Pomfrey led them outside. There, they boarded the Knight Bus for the reasonably quick journey to Crawley, where Hermione's parents lived.

The Granger home was quite a substantial sized house. Nothing on the size of the Malfoy Mansion; but, clearly larger than either the Burrow or Shell Cottage.

Hermione led their small party to the front door, opened it, and announced their presence by calling out, "Mum! Dad! We're here!"

They then heard a male voice call back from the rear of the house, "Are you really, sweetheart? Are you sure you're not just an audible imagination? I could be hearing things, you know!"

By then, the four were inside. The last in, Madam Pomfrey, closed the door behind her. Harry snorted in amusement.

Hermione practically ran down the hall that led away from the front door and through a door further back and off to the left. Harry, Daphne and Madam Pomfrey heard her squeal, "Daddy!" And adult male laughter in response.

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