Chapter 26 - Halloween
When Dumbledore announced the news of Thaddeus Gringle's abrupt departure at breakfast on Monday morning it was met by two very different reactions.
Stunned shock from the Gryffindors, Hufflepuffs and Ravenclaws.
And cheers from some of the Slytherins (although these were quickly silenced by both the scowls of disapproval from McGonagall and Dumbledore and the news that until a replacement could be appointed Remus Lupin would take the upper schools DADA lessons too).
However, once they were away from the Great Hall and the eyes of the Headmaster the Slytherins were all to quick to express their glee about how a former Gryffindor had become the shortest serving DADA Professor so far.
But if the Slytherins were expecting the Gryffindors to sit back and take their taunting they were badly mistaken and despite the rule about magic not being used in the corridors it wasn't long before Slytherins started to turn up at the Infirmary needing treatment for jinxes and hexes. Some even turned up with broken noses and black eyes when their attacker had gone 'Muggle' on them.
This wasn't to say that all of the attackers got away scotch free and several Gryffindors (chief amongst them Dean and Seamus) also turned up at the Infirmary in need of treatment or where caught by a member of staff who then took them to receive a lecture and a detention from an increasingly peeved Professor McGonagall.
Furthermore, these incidents only seemed to worse the truly sour mood the students now found Professor Snape was in with even some of the Slytherins who weren't related to Death Eaters now receiving his wrath in public whilst in the evening he could be found stalking the corridors pouncing on any student and trying to give them a detention on the flimsiest of pretences.
Meanwhile Halloween was now only a couple of days away and despite assurances from the Professors and letters from home telling them not to worry the tension amongst the student body that had been easing over the previous few days returned whilst at the same time there was a great deal of hushed discussion amongst the students (and to a lesser degree the staff) as to who or what would be the first target for Voldermort, a subject that even the Marauders couldn't ignore and come Tuesday night the six friends were sat in the Common Room discussing possible targets.
The most obvious target were Ron and Ginny's parents but thankfully now that Mr Weasley was the Minister for Magic he and Mrs Weasley would be at the Ministry Halloween Banquet and the Marauders were all agreed that Voldermort probably wasn't inclined to attack targets where he could run into a confrontation with the Aurors just at that moment.
They also considered an attack on the Quibbler's Offices or even Luna's father himself and whilst Luna agreed that her father was a possible target she didn't seem terribly worried.
"Daddy always spends Halloween with my Aunt Aroura," she told the others whilst resting her head against Ron's shoulder. "He'll be quite safe there, she lives near a small village in Wales that even I'd struggle to find it if Daddy wasn't me."
"What about your Gran Nev?" asked Ron at which Neville gave a resigned sigh whilst pulling a hand through his hair.
"She says she's not about to run away and hide at her age," he said sounding both worried, annoyed and even a little proud at the same time. "Even Algie's not been able to persuade her to go to his for the night!"
"Well the only way Voldermort's people are going to find my parents is if they look in the Phone Book," said Hermione firmly at which Ron gave a snort.
"If any of the DE's admitted to knowing how to use a phonebook Voldermort would probably kill them on the spot!"
Here Neville gave a snort of laughter whilst Harry and Ginny both smirked with amusement and Luna smiled broadly.
"You know Ron, you've probably got a point," agreed Hermione with a chuckle as she pulled her feet up onto the sofa as she snuggled up beside Harry.
"What about you're Uncle and Aunt Harry?" asked Neville causing Ron to give another snort.
"Not worth the trouble Nev. Even if Harry did send them a note they'd just chuck it without reading it."
"Ron's right mate," added Harry gravely. "They'd never have listened to me if I said the house was on fire so I seriously doubt that they'll pay any attention to a letter warning them about a demented wizard coming after them!"
"You should still send one Harry," said Luna softly. "You'll feel better for it and if they choose to ignore it, well then it's their hard luck!"
Harry considered this for a moment and then gave a small nod.
"Yeah, maybe I should," he agreed and then turned to Hermione who gave a nod.
"Couldn't hurt," she said as she gave Harry's hand a squeeze whilst sitting up straight.
"Well in that case I'd better go and send it," said Harry getting to his feet.
"Want me to come with you?" asked Hermione.
"Only if you want to," replied Harry at which Hermione got to her feet before turning to the others.
"See you guys later," she said before making her way with Harry to the Portrait hole and missing the grins the other four now shot each other.
***
"You didn't have to come with me you know, you could have stayed with the others," said Harry as he and Hermione walked down the corridor from the DADA classroom towards the staircase that lead up to the Owlery.
"I know," said Hermione softly as she took hold of Harry's hand. "It's just, well, I don't think we're going to get many opportunities to spend time on our own in the next few months so I guess I just saw a chance and took it."
Harry gave a nod of understanding and gave her small hand a gently squeeze causing Hermione to look up at him before the pair continued down the corridor. It wasn't quite time for curfew yet and so there were still students about and twice Hermione had to switch into 'Prefect mode' and call after students not to run in the corridors causing Harry to chuckle.
"You're scary when you'll like that!" he chuckled. "Are you taking lessons in how to intimidate first years from McGonagall?"
"Watch it or I'll show you just how intimidating I can be!" replied Hermione giving him a nudge in the ribs causing Harry to grin broadly.
"I happen to love it when you get intimidating," he growled softly into Hermione's ear. "Especially when you aren't wearing anything!"
"HARRY!" squeaked Hermione going bright red.
"And I love it when you do that," added Harry at which Hermione gave a loud huff.
"Oh come on!" she muttered, still red in the face, before stomping down the corridor whilst Harry shoved his hands into his pockets and followed his girlfriend humming cheerfully to himself.
***
No sooner had Harry and Hermione entered the Owlery than Hedwig and Yaffle flew down to greet them as did Pig who whizzed above them hooting wildly whilst the two large owls looked up at him and then at their owners with almost apologetic looks.
"Don't worry guys," said Harry with a grin as he reached into his bag for some parchment and ink. "We know you can't control him!"
Here both the larger owls gave him what could only be described as looks of thanks whilst Harry now retrieved his transfiguration book to lean on but then as he sat up he noticed Hermione had also got out her quill and parchment and was scribbling a note which she now looked up from and gave Harry a small shrug.
"I figured it couldn't hurt sending a note to my parents," she said with a sheepish expression.
"Do they even know about Voldermort?" asked Harry wondering why he'd never asked the question before. Hermione nodded in reply.
"I've told them about him and the Death Eaters and that their like the wizarding world's equivalent of terrorists and that I'm a target because I'm a muggleborn. I won't say it didn't worried them but I told them I was safer here than anywhere else."
Harry couldn't help but smile. Hermione had told her parents the truth without revealing to them that as his friend and now his girlfriend she was probably a lot closer to the top of the list of targets than most muggleborns.
The pair now lapsed into silence as they returned to their respective notes and it wasn't long before Yaffle and Hedwig took to the air carrying their messages into the dark autumn evening whilst Harry and Hermione watched the owls until they disappeared into the gloom at which point they turned to each other and Harry leaned in quickly and kissed Hermione softly on the lips.
"Oh, sorry," said a voice and the couple broke apart and turned to see a rather embarrassed Blaise Zabini standing in the doorway. "I didn't mean to interrupt."
"No, it's alright," said Hermione quickly give her jumper a tug. Harry meanwhile looked at Blaise curiously. Gone was the usual cool tone and haughty manner to be replaced by a slightly nervous young man and it was clear he wasn't the only one to see that as Hermione now stepped towards him.
"Are you alright Blaise?" she asked softly.
"I'm Okay," murmured Blaise pulling an envelope out of his pocket. "Just a letter home."
Hermione nodded and she and Harry both watched as he crossed over to a tawny owl and scratched it between the ears.
"Here you go Windy," he said holding the envelope. "Get this to Dad!"
With a loud screech Windy fluttered into the air and grabbed the envelope before flying into the gloom.
"Dad's just a little anxious right now," said Blaise as he stood at the window much as Harry and Hermione had done so themselves. "He's always worried about me ever since Mum was killed."
Here he turned to Harry and Hermione and a small grim smile crossed his face. "That's something that you and I have in common Potter. Voldermort was responsible for the death of our parents, except whilst he killed yours himself he sent two of his stooges for my Mum just after my first birthday."
"Why did Voldermort have you're Mum killed?" asked Hermione curiously. Blaise sighed and sat down on the window ledge.
"I don't know. It wasn't as if she was an auror or anything important like that," he said, his voice trembling slightly as he spoke whilst wringing his hands together. "She worked for the Department of Magical Artefacts as a runes translator! That's all she did, translate bloody runes!"
Hermione felt her throat go dry and she turned to Harry who was frowning slightly before turning back to Blaise who was still looking at his hands. Biting her bottom lip Hermione now knelt down in front of him and placed a hand on top of his.
"I'm sorry," she said softly not really knowing what else she could say. Blaise however now looked up and gave her a small smile.
"Thank you," he said with a nod before looking up at Harry with a small grin. "Bit strange this you know. The fact that the first two people I've ever told this too are Gryffindors."
"What about your friends in Slytherin?" asked Harry causing Blaise to snort.
"I was never particularly popular with Malfoy and his cronies being a half-blood and now I've joined the DA…well, you can probably guess."
"Yeah, I can imagine," replied Harry with a snort of his own whilst Hermione gave a small nod.
Blaise now stood up and gave the two Gryffindors a wry smile.
"Well, I guess I'll see you around," he said before making his way across the room.
"Take care Blaise," said Hermione at which the boy turned and smiled at her.
"Don't worry, I've gotten pretty good at watching my back," he said before heading out the door.
"Well," said Hermione turning back to Harry. "That was interesting."
"Yeah, it was," agreed Harry before giving a shake of his head. "I've have to admit though, I never thought I'd feel sorry for a Slytherin."
"Better not let Ron hear you say that," said Hermione with a smirk at which Harry give a wry smile.
"He'd probably think I was either under the Imperius or somebody else using Polyjuice," he offered receiving a nod of agreement from Hermione. "Do you think we should tell them what Zabini told us?"
"I don't know really," admitted Hermione. "I suppose we should. After all, it wasn't like he swore us to secrecy was it?"
"No he didn't," agreed Harry running a hand through his hair as in the distance the sound of a bell indicated it was almost curfew at which Hermione glanced towards the door and then Harry.
"We should probably be getting back," she said with a smile holding out her hand. However, instead of taking it Harry merely smiled.
"Oh, I think we'll be alright for a few more minutes, besides I've got some unfinished business!"
"Oh?" said Hermione curiously lowering her hand and wondering what Harry was talking about. She didn't however have to wait long as a moment later Harry took her face in his hands and leaned in towards her.
"I think we were about here," he said with a broad grin before leaning in the final few inches and kissing Hermione firmly on the lips. For her part Hermione smiled into the kiss and reached up and slipped her arms around Harry's neck. This was the kind of unfinished business she really did enjoy.
***
"Well, judging by the look on you're faces I think we can guess why you two took so long," sniggered Ginny as Hermione and Harry joined her, Ron and Neville in a corner of the Gryffindor Common Room half an hour later causing Hermione to blush slightly whilst Harry grinned sheepishly.
"Can't you two go anywhere without ending up snogging?" added Ron with a grin.
"Oh shut up Ron," mumbled Hermione still rather red in the face whilst Ron's grin widened.
"So what kept you?" said Ginny as she leaned back in her chair whilst Harry and Hermione claimed the sofa.
"Oh, we ran in to Zabini," said Harry at which Ron's grin faded slightly. "He was sending a letter home to his Dad."
"What, just his Dad?" queried Neville.
"Yeah, he told us his Mum was killed by Death Eaters fifthteen years ago," replied Harry. "And get this, she worked for the same department as my Grandfather and Gringle!"
"Merlin's ghost!" exclaimed Neville with a low whistle and running a hand through his hair. "That can't be a coincidence can it?"
"If it is it's a pretty big one," murmured Ginny before turning to Harry. "The thing is do we believe him? After all, he could have joined the DA to spy on us for Malfoy."
"That's a possibility," allowed Harry. "But everybody knows that he and Malfoy aren't exactly bosom buddies and I can't see any advantage for him to lie to me. It's not as if I'm going to tell him about the Marauders so what's he got to gain?" He now looked at the two Weasleys and Neville and allowed a wry smile to cross his face.
"Look guys, I'm not about to start trusting him completely based on one conversation but the fact is we're probably going to need every ally we can get and even if that ally is a Slytherin I'll take it, even if I'm not too happy about it myself Okay?"
Here Ginny and Neville both nodded whilst Ron frowned slightly.
"Ron?" said Hermione softly whilst Harry bit his lip nervously. Ron now turned to her and then back to Harry and sighed.
"Alright, but if Zabini even looks at you in the wrong way…"
"…Then Hermione will hex him so badly that Poppy won't know where to start," assured Harry giving his girlfriend a broad grin and received one in response whilst Ron's frown disappeared to be replaced with a smirk and Neville and Ginny both chuckled in amusement.
"Fair enough mate," said Ron. "And Hermione, if you do have to hex Zabini…"
"I'll make sure you've got ringside tickets," replied Hermione before the five friends burst into peels of laughter which attracted some very curious looks from the other Gryffindors in the room.
***
A couple of floors below the Gryffindor Common Room Remus Lupin was making his way down the corridor towards Dumbledore's Office. The Lycan couldn't think why the Headmaster wanted to see him but the tone of the note Dumbledore had sent was more businesslike than usual and that worried Lupin. As he reached the Gargoyle he gave the password and then made his way up the stairs until he came to the door which he now knocked on.
"Come in Remus," called Dumbledore's voice whilst Lupin allowed himself a wry smile before stepping through the door.
"You wanted to see me Headmaster?" Dumbledore looked up from the parchment he was reading and gave Lupin a tired smile.
"Take a seat please Remus," he said softly as he placed the parchment on his desk and then leaned back in his seat. "I've asked you here tonight as I believe I owe you the truth in regard to the departure of Thaddeus."
"I thought Moody had summoned him back to the Ministry," said Lupin slowly. Dumbledore merely shook his head.
"No, Thaddeus was not summoned back to the Ministry. In fact Thaddeus died fifthteen years ago."
Lupin felt like his brain was about to explode. "But then….who was that man you claimed was Gringle?"
Dumbledore now lowered his head and looked at Lupin over the top of his spectacles.
"Emric Potter."
For a moment Remus just stared at Dumbledore as if expecting the Headmaster to suddenly laugh as if he'd just told the punch line of a joke but when he didn't the Lycan swallowed hard.
"James's father?" he managed in a bare whisper.
"Indeed," acknowledged Dumbledore at which Lupin leaned forward and closed his eyes whilst pinching the bridge of his nose. He could feel a headache coming on.
"So let me get this straight," he said slowly. "You're telling me that it was Thaddeus Gringle that was killed and not Emric, but that Emric has been passing himself off as Thaddeus since then?"
"That is correct," confirmed Dumbledore at which Remus sat back in his chair.
"But…why?" he asked still trying to comprehend what the older man was telling him. Dumbledore now leaned back in his chair and steeped his fingers.
"I'm afraid that's as much as I can tell you for the moment," he replied gravely.
Remus now pulled his hand through his hair and then rose from his chair and walked over to the fireplace.
"Does…does Harry know this?"
"He does," replied Dumbledore. "Indeed, that is why Emric left. A photo blew his cover as the Muggles would say and he felt Harry needed time."
"But how?" said Remus still looking into the flames. "I mean, I knew Emric and I didn't recognise him."
"Ah," said Dumbledore. "I must confess to having placed a simple confusion charm on him. Anyone who'd know him wouldn't have been able to recognise him. This was also aided by the fact he and Thaddeus bore a striking resemblance to each other although that can be explained by the fact they were distantly related."
"They were?" said Remus turning from the fire. "James never mentioned that."
"It's possible he didn't know," allowed Dumbledore. "Unlike many families which take pride in exhibiting their heritage I cannot recall ever seeing the Potter family tree on display during my visits to the Manor."
"That's true," agreed Remus thinking back to the occasions when he'd visited James's home. "But anyway, what was he doing here? No, wait. You can't tell me?"
"I'm afraid not," admitted Dumbledore. "Believe me Remus, I would like to tell you but the fewer people who know the better."
Here the Lycan turned to look at Dumbledore.
"Does this have anything to do with Harry?" he asked. Dumbledore obviously felt the question was one that he could answer as he gave a simple nod.
"Alright," said Remus with a sigh. "I guess if its for Harry's sake I can go without knowing exactly what the hell's going on."
"Thank you," said Dumbledore with a nod. "And now there is another matter I wish to discuss with you, a full time replacement for Emric."
"You have someone in mind?" asked Remus curiously.
"Indeed," said Dumbledore. "The person I have in mind is eminently qualified for the position. There is however one slight problem."
"And that is?" queried Remus.
"The fact that she and I parted on bad terms," was Dumbledore's grave reply. "Something that given she was proven right I am most regretful about."
For a moment Remus found himself racking his brain trying to work out who the Headmaster was referring to but in a moment it came to him and he now turned to Dumbledore with a suspicious look.
"You're talking about Louise aren't you?"
"I am," confirmed Dumbledore at which Remus sighed grimly and lowered his gaze.
"I don't think I'll be much use to you Albus, she tarred me with the same brush she used for you when neither of us stood up for Sirius and to be honest I don't even know where she lives anymore."
"But you know someone who will," replied Dumbledore. "I have little doubt that Miss Hardwick would have stopped conversing with Miss Quinn. Indeed, I cannot remember a week when they were not in detention for talking in class."
At this memory Remus couldn't help but smiling fondly. "And they occasionally took Lilly down with them," he said with a wry smile. "They were basically the female equivalent of James, Sirius and myself."
"Which probably explains how you all ended up as couples yes?" queried Dumbledore. "Although I can't recall the girls ever giving Argus any trouble."
"True enough," agreed Remus with a chuckle before turning to the Headmaster. "Alright Albus, I'll go and see if I can get Abigail to help."
"Excellent," said Dumbledore. "But I'd like you to wait until the weekend. Although I doubt Voldermort will attempt an attack on the school I have no desire to be caught without you here."
"Probably a good idea," admitted Remus looking slightly relieved. "It'll give me a few days to work out what I'm going to say."
***
Although they were all now resigned to the inevitable fact that Voldermort and his forces were mustering to launch an attack (or attacks) on Halloween, Harry and the others Marauders quickly found themselves hoping for some sort of distraction to keep their minds occupied. Unfortunately for one of the Marauders they were about to discover that distractions can be just as bad as the thing you're trying to distract yourself from.
Harry and Ron had gotten up at their usual time and made their way to the Common Room where they waited a few minutes before Hermione joined them and then made their way down to the Great Hall where they found Neville already eating as he'd been up for an hour or so helping in the Greenhouse as usual.
"Morning Nev," said Ron as he and Harry sat down opposite their room-mate whilst Hermione took the seat next to him.
"Morning guys," replied Neville raising a bandaged hand to pick up his goblet and then gave a yelp as a shocked Hermione grabbed his wrist almost spilling his pumpkin juice.
"Neville, what happened?" she exclaimed whilst Ron pushed himself up from his seat and leaned over the table and Harry pushed his glasses up his nose as they all took in the bandage around Neville's wrist.
"Oh, it's nothing," grunted Neville waving his free hand dismissively. "Sprout pruned Edwina yesterday and that always puts her in a foul mood and unfortunately I got a little too close this morning so she nipped me!"
"Och!" said Harry with a wince at the thought of Professor Sprout's favourite Giant Venus Flytrap. "I bet that stung!" Neville however gave a small shrug.
"Nah, I'm kinda use to it," he said. "Besides, Poppy can fix it in next to no time. It'll be fine by lunch." He now turned and gave Hermione a wry grin. "Mind if I have my arm back 'Mione?"
"Oh, sorry," said Hermione blushing slightly and giving Neville a sheepish smile.
"Pass the bacon Harry," said Ron as he now grabbed a plate from the middle of the table and started to pile it with food whilst Harry and Hermione helped themselves to more modest helpings whilst around them the rest of the students (apart from Ginny, Luna and their fellow fifth years who'd had Astronomy the previous evening and so were permitted a lie in) went about their breakfasts. Down the table Harry could hear Lavender reading an article out loud from what he guessed was Witch Weekly but when he glanced down towards Lavender she'd stopped reading and was laughing over something with Dean, Parvati and Seamus.
"Probably some codswallop that one of those Rita wannabes wrote," muttered Hermione darkly as she stabbed a piece of black pudding hard enough to make a clanging noise as her fork went right through the meat and onto the plate.
"Easy there 'Mione," said Ron with a wince. "Blimey, you really don't like journalists do you?"
"Not when they seem able to tell the difference between the truth and fiction," replied Hermione firmly before popping a piece of her black pudding into her mouth just as Madam Hooch approached Harry.
"Mr. Potter, a moment please," said the Flying Instructor causing Harry to look up.
"Yes Ma'am," he said wondering if he'd done something wrong.
"I was just wondering if you were still intending to hold you're team practice tonight what with it being the Halloween feast," said Hooch kindly.
"Oh, well, eh I hadn't really given it much thought," admitted Harry shooting a look at Ron who looked torn at the possibility of missing out on some of the feast or his favourite pastime. "Yeah, I suppose we'd better cancel."
"Now I never said anything about cancelling you're practice Mr. Potter," said Hooch. "I will give Gryffindor special dispensation to use the field on Sunday afternoon this week if you aren't going to practice tonight."
"Oh, thanks Ma'am," replied Harry sharing a grin with Ron. Practicing at night under the floodlights was all well and good but the prospect of a practice session in the daylight did have a certain appeal to it. Hooch meanwhile gave a nod and move off towards the doorway at which point Hermione glanced at her watch.
"I'd better go," she said dabbing at her mouth with a cloth.
"I'll walk up with you," said Harry quickly causing Hermione to smile at him.
"Harry, you don't have to you know."
"But I want to."
"Oh Merlin, not again!" groaned Ron allow his head to fall to the table whilst Neville smirked slightly. "Every ruddy time! Just go will you?!"
"Alright Ronald!" grumbled Hermione as she rose and grabbed her bag whilst Harry stood up from his own seat. "We're going! Just you make sure you get a start on some of those essays we've got due, and that goes for you pair," she added glaring at first Neville whose smirk vanished and then at her boyfriend who quickly raised both hands in defence and then turned to Neville and Ron.
"I'll see you guys in the library then," he said with a wry smile.
"Whatever," mumbled Ron who was still resting his head against the table.
Just as they were turning to leave however Harry and Hermione almost ran straight into Dean and Lavender who were also making their way out the hall.
"Sorry 'Mione," said Lavender with an apologetic smile.
"That's alright," said Hermione smiling back at her roommate whilst hitching her bag on her shoulder. "Come on Harry or I'll be late."
***
Harry knew there was never any chance of Hermione being late for her favourite lesson and they made it to the arithmancy classroom with a good eleven minutes to spare allowing them time to slip around a corner and over to a window seat where they sat looking over the castle grounds, Hermione with her back to Harry's chest and with his arms around her waist occasionally exchange brief kisses as they just took in the view until the bell finally went telling students to make their way to their classrooms.
"See you in the library then," said Hermione as she slipped her bag over her shoulder whilst fixing Harry with a firm look.
"Don't worry, I'll be there," Harry promised before claiming another quick kiss then watched as Hermione headed around the corner and after waiting a few minutes for the noise in the corridor to fall silent again he hurried past the arithmancy classroom and down the corridor towards the stairs down to the ground floor and then onto the library where he joined Neville and Ron at a table in a corner of the library and pulled out his transfiguration text and his quill and ink and soon the only sound that could be heard was the scratching of quill on parchment with an occasional muttering voice as one or other of the boys read through what they'd written under their breath to make sure it made sense whilst at one point Harry looked up to see Dean and Lavender walking into the Divination section together but this didn't really register with Harry as strange as he knew both of them still took the subject and he went back to his essay without giving the pair another thought until Ginny and Luna arrived from having their breakfast.
"Hey you two," said Neville as he leaned back in his seat and slipped his hands behind his head.
"Morning Neville," replied Luna as she sat down beside Ron and placed a quick kiss on his cheek causing him to grin whilst Harry smirked and shook his head before turning to Ginny who'd perched herself on the edge of the table.
"You alright Gin?"
"Fine thanks Harry," said Ginny with a smile. "You have seen that boyfriend of mine have you?"
"Yeah, I saw him and Lavender going into the Divination section," said Harry. At this Ginny's smile faded slightly and she turned towards the section.
"Oh," she said as she wrinkled her brow. "I'd better go and see what he's up to then." And with that she slid off the table and headed off into the Divination section herself.
"Where's she going?" said Ron curiously whilst Harry suddenly began to have a bad feeling in his gut.
"Oh crud!" he muttered and got to his feet.
"Harry?" queried Ron but Harry ignored him and started to move towards the Divination section when a yell filled the air followed by a scream then two loud cracks!
"What the bloody…?!?!" cried Ron jumping to his feet and fumbling for his wand as where Luna and Neville but next moment Ginny came running out of the divination section with her head down and ran straight past her four friends and straight towards the exit almost sending a furious looking Madam Pince flying.
"Stop right there Miss Weasley!" screeched the Librarian but Ginny paid her no heed and continued towards the door.
Ron meanwhile stared after his sister then turned his gaze towards the Divination section and started to move towards it when Harry grabbed his arm.
"Go after Ginny!" he hissed under his breath.
"What?!" exclaimed Ron turning to Harry who was reaching into his bag and pulled out the Marauders map which he now shoved into his friend's hand.
"Go and find Ginny," repeated Harry firmly. Ron opened his mouth to protest but Luna quickly grabbed his hand as Madam Pince now bore down on them.
"Come on Ron," she hissed but before they could move the Librarian had reached them, her face purple with rage.
"What is the meaning of this….this hullabaloo?!" she demanded glaring up at Harry who felt himself swallowing nervously. Before he could reply however a low wailing sound came from within the Divination section causing Madam Pince to turn away from Harry and the others before stalking across towards the source of the noise.
Neville immediately followed her whilst Harry turned to Luna and Ron and gave them a quick nod.
"Come on Ron," hissed Luna for the second time as she tugged at the sleeve of his jumper. Ron hesitated for a second then allowed himself to be lead towards the door. Harry meanwhile turned and hurried into the stacks and saw Neville and Madam Pince a few feet further up the aisle but the Librarian was now holding her hand over her mouth whilst Neville was staring at something hidden from Harry's view by another book case opened mouthed.
Harry quickly moved over to the pair and then found himself confronted by the sight of Lavender and Dean.
However, neither of them looked anything like they had when Harry had last seen them. Lavender now seemed to be sprouting a magnificent blonde beard and moustache that would have put Dumbledore's to shame whilst a visibly shocked Dean was on his hands and knees but his face below his nose seemed to be twitching with what looked to Harry like tentacles.
"Bloody hell!" muttered Neville softly. "What happened?"
"That is what I would like to know!" demanded Madam Pince sharply turning on him and Harry. "Which of you is responsible for this?!"
"It…it wasn't them!" wailed Lavender through her beard from a few feet away. "It…it was Ginny!"
"Miss Weasley?" exclaimed Pince, the anger in voice being rapidly replaced by shock and surprise. For a moment she was silent then turned to Harry and Neville.
"Take these two to the Infirmary!" she snapped. "I am going to see Professor McGonagall about this!"
"Oh Merlin," muttered Neville as they watched the Librarian storm off to find the head of their house. "Ginny's landed right in it hasn't she?"
"That would be putting it mildly," replied Harry as he walked forward and took Lavender by the elbow and gently helped her up whilst Neville pulled the stunned looking Dean to his feet.
"Mowat pappend!" spluttered Dean narrowing missing Neville with a grotesque spray of slime.
"I don't think you want to know mate," replied Neville patting him on the back. "Come on, let's get you to up the Infirmary."
***
Thankfully the corridors were fairly empty due to most of the younger students being in lessons but there were still some sixth and seventh years who stopped and took double takes at the strange procession as it made its way through the corridors.
Lavender was weeping within her beard (which Harry had now realised was still growing) and had also pulled her robes almost over her head to obscure herself from view but Dean hadn't been wearing his and now had slime all done the front of his jumper which was earning him some rather disdainful looks from his fellow students although he still appeared to be oblivious about this.
***
"Good gracious!" exclaimed Madam Pomfrey as she opened the door to the Infirmary and found Harry, Neville and their two charges standing outside. "What happened to these two?"
"They…erm, well," started Harry awkwardly as he and Neville lead Lavender and Dean to two of the beds but before he could finish another voice spoke up.
"They got into an altercation with Miss Weasley, Poppy," said Professor McGonagall as she came up behind the four before one of her eyebrows disappeared into her hairline as she took in the sight of Lavender and Dean before she turned to the Matron. "We'll leave these two in you're care then Poppy."
"Hmm?" replied Pomfrey who'd been carefully scrutinizing her two patients and now looked up at McGonagall. "Oh, that's fine Minerva. I'll have these two fixed up in no time."
"Very good," said McGonagall before turning to Harry and Neville. "Come on along boys, let's leave Madam Pomfrey to her work."
Harry and Neville now fell into step behind their head of house who now lead them out of the Infirmary.
"So do either of you know where Miss Weasley might have gone?" she asked without looking at them as they walked down the corridor away from the Infirmary.
"Eh, not really Professor," said Neville.
"Ron and Luna went after her," added Harry at which McGonagall merely gave a nod before she stopped walking and turned to the two boys.
"And do either of you have any idea why Miss Weasley might attack Miss Brown and Mr Thomas?"
Here Harry and Neville shared a look and from the expression on Neville's face Harry realised that he'd probably come to the same conclusion as Harry had.
"Gentlemen?" said McGonagall firmly at which both Harry and Neville turned to her.
"We think," said Harry slowly. "We think she probably caught Dean and Lavender….kissing."
As he said the word Harry felt himself wince whilst Neville just screwed his eyes shut. McGonagall however merely pursed her lips and nodded.
"Yes, I thought it'd probably be something like that," she said thoughtfully at which Harry and Neville both looked at her curiously.
"You're…you're not angry?" blurted Neville then reddened at the tone of his statement whilst Harry winced again. McGonagall however treated the boys to one of her rare smiles.
"No, not angry. Disappointed is more accurate. But at the same time Miss Weasley isn't the first witch to hex her boyfriend when she catches him with another girl and she won't be the last."
"You mean you're going to let her off?" replied Neville with an odd look which caused McGonagall to frown.
"No Mr Longbottom, she will be punished but a simple detention will do, I don't think Molly need hear of this do you?"
"So she's not going to lose her prefects badge?" said Harry with some relief knowing full well what the badge meant to Ginny.
"No, she'll keep her prefect's badge," said McGonagall and here the smile returned to her face. "After all, if I remove Miss Weasley's badge I would have had to remove a certain Lilly Evans's badge."
"Dad cheated on Mum!" blurted Harry feeling his stomach lurch but McGonagall quickly raised a hand.
"No Mister Potter, in that case you're father was totally blameless," said the Deputy Headmistress. "As you know James was quite the Quidditch player and as a result gained a lot of female admirers including a young lady called Elsie Thorpe who, after one game, jumped on your father and gave him a kiss. Of course your mother didn't take kindly to this and hexed Miss Thorpe in front of almost half the school causing Miss Thorpe to spend the next week in the Infirmary and your mother to spend the next two weeks serving detention with Professor Popple who was our DADA teacher at the time."
As McGonagall finished her story Harry and Neville shared a grin before turning back to their head of house just as the sound of a bell filled the air indicating the end of the period.
"Well, I must be off. I have a lesson to take," said the deputy headmistress. "When you see Miss Weasley would you please ask her to come and see me?"
"Sure Professor," replied Neville whilst Harry gave a nod to which McGonagall replied with a nod of her own before turning and heading back towards her classroom whilst Harry glanced at his watch and then turned to Neville.
"Come on, we'd better get back to the library. Hermione will be wondering where we are!"
***
Hermione was wondering where they were and she was far from happy when Harry and Neville found her outside the library with their bags at her feet.
"Just what the hell's been going on?" she snapped at Harry causing him to raise both hands in defence. "Madam Pince isn't letting anyone into the library except Filch and when I asked her why she told me that I should ask you! And just where have you been for that matter? And where's Ronald?"
"'Mione, calm down and we'll tell you everything Okay?" said Harry placing his hands gently on his girlfriend's shoulders.
Hermione took a deep breath but then nodded and after Harry and Neville had grabbed their bags as well as Ron's the three started towards the entrance hall whilst Harry and Neville began to tell her about the morning's events.
To say Hermione was angry when the boys had finished filling her in would have been an rather large understatement and Harry got the distinct impression that if either or both Dean and Lavender had appeared around the corner at that moment then they would have been back in the Infirmary in the blink of an eye whilst she also seemed to be quite relieved when Neville told her that Ginny wasn't facing anything more serious than a detention as punishment. She was also clearly amused when Neville continued the story to tell her about Harry's mum and Elsie Thorpe.
"Not that you'd do anything like that would you Hermione?" chuckled Neville softly giving Hermione a gentle nudge as she walked between him and Harry.
"Not unless someone gave me a good reason too," said Hermione looking up at Harry with a raised eyebrow and causing him to gulp nervously. "So where are Ginny and the others now?"
"No idea," said Harry. "And Ron's got the map. I gave it to him in case he and Luna lost track of her."
Hermione gave a nod of understanding whilst looking thoughtful before a smile crossed her face.
"I think I might know, come on."
The three made their way around the side of the school until they came to a outer staircase that lead up to the South wing of the castle where Hermione lead Harry and Neville down a corridor and around a corner…
…And almost straight into Ron who was stood lounging up against the wall, his face black as thunder.
"Eh, hi Ron," said Hermione timidly. "Where's Gin?"
"In there with Luna," grunted Ron nodding towards a door. Hermione quickly hurried over to it, knocked, whispered something that Harry couldn't quite make out and then slipped through into the room leaving Harry and Neville with Ron.
Harry opened his mouth to say something but then closed it as he couldn't think of anything to say and Neville looked equally as stumped as what to say. Thankfully Ron spoke first.
"Just tell me she got him good!" he growled softly.
Harry and Neville exchanged looks here and slowly grins crossed their faces before turning back to Ron.
"Oh, she got him good alright," said Neville. "Tentacles all over his face!"
"Looked like something you could find in the lake," added Harry. "Good job Hagrid didn't see him, probably would have taken him for a new species or something!"
Here Neville snorted whilst the corners of Ron's lips twitched slightly.
"Good," he muttered darkly causing Harry and Neville to share a worried look at Ron's tone before the three settled into a tense silence.
Then, after about another ten minutes the door through which Hermione had gone opened and Ginny, her hair all over the place and her eyes puffy from crying stood there flanked by Hermione and Luna before darting across and throwing herself into her brother's arms.
Oddly Ron didn't look at all uncomfortable and wrapped his own arms protectively around his sister whilst Luna folded her arms across her chest and gave him a smile.
Hermione meanwhile crossed over to Harry who placed an arm around her shoulder as she rested her head against his.
"How is she?" he murmured softly.
"She'll be alright," replied Hermione. "She's a Weasley, their pretty tough things!"
Ron meanwhile was now holding Ginny at arms length and had his head tilted at an angle so he could see his sister's face properly.
"Come on Gin," he murmured encouragingly. "Let's have a smile."
Ginny managed a watery smile and Ron's face broke into a grin.
"You Okay Ginny?" asked Neville from where he was leaning against the wall.
"No," said Ginny with a sigh. "But I guess I will be!"
"Well you look a hell of a lot better than that other pair," offered Harry not taking the risk of mention Dean or Lavender by name. Here Ginny managed a slightly more realistic smile.
"I don't really know what I hit them with. I just threw the first two hexes that came into my mind and ran!"
"Yeah well, that's gonna seem like a walk in the park compared with what I'm going to do to Dean when I see him!" growled Ron causing Ginny to turn to him with a look of panic and desperation.
"Ron! No please!" she pleaded. "The last thing I want is for you to get in trouble too! As it is I'm going to be lucky not to be expelled so please promise me that you won't do anything, please!"
Ron looked torn, it was clear he wanted to Dean some damage but the imploring look on Ginny's face seemed to make him hesitate.
"Gin," he started slowly but Ginny shook her head.
"No Ron, please! You've got to promise me!"
Harry and Neville meanwhile shot puzzled looks towards Hermione who merely mouthed 'Keep quite,' at which the two boys shared a look at which Neville merely shrugged and turned his attention back to Ginny and Ron as did Harry.
"Ron, please," pleaded Ginny again. "Please don't get into trouble over this! I don't want you getting expelled too!"
For a moment Ron stared at his sister and then looked around at the others before giving a weary sigh and nodded slowly.
"Okay, okay, if you're sure Gin, but so help me Merlin…if Dean gives you even so much as a look!"
"Thank you Ron," sighed Ginny looking relieved before giving a sigh. "Mum's gonna kill me for getting chucked out!"
Hermione now gave Harry a small nudge in the ribs and he quickly realised why Hermione had gotten him and Neville to keep quite. She'd been waiting until Ginny had gotten Ron to promise he wouldn't harm Dean and face expulsion along with her.
Clearing his throat to gain the others attention Harry stepped from beside Hermione until he was side by side with Ginny who, along with Ron and Luna were looking at him curiously.
"Actually, me and Nev saw McGonagall when Pince got us to take Dean and Lavender up to the Infirmary and whilst she's not really happy with you Gin she's not going to expel you!"
"She…she's not?" said Ginny, her face taking on a look of surprised relief.
"No," supplied Neville speaking for the first time. "You're gonna get a few weeks detention but that's it. You won't even loose you badge!"
"Wait a mo!" cried Ron. "You mean I just promised not to bash Dean and she's not gonna be chucked out!"
"No, and you're still not going to 'bash' Dean either!" added Hermione firmly. Ron opened and closed his mouth for a few moments and then gave a sigh.
"Alright, alright!" he muttered gloomily. Ginny meanwhile wiped her nose on the sleeve of her robes and then took a deep breath.
"Well, I guess I'd better go and see McGonagall then," she sighed softly. "I just hope she doesn't put me with Filch or Snape!"
"I'll come with you," said Ron with a grunt. For a moment Ginny looked like she was going to protest but then looked at Hermione and then Luna before turning back to her brother and nodded.
"See you in the Great Hall," called Harry as the two Weasleys started in the direction of McGonagall's office.
"Right," called back Ron before he and his sister disappeared around the corner leaving their friends behind before Harry turned to Hermione and reached down for her hand.
"Come on then, let's go and get some dinner. I don't know about you guys but I'm famished!"
"I am quite hungry," admitted Hermione.
"Wednesday," said Neville slowly. "Sausages and mash or steak and kidney pudding! What a choice!"
***
Ron and Ginny arrived halfway through dinner and Ginny was wearing a look of great relief.
"Well?" asked Hermione as Ginny sat down beside her brother and Neville and began to pile some steak and kidney pudding on her plate.
"Four weeks detention with Hagrid," replied Ginny. "And a warning that if I do it again McGonagall will write to Mum!"
Thankfully (and somewhat surprisingly) the full story of what had happened in the Library hadn't yet hit the usually reliable Hogwarts grapevine and so the friends were able to enjoy their lunch in piece with Luna joining them after dessert before Hermione headed off to Ancient Runes whilst Ginny and Luna headed off to Charms.
The boys meantime decided to go and see Hagrid's tebos and so, after a brief detour to the kitchens where they collected some bags of scraps which Dobby and the other elves were more than happy to supply, they headed down to the pens where they were greeted with relish by the tebos who happily gobbled up the offered scraps whilst the boys watched on.
"'Ello you three," boomed a voice a short time later and the trio turned to see Hagrid strolling towards them whilst behind him they could see some third year Slytherins and Ravenclaws making their way back up to the castle.
"Hey Hagrid," called Harry with a broad smile as the half giant joined them by the pen.
"Tebo's are looking happy Hagrid," offered Ron.
"Aye, that they are," agreed Hagrid. "And they like their scraps," he added with a wink causing the boys to grin. "Come on, how about a cuppa?"
***
The boys stayed with Hagrid until just after four at which point the three said goodbye to their friend and made their way back up to the castle and then onto the Marauders Common Room and no sooner where they through the door when they called hear shrieks of laughter and the cracking and popping of spells coming from the direction of the pit.
Exchanging grins with Ron and Neville, Harry nodded his head in the direction of the pit and they now made their way across their the room and over to the balcony and looked over down into the Pit.
Hermione and Luna were at one end of the pit whilst Ginny was at the other and as the boys watched she threw a hex straight at Hermione which narrowly missed her as she flung herself to the floor whilst Luna flung a hex back at Ginny which the youngest Weasley was able to deflect with some ease. However, it was clear from the state of their hair that none of the girls had successfully blocked every hex as Hermione's hair was frizzier than any of them had ever seen it whilst Luna's usual blonde locks were as black as night and Ginny's hair was stood straight up in the air looking like the flames in a fireplace.
As the boys watched Luna let loose a hex which hit Ginny and now made her hair flop over her eyes causing her to yelp whilst Hermione jumped out from behind the pillar she was sheltering behind and yelled 'Expelliarmus' at the top of her lungs and Ginny's wand went skittling along the floor.
Here the boys broke into cheers and applause which caused the girls to look up.
"Love the look 'Mione!" chortled Ron which Hermione responded to by sticking out her tongue.
"And black really suits you Luna," added Harry with a smirk.
"Thank you Harry," replied Luna. "I might actually keep it like this, I think it gives me a certain air of…"
"Danger?" offered Neville at which Luna looked up at him with a smile.
"Yes, danger," she agreed.
"And very hot!" added Ron who missed Hermione and Ginny making gagging gestures as Luna now turned her smile to her boyfriend whilst Harry and Neville both burst into laughter.
"Hey Ron, you up for trying to hex your baby sister?" called Ginny with a broad smirk as she tapped her wand against her hair returning it to it's usual state.
"Yeah, I'm game," replied Ron pulling off his cloak and tossing it over the edge of the balcony and headed down into the pit whilst Hermione and Luna head up to join Harry and Neville. Hermione like Ginny had returned her hair to normal but Luna had kept her hair black as they leaned against the barrier with the boys and watched the Weasley siblings duel for several minutes until Ron, whose face was now baring green pimples disarmed a chattering Ginny after hitting her with a ice cube jinx!
"Nice move Ron," said Neville at which Ron grinned and gave an exaggerated bow whilst Ginny, in between shivers, glowered at her brother. The Weasleys were particularly competitive and neither of them liked losing!
***
By the time for the Halloween feast the Hogwarts grapevine had caught up with the events of the day and as the Marauders entered the Great Hall a great number of heads turned in the direction of Ginny Weasley before turning back to their neighbours in hushed conversation.
Beside Hermione, Ginny sighed and gave a hollow chuckle.
"Guess I should have expected this right?" she murmured, her spirits sinking again.
"Ignore them," said Harry who was well use to be the topic of conversation.
On reaching the Gryffindor table however they were met by two very differing reactions.
Parvati Patil shot Ginny a dark look and got up and moved to the end of the table but Seamus came hurrying up looking absolutely mortified.
"Ginny," he panted. "I swear…I swear I didn't know what he was up to! I figured he was with you! I mean, all those times you guys go off I figured you were together! Honest to Merlin I didn't…"
Here Ginny quickly raised a hand.
"Seamus, relax!" she said softly. "It's not you're fault that Dean's a two-timing toad!"
Seamus looked mightily relieved and he now take a seat next to Ron and grabbed a plate and began to pile it with bolognese.
Thankfully it seemed only Parvati was angry with Ginny over what happened in the library and all of the Gryffindors who passed by greeted the Marauders warmly and a few of Ginny's friends from her year stopped by to give her notes for the lessons she'd missed as well as to have a few words with her.
The feast as usual was wonderful and after the last of the spotted dick and bread and butter pudding had been cleared away the students were treated to a concert performed by a single conductor with an orchestra of enchanted instruments and at the end he received a loud and raucous round of applause before the students started to make their way up to their dorms and before long he and Hermione were seated on the sofa by the fireplace whilst Ron took one of the seats. Neville and Ginny however bade them goodnight and headed to their respective dorms.
"Phew," sighed Ron and wiped a hand across his brow with a wry grin. "What a day eh?"
"Yeah," agreed Harry whilst Hermione rested her head against his shoulder.
"I mean," continued Ron. "I was so sure that Ginny was gonna get thrown out! That would have killed Mum! I know she's kinda been hoping Ginny will be made the first Head Girl in the family although I reckon this is gonna dent her chances!"
"Maybe," offered Hermione. "But McGonagall's already punished her so it might not go on her permanent record!"
"That'd be nice," admitted Ron. "Still, at least one good thing came out of today huh Harry?"
"What do you mean?" asked Hermione curiously and Harry was pretty curious to.
"Well," said Ron. "Have you even given Voldy a thought today?"
Here Harry and Hermione both looked at him for a moment than looked at each other and then grinned.
"No," agreed Harry. "No I haven't!"
***
The only noise that could be heard in the oak panelled study was that of the fire crackling as Cornelius Fudge sat staring into the flames whilst occasionally sipping on the glass of Muggle sherry whilst he reflected on his actions of the last few months and the truth left a bitter taste in his mouth.
The truth was he had no-one else to blame for his downfall but himself. If only he had heeded Dumbledore's warnings about Voldermort's return instead of letting Lucius Malfoy persuade him that the Headmaster was a senile old fool who was trying to replace him and Potter was a glory seeker who was trying to using a story about the Dark Lord's return to get himself out of a jam.
And then he'd gone and done possibly the most idiotic thing possibly and tried to have Dumbledore arrested, an act that filled Fudge with a great deal of remorse and self loathing. But his actions to Dumbledore paled in comparison with those he'd taken against Harry.
Why had he dismissed Harry so easily on the night of the Tri-Wizard debacle? Of course the boy was in shock after seeing his friend being murdered and then being tortured himself, actions that would have easily broken most adult Wizards or Witches. But if there'd been an obvious target for Voldermort to kill to mark his return it was Harry and then to add insult to injury Fudge had allowed that loathsome Malfoy to persuade him that Harry needed to be tried by the full Wizengamot!
No, he only had one person to truly blame for his downfall and that was himself.
Fudge was suddenly roused from his thoughts by the sound of his study door opening and he turned to see a figure in a hooded black cloak stepping into the room.
"Merlin!" he cried jumping to his feet and going for his wand but before he could get hold of it fully the figure had raised his and in a shrill voice cried "Expelliarmus" sending Fudge's wand flying into the fire!
Fudge turned and threw himself towards his desk but before he could reach it the figure had turned their wand back at him.
"CRUCIO!!!"
Fudge hit the ground screaming in agony as his whole body exploded in pain. Then as he lay convulsing on the floor the figure approached him, their wand still raised.
"W…who…are…?" gasped Fudge as he looked up at the figure moved to stand over him.
"Good evening Cornelius," cooed a familiar voice but with a cold harsh edge that Fudge had never heard before.
Fudge pushed himself up on one elbow looking at the figure with a growing sense of disbelief.
"Del…Delores?" he stammered at which the figure reached up and pulled back the hood revealing the toad-like features of his former deputy, a horrible sneer of contempt on her face.
"Pitiful," she hissed. "The Dark Lord was right to send me. He shouldn't have to deal with miserable dregs like you."
"At…at least I'm not a traitor!" snarled Fudge angrily at which Umbridge gave him a look of mock surprise.
"My word, is Cornelius Fudge developing a backbone?" she murmured placing her free hand on her chest. "Gracious, we can't have that can we? CRUCIO!!!"
Fudge managed to stop himself screaming after a few seconds this time leading to Umbridge lifting the curse, a sneering smile on her face.
"Good, very good," she purred softly. Fudge however just glared at her.
"Barty…warned me about….you!" he panted. "He told me you were too close to Lucius and…and that you'd been a close friend of the LeStranges but I dismissed that as old Barty's paranoia but he was right wasn't he?"
"Oh even dear old Barty had to be right occasionally!" replied Umbridge in a mocking tone. "But then you always needed to think you knew best in the same way you so often disregarded Dumbledore."
Fudge winced at that causing Umbridge to laugh.
"Hit a nerve Cornelius?" she asked in her horrible soft voice. Fudge however now looked up and glared at her with contempt.
"You came here to do a job Delores," he spat as he stumbled to his feet. "Just get on with it…or don't you have the backbone?!"
Here Umbridge bristled with rage and raised her wand.
"Goodbye Cornelius!" she hissed as she pointed her wand at the former Minister of Magic who closed his eyes before hearing the final two words he'd ever hear.
"AVADA KEDAVA!"
***
"This is just plain wrong!" muttered Fred Weasley sourly as he stood by the front window and looked out into the gloom of the deserted Diagon Alley. "This isn't what Halloween's all about! We should be out there having a party!"
"Hey, you're not going to get an argument from me Bro," replied George from behind the counter where he was finishing up counting the days rather disappointing takings. "And its not as if Dad didn't try to persuade the others that we should have the fair as usually but they were just to scared that Voldy might turn up and crash the party and to be honest I can't say I blame them, can you?"
"No, I guess not," allowed Fred reluctantly as he turned away from the window. "It just stinks like….Arragh!"
Fred's shout of alarm was caused by a loud pop that caused him to jump backwards and fall onto his backside whilst George dived behind the counter before appearing around the side on his hands and knees clutching his wand before lowering it whilst glaring at the man standing in the middle of the shop.
"Bill! You bloody well scared the crap out of us just then!" he snarled as he slowly got to his feet and brushed the dust off his jeans whilst Fred stumbled to his feet glaring at his elder brother just as hard as George.
"Nice to see you too Georgey boy," said the eldest of the Weasley brothers with a broad grin. "And how are things in the world of high jinxes?"
"Bloody slow," grunted Fred. "We've barely had twenty people in all day and this is meant to be one of our best days!"
"Sorry to hear that," said Bill with a look of genuine sympathy. "Well in that case how about me buying you both a drink?"
Here George raised an eyebrow and looked at Bill suspiciously.
"Bill Weasley offering to buy us a drink? Who are you and what have you done with our brother?"
"Yeah," added Fred, a wry smile spreading across his face. "You should have learned that Gringotts is easier to get into than his wallet!"
"Hey!" muttered Bill. "I might be a little more careful with my galleons than the rest of you guys but I'm not THAT tight fisted!"
"Oh come on Bill!" snorted George feeling cheerful for the first time all day. "We all know you've been hanging out with the goblins for so long that you're practically turning into one!"
"Look, do you want a drink or not?" grumbled Bill at which Fred and George shared a look before turning back to their brother.
"Well, far be it for us to reject such an act of generosity," said Fred.
"Yeah, let me just finish up here." added George moving back behind the counter where he now retrieved a small leather pouch with a golden cord into which he now tipped the woeful profits before pulling the cord tight at which the bag began to glow softly for a moment before it faded at which the cord loosened and the pouch stood empty while it's contents now resided in the twins' vault a few hundred metres down the road at Gringotts.
"Right," said George tossing the bag back under the counter before turning and grabbing his and Fred's dragon hide jackets and tossing his twin's towards him before slipping his own. "Let's go!"
"Okay," agreed Fred and unlocked the shop door then stepped aside to let Bill and then George out before following them out into the street whilst closing the door behind him before turning and locking the door behind him.
"You know something," said Bill as he glanced around. "You're right, this IS bloody depressing!"
"To bloody right!" agreed Fred whilst George gave a grunt of agreement as the three started down the dimly lit street towards the Leaky Cauldron but just as they were passing the unlit front of Flourish and Blotts when all three of them saw a hooded figure hurry out of the shadows of Knockturn Alley and back down the street the way they'd just come but showed no sign that they seen the Weasleys.
"What the…?" exclaimed Bill.
"That can't be good," muttered George before turning to his elder brother. "Should we follow 'em?"
Bill hesitated for only a moment before nodding and the three began to follow the figure taking care to stay in the shadows until they saw the figure stop outside the door to Ollivander's where it now glanced around before removing a wand from within it's robes and tapping the door knob at which there was a small flash before the hooded figure slipped into the shop.
"This can't be good!" muttered Bill pulling his wand out of his pocket. "Fred, get back to the shop and get Kingsley!"
In truth Bill half expected Fred to put up an argument but Fred knew the situation was serious enough and now turned and hurried back towards WWW leaving Bill and George in the shadows.
"What now?" asked George who'd removed his own wand.
"What do you think?" grunted Bill. "Come on!" And with that he hurried across the darkened street towards the Wandmaker's with George right behind him.
"You do have a plan right?" breathed George as they reached the shop door which Bill now tried.
"Not really," said Bill gruffly. "Plans can go wrong, I think we'll play this by ear!"
"Fair enough," allowed George with a grim smile. "Door?"
"Locked," replied Bill but before George could speak there was a loud bang from above them.
"Bill!" yelled George but Bill had already jumped back and aimed his wand at the door.
"Alohomora!" he barked at which that was a blast of light which hit the doorknob causing it to glow for a second before George grabbed it and twisted it sharply.
"Still locked!" he barked as another bang filled the air.
"Well in that case time for plan 'B'," snapped Bill and before George could speak he watched his elder brother pull his jacket over his head, fold his arms across his face and throw himself at the shop window which shattered with a loud crash whilst Bill hit the ground in a roll.
George snapped into action and jumped through the broken window into the shop whilst glass crunched under his feet and started towards the stairs that lead upstairs whilst a shout came from above.
"Bill!" yelled George without looking back.
"Right behind you mate!" called Bill's voice and George could now hear his brother's footsteps on the stairs behind him.
George reached the top of the stairs and found himself in a workshop filled with shelves.
"Mr O!" he bellowed.
"George! Get down!" cried a voice from within the gloom.
"Expelliarmus!" yelled a second voice and a blast of light came from within the shadows but George was able to duck it easily and the hex crashed into the jars on the shelves behind him.
Bill meanwhile now popped up from where George had just appeared aiming his own wand into the shadows.
"Stupefy!" he barked and a red blast of energy shot into the shadows and hit something as there was a grunt of air being knocked out of something followed by a crash.
"Mr O!" called George who was on all fours a few feet away from Bill.
"Over…over here," called a weak voice and George hurried towards it whilst Bill made his way into the shadows until he almost tripped over something in the dark.
"Lumos!" he snapped and light flooded from the tip of his wand and fell onto a slumped hooded figure wearing a half-skull for a mask.
"Bill, George!" yelled Fred's voice and Bill could now hear several muffled voices from down below.
"Up here!" yelled back Bill and a moment later the thunder of several sets of footsteps coming up the stairs and he now turned to see Fred, Kingsley Shacklebolt and several men and women in Auror uniforms filter into the workshop, one of whom now waved his wand above his head and set out several small orbs of fire which each shot to one of the lamps on the wall and flooded the room with light
"Bloody hell!" exclaimed Kingsley as he looked around the room. "What the hell happened here?"
"Maybe this will answer you're question," grunted Bill and Kingsley, Fred and a couple of the Aurors hurried over!
"Death Eater!" grunted Kingsley before leaning down and pulling over the figure's mask.
"Bloody hell!" exclaimed Fred. "That's Flint! Marcus Flint!"
"You know him?" said Kingsley turning to him at which Fred nodded.
"He was in Slytherin at Hogwarts with us!"
"Figures," grunted Kingsley turning back to look at Flint.
"Hey guys I could do with a hand here!" called George's voice urgently. "Mr O's hurt!"
"Tomlin! Thorn!" snapped Kingsley without turning his gaze from the unconscious Flint and two of the Aurors now hurried in the direction of George's voice.
"What would a Death Eater want from here?" said Fred as he looked around. "It's not as if he could just steal some wands and use them! And as for making them themselves, well, that's next to near impossible! Wandmaking's a pretty delicate business."
"Oh I don't think he was here to steal anything," said Kingsley darkly. "If I'm not mistaken Mr Flint was sent to kill Ollivander!"
"Blimey," muttered Bill as he turned to Kingsley and for the first time noticed that the Auror's robes were covered with dirt. "What happened to you."
Here Kingsley gave a sigh and pulled a hand over his bald head.
"Tidying up an Alastor's. Somebody tried to get him too but Alastor got the drop on 'em. And when I said someone I meant it! We haven't been able to work out if it a man or a woman yet Alastor hexed 'em so badly. The Healers reckon it'll be at least three weeks before they can undo his handiwork!"
"Hell," muttered Bill sharing a look with Fred.
"'Course, it hasn't been all good news," continued Kingsley and his voice now took on a grim tone. "Somebody did get Fudge, his wife found him in his study when she got back from their daughter's. AK-ed I'll wager!"
Before Bill could reply to that they heard shuffling footsteps and turned to see Mr Ollivander being helped towards them by one of the Aurors whilst the other Auror and George followed. The Wandmaker now reached up and placed a hand on Bill's shoulder.
"Thank you young man," he replied solemnly. "I believe I am in the debt of you and you're brothers."
"Are you Okay Mr O?" asked Bill placing one of his hands over the old man's.
"A little sore," allowed Ollivander before turning to the female Auror who was escorting him. "Ms Thorn here wants me to go and get checked up at St. Mungo's and whilst I assure her that a stiff Firewhiskey and my own bed will be sufficient she seems more adamant!"
"That's our Morgan for you," replied Kingsley with a smile before turning to the young woman. "Stay with him would you? I'll send someone to take over as soon as I finish here."
"Right boss," replied the young woman and she and her fellow Auror now helped Ollivander down the stairs whilst George joined his brothers and Kingsley.
"Fuck!" he muttered on seeing Flint who Kingsley now set about binding.
"That'd be about right," grunted Fred. "Kingsley was just saying Moody got one who came after him but one of them got Fudge!"
"Damn," muttered George running a hand through his hair.
"Still," said Bill. "One out of three. Voldermort's not going to be thrilled about that!"
**Author's Note**
Sorry about the delay in this chapter but I've been pulling double duty over the last few weeks as I'm also the Social Club Officer for our department at work and haven been busy planning our annual Easter trip to Alton Towers but now that's over I should be able to have good run at it!