The group fell silent walking back up the lane. Harry stopped turning towards the lake about half way up. Hermione started to follow him when Emma put her hand on her daughter's shoulder. "Give him a moment he's had a rather emotional day."
Sighing Hermione watched Harry walk off. "But that's why he needs me. He needs to talk about it."
"I know dear. But he needs to also get his thoughts and feelings sorted out. Part of being a good wife is knowing when to be there and when to step back. Your dad and I haven't been together this long without figuring that kind of thing out. Just because you're not right there doesn't mean he won't know you love him. He'll be ok."
Luna stepped up as Harry rounded the corner of a small copse of trees. "Don't worry Hermione I'll go watch him. He will be ok."
Hermione frowned "I suppose. We'll be up in the castle."
Neville cleared his throat, "You want me to come too Luna?"
"No Neville. I know where all the best places to cry are." And she took off skipping after Harry.
Dan shook his head, "That girl is pretty special Neville. She needs someone to treat her right."
Neville nodded watching her go.
Luna found Harry curled up at he base of a large pine tree. He was crying softly with his knees drawn up to his chest and his arms wrapped tightly around them. Even though he was looking out over the lake he wasn't seeing any of it. She sat on the needles near him and just looked at the water quietly.
Eventually his sobs slowed down and came to a stop. He wiped his eyes and nose with the sleeve of his shirt. Suddenly just realizing that Luna was there he sighed, "Hello Luna. Hermione send you?"
"No she was going to come and try to pressure you into talking to her. I came because I knew you just needed to cry."
Chuckling Harry gave her a quick one armed hug. "Thanks Luna."
"So do you feel better Harry?"
"I guess. It just feels odd seeing them like that. The last two people that knew my parents so closely. Sirius was the last person to ever see them alive. And Lupin. How he could not even try and check on me. How everyone seemed to forget about me. At least that's what it feels like. It all feels like a bunch of pain balled up inside and I just don't know what else to do."
The blonde friend of his just nodded gently. "I cried quite a bit after mother died. I still miss her. You didn't even get to know your parents which is much worse."
Harry looked at Luna blinking back the last of his tears. "Your mother died?"
Luna slowly nodded, "She was working on a new spell. I was watching her and I think I may have distracted her. I'm not sure as the memories of that night are a bit cloudy. But she lost control of the spell and it killed her."
"Oh. I'm sorry."
"It was not your fault Harry so you have nothing to be sorry for. I had nine years with my mother loving me and being my friend so I have lots of happy memories. I'm sorry for you hurting so much because you have none of that. All you have are other people's memories. I think you understand how Ginny feels much more than any of us ever could."
"Yeah I guess. Maybe. Her situation is very different."
"Each person is different Harry, otherwise the world would be very boring."
"How do you deal with so many emotions inside you Luna?"
She sighed and looked out over the lake. "I take each day as it is. I cannot change yesterday, I am not assured tomorrow. All I have is today. That and I cry when I need to, laugh when I feel it and have faith."
"Faith?"
She shrugged. "Yes faith. Faith in my friends. Faith in the universe. Faith in myself. Faith comes in many forms too Harry."
Sighing he stared at Luna for a few minutes while she watched the water. "I am not sure I have faith in much." He whispered as he turned back to look at the water.
"You have Hermione, Ginny, Hermione's parent's. Your friends. Yourself. There are plenty of reasons to have faith Harry. Faith manages even if you do not feel it." Luna quietly affirmed.
They sat together quietly for a long time more. The sun crawled across the sky. Eventually Luna sighed, "I am getting chilled Harry and hungry. Hermione is also probably about ready to explode."
"Yeah. I think I'm ready to face them. You're a really great friend Luna. Have I told you I appreciate you?"
"Yes but I still like to hear it."
Laughing he gave her a hug. "Thanks Luna for being you. I appreciate that."
Coming into the great hall Harry found Hermione and Ginny sitting at one of the tables talking to Neville. Ginny leaped up when Harry came in and gave him a hug. Luna glided over to sit beside Neville.
"Are you okay daddy?"
"Yeah I am Gin. I just needed to sort out a few thoughts. The Nargles didn't carry me off."
"Of course not Harry. The average Nargle does not have the lift to weight ratio to maintain the air speed velocity to carry off a person." Luna said like he should have known that.
"Right Luna. Sorry I forgot."
Hermione smiled as Harry sat next to her, "So you got them sorted?"
"I guess. For today at least."
Hermione hugged him as well. "Well ok. That's good I guess. But If you need me I'm here Harry."
"I know but you have your own stuff going on."
"I suppose so. But while you were out Mom and I talked. We're married Harry. Your problems are my problems, and yeah that means mine are yours too. We work better together."
"Yeah we do. Team Potter and Friends?"
Everyone laughed. "That sounds like a silly comic book dad." Ginny shook her head at the silliness.
Luna smiled, "Do we get to have spandex outfits with capes in bright colors?"
"If you want to Luna you're more than welcome." Harry happily agreed.
That night getting into bed Hermione pulled Harry into a close hug. "Are you sure you're ok Harry?"
"Yeah I think so." He said sighing into her shoulder. "Do you think I was being unfair to them?"
"No not really. You have every right to feel the way you do. Sirius is an over grown kid who is having trouble seeing you and not your dad. Did you notice he called you James a couple of times when he was really lost in his memories?"
Harry frowned , "Yeah. I did."
"And as for Mr Lupin. I don't know Harry. He is loyal to Dumbledore but he seems nice. But you're right he could have come and checked on you if he was that close to your parents. Its all very complicated."
"I know. When does it stop being complicated?"
"According to dad he's still waiting."
"great." Harry grumped.
The next several days went by quietly as the Halloween feast approached. Harry was still not entirely happy as they made their way down. The Grangers as professors had to go early and help make sure the younger students didn't go off on their own adventure.
"Can we go visit Myrtle? I want to ask her why she is a ghost." Ginny requested when they were preparing to go to the great hall.
"Do you think that's a good idea? The last time you had one of his memories come out." Hermione's voice showed her concern as it quavered a bit.
"Mom I know you're afraid that my mind is going to explode or something and yeah I know its not totally well but I want to know. I want to help her. I feel like there is something I can do or am responsible. I know it wasn't me but it was me. A part of me. I think. I can't explain it just let me help her."
Harry nodded. "Are you sure Ginny? I mean its your choice. We just don't want anything bad to happen to you."
Hermione reluctantly nodded when Ginny nodded and looked at her for permission. "ok but at the first sign of anything going wrong you are to leave or let us take you away from there. And you'll wait in the hall while I have her come out."
"okay. That bathroom is too creepy. It has too many bad memories living in it." Ginny agreed.
Harry and Hermione just looked at each other when she said that.
=======.
A few minutes later they were standing outside Myrtle's bathroom. Hermione had gone in to talk to the ghost. Ginny was standing staring at the door.
"Gin? You okay?"
"I was just thinking. He used the creature to kill her as a test. To see if he could. What was he going to do with it?"
"I don't know probably kill people. He turned into a very bad person."
"yeah."
=====.
Meanwhile inside Hermione cleared her throat, "Myrtle?"
The ghost peeked out of her stall and seeing Hermione sneered, "Oh hello kitty girl. Come to see if I have any yarn?"
Hermione took a deep breath to try and muster her patience, "As you can see I am fully a human female. They were quite able to restore me without any trouble."
"Oh too bad. I bet your boyfriend would love it if you had 6 boobies."
"Yes well I don't. I only have the normal two. And, my husband, Harry is quite happy with them."
Laughing Myrtle did a loop. "Oh goodie. That's nice. So did you come here to brag to me about your sex life or what?"
"You were the one that asked me about it."
"No I asked if you had 6 boobies. You're the one that brought up what Harry does with them. Then bragged that she got married."
"No...Look Ginny wanted to talk to you and I told her I'd ask. Only could you come out into the hallway."
"Why isn't my home good enough? Isn't it all a grand and courtly hall?" Myrtle hysterically laughed floating over Hermione spinning in a circle. Her loud voice carrying so much that Harry and Ginny came bursting in. Their thoughts on the actions of Riddle broken by concern over Hermione's safety.
"Myrtle what's going on?" Harry demanded coming in.
"Oh Hi Harry. How are you tonight?"
"Irritated. By you being rude to my wife."
"Oh bother. Oh hello little girl. You're the one that remembered where I died." Myrtle said
Ginny stood up straighter showing no fear of the ghost girl. "Yes I did. I'm sorry you got killed Myrtle. It shouldn't have happened."
Myrtle pulled back blinking.
Harry and Hermione both braced for an outburst from Myrtle but she was looking pensive. Something strange was going on.
"Th..Thank you. You're the first person who has ever apologized for that."
"That was wrong of them too. You shouldn't be disrespected even though you're dead."
Myrtle settled down until she was 'standing' on the floor. "I suppose."
"So why did you become a ghost? Mom says a person becomes a ghost because they are afraid of the other side or they have some unfinished business. Which one are you?"
"I don't know. I guess I wanted to get back at Olive for all she did to me. She tormented me and made my life a living hell. I wanted to give it back to her. She deserved it. She deserved it all. So I stayed to make sure she paid." Myrtle said her voice taking on a very strange reverb.
"Oh why?" Ginny asked shaking her head in disbelief. "What did she do to you that was so bad?"
"She used to make fun of me for my glasses and I have pimples and my clothes aren't real stylish."
"Is that all?"
"What do you mean is that all? Isn't that enough. I got picked on just for being different. Just because I came from a poor farm family and not one fo the great houses like Hornby did. How she had hot and cold running servants and I had to haul water from the well to wash."
Ginny shrugged. "Maybe for a schoolyard bully or something but to condemn yourself to an entire eternity of torment just to get back at someone who was too shallow to accept someone else."
Myrtle looked confused at Ginny. "So what am I supposed to do hunh? Kinda late to think about that now."
"Maybe, maybe not. Gramma says its never too late to forgive someone." Ginny kindly smiled at the ghost girl in front of her.
Myrtle huffed for several moments before deflating. "I don't even know if Olive is still alive. If she even remembered me. Its been so long. Do you know if Olive is alive?"
"No. I don't know. What was her name?" She looked at Hermione and Harry who shook their heads in confusion as well.
"Her name? Her name was Olive Hornby."
"If I go ask someone and find out would you at least consider forgiving her and letting go of your anger?"
"I'll think about it." She then swooped up and back through the stall door. They heard a sploosh.
Harry nodded to leave and his family followed him. Once in the corridor he hugged Ginny, "That was a good thing. I don't think anyone ever really talked to her."
"She's sad and lonely. Can we find out about that Olive Hornby person?"
"I suppose so Ginny. That shouldn't be real hard. We can ask Professor McGonnegal I guess."
Dinner was pleasant as always. Everyone chatting and laughing. Comparing notes for their days. Luna had somehow transfigured some of her clothes into a superhero comic book outfit. A bright blue and red spandex body suit with knee high red boots and a red cape completed the ensemble. Everyone found it quite appropriate for the blonde. As she had made the suit very tight Neville stayed very close to her for the evening.
After dinner the Potters approached the professors.
"Good evening Potters. How are you?" Professor McGonnegal said cheerfully.
"We're fine ma'am. Although Ginny has a question." Hermione responded.
"Oh? very well what is it?."
"Do you know what happened to a student named Olive Hornby? She was the one who was tormenting Myrtle the day she died."
McGonnegal looked thoughtful. She stopped Professor Flitwick and Sprout if they had heard of anyone with that name. Malachi Hobart shook his head. It was professor Kingsleaigh that had the answer.
"I'm sorry ma'am. Olive Hornby? She married a man named Dunkel and they died during the first rise of Him. You know who. "
"Oh how unfortunate. Well does that answer your question Miss Potter?"
"Oh yes thank you ma'am." She smiled "Do you think that this will help Myrtle?" She said turning to Hermione.
"Help Myrtle?" Minerva asked.
"Yes Ma'am I was talking to Myrtle about why she is a ghost and she said she wanted to torment Olive Hornby. So maybe since Olive is dead too now she can move on because her purpose for becoming a ghost is no longer valid?" Ginny explained with a questioning tone.
Malachi considered that then nodded, "I have not heard of anyone attempting that. Explaining to the ghost that their reason for becoming a spirit has become invalid. That may be a first. I would ask that you write a paper discussing the results young lady. I would even be willing to consider it extra credit."
Ginny blushed but nodded, "Thank you sir."
"So why are you bothering to help a ghost?" Kingsleigh asked puzzled.
"Because she is hurting and I don't like seeing people hurting." Ginny shrugged with a smile.
"Well that's a very admirable cause." The professor said with a smile.
===============
Arriving back at Myrtle's bathroom they paused outside. "You still up to this Gin?" Harry asked.
"Yeah dad. I think so. Gryffindor courage eh?"
"Go lions." he said patting her on the shoulder. Hermione just took a deep breath and pushed open the door leading the way in.
Myrtle poked her head out of her stall with a "Who's there? Oh its you three again."
"Yeah Myrtle. We found out what happened to Olive." Ginny said.
"Really? Was it gruesome? Was it painful. Oh I bet she was crying and scared..." Myrtle cackled and swooped in glee.
"Myrtle that's rather rude really. I mean wouldn't you hope people would feel bad about how you died? Instead of laughing and cackling in glee?" Ginny rebuked the ghost girl.
Myrtle stopped spinning in mid air and looked at the auburn haired girl. "Oh I suppose. So did she die?" she sighed.
"Yes she died during the first rise of Voldemort. She was married and an old woman." Ginny said carefully.
Myrtle huffed for a moment. "Oh I see. I wonder if she ever felt sorry for the way she treated me then."
"I don't know. You could cross over and ask."
"You really think I could?" Myrtle asked with a frown.
"Maybe. I don't know. It couldn't hurt to try could it?"
"It might. And besides just because I can't torment Olive doesn't mean there isn't a lot to still do around here. I mean I can go spy on the prefects bathroom. There are some really cute guys in there."
Ginny chuckled, "Yeah but you're a ghost. I mean its not like you can actually do anything with them."
"Oh and what do you know about that?" Myrtle crossed her arms.
"Well I mean you're a ghost and ghosts aren't solid and you have to be solid to kiss somebody or do stuff with them. Mommy and daddy stuff you know."
Myrtle seemed to be considering her for a moment before she shook her head. "I have a physical presence." She then floated down and kissed Harry on the lips. He immediately fell backwards gagging and spitting rubbing his lips.
Myrtle flew backwards. "Whats your problem!" She huffed.
Harry in between rubbing his lips, "I got frostbite on my lips. You're freezing cold."
Hermione was checking him over and Ginny turned to her. "See. If that's the kind of reaction you get from kissing then doing anything else would be even worse."
"Yeah but I mean I don't wanna go." Myrtle plaintively cried.
"I know. But Mommy said everyone has to go away eventually. Its the natural order of things."
"Yeah but if I go what will happen. Will I wind up in the good place or the bad place."
"I don't know. But would it really be all that worse than here?"
"Maybe."
"Maybe not. Maybe you would get to go to the good place. The only way you'll know is to crossover."
Myrtle was floating there crying, not moaning or wailing but really crying.
"Did you have any friends here?"
Myrtle shook her head. "No everyone avoids me because I scare them or annoy them or just bore them."
"Did you have any friends when you were alive?" Ginny softly asked.
Myrtle seemed to consider that then smiled, "Ethel and Madge they were nice to me."
"Well maybe you'll get to see them again if you cross over." Ginny smiled at her. "Plus your mom and dad. I bet they really missed you after you died. Did you ever visit them before you got confined to the castle?"
Myrtle shook her head but her tears kept coming.
"Maybe, maybe they will help you get to the good place. You think?"
Myrtle seemed to be getting dimmer and more translucent. "What's happening? You guys don't look so substantial. You seem to be fading."
Myrtle kept fading as she did she seemed to be less sad and then she turned and spoke to someone they couldn't see. "Father. Yes father I'm coming. Wait for me." And she faded completely away.
Hermione's mouth dropped open. "Did she just cross over then?"
Harry nodded shocked as well. "I think so. Ginny?"
Ginny was quietly crying, "Yeah I think she did crossover. Can we go back to the apartment now?"
"Yeah that sounds like a good idea."
As they stepped out of the bathroom Harry was holding Hermione and Ginny's hands then stopped as he heard a voice. A very familiar voice. Ron's voice calling out to Harry. He looked around letting go of the girl's hands to draw his wand.
"Harry? What is it?"
"Didn't you hear that?"
"hear what? I don't hear anything." Hermione said listening. Ginny shook her head too.
"I heard Ron's voice."
"Harry Ron is dead. He did not become a ghost."
"Are you sure Hermione? Ginny?"
"I don't know. I suppose we would have seen him by now." Ginny said unsure.
"Harry first off Ron died at the Ministry. Secondly why would he be here at the school. He hated the school. Third I sincerely doubt he is a ghost. It just doesn't fit with his personality. A ghost either has unfinished business, or is afraid to move on."
"Maybe. I dunno. Let's get back to the apartment."
They ran into professor Kingsleigh though just around the corner.
"Oh gosh Harry Ladies. Wow you startled me."
"Sorry ma'am. Is there something we could help you with?" harry asked politely.
She chuckled and smiled, "Well like no. I was just coming to see if things were going ok with you guys. Did you uhm. Did you help her cross over?"
"Yeah Ginny did. We think. It seemed like it." Harry explained while Hermione proudly nodded and said, "Yes she did. Myrtle told her father she was coming and he had died in the 1970s."
"Oh good. Well done young lady. Well done indeed. I suppose that would be worth school points?"
Hermione and harry looked at each other, "I'm not sure as a professor you would know more than us."
"Well we do have guidelines and such that we are supposed to follow but I really never did like staying inside the lines when I colored. One reason I love Transfiguration. I get to redefine the lines."
"Yes ma'am."
"Oh enough with the ma'am stuff Harry."
"Uh yeah."
Hermione frowned, "Its impolite and disrespectful to be too familiar with the professors ma'am."
Kingsleigh slumped her shoulders a bit and sighed, "Oh I suppose Mrs Potter then. Do you treat your parents this way?"
"Uh that's different. And no when they are acting in a professorial capacity I call them ma'am and sir too."
"She does I've heard her." Ginny volunteered.
"And when they aren't?"
"Well they are mom and dad."
"So if I'm not acting like a professor you can call me Alice. Ok?"
"Uh okay Alice." Harry said while Hermione frowned and Ginny just looked unsure.
"Okay cool. I'm glad we're making such good friends you know that. Now where are you three off to next? Want to send one of the others on to their great reward. That Bloody baron makes me concerned."
"Uh no I'm not sure I could they are House ghosts and that would be something else." Ginny said.
"We were just going back to our apartment to study and relax a bit before bed."
Kingsleigh laughed, "Oh yeah old married couples. Got to get home before it gets dark." She wandered off whistling, "Have fun."
Hermione frowned at her back, "The more I deal with her the less I like her."
Hermione was pacing in their apartment as Ginny and Harry watched her.
"Hermione wearing a hole in the carpet isn;t going to solve anything."
"No but she bothers me. There is just something annoying in how she is always hovering around you. How whenever you have one of these Ron encounters she's not far away. She's always trying to be too friendly with you and get all cozy. I don't like it."
"Mione. Its no big deal. She's just a friendly person. Its not like she wants to be my girlfriend or something."
Hermione spun with a look on her face of sheer ah-ha. "Are you sure Harry? Dad said there was a teacher in primary that got fired for being too friendly with some of the girls."
"Yeah but I mean she's and she's an adult. Like in her thirties or something."
"And she can shape-shift into a student. Remember the day in Hogsmeade where she joined Neville's little harem."
Harry frowned as he remembered thinking she was just another student when she walked up. If Luna hadn't noticed something was off he would never have.
"Yeah but McGonnegal wouldn't allow anyone in here that had nefarious purposes." Harry countered
"Harry maybe prurient interests are not something the wards check for. Maybe Professor McGonnegal didn't think that someone would consider doing that. I don't know how the wizarding world feels about those kind of people. I mean you and I are considered married at thirteen so we know the culture is rather Victorian in that aspect at least." She explained.
Harry was frowning even more. "Okay. We need to talk to someone who knows the culture better."
Ginny chuckled, "Not to the Library!" She said thrusting her arm up.
Hermione paused then shook her head chuckling, "You have been hanging out with your grandfather too much, you're getting his sense of humor."
Ginny stood up and bowed, "Thank you, Thank you. Thank you very much." she did in her best Elvis voice.
Harry and Hermione laughed, "Okay lets go find Luna or Susan. They should know."
They found Luna in the Astronomy tower staring at the sky. She was humming softly and greeted them happily when they walked up.
"Hello Potters. How are the three of you tonight."
"We're fine Luna. You seem happy."
"I am. Neville finally kissed me before he returned to the Gryffindor Common Room."
"Well congratulations. So how is the rest of the Harem dealing with that?" Harry chuckled.
"Executive Council of Girlfriends. Although we are considering various other names."
"Okay the Executive Council of Girlfriends."
"Well since he has kissed Susan and Lavender as well they are handling it quite well. Although he has not allowed any of us to handle it."
Harry sort of figured what she meant so elbowed Hermione before she asked the question he was sure she was going to ask. "Anyhow Luna since you seem to know the most about Pure-blood dating customs and such we wanted to ask you a few questions."
Luna sat on one of the benches and nodded, "Oh yes I have studied mother's notes quite extensively. She was researching the various mating practices in the wizarding and muggle cultures for comparison and articles in the Quibbler."
"Oh okay. So how would the Wizarding world feel about a professor having a sexual relationship with a student." Hermione moved onto the point for coming to her.
Luna frowned, "Well that would depend on the teacher and the student involved. As you are concerned that Professor Kingsleigh has an unhealthy interest in Harry I would have to say that since she is a pure-blood and he is a half-blood socially it would not be too problematic. The fact that you and he are married however would be the much larger problem for her."
Hermione frowned, "So she wouldn't get in trouble?"
"It would depend on if Harry was discrete or willing. If harry was unwilling he could have her removed from her job and black listed destroying her teaching career. If he was indiscreet it could embarrass him and his family line or not. Wizarding society has a great many antiquated attitudes from the Victorian and midevil eras. Think pagan rituals with corsets and tail coats."
"That's how you guys can all have a relationship with Neville." harry realized.
"Yes As Neville is a pure-blood he would be able to have a poly-amorous relationship, at least among the wizarding world. With multiple wives and mistresses. In the muggle world he would have to choose one of us to be the public face for the family though."
"Okay that's more than I really wanted to consider. So how did you know I was talking about Professor Kingsleigh and Harry?" Hermione asked.
"Because she has exhibited a very interesting and unhealthy interest in you Harry. Almost like a very disturbing fan girl level. Plus you are very possessive and protective of your Harry."
"I am not possessive!"
"So if I were to kiss Harry you would not be upset."
"No of course not. I do not own him. I'm just married to him is all."
Luna tilted her head and stared at Hermione with her pale blue unblinking eyes.
Hermione growled, "Okay I would be a little bit upset. In the muggle world its one man, one woman. We don't normally share. Or at least I wasn't brought up that way."
Luna smiled, "Thank you. Honesty is the first step to understanding."
Hermione closed her eyes and counted to ten. "Okay so Professor Kingsleigh has a strong fan girl crush on Harry but unless Harry shows any interest she could lose her job and be socially outcast."
"Essentially correct. A bit oversimplified." Luna nodded.
"Ok well it will work for general purposes though." Hermione hummed lost in thought.
"I do not believe she has a sexual interest in Harry though."
Harry was slightly disappointed as well as confused, "What makes you think that Luna?"
"When a female is aroused she exudes a certain degree of pheromones. Hermione sometimes positively reeks of them near you. I have occasionally wanted to hose Lavender down due to her smell. And lets not even discus certain more popular broom closets that need more than a pine scrub..." She said wrinkling her nose.
Harry and Hermione glanced at each other letting Luna go on her own route to the end of the point.
"Professor Kingsleigh though has never had that. Even when she was flirting with Harry. Her body posture, her voice, her inflections are all suggesting flirting but her physical aroma and aura are flat. Draco has exhibited more physical interest in Harry than she has." Luna finished.
"Okay that's slightly disturbing and sick but a distraction from the main point. If she doesn't have an interest in me that way then what is the deal?"
"That is what is curious."
They heard the bell signaling 30 minutes to curfew. Luna sighed and began to head out. Hermione and her family moved to follow.
"Luna why did you ask about kissing Harry?" Hermione asked the blonde as they were walking down the stairs.
She shrugged and with a mischievous smile said, "I don't know. Curiosity to compare with Neville. So far he's the only boy I've ever kissed."
Hermione made a humming noise.
"Are you considering letting me?"
"Not right this moment." She said flatly.
Harry wisely kept quiet while Ginny giggled.
=========.
The next dinner with the Grangers Hermione asked her parents about Professor Kingsleigh.
"Well she's certainly cheerful." Daniel laughed.
"A bit too cheerful. She seems to be good at what she does. Just definitely very cheerful."
"Does it seem fake?" Harry asked.
"A little bit. At times. But maybe she had a lot of bad things happen or pain. People can paint a pretty face to hide ugly scars." Daniel said with a frown.
They ate quietly for a few moments at that.
"Why so much interest in her Pumpkin?"
"Well she seems to have a really unhealthy interest in Harry."
"Oh and the claws are coming out are they?"
"NO dad. Its not about jealousy. I mean there are plenty of girls who have an interest in Harry but Professor Kingsleigh has an... excessive interest. A weird one."
"Kinda stalker fan girlish interest." Harry elaborated.
"Well you want to explain that.?" Emma said with a grin at the plenty of girls comment.
"I wish I could beyond the way she looks and talks to Harry. Always touching him and leaning over to show off her boobs. Its like shes flirting with him or something."
"Well she does that with Dan and some of the upper classmen too. I think she just may be one of those kind of people that is really flirty and bubbly and touchy without realizing it. I know you guys have threats and stuff going on but it seems pretty safe here. And I know Mr Moody sees threats behind every cobweb but you cannot live your life that paranoid."
"I know mom. I'm just worried. There is something weird going on and I can't pin it down."
"I know. Your dad and I have been talking to Minerva, Malachai and Stephen. Apparently Mr Malfoy has been trying to get us dismissed from here for teaching improper attitudes and misinformation. Now calm down too many others on the board are on our side but you need to know that you're not the only one with stuff going on."
"Oh dad. I told you to be careful." Hermione was upset and concerned.
"Honey I think that Mr Malfoy would hate us no matter what we said or did. He's not a very nice man."
"Really Mione. Look at Draco. How do you think he got the way he is." Harry frowned but said it quietly.
"Don't worry pumpkin. We'll be fine."
======.
The month of November went by very quickly. Hermione and Harry observed Professor Kingsleigh and noticed what Luna had been talking about. While she was very flirty and touchy she did not ever seem to let it go to her eyes. They always seemed to be paying attention to what was going on around her. And even more disturbing that she always seemed to be watching harry or Ginny when they were in the room.
Unfortunately she never really did anything that was against the rules or too outrageous enough that it didn't seem like they would be making waves. Harry said they would watch her and be careful but that she might just be a strange woman but not a villain.
======.
In the early part of December the Granger Potters made plans to go to the muggle village outside the valley. Daniel had started the Range Rover and was going to bring it around to the front doors while the others made arrangements. Dean Thomas and Seamus both had put in requests for some muggle goodies unable to be found in Hogsmeade which Harry was happy to bring back.
As the Potters were beginning to head down to the front doors they ran into Draco.
"Potter. Finally deciding to pack it in and leave?"
"No Draco. We're just going shopping." Harry sighed.
"Oh too good for Hogsmeade. How surprising that the high and mighty Potter has to go off and be all special."
"We're going for a trip in Grampa's car to a muggle village Draco. That's not all that special."
"Oh how true you are." Draco said.
"Well if you'll excuse us then Malfoy we have to be going." Harry said noticing Daniel coming in.
"Hey wait. What sort of store are you going to?"
Hermione frowned at him, "Why do you care? Its a muggle one."
"Well you know it might be a laugh to bring back some kind of muggle stuff. Show how far beneath wizards they are." Draco said trying to show some braggadocio.
Daniel chuckled, "Well you're welcome to come along with us and see for yourself what sort of things a muggle shop has. You might be surprised."
Draco muttered under his breath, "You have no idea." But louder he said, "Yeah right. Father has taken me on excursions to muggle shops before. Filthy dirty places filled with strangely dressed people. No thank you."
Well what shop did you go to?" Emma asked.
"Some place called Asda." Draco sneered. Supposedly a super store but didn't seem very super.
Dan and Emma looked at each other than shook their heads, "Draco Asda is a rather common store. Its called a big box chain. We are going to be finding smaller craft and mom and pop stores. Closer to what you would find at Hogsmeade only selling muggle things."
"Well joy and happiness then. I'll go get my coin purse." he engaged in sarcasm.
"Why are you being such a prat. C'mon dad we need to get going." Hermione huffed.
"Wait. Are you serious about my being invited to come with you?" Draco suddenly called out as they started to walk away.
Daniel stopped to Hermione and Harry's displeasure. "Yeah sure. Just you'll have to dress like a muggle."
"Okay give me a few minutes to get ready. Please don't go yet." he said looking around as if to make sure no one heard him. He jogged off towards the dungeons.
"Now what is all that about?" Harry scowled at the retreating form.
"Who knows. Maybe its some kind of project Professor Greenleaf is working on." Hermione shrugged.
They stood waiting for a few moments before Dan said, "Well I better go shut the engine off if he's going to be forever getting ready."
"Yeah he uses more hair care than Lavender." Harry smirked.
At that moment there was a tremendous Ker-umph from out in front of the castle. All kinds of screaming and yelling began. Everyone ran towards the noise.
Coming through the front doors Daniel saw in the driveway a flaming pile of wreckage that had been his dark green Range Rover. It was fully engulfed in flames. After a brief moment of shock the Grangers began working to provide first aid to several students who had been wounded.
The aftermath had shown that none of the students or staff had been killed. Several had minor burns or contusions from shrapnel. Most of the damage had been a huge hot flame over the interior of the vehicle. If anyone had been inside when it detonated they would have been killed instantly.
Amelia Bones was standing in the teacher's lounge talking to the Grangers, Potters, Minerva and Professor Greenleaf due to the actions of Draco.
"So Draco was trying to delay you?"
"That's what it seemed like. I mean he started being all smarmy then he changed his tune to wanting to come with us and make sure we didn't leave without him." Harry explained.
Daniel and Emma agreed.
"Professor Greenleaf have you spoken to Draco about this?"
"Yes he says it was just a prank to try and make the Grangers late. To try and make the Potters think he was trying to be friendly. I doubt that is accurate though."
"Oh why?" Amelia asked making notes.
"He has been somewhat nervous the last several days. I believe that he may not be within the same power circle that he once was."
Amelia raised her eyebrow. "Well that is disturbing. Although that doesn't bring us any closer to knowing who did this."
Daniel was frowning. "So you think someone tried to kill us?"
Amelia nodded, "Well we will know more when the forensic reconstruction is completed. But preliminary analysis indicates it was a high intensity fire potion. Thee were traces on the metal of magically enhanced flames. Also the metal and other materials had melted or vaporized at temperatures well beyond normal fire levels."
"The insurance company is not going to believe this." Daniel shook his head.
Amelia chuckled, "We can deal with the insurance company. Its not the first time that a vehicle has had a magical encounter that ended badly."
"Ahh. ok. Yeah I can imagine that might be difficult to explain."
"So do you think it was Dumbledore?" Harry asked quickly.
Amelia took a deep breath and frowned. "No. I don't think this was him. It doesn't fit with the information we had been getting. He wants Ginny and more importantly what he thinks she knows. Killing her wouldn't help with that."
Hermione frowned, "Well maybe he thought that she wouldn't be in the car?"
Amelia shrugged, "I doubt that but until we can figure out who was involved be careful and don't leave the grounds. Give me some suggestions for a replacement vehicle and we can make the arrangements."
Daniel grinned while Emma shook her head, "Well I had always wanted a Land Rover Defender. I saw one at the dealership last time I had the engine serviced and like the look of them."
Amelia nodded and made notes. "Okay well I'll have someone give you a copy of the reports and we'll see what we can do to find the ones responsible. As for the Land Rover that's up to the Ministry."
======xxxxx=====
Draco was being very careful to not be caught alone. He was always in the presence of his little gang. Crabbe, Goyle, Parkinson, Bulstrode and Zabini. He hadn't changed his story either.
Harry and his friends though still suspected that Draco knew something. They were trying to figure a way out to get him alone so they could talk to him.
Luna sighed, "Well we could release Carnivorous Knids into the Slytherin common room and then when the students come running out of the room we could stun them and kidnap Draco."
"Not a good idea Luna." Neville said quietly.
"True the Knid moves very quickly and is dangerous to control. Maybe we could pump sleeping gas into the Slytherin dorms and then kidnap Draco."
Hermione's response to that was to snort then say, "No Luna. We cannot do that either. Kidnapping Draco is out. We would have to find some way to get him to talk to us without drugging, stunning, a threatening him and everyone in Slytherin."
Luna frowned in deep thought then perked up " I know. We could seduce him into reveling his secret plots by using our feminine wiles."
Hermione just rubbed the bridge of her nose while groaning, "I'm a married woman you're twelve. So who would we get to seduce him."
"Well Lavender and Susan both have larger breasts so they could do it?"
Lavender made retching noises, "Excuse me I do have some standards you know."
Susan chuckled, "My aunt would lock me in the tallest tower of her estate if she thought I was chasing a Malfoy. Even for a super secret project."
Harry grumbled but only slightly.
Neville was thinking, "Too bad we don't have any poly-juice. I bet he'd talk to his gang."
Hermione shook her head, "Oh no. Not again. Last time I did anything with that stuff it did not turn out well at all."
Harry snorted, "Not to mention I doubt Professor Greenleaf is going to be as unaware of our theft to get the supplies as Snape was."
"True there is that as well." Hermione agreed.
"Too bad one of us isn't a shapeshifter like Tonks. right mom?" Ginny suggested.
"Well yeah that would be nice."
"I wonder if we could borrow her?" Harry mused.
"I thought you were a married man?" Luna asked innocently.
Harry shook his head and looked at the blonde waif, "No Luna not like that. I meant to get her to pretend to be someone in Draco's pack and get the information."
Luna mouthed the word 'oh' and went back to reading the Quibbler.
Unable to come up with a plan the friends agreed that observing him would be the best thing they could do.
The forensic analysis had been completed and the results came back that it was a binary accelerant that when combined burned at 4000 degrees Fahrenheit. Apparently a bomb of the material had been placed in the engine compartment and when the temperature melted the wax separating the two compounds it ignited and spread quickly through the vehicle.
"This tells us it was someone who had been paying attention in class at least." Alastair Moody finished his explanation with.
"Well gee. I'll remember to give them top marks on bomb making and assassination attempts." Daniel grumped.
Moody shrugged, "Well you are the one who explained how those infernal contraptions work. Apparently they paid attention. It was supposed to go off while you were driving I bet. Far enough from the castle that no one here would have been hurt."
"Well that was nice of them I guess. Any ideas on who it was?" Emma politely asked.
"Well ma'am no. Afraid not. Malfoy won't let us question his boy in any but the most cursory ways and then only with his solicitor present. So if he was involved its going to be hard to get it out of him."
"Just dandy then. Okay. Thank you Mr Moody."
"Well I don't think it was Draco anyhow. I've been talking to Stephan and there is a new power group forming among the older students in Slytherin. Some of the families that had been on the fence last time their kids may be choosing to play the game this time around. Only for the dark side." Malachi explained.
Moody grunted, "Well that would explain a lot. Things keep shifting and there is something big on the horizon. I can feel it."
"I thought you said the Ministry and the school managed to get that tournament thing canceled?" Emma asked.
"Oh we did but Al's fingerprints were all over that thing. So who knows what other schemes will turn up. We're stuck between a madman and a master manipulator. With fanatical followers for both of them thrown in to make things more interesting."
========xxxxxx=======
Harry was sitting in the library with Hermione and Ginny one day in mid December. They had a week left before break began and was doing some last minute studying when Draco came over and sat down with them.
"Why yes Malfoy you may join us." Harry said flatly.
"Can it Potter. I'm here under a flag of truce ok?"
Hermione put her arm on Harry's to stop him and said, "Fine Draco. Whatever you came to say spill it and go."
"Okay. You want to know who is plotting to murder the Grangers. I can help you."
Hermione had her wand out in a blur. "Who is it?" She hissed.
Draco smirked, "TANSTAAFL babe. Isn't that one of your muggle authors sayings?"
Harry wasn't sure but he had pulled his wand too. Ginny seeing her parents pull theirs drew her wand too. Draco didn't seem the slightest bit worried by the three wands pointed at him.
"You worm. You'd let my parents die."
"Look I don't want you or your parents to die. It would be rather hard to prove I'm better than you if you're dead."
"Anything happens to Mione and you die slowly Malfoy." Harry hissed.
"Well then maybe you'd better relax and let me tell you the deal I want and we can all be a lot happier and live longer. Anything happens to me my people will deal with you. MY father will avenge my death quite effectively."
Harry smirked, "You think your daddy will care what happens to you. I bet he has a dozen bastards that could replace you in a minute."
Draco's easy smirk faltered for a moment as anger burned in his eyes briefly. Like a nerve had been touched. "Watch yourself Potter. I'm trying to help you. Come to a mutually beneficial arrangement." he composed himself and started paying attention to his fingernails.
Harry chuckled, "Greenleaf got to you didn't he. Realized you're not as big a deal as you thought?"
"Why I am or am not doing anything is none of your concern. You need the information I have."
Harry slid his wand up his sleeve and nodded to Ginny to do the same. He tried to get Hermione to put hers away but the most she would do was stop pointing it at Draco and lay it on the table in front of her.
"Okay what do you want in return for this information Draco."
He smirked. "There is the last Hogsmeade before break this Saturday. I'd like to escort Ginny to lunch."
Ginny's eyebrows shot up in surprise while Hermione gripped her wand and pointed it at Draco again. Harry scowled at the blonde boy in suspicion.
"Why should I let you do that? And why do you want her? Aren't you and Pansy supposedly an item?"
"Are you kidding? Have you looked at her? She's 14 and has the curves of an 8 year old. Her personality could shatter a statue. She is a lying scheming backstabbing social climber who thinks I'm going to be her meal ticket in the new regime when it comes." He declared in an angry and disgusted tone.
"Okay that still doesn't explain why Ginny?"
Sighing deeply Draco stared at harry, then glancing at Hermione he smirked a slight bit of a smile. "Why not. She's cute. Nice personality and has potential."
"Shes a second year she can't go to Hogsmeade anyhow."
"Au contraire mon cheri." Draco was smirking again. "If one of her parents took her to Hogsmeade and say joined us for lunch she could go anywhere she wanted."
Harry raised his eyebrow while Hermione was frowning so hard he was afraid Moody might be proud of her.
"Wouldn't being seen having lunch with us be bad for your public image?" Harry flatly asked.
"No. Look Potter. You took down Dumbledore. Something not even the Dark Lord could do. You're gaining power, influence. The media loves you. People think you and your sweet family are the next hot thing. Only a fool would ignore that. Only the heir to the throne of the kingdom of fools would fight against that. I want in. All you have to do is just make sure I don't get lost in the dust and I'll do all I can to help make sure you and your precious muggles stay alive. Is me having a nice lunch with your precious princess such a bad thing."
"No its not." Ginny said suddenly.
Harry and Hermione both stared at her. "Ginny!" Hermione exclaimed before being hushed by Miss Pince.
"Its okay mom. You'll be there and so will dad. I won't be alone with him. You know what gramma said we shouldn't judge people. Besides if you know he's trying to use you you can use him right back eh?"
Draco looked confused at the girl for a moment then chuckled, "Well that's certainly a Slytherin attitude."
"There's no need to be insulting." She said.
Harry closed his eyes counted to ten and then nodded. "Alright. Ginny wants to go, we'll all stay together and you'll behave properly at all times. No improprieties will be taken."
"Of course dad." Ginny said.
"Sure thing dad." Draco smirked.
Hermione glared at him but hissed out, "Fine now that you've got your plans who is trying to kill mom and dad."
"Lionel Mandrake is the leader. His family were minor servants last time. They wanted to move up to the inner circle but didn't have the guts to make the big moves. Lionel's dad died recently in a horrific broom accident so he's now the patriarch and looking to make some big moves. Hector Dimwiddle and Rudolph Blake are his lieutenants. Start with those three and keep digging."
Harry nodded, "ok. See you at 11 at the Three Broomsticks."
"You're welcome dad." Draco said as he went off chuckling.
Hermione composed herself then turned to Ginny with a worried expression, "Ginny you didn't have to agree. We would have found something out without putting you at risk."
"Mom you and dad are going to be right there. I won't be at risk."
"Well still."
"No mom its fine. I don't want anything bad to happen to gramma and grampa, or you. And besides he is kinda cute."
Harry threw up his hands and said, "I'm going to go talk to Dan maybe he'll have some advice."
Hermione harrumphed, "I doubt dad will be a big help."
======xxxxx=====
Harry knocked on Daniel Granger's office door. When he came in and sat down Daniel saw something serious was on Harry's mind.
"Ok son what's going on. You look like the ghost of Christmas future just visited you."
"Draco wanted to have lunch with Ginny and us at Hogsmeade."
Daniel leaned back in his chair with a bemused and concerned look crossing his face.
"Well this was a lot earlier than I was expecting but welcome to the club."
"Uh sir?"
"You have a daughter. Every father that has a daughter waits for this day in dread. The day that boys figure out she's a girl and start to pursue her. So how did she take the news or have you told her yet?"
"She was the one that agreed to it."
"Ahh and Hermione did what?"
"I think she was trying to figure out a way to hex Draco without getting thrown out of the library."
Dan chuckled, "Ah my sweet tempestuous pumpkin. I see married life has not calmed her temperament yet."
"Uh no. I guess not sir." Harry said totally confused.
Taking a deep breath Dan seemed to consider what to say for a long time, "Alright Harry let me guess you're coming to me in the hopes that I have some kind of wisdom to impart for dealing with this eh?"
"Yeah that was kind of the plan."
"Well I don't have any." He said with a fatherly smile.
"What sir? I mean you're taking Hermione and I being married and everything so well. I thought you had some kind of way of understanding this kind of thing."
Dan chuckled and steepled his fingers on the desk, "Oh Harry. I don't know any more than any other man in this world. To be honest ever since Hermione started writing letters home talking about you and how spectacular this place was and all the stuff you guys I knew I was going to be walking her down the aisle and handing her to you at some point. So I guess I was better prepared. You're barely out of short pants yourself and now have a boy sniffing around. So I can't really tell you much other than make sure she's safe, she's happy and be there for her. Same thing Emma and I do for Hermione."
Harry looked at the floor dejectedly for a moment then sighed, "I guess. Its just Draco pretty much said he wanted to send a message to people and that he wanted to hitch his cart to my star. He thinks its rising and all that. Plus he knew the people that tried to kill you and the price for that was this lunch."
Dan shook his while sighing deeply. "Big surprise. He is a self serving jerk. I guess just do all you can to make sure Ginny is safe and we'll go tell Malachi everything. So he can pass it to Amelia and Alastair."