(Y/N)'s POV

After the Department of Mysteries and its aftermath, and more recently the stunt that the Death Eaters pulled at the Millennium Bridge, the world was collectively holding its breath, waiting for Voldemort's next disaster. But that wasn't what I was afraid of right now.

I have fought Voldemort twice, a dragon, an army of spiders, a mountain troll, but nothing I've ever done has prepared me for this. To be honest, a lot of recent events meant that I'd rather be doing other things right now, but a promise is a promise.

It was a week before I was scheduled to go to the Burrow I was stood on the doorstep to a muggle house, holding two bouquets of flowers, in my best Muggle suit and tie, anxiously shifting my weight as I rang the doorbell.

It was Hermione who opened the door and greeted me with a smile. "Good to see you" she pulled me into a hug and a quick kiss. I was mesmerised, she was in a dark blue dress that ended at her knees and had her hair down.

She looked amazing. "You look brilliant....uh, these are for you!" I said in a panic, basically pushing them into her chest. She took them gladly and smiled. "They're fresh cut, I hope you like them" I said nervously. "I love them," she said looking over at the others.

"Are those for mum?" "No, they're for Freddie next door" She sighed, "I think he's on holiday" she shook her head sadly, I shrugged, "I suppose I can give them to your mum then."

"You don't need to put them in water for a while, since they are fresh cut" I said, rubbing my head nervously, she nodded, then she paused, "You charmed them, didn't you?" I nodded. "Yeah, a lot. They're basically indestructible"

She thanked me and said the question I had been dreading for a few weeks now, "How are you feeling?" she murmured. I shrugged, "A bit better, Moody's helped a lot, he's sent Dad on holiday for a few months to keep him safe, but I think part of it was just to give him time to process things..."

I looked down, She nodded "Sorry I shouldn't have-" I put up a hand to stop her. "It's fine, thanks for caring" I kissed her on the cheek. "Silver lining, I'm not grounded anymore, and I get to make a prat of myself in front of your parents without any help."

"Is now a bad time to mention I have a crippling fear of dentists?" I smirked, trying to distil the tension, she smiled appreciatively, "They're harmless" "Tell that to my wisdom teeth" I smiled, "I'm more scared of two dentists then I am of mass murderers" She shook her head dismissively.

"So, can I come in, or is dinner served in the drive?" "Oh right!" she said, noticing we were still on the front door. As she led me in by the hand she whispered some ground rules to me, the normal stuff, no politics, no Dark Lord talk, stuff like that.

She sighed and said, "And no dentist jokes, they've heard them all" I sighed. "Well, there goes half of the nights conversation" I groaned, she smiled and raised an eyebrow. "Only half? Consider me impressed, you're more prepared for this then I thought."

I pouted, and she giggled, giving my hand a supportive squeeze as I faced her parents. I gave Mrs. Granger her flowers, which she accepted happily, then Mr. Granger shook my hand which I returned with a greeting. This is when my brain started to betray me.

"Was the handshake firm enough? Was it too firm? Did she like the flowers? OH GOD, WHAT IF SHE'S ALLERGIC TO FLOWERS?" Then the more rational part of my brain reasoned "You're a wizard you prat. It doesn't matter"

They welcomed me into their home, after a few hours of sharing embarrassing stories of Hermione's childhood that I stored in my memory to use against her later we sat down for dinner.

It was really just idle chatter and small talk, "-Well, my Mum was an Auror and my Dad used to be a mechanic, but nowadays he just does whatever he wants, he's on holiday somewhere warm right now" I laughed.

"A what sorry?" Oh yeah, I forgot they were muggles. I tried my best to explain, "Um, Aurors are like-" I tried to think of a comparison, but just like when someone asks you your favourite colour. I had forgotten every profession in existence, magical or otherwise.

Luckily, Hermione came to my aid. "An Auror is essentially a Wizarding Police Officer or Soldier" I looked to her and nodded. "Close enough" "Would she know about the Millennium Bridge then? We read about it in the paper"

"Oh, um, no she passed away a few months ago," Mr. Granger did a little jolt in his chair whereas his wife made a gasping noise and covered her mouth. "Oh, I'm so sorry, I didn't mean-" Admittedly my heart did feel like it was in my throat, but it wasn't their fault.

"Please, don't worry about it" I said, wanting to politely drop the subject. "I have Winky to take care of me, so I won't starve at least, plus Dad whenever he's around" I tried to convince them not to worry.

"Who is 'Winky'?" Mrs. Granger enquired. "My friend, she's a house elf...we pay her though, so don't worry. She's free to do what she wants, she just likes helping out" I said to calm their nerves. "A what elf?" said Mr Granger. "uhhh...house?" I said, confused.

"You have elves living in your house?" he looked at me like I'd grown a second head. "No, just the one, she lives with us when she's not at Hogwarts" Hermione and her parents shared a glance that I couldn't quite catch the context behind.

"Muggles" I muttered under my breath. Hermione gave me an out by telling me to explain how much I liked Hogwarts, weird topic, but I rolled with it.

I spent the next few minutes telling them essentially my life story, well, as far as Hogwarts was concerned, making a point to emphasise Hermione in the stories, from the mountain troll to the Department of Mysteries. Leaving out a few of the racier bits.

"-So then I said, I don't care if you're the Minister of Magic-" "Actually, you just settled something for us" said Mr. Granger looking to his wife, I glanced at them, confused. "I'm sorry to say, but from what you just told us, Hogwarts has become too dangerous for Hermione to go back."

I stuttered in shock, thinking I misheard "What!" Hermione immediately protested, standing from her chair with such force it was knocked over. "That's a bit harsh, don't you think?" I pleaded. He glared at me. "Please, we might not be like you or Hermione, but we're not idiots."

I panicked, "Of course not!" I waved my hands frantically. "We know something's wrong after that Dark Lord man came back, and if our daughter can't be safe in a Wizard school, maybe she shouldn't be in one!" he said, his voice slowly rising

"Dad! Don't be ridiculous" scolded Hermione. "All I'm saying is that we'd like to be informed of recent events so we can protect our daughter, not treated like children!" He looked to me expectantly.

"Well, I'm not the most reliable source of information, have you tried the Daily Prophet?" he scoffed, "Funny..." I shrugged. It devolved into a lot of shouting and bickering back and forth until I went to voice my opinion. "You aren't part of this, it's a family matter" Mr. Granger said firmly.

I was appalled, "So you bring it up when you have guests, real discreet" I scoffed he frowned at me. "It's too dangerous, and If the staff allow this to continue, they're just as mad as these Deathy maniacs. It's child endangerment"

A small part of me was tempted to agree with him to get on his good side, I mean, he did have a point. But looking at Hermione being held by her Mum I stuck to my guns. "That's not true!" I defended; Hogwarts would suck without Hermione.

I was not letting this go, family matter or not. "You don't understand! Half of the trouble we have gotten into had been because we were forced into it" They turned to me in a 'That doesn't make it better' look so I tried my best to put it into their terms.

"Without Hogwarts, we wouldn't be here, we wouldn't be who we are today" Hermione nodded, and her father still seemed reluctant, "I suppose it's all fun and games to you then is it? No danger at all? How did you lose that hand of yours again?" he said triumphantly

"Well, if you were paying attention to my story, I got this when I tried to stop Voldemort. And for the record, the only reason I'm not dead right now, was because of the teaching I got at Hogwarts and the friends I made there" I took a breath.

"So If you want my opinion, there is nowhere on earth safer for your daughter then Hogwarts." "Your opinion doesn't matter here! You aren't part of this family" he spat, I smirked back, for some unknown reason my brain, and then my mouth, managed to spout out "Give me a few years. I'm still working on it."

This is where most people would have stopped speaking because they had made their point, unfortunately, I had a lot of emotion bottle up that I just vented off at the Grangers.

"I know this is your house, and that you just want to keep her safe, but you are being ridiculous and frankly, if you are even considering taking her out of that school, then perhaps you aren't as smart as you think."

Now I saw where Hermione got it from, all three of them went from aggressively arguing to silence in an instant, in an expression that was the same and spanned across all three Grangers, it was one of utter shock.

The adrenaline in my system faded and I caught myself, "I'll see myself out then" I made my way to the door, walking past the three of them, "Thank you for having me."

I embraced Mrs. Granger in a hug and held out a hand to Mr. Granger, he didn't take it, which is what I expected after the 'Give me a few years' comment. "Well, that's just rude" I commented as I stepped out the door.

Hermione followed me out the door, trying to apologise for some reason, and despite my best efforts to convince her she had done nothing wrong and to be honest, neither had her parents, she just frowned as I booped her nose.

"Sorry, I got a little overexcited, could have been worse though, kept all of my teeth" I tried to cheer her up "It's fine, they will come around" She nodded. "Don't worry, If you're not at the Burrow when you're meant to be, I'll come back and break you out, worked with Harry.

"But warn me if they bolt your windows, It might take me a while to procure another flying car" She nodded and kissed me. With that, Winky apparated to pick me up, gave the Grangers a happy wave and after taking my hand, dissaparated back home.

I wished I could have seen their faces. Turns out, my prison break plans were unnecessary, she arrived at the Burrow as scheduled, her parents both apologised, as did I, then they seemed to accept me a bit more, even if her father was a bit cautious of me.

But when your daughter is dating a 6'4 and a bit delinquent who has a bad habit of getting himself nearly killed, I couldn't blame him. We spent the next few days goofing off until Harry arrived, as well as planning for his birthday.

One evening I was pulled awake by Ginny crying "Mum!" up the stairs, I rose to my feet sleepily and pushed open the door with a yawn.

Harry's POV

I listened on in great interest. Mrs Weasley called back "What is it, Ginny? Is it your father? Has something happened at the Ministry? Has he been kidnapped? Is it the Death Eaters?" "Exactly. How'd you guess?" retorted Ginny tiredly.

Mrs. Weasley let out a loud gasp. "I'm joking, Mum." "You're worse than Fred and George." "Now you're joking. I was only wondering when Harry got here." "Harry who?" "Potter I'd assume" said a tired voice I recognised as (Y/N)'s.

"Don't be ridiculous (Y/N) I think I'd know if Harry Potter was in my house, wouldn't I?" He made a tired noise that sounded like 's'pose'' then she stopped mid-sentence and said "What are you doing down here! Your supposed to be in the attic!"

"Errr...Oh no. How'd I get here? I seem to have been sleepwalking and ended up in Hermione's room" he said unconvincingly. "How many times do I have to tell you two-" "Oh never mind! Ginny dear, why would you possibly think Harry is here, he doesn't arrive until-"

"Well his trunk's in the kitchen. And his owl." "I seriously doubt that-" Just then, Hedwig let out a screech as if she was confirming their suspicions, I heard another door open. Ron's voice rang out

"Harry? Did someone say Harry?" Ginny craned her neck to see him and yelled back "Me, nosy. Is he up there with you?" "'Course not. Think I'd know if my best friend was in my room, wouldn't I?" "Was that an owl I heard?" said Hermione, her voice suddenly present.

"Harry's broken into the Burrow" said (Y/N) plainly. "Haven't seen him, have you? Apparently, he's wandering about the house." Ginny called up again, "Really?" Said Hermione in an excited voice. I think this was the right time to put them out of their misery

"Really." I said simply Ginny spun around and saw me, smiling widely and brilliantly, she gave me a great grinning hug. It felt different then before for some reason, more charged. As Ginny embraced me in a hug, I heard Mrs. Weasley scold (Y/N) and Hermione "Downstairs. NOW"

Ginny smiled at me happily as the embrace ended and I heard (Y/N) trying to tiredly whisper to Hermione as everyone clattered down the stairs, "Told you we should have charmed the door" "Oh...shut up" said Hermione. I could almost hear her blush.

Mrs. Weasley pulled me into a crushing hug immediately, "But why didn't you tell us you were coming?" I shrugged, "Didn't know...Dumbledore." She seemed to understand, "That man. But then, what would we do without him?" "Sleep at night apparently" sassed (Y/N).

As she finished greeting me, she turned to the others, "Speaking of which!" looking she looked between a grinning (Y/N) and a heavily blushing Hermione and sighed heavily, "You two, I swear you're worse than Arthur-" she stopped herself as (Y/N) raised an eyebrow and looked interested. "oh...forget it"

They rushed up to me, Ron speaking first, "All right?" "Never been better," I replied. "You?" "Not bad," said Ron, "Were the Muggles all right? Did they treat you okay?" "Same as usual," I said as (Y/N) hugged me and smiled, greeting me fondly.

"How's Dudders? Run into any Dementors?" I shrugged "I wouldn't know, they didn't talk to me much, but I like it better that way" He laughed and Bones, who I only just noticed between our legs, brushed up against me and then went to paw at Hedwig playfully

As she did, "Ron!" We both turned to see Ron was about to touch Hermione. She sort of flinched as he did, "You've a bit of..." He gestured to the stray lace of toothpaste on Hermione's chin. Quickly she wiped it off, giving him an odd look.

"Go back to sleep Ron, it's past your bedtime" (Y/N) said, patting him on the back. We made our way upstairs, Hermione perched herself on the edge of the bed, (Y/N) strolling up beside her and skipping to a page in a nearby book.

Hermione frowned sadly at the sight, "How're you, Hermione?" "Oh, I'm fine," said Hermione, "When'd you get here?" I said as I stoked the fire with my wand, "A few days ago. Though... for a bit, I wasn't sure I was coming."

(Y/N) nodded but was clearly trying to read whatever book he was scouring over; Ron spoke to explain. "Mum sort of lost it last week. Said Ginny and I had no business going back to Hogwarts. That it's too dangerous."

I scoffed, "Oh come on..." Hermione clarified, glancing at (Y/N) "She's not alone. Even my parents -- and they're Muggles -- know something bad is happening." Ron hurried to finish his story, "Anyway, Dad stepped in, told her she was being barmy."

"Took a day or two, but she came 'round." "But we're talking about Hogwarts. Dumbledore. What could be safer?" "That's what I said," (Y/N) chipped in, lowering his book enough for me to see the words, "Shielding Charm" he caught me glancing and snatched it back to himself.

Hermione and Ron exchanged another glance. "There's been a lot of chatter lately. That he's gotten... old." "Rubbish." "He's only -- what?" "A hundred and fifty. Give or take a few years." We all silently nodded and then burst out laughing.

(Y/N)'s POV

We spent the next morning talking about our summers, I told Harry about my disaster at the Granger house, he agreed with me, but seemed mindful of making them out as the villains for Hermione's sake.

"So, what's been going on?" "Nothing much, I've just been stuck at my aunt and uncle's, haven't I?" "Come off it!" said Ron. "You've been off with Dumbledore!" "It wasn't that exciting. He just wanted me to help him persuade this old teacher to come out of retirement. His name's Horace Slughorn."

"Oh," said Ron, looking disappointed. "We thought..." Hermione flashed a warning look at Ron, and Ron changed topic at top speed. "...we thought it'd be something like that." "You did?" said Harry, amused.

"Yeah...yeah, now Umbridge has left, obviously we need a new Defence Against the Dark Arts teacher, don't we? So, er, what's he like?"

"Is he a vampire? Does he wear a turban?" I asked, "He looks a bit like a walrus, and he used to be Head of Slytherin," said Harry. I frowned and sighed deeply, "What's the point in caring then..."

Harry smiled at me, then blinked a few times, "Something wrong, Hermione?" She rearranged her features hastily in an unconvincing smile. "No, of course not! So, um, did Slughorn seem like he'll be a good teacher?"

"Dunno," said Harry. "He can't be worse than Umbridge, can he?" "Well, if he is, better hope he's fire-proof" I smirked, Hermione frowned at me. "You're right, I shouldn't use the same thing twice, maybe I should poison him?" She tutted at me.

"I know someone who's worse than Umbridge," said a voice from the doorway. Ginny said looking irritable. "Hi, Harry." "What's up with you?" Ron asked. "It's her," said Ginny, plonking herself down on Harry's bed, "She's driving me mad."

"What's she done now?" asked Hermione sympathetically. "It's the way she talks to me...you'd think I was about three!" "I know," said Hermione.

"Well, to be fair, last time she saw you, you were like, this big" I gestured to about half my height, she scoffed "I was not!" "Awww, all grown up now Gin?" She glared at me but a smile tugged at her lips. "She's so full of herself."

I sighed and pet Bones, who had just sauntered into the room after her sleep, squeezing herself between the book I was reading and my lap. "Morning Princess" I scratched behind her ears as she slumped onto me.

Ron defended, "Can't you two lay off her for five seconds?" "Yeah, calm down, she's just excited, leave her be." I added, more preoccupied with Bones now. "Oh, that's right, you two defend her," snapped Ginny.

"We all know you can't get enough of her." I gave Hermione a look and shrugged, "She said it not me..." Hermione glared at me with such intensity I was half expecting to get petrified. "Kidding..." she  tutted at me. Harry seemed utterly lost, "Who are you...?"

Just then, a young woman was standing in the doorway, a woman of such breath-taking beauty. She was tall and willowy with long blonde hair and appeared to emanate a faint, silvery glow.

To complete this vision of perfection, she was carrying a heavily laden breakfast tray. Then I shook my head a bit and It was just Fleur Delacour holding a tray of food.

"'Arry," she said in a throaty voice. "Eet 'as been too long!" As she swept over the threshold toward him, Mrs. Weasley was revealed, bobbing along in her wake, looking rather cross. "There was no need to bring up the tray, I was just about to do it myself!"

"Eet was no trouble," said Fleur Delacour, "I 'ave been longing to see 'im. You remember my seester, Gabrielle? She never stops talking about 'Arry Potter. She will be delighted to see you again."

"What am I? Just the stupid prat who almost drowned for no reason then?" I said, trying not to get offended. Hermione laughed as I looked to her for comfort "You said it not me." As I held my hand to my heart to cope with the growing pain in my soul, Harry continued.

"Oh...is she here too?" Harry croaked. "No, no, silly boy," said Fleur with a tinkling laugh, "I mean next summer, when we...but do you not know?"

"Here we go..." I whispered to Bones, smirking. Fleur's great blue eyes widened "Bill and I are going to be married!" she said in a tone that sounded like it expected applause "Oh," said Harry blankly.

"Wow. Er...congratulations!" She swooped down upon him. Going on another tangent about the wedding, then Bill, among other things.

"Mum hates her," said Ginny quietly as Fleur left. "I do not hate her!" said Mrs. Weasley in a cross whisper. "I just think they've hurried into this engagement, that's all!" "They've known each other a year," said Ron, who looked oddly groggy and was staring at the closed door.

"Well, that's not very long! I know why it's happened, of course. Its all this uncertainty with You-Know-Who coming back, people think they might be dead tomorrow"

"They're rushing all sorts of decisions they'd normally take time over. It was the same last time he was powerful, people eloping left, right, and centre..." "Including you and Dad," said Ginny slyly.

"Yes, well, your father and I were made for each other, what was the point in waiting?" said Mrs. Weasley, going back downstairs. "Hey 'Mione, wanna tie the knot? Make Fleur really jealous?" she flushed as Ginny giggled.

"Shut up" she said, throwing a nearby pillow at me, which Bones destroyed for 'attacking' me, though part of me was certain it was just so she had an excuse to, I smirked, "that wasn't a noooo" I sang, she threw another, it hit me in the ear.

Ron still seemed slightly punch-drunk; he was shaking his head experimentally like a dog trying to rid its ears of water. "Don't you get used to her if she's staying in the same house?" Harry asked. "Well, you do," said Ron, "but if she jumps out at you unexpectedly, like then..."

He trailed off so I continued "It's kinda hard to manage, hence the book" I explained, holding up my book, then there was a mewl next to me, "...and cat" "It's pathetic," said Hermione furiously, giving me a scowl.

I smiled and extended an arm, she huffed, shuffling closer to me, I draped an arm around her and kissed her forehead, this seemed to appease her and she was content to just listen, Bones crawling between us and settling in.

"You don't really want her around forever?" Ginny asked Ron incredulously. When he merely shrugged, she said, "Well, Mum's going to put a stop to it if she can, I bet you anything." "How's she going to manage that?" asked Harry. "Knowing her, baked goods and knitted sweaters."

"She keeps trying to get Tonks round for dinner. I think she's hoping Bill will fall for Tonks instead. I hope he does, I'd much rather have her in the family." "Yeah, that'll work," said Ron sarcastically. "Listen, no bloke in his right mind's going to fancy Tonks when Fleur's around."

He smirked at me with an eyebrow raised. "Bones" she turned to me, "...kill" I said, pointing to Ron, he flinched and covered his face, but she just cocked her head curiously and kept wiggling in between me and Hermione, "We're still working on that one" I said to the room.

As I attempted to read about "Protego horribilis" the others kept talking, "She's a damn sight nicer than Phlegm" said Ginny. "And she's more intelligent, she's an Auror!" said Hermione from the corner.

"Fleur's not stupid, she was good enough to enter the Triwizard Tournament," said Harry. "Not you as well!" said Hermione bitterly. "I suppose you like the way Phlegm says ''Arry,' do you?" asked Ginny scornfully.

"No," said Harry, "I'd much rather have Tonks in the family," said Ginny. "At least she's a laugh." "She hasn't been much of a laugh lately," said Ron.

"Every time I've seen her she's looked more like Moaning Myrtle." "It's because..." I started, then realised I want supposed to tell, "Never mind" "That's not fair," snapped Hermione.

The door opened again and Mrs. Weasley popped her head in. "Ginny," she whispered, "come downstairs and help me with the lunch." "I'm talking to this lot!" said Ginny, outraged. "Now!" said Mrs. Weasley, and withdrew.

"She only wants me there so she doesn't have to be alone with her" said Ginny crossly. She swung her long red hair around in a very good imitation of Fleur and pranced across the room with her arms held aloft like a ballerina.

After breakfast we sat in the twins old room, Hermione was digging through some of their old prank items as we shuffled around and idly chatted, the topic eventually fell back to Dumbledore "He's going to be giving me private lessons this year," said Harry conversationally.

Ron choked on his bit of toast, and Hermione gasped, I slammed my book shut. "You kept that quiet!" said Ron. "I only just remembered," said Harry. "He told me last night in your broom shed. "As you do..." I muttered.

"Blimey...private lessons with Dumbledore!" said Ron, looking impressed. "I wonder why he's...?" His voice tailed away. Me and Hermione exchanged looks. Harry laid down his knife and fork, and dropped another bombshell.

"I don't know exactly why he's going to be giving me lessons, but I think it must be because of the prophecy." "You know, the one they were trying to steal at the Ministry." "Nobody knows what it said, though," said Hermione quickly. "Yeah, bit too busy running for my life to take notes."

"That glass ball that smashed wasn't the only record of the prophecy. I heard the whole thing in Dumbledore's office, he was the one the prophecy was made to, so he could tell me. From what it said,"

Harry took a deep breath, "it looks like I'm the one who's got to finish off Voldemort...At least, it said neither of us could live while the other survives." The three of us gazed at one another in silence for a moment.

I started first, "But wouldn't that mean-" Then there was a loud bang and Hermione vanished behind a puff of black smoke. "Hermione!" we shouted; the breakfast tray slid to the floor with a crash.

Hermione emerged, coughing, out of the smoke, clutching the telescope and sporting a brilliantly purple black eye. "I squeezed it and it...it punched me!" she gasped. It took every bit of willpower I had not to laugh.

And sure enough, they now saw a tiny fist on a long spring protruding from the end of the telescope. I rushed to her side, throwing the object to one side "Don't worry," said Ron, who was plainly trying not to laugh too.

"Mum'll fix that, she's good at healing minor injuries..." "Oh well, never mind that now!" said Hermione hastily as I went to raise my wand to her quickly swelling eye. "Harry, oh, Harry..." She sat down on the edge of his bed again.

"We wondered, after we got back from the Ministry...Obviously, we didn't want to say anything to you, but from what Lucius Malfoy said about the prophecy, how it was about you and Voldemort, well, we thought it might be something like this...Oh, Harry..."

She stared at him, then whispered, "Are you scared?" "Not as much as I was," said Harry. "When I first heard it, I was...but now, it seems as though I always knew I'd have to face him in the end..."

"When we heard Dumbledore was collecting you in person, we thought he might be telling you something or showing you something to do with the prophecy," said Ron eagerly.

"And we were kind of right, weren't we? He wouldn't be giving you lessons if he thought you were a goner, wouldn't waste his time — he must think you've got a chance!"

I rolled my eyes "Yes, as Ron so eloquently put, you must be able to do something, maybe you can just melt him with positive vibes again or something, either way, I think it will lead to a very dramatic showdown."

"I wonder what he'll teach you, Harry? Really advanced defensive magic, probably...powerful countercurses...anti-jinxes..." Hermione started muttering, barely taking time to breathe. "How to say 'Expelliarmus' faster" I muttered, she frowned at me.

"Or maybe that cool candle swishing thing" I said as the thought came to me, motioning the same way Dumbledore did when he lit candles with a wave of his hand. "I've always wanted to do that."

Harry wasn't paying attention. I shook him out of it, "Just know, whenever you do have to fight snakeface, we will be there with you" He nodded and smiled. "Now...anything else slip your mind?" He chuckled and shook his head.

Later in the day, Hermione was freaking out about our O.W.L results again, and despite me going over the answers we got and determining we both did well at least ten times over the summer it was always the same. She paced nervously.

"I wonder when our OWL results will come?" "Can't be long now, it's been a month," said Ron. "Hang on," said Harry, as another part of last night's conversation came back to him. "I think Dumbledore said our OWL results would be arriving today!"

"Harry, Come on! You have the memory of a Bowtruckle." "Today?" shrieked Hermione. "Today? But why didn't you...oh my God...you should have said..." She leapt to her feet. "I'm going to see whether any owls have come..." She dragged me along by the wrist.

This led to Hermione sitting at the kitchen table in great agitation while Mrs. Weasley and I tried to lessen her resemblance to half a panda. "It just won't budge," Mrs. Weasley was saying anxiously, standing over Hermione with her wand in her hand and a copy of The Healer's Helpmate open at "Bruises, Cuts, and Abrasions."

"This has always worked before, I just can't understand it." "It'll be Fred and George's idea of a funny joke, making sure it can't come off," said Ginny. "Yeah, they've outdone themselves." I said stupidly, Hermione's eyes widened in shock.

"But it's got to come off!" squeaked Hermione. "I can't go around looking like this forever!" "You won't, dear, we'll find an antidote, don't worry," said Mrs. Weasley soothingly. I rubbed her hands to comfort her and promised her that I would fix this, she nodded, on the verge of tears.

"Bill told me Fred and George are very amusing!" said Fleur, smiling serenely. "Yes, I can hardly breathe for laughing," snapped Hermione. She jumped up and started walking round and round the kitchen, twisting her fingers together.

"Mrs. Weasley, you're quite, quite sure no owls have arrived this morning?" "Yes, dear, I'd have noticed," said Mrs. Weasley patiently. "But it's barely nine, there's still plenty of time..." "I know I messed up Ancient Runes," muttered Hermione feverishly.

"I definitely made at least one serious mistranslation. And the Defence Against the Dark Arts practical was no good at all. I thought Transfiguration went all right at the time, but looking back —"

I sighed "Hermione, we've been over this, one rune squiggled wrong won't fail you-" she frowned. "But still-" "Hermione, will you shut up, you're not the only one who's nervous!" barked Ron.

"Oi, shut up you!" I shouted, he glared at me. It's fair to say the tension was high. "Don't be nervous, we're all going to do fine." I tried to comfort her, she nodded shakily.

"Yeah, you can stop worrying when you've got your eleven 'Outstanding' OWLs..." "Don't, don't, don't!" said Hermione, flapping her hands hysterically. "I know I've failed everything!" I tried to ease the nerves that had found their way to my stomach

"Well boys, If Hermione's failed, we're all fu-" I looked to a frowning Mrs. Weasley "-lly in trouble" "What happens if we fail?" Harry asked the room at large, but it was again Hermione who answered. "We discuss our options with our Head of House, I asked Professor McGonagall at the end of last term."

I scoffed, "Why? I'm not that bad Hermione, though I appreciate the concern, personally, I think we should all get extra credit for what we did to Umbridge" I think normally she'd have reprimanded me, but she could tell I was nervous.

Fleur made her presence known "At Beauxbatons," said Fleur complacently, "we 'ad a different way of doing things. I think eet was better. We sat our examinations after six years of study, not five, and then..." Fleur's words were drowned in a scream.

Hermione was pointing through the kitchen window. Four black specks were clearly visible in the sky, growing larger all the time. "They're definitely owls," said Ron hoarsely, jumping up to join Hermione at the window.

"And there are four of them," said Harry, hastening to her other side. "One for each of us," said Hermione in a terrified whisper. I chuckled nervously "Well, at least we aren't failing maths."

She pressed herself into me, "Oh no...oh no...oh no..." The owls were flying directly at the Burrow, handsome tawnies, each of which, it became clear as they flew lower over the path leading up to the house, was carrying a large square envelope. "Oh no!" squealed Hermione.

"Good Luck" I said to the others. Nobody else in the kitchen spoke. With bated breath I unclasped the letter from the owl.