Chapter 41: Hogwarts or Bust

Sunday September first arrived too soon for the residents of Grimmauld Place. Harry sent Hedwig ahead to fly to Hogwarts and scourgified and shrunk her cage to a pocketable size. There was a mad rush that morning to get to breakfast before they finished packing, after a hastily eaten meal they returned to their rooms to find that their trunks were already packed neatly away. They suddenly had a few hours to waste before heading to Kings Cross. Molly decided to put them to work around the house, not that she could order Harry to do anything, but if Gin and Ron were going to be cleaning he would join them. However much to their pleasure as soon as Molly was out of the room the house elves popped in and began cleaning for them. With much time on their hands Harry decided he should finally see the notorious Black / Granger library he had been using all summer.

The three teens plus a bored Tonks headed down the stairs into the dank dungeon like basement. The walls were solid black granite and you easily got the impression that many of the smaller rooms along one wall were used as cells at some point in the past. They passed the servants quarters which Harry was happy to see had small beds and dressers as well as the Telly, all in perfect order. At the end of the hall was a heavily fortified door; which Harry quickly surmised was where Remus spent the full moon. He was very glad to see that, at least at first glance it was up to Ministry code according to the new laws, of course as the one in charge, Remus would be able to certify his own place of transformation.

Across from the cells was one large oak door, which Harry pushed open, he was very happy to find a light switch inside as the room was rather larger than could fit in this house without an expansion charm, and the candle light would have made it extremely eerie. They stood for a while in awe of the immense collection of knowledge. It nearly rivaled the Hogwarts Library for sheer content, and he knew that most of these tomes belonged in the Restricted Section. He decided he really needed to get Hermione down here for a proper shagging at the next opportunity. She had told him of her fantasies and he had every intention of fulfilling them if at all possible. The fact that she owned every one of these books should be enough to make her wet without any help from him.

After browsing for a while with no real purpose they left the Library and an open door across the hall caught his attention. Inside was neatly ordered jewelry and other precious looking items. Among them a particular necklace caught his eye, it was a locket with an ornate 'S' engraved on the front. He thought it would make a wonderful present for Molly or someone else so he picked it up and tried to open it. However it would not open no matter how he tried.

"What do you got there?" Tonks asked.

"Uh..a locket that I was thinking of giving someone… but I can't seem to get the thing open!" He said with a grunt of effort.

Ron, Ginny and Tonks all gathered closer to look at it as Tonks began trying every unlocking and opening spell she knew. "Well I'm flush out of ideas. It is rather pretty isn't?" She asked.

Gin shivered, "I don't know, it doesn't feel right to me. Do you think it's cursed?"

Harry picked it back up off the small table and felt with his magic before instantly recoiling in pain. "Yeah, there is definitely something wrong with it." He hissed out. "Dobby?" He called.

The elf popped in, "You is calling Dobby Harry Sir?"

"What can you tell me about that locket? And the rest of the items in this room?" Harry said as he walked over and wrapped his arms around a still shaking Ginny.

"You's should not be in here Sir, these is dark objects like you asks us to set aside. We is not knowing how to remove the spells on them and some of them we cannot destroy."

Ron jumped in to the conversation. "What do you mean you can't destroy them? It's just a locket."

The elf shook his head. "It is not being a normal curse Mr. Ron Sir. Winky and Dobby is even asking other house elves for help but none is able to hurts it."

Harry filed the information away. "And the rest of these objects?" He asked.

"We is removing the spells from them a little at a time sir, Dobby is sorry if you wanted it done faster sir. Dobby will go iron his ears…"

"DOBBY!" Harry called before he could pop away. "What did I tell you when I hired you?"

A shaking Dobby looked up at him. "Dobby is not to punish his self sir… Harry Potter is truly the greatest wizard ever…"

Harry sighed and stepped toward the little elf and pulled him into a quick hug. "Dobby, you and Winky are like family to me now. It's fine if you take your time getting rid of this stuff, I didn't even know it was down here. You have done a very good job." The elf beamed at him.

"Thanks you Harry Sir! You is best be heading back up the stairs before The Weazy Lady is looking for you. She might try to make you clean more of Dobby's rooms!" He then popped away and they headed back to the kitchen just before Molly came in.

"Are you all ready finished then? That was awfully quick." She said.

Harry shrugged. "Molly, the elves have kept this place spotless, a little touchup here and there took almost no time at all. What do you say we head out early, I don't fancy hopping on the train as it leaves like usual." She blushed a bit at the mention of the collective Weasley habit of being late to the station.

"Very well dears lets just grab your…" She stopped mid sentence as the elves popped their luggage into the hallway just outside the kitchen, neatly in a row. "Right then… let me see what time Arthur was going to have that ministry car here."

"Ministry cars again?" Harry asked.

She smiled at him, "Yes dear, you are a Ministry Official now and have access to this type of thing on a regular basis. Arthur being a director does as well, between the two of you the DMT had no problem releasing a car and driver for us." He nodded absently as he fought with his urge to argue about being treated special. He once again reminded himself of what Remus told him. "Learn to enjoy the perks of your abnormal life."

Molly leaned down and into the fireplace before calling out the destination of Arthur's office. The receptionist answered telling her that he had already left just as Harry felt the wards flare. "Thank you dear." Molly said as she stood and closed the connection.

Arthur then walked into the kitchen. "Hello Weasley's… and Harry and Tonks…" He looked a bit confused for a moment before shrugging and smiling once again. "Ready to go I see?"

They all nodded, "The car should be outside in about five minutes, I think we should go ahead and file out unless you want the driver to ask questions about children appearing out of nowhere."

That got them all moving and soon they were standing on the curb between number Thirteen and number Eleven. Before long a shiny black limousine appeared and rolled to the curb in front of them. "A limo? Honestly?" Harry asked.

"Nothing but the best for you Harry, apparently the girl that procured the car for us has a cousin who is a werewolf." Harry got an ah-ha look on his before shrugging and picking up his trunk. He carried it to the back of the car where the boot popped open. He quickly cast featherweight charms on each of the trunks after checking the area for Muggles and assisted Arthur in loading them into the back.

The lid closed and they walked back around to find the driver holding the door for them. "Lord Potter-Black, Director Weasley." The man said with a nod.

"Thank you." Harry said as he motioned for the girls to go first. Ron was just staring at the liquid black car in awe. "Ron? RON!" Harry called snapping him out of it and motioning with his head for the boy to go on in ahead of him. He then climbed in behind and watched as Molly and Arthur joined them before the door closed.

Harry supposed that a normal Limo would be rather spacious on the inside, but this one was magically expanded until it was easily the size of a small jet. The seats were large and plushy and there was drink service though Harry noticed it was only water. The ceiling was raised as well and as he felt the car move away from the curb a girl in a uniform that reminded him of an airline attendant rolled a cart down the aisle in the middle offering them refreshments and snacks which Ron of course took full advantage of, stuffing his face with biscuits and drinking a Butterbeer. The rest of them had water and a biscuit and before they realized what had happened the door opened once more.

"Kings Cross Station Lord Potter-Black." The driver called out. Harry just stared for a moment before his eyes connected with an equally confused Ginny and then Tonks who shrugged. They climbed out and sure enough they were in the parking lot in front of the station. The driver had already removed their trunks for them and sat them neatly on the curb.

"That's the only way to travel!" Ron exclaimed. Harry noted that he had palmed a few biscuits for the trip and shook his head as he rolled his eyes.

"That was pretty amazing." He turned to thank the driver but the car had disappeared silently. "Beats the heck out of the Knight Bus in any case. I suppose there is nothing for it but to head on in." They all followed him into the station dragging their trunks as if they weighed as much as they looked, and through the pillar onto platform nine and three quarters. The scarlet engine sat regally off to the side billowing steam and suddenly Harry felt very nostalgic. This was the train that had taken him to his new life; this was where he met Moony for the first time. This was taking him away from the most amazing summer he had ever had.

"Should we go ahead and grab a compartment? We can always come back out here to meet and greet." Ginny said.

They all agreed and carried their luggage onto the train and into the very last compartment. They put it away and Ron quickly exited once more, Ginny turned to him wrapping her arms around his neck. His hands went instinctually around her waist as they kissed and he felt her need and love for him before she pulled away. "This is a goodbye kiss Harry. We can't be seen together at school or people will start talking when you date the other girls, besides I need to get used to it." She sniffed as a single tear rolled down her cheek. He wiped the tear away and smiled down at her.

"It's not over, it's on hold. And you know you can find me any time you need me, you still have Mione as well." She nodded but another tear ran down her cheek, she still had her trunk by her feet, which she leaned down and grabbed.

"I should be in another compartment, at least for the beginning of the ride." He nodded and she walked out of the compartment, and back toward the front of the train.

"It should get easier for her." Tonks said quietly. "It's her choice to do it this way. Don't worry about it Harry. I will keep an eye on her and send her your way if she gets too depressed." He smiled at her.

"What would we do without you?" He said smiling. She suddenly morphed into a perfect mirror image of Ginny and spoke with her voice.

"I can think of a few things you couldn't do without me." She said with a grin as she kissed him quickly. She still smelled and tasted like Bubblegum, he filed that away in case he needed to Apparate to her when she was in disguise.

He then looked into her brown eyes. "Do you have permission to use her form?"

She nodded, "I asked her the other night, she actually drooled when I showed her." That got a laugh from Harry and Tonks soon joined him before they headed back onto the platform. Other families were beginning to arrive and many of them greeted him, either the students who knew him from school, or the Parents who had seen him at the Wizengamot.

He made certain to be seen shaking hands with Wood Parkinson and Terrence Zabini as Pansy sneered and stalked off toward the train. Blaise simply made a tiny bow toward him before following her. They spoke briefly before the two of them headed back through the portal to Kings Cross proper. He got shy smiles and waves from most of the girls that had been at the party. Cho and Katie actually came up individually and gave him a hug before disappearing onto the train.

Neville came through the barrier and waved to him, which he returned, Hannah followed soon after giving Neville a large kiss and turning his face beat read. She turned to face him and the look on her face was hard to read. It was sad, and happy at the same time. She finally waved and smiled a bit which made him feel much better. He did not know what Susan had told her, but hoped it was the truth. Susan soon joined them escorted by two Aurors, when she caught Harry's eye she smiled a bit but quickly looked away. He felt the pang in his chest but was nowhere near to breaking down any longer. They entered the train and Harry began thinking it was time he did the same. He finally caught site of bushy brown hair and his smile grew as she came closer. He was a bit thrown off, as was Dan when she only gave him a quick hug.

"Hey you." He said trying to be playful.

"Hey yourself." She said with a big smile but made no move to get closer to him as she turned and hugged her mother and father.

"I hope to see you at Christmas? Harry promised to let me use Hedwig to write you, she is a lovely owl, please don't be afraid to send a note back with her. And be sure to offer her water and a bit of food if you are eating. She is very intelligent and will be much more pleasant." She said giving Harry a look.

"You have no idea just how smart that bird is." He said with a grin as Tonks giggles a bit behind him. "Dan, Emma… It's nice to see you again." He said trying to avoid Emma's eyes. She was having none of that as she pulled him into a hug.

"Just because you and Hermione are not dating at the moment does not mean we don't like you Harry. Will you come visit during the Hol's?" She asked.

He nodded dumbly as Dan extended his hand. Once they clasped hands he pulled Harry close. "I don't know what's going on, but she still seems happy. I am trusting you with my baby girl for the next few months Harry. You look out for her yeah?" Harry nodded and shook the man's hand firmly.

Dan let go and pulled Hermione into a hug getting a blush from the girl and a smile from both Harry and Emma. "You be good now honey, and yes we will write to you, even if we have to use an owl to do it." She hugged him back and blinked away a few tears.

"I love you both."

"We love you too dear, take care this year. And no more secrets right?" Hermione nodded and they watched as the two of them walked hesitantly back through the barrier all on their own.

She turned and hugged him again whispering in his ear as she did so. "We are not dating right now, I still love you but just like Gin I am maintaining the appearance that you are single so that you can date the other girls. That does not mean I won't come looking for you later." She pulled away with a smile and grabbed her trunk handle. Harry quickly cast a feather light charm on it and she thanked him verbally though her eyes told him she wanted to give him a kiss. He told her they were in the last compartment and he would be along shortly. She turned and left he and Tonks alone once more watching the crowd.

"What was that about?" Tonks whispered as she leaned toward him, her eyes still scanning the crowd.

His eyes flicked toward her, "She said both she and Gin are pretending we are just friends so I can be free to date the other girls. And that she might still come looking for me later." He said with a wink. "I honestly don't know why I get to live every teenage boy's dream but I gave up thinking about it. I am just enjoying the ride."

She smirked. "Literally in most cases." He smiled back and his eyes fell on the last person he had been watching for. A head of dirty-blonde hair made its way through the crowd straight toward him before dropping her trunk and wrapping her arms around his neck, pulling him into a kiss and getting stares from many of the students still present on the platform.

She pulled away and whispered against his lips. "I'm the first one on the list. Yay me."

He pulled her closer and kissed her once more. "Yay me too. How are you doing Luna?" He said with a grin.

She glanced up at the Hit Wizard standing just behind him. "Not as well as you are apparently. You know Nymph; you may use my appearance any time you wish. I rather like to watch." Tonks' jaw dropped and she spluttered a bit before she gave up and blushed.

"Thanks then… uh I might need to study you a bit more to get the form right…" Luna grinned at her.

"Oh I think that can be arranged don't you Harry?" He blushed as well making Tonks feel better and making the grin on Luna's face grow exponentially.

Harry cleared his throat and tried to change the subject. "Uh, so we're in the last car Lu, Gin is sitting with other friends somewhere further forward. Would you like to sit with us?" He asked casting a quick charm on her trunk and grabbing the handle.

She wrapped an arm through his and put her head on his bicep. "That sounds lovely, though I do hope they took care of that infection of Woppyjaws."

He tried not to, but he couldn't stop himself. "Woppyjaws?"

"She nodded, they like to turn everything askew. Normally it happens with picture frames and eyeglasses, but you can see how it would be a problem if the train were askew on the tracks?"

He just nodded as even if the animal was not real… yet… at least the reasoning was sound. "I am sure the train is Woppyjaw free. Shall we?" He asked as they got to the stairs at the back of the last car. She smiled as he held out a hand for her to hold as she went up the stairs, he then turned and repeated the gesture for Tonks who rolled her eyes and allowed him to help her aboard. He then pulled the trunk up behind him and into the last compartment where Hermione was giving Luna a hug and Tonks was securing the room once more before sitting in the corner facing the door.

"Hello Ronald." Luna said with a smile at the redhead seated in the other corner.

He blushed. "Uh, hey Lu.. why you sittin with us? Not that you aren't welcome…" He said quickly as Hermione sent him a look.

She smiled as she pushed Harry down next to Tonks once he had secured her trunk in the overhead promptly sitting on his other side and clasping his hand in her own. "I am the first designated girlfriend. Isn't that wonderful?"

Ron's eyes seemed to lose focus for a few seconds and his face started to darken a bit before he took a deep breath. "I see…" Was his reply.

She ignored him as she turned to Hermione. "Hello again Hermione, despite the fact that you like to watch this really is a wonderful thing you are doing." Ron began coughing on nothing as his mind brought images forward that he did not want to see. Hermione blushed but quickly hid it before replying.

"I am not entirely certain what you mean Luna. Harry and I are just friends." Ron coughed again as his eyes darted back and forth between the two of them.

Luna nodded. "If you say so. I'm sure Harry wouldn't mind though." Harry and Hermione both blushed again and Tonks was grinning ear-to-ear in the corner as she stood up.

"Well kiddoes, I am going to do a security sweep of the train, if I am supposed to be acting as security for Hogwarts I had best do my part." She got up just as the train whistle blew announcing the imminent departure.

Luna turned back to Harry before speaking once more. "You know Harry, as nice as it was for you to free the werewolves, I am not certain it was a good idea. I read an article last month about the werewolves trying to buy up all of the brooms in England so that they could form their own Quidditch league. With no brooms the old teams would not stand a chance."

Harry was completely lost for a response to that, luckily Hermione jumped in. "I suppose you read that in The Quibbler then?" Luna nodded enthusiastically. "Luna I am afraid to tell you this, but even though I am coming to accept that your magical creatures may be real, or be real some day. Your father's magazine is full of tripe and poppycock. I'm sorry."

Luna just smiled. "You are entitled to your own opinion, and I to mine. I am glad to see you are thinking outside the proverbial box though. Apparently someone shook loose the last of your Gimlets?"

Hermione blushed very prettily as she nodded in silence. "Good boy." She said pulling Harry's lips to her own. Once again Ron began to choke before he got up. I need some air… I think I'll go see where Gin ended up." He said as he walked out the door.

"Don't forget the Prefect meeting!" Hermione called out and he waved a hand to show that he had heard her. The train started to roll forward and Harry stared out the window as London began to roll by. Before long Hermione had to get up as well and head for the prefects carriage at the front of the train leaving Harry and Luna alone. Rather than talk about anything Harry slid himself into the corner and her onto his lap where they sat in silence as she read the Quibbler and he stared out the window for an hour.

The door opened and Tonks slid inside sitting down opposite them. "Hey you." She said getting an eye roll from him.

"That's my line." He said. She just shrugged as she kicked up her feet and leaned back to watch the door. Before long Gin appeared in the doorway as well and smiled at the couple sitting on the left bench.

"Hi Luna!" She said giving the girl a hug, which Luna returned gratefully.

"Hello Ginny, you know you can feel free to share Harry with me for the next couple of weeks before our OWLs take up all of our time."

As usual Luna had cut through all the clutter in the conversation straight to the heart of the matter. Ginny managed to stutter out a response as her brain tried to catch up. "Thank you, I might have to take you up on that sometime but no, I really need to get used to this if I am going to have any self control."

Tonks nodded and grinned at the redhead. "You also need to work on the grin, no girl at Hogwarts is going to believe you are not in love with him when they see you grin like that in his presence."

She blushed a deep maroon color before she replied shyly. "Well, they all know I was crushing on him for the last 5 years, so it won't shock them too much. Especially since we are friends now and I can actually talk to him." The tale-tell grin had crept back onto her face and he could see her trying to fight to keep from smiling.

"Don't hurt yourself Gin." He said with a smile. "You can smile all you want to, I love you and any of these girls who have a problem with that will never work out anyway. No matter what you say I cannot just lie to someone and shag them like some guys do, especially not when I already have You, Mione, and Gabrielle."

"And me." Luna said quietly.

He smiled down at the girl in his arms. "I was talking about the girls that were already in love with me Lu."

She nodded, "Oh okay. I thought you meant the ones that didn't mind sharing. I don't love you, but I do eventually."

Tonks gave her an odd look. "Luna, don't you mean you will love him eventually?"

"That's a given if I do love him isn't it?" Luna asked.

"So you do Love him?" Ginny asked.

"Yes why?"

"Because you just said you don't!" Tonks said as her voice began to go up in octave.

"That's right."

Tonks very carefully and slowly asked the next question. "You don't love him, but you do?"

"Exactly!" The blonde nodded and smiled that the older woman had figured it out finally.

"When?"

"Eventually."

"But not now?"

"Right."

Tonks put her hands to her eyes and pressed trying to stop the headache that was forming. "Of course, how silly of me…" She whispered in pain.

Harry smiled down at his designated girlfriend. "Careful Lu, you might break her."

Luna kissed his cheek and snuggled closer into his arms, Gin looked rather longingly at the two of them before sitting down next to Tonks, and rubbing the older woman's temples for her. "When are you going to learn Nym? You need to just accept what Luna says at face value."

The door slid open again admitting Ron and Hermione, who having been apart for weeks were quickly making up for lost time arguing. "After last year the git deserves to lose it is all I'm saying!" Ron exclaimed.

"Yes well that is not your place to say. Do you honestly think Blaise Zabini will be a better prefect than Malfoy? He wasn't part of the inquisitorial squad but at least with Malfoy we had a known quantity!" Hermione shot back.

"Doesn't matter though does it, he gave it up for some reason. All I'm saying is good riddance!"

Harry reached his limit and quickly brought both wands to bare silencing them. They looked at him, both wearing rather angry expressions once they realized what he had done. "If you two are quite finished, we were having a lovely ride in here. Now who can explain what you are discussing so heatedly?" He asked with a smile. He quickly removed the charm from Hermione before they could argue about that as well, even non-verbally.

She looked a bit annoyed but her face cleared most of the way once she realized she could make noise again. "Malfoy gave up his prefect spot. I think it cannot be a good thing. Ron believes he deserved to lose it anyway. The problem is Blaise Zabini has been named the sixth year Prefect for Slytherin and we don't know anything about him. We are going to be expected to do rounds with him at some point!"

Ron motioned for Harry to remove the spell, which Harry did with a smile. He took a deep breath to calm down before quietly stating his argument. "The ferret abused his power last year and deserved to lose his badge. I didn't want to do rounds with him either, had to do favors to switch every time it came up."

Harry put up a hand as Hermione turned to him raising her finger to rebuke him. "Mione." She turned to look at him with slight confusion on her face. "Mione I have a truce going with Zabini, possibly a partnership. Blaise is all but under the protection of the Black family as soon as I say as much. What I'm saying is give him a chance, both he and believe it or not Pansy are under a bit of duress with Malfoy being the number one male in Slytherin."

Hermione sat down beside Luna as his tone of voice had calmed her considerably, Ron joined Ginny on the other seat opposite as Tonks sat up and moved her legs to the floor before Harry continued.

"Ron, I think he deserved to lose his badge as well." He held up a hand to stop Hermione who looked about to begin arguing once more. "I also think him giving it up voluntarily is a bad sign. He's up to something." He said looking at Tonks who nodded.

She assumed the tone of an Auror giving a verbal report. "We followed my cousin into Knockturn Alley on Sunday where we witnessed him entering Borgin and Burkes. Whilst there he had a heated conversation with the proprietor eventually showing the man something out of sight that looked to be on his wrist. It is our assumption that he has taken the Dark Mark. Our suspicions were nearly confirmed as we followed him to Florean Fortescue's and overheard him talking about the 'Dark Lords Plan' to Pansy Parkinson, Vincent Crabbe and Gregory Goyle. I would like to note that Miss Parkinson appeared to be in distress at the time though I did not hear the conversation for myself."

The car went silent as everyone thought over the facts; Ron was the first to break the silence. "It would be in perfect form for Malfoy to be a Death Eater, his father was and so is he."

Hermione jumped on him again. "Just because his father is evil doesn't mean he is. I mean he has been extremely annoying in the past but has he ever done anything that was actually evil? I think it is more his style to talk big and run to his daddy when things go wrong. I cannot see him leading some sort of mini-death eater squad, or being the mastermind behind some evil plot!"

"But his daddy's in prison now isn't he? Time to take up the family business. Just because he is annoying doesn't mean he can't also be evil, look at Umbridge." Ron said getting a chuckle from the other students in the car. Hermione decided not to say any more as Harry shot her a look that begged her to stop arguing.

"How about we keep an eye on him alright? Nym is gonna watch out for him, but she can't be everywhere at once, and we have a lot of classes with the Slytherins so it might be us that catches him." Harry said.

They all nodded and turned as the compartment door slid open revealing the object of conversation along with Crabbe and Goyle. "Speak of the ferret and it will appear." Ron said getting a chuckle from Harry.

"Well well Potter, if it isn't the defunct lord of a defunct house, an outcast, a Loony, two Weasels and a Mudblood. I think we should just unhook this carriage from the train and save the half-giant idiot from having to care for this bunch of animals." He laughed, and with a look prompted his two goons to laugh as well.

Harry sighed. "Please leave Draco before I do something you will regret."

He looked confused for a few seconds, suddenly mirroring his companion's faces. "Don't you mean something you will regret?"

Luna piped up. "That's what he said."

Draco turned his confused look on her. "Are you talking to me you Loony? He did not say that he said Before I do something you'll regret. "

"Exactly, I'm glad you realize I'm right." Luna said pleasantly. The rest of the compartment was chuckling at the looks passing between the three boys in the hallway.

Draco's face was getting redder by the second. "Whatever!" He stepped into the compartment and Harry held up a hand fingers splayed wide and the blonde boy suddenly went rigid and silent.

"Now that I have your attention there are a few things we need to discuss." Harry said as Luna moved off his lap and he stood to face the petrified boy. "First of all, everyone in this compartment is under the protection of the Black Family. As Lord Black I am well within my rights to pull you apart piece by piece if you so much as touch one of them." Draco's eyes went wide and both Crabbe and Goyle tried to get into the compartment at the same time. With a gesture from Harry the door slid closed and sealed itself shut.

"Second, I would prefer you not to address me, however if you must you will address me as Lord Black, or Lord Potter-Black. If you disrespect me I am allowed to call you out to duel, you are underage but seeing as how your father is in prison and your mother will shortly become Narcissa Black again," Draco's eyes went red with fury at this news. "You are considered to be Head of House Malfoy. Due to a legal loophole I found you now have all the responsibilities and none of the perks meaning you cannot place anyone under your protection like I can, nor are you considered an adult yet… which I am."

With another gesture Harry levitated Malfoy off the floor and spun him slowly to face the door. "Third, because they are under my protection, I will take any verbal assault as slander and I will bring the Malfoy's before the Wizengamot, under the old laws slander against a Noble and most Ancient House is punishable by up to half of your house's assets. I'm sure your Dork Lard would take that news rather well aren't you?"

Draco was clearly struggling against his invisible bonds as his eyes began darting around looking for an escape. Harry then leaned in and whispered loud enough for the others to hear. "I do not know what your little plan is Draco but you are not going to succeed. We're watching your every move, please take some time and consider my Godfathers offer, Cissy did the right thing divorcing your Father and she will be taken care of in first class style. I am willing to let the past stay in the past if you give up the Malfoy name, renounce Voldemort, and promise to never harm anyone ever again."

He waved his hand and the compartment door opened, another wave and the boys that had been pounding on the door were pinned against the far wall. "Now be gone from my presence Draco Malfoy lest I take offense!" Harry waved once more with both hands, canceling all of the spells on him and banishing him back into the hallway before he closed the door and locked it. Smirking he walked back and sat down in the corner where Luna curled up in his lap once more.

Ron was just staring at him like he had grown another head, Tonks looked rather proud but Harry noticed her wand was drawn just before she let it disappear back up her sleeve once more. Gin appeared to be fighting arousal but Hermione was livid.

"Harry James Potter!" She yelled snapping Ron out of his shock. "Or shall I call you Lord Potter-Black as well?"

A suddenly confused Harry just looked into her eyes where he saw hurt, anger, and a bit of awe. Even without the use of Legilimency. "Uh, no Harry is fine."

"Hmph," She said disdainfully. "The last thing you needed was to make Malfoy any angrier than he already was. And what was with the display of power? I thought you wanted to keep that a secret. Honestly why didn't you just whip your willies out and measure? And how in the hell did you do all that without pulling your wand!"

Her tone told him they had reached the heart of the matter; she was not exceedingly upset with either his display of power or his treatment of the boy in question. She did not understand something about magic and it was driving her mad. He grinned; quickly he snapped his wrist and his wand appeared. He pulled it free of the harness and handed it to her before repeating the action with the other wrist. She held one of his wands in each hand looking more confused by the minute.

"First of all Malfoy is stupid, he will probably assume that one or all of you were actually casting the spells. Second he has always hated us and I doubt that this will make any difference to him. And third…" He gestured and both wands lit with a Lumos charm startling her. "You haven't been there the last few weeks to see what I have come up with. I was not casting wandlessly, I just don't need to actually hold the wand to use it."

She got a very contemplative look as she stared at the lit wands. " Petrificus Totalus, Wingardium Leviosa, Colloportus, I suppose a well placed Protego shield could hold them against the wall and a Finite followed by a Banishing Charm could explain how you tossed him unceremoniously into the hall."

Harry applauded and she blushed as she had been thinking out loud, not actually meaning to speak. "And that's why I love you." She smiled slightly as she handed him back his wands, which he quickly reattached and sheathed.

"You still didn't need to do all that." She said contritely.

He shook his head. "Actually I think I did. He has been a thorn in all our sides for too long, and now I finally have a non-violent way of threatening him. I really can take half his assets if he doesn't keep his mouth shut. I have been studying more than just spells this summer you know."

She nodded before Ron spoke up. "I say good on you mate. You're making me regret not training with you this summer that was wicked! Think you can teach me to fight like that?"

Hermione jumped down his throat again, "Ronald he did not fight, he used it to diffuse a fight. The first rule of nearly all fighting arts is that you are learning how to fight so you don't have to!"

"Now listen here, I was just saying…"

"Just saying what? If you want to use magic to bully people you are no better than Voldemort yourself!"

Ron stood quickly and walked to the door unlocking it. "I promised Dean and Seamus a game of exploding snap. I'll see you later Harry." He said over his shoulder before storming out again.

Harry sighed, "Must you really?" He said with a look at his best female friend.

"Sorry, he just makes it too easy! I honestly don't know what I ever saw in him. He is thick headed, stubborn, and polarly opposed to anyone that is in Slytherin!"

Luna spoke up, "She must be upset Harry, polarly is not even a real word."

Hermione crossed her arms over her chest and looked down her nose at the girl. "I'm just frustrated, I think the only reason we ever tolerated each other is because of Harry."

"And you will continue to tolerate him dear, Ron is all you said, but he was my first real friend. Please continue to try for me?" She finally broke down and nodded as she sighed.

"Anything for you Harry." She said quietly.

"Thank you. Now that the unpleasantness is out of the way what shall we do for the next…" He held out his palm and a smoky time and date appeared. "Three hours?"

Hermione stared at him again before reminding herself that it was not Wandless no matter how it appeared. Just as she was about to comment there was a tentative knock on the compartment door. Hermione stood and unlocked it. "Mandy?"

The black haired, black-eyed Ravenclaw was standing in the doorway looking extremely nervous. "Uh, I was asked to deliver these…" She handed two letters to Hermione and quickly ran away. Hermione looked at her retreating form a bit strangely but turned and handed the one letter to Harry as she opened hers.

"Slughorn?" Harry asked as he reached the bottom.

"Apparently… what do you think its about?" Hermione asked.

Tonks spoke up. "I heard stories about the 'Slug Club' in my time at Hogwarts, old Sluggy was gone by then but the rumors remained. Apparently he has an eye for picking prominent witches and wizards when they are still in school, and making them favorites so that when they make it big he gets the benefits."

"That's Horrible! He shouldn't be allowed to abuse his position like that!" Hermione exclaimed.

Harry pondered for a moment. "So he wants me there because I am famous…"

Hermione finished for him. "But that doesn't explain my invitation."

"He probably heard about the smartest witch of her generation, not to mention that you were at the Ministry in June." Luna said quietly.

"But you and Gin were there as well! Ron too, I wonder if he got an invite." Hermione asked offhandedly.

"Sounds like a good way to make up with him Mione, as long as you explain it is just as friends, why don't you invite him to come with. Lu you and Ginny wanna come as well?"

The blonde smiled up at him and Ginny smiled at both of them. "Sounds like fun, maybe he can tell me about the Haliphumps in the potions lab."

Gin was giggling and Harry was fighting the urge. "Uh, how about you keep that to yourself for now. It isn't that we don't believe you, but you want to make a good first impression. Perhaps after you know him better you can ask?" Luna smiled and nodded. "Gin?"

"I'm all for crashing the party, won't it look a little suspicious though?"

Harry shook his head, "What? Me bringing my girlfriend and one of my best friends to the party? I think not. Besides, he wouldn't refuse the Boy-Who-Lived a few extra guests now would he?"

They all made their way to the indicated carriage Hermione stopping to collect Ron on the way. After a mildly heated conversation he was smiling again and followed along. They entered the compartment to find a nice spread of food along with a multitude of people. "Hey Neville!" Harry called as they walked in.

"Uh Hey Harry, I understand why you're here, but not why I am."

Harry shrugged, "Must have heard about the Ministry, or the fact that you're the number one Herbology student at Hogwarts?" Neville sat up a little straighter.

"Thanks Harry, hello to the rest of you as well." They all exchanged greetings as they looked around. Slughorn came up to them and introduced himself, Harry introduced each of his friends and their achievements to which the Professor responded politely but Harry could see him making mental notes. Harry made sure to talk Neville up as well boosting the boys confidence and Harry saw the semi-disappointed look disappear from the mans face as his estimation of the boy rose. After a few snacks and polite chit chat they had enough, especially of the braggart McLaggen and decided to bail heading back for the compartment.

"Well that was interesting wasn't it?" Ron said as they walked back down the train.

"I suppose you could put it that way." Neville said. They both stopped in compartments next to each other and Harry consciously did not look to see if Susan was occupying Neville's.

"I promised the boys I'd be back to play a few more hands, nothing personal you guys." Ron said as he waved.

"We'll catch you up later then?" Harry asked and Ron nodded as he closed the compartment door.

They got back into the compartment and Tonks was full of questions, they related just how boring the whole thing had been and that it seemed to be better suited to those who needed to hear how great they were. They had a good laugh making fun of McLaggen talking about his famous aunt and how great he was at Quidditch. But it did not take them long to get bored once again.

"So uh… what now?" Harry asked.

Ginny spoke up, "That was a nice story you told earlier Nym, but that doesn't explain why I smelled you all over him when you got back." She said with a grin at the older woman who blushed.

"Oh… uh…" She stuttered out.

Harry smiled. "What Nym is so eloquently trying to say is we had to go undercover and thinking quickly she pretended to be a whore and threw me against the nearest wall to snog my brains out… we got carried away…"

"In Public!" Ginny asked in awe and excitement.

A blushing Tonks nodded, "Bloody Hot that was… he turned me against the wall and had his way with me as people walked by…"

"And none of them paid any attention, I guess a lot of that goes on down there…"

Hermione was looking rather dazed and Luna put down her Quibbler to snap her fingers in the girls face. "You in there Hermione?"

She snapped back to reality and blushed again as Luna leaned back and resume reading her paper, "Sorry, lost in thought… um so now what?"

Luna did not look up as she answered, "Nymph is going to tell Harry the tale of the Three Brothers."

"Oh I know this one!" Gin exclaimed

The woman in question looked once more at the blonde as if she had two heads. "How did you know I was…" Harry stopped her mid-sentence.

"Ah ah Nym, face value."

She nodded as she tried to just accept the girl's odd manner. "Uh right, I was just thinking that I never told you the whole story. So once long ago there were three brothers who were walking in a thunderstorm in the middle of nowhere, and they came to a river that was overflowing its banks. They started across the bridge but it began to break up and wash out. They were wizards so using magic they were able to get themselves across safely but Death himself appeared before them. He was not happy about losing three souls but thinking quickly he decided he could trick them. He offered them each anything they wanted for being so cunning and powerful.

"The first brother was a duelist and asked for a wand that could not be beaten. So Death went to a nearby elder tree and crafted a wand from one of its branches, using a Thestral Hair as the core. The man continued on his way to the next town where he got drunk and bragged about his unbeatable wand, actually dueling many that night and winning every single time. Once he had drunken himself stupid and passed out one of those that lost to him slit his throat and stole the wand for himself. Thus Death took the first brother for his own."

Tonks was in full story-telling mode now and everyone in the compartment was riveted. "The second brother had been engaged to be married before the woman died. He asked Death for the power to recall the dead so he could see her one more time. Death picked up a nearby stone and cast a spell on it, he told the man to turn the stone over three times while thinking of his lost loved one. The man did so and the girl appeared, he thanked Death and went on his way.

"However the man spent much too much time with the specter of his lost love, and she was not happy as she had moved on when she died, and did not belong in this place. He finally committed suicide to be with her properly and thus Death claimed the second brother." Tonks paused dramatically before continuing to spellbind her audience.

"The third brother was the smartest of the three and realized what Death was trying to do. He asked for a cloak that would hide him from anyone including Death himself, one that would not decay or wear out. Death was not happy that the man had seen through his plans, but created the Invisibility Cloak for him anyway. The man wore the cloak for many years, hiding from his enemies and having many adventures. When he was very old he passed it on to his son and when Death finally came for him he greeted him as an old friend and left this life happily.

"Now the moral of the story, which of the items would you choose?" Tonks finished.

"The Cloak of Course." Hermione answered.

"The Wand." Ginny answered.

Harry was very quiet as he answered. "The Stone."

Tonks nodded and sat back smiling as the three of them all looked at each other like the others were crazy. "Harry honestly, the moral of the story is not to be greedy, the cloak is obviously the correct choice." Hermione said.

Ginny spoke up next, "No, the moral is that if you have that kind of power you have to control yourself or it will destroy you, but the right person could do a lot of good with such a powerful wand."

They both looked at Harry who had gone very quiet, a tear ran down his face just as Luna kissed him and hugged him close. "I just want to see them one time…" He cried quietly.

"I'm sorry Harry…" Tonks said but he shook his head and smiled up at her.

"Mum, Dad….Sirius… I didn't get lost in the Mirror of Erised I don't think I would lose myself to the stone…" Tonks just nodded even though she didn't know what the Mirror he was talking about did.

"I'm sure they would like for you to see them again too Harry. It's just a story though so no need to be so serious."

He nodded, "I guess I would choose the Cloak…" His eyes went wide.

"Harry I don't like that look… I saw that before when you… Oh Merlin don't tell me?" She said putting a hand over her face.

"The Cloak." He stated.

"You can't be serious Harry, it's just a cloak!" Hermione said.

Ginny however was looking thoughtful. "Wait Mione, Dumbledore said it belonged to his father."

"And Sirius said he remembered all the fun they had with it at Hogwarts when they were there." Harry said as he stood and pulled the item in question from his trunk.

Tonks was holding her head in her hands again and Ginny quickly began soothing the pain away as the woman spoke. "Invisibility cloaks are rare but you can find 'em around. I know a few HW's and Aurors who have 'em but they wear out pretty quick. The Demiguise hair has to be given willingly and the magic wears off after a few years."

Hermione's jaw was working as she tried to formulate a response. "Maybe your cloak is just….I mean it can't be…"

Harry produced his new wand and handed it to her once again. She stared at it for a moment before her eyes widened. "You're not serious!"

He nodded, "I had Ollivander identify it the other day, what he put on my registration is not what it is actually made of. Elder and Thestral Hair, eleven inches." Hermione had gone into a mild state of shock and before he could ask Luna moved allowing him to stand and pull the other girl onto his lap.

"It can't be possible, it's just a story…"

"Let me tell you another story we heard from Ollivander… about Wand Lore." He related everything the man had told them and once again they were all lost in thought as he finished.

"So you think this might be the Wand of Destiny?" Ginny asked.

Hermione gasped as she came to some realization. "There was a Dark Wizard before Grindelwald that disappeared toward the end of the First World War. What if Grindelwald killed him to get the wand… and you said that was Dumbledore's wand…"

"And Dumbledore defeated Grindelwald." Harry finished.

"It all fits." Ginny commented.

Harry shrugged as he reverently placed the wand back in its holster. "It doesn't matter what the history is, the wand is registered as Ash and Unicorn Hair for anyone that is interested. And I don't plan to duel professionally, nor drunkenly challenge a whole bar full of wizards while bragging about owning the Death Stick."

"But Harry, if you own two of the Deathly Hallows…" Ginny began.

"The Deathly Hello's?" Harry asked.

Luna once again joined the conversation from behind her paper. "The Hallows Harry, Daddy is a member of a society dedicated to uniting all three again, the idea is that he who is master of all three, is master of death itself."

Harry tried to ignore the fact that she was still reading her Quibbler, which was now upside down as he held up his end of the conversation. "Your father knows about these?"

She nodded as she turned the page. "He wrote a whole article a few years back and he has been searching ever since."

Hermione barely contained her skepticism as she asked the girl a question. "What exactly was the article about?"

Luna finally put down the paper and looked dreamily at the other girl. "Oh, Dumbledore and Grindelwald were best friends when they were young, and they both sought the Hallows, the problem was that Dumbledore decided to protect Muggles while Gellart decided to dominate them. I hadn't known that he already found the Wand of Destiny however, Daddy will be ever so pleased!"

Harry cleared his throat. "Luna, you can't tell your father about this. Or the Cloak."

She looked up at him. "But doesn't the public deserve to know that two of the three Hallows have been found?"

He shook his head, "No Lu, this is part of my personal life and I would like to keep it that way. Besides, do you really want every nutcase to come after me to steal the wand?"

She suddenly shook her head before burying her face in his chest. "Not at all, I hadn't thought about that… but Daddy is always saying that the public has a right to know… that is why despite threats of bodily harm he ran the article about Fudge eating Goblin Pies. It wasn't pretty but the people deserved the truth."

Harry was getting good at sorting the wheat from the chaff when it came to the girl in his arms so was able to sort out what she said. "In this case I would rather keep it to ourselves, I'll tell you what though. We can tell him after Voldemort is gone, but only if he promises not to publish it."

She thought about it for a moment. "I suppose that will have to do, I really don't want them to come for you. But you know who else would be interested in becoming the Master of Death?"

That sobered them all up quickly. "Yeah, Mr. Flight from Death himself…"

Hermione got up and kissed him on the cheek before turning toward the door. "See that is why I love you, interesting translation."

"Where are you off to?" He asked as she slid the door open.

"I need to make my prefect rounds again… and find Ron to apologize again. You are right, I can at least try to stay civil with him." She winked before heading out of the compartment.

"That's my cue as well I guess. If I spend the whole train ride down here people will talk…" Ginny said getting up and kissing him on the cheek as well. "See you around Harry."

Harry mouthed the words "I Love You" and she grinned like mad before rolling her eyes and flouncing out of the compartment. Once again he was alone with Tonks and Luna. "Well, that was interesting…"

"Do you really think you own two of the Hallows Harry?" Tonks asked.

He shrugged, "I don't know and frankly I don't care, Yes it may be an old wand but I doubt it was actually made my Death himself, My cloak may just be especially magical or something, maybe someone in my family figured out how to make them last longer and the secret got lost along the way. I don't believe in some myth about becoming Master of Death."

Luna looked up again from her paper. "Believe it or not you are the Master of Death."

"Huh?" He asked intelligently.

"I'm not certain, you said the phrase and it just feels right. I mean, you survived a Killing Curse somehow. If nothing else, surviving the unsurvivable, kills everything, every time unblockable curse makes you the only person who can claim to be Master of Death. No matter what Tom did to keep himself here."

He smiled down at her. "Who is making up words now? Unsurvivable, Unblockable?"

She shrugged, "I never said I was a stickler for grammar, that's Hermione's job." She then went back to her paper.

He sighed and lay his head back against the wall, "Wake me up when we get close?" He asked Nym who grunted an acknowledgment.

"I wouldn't worry about it either of you. Hermione will be back in plenty of time to change into her robes." They both nodded and lay back in opposite corners quickly falling asleep.

Almost no time at all seemed to pass before Hermione and Ron both woke them up to change and by the time they all had robes on the train was slowing down. Harry's stomach growled almost in synch with Tonks' and they both laughed.

"What happened to the snack cart?" Harry asked.

"Oh she came by but you asked me to wake you up when we got close, I'm sorry I didn't wake you." Luna said as they made their way out of the car and down to the platform.

He shrugged, "The feast is right away, maybe I will actually be hungry for once."

The call came from a distance where Harry could see a lantern that appeared to be nearly the height of a lamppost. "Firs Years! First Years o'er here!"

Harry and Luna made their way over followed by Ron and Hermione, Ginny waved as she walked on by with her friends but he saw the grin when their eyes met and new he was going to have fun with her, even without his special gaze.

"Hey Hagrid!" They each called out in some form as they came near.

The half-giant peered down at him and his eyes went just a bit wide. "Harry? Ye must've grown half a foot! And yer lookin awfully chipper considerin what happene… um, I should'na said that."

"No Hagrid its okay, you could say I have made peace with Sirius' ghost."

The large man smiled, "Ye've grown in more that just height I'd say. Lilly'd be proud of the man you become Harry. That wouldn't 'ave anything to do with this little lady 'ere now would it?"

Luna beamed up at the man as Harry beamed down at her. "Maybe a bit. Luna you know Professor Hagrid, he was the first Wizard I remember meeting."

She smiled, "We are very good friends Harry, he helped me feed the Bowtruckle and taught me all about the Thestrals last year even though they were a year ahead of me." Harry decided not to tell her that Thestrals were not OWL level material at all as she seemed to genuinely like the man, adding more points to her favor in his head.

Hagrid blushed a bit, "Tha's right, and I aint much of a Wizard… But I did get me a new wand after they let me outta Azkaban." He pulled what looked like half a tree limb from his coat. "Twenty inches, Oak and Hippogriff Feather." He said proudly.

"Its beautiful!" Hermione exclaimed and Harry nodded his agreement now that he could see the detail work that had gone into the carvings along the handle.

"Are those Hippogriffs on the handle?" Ron asked having acquired a keen eye for details.

"Aye, Ollivander said he made it years ago fer no reason at all, and it were just waitin on me ta come pick it up." He delicately put it back in his coat. "Now you four ought ter be heading inside. I'll see ya in class."

The three sixth years suddenly felt very guilty but Luna gave the man a quick hug and pushed them toward the carriages as Hagrid began calling once more. "First Years to me!"

Ron and Hermione gasped as the next carriage came along, they had been present when Sirius died at the department of Mysteries and were able to see them for the first time. "Bloody…" Ron stopped himself before Hermione could chastise him, however she finished his thought. "Hell!" She quickly blushed as both Harry and Ron chastised her.

"Language Hermione." And promptly they began laughing.

"They are beautiful aren't they? It's sad that they are seen as dark creatures just because of their association with death." Luna said ignoring the laughter and climbing with Harry quickly behind.

The other two joined them and everyone silently watched the creatures pulling them up to the school, both Ron and Hermione paused to run a hand down the flank of the creature before heading through the doors and making their way to the Great Hall. They found seats quickly and had time to chat with friends for a while as they waited for the first years to cross the lake. Harry scanned the room, his eyes pausing at the head of the Ravenclaw table briefly when they met Cho's, she blushed and looked away before he found Luna smiling serenely back at him.

Neville sat down next to Harry on the opposite side from Ron. "Uh..Hey Harry." He turned and smiled.

"Hey Neville, I hear congratulations are in order?" Harry said.

Neville blushed but nodded. "Hannah is great… I don't know what's going on with Susan though. She is with us all the time but she seems distracted… you don't think those two were… you know?"

Harry pondered the question for a moment deciding what he was allowed to say and what would end up with his bits dangling from Hannah or Susan's ears. "Does it matter to you?" He deflected.

"I suppose not… they just. What happened between you and Susan this summer Harry? She was so happy the one time I saw her."

Harry sighed and wiped his hand over his face. "We fell in love, then found out that Dumbledore was meddling in my life again by casting a love compulsion charm on me. She doesn't know if she can believe her heart…" He tried very hard not to choke up and Neville was good enough to change the subject. "Well Hannah and Susan make each other happy so I don't really care. It's just interesting trying to figure it out.

"Oi Neville!" Seamus called out and Neville smiled at Harry in apology before turning toward their dorm mate. Harry began scanning the rest of the hall.

He quickly passed over the Hufflepuff Table where Susan had just sat with her back to him, he got a wave from Hannah which he returned as he continued to scan the hall. Down at the Slytherin table he could see Malfoy acting rather out of character as he stared at the tabletop while others were talking around him. Harry could not tell if he was planning or brooding, all he could hope was it was the latter. Daphne Greengrass was regaling a few boys with some story or another and Pansy was sitting next to her looking quite bored, she caught him looking at her and sneered. He smiled and gave her another shot of joy-juice, which she was unable to turn away from. Her breathing quickened and he decided to up the ante a bit just to see what would happen. He quickly released just a bit more and winked at her, everyone in the hall turned toward her as she screamed suddenly having an orgasm at the table.

Suddenly very nervous Harry released her from his gaze and looked anywhere but at her, she quickly fled the hall and normal conversation resumed around them. "Wonder what's up with the pug?" Ron asked.

Hermione took a deep breath to keep from berating him for his remark, Ginny had no such compunction as she started in. "Ron must you really? In case you haven't noticed she isn't pugly any longer, and even if she were that is a horrible thing to say. How much do you enjoy being called Weasel or Ginger?"

Ron laughed, "Good one Gin, Pugly? That's a winner…" He trailed off as she gave him a Molly stare.

Harry nodded his agreement with Ginny as he finally glanced up finding Daphne Greengrass staring back at him with a curious expression. He quickly averted his eyes. "Harry you wouldn't happen to know anything about that?" Hermione asked with a raised eyebrow.

He quickly dipped his head trying to hide his blush but couldn't lie to her. "Maybe…"

"Harry!" She chastised him quietly.

"I didn't mean to make her… well you know…" Harry glanced up at the head table where Tonks sat laughing at him. Professor Flitwick was looking at her rather strangely, which only caused her to laugh harder.

Ron was extremely confused. "Wait what? What did you do to her? Was it more of that… uh… from the train?"

Harry nodded, "Close enough…"

Ginny was laughing at him now and he finally cracked a smile. He winked at Hermione who sat beside the girl and she nodded as he called out to her. "Hey Gin?" She looked up with a twinkle in her eye just in time to get caught in his gaze and promptly pass out from an orgasm. Hermione caught her and pretended to hold a whispered conversation with her so as not to arouse suspicion from the other Gryffindors. There was a sudden commotion from the front of the room as a laughing Tonks fell out of her chair and quickly got up excusing herself before heading into the anteroom where the champions had met after the selection.

Ginny came back to the world within a few seconds and Hermione shot him a look as she spoke. "That wasn't very nice Harry. You really shouldn't do that to a girl." Her slight grin told him it was entirely for Ginny's benefit.

"I'm sorry Gin, you seemed to enjoy it so much when I did it to Pansy I thought you might like some." He whispered.

"Anytime." The redhead said breathily as she was still recovering slightly. Before he could respond the doors opened and Professor McGonagall walked in as the hall went silent. From the corner of his eye Harry tried not to smile as he saw Pansy make her way quickly back to her seat. McGonagall placed the stool and hat on the chair and stood back. The hall held its breath as the hat began singing, surprising the unsuspecting first years.

Hufflepuff and Ravenclaw,

Slytherin and Gryffindor.

They knew the plan; they stuck to their wands,

They knew what teamwork was for!

Then evil reared its ugly head,

And brother turned on brother.

The houses split and the Founders turned,

Their ideals against each other.

That evil still exists today

I've warned you all before

Against this common enemy,

The Houses must unite once more!

The hat went inert once more and a stunned looking McGonagall slowly walked forward in the still silent hall. She went through the sorting calling out each name shakily but getting stronger with each until she was nearly back to normal by the end. A disproportionate amount of the new first years went to Gryffindor and the remainder split almost evenly between Ravenclaw and Hufflepuff. Of the fourteen first year students Slytherin only received two new members.

Dumbledore had entered the hall at some point unbeknownst to the students and he stood to address them. "Welcome once more to another Year of Hogwarts, there is a time for speeches and this is not it. Enjoy!" He waved his hand and the tables filled with food, which immediately distracted Ron from all other conversation. Harry, Gin, Hermione and Neville leaned in toward each other to discuss and filled their plates.

"What do you think it means?" Harry asked Hermione who had deciphered last years message from Umbridge.

She shook her head as if she was not certain of the truth of her statement. "I think it was just a warning, it makes sense that we are stronger when we don't divide ourselves by house lines."

"Yeah but what evil was it talking about?" Neville asked.

"Prejudice? Pride? Or it could have just meant any evil that threatens to destroy the peace. I don't think it meant anything specific." Hermione replied.

They began eating quietly as they pondered everything, Harry doubly so with the addition of the Deathly Hallows to worry about. Dumbledore stood as dessert disappeared from the tables and everyone quieted.

"Welcome again everyone to another year at Hogwarts, I hope that everyone is well after an uneventful summer, and after a rather eventful last year. As you can see the rumors of my senility were vastly overestimated, and I am happy to report that your Transfiguration Professor is none the worse for ware after her unfortunate run-in with Ministry officials last term. I am happy to report to those of you who did not know, that Minister Fudge has been replaced by someone much more capable, who has officially recognized that Voldemort has indeed returned."

There was much murmuring from the students before he raised his hands for silence getting gasps from those who had not seen his shriveled and blackened hand. "Thank you. You may have noticed that I am somewhat less than whole, I assure you that I am in good health and my hand looks much worse than it actually is." Harry felt the lie from the man immediately as they locked gazes for half a second.

"Now for the normal announcements. The forbidden forest is still forbidden, despite what some of the older students may think. There is no visiting school nor are there any closed down corridors or floors to worry about this year. However Mr. Filch has once again asked me to remind you that many items are banned from the school, a full list of which you may find taking up his entire door as well as three walls of his office. I also believe that everything in the Weasley's Wizarding Wheezes mail-order catalogue is on that list."

There was chuckling from those who had been in contact with the Twins in any form. "Lastly you will notice that once again there are new additions to the staff table…" Tonks entered and took her seat at the far end with a sheepish grin. "Miss Nymph…" She growled getting a chuckle from those who knew her. "Miss Tonks is a Hit Wizard on contract to the school for security, she has all the powers of a Prefect as well as the rights granted to her by the Ministry, needless to say you will respect and obey her as if she were a Professor. Also joining us this year is a returning Professor, Mr. Horace Slughorn, who will be teaching Potions." There was an uproar as those who did not know of the staff change began discussing what that meant for Snape who they noted sadly was still present at the staff table wearing his trademark sneer.

"Professor Snape has agreed to take up the post of Defense Against the Dark Arts." Another uproar but he raised his hands again and the hall quickly went quiet once more. "Classes start tomorrow and schedules will be distributed at breakfast. Please do not stay up too late as I know you are all eager to begin learning." And with that he sat down.

The Prefects began collecting the students and Hermione whispered the common room password to him before she remembered he would not be joining them in the tower. He promised to come up after he had settled in. She smiled and called for the first years to follow her and they all headed out of the hall. McGonagall stepped up beside them before they could get far.

"Mr. Weasley, when you are done escorting your new housemates please stop by my office." And with that she disappeared.

"What did I do now?" Ron asked with an abashed look on his face. Harry had a suspicion but kept it to himself.

Dobby appeared next to Harry as he stood. "Mr. Harry Potter Sir? I is to be showing you to your new rooms." He said with a bow.

"Lead the way Dobby, and what have I told you to call me?"

The elf smiled up at him. "Very well Harry… sir. If you will come this way?"

Dobby led Harry up to the sixth floor and past many sleeping portraits into a disused part of the castle. "These is where the guest rooms be Harry sir, the Staff with family is on the fifth floor below us." Harry filed that away, wondering if any of the current staff had family staying with them. He stopped five doors down in front of a tapestry of a Satyr chasing nubile Nymphs around a tree disappearing behind some bushes whenever he caught one of them. Harry wondered if it was pure chance that this picture was chosen to guard his door or if someone had a sense of humor. Dobby cleared his throat and the man-goat looked up from behind the bush.

"What do you want? I'm a bit indisposed at the moment!" The painting called out.

"Master Harry Potter be here to claim his rooms." Dobby said looking put out.

"Ah yes!" The Fawn said standing up and Harry blushed as the little half-man half-goat was sporting an impressive erection. "It has been too long since we have had a proper job, luckily we know how to pass the time."

Dobby turned to Harry, "The password be Winky for the moment sir, you is able to change it just by telling Bernard."

"Bernard?" Harry asked.

"Ah that would be Master Potter." The portrait said with a slight bow.

Harry thought for a moment and leaned in. "I would like to change the password to 'Gabrielle' for now." The portrait nodded and clicked open.

"Will there be anything else sir?" The portrait asked.

"No I think that will be it for now thank you." He nodded and dove back behind the bush where Harry heard giggling as the leaves began to rustle once more. He quickly dove into the room with the portrait closing behind him.

The main room was decorated tastefully and looked much like any given room at Grimmauld Place; if Harry had to guess Dobby had been redecorating. The room was not huge but it was a decent size and setup somewhat like a common room decorated in Gryffindor colors. There was a large desk against one wall and a soft seating area with a couch and loveseat around a coffee table against another. In between there was a large bookshelf just waiting for him to stock it with study materials. There were two doors off to the left and right, choosing at random he went left first. Behind the door was a small bedroom with a half-bathroom that was rather sparse; he assumed this was the guest room. Turning around he crossed the common room and opened the other door. This room was a bit larger and confirmed his suspicions about the decorator as all the furniture was topped in black granite and the large King four-poster looked incredibly inviting.

"Thank you Dobby, uh so are you splitting your time between here and home?"

The little elf nodded, "I is doing all of yours laundry and you can be calling Dobby for anything yous need."

"I'll try to remember, thanks again I know you redecorated. It looks wonderful, just like home away from home."

Dobby was grinning ear to ear as he popped away, Harry quickly headed out and up to the seventh floor and Gryffindor Tower, thankful Hermione had given him the password he stopped in front of the Fat Lady.

"Good evening Lord Potter-Black, password please?" She said.

He smiled up at her, "Hippogriff, and you can still call me Harry." He winked at her and she blushed, he was unaware that a painting was able to blush, but considering what was going on behind the bushes in his guardian portrait he supposed anything was possible. She nodded and the doorway appeared as she swung open, he entered the common room to find Hermione and Ginny talking in low tones on the couch by the Fireplace, he snuck over and plopped down in the chair across from them.

"Hey guys."

Ginny and Hermione both appeared to be fighting the urge to move and sit in his lap, which made him a bit giddy. Ginny was fighting a losing battle and finally she stood and kissed him on the cheek. "Night Harry, I need to behave so I'm heading up." He caught her hand and kissed her knuckles nearly making her melt before she fled from his presence.

He and Hermione were all but alone in the common room. "Do I smell bad or something?" He asked with a smile.

"No, you know Gin is having… difficulty adjusting. Harry do you know what happened to Dumbledore's hand?" She asked.

He shook his head, "He didn't say but he did show me that it works almost normally, but that lot about it looking worse than it actually was, is load of bull."

"How do you…" She asked as her eyebrows drew together. He tapped his temple and she rolled her eyes. "You know you are really quite frustrating, you should not be able to do half the things you can, and the other half you can do effortlessly."

He shrugged, "I'll see if I can get it out of him when we start up our private lessons."

"So you are still doing those then?" She asked. He shrugged again. "Stop that, shrugging indicates that you are not secure with yourself, and you have no reason to be insecure."

He smiled at her, "Fine, anyway I will assume so until he cancels on me. For now I guess we should get to work on organizing the DA." She nodded and together they discussed lesson plans and teaching methods for another hour until she finally had to shoo the last of the first years upstairs leaving them alone. She suddenly seemed very nervous.

"I guess I should be heading off to bed as well." She said quietly.

He looked around quickly to make sure the coast was clear before pulling her into a hug. "I love you Mione."

"I love you as well Harry, but Gin isn't the only one having trouble adjusting…" He leaned in for the kiss but just before their lips met the Portrait hole opened and Ron stumbled in with a huge grin on his face. Hermione quickly jumped from his grasp.

"What's got you so giddy mate?" Harry asked.

"Quidditch Captain! I thought for sure it would be Katie or you Harry!"

He smiled at his redheaded best friend. "Did you see that badge in my Hogwarts letter?" He asked indicating the GC badge on the lapel opposite his prefect badge.

"I suppose not… I'm sorry she didn't ask you Harry, you deserved it."

Harry shook his head. "No I spend the whole game chasing the snitch, I'm pants at actual strategy, good on you!"

Ron let out a large yawn through his grin, "Well I'm pretty much knackered, I'll see you at breakfast? I think our first practice should be this weekend so we should work on some drills." Harry nodded and Ron headed up the stairs to the boys Dorm.

Hermione was grinning at him as he turned back toward her. "What?" He asked innocently.

"I may not be a Legilimens Harry but I can tell when you are lying. That was a wonderful thing you did for him."

He pulled her into another quick hug, "He really will be better at it than me, and I need the time for the DA anyway. As well as… other pursuits." He leaned toward her for a kiss but she kissed his cheek quickly.

"Goodnight Harry. I'm sure Tonks can tuck you in if you are having trouble getting to sleep."

She turned and headed up the stairs smiling all the way and a very frustrated Harry headed back to his own room, where an impatient looking Tonks was standing outside his door. "There you are! Where have you been?"

"Whoa there, I was in the Gryffindor common room going over DA stuff with Mione… what's got you so upset."

She seemed to calm down slightly, "Sorry, I had to sit through a staff meeting and then Dobby showed me where your rooms were but this portrait wont let me in… well he said he might let me in but… Harry your portrait is a pervert!"

Harry looked over at the painting, "Bernard?" The fawn poked his head up from the bush.

"Oh, Hello again. Please don't tell me you want to change the password again already?"

"No Bernard, were you rude to Miss Tonks here?"

The portrait shrugged before running his eyes up and down her body. "She's a looker… I've been chasing the same nymphs for two centuries, give a guy a break!"

Harry shook his head and the painting rolled his eyes, "Fine, what can I do for you?"

"Nym the password is currently set to 'Gabrielle' I think you can remember that?" She nodded. "Bernard you are not to be rude to any female that comes to my door… unless it's a Slytherin. Do you understand?"

"Fine fine…" He said and unlocked the door. Harry motioned for Nym to go first and followed her into the room.

Harry gestured toward the door on the left, "That is a guest room if you want to claim it."

She shook her head and pushed him backward toward the door on the right. "That mean this is your room then?" He nodded as a smile began to play across his lips. "Then I think we need to properly welcome you to your new home, seeing as how Luna is all the way in Ravenclaw Tower…"

He quickly took the initiative and pulled her toward him before tossing her against the door. "You know you only had to ask Nym…" He then kissed her deeply until he felt her legs start to give way. He turned the knob and directed her to the bed, both of them losing clothing along the way.

A couple of hours later found the couple cuddling in the afterglow of great sex, he was just about ready for another go round but she stopped his wandering hands. "Ah ah Mister, you have classes tomorrow." He frowned but pulled her closer as he snuggled down into his pillow and got comfortable.

"Fine, remember that when you are sleeping in your own bed and some other girl is in here." Her breath caught a bit and he looked at her suspiciously. "What is it with all you girls and liking the thought of me with someone else? It's too good to be true, I feel like I need to be tested for compulsions!"

She shook her head, "No Harry, you remember the conversation about twins and mums?" He nodded. "Well once you know you are going to share with other girls anyway, it can become an incredible turn-on to think about it alright? Can we just leave it at that for now or do I need to go sleep in the other room?" She made to get up but he pulled her back down and hugged her like a teddy bear.

"That won't be necessary, tonight at least. Goodnight Nym…" He said as he closed his eyes.

She smiled before burrowing into his shoulder. "Night Harry."