Warning: Bashing: Dumbledore, Ron, Ginny. Manipulative!Dumbledore plotting!
(Thursday, December 10th, 1994)
Harry grinned as he looked around his new Private Quarters, otherwise known as the Gryffindor Head Boy Dorm. How many students over the years had the honor and privilege to reside here? Percy Weasley had lived in these Quarters last year. Harry could imagine that "pompous, perfect Prefect," Percy Weasley would appreciate living here. His head had probably grown three sizes when he first laid eyes on the place.
Harry had felt a pang of guilt when he first walked around the Private Quarters, as Professor McGonagall gave him the tour. He didn't feel as if he deserved to be able to live in a place as nice as this for the next three and a half years – at least those months when he was at Hogwarts. He and Hermione had been allowed to live in these Quarters because Professor McGonagall didn't believe them safe anymore in Gryffindor Tower. Snape would surely hear about this soon, and Harry could just imagine what the bastard would say. "Special privileges for a spoiled brat" would be the kindest thing he'd say.
He had said much of this to Professor McGonagall – aside from Snape's imagined comments.
"Mr. Potter, as a Champion of the Tournament, you should have already had the privilege of living in Quarters like these," McGonagall had replied. "But the Headmaster declined the idea, when Professor Sprout and I asked for yours and Mr. Diggory's benefit. He said you needed to be with your dorm-mates, and your house-mates, so they could support you, and in turn, you could be encouraged to do better in the tournament with the aid of their support."
"Well, that didn't work out, did it?" Harry asked, with a snort."
"It did not," McGonagall agreed. "Mr. Potter, believe me when I say I wish you didn't have to live in these Quarters. You should feel safe in Gryffindor Tower with your house-mates. You should feel safe in your dormitory, without needing to ward your bed, or fear that things will get stolen from your trunk. Unfortunately that is not the way it has happened. I apologize, because I should have been able to do something about it before now. Giving you and Miss Granger permission to reside in your respective Private Quarters is my material proof of apology and request for your forgiveness, which I might not deserve. So please, Mr. Potter, calm an old woman's nerves by accepting such a gift, and do not feel guilty for being in here."
"I will try, Professor," Harry said.
"That is all I can ask, young man," McGonagall said. "Mr. Potter? If you need a better reason for accepting to live here, I shall tell you this. Your father lived in these very quarters during his seventh year, and your mother lived in the very quarters Miss Granger resides in. When they left this castle for the very last time as a student, your father asked your mother to marry him, popping the question at their final Leaving Feast in front of everyone in the Great Hall. Your mother accepted, of course. They married three months later.
"It would make this old woman very happy if history might repeat itself with the two very people residing in these Quarters by the time you leave this castle for the last time."
Harry had thought his cheeks were burning off, because he was blushing so badly. He couldn't find the right words to respond with, and McGonagall didn't need any. She simply patted his shoulder, showing the most affection she'd ever shown him, and left the Private Quarters.
Harry blushed again, while reminiscing of that conversation.
"That might have been the best thing anybody ever told me about my parents," Harry muttered. "Why didn't I thank her for that?"
"I'm sure she knows, young Lion," a voice said.
Harry turned and looked at the Portrait above the roaring fireplace in the sitting room of the Quarters. The portrait had a knight (not Sir Cadogan, thankfully) riding – not a horse – but a Lion!
"Thank you, Sir Knight," Harry said, "What may I call you?"
"My name is Sir Leon," the knight said.
Leon, riding a lion, Harry mused, How very creative.
"It is an honor to meet you, Sir Leon," Harry said.
"An honor to meet you, young Lion," Leon said, "You're much kinder than your sire, young Lion. He often liked to make jokes about me and my good steed."
"My sire?" Harry asked. "My father? You knew him?"
"I have been residing here for centuries, young Lion," Leon said, "I knew many a Gryffindor Head Boy. Including your sire."
"I'm not a Head Boy," Harry said.
"Not yet," Leon said, "But Head Boys aren't all they're cracked up to be. Take the last resident in these Quarters – Percival, I believe. Wonderful name. Terrible attitude. I rejoiced when that pompous popinjay left!"
Harry snorted at the knight's description of Percy Weasley. "I think you and I will get along smashingly."
"Perhaps we will, young Lion," Leon said. "According to that handsome clock over there, I believe it is nearing dinner. Perhaps you should go see if your young lass is ready to dine with you?"
"A fine idea," Harry said, "I'll see you soon. Perhaps you can tell me stories about my father – my sire?"
"I will try to think of some good tales of your sire," Leon said, "I will say this. I am sorry for your loss, young Lion. He might have been a jester, but he was, at the very least, better than that Percival fellow."
"Thank you, Sir, Leon," Harry said, "That means a lot to me. Farewell for now."
"Fare thee well, young Lion!" Leon said.
The knight's steed roared his farewell as well. Harry waved at the lion, before he left the Private Quarters. Hermione was just walking out of her room as well.
"Nice timing," Hermione said, grinning.
Harry walked over to her, wrapped his arms around her, and kissed her deeply. They kissed for half-a-minute, before they parted and proceeded to make their way onto the seventh floor corridor.
"You may kiss me like that in the Great Hall, boyfriend," Hermione said, smiling, "I think that will do very well toward convincing everyone how serious we are."
"I cannot deny my lady's bequest," Harry said.
"Bequest?" Hermione echoed, amused.
"Sorry," Harry said, "I have a portrait Knight riding a lion as a steed as a roommate. Sir Leon seems like a pretty cool bloke. If I start speaking like a Knight, blame him."
"Nice," Hermione said, "I have a portrait of Victorian style Lady, named Elizabeth. I cannot ever call her Beth, or Liz, apparently. Just Elizabeth. She said an auburn-haired witch once refused to call her anything but Liz, and was quite annoyed with it."
Harry blinked, then smiled. "My mother?"
"I think so," Hermione smiled.
"I need to tell you something McGonagall told me about my parents," Harry said.
He told her what McGonagall had told him. "Then she said one last thing to me. She said it would make her very happy if the two people residing in those Quarters now repeated history."
Hermione blushed just as deep as Harry had at McGonagall's words.
She cleared her throat. "Give me a while, and I might very much agree to repeat history."
Harry grinned goofily. "As long as is necessary, my lady. Just don't keep me waiting too long."
Hermione smiled. "You mean…?"
"There's nobody for me but you, Hermione," Harry said, "I am certainly not implying it will happen any time soon, of course! Tell me when to do what my father did with my mother in the Great Hall, give me enough time to get a ring - and let me ask your father, if you feel I must - and I'll pop the question when the time comes."
Hermione went very quiet and simply stared forward as they walked down the corridor.
"Have I upset you?" Harry asked; after a couple minutes of silence.
"No," Hermione said, "I'm just trying to figure out which Leaving Feast I want it to happen."
"You figure that out between now and the end of our seventh year," Harry said, "And I'll be happy to make it happen."
"You know what you're saying, don't you?" Hermione asked. "Harry, I'm not sure you know this, but this isn't exactly a topic a couple has a few hours into their relationship."
"I'm saying there's nobody but you for me, Hermione," Harry said. "There never will be anyone else. I said as much with Professor McGonagall. There's no me without you. I literally wouldn't be here without you, Hermione. It is, to me, an inevitable direction our relationship will go, even if it doesn't happen for a few years. But, if you'll have me, it will happen. That's a promise."
"My seventeenth birthday," Hermione said, after half-a-minute. "By then I should have no doubts. Not that I – never mind."
"I know what you mean, Hermione," Harry said. "Your seventeenth birthday, it is."
We could get married the following August after I turn seventeen, Harry mused, unaware Hermione had the same thoughts.
Hermione's eyes misted over and she sniffled. "I do believe the kiss I will give you for this entire conversation will do a lot to convince everyone about how we feel about each other."
Harry smiled but said nothing. Nothing needed to be said, and nothing more was said as the couple made their way to the Grand Staircase.
(A few minutes later)
Albus Dumbledore, Headmaster of Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry smiled from his golden throne at the Head Table as his gaze wandered the Great Hall. Most of the student population was in the Great Hall at that very moment, except a few who hadn't arrived yet. Albus frowned when he could spot none of the Durmstrang or Beauxbatons students in attendance.
"Where are our guests this evening, Minerva?" Albus asked his Deputy Headmistress, who was sitting to his left.
"They are not dining with us this evening," Minerva said. "Madame Maxime told me she and her students are having an evening picnic out on the Grounds, taking advantage of what might be the last nice evening before the winter snows come. Headmaster Karkaroff invited his students to Hogsmeade to dine in the Three Broomsticks. All of them accepted."
"Damn it," Albus muttered, "I wanted to announce the Yule Ball this evening."
"I was under the impression that you had given me such a duty," Minerva said.
"Well, if you wish to announce it, feel free to do so," Albus said, "Kind of pointless for such a big announcement, without our guests here."
"You misunderstand me, Albus," Minerva said, "I took the opportunity to inform the students in each of my classes today about the Yule Ball. I believe those who weren't in any of my classes, were soon informed about the Ball through the gossip mill of Hogwarts."
Albus stared at his Deputy. "When I gave you permission to announce the Ball, I thought I had made it clear you should announce it in such a grand way like an announcement during dinner."
"You did not make that clear, Albus," Minerva said, "So I did as I thought was proper."
"It wasn't proper, though, was it?" Albus argued, "Given gossip was required to make sure the announcement got around to everyone."
"If a piece of gossip is revealed on the Astronomy Tower," Minerva said, "Everyone in the rest of the castle will hear it before the end of the day. Isn't that what you told me once when I asked if you might quell certain gossips about certain students?"
Albus sighed. "I suppose so. It is a pointless endeavor to announce it here during dinner, given our guests are not coming."
Albus moped. He had hoped he could make the big announcement, because it would be the perfect opportunity for a couple students to make their claim on two other students for the Yule Ball, before their claim was claimed by someone else. Somebody inappropriate.
He glanced toward the middle of the Gryffindor Table. His eyebrows raised as he found that Harry Potter, Hermione Granger and the youngest Weasleys had not arrived yet. He shrugged, and decided they were probably coming down to the Great Hall together. Granger probably wanted Harry and Ron to get their homework done before dinner, and it took too long. The know-it-all was predictable like that.
Suddenly, two of Albus' targeted students entered the Hall. He narrowed his eyebrows when they were hand-in-hand. Why were Mr. Potter and Miss Granger holding hands? And where were the Weasleys? This behavior between Mr. Potter and Miss Granger had never happened before. Their friendship did not extend to holding hands. Ron Weasley would never allow it. So what had happened?
"Was Mr. Potter's class one of the classes you announced the Ball too?" Albus asked Minerva.
"It certainly was," Minerva said; she was smiling – actually smiling! – at Mr. Potter and Miss Granger, as she spoke – what was that about? "I also informed Mr. Potter he and his partner would be opening the Ball with the rest of the Champions. He realized he needed a date. Don't they look lovely, Albus?"
"They?" Albus echoed.
"Mr. Potter and Miss Granger," Minerva clarified. "Have you not heard the rumors? It happened at lunch. Mr. Potter asked Miss Granger to the Yule Ball in front of everyone who was there.. She said 'yes' of course."
What?! No! No, that was not supposed to happen! Perhaps Minerva was wrong. Perhaps she had heard gossip of such a scene and had believed it.
And then something happened that drowned that theory. Miss Granger giggled, wrapped her arms around Mr. Potter's neck, and kissed him, fully on the mouth! Albus' internal cursing and swearing was almost as loud as the collective gasps and whispers around the Great Hall at the sight of the couple.
This was not supposed to happen! What had happened to the plan?!
Albus knew he couldn't stop the scene in front of him. Why would the Leader of the Light object to such a wonderful showcase of love – ugh – which, of course, was the most powerful tool for the Light! He couldn't be seen disapproving of such a relationship, especially between the Boy-Who-Lived and his best friend! Why couldn't the little bitch have died when the troll attacked her? So many things had gone horribly for Albus' plans because Harry had saved that girl's life. At least Ronald had been smart enough to help save the girl. Ron had been a great help in making sure Mr. Potter and the girl weren't too close to realize the affections they had for one another. So what had changed? Why had Ronald failed so badly?!
There was only one person who could stop this scene. He looked down the table, ready to signal Severus Snape to intrude on the scene.
And found the Potions Master missing! Where was he? He should be here to rant at Mr. Potter and Miss Granger! He should have prevented such a scene from even taking place to begin with! Miss Granger's loud giggling which had started the whole thing would have had Snape yelling at her to stop such foolishness, before the couple even showed any evidence of affection!
"Where is Severus, Minerva?" Albus asked.
"Slytherin Common Room, I do believe," Minerva said, still smiling at the couple, "Something about internal House business. I knew not to interfere or question."
Damn. Of course Severus had to choose such a time to be responsible!
Albus turned to the next usual suspect: Draco Malfoy. The young man was being useless, as per usual. He was simply sitting at the Slytherin table, gaping like a dunderhead at the still snogging couple!
The blonde-haired scion of a Death Eater should have seen the scene, been disgusted by it, stood up and walked over to the couple. Then he would have insulted the couple before they could kiss for too long! Then he would have insulted their relationship even further, planting the seed of doubt between the pair about their relationship that Albus could continue to sew until it flourished!
Good help was so hard to find these days!
Albus sighed. He'd have to do something, and try to be nice about it.
"Miss Granger, Mr. Potter!" Albus said, loudly, so his voice carried.
The apparent couple – ugh! – stopped their public display of affection – ugh! – and turned to the Headmaster.
"While it is wonderful to see the seeds of new love begin to sew," Albus said, trying to portray the Lord of Light everyone expected him to be, "Such behavior is inappropriate in such a public setting like this. Please save such… affections… for when you are alone."
"I quite agree, Mr. Potter, Miss Granger!" Minerva said, "Detention, this Saturday, my classroom at seven in the evening!"
Albus smirked. That couldn't have gone any better. Minerva actually punished the apparent couple, and the young Gryffindors seemed to accept their punishment without argument.
"Perhaps we should separate the two, Minerva, given their upgraded status," Albus suggested.
Yes, put Potter in detention with Severus. Have him put doubts in Potter's new relationship with Granger. Gah! So much damage control needed to take care of already!
"Unnecessary," Minerva said, "Given Potter's… upbringing, I very much doubt he even knows about the subject of safe sex."
"Sex?" Albus asked, inwardly shivering at the very idea, "Aren't they too young? Isn't their relationship too new?"
"Perhaps," Minerva agreed, "But teenage hormones run rampant and become predictable. As the Head of their House, I want to make sure they know to be safe if such a moment does take place. Wouldn't want little Potters running around Hogwarts before the couple graduates, would we?"
Albus grimaced at the idea of babies with Potter and Granger as their parents. "Perhaps you are right."
It wouldn't do for Potter to accidentally impregnate Granger. She was not the mother he had in mind for the future Potter baby. If Granger had a Potter baby before Ginny Weasley had one, then the Granger-born baby would be the eldest, and would gain the titles, Wizengamot seats, and most of the Potter fortune. Granger would be the Lady Regent to the Potter Heir! That could not happen!
Albus sighed. This was not good. If Minerva announced the Ball during Mr. Potter's class, then Mr. Weasley had been in attendance as well. Why hadn't Mr. Weasley asked Miss Granger to the Ball before Mr. Potter could? As had been discussed! How was he going to fix this?
Wait… where were the Weasleys. Why hadn't Ronald and Ginevra arrived? They should have been here to see Mr. Potter and Miss Granger kissing. That would have set them off, and they would have contacted their mother to help them with this new roadblock!
Albus could have stepped in earlier that day, if he had known of Mr. Potter's intentions to ask Miss Granger to the Yule Ball. If he had attended lunch with them, he could have… persuaded… Mr. Potter not to ask Miss Granger. That his best friend, his first friend, Ron Weasley already had plans to do so! Mr. Potter, not wanting to lose his good friend, especially after a dramatic affair last month which almost ended their friendship, would have allowed his friend first dibs at Miss Granger's affections!
But he hadn't been there! So now, the whole school knew Mr. Potter and Miss Granger were going to the Ball together. And due to that steamy kiss in the middle of the crowded Great Hall at dinner, now everyone knew how serious the new couple's relationship was!
How could this get any worse? Where were those damned gingers?! They needed to start putting doubt in Mr. Potter and Miss Granger's heads about their relationship! Or maybe just Mr. Potter's. They could lie to him about Miss Granger, and tell him she dosed him with Love Potion or something!
"Minerva?" Albus asked, "Two of your Lions are missing, it appears. Do you know where Ron and Ginevra Weasley are?"
Minerva pursed her lips, and Albus' heart sank. What happened?
"The two siblings decided to insult me earlier today, Albus," Minerva sniffed. "So I grounded them to their dormitories for the evening. They'll have detention tomorrow night, in my classroom at seven."
"But what about dinner?" Albus asked; he needed them to be here to begin sowing the seeds of doubt into the new couple's minds!
"They're eating dinner in their dormitories, because I wasn't about to let them come down here," Minerva said. "Not after what I heard!"
"What do you hear?" Albus asked; what had happened?!
"Mr. Weasley and his sister did not react too kindly to Mr. Potter asking Miss Granger to the Ball," Minerva said. "I overheard them plotting in a girl's bathroom of all places about trying to break up the new couple! Ridiculous, huh?"
Albus was confused. How was Minerva able to hear anything the Weasleys would plot about Potter and Granger? There were enchantments to prevent that very thing so nobody could know what they were doing and warn Potter and Granger! Albus then wondered… was it Minerva's Animagus? Did that interfere in the enchantments? He hadn't considered that!
Albus smiled weakly. "Yeah… terrible. You said they insulted you?"
"I cleared my throat, intending to inform Mr. Weasley he shouldn't be in a girl's bathroom," Minerva said. "When he told me, and I quote 'Go away, bitch! We're talking here!' Can you believe that?"
Albus sighed. Yes, actually… he could. Ron's behavior was… unfortunately abominable sometimes. He could only blame that on Molly Weasley.
"When I informed the two siblings exactly who they were talking to," Minerva said, "Mr. Weasley told me he thought I was Moaning Myrtle. He said if he knew it was me, he wouldn't have said it."
"Perhaps he was telling the truth?" Albus suggested, "Did you really have to ground them and give them detention?"
"It was a just punishment, Albus," Minerva sniffed. "What would Severus do?"
Albus sighed. "I suppose you have a point."
"Besides, how could I not punish them after hearing what I did?" Minerva said. "Can you believe Ron and Ginny Weasley – who claim to be Harry Potter and Hermione's best and truest friends – would actually plot to break up the new and budding relationship? It is unheard of, Albus! It could become Line Theft, if their relationship becomes serious! That is beyond Hogwarts, Albus. You know that better than I do! We wouldn't be able to stop the DMLE from investigating!"
Albus removed his glasses and pinched his nose, hopefully implying he was annoyed by the Weasleys. In truth, he wanted the Weasleys to interfere. But now… if Minerva implied the dangers of threatening Line Theft?
How could it go so wrong so quickly? How was he going to fix this? There was no way he could convince this roomful of students that they had not seen what they had between Mr. Potter and Miss Granger. No way he could convince them that this 'new and budding' relationship was a simple fling. For Merlin's sake, their kiss would probably be stuff of legends for the next several months, even years, no matter how many girls around the Hall were jealous or angry about it.
Unless… no, Fred and George Weasley were there. He couldn't blame it on Polyjuice Potion and a prank, and blame them for the prank. Damn it. Why did the useless Weasleys have to be the two siblings in attendance? If they weren't there, he could have had that Polyjuice Prank scenario as gossip in the whole castle by the following morning!
Instead, Mr. Potter and Miss Granger's new relationship would be the talk of the school for… probably the foreseeable future. There was no way he could stop this. He could not Obliviate the entire School, even with the Elder Wand. To his dismay, there were several sons and daughters of Light and Neutral Light families whose parents had taught them Occlumency, to protect family secrets. So many highborn families – even the Light and Neutral-Light families – had books and tomes all about Occlumency, Legilimency and Mind-Magics. Books he had removed from the Hogwarts Library to prevent the students from learning proper Occlumency.
If Occlumency was a subject students could learn in private whilst at school, he wouldn't be able to look in their minds. Unfortunately, highborn, political families, those in the Wizengamot knew all about that risk! So they taught their children Occlumency. These sons and daughters of Light and Neutral-Light families with Occluded minds could not be completely Obliviated of any specific memories without discovering there were gaps in their memories. They would even discover memory modification! That was a benefit of clearing the mind and practicing Occlumency!
It was maddening! These students in particular would be the very students who would notice if something strange happened to Mr. Potter and Miss Granger's budding relationship. It was the talk of the castle. If they suddenly broke up out of nowhere, after that legendary kiss, someone would take notice that something sinister was in the works! Obliviations would be suspected as well as any Potions – such as Love Potions or Revulsion Potion that the new couple could be given – and the plot would be uncovered by the DMLE! A full investigation would open. And – if Ron and Ginny Weasley's negative attitude toward Mr. Potter and Miss Granger's relationship was true as Minerva said – they would be the first suspects! Especially if they became Mr. Potter and Miss Granger's respective love-interests!
How could it all go so wrong so fast? Harry was supposed to marry Ginny, or at the very least, get her pregnant, sacrifice himself, and then his fortune would go to Ginevra, who would be an underage mother. The fortune would be given to Molly and Arthur as her parents. Molly would give half of the fortune to him! That was the plan!
The one person Albus didn't want Harry to be romantic with – out of everyone – was Hermione Granger. With Ron's recent betrayal, Miss Granger had likely received a recent upgrade in her friendship status as Mr. Potter's best friend. This obviously led to Mr. Potter realizing his deeper affection toward Miss Granger, which led to the events that had taken place that day! Mr. Potter would not want to sacrifice himself now. He would want a long and loving life with Miss Granger! Multiple children probably! If Albus even suggest he get her pregnant – just in case he died – so he could pass on his bloodline, Harry would probably react badly.
If he didn't react so badly, if he was willing to sacrifice himself eventually – after Albus had used the lad for his own plans before he would set the boy on his path to his demise – Albus might have agreed to the boy's newfound relationship. He could always convince Miss Granger that he needed an Heir or Heiress. He could blood-adopt her that way. She'd agree, given how she hero-worshiped him. Being blood-adopted by the greatest wizard ever, yes she might like the idea. Then her baby would have the Dumbledore bloodline, and he could claim the Potter fortune, since Lady Potter – of course the girl would want to marry Harry before she gave birth – would be a Dumbledore. Potter's death would obviously affect Miss Granger deeply. He'd call her unstable, dose her with enough potions to make the story believable, and place her in the Permanent Ward in St. Mungo's. Then he could raise the Potter-Dumbledore heir as his own! With the Potter fortune, and the Philosopher's Stone, he could rule the wizarding world, and then he rest of the world, in a few decades. And when he finally passed on when he decided to do so, his heir would be his successor!
If only Mr. Potter would be so agreeable to such a thing!
Unfortunately for Mr. Potter, he wasn't. And now Albus would have to figure out just how to get out of the mess the Brat-Who-Lived had made for him!
Albus smirked as an idea crossed his mind. A beautiful, wonderful idea that would stop this new unforeseen problem in its tracks! The Second Task would be coming in three months. Maybe he should allow Mr. Potter and Miss Granger's relationship to flourish for a little while. After all, Miss Granger would certainly be somebody Mr. Potter would miss the most.
The boy could even prove that very thing… by mourning Miss Granger after her accidental demise during the Second Task. Due to drowning, of course. And oh, the boy would blame himself for not rescuing her in time. He would grieve, and Ginny Weasley would be there to bring him back from his grief. Albus, would too, of course. Harry might even say he wants to die, so he can be with Granger. So Albus would tell him about Voldemort, the prophecy, and how he must sacrifice himself. Harry would do it. Save the wizarding world as is his destiny, and then go be with the love of his life. Of course, putting an heir in Ginny Weasley first would have to happen.
Albus raised a glass and toasted the new couple. To Mr. Potter and Miss Granger. He would have never predicted his enemies would have paved the road to his destiny so wonderfully!
"By the way, Albus," Minerva interrupted Albus' premature solo celebration, "I need to make an announcement this evening."
"What type of announcement?" Albus asked.
"In-House business," Minerva said.
Albus sighed. In-House business. He hated those three words. Even as Headmaster he couldn't interfere in In-House business. Which was why he had made Minerva so busy over the past four years since Mr. Potter became a Gryffindor. An overworked Head of Gryffindor couldn't do her job properly, now could she?
So what was she up to? Something that would ruin his little celebration likely. She was good at that.
"Very well, Minerva," Albus said, "Feel free to conduct your In-House business here in front of everyone. Is that against policy?"
"The actual business won't be in front of everyone Albus," Minerva said, "This is merely an announcement to inform them of the business. All of them – aside from the two youngest Weasleys - are here, after all. It is difficult to get them all in the same place aside from meals."
"Then you may do as you please," Albus said; he was eager to see what this was all about.
Ding! Ding! Ding!
Albus sighed. He hated when she silenced the students like that. His ears were already sensitive without that annoying sound, thank you very much, Minerva!
(Meanwhile)
Ding! Ding! Ding!
Ever since their public kiss there in the Hall, Harry and Hermione had been doing their best to answer those very personal questions about their relationship in the most polite way. Angelina Johnson, who was sitting with them, as well as the rest of the Gryffindor Team, had noticed their new bracelets. Hermione informed the curious on-lookers that the she had made the bracelets for both of them, as a show of their new relationship. There was much swooning from girls around the table at that. Some jealous looks of course, but that was expected.
Everyone looked up when Professor McGonagall tapped on her glass three times, to get everybody's attention.
Naturally every student went silent almost immediately and looked toward the Deputy Headmistress.
"Good evening," McGonagall said, as she stood up. "Recently, I have had a great revelation about myself. Most of you know I am the Head of Gryffindor House. This is true. Unfortunately, I have recently realized I haven't been properly doing my job in that role. That changes tonight. To my Gryffindor students in attendance tonight. All of you will remain here after dinner is finished. We are having an In-House Meeting to discuss some changes in Gryffindor House. If I discover any of my Gryffindors have left this Hall before that meeting is finished, without my permission, then I will assume you no longer consider yourself a member of Gryffindor House."
Gasps were heard around the Great Hall, none more louder than from several students at the Gryffindor Table.
"That is all, for now," McGonagall said, "You may resume your meals."
Minerva sat down, and the murmurs, whispers and gossips ignited like a bomb around the Great Hall.
"What was that all about?" Dean Thomas asked.
"You weren't in the Gryffindor Common Room about an hour before dinner, were you, young Mr. Thomas?" Fred Weasley asked.
"I was in the library working on my Transfiguration homework," Dean said, "What happened?"
"Dramatic events, my fellow Lion," George Weasley said.
"You had to be there," Fred said, "It will be the talk of Gryffindor Tower for weeks to come."
"Bigger news than our young Harry and Hermione's two minute long snog in front of everyone here at dinner," George said.
Harry and Hermione blushed. Okay… maybe they had overdone their "Opening Salvos" just a little bit. Maybe.
"What did you two do?" Dean asked Harry and Hermione. "Aside from kissing I mean."
"Why do you blame us?" Hermione asked.
"When there is an incident in Gryffindor Tower," Dean said, "you're either responsible for it, a victim of the event, or a witness at the very least. Also when I put my book-bag up in the dormitory, I noticed your trunk was gone. Something happened, Harry. Something big enough that caused you to leave our dormitory, and for Professor McGonagall to call an In-House Meeting.
"Oh, and the biggest clue. When I arrived at the dorm, Ron was in his bed, grumbling about something I didn't hear. When I asked him what his problem was, he said and I quote 'Fucking Potter!' So I ask again. What did you do?"
"Asked Hermione to the Yule Ball at lunch," Harry said, "Which pissed off Ron and Ginny Weasley. Which made them confront us, and attempt to attack us after we wouldn't break up. This led to Ron and Ginny in detention tomorrow."
"And Professor McGonagall grounded our wayward siblings to their dormitories," Fred said.
"And confiscated their wands until, at the very earliest, tomorrow morning at breakfast," George said.
"Wow," Dean said, "It is always you two, isn't it? Ron and Ginny are bloody mental to interfere in your relationship. Trust me, Potter. There may be a few jealous girls who wish they were in Hermione's position, but the majority of the school is likely going to favor your relationship."
"Even though I'm a Muggleborn?" Hermione said.
"The color of blood doesn't matter, Granger," Fred said, "The color of gold…"
"Which is gold, interestingly enough," George said.
"Is far more important," Fred finished.
"Gold?" Hermione asked.
"Galleons, my dear Cleopatra," Fred said.
Dean snorted. "Queen of denial. Yep, that's our Hermione. Harry, too, for that matter, now I think on it. Except you wouldn't make a very pretty Queen, Harry."
Harry and Hermione glared playfully at her fellow Muggleborn.
"A lot of gold is changing hands because of you two," George said. "Much betting went around Hogwarts about the precise date you two would become a couple.
"Rumor has it," Fred said, "Professor McGonagall won ten Galleons from Professor Sprout, simply betting you two would get together."
"Professor Sprout thought Viktor Krum would ask you, Hermione," George said.
"Something about him staring at you in the library," Fred said.
Harry raised an eyebrow as he looked at his girlfriend. "Krum?"
"He's never approached me, Harry," Hermione said, "If he noticed me at all, it is because I do not approach him like the hordes of fan-girls wanting autographs."
"Viktor Krum wants someone who isn't a fan-girl as his romantic interest," Fred said.
"Ergo, Professor Sprout's bet," George said.
"You tell me if he approaches you, Hermione," Harry said.
"Fine, you jealous idiot," Hermione said, rolling her eyes.
"Don't worry, Harry," Fred said. "We'll defend our Golden Couple."
"If Krum even decides to be in the same corridor or room as our dear Miss Granger," George said.
"We'll send Peeves after him," Fred said. "And if he stalks her in the library again."
"We'll make him cause a ruckus," George said, "Madam Pince will ban him from your girlfriend's domain."
"Poof… no more stalking," Fred said.
"You two are definitely not related to Ron and Ginny," Harry said.
"Thank you for believing us!" Fred and George said in unison.
Dean sighed as he stared at his chicken leg. "Never a dull day around Potter and Granger."
"What about us, Mr. Thomas?" Fred asked, "Are we dull?"
"Answer correctly" George said, "Or that chicken leg will talk back to you."
"As long as it isn't in your voices, it can say whatever it wants," Dean said.
"I like this one, brother of mine," Fred said.
"He can be our brother from another mother," George agreed. "Since we need a new one."
"Ron is definitely a brother from another mother," Fred said. "Or are we the brothers from another mother?"
Dean sighed. "I wonder if McGonagall's serious about kicking me out of Gryffindor if I leave the Hall. Perhaps I should chance it."
Harry and Hermione snickered. They had never been able to appreciate their fellow Gryffindor until now. Now that Ron wasn't their friend anymore, they might be able to make new friends.
Perhaps we should add Dean to that list of friendly Gryffindors, Harry pondered, then shrugged. I'll decide after I figure how much he's done to me or Hermione.
"So who are you asking to the Ball, Dean?" Hermione asked.
"Well, I was going to ask Ginny," Dean muttered, "But she's suddenly become very unattractive. No offense, Thing One and Thing Two."
"Which one of us is which?" Fred asked.
"You decide between the two of yourselves," Dean said; that caused the twins to start whispering to each other, allowing those seated near the twins a few moments of peace. "I'll talk to Seamus and see if wants to ask out Lavender or Parvati. I'll just ask the other one. That should work."
"Good luck," Harry said, "Here's a little advice. Act as if you've stolen the courage from every other Gryffindor for a moment, so you'll have enough courage to ask your date. That is what I did with Hermione."
Hermione raised an eyebrow. "Is that true?"
"Yes," Harry said, "It definitely worked for me!"
"I might have to lower my standards and drag you into a broom closet for that," Hermione said.
"Kind of goes against your apparent desire for public displays of affection, doesn't it?" Dean asked, with a grin.
"Shut up, Dean," Harry and Hermione said, in unison.
Dean looked horrified "Argh! There are four of you now!"
The new couple erupted in laughter. It was very fun finding new friends now that Ron wasn't there to get jealous about them replacing him.
This was a weird chapter. That last scene is a bit iffy for me. Whatever.
I know the "marriage proposal" conversation was oddly timed so early in their relationship, which is exactly why I had Hermione say that "it's too early to talk about this" line, but I thought it was sweet, so I put it in.
Yes, Minerva lied to Albus about Ron and Ginny's reason for "grounding". It could be easily discovered it didn't happen. But she knew what she was doing. She did not want Albus to learn from her about the confrontation in the room. Actually, she wanted to see what he might do, if he believe she had heard them plotting about something.
Two of the scenes in this chapter were unplanned. Dumbledore's entire POV was at first going to be Minerva watching Harry and Hermione's second show. But that would have been similar to the lunch show. So I introduced Dumbledore into the story. Manipulative Dumbledore plotting is fun to write.
The second unplanned part was most of the last scene. I didn't want the Gryffindor meeting in this chapter, so I brought in Dean, and added the Twins again. They've become the Comic Relief in this story.
Next Chapter: The Gryffindor Meeting. That is all. It takes so long it lasts the whole chapter.