chap2

Chapter 2
Love and Aurors

Harry stood over Kreature�s body holding the bloodstained axe loosely in his hands. Hermione was sitting against the wall with her face in her hands, tears in her eyes, and her fuzzy hair flopping every which way. Ron was next to Hermione comforting her with his arm around her shoulder, looking rather pale beneath his freckles. Harry gazed down onto the floor where Kreature lay in a pool of blood, and his eyes were glazed over as if not seeing but not looking. Harry couldn�t believe what he just did, he simply couldn�t believe that he beheaded a house elf and an old insane house elf at that.
The walls were now covered with blood and Harry was dripping with it. He had never expected that such a little body could hold so much blood. The air seemed to be filled with a pinkish haze, and every time Harry breathed in he could taste the blood in the air. Hermione was obviously heart-broken thinking that Harry was kind to house elves she never expected a beheading. Ron who at first was pale now looked rather green, he looked like any moment he would be spewing onto the blood soaked ground.
Harry looked up abruptly as Tonks and Mrs. Weasley entered the room behind Ginny. The look on their faces when they first walked into the room was horrid. Never had Harry seen such shock on the three women�s faces, they never expected this. Ginny didn�t look as shocked she looked like she understood perfectly well why Harry decapitated the elf, Harry was glad that there was one comforting face in the room.
�Now Harry slowly put down the axe, we don�t want to hurt anyone now, put down the axe.� Said Tonks cautiously, waiting for Harry to explode. Mrs. Weasley stepped up to Harry slowly and she gently but swiftly took the axe from Harry�s hands.
�Now, Harry tell us what happened.� Said Mrs. Weasley as she rested the axe against the wall. Harry told them about how he only intended to threaten Kreature but when Kreature called his mom a mud-blood Harry lost control. When Harry reached the part in the story about Kreature insulting Hermione Tonks turned to her.
�Did Kreature really say that?� asked Tonks.
�Y es he d-did.� Said Hermione as her words were caught between gasps of tears.
�I�ll take her up to her room, she needs some comfort �bout now.� Said Ron as he put his hand around Hermione�s waist and helped her up. Ron and Hermione left the room with their hands about each other�s waist, and Mrs. Weasley eyeing them carefully. Harry was stunned when he saw them walk out of the room their hands about each other�s waists, after the shock dissipated Harry felt glad. Maybe Ron and Hermione would get together they were perfect for each other maybe, just maybe thought Harry.
�Well Harry you best go up and change, don�t worry we�ll get this mess cleaned up and Kreature�s head up on that pillar too.� Said Tonks as she gestured for Harry to go upstairs. Harry went up to the bathroom and took a shower for the first time in weeks Harry felt glad that one of the people responsible for Sirius�s death were dead. The warm spray felt good against his body, no longer did he have to worry about breathing in the blood of a decapitated elf.

***

When Harry entered his room a few minuets later he found two owl�s sitting on his bed, waiting. The first owl he recognized as the school owl probably bringing his book list for next year. But the other owl he did not recognize. Harry took the letter off of the Hogwarts owl and read.

Dear Mr. Potter
The following is your O.W.L. results from your testing in June. Enclosed is a list of your Hogwarts book list. However the Hogwarts Express this year will leave on September 3rd at noon, rather than the usual September 1st.
O.W.L. Results
Transfiguration EE+
Defence Against the Dark Arts O+
Herbology EE-
Divination P+
Charms O
Care for Magical Creatures A+
Potions O-
Astrology A-
History of Magic EE
See you September 3r.d
Assistant Head Mistress Minerva McGonnogal.

Harry could hardly believe his eyes O- in potions, now that�s a miracle thought Harry. Most marks Harry was pleased with especially the P+ in divination, which meant no more divination to deal with. Harry was a little disappointed with his astrology mark and he knew he would have gotten a better mark, had not Umbridge decide to attack Hagrid with Auror�s that night. But Harry was most disappointed with his potions mark. He was glad that with these O.W.L.�s Harry might become an Auror, but Harry couldn�t bare the thought of another term with Snape. Especially since Sirius was�
Harry abruptly stopped thinking of Sirius and went straight for the next letter and read.

Dear Harry
Happy Birthday. I remember you mentioning your birthday last year during DA and I just wanted to wish you a happy one Harry. About our little falling out at the end of last year, I�m really sorry. My parents were constantly reminding me not to get on the wrong side of Umbridge and I didn�t know weather being with you would betray Cedric and I thought you liked Hermione better I was all confused. I�m sorry if I hurt your feelings and I understand it must be hard for you to handle me and the death of your godfather. (Loony told me.) I was hoping we could get together some time and maybe meet in Diagon Alley or something. And if not I�ll see you on the train.
With Love Cho.

This was the last thing that Harry had expected. A letter from Cho forgiving him for last year and all of their little rows, and saying they should meet up soon. Harry thought of when they would be going to Diagon alley but he couldn�t remember when. Harry was so excited over the thought of Cho liking him again that he started writing a response immediately.

Dear Cho
I want to thank you for the happy birthday letter it brightened my gloomy morning right up. And I also wanted to forgive you, I know Cedric�s death must have been hard on you since you knew him better than I did. But that doesn�t mean that you should stop living your life because you�re afraid you�ll betray Cedric�s memory. Cedric would want you to get out and live the life that Cedric didn�t get a chance to live. I�ll be going into Diagon alley on _________ I hope that I�ll see you there if not I�ll see you on the train.
Harry

Right after finishing the letter, which Harry thought was a clever way to get Cho to stop crying all of the time. Harry ran downstairs to see when they were going to Diagon alley, August 29th was when they were going to Diagon alley. Harry rushed upstairs and filled in the date on his letter and sent it off with Hagrid straight away. It seemed like only a moment after Harry sent Hedwig off when the door burst open.
�Harry did you get your O.W.L.�s?� asked Hermione as she rushed into the room clutching a sheet of paper, with Ron right behind her also clutching a sheet of paper.
�Yes.� Replied Harry as he picked his sheet up off of his bed.
�Let me see.� Said Hermione as she and Ron rushed behind Harry to look over both of his shoulders.
�Damn your lucky Harry, you don�t have divination any more. Where as I�m stuck with that lying broad another year.� Said Ron.
�Oh my god, you got an O in potions, Harry that�s great. You got all of the subjects you need to become an Auror.� Said Hermione excitedly.
�Ya I guess so, but that means another year with Snape.� Replied Harry gloomily.
�Ha you suckers, I hope you enjoy Snape�s class.� Said Ron happily, but with a hint of jealousy. �I was lucky enough to only get an EE+ in potions, I hope you two enjoy the dungeons.�
�Uh Ron but since you got a EE in potions that means you still have to take potions just not the NEWT level class. It�s only if you fail a subject that you don�t take it anymore.� Said Hermione.
�And how do you know that?� asked Ron angrily. Harry started to ease away from Ron and Hermione because he was sure that they were going to have another row pretty soon here.
�I read it in Hogwarts a his � � but Hermione was cut short.
�Oh and how do you know that they haven�t changed the rules this year. They changed the train date for the first time in a long time how come they can�t change the passing level.� Said Ron his anger getting ready for a full-blown row.
�Because the passing level hasn�t been changed since the school started Ron. It would be like changing the names of the houses.� Stated Hermione coolly, obviously not wanting to fight.
�You ALLWAYS have to be right don�t you, don�t you.� Shouted Ron his anger obviously getting the better of him. Hermione�s face started to turn red. Harry knew Hermione would be unable to keep a straight cool manor now. So Harry quietly left the room and went down for lunch, luckily enough they didn�t notice him, so much for the idea of Ron and Hermione getting together.

***

August 29th approached very fast. The time at Grimauld place seemed to fly by, luckily without further incidents. At last the night of the 28 had arrived and tomorrow they would be going to Diagon alley. Harry having just finished supper went up to his room to find another owl sitting on his bed, this owl looked very familiar and Harry was almost positive that it was from Cho. Harry opened the letter and quickly read it.

Dear Harry
I will be able to make it to Diagon alley tomorrow, after persuading my parents to go now rather than later. When you get there meet me at Flourish and Blots at about noon. If not I�m sure we�ll bump into each other eventually and if not I�ll see you on the train.
With Love Cho

Harry was so ecstatic when he read this letter that he jumped up and down, with love now that was an interesting way to end a letter thought Harry. Harry stopped jumping abruptly when Ron came into the room.
�Uh Harry.� Said Ron a little shyly, his ears slowly turning pink.
�Ya?� asked Harry.
�What do you do when you like a girl and your not sure if she likes you back?� asked Ron who had taken a great interest in the floor as he talked.
�Um, you � er � you ask her if she likes you. Worst-case scenario is that she hates your guts and she yells at you and you get completely over her in a few days. Otherwise the girl will probably say yes and your relationship will be out in the open and you won�t be so nervous around her. Which is a good thing. And either your relationship will progress and you�ll eventually get to the L word. Or you fight and break up and it�s all over, which is no big loss either. Why? Who do you like?� asked Harry.
�Oh no one in particular, its just that if the situation ever arose I�d like to know what to do that�s all.� Said Ron quickly while rushing to the door anxiously. �Well I should go shower, good night Harry.� Said Ron as he ran out of the room; Harry almost didn�t hear what he said he was out of there so fast.
Harry was a little surprised about Ron�s behaviour but he thought no more of it and went to sleep. Harry had very strange dreams that night they all included Cho, and for the first time in Harry�s life he felt the true meaning of lust.

***

Harry woke early next morning because they were taking muggle transportation to Diagon alley. It was amazing how they could pack Harry, Ron, Hermione, Ginny, Mr. and Mrs. Weasley, Lupin, Tonks and Mad-Eye into one car. A magical car but amazing all the same. It was nearly nine o�clock when they reached Gringots bank, which was their first stop.
At Gringots Harry had to go through the painful formalities of the possession of Sirius�s estate. Which included moving the money from different accounts into his. As well as several legal forms that essentially said I Harry Potter am now in ownership of Sirius Black�s estate.
By the end of the whole bit Harry was so ashamed with how much money he had, and how little the Weasley�s had. This time Harry didn�t even bother trying to hide the mound of gold as he placed money into his bag. He just tried to do it as quickly as possible in order to spare himself and the Weasley family further pain.
Sure enough they reached Flourish and Blots at ten to noon Harry saw Cho glancing at a book but obviously looking out the window waiting for Harry. The Weasley�s went into the store first and Harry brought up the rear. When Cho saw Harry enter she gestured for Harry to follow her upstairs with her index finger, with a naughty look on her face. And of course Harry followed her with no objections. Cho took them to a little side area where there was no one watching them.
Cho�s hands went around Harry and pulled him into a strong hug. Harry placed his hands around her waist pulling her closer to his body. They kissed strongly and their tongues touched, which to Harry felt rather good. Harry could hardly believe that the last time they kissed was at Christmas last year when Cho was crying about Cedric. After a few moments of kissing Harry heard some shuffling behind them and they stopped kissing, slowly and gingerly.
�Harry, its so good to see you after all of the things that have been happening this summer. I was so worried.� Said Cho as she beamed at Harry who now stood a foot above her. (Harry had grown plenty over the summer.)
�Its good to see you too Cho, really good.� Said Harry obviously pleased with himself. They carried on conversation for a while which dwelled on Quiditch and recent events in the wizarding world. They wandered around the store gathering their books slowly, their hands always about each other�s waist. After an hour of chatting and brief kisses when no one was looking Mr. Weasley found them.
�Oh, there you are Harry its time to go now we still need to stop at a few other places, come now.� Said Mr. Weasley as he put his hand behind Harry�s arm and gently pulled him away.
�See you later Harry.� Called Cho.
�Ya, I�ll see you on the train.� Said Harry as Mr. Weasley dragged Harry away. As Harry and Mr. Weasley walked away they stopped abruptly a few rows down and saw a sight they couldn�t believe. Ron and Hermione were kissing and leaning against a bookshelf as Ron pulled Hermione�s thigh up against his waist with his free hand.
�Hem Hem.� Grunted Mr. Weasley much like professor Umbridge, immediately getting Ron and Hermione�s attention. �Time to go, we�ve got plenty of things yet to buy.� Said Mr. Weasley looking rather pale after what he had just seen. Ron and Hermione quickly got behind Mr. Weasley and next to Harry without saying a word, though they both looked rather red in the face.
�So that�s what you wanted my advice for.� Whispered Harry to Ron who had now turned a shade of dark purple in the ears.

***

When Harry, Ron, Hermione, and Mr. Weasley found the rest of the group they headed off to Weasleys� Wizarding Wheezes. Luckily Mr. Weasley didn�t mention anything about what he witnessed between Ron and Hermione. After what Harry had just seen he was completely shocked. He couldn�t help looking from Ron to Hermione the whole way to Fred and George�s shop.
When they arrived at the joke shop the first thing they saw was huge gold letters floating in the air above the shop that said Weasleys� Wizarding Wheezes. When they first walked in they were all amazed, even Ron who tried very hard to hold it back.
The ground was covered in scarlet velvet carpeting embossed with golden designs that changed as people walked on the carpet. There we�re three different demonstration booths where people they didn�t know were demonstrating various Weasley products. There were twenty shelves all twenty feet high and twenty feet long, made out of solid silver. And every so often an object would hop off of the shelf and advertise itself in mid air. The ceiling was high, arched, and was coloured scarlet with gold patterns to match the floor patterns that frequently changed.
After a few minuets of wandering they finally found the till where Fred, George, and Lee Jordan were working in frenzy, mainly because there were twenty people waiting to purchase products. Most of which were Hogwarts students who remember Fred and George�s triumphant exit from the previous year.
�Oy, Bill, John take over here for a bit.� Called out Fred to two of the demonstrators, as George and him got out from behind the till. The two demonstrators stopped what they were doing and started working the till with Jordan.
�Oh boys.� Called out Mrs. Weasley as she ran up and hugged Fred and George, even though she was two feet shorter than them.
�Mum, not here.� Groaned George as a fair number of his customers turned to stare.
�Honestly Mum, you�ll scare off all of our customers.� Said Fred as his face turned a deeper red than his hair.
�If you want to hug us we�ll lead you into our living quarters in the back, and maybe there you won�t scare off so many customers.� Said George as he wiggled out of Mrs. Weasley�s grip.
�Oh all right, lets go see these new living quarters, or your bachelors pad as I�ve heard you call it.� Said Mrs. Weasley with a hint of amusement as she gestured for the twins to lead the way.
They went through a back door that led to a large room with three beds off to the side, for Fred George and Jordan, a large spacious kitchen with all the necessary wizarding appliances. And a large sitting area around a coffee table covered with empty firewhiskey bottles and plenty of yet to be drank bottles of butterbeer.
�Come, sit lets have a drink.� Said Fred as everyone took their seats and started drinking and chatting. They were nearly there for an hour drinking and chatting before they realized that it was time to go. On the way out Fred pulled Harry off to the side and started talking quietly with him.
�Well it looks like you used my money well.� Said Harry impressed by the shop.
�Ya its worked out pretty good especially after that whole flying out of Hogwarts bit.� Said Fred
�So what did you want to ask me?� asked Harry.
�Earlier on today we saw Cho Chang stop by looking for you, and according to that sly look on your face you two met up, right?� asked Fred.
�Ya.� Said Harry.
�Well, did you�?� asked Fred scandalously.
�Of course, I might not have shown up here at all if your father hadn�t found me and Cho.� Replied Harry as his grin spread across his face.
�Now that�s the Harry Potter I�ve come to know. How was it?� asked Fred as a grin broke across his face too.
�Brilliant.� Replied Harry in a dreamy voice. �Oh and Ron got some action too.� Stated Harry.
�Really? Who?� asked Fred getting excited as Harry spoke.
�Hermione.� Said Harry his grin now reaching from ear to ear.
��Bout bloody time.� Said Fred his grin now matching Harry�s. Ron walked by to find Harry and the instant he walked up Fred and Harry broke into face-splitting laughter. Ron, who had no clue as to why they were roaring with laughter turned very red in the face, for a moment his face, was a deeper red than his hair. Then Ron walked away rather quickly his ears now burning bright pink, as Harry and Fred�s laughter grew to an uproar of laughs on the verge of needing breath, for they were as red faced as Ron, with laughter.

***

The next day Hermione approached Harry shortly after supper. She was seemed very concerned about what Harry had seen the day before.
�Uh, Harry can I have a word.� Said Hermione looking very anxious.
�I don�t see why not.� Said Harry.
�Harry its about that thing you saw yesterday between me and Ron. You see the thing is he pinned me against the bookshelf and I just couldn�t get him off of me and�� Said Hermione as she examined the floor.
�C�mon Hermione, did you really expect me to fall for that. I saw you two and I�m positive you were kissing Ron back. Plus if Ron really did force himself on you like that then I�m sure you would have been able to fight him off. Why did you come here and lie?� asked Harry.
�Well Harry me and Ron agreed on this, and we thought that us getting together while you had no one to be with would be a little cruel. So Ron came up with this little story and we hoped that Ron and I not being together would be better for you.� Said Hermione in a very ashamed manner.
�Geez Hermione I thought you were clever. So you and Ron honestly believe that without you two I�m on my own, Ha. You weren�t the only people involved in naughty things at that bookshop you know.� Said Harry with a hint of satisfaction.
�Oh, so that�s why Cho was waiting for someone at the front of Flourish and Blots. Did you two make up?� asked Hermione.
�Of course, that�s one of the reasons we were there so long.� Said Harry.
�Oh, so its okay if me and Ron are together you won�t get all sad and hide in the attic now will you?� asked Hermione.
�Ya its perfectly fine if you two get together, actually its better because now I won�t have to listen to your silly arguments.� Said Harry.
�Harry I thought you were clever, that little argument in your room was a complete hoax that Ron came up with to get you out of the room. It worked pretty well mind you.� Said Hermione looking very pleased with herself.
�That little git, I knew he was up to something. Next time you need privacy just ask an argument like that is very confusing.� Said Harry.
�Well I best get packing.� Said Hermione
�Now Hermione, the train doesn�t leave for four days don�t lie to me like that.� Said Harry.
�Alright, I�m going upstairs to see Ron. Goodnight Harry.�
�Goodnight.� Called back Harry as Hermione continued up the stairs. Finally Ron and Hermione were together like they were meant to be, it only took six years.

***

Harry woke up on the third of September several days later. When he woke up the house seemed to be filled with many different voices and noises. Harry put his glasses on and looked at the clock that read 11:07 a.m.
�FILTHY BUGGER� shouted Harry as he bolted out of bed and started putting clothes on. The train was leaving in less than an hour and they had to take muggle transportation, they would be lucky to make it in time. Within a few minuets Harry was running down the stairs to the kitchen table where Hermione and Ginny were. Ginny and Hermione looked just as frazzled as Harry and they were eating twice as fast.
�Ronald, don�t forget your dress robes.� Shouted Mrs. Weasley from somewhere in the house.
�What do I need my bloody dress robes for? There�s no Triwizard thingy this year is there?� Shouted Ron from higher up in the house.
�There�s no tournament this year but your school book list says you need your dress robes so PACK YOUR DRESS ROBES.� Yelled Mrs. Weasley as she entered the kitchen. Harry finished eating within a few minuets and headed upstairs to grab his trunk. Harry was almost positive that Draco would try to curse him today so Harry quickly opened his trunk and started shuffling through it.
Harry quickly found his Dragon skin coat that he put on under his Hogwarts robe, and over his wand belt, which he had been wearing for weeks now. Then Harry took out his pocket watch and put it in his pocket, hoping that it would come in handy.
By the time they were all pilling into the car it was almost eleven thirty. Lupin, who was the best at driving a car, was driving so fast that Harry swore that they would get in an accident. But there was a need for going that fast, Harry and Ron didn�t want to miss the Hogwarts Express again.

***

By the time they arrived at the station it was five to noon. When they reached the solid barrier that led to the Hogwarts express, there was an Auror standing there. He was tall and dressed indiscreetly in a plain black robe with a little A-crest on his shoulder. (Which stood for Auror)
�Right go through quickly now, we haven�t much time.� Said Mr. Weasley as Hermione and Ginny went through the barrier.
�Wait� said the Auror quietly, trying not raise attention. �Now� said the Auror and Harry and Ron ran quickly through the barrier. After loading their trunks onto the train Harry bumped into Cho.
�Harry Guess what.� Said Cho excitedly.
�What?� asked Harry.
�I made Head Girl!� Shouted Cho as she jumped into Harry�s arms. Harry was about to swing her around like in the movies but he realized that they were in a crowded train corridor and decided against it. Harry lowered Cho to the ground only to stoop over and kiss her, again their tongues touched and it was beautiful.
�Harry I�ve got to go meet the prefects so just find a place to sit for a while, then you can with me into the Head Girl�s compartment.� Said Cho.
�Okay, I�ll just find a place to sit for now, later.� Called our Harry as he went to find a place to sit. Harry found a compartment with Justin and some other Huffelpuff D.A. members.
�So Harry are you gonna start up the D.A. again?� asked Justin.
�Well that depends on the new Defence Against the Dark Arts teacher. But I might just start it up anyways to keep everyone in shape, magically of course.� Replied Harry, who honestly hadn�t given a single thought to the D.A. since school let out. The conversation floated about the D.A. for a while but then it turned to recent events into the wizarding world. It seemed like it was only a few minuets until Cho turned up looking for Harry. Harry was just about to leave the compartment when a young Huffelpuff asked.
�Hey Harry, you got the time?� Harry reached into his pocket and pulled out his watch. When Harry opened his watch he saw in the foe glass Malfoy Crabbe and Goyle, in such livid detail that he could see the wood grain on their raised wands. Harry stood there for a moment staring at the watch in disbelief, and then Harry had an idea.
�Its almost two thirty.� stated Harry, but Harry could see that everyone�s eyes were now looking over Harry�s shoulder. �Malfoy, lower that wand, unless you want to end up in prison like your dad.� Said Harry with vindictive pleasure while Malfoy in the foe glass looked stunned and offended.
�Stupefy, Impendimentia, Stupefy.� As three spells hit Harry in the back, but the spells had no effect thanks to his dragon skin coat he received for his 16th birthday. The spells simply hit Harry and disappeared with no results, nothing. �Next time I get a chance I�m going to give Fred and George another thousand galleons� thought Harry. Then to the pure horror of Draco, Harry turned around and raised his wand to Draco�s face. Only to hear moments later the swish of five other wands being pulled out of robes by many D.A. members.
Crabbe and Goyle dropped to their knees and raised their hands behind their heads, wands dropping to the ground, surrendering, abandoning Draco at the worst possible moment. As Harry yelled �Stupefy.� Harry saw five other spells flying past his head only to see Draco go flying off of his feet and into the wall. Draco was lying unconscious on the floor, with tiny tentacles and pus filled boils erupting all over his face, and likely the rest of his body. Harry shuddered at the thought of pus and tentacles covering certain private areas, nasty. Harry turned his head to face Crabbe and Goyle.
�Crabbe, Goyle, I want you to grab Malfoy here and drag him very slowly to the other end of the train. Making sure everyone gets a good look at him, before you go back to your compartment.� Said Harry
�Or else.� Said Cho threateningly as she pointed her wand at Crabbe. Silently and without a word Crabbe and Goyle did exactly what Harry suggested, hoping that they don�t end up like Draco. The ride on the Hogwarts Express seemed to go much faster after that, never had anyone on the train seen such a funny sight, Draco the Jinxed.

***

Harry and Cho then returned to the Head Girl compartment. In which they carried on much of what they had started in Flourish and Blots. Afternoon turned to evening and the rain began to pour as they approached Hogwarts. As time passed by Aurors began to patrol the corridors more often. Several students even came to Cho and complained about being frisked for illegal objects.
�What do you want me to do they already frisked you so what�s the point. Plus I don�t even have the tiniest shred of authority over the Aurors.� Said Cho to Michael Connor, obviously irritated that Cho was with Harry now.
Several complaints, several hours, and several long wet kisses later they arrived at Hogsmade. As everyone pilled out to get, and into the poring rain, a ruckus arose. Several students started throwing spells at the Aurors and yelling something but Harry and Cho were too far away to hear. After a few minuets of trying to elbow through the mob, which refused to get into the carriages, Harry and Cho ran into Ron.
�WHAT A BLOODY MESS!� shouted Ron.
�Ron what�s going on?� asked Harry
�They�re going through our luggage every last bit of it.� Said Ron angrily.
�WHAT?� shouted Cho.
�The Aurors are taking all of the luggage off of the train and cracking it open right here in Hogsmeade. They�re spilling clothes and all sorts off stuff onto the road and rifling through it. They�re even attacking students who are protesting.� Explained Ron as he shook with fury.
Fear ran through Harry�s body. What if they found his invisibility cloak? What if they found the Marauders Map? With Harry�s fear bubbling to the top Harry pushed through the crowd as hard as he could. And then he saw.
There were hundreds of trunks lying open on the ground clothing was everywhere, as Aurors trampled through their possessions and their clothing with muddy boots. The Aurors were tossing clothing that had fallen on the muddy ground back into any trunk that was close to the clothing. They didn�t even try to put things back in their proper spot or to keep things out of the mud. Hundreds of Hogwarts students were yelling fiercely and every so often a student would jinx an Auror, only to be stunned by several other Aurors. It was insane.
�YOU SONS OF A BI-� But the student was cut short as he was hit with a stunning spell right in the chest. The student went all rigid and fell into the mud with a great thump.
Cho pushed passed Harry and approached one of the Aurors and they seemed to talk for quite a while, then Cho turned to face the crowd.
�Alright everyone listen up!� shouted Cho, as the crowd seemed to quiet down.
�There is nothing we can do, the Aurors are on strict Ministry orders. They are likely to be here for several hours so we can either stay here and wait for them to finish or get in the carriages and off to Hogwarts. Where the usual feast is waiting for us. I don�t care what you do but I�m going to eat� then complain.� Shouted Cho over the crowd.
The general consensus was that what the Aurors were doing was horribly wrong but food was required before arguing or complaining. So the mob slowly moved towards the carriages and up to Hogwarts.
When Harry got out of the carriage with Cho and started walking to the main entrance Harry was Tonks. Tonks was wearing the same thing as all the other Aurors the black cloak and the A-badge.
�Harry, can I have a quick word with you?� asked Tonks who seemed very irritated.
�Sure.� Said Harry as they headed away from the crowd. Harry saw Cho looking back jealously at Tonks and Harry gestured for her to go on, he would catch up.
�What the hell has gotten into these students?� asked Tonks angrily.
�Uh�� said Harry not sure how to answer her.
�I�ve been spit at seven times and sworn at three times and every single student, even that girl you were with has given me a dirty look, as if I offended them or stepped on their toes. WHAT DID I DO?� Shouted Tonks so loud several students looked over in curiosity.
Harry went into a long drawn out conversation about what was going on back in Hogsmeade with the other Aurors. By the time Harry was finished the story there were no more students coming off of the carriages and it was getting dark out already.
�Well Harry I�m not sure. I�ve never heard of anything like that. Of course I�ve only been an Auror for the last few years, but that�s unheard of. Said Tonks feeling almost as shocked and appalled as Harry. Just as Harry and Tonks were wrapping up their conversation as Kingsley approached them.
�I just got here, so what�s all the fuss about?� asked Kingsley. Harry dreading to repeat every word he had just said when Tonks started telling the story. About half way through Kingsley laughed, Harry and Tonks were taken back, this was no laughing matter.
�Don�t worry, that�s how the Aurors used to do it in Mad-Eye�s day. In fact Moody was the one in charge of the search on the Hogwarts train. Don�t worry it might seem a little crude but it�ll work out in the end.� Explained Kingsley.
Harry felt a great wave of relief that Moody was in charge. But right after the relief came hunger. Harry pulled out his pocket watch and looked at the time.
�Holy shit! It�s ten thirty all ready. I better go eat.� Said Harry as he started leaving for the entrance hall. When Harry was half way there Tonks called out to him.
�Hey Harry was that you who turned Malfoy into a walking Jinx?� Asked Tonks.
�Ya, me and a few D.A. members.� Called back Harry with laughter bubbling up through his voice.
Harry ran towards the great hall as fast as he could, mainly because he was so hungry. But when Harry reached the door it was already closing. For the first time since Sirius�s funeral in June Harry saw Dumbledore. Dumbledore had just closed the door to the great hall, locked it and turned to find Harry standing behind him with a hungry look on his face. Dumbledore looked the same, as ever, he no longer showed the signs of weakness and sorrow as he had shown last year while revealing the prophecy.
�Ah Harry, I wondered where you had gotten off to. I�ve been meaning to have a word with you. Would you be willing to step into my office for a few moments?� asked Dumbledore in his kind old manner, his bright blue eyes twinkling lightly with joy.
�Sure.� Replied Harry. �What next?� thought Harry as he walked up the stairs behind Dumbledore recollecting the day�s events as he went.

HARRY POTTER
And The Second War

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