Crabbe followed Draco out through this new house's front door and hissed when he saw the car. "Just get in before you make noise," Draco ordered, popping open the door with his keys. "Get in," he ordered again. "It doesn't bite."

Crabbe slid into the seat and nearly moaned as the leather molded around his back. "This is nice," he admitted.

"Shift over, I'm dying to go again."

"You won't go too fast, right?"

"I'll have to work up to go really fast," Draco told him. "Over!" Crabbe slithered over and Draco slid in, closing the door and starting the engine. "Buckle up. We learned that lesson the hard way." He did so himself, showing Crabbe how to. His bodyguard did so as well and he took off down the driveway. They headed for a little-used stretch of road, and he sped up, shifting much smoother now that he was used to it. He hit fifth and pushed down the accelerator as far as it would go, holding on as the car jumped at his command. Crabbe whimpered and held on, but this was fun! "See!" he shouted, flicking on the stereo to a hard rock station. "Fun!"

"If you say so!" Crabbe yelled back. "Can we slow down please? That car's coming on awfully fast."

"Shit, forgot we drive on the left," Draco noted as he switched lanes, just in time. He flipped off the driver and sped up again, swerving in and out of traffic. He spied the turn back toward the house. "Hold on," he yelled over the thumping music, making the sharp turn with only a bit of grass blown up under his back tires. He sped toward the house, liking this feeling a lot. He parked and turned off everything, turning to look at his very white bodyguard. "Do not get ill in my car," he warned.

Crabbe opened the door and fumbled with the belt until he fell out, heaving on the ground. "Thank you for letting me live, sir, I promise I'll be a better bodyguard in the future," he groaned.

Draco laughed. "Sissy! That was fun!"

Crabbe looked up at him. "If you say so," he said unemotionally. "Did...did Weasley talk you into this?" he asked finally.

"No, Potter did. He got a slower car," he sneered. "With more safety features. Ron likes mine best though because he appreciates fast and sleek things."

"The... car matches your personality, Draco," Crabbe assured him. "Can we go back now? I really need a drink."

"If you want," Draco sighed. "We're going out tonight, back to London." He saw the hesitant look and nearly rolled his eyes. "Potter's driving, he can fit more in his car."

"Thank you, sir," Crabbe said, following him back through the floo to Malfoy Manor. He fell onto the bar like it was his lifeline and had a few drinks until he quit shaking. Maybe Goyle was right and Weasley was enchanting them somehow to do his bidding? No, he decided, Draco was too strong willed for that. He'd never let that happen.

What would Lucius say if he knew? He was still in prison awaiting his death sentence being carried out. He would kill his son for all this, but especially for the car.

***

Snape flooed over just in time. He had found Potter's invisibility cloak where they had hidden it on their return. He looked out the window as the car started, his eyes going wide. A car, at Malfoy Manor? A Jetta from the name tag on the back. "Potter," he sneered. He cast a tracking charm on the car before it could get very far, determined to follow the boys and see what was poisoning them. Whomever it was would pay, even if he had to sneak the cause in to Lucius himself! He cast a floating charm and tethered himself to the car so he could float after them, mentally counting the occupants. They had sucked Crabbe in as well it seemed. It was no matter, he could cure four as easily as three. Then more people would take notice of him in a positive light. He floated for a long time, but soon the lights started to pick up. He wrapped the cloak tighter to himself as they started to pass more and more buildings. He recognized one about an hour later, they were going into London proper. His sneer gained force as the car parked outside a brightly lit club. "Pussycat?" he read. "Why would they go into a place that held cats?" He landed, heading inside with the next customer to open the door. What he saw made him stop and stare in shock, barely out of the flow of traffic.

This had nothing to do with cleaning up wood furniture!

There were naked women dancing around and on a gold pole!

He considered it. So much made sense now. It must be one of the women. He trailed the boys to their table, hissing at the woman who sat with them. Harlot.

Harry looked over at the blank spot, then at Draco. "Kindly hex him," he whispered. "Before he blows his cover."

Draco reached over and grabbed the cloak, taking it off the hidden man. It got bundled up beside him. "I'd transfigure if I were you," he said, glancing at the woman kissing Ron as if her life depended on it and then at the people around them.

Snape transfigured his robes into a long coat and joined them. "What is going on here?" he asked. He slapped Crabbe to force him to quit staring at the woman doing lewd things on the stage. "Stop that!"

"It's why men come here," Harry told him.

The woman smiled at him and licked her lips. "Welcome to the Pussycat Club," she purred. "You look rough; just get out of prison, honey?"

Snape pulled himself to his full height and prepared to tell her off, but Malfoy intervened.

"He's one of our teachers," Draco informed her. "Doesn't get off school grounds much." He grinned at her. "Of course we're supposed to be studying right about now, Kiana."

She laughed and waved the waiter over. "Drinks, boys?"

Harry held out three one-hundred-Pound bills. "This one's on me," he told the waiter. "Whatever our lovely hostess wants. Fosters for me. Draco? Sex on the beach?" He nodded. "Ron? The usual?" Ron nodded. "Scotch neat. Crabbe, what do you want?"

"Can I have some rum?" he asked. "I got a taste for it on my family's trip to Jamaica last year."

"Sure," the waiter said, looking at Snape. "Anything for you, sir?"

"He'll have a beer," Harry told him. "Local, light, complicated. He's a chemistry teacher." The waiter nodded and moved off. "Sir, if I may ask, what did you hope to prove?" he asked.

"I wanted to know why you were acting so strange," Snape said darkly. "Now I find you in this den of iniquity and I know it's your fault Mr. Malfoy is here."

Draco groaned. "I picked the club. This one looked cleaner than a few of the others we found. Besides, it's Ron's fault we're in here this time, sir. He wanted to come back and interview the lovely Kiana here. She's the one in our Defense paper."

Kiana looked him over. "What do you really teach, Professor?"

"Potions," he said, still glaring. "Would you mind getting off his lap?"

"I want her here," Ron defended, smiling at the lovely woman. "She's not doing anything immoral and we're rather cramped at this table." He saw where Crabbe was staring. "Kiana, dear would you teach Mr. Crabbe some etiquette about such places the way you did us?" he asked nicely.

"Sure, Ronnie." She stood up, her long gown's slit showing most of her leg. "Come on, babe. Let's go see Hilda. She'll like you," she said, holding out a hand. Crabbe climbed over the table to join her.

Draco pulled out his wallet. "Crabbe, here, you can pay me back next allowance day." Crabbe looked at the mass of bills and Draco waved him off. "Go, she wants to dance for you." He hurried away, following her orders when she told him he couldn't hold all the bills out at once to her. He looked at his guardian. "Now you know what led to us staying out for three nights. She's actually managed to make Harry quit leaking magic," he said quietly. He paused when the waiter came back. "They'll be back in a moment," he said, taking the two extra drinks. He tipped him and the waiter scurried off. "Kiana," he called, waving her drink. She strolled back to their table, her four-inch heels clicking on the wood floor. "Be gentle on him, he's a nice boy underneath it all," he encouraged.

"Of course, Dracie. I *love* your friends. You tip well." She winked and took their drinks back to Crabbe's side, teaching him how to put money into a garter and a g-string.

"She's a very nice woman," Harry put in to break the silence. Then he sipped his beer.

"You're not supposed to do that," Snape pointed out.

"Then kick my ass out," Harry said with a shrug. "Yay." He grinned. "I'd get a normal life with normal responsibilities and all that." Ron chuckled. "And you," he said, punching him on the arm. "No pole tricks tonight."

Snape looked alarmed. "You did what?"

Ron gave him a sheepish look. "It looked like fun. Trust me, it's a lot more work than those women make it look like," he explained. He sipped his own drink and grimaced. "Remind me to specify the good stuff, not the well water," he told Harry.

"Sure, Ron." He put an arm behind Ron's back. "Now that you know, you could go back and report us," Harry suggested nicely.

Snape frowned. "I'm sure more proof would be necessary to kick you out, Potter."

Ron grinned. "Staying then?"

"No, I'm bringing the Headmaster here," Snape sneered.

Harry pointed behind him. "Bathrooms are that way, so are the foggy mirrors. Go for it," he encouraged, taking another sip of his drink. He looked at Ron's chest. "Aren't you supposed to be in a downswing?" Ron nodded. "Then you've got some swelling, Ron."

Ron looked down his shirt and 'eeped'. "Shit!" he said suddenly. "It's not time yet."

"Sometimes stress can mess up the schedule," Draco said wisely. He slammed his shot and took Harry's held-out beer to chase it. "Thank you." He looked Ron over. "I think you're going to need to go shopping tonight, Ron. You're nearly at full blow now."

Ron sighed and stood up. "Fine, let me grab Kiana. Sir, we're going to have to leave for the night. Would you like to come back with us tomorrow night?" Snape growled and he shrugged. "Your loss. There's a famous dancer coming in tomorrow." He strolled over to Kiana and whispered in her ear. She looked down at his shirt and said something back. He shrugged, following her.

"I hope she dresses him well," Draco mused. Harry frowned at him. "Not in her leather outfit, Potter, get your mind out of her panties. Perhaps in that nice red silk number she was wearing last night though," he said with a grin.

"Oh, yeah, I liked that one," Harry agreed, finishing off his beer. Another dancer had come on and Crabbe was carefully sliding a bill into her g-string, right in front. "How much did you give him?"

"About fifty Pounds, all in fives." Draco smirked. "I thought we should have this discussion without him." He looked at the Professor. "You were going to call Dumbledore?"

"Yes, I am." Snape got up and walked into the back.

Draco looked at Harry. Then at the manager, who was frowning at them. He waved the waiter over. "Tell the scowling bastard that Kiana is helping our friend, who's a drag queen, to find her look," he ordered, tipping him another five. "And bring me a beer."

"And me another," Harry ordered. "Your round." Draco paid and the waiter hurried off, coming back with their drinks and change, all in ones. "Thanks." He sipped his beer, watching for Ron. When he finally showed up, he kicked Malfoy under the table as hard as he could. "The red number," he said, nodding that way.

Draco's mouth fell open. The slinky silk clung to each of Ron's curves, nearly exaggerating them to the point where everyone who looked wanted to touch them. The heels weren't helping either. Small ankle-high boots in a matching color with the same four-inch heels. He swallowed and gulped part of his beer. "Ron," he said, looking her over. "That is a stunning outfit. Think she'd let us buy it off her?"

"It's one of my old ones," Kiana admitted as she came back. "The manager wants to know if your friend paid the cover."

"I guess so," Draco said with a shrug. "Ask him when he comes out. How much was it tonight?"

"Ten." He tossed over twenty. "What a lovely present, Dracie, thank you," she said, kissing him on the cheek. "You're so good to us, even though I know it'll dry up once I've got the leaking one under control and Ron's tits tamed." Ron laughed, holding down his tits so they wouldn't bounce.

"No bra?" Harry asked, peering down the top. "Oooh, I like that," he said, looking over at Draco. "Built-in bra." Draco stood up to peer down them. "Nice, huh?"

"Very," Draco agreed. He got out of the way so Crabbe could slide back in. "Not to your liking?"

"She smelled funny and her eyes were glazed," Crabbe said miserably.

"Honey, I'll be dancing again in about thirty minutes if you want to wait and tip me," Kiana offered sweetly, giving him a small pout. He swallowed and nodded. "That's fine, you just cozy up to the stage like I showed you and you'll get one hell of a show." She looked over as Snape came out, making room for him by sitting in Draco's lap this time. "Comfy?" she asked him with a wink.

"As always. You're light as a feather, Kiana." He pulled a large bill out and stuffed it down her top. "For the dress," he whispered, then he nipped her on the ear. She swatted him but accepted it.

Snape noticed Ron had changed. "What are you wearing, Weasley?" he demanded.

Ron stood up, confident on the small points. "I look good," he noted, running a hand over his stomach, like Kiana had taught him. Snape swallowed. "Think mum'd like a picture of me in this one, Harry?"

"I think she'd adore one, probably put it on the mantle next to the one with you in that little gray dress of yours." He pulled Ron back down and against his side, making his claim known. "I don't want to have to beat up someone tonight for staring at you," he told Ron at his curious look.

"That would get you banned," Kiana agreed. She felt some magic going off nearby. "Would that be your headmaster?"

"Probably," Harry agreed. "Get him a beer," he said, handing over a large bill. "We didn't reorder for you either." She leaned over and kissed him on the tip of the nose. "Thanks." She climbed across Snape's legs, accidently-on-purpose brushing her tits against his arm, and went to get them two beers. When the white haired old man walked in she *knew* he was with Harry. She handed him the beer. "Come on, Harry's this way," she told him, walking slowly in front of him. "Okay, Ronnie, scoot onto Harry's lap for now, babe, so we can all sit around."

"I could pull over a chair," Dumbledore said kindly, doing so and sitting at the edge of the table. "Weasley, Potter, Malfoy, Crabbe," he greeting, nodding at each one in turn. "Severus," he said with a smile.

"I wanted to see if I could trace the toxin doing this to them," Severus said dryly. He nearly picked up the drink but forced himself to leave it there.

"It's safe," Harry told him. "It's how the girls make the majority of their money." He looked at the Headmaster. "Did you think we were talking about furniture too?" he asked with a small smile.

"Indeed," Dumbledore admitted as he sipped his beer. He glanced around. "I now see what was meant by the pole jokes last night as well." He saw the dancer and drank some more beer.

"She's high, sir, not that great," Crabbe informed him. "They get tips. You stick them in their panties."

"G-string, babe, panties are for off-work hours," Kiana informed him. She held out a hand. "Kiana McAllister, Wiccan."

He shook it. "Albus Dumbledore, Headmaster," he told her. He looked at Ron again. "You're off schedule," he noted.

"It happens that way sometimes," Draco reminded him. He looked at Ron. "I'm going to have to visit my father in prison soon, Weasley, want to come with me wearing that?" Ron snickered and shook his head, hugging Harry harder. "Pity. Potter, would you like to wear that dress and help me visit the shithead?"

"Maybe not the dress, but I'll gladly go and help you make fun of him," Harry offered. He pinched Ron, making him squeak. "You should go. You look stunning in that and I can only imagine Lucius' face when he sees you and realizes it's you."

"I believe you three are going to be prohibited from leaving school grounds again," Dumbledore said gently. "Aren't we?"

Harry smiled. "Yay. Kick me out." Dumbledore choked on his present drink. "If I want to sneak out, sir, you're going to have to punish all the other students who do so. Including those who visit Miss Kailynns's outside the village. Or else we can create quite a stink about how you play favorites."

Dumbledore shook his head. "Severus, those are mostly yours. Can't you stop them?"

"I've tried," Severus reminded him. "I'm about to put an anti-sex spell on the house anyway." He saw Dumbledore's look. "This is the subject of their defense paper," he told him.

"Oh. Really?" A small fairy glow appeared on the table and was quickly canceled. He looked at this odd witch. "How interesting," he said with a smile. "May I talk with you a bit?"

"Sure, as long as you don't bitch me out for paying my way through my History Masters." She slid off Draco's lap and next to him instead. "I'm also helping certain people with their leaking problem since it's more like what I do. He's a very quick study."

"Wonderful!" Dumbledore said happily. "If I could find a way around the rules, I'd bring you in to finish his training. That way you could pay your way through school doing something less...unclothed," he decided was the proper phrase in that situation.

She laughed. "I make between two hundred and six hundred a night, Headmaster. Can you beat that?" He shook his head. "Then I'm afraid I'll have to turn you down. I need the money I'm getting now, or else I can't go to school. Maybe some day, but not right now. Unfortunately," she sighed. "I'd love to quit, but the money's too good." She shrugged her impressive chest and clapped as the dancer got off the stage. "Finally." She looked at the DJ, who gave her the 'you're next, get ready' sign. "I'll be back in a few, sweeties, I've got to get ready to dance."

"Wear the blue number?" Ron asked hopefully.

She appeared to consider it. "Sure thing, Ronnie. You make sure that big one's near the stage for me." She strolled away.

"How do women walk on those little points?" Snape asked.

"It's hard, it takes a lot of balance and coordination, plus some natural grace," Ron told him, holding up a boot. "See?"

"I had seen. Put down your leg. I can tell you're not wearing underwear."

"Really?" Harry asked, running a hand up Ron's thigh. "Shoot, you are." Ron kissed him. "Thanks, Ron." He put both hands back into plain sight, but his wand was now in that former spot. He watched this new dancer. "She's someone we didn't see before," he noted.

Draco watched, critiquing her moves. "Fairly decent, but a bit tired and out of breath I think." He handed Crabbe some more money. "Save the majority of it for Kiana. She's been wonderful to us." Crabbe nodded and left, going back to sit beside the stage. "So, we're grounded to the school?" he asked.

"I should take all village trips from you as well," Dumbledore agreed. "Harry, I'll be needing your cloak." Harry opened his mouth but he held up a hand. "Just until graduation. I can't have you risking yourself. Not to get drunk and look at naked women. Also, we'll be setting all the floos in the castle to exclude you unless you've got a special token from a teacher. You as well, Mr. Weasley. We can't risk any of you three and you knew it before you left the last time." He finished off his beer. "Really, this is most unbecoming."

Harry shrugged. "We're young men, Headmaster, what did you expect?"

Dumbledore laughed. "Believe it or not, I heard that same excuse from Sirius Black once," he admitted. "He had just been caught raiding the women's changing areas during a game." He shook his head. "We can't kick you out and you know it."

Harry leaned forward. "I would appreciate being treated like everyone else, Dumbledore, and you know it. If that means that I'm keeping my father's cloak until you can stop all the others from sneaking out then so be it. I don't care about my education at the moment."

Ron put a hand on Harry's chest. "Calm down. He's trying to understand but he never had a purpose in life until he stopped Grinderwald way back when. He doesn't understand what it's like to feel like you're wrapped in cotton wool and slowly being suffocated to death." Draco nodded. "We do. We're tired of it by the way. We'd like to be normal students, one way or another. Harry's right, treat us like everyone else or don't treat us at all, sir. Favoritism is great but it gets wearing after a bit."

"Fine, we'll treat you like everyone else, Mr. Weasley," Dumbledore said with a smile. "In addition to your month with Professor Snape, you now have a month of detentions with Mr. Filch and are suspended for one game each." He saluted them with his mug. "Need anything else, boys?"

"Have you stopped the others yet?" Harry asked. Dumbledore shook his head. "Then you'll have to catch us this time, sir."

"You can't obliviate him, Potter," Snape said with a laugh.

Harry held up a small hourglass. "That's okay, I have another idea." Both teachers' mouths opened. "Consider this a declaration of independence, like the Yanks did," he said with a smile. "Again, family's. Not the one from the Headmaster's desk," he said with a nod toward Dumbledore. He handed it to Draco, the most unethical and the one who would best use it. "Go for it," he encouraged. Draco disappeared and walked back in a few moments later. "Done?" Draco nodded and handed it back, then handed a small pile of papers over to the Headmaster. He took his seat and went back to his beer.

"Excellent," Ron breathed when he saw what was written on there. "Our official papers. Even if we get kicked out, they can't bump us from the program."

"Plus permission slips," Draco announced, taking the time to pull out some money. He tossed Harry a new wallet. "I went for you as well, Harry. I figured you'd need it if this was going to turn into a marathon session like last night." He waved the waiter over. "Two beers, and have one waiting on Kiana when she gets off the stage," he ordered, handing over the money. The waiter nodded and bounded off, coming back with the change, which got given to him as a tip.

"Thank you, sir," he said, bowing and leaving.

Draco looked at Harry. "Do I look different?"

"No, not at all," Harry said, looking him over. "You look like the same horny bastard you were earlier when you helped us off." Ron blushed and sipped some of Draco's beer to cover it.

"Greedy bitch, if you want one, you should ask," Draco said as he took it back.

Ron batted his eyelashes at Draco. "Would you please buy me a beer, Dracie?" he asked in imitation of Kiana's purr.

"Try it in your normal voice," Draco encouraged with a smile. "And lean a bit closer, Ron."

Ron leaned over. "Please, Draco?" he asked, sounding breathless because his chest was against the edge of the table.

"Yes, I will," Draco agreed. He motioned at the waiter and pointed at Ron, getting a nod. "There, how's that?"

"Excellent." He looked at the waiter. "The good stuff and a beer," he called. The waiter nodded and made a motion with his hand. He blew a kiss at Draco. "You spoil very well."

"I try," Draco agreed. He winked and giggled at the shocked sound coming out of Snape's mouth. He had just drank some of the beer and was now spluttering. "Not to your tastes, sir?"

"It's alcoholic," Snape hissed.

"That's half the point," Harry agreed. "Not at all like butterbeers." He smiled at the Headmaster. "Is my permission slip in there as well?"

"It seems Molly was nice enough to write you one, as was Remus Lupin," he sighed. "They're allowed off school grounds as long as they're safe and in the company of an adult."

"Which I am," Draco reminded him. He smiled at Ron. "Two words. Birthday. Party." Ron shivered. "Good. Perhaps we'll hire the wonderful young woman to work it?" Ron beamed and bounced a bit.

"Ron, careful, you're going to break my wand," Harry chided, shifting a hand down to play with the wand. Ron squealed and Harry kissed him on the neck. "What did you want for your next birthday?"

"I'm sure you'll find something spectacular that won't embarrass me, Harry," Ron told him. He gave him a kiss. "Try really hard."

Harry laughed. "I'm sure we can," he agreed.

***

Ron strolled into the school, unconcerned about the clothes he was wearing or their impact on the people they passed. He did notice a few people staring at his legs, but he was in a good mood so that was fine as well, especially since Harry was walking next to him. They made it up to their room, more quietly than the last time they had come in, and walked over to the window.

"Are you drunk again?" Dean asked quietly.

Ron looked back at him, shaking his head and smiling. "We had a few with a wonderful woman, but we're not lit."

"Let's not forget seeing Snape actually drink and Dumbledore having to order another beer so he could quit staring," Harry said lightly.

"You went drinking with the Headmaster and Snape?" Neville asked, sitting up and moving his curtains out of the way. "Wow. Ron?" Ron nodded. "Where did you get that?"

"From the wonderful woman we were having that drink with," Ron said happily. "We bought if off her when we realized how good we looked." He winked at the other guys staring at them. "Well?"

"You look wonderful," Neville told him, nodding and drooling. "Can you, um, maybe let Ginny wear that a few times?"

Ron walked over to stare down at him. "I doubt my sister could wear the shoes," he said with some humor. Everyone looked at his feet and most of the guys hissed. "Kiana was really nice, she taught me how to walk in them and how to take care of my feet afterwards."

"Yeah, she suggested I rub them for you," Harry snorted.

Ron grinned at him. "You offered."

"Good point," Harry agreed, flopping onto his bed. "Yes, we went to play with our new things again."

"I thought you guys were sick," Justin asked.

"So did the Headmaster. Couldn't understand why Malfoy likes his fast, shiny car." They giggled. "So we were sent back to Malfoy Manor to 'recuperate'," he did the finger quotes, "and we snuck out to go back to the strip club."

"What sort of club makes you refinish furniture?" Neville asked. Ron leaned down and whispered in his ear. "OH!" His eyes went wide. "Can you take us this summer?" he pleaded.

"We'll have to see," Harry told him. "Dumbledore's about flabbergasted by our escaping yet again. He wants to ground us and suspend us for a game." The guys all opened their mouths. "All three of us."

"The next game's against Slytherin," Dean pointed out. "If there's not a seeker, how will we know who wins?"

Harry laughed. "Easy, we reactivate Ginny." The guys laughed.

"We may also have some detentions," Ron added for good measure. He looked down at the foot of his bed. "Wasn't my trunk here last night?" he asked.

"Ginny has it," Neville explained. "She said you were going to have to make due tomorrow because your mother needed a bunch of your stuff sent home to be mended." He licked his lips. "Aren't you supposed to be fully male right now?"

"I am," Ron agreed dryly. "For some reason I'm changing off schedule this time." He ran his fingers through his hair. "I'm going to sneak over and beat Ginny into finding me something to wear tomorrow." He walked out, sneaking down to the common room.

"Oh, good, you're not drunk," Hermione said dryly when she saw him. She looked over his outfit. "Gone out whoring?"

"Strip club," he admitted. "I'm changing off schedule." She groaned. "Did Ginny send all my female clothes home?" She nodded. "Can I sneak up and talk to her?"

"Go ahead. I know you won't touch another woman."

Ron strolled over and tipped her head back, kissing her gently. "Why would I want to touch another woman when I had you?" he asked quietly, grinning down at her. She hopped up and ran up the stairs crying. "Sorry," he called after her. The portrait door opened and McGonagall walked in, her robe tightly belted around her nightdress. "Morning, ma'am. I've got to talk to my sister."

"Fine. See me after you're done, Mr. Weasley," she said firmly, sitting in a chair. "Where did you get that outfit?"

"The wonderful woman we were interviewing for our defense paper."

"Yes, I heard about that place," she said, her voice dripping with ice. She watched him walk. "Her doing?" He nodded. "Very well then, I believe we'll have to have a discussion on proper female etiquette. You can not go to places like that without sullying your reputation."

"Being with two men at the same time won't do that?" he asked dryly. She glared at him, giving him her 'I am not amused' look. "Yes, ma'am, let me talk to my sister and I'll let you swear at me. She may have sent all my female clothes home." Her eyes widened. "At least I have this," he pointed out before heading up to Ginny's dormroom. He put a hand over her mouth to wake her up, putting a finger to his lips. She nodded and followed him to the hallway. "Why did mum want my clothes?" he hissed.

"She wanted to see what you had and what needed to be expanded upon," Ginny told him. "I would have told you yesterday but you were a bit out of it when you came back." She hit him on the arm. "Stupid git, Mum got told!"

"And we went back today, but didn't get drunk. We're young men, Ginny, we do stupid things. Just ask dad." He put his hands on his hips, drawing her attention to his outfit. Her mouth opened and closed a few times before she finally squeaked. "Yes, I changed off schedule, which is why this topic is being discussed now. If you sent everything home all I have is this and McGonagall is going to fry my butt in a few minutes."

Ginny walked around him. "Tasteful. A bit suggestive. Whose is this?"

"Draco bought it for me off the stripper we were working with," he admitted. "We were interviewing her for a paper in Defense," he said at her disgusted look. "Besides, she taught me how to walk in these heels. I don't stomp anymore and I don't have to stare at my feet." She giggled. "Thanks for the approval."

"Just thinking about everyone's face at breakfast because that's all you have," she giggled. She hugged him. "Have fun with the big lady. I'll be listening for swearing."

"She's going to go off about my reputation," Ron said with an eye roll. "Make sure we're up for brekkie. I'm going to face down the lioness." He strutted away.

Ginny watched him walk, shaking her head. "Hermione may be panicking but there's a number of women in this school who're going try for him." She went back to her bed, still laughing. Wait until her parents heard about this one!

Ron walked down the stairs and regally sat down, making sure his skirt was in the right places. "There, all done. These are all the female clothes I have." She shuddered. "We could do the borrowed clothes thing again I guess," he pointed out. She shuddered harder. "I'll leave that up to you since you're more concerned about my body than I am."

"That much is evident," she agreed. "As you have shown by your reckless actions recently, the true adults have to be more concerned about your activities and reputation for you."

Ron leaned forward. "Professor, with all due respect, stuff it," he said quietly. "I'm eighteen. I still think like a young man. I'm not going to let myself be hampered by some stupid restrictions that have been outdated for centuries. I can wear pants, they're very comfortable no matter what the men want women to think. I can even wear a dress, now, and be comfortable in it. Though I do miss having the fabric between my legs so they don't brush together," he admitted with a smile. "Harry and I agree, we're nearly adults. If you shelter us then you're going to lose us. With what little may be left of our lives, we'd like to experience some things, possibly even lead a mostly normal life. If we don't, we're going to go insane. I'm not putting up with the crap that you layer on Ginny."

"You're still young, you need sheltering," she said calmly. She could understand what he was saying. "That is beside the point that sometimes you have to be protected so the rest of us aren't fighting in vain."

Ron laughed. "Ma'am, I doubt Harry's going to kill himself, unless you continue to put him in cottonwool. He's never had a chance to be a young boy, or a young man, and now he's doing so. The harder you press us to act like inmates, the more we're going to vent. This is all up to you." He stood up. "Now, what am I doing for clothes tomorrow?"

She looked over his outfit. "I believe that's more tasteful than you borrowing a shirt again," she admitted. "Wear that." He nodded. "We will be discussing this tomorrow. Not even you can get drunk every night."

"I only had two scotches and three beers. I'm not drunk yet," Ron told her. He giggled suddenly. "You should have seen Snape's face when he saw where we were. Then he had to drink to get the naked woman images out of his head." She burst out laughing as well. "Dumbledore even had to drink a few pints to hide his astonishment at the women dancing on the stage."

"Dancing? I thought you went somewhere to do furniture? Everyone else convinced me it must have been."

Ron giggled. "Everyone's been saying that. No, stripping in this case is a strip club. A place where women dance with little or nothing on for money." Her mouth opened and her eyes went wide. "The woman we were interviewing for the Defense paper works in there. She even proved it to Dumbledore. Makes good money but she says the job wears you down and makes you want to die some days too. Apparently muggle men have all these lines they give out to pick up women. She says it's *horrible* having to deal with them when they're drunk." McGonagall clamped her lips together. "She's a very nice woman who's working there because of the money. She said her top night was about six hundred-seventy pounds for five hours work."

McGonagall shook her head. "I had always assumed the women in those places were forced to work there by coercion." She stood up. "I want to look at this paper of yours, Mr. Weasley."

"Yes, ma'am. I'll have Harry copy it for you. It's him who's rewriting it so it's legible. She's fairly stunning. Does her magic without a wand. She only does little things but still fairly impressive. Oh, and get this, she's curing Harry's leaking problem," he said happily. "She spent those first two nights with us talking to him and he hasn't leaked yet, not even when I got propositioned earlier. Though why the bloke wanted to go for a spin on the pole with me I don't know," he said with a shrug. "Now I understand why women think men are strange."

She patted him on the shoulder. "Keep that knowledge, young man, and try to correct the species." She walked out, going to the Headmaster's office for another impromptu meeting. She looked at Severus, then at her boss. "Did you enjoy the dancing?" she asked. They both coughed and shook their heads. "Good. The boys do have a point, if we continue to try and keep them out of life, they're going to react more harshly. A bit more escaping to less harmful destinations would be the ideal solution really."

"Mr. Potter now owns a car," Snape told her.

"Really?" she asked. He nodded. "Was it the one in the picture?" He nodded again, looking smug. "Is it safe?"

"It is and he went a fairly consistent speed as well. Nothing at all like the way Mr. Crabbe described Mr. Malfoy's driving." He looked at their boss. "What shall we do?"

Dumbledore sighed. "We'll unpunish them." He held up a hand at the outraged noises the teachers were about to make. "The game against each other is the next game. Do either of you realize what will happen if we take one keeper and both seekers out of the game?"

"It'll never end," McGonagall said swiftly. "I'm sure they were going to reactivate Ginny."

"Probably, but Slytherin has no such backups. We'll have to go slowly and carefully at this point. Harry was correct in saying that he deserved to experience life, just in case he died. I'm sure Mr. Weasley feels the same?" She nodded. "Very well then, we'll watch them but let them go a bit more freely. They are not allowed to go back to that club, and they are not allowed to sneak off to London without letting us know, but as adults we really can't stop them. They have permission slips."

"Potter's not eighteen."

"I think the Ministry considers him an adult anyway," McGonagall pointed out. "The boy's been in battles, let him be, Severus. No more clubs, no more unauthorized trips to London. Anything else?" The men looked at each other then shook their heads. "Then let me bring up something. I believe that we should discuss proper female attire for Weasley," McGonagall offered. "His mother requested his sister send home all his female clothes." They opened their mouths. "It was either that red dress he's presently wearing or borrowing a shirt again."

"That dress was more decorous," Dumbledore decided.

"That's what I told him. How can he walk in those heels?" she asked. "He seems to have found some grace and ease, but still! How high are those things?"

"Four inches," Snape sighed. "That woman told us earlier." He looked at Dumbledore. "At least I don't have to have him this year," he said firmly as he stood up. "Was there anything else of note?"

"Tomorrow's probably going to be another day with many men walking around in a daze," Dumbledore reminded him. "Try to be a bit more considerate and careful with them, Severus. They really can't help it." Snape glared but left without promising anything. "Minerva, isn't tomorrow their day with you, Defense, and Hagrid?" She nodded slowly. "Warn Hagrid. He's very upset that Ron's not being a proper girl like Ginny is."

She laughed. "I don't think he ever will, Albus. That boy will be the death of my nerves yet." She walked out, leaving him there.

Dumbledore shook his head. "I don't know what to do about this," he told the paintings around his office. "Do any of you have any ideas?" They all mumbled and shook their heads. "If only Harry had been allowed a more normal upbringing," he sighed. "The boy wouldn't need to be wild now to see what it was like to have fun."

"Loose women are fun?" one male painting asked.

"You should remember, you did enough of that in your tenure as headmaster," a female one snapped back.

"Please don't fight. My head rather hurts." Dumbledore looked at Fawkes, who regurgitated. "Thank you for that," he said as he stood up. "I believe I'll turn in. Tomorrow will no doubt be trying and I'd rather be fully rested." He left them there, talking among themselves about these extraordinary events.

***

Ron walked into breakfast the next morning and waved at the whistles. He had even remembered to shave today, he was proud of himself. Ginny had attacked his hair, now he had hair that she said made him look like he can crawled out of bed in a good way ­ whatever that meant. He sat down, nodding at the girls. "Morning."

"Did you sneak out again?" Parvati demanded.

"Yeah," he admitted with a grin. "We had a lot of fun. We didn't even get drunk this time." He winked at her and she relaxed. "I'm being good, Oh Great And Wonderful Teacher of Womanly Things." He stood up and let her see his outfit. "So? We got me it last night and it's all I have thanks to my mother and Ginny."

"How are you balancing on those?" Parvati asked, looking at the shoes.

"It's a matter of finding my center of balance and ignoring them," he told her, sitting down next to her but facing the opposite direction. "I'm sorry if you're disappointed in me, but Harry and I have decided we want to live a real life, especially if ours is going to be cut short by the war. " He hugged her gently. "Thank you for all your help, Parvati. You're an extraordinary woman, if only because you haven't blinked once at all this crap that's been going on."

She laughed. "Ron, you're not a problem and it's a great thing to correct the beginning women problems. I'm practicing for when I have a daughter of my own." She kissed him on the cheek. "Of course, you'll have to live so you can teach her to walk in heels that high." He laughed and she leaned closer. "Hermione was stupid to give you up, Ron, and we all know it. If you had been mine, you wouldn't have had to go trolling for Malfoy. There wouldn't have been a single person who would have gotten within a foot of you." He hugged her harder. "Now go eat, you'll need your strength to beat the boys off your butt since that dress does a marvelous job of highlighting your good spots." He went back to his seat, piling on the food. She looked at Hermione, who looked troubled. "You know what, I think maybe we should all bring beater clubs to class today," she told the other girls. "Just to beat the boys into submission again." The other girls laughed. "Ron, what're you going to do for clothes tomorrow?" she called.

"We're flooing mum this afternoon and I'm sure she's sending some of it back," he told her. "If not, I'm going to have to either sneak out and force Harry to buy me another outfit or I'm going to have to borrow one of his shirts." The men around them groaned. "Sorry, guys, it can't be helped this time," he reminded them. "I don't know why I changed off schedule. It's freaky, I should be in the center of my in-between spot right now." He ate a link of sausage, watching the guys at the next table drool. "It's a sausage, I don't play like that," he told one who was staring. The boy blushed and ducked his head.

Harry put a hand on his. "Mine," he said firmly. The boys quit staring and only glanced at him to watch him eat. "I can't wait until we can head home," he whispered in Ron's ear. Ron laughed and kissed him on the cheek, then wiped off the grease. "Thanks." He nibbled on some of his own food, glancing around the room. He caught Malfoy's eyes and rolled his. Malfoy licked his lips and then wiped his mouth. He picked up his books and left the room. Harry looked at Ron, who was grinning. "Meeting him?"

Ron leaned closer to him. "I think he's going to wank off," he whispered. "Crabbe's still here."

"Wonderful. I'm sure he'll enjoy thinking about what I got to see last night," he said with a wink and a squeeze to the hand he held.

Ron laughed. "I'm sure too."

***

Hagrid had been warned earlier about Ron's lack of clothes, but that dress was nearly as bad as the shirt incident, as he had taken to calling it in his head. "Ron," he said, nodding. "Want a shirt? You look chilly."

"No, I'm fine. I found a nice robe sitting on my bed this morning and it's very warm," Ron assured him, stroking the sleeve of the velvet robe he wore. It matched his outfit splendidly, making him seem much more regal than trashy in his opinion. He looked down at where Hagrid was staring and hit him on the arm. "Quit that!" Hagrid blushed. "The normal boys can't see down them!"

Hagrid shook his head. "You look like you're cold," he repeated.

"Mum had Ginny send all my girl clothes home for a while. No one's sure why I'm changing off schedule, but I am. And unless some of it comes back today, I'm stuck wearing this or begging Harry to let me borrow more of his clothes tomorrow."

Hagrid shook his head. "Girls shouldn't do things like that, Ron."

"I'm a man most of the time, Hagrid, not some delicate girl. Trust me, I can still do things that most of the guys can."

"Not in those shoes," Harry reminded him.

Hagrid looked at the shoes. "Little tiny points," he said in awe. "How do you wear those?"

"With more ease now," Ron said with a grin. "Come on, I believe that's a unicorn," he said, pointing at the creature in the distance. He walked over confidently. Malfoy had told him that his female virginity being intact meant that he could pet it and it would only seem a little shyer. Plus it would stop some of the rumors. This was a Slytherin/Gryffindor class and word would get back that he was still mostly pure. He clicked and whistled through his teeth, getting its attention. "Hello, precious one. May I pet you?" he asked quietly, moving carefully closer.

"Ron, that's a bull," Hagrid called. "He'll lunge."

"We won't have a problem," Ron said gently, putting out a hand. The unicorn stretched his neck and sniffed it. "I know, I'm partially corrupt, but not nearly as much as some." He stepped closer and the unicorn held still. He could hear the indrawn gasps. "May I pet you, wondrous one?" The bull unicorn stepped forward, resting his nose between Ron's breasts and his horn just above Ron's shoulder. "Thank you," he said as he lovingly stroked the mane. He didn't try to touch the horn, only the perfectly pure could touch those, but he found an itchy spot on the bull's neck, scratching it gently. He got some soft nuzzling and then the unicorn backed off. "Thank you, great one. You're a wonderful bull and I'm sure your herd will grow greatly under your influence and breeding." He bowed to it and backed out, smiling at the pretty beast. He felt a hand grab him and glanced back. "Hey, Crabbe." He winked at the sour look, letting him help him out of the field. "Thank you." He strolled back to Harry's side, leaning on the fence again.

"Well," Malfoy said, looking over at Ron. "That was a surprise. I notice you didn't touch the horn," he smirked.

"I haven't been that pure since I started school," Ron snorted. "You probably haven't been that pure in nearly a decade, Malfoy." Draco laughed. "Are we going to learn unicorn care today, Hagrid?"

"No, he's here for another class. You're going to be learning how to take care of dragons." He pointed in the other direction. "We thought we'd surprise you by letting your brother come up."

Ron brightened up. "Charlie? Cool!" He walked that way. "Come on, guys!" Harry and Crabbe both jogged after him, Draco not far behind but taking it more casually.

"Dragons now?" one of the Slytherin females complained.

"How did he touch a unicorn is what I want to know," another girl whined. "With two of them and he's still somewhat pure?"

Ron ran up and hugged his brother hard. "Charlie!"

"Ron?" Charlie asked, pushing Ron back to look at him. "What happened to you? Potter! What did you do to my brother!"

"It wasn't me, it was the twins," Harry said patiently. "That's why George is female sometimes too." He grinned at Ron. "It's a long story and you should ask your mother."

"Oh, we'll be talking ourselves," Charlie assured him. He looked down at Ron. Then he shook his head. "You're a girl," he said flatly.

"Not all the time," Ron admitted. Charlie's mouth flopped open. "Yeah, long story."

"I suspect it is," Charlie agreed. He swallowed and looked at Hagrid. "How long?" he squeaked.

"The beginning of school," Ron told him.

Hagrid nodded. "There have been some times when Ron's not worn good clothes too," he told him.

"I've always done my best," Ron defended. "There's been a few laundry incidents. Mum has most of my clothes right now."

"Oh, tell them what you did last night," Neville said with a grin.

"We went to a strip club," Harry told him. "Us, Snape, and Dumbledore by the end of the night."

Charlie squeaked. "You took my brother where?"

"That's how I learned how to walk in heels this high," Ron told him before moving around him. "I'll skip something to talk to you or are you staying for a bit?"

"I'm not leaving until we have a long talk," Charlie assured him. "Don't touch the dragons, they only like pure things."

"Then why can you handle them?" Ron snorted. He did the sucking/whistling/clicking noises again, getting some attention. "Wow, you're a big'ne," he said with a smile. "Yes, I'm a tasty maiden. May I pet you?" He moved closer carefully and the dragon breathed warm air on him. "Don't muss my hair!" he complained. "It took Ginny forever to get it right this morning." The dragon put a paw around Ron's back and pulled him closer, curling up around him. "I think this one's satisfied if you want to come closer," he announced.

Malfoy stepped up to the dragon. "Mine," he snarled. "Don't make me get a sword."

"Hey now!" Charlie started.

The dragon released his hold somewhat and licked Ron's bare neck, seeming to grin at Draco. "He's fine," Ron assured him. "It's not like the old days. Maidens are hard to find these days."

"Too true," Charlie muttered. "As you can see," he said a bit louder, "dragons do like Maidens but today's dragons are smart enough to realize that they're hard to come by. They won't attack the purer females, but we'd better have a male standing there to help keep them safe. Just in case." The students came closer and he enjoyed his brief stint of teaching, but at the end he grabbed Ron before he could be escorted off. "Do you have a free time today?" he asked quietly, staring at his brother's eyes.

"Yeah, after Herbology and before Transfigurations," he noted. "Second period this afternoon." Charlie nodded. "Meet you in the common room?"

Charlie smiled. "Yeah, that'd be comfy and you could get off your feet. Don't those hurt?"

"Only a little. It's much better now that I've had a few chances to wear heels. The first time was horrible." He grinned and winked. "I'm going to be late for Defense. Are you staying for lunch? I can skip Herbology."

"That'd be better," Charlie agreed. "Give us more time to catch up." He watched as Ron walked off, shaking his head. "I'll kill the twins," he muttered as he rechained his charge and walked up to the school. He ran into the Headmaster coming down the stairs. "May I use the local floo to call my mother, sir?"

"Of course. Where are you meeting your brother?"

"During lunch, in the common room."

"That's fine. Come along, we'll let you in and have lunch sent up to you. Quite an interesting adventure your brother has had this year," he noted as they walked side by side down the halls. Charlie grunted. "Didn't anyone tell you?"

"No, and I'm about to find out why."

"Could you possibly ask your mother to send Ron some more decent clothes?"

"Oh, yeah, I was going to do that too," Charlie agreed, nodding. "I hate to say it, but my baby brother looks hot in that dress. I'm feeling very weird at the moment."

Dumbledore opened the portrait for him. "I'm sure you're not alone. I noticed Fred reacting when he popped around for an afternoon of selling." He chuckled as he walked away, listening to Charlie talk to his mother.

Charlie tossed some floo powder into the fire as he got comfortable on the floor. "The Burrow." His mother's head popped up. "Mum, why does Ron have tits?"

"Now? He's off schedule," she complained.

"That was a more general question," Charlie said patiently. "Why, at all, does Ron have breasts?"

"The twins botched up something and it turned him into a changeling," she sighed. "It really is the most horrible thing, he changes back and forth and he had to go to the Malfoys for protection, along with his interest in poor Harry."

Charlie held up a finger. "Slow down, mum, I just saw Ron."

"Did he sneak out again!" she asked, outraged.

"No, I was invited to bring a dragon up for the night. I was going to pop around tonight to surprise you. Imagine my shock when I saw Ron in a black velvet robe and a slinky red silk dress, with *heels*, mum, high heels!" he noted a bit frantically.

She sighed. "Calm down, Charlie, it's not *so* bad. At least Ron's a pretty girl."

"Mother!"

She laughed. "Fine. Are you comfortable?" He nodded patiently. "You see, the twins were trying to make something to change you for a day or two," she started. "Something so boys could understand women."

Charlie nodded. "That's a good idea."

"It backfired. Ron was allergic, had a small seizure, and it sent in motion a change cycle. He moves from being both to one or the other and back around."

"Like a circle?"

"I suppose. The chart is up by his bed hopefully."

Charlie stood up and glanced around. "Which is his room?"

"Check the board," Nearly Headless Nick said, popping his head through the top of the fireplace. "The Headmaster said to tell you that Ron will be up directly after Defense. He'll send lunch up in one hour. Ron has to go back for Transfiguration because he has a practical examination today." He pulled back and disappeared.

Charlie shook his head as he walked over to the board, finding a large paper printed with a calendar and Ron's name on the top. He looked at the cycle, shaking his head slowly and thinking about it on the way back to his conversation. "That's just odd, mother."

"It is," she sighed. "He's such a pretty girl though. Recently his innate mischief senses have been guiding him."

"Mum, does this officially make him a changeling?" Charlie asked. She nodded. "You mentioned Malfoy and Harry?"

"Lucius was the person who was obsessed with changelings. He wanted to turn Draco into one. It was from one of his journals that the twins got the formula they used on George and Ron."

"George too?"

"He changes now and then, very suddenly. A very proper girl too, always in a skirt as soon as possible." Charlie nodded slowly. "We've had some problems with Ron and his wearing pants. I was going to get him a few skirts, but he said not to." She sighed again. "This is difficult, Charlie. Draco is protecting Ron, he's marked him and poor Harry."

"Marked? Like the brand?" Molly nodded and Charlie groaned. "I thought I was hallucinating," he said, leaning forward. "It's still on his neck and he was playing with a bull unicorn earlier, mother."

"Excellent," she said with a smile. "His blood has to remain pure you know, so much more powerful if it's not. We've even gotten some burial instructions from Draco. He's trying so *hard* to be a sweet dear to Ron and Harry."

"Together?" Charlie whispered, a glazed look appearing on his face.

"Oh, dear. Just you wait there, Charlie and I'll be right up," she soothed. "We'll tell you all about it." Her head disappeared but a few minutes later Molly walked out of the fire carrying a bag. "Here we are, for Ron tomorrow." She helped him up and over to a couch. "It was nice that so many boys have called and suggested that Ron have more clothes. Apparently they think he looks stunning and isn't dressing to his best effect."

"Not with the outfit he's wearing today," Charlie assured her, patting her on the hand. "Tell me details, mum. That way I can warn Bill before he comes back next summer."

"Oh, I had forgotten about him coming in," she said, frowning slightly. "I think we'll have to rearrange the house a bit. Having the threesome together in one room wouldn't be appropriate at all since they're not formally married in Arthur's eyes."

"Mother, focus," Charlie said quietly. She looked at him. "Details."

She patted him on the side of the face. "Of course, dear."

***

Ron walked into the house and smiled at his big brother, who was kicked back on a couch. "Comfy?" he asked.

"Very. Mum sent you some stuff and a large hug, though she did say you were going to have a discussion about your drinking recently." He sat up, putting his feet back onto the floor. "Apparently there have been about fifty calls to the house encouraging mum to get you clothes that showed you off better. I put the bags on your bed. She said she'd send over more stuff later after she's sorted through them for more naughty items."

"Thanks." Ron sat on the other end of the couch, curling up decorously. "Did she tell you everything?"

"Up to and including you going out with strippers," Charlie agreed dryly. "Have fun?"

"Yeah," Ron agreed, pulling the preliminary copy of the paper to him. "We interviewed her there, sorry I was a bit drunk when I was writing that."

Charlie read it quickly. "They exist?"

"They do. The teacher tried to tell us the same thing but she taught Harry a bit of something. I had his wand and Harry produced a small candleflame. Very cool effect of making half the room run for their lives in fear, but still very nice. I was allowed to leave early once he got everyone back since I obviously had more important things to do." He beamed. "What did you want to know?"

"Oh, let's start with everything," Charlie told him, looking at him. "Can you pull that up a bit?"

"Huh?" Ron looked down and adjusted the bra part. "Better?" he asked, looking back up. Charlie's eyes had glazed over. He picked up a pillow and swatted him across the face. "Stop that, you're my brother. You like amazing women with small tits, which I'm neither of."

"Good point, it's just so odd," Charlie said, shifting closer. "I'm so used to you being that brawny little dickhead most of the time."

Ron laughed. "And now I'm a more sensitive one." He leaned closer, telling him everything, especially the stuff that his mother and no one else knew, but quietly enough that none of the portraits could overhear.

***

Ron looked over as Harry opened the door. "Charlie said he'd talk to you tomorrow, he wanted to ask you a few questions." Harry grunted and laid down on his bed. "Do you know that seventy-three guys called my mother to beg her about my clothes? Pretty evenly matched, she thought, between getting me more showy stuff and getting me into normal stuff." Harry grunted again. "What's wrong?"

"Someone decided I wasn't doing my job because I was out having fun. That's not how heros are supposed to act," he mimicked a high female voice. "You're supposed to give up your life for the cause." He shuddered.

Ron slid in next to his boyfriend, giving him a hug. "It'll be okay. Even if a few don't understand what it's like to give up your life, the important ones do and we support you having a real life," he soothed. Harry liked hugs a lot, they usually calmed him down. This time he was near vibrating. "Is there more?"

"She wasn't the only one. A few of the kids in Defense said the same thing after you had been dismissed."

"Ours?"

"Not really. Mostly theirs. One of ours. Neville agreed, I should be training harder, but he didn't see the need to have me locked away from the world totally."

"Shit," Ron sighed, putting his head on the warm shoulder. "Did you get into it?"

"Not yet. I'm trying really hard not to yell and scream." He rolled onto his side, hugging Ron for all he was worth. "How did Charlie take it?"

"A glazed expression on his face and some interest. Mostly curiosity. He wanted to know what being a girl was like and did breasts really hurt like Ginny complained hers did. Things I could mostly answer. He admitted that he might have taken the potion if the twins had gotten it right. Then he told me he'd probably have tried it out within a few hours."

Harry laughed. "You would have too if you could have," he reminded him.

"I will some day, once I'm sure we'll be safe. I don't want to cause more problems by trying out new things. Once we're safely away," he soothed, stroking Harry's back. Someone knocked on the door. "We're dressed," he called. Ginny walked Draco in and waved. "Charlie said hi."

"He said he'd get to me tomorrow, after our class got the dragon lecture." She peered at the bags on the bed. "She bought you more clothes?"

"No, someone bought me clothes and had them sent to her," Ron corrected. "Seventy-three kids here snuck to a floo and called mother," he said dryly, looking at Draco. "Half wanted me to dress more sluttishly, and half wanted me to be more proper."

Draco laughed. "I'm sure they'll leave you alone soon. Potter?" Harry grunted. "She's decided she's sorry and that she won't say another word to you. She had no idea."

"I know," Harry sighed. He stretched, keeping hold of Ron. "It still bites that one of your little minions would make remarks like that."

"I know you're talking about a Slytherin female, but which one?" Ginny asked.

"Millicent," Draco told her, getting comfortable. He picked up the top, flimsy looking piece of material to look at it. "What is this?"

"A top," Ginny said firmly. "Very comfortable usually."

"It won't even fit over her breasts," Draco said, scandalized.

"I was going to wear it as a bra anyway," Ron said with a shrug. "Ginny, can you keep Neville downstairs while we talk?" She nodded. "Thank you." She took the hint and left. "Okay, what's really going on?"

"She pounced Harry while he was trying to teach the others a new hex, that light one you did on me. Said he wasn't supposed to be out having fun because he was the hero, he was supposed to suffer and die."

"And moan about not having a life because no real hero could ever have a real life outside the good fight," Harry added bitterly. "She got me again later in Transfiguration too. McGonagall stuck up for me, but she's still bitter because I'm not fighting yet."

"Did something happen to her family?" Ron asked.

Draco shook his head. "Not at all. There's been no attacks for three weeks. Not a thing has happened to set her off. We think it was the rumors about us escaping to have fun but nothing can be confirmed." He pawed through the other outfits, coming up with a very nice green silk shirt and pants outfit. "I dare you to wear this," he teased, holding it up.

"I don't have the underthings for that," Ron said with a blush. He looked at Harry again. "Should we plan on going for a walk by the lake tonight? Just to calm down?"

"I don't know," Harry sighed. "This is horrible and I don't know what's going on inside my head. It's like there's this little voice telling me to tell her exactly what it's like to be me, but you know I don't want to share that stuff." He buried his face in the nice cleavage, hanging on for dear life. "Can we skip dinner?"

"Only if you feed me some other way," Ron snorted. Harry groaned and he wiggled. "Do that again," he encouraged.

"Not right now, Ron," Harry complained. "Maybe later I'll make you squeal again."

Draco looked at Harry in alarm. "This is bad." Harry never gave up a chance to play with his favorite toys, Ron's breasts. He put down the silk outfit, reaching over to touch Harry's back. "I'll make her see sense. She's already broken down once. She really doesn't understand. Pansy stuck up for you." Harry laughed bitterly. He looked at Ron, who shook his head. "Potter, get up and get redressed. We'll eat in my rooms tonight. As much as I would love to show Ron off, we can do that some other time." Harry lifted his head to look at him. "I promise, just a quiet dinner in my rooms. Nothing expected of you and we won't even talk about the new paper topic we were given."

"What topic?" Ron asked, looking a bit worried.

"He wanted us to do a paper on what might happen if we used your blood. Explain it out for ourselves in case we were unaware of the consequences," Draco said quietly. Someone knocked on the door. "Enter!"

Justin walked in and stared at them. "Bullstrode?" he asked hesitantly. Harry nodded, putting his head back down, but no longer trying to suffocate himself in them. "She's a clueless wench, Harry, you know she doesn't understand."

"Do you?" Harry asked. Justin opened his mouth, then shook his head. "I didn't think so." He stood up, looking at the pile of clothes. He picked out the green silk shirt, a bra, panties, and a pair of black velvet pants from it. "Here, wear this, Ron. We'll eat in the Great Hall," he told Draco. "Listen for the screaming to start though. I'm not sure how I'm going to deal with this yet." He swallowed. "We'll work on the other paper topic later, when we can get into the special collections area." Both of them nodded. "Hurry up, Ron, it's nearly dinner." Ron took the things into the bathroom and he looked at Draco. "Can you stop her?"

"I'm doing my best. As I said, even Pansy's stuck up for you this time." He shrugged. "They can't understand. They've had every material need met from their first breaths, and nothing gentle given to them to sand down the rough edges." He looked Harry over. "Get dressed in something other than that. You apparently had a bloody nose earlier," he noted, making a motion toward the dark spot on Harry's chest. Harry nodded and grabbed some clothes for himself, taking them into the bathroom. "I'll see you both at dinner," he called.

"You could wait," Ron said as he walked out, tucking in the shirt. It was fixed for him, the top two buttons undone but the collar allowed to close as it wanted to. "Thanks," he said with a gentle smile.

"You do look good in my house colors," he said with a wink. "Potter?"

"Coming." He came out wearing a light blue shirt and a pair of jeans. "Come on, let's go eat. Are you changing, Draco?"

"Not yet. I'll change before we go sit in that dusty and awful room in the library," he said, following them out of the room. When they got down to the hallway, he took Ron's other side, patting her on the hand. "Was your brother impressed?"

"Very," Ron admitted with a small smile for him. "Thought that he should talk to you tomorrow after talking with Harry." Draco raised an eyebrow. "Threats to treat me right, keep me out of trouble, things like that probably," he admitted. "Charlie's the nice one, I'm more worried about what Bill's going to say."

"Bill's going to say that you're a wonderful young woman and he happens to adore you in either form," Harry said firmly. "I could tell Bill really liked you, would even if you weren't his brother sort of affection. I'm sure this won't make a lot of difference." He opened the doors to the Great Hall and let Ron step in first, ignoring the sudden silence. "We're not royalty," he pointed out at the continued quiet.

"Speak for yourself," Draco snorted. "I'm a distant cousin and a Lord, Potter."

"Oooh, long live the queen," Ron teased. Draco burst out in giggles. "Eat!" he shouted suddenly. The kids went back to their food, talking quietly with each other. He let Harry sit him down, watching as Malfoy found his own seat at his table, then accepted the food from Neville. "How did Defense go after I left?" he asked the other boy.

"Rotten. I suppose you heard?" Neville asked. Ron nodded. "I'm sorry, Harry, it slipped out."

"The truth often does," Harry retorted quietly. "It doesn't matter, we're still friends, Neville."

"It does suck," Neville told him.

"Drop it," Ron said quietly. Harry touched him on the thigh. "No, this isn't a dinner conversation, Harry. This is for later tonight, when we're in our beds and ready to get deep. For right now the only deep thing I want to talk about is the pudding bowl." The kids around them giggled nervously. "Oh, give it a rest," Ron sighed. "Yes, I heard about all of it already." They nodded and went back to their food. He glanced at Harry, who shook his head. "Want to have an impromptu picnic?" he asked quietly. Harry nodded so he filled a few plates. "Grab glasses and some juice. We'll eat on the front walk and stare at the stars." They carried their dinners outside, going to be alone for now. Let the other kids talk about them, it would die down soon enough. He settled himself against Harry's chest, holding up some meat to let him bite it. Then he ate the rest. "Better?"

"Much," Harry agreed, smiling at him. Someone coughed. "Go away, we're getting away from everyone else before we do something rash," Harry warned without looking.

"I'd say," Snape agreed. He walked out and shut the door. "You aren't to take dishes out of the Great Hall."

"I'll walk them to the kitchen when we're done," Ron told him. "This way they can gossip while they eat their dinner and we can eat without beating someone." He shifted, sitting up on his own. He picked up a spear of asparagus, licking and nipping off the tip before feeding it to Harry, earning a smile. "Better?"

"Much," Harry agreed, nodding. He looked up at Snape, who had that 'stone' look about his face. "We're not doing anything wrong, simply letting the others get it out of their systems."

"You still cannot do such things. The next thing you'll know each dinner will be a picnic. It would harm the bond the students form with each other."

"Don't you mean it'd be a bitch to find the plates?" Ron asked dryly. "We'll go back inside in a bit."

"You'll go now, Mr. Weasley or I'll start to remove points."

"I'll go where I bloody well want," Ron said firmly. "If I want to eat on the front steps then I will. If I wanted to listen to people talk about us like they're trying not to let us hear then I'd go back in there and start on my first ulcer." Harry opened his mouth so Ron plugged it the usual way, with a kiss. "No, we won't go. I like it out here. It's a bit nippy, but fairly quiet and peaceful. The Great Hall is loud and noisy even on the best days." The door opened and McGonagall walked out. "We're eating out here," he said firmly. "Harry and I don't need that stress."

"The Headmaster told me to tell you that you could this time. After the earlier incident he said it's understandable. He had almost thought you would miss the meal all together." She lifted her chin. "In the future, you are not to take plates from the Great Hall, nor are you to walk out that way. It was most rude to the other students."

"Up theirs," Harry muttered, taking a bit of roll to nibble on. "We'll be in later, ma'am," he said firmly. "When I'm more calm and in control of myself." The teachers left them. He looked at his boyfriend. "I'm not handling this very well."

"No, you're not, but I can almost guarantee that they're going to be watching us to see if we sneak off tonight," Ron pointed out. The door opened again and Ron looked at the young man standing there. "What?"

"Sir, the Headmaster said that you really should come inside again, there's a storm coming and he didn't want you to get hurt."

"Fine, we'll be in when we're done," Ron told him. The boy nodded and left. Ron looked at Harry and smiled. "Wanna send the plates back in and grab a snack later."

"He'll probably have anticipated that and tell the house elves not to let us sneak food," Harry muttered, pulling Ron closer again so he could be cuddled. "I'm not really hungry."

"We have that stash," Ron pointed out. Harry mumbled something. "You ate what?"

"The granola bars."

"That's fine, you forgot what he put into that pocket," Ron teased, poking him on the stomach. The door opened and Draco walked out with a small bag. "Tell me there's more left of the supplies than that."

"There are, even though I accidentally sent some of it through the wash. The covering we erected held." He put down the bag. "A lunch," he said with a wink. "Go hide now, before they come again." He accepted the plates, watching as they left. He shook his head, walking back inside and down to the kitchens. His old elf was standing there. "They've gone for a walk down by the lake," he told him, knowing he would hunt down Harry to keep an eye on him if he wasn't told something and Harry really didn't need that at the moment.

"Thank yous, sirs. We likes Harry Potter. Hes not hungry? Weasy too?"

"They probably are, but they're tired and upset. They'll be fine later and eat a good breakfast I'm sure." Dobby nodded, disappearing into the kitchens. Draco rolled his eyes. That boy and his version of helpers. He went to his room, going to break into the store of goodies. He quickly found the one he wanted and broke open the seal, wincing at the water that came out. Yup, that one had gotten wet. He unpacked the rest and resorted it, putting the things that were still good back together in new packs. The bad things were disposed of and the containers destroyed. When the knock came at his door, he expected it to be Potter and Weasley, but it turned out to be his guardian. "What did you want, Professor?"

"Where are they?"

"Out by the lake. Their dishes are back in the kitchen already."

"I see." He walked around the room, ignoring the contraband for now. "What are you planning for this latest paper?"

"A realistic look. I've got most of the research already. Harry's done a bit as well, you saw the results of that. I know it's important that Ron understands, I figured that's why we were given the topic." Snape nodded, looking down his nose at him. "The paper after that I'm not sure about. We could find a more specific topic or do something else." He crossed his arms. "Was there anything else, sir?"

Snape stepped closer. "You serve because I stood up for you," he said quietly.

"And I'm doing a decent enough job of it I'd say." Snape raised an eyebrow and looked directly at the two bottles of scotch. "I know from the pictures that you and my father had a much more extensive bar in the house in your own day," he said coldly. "I'm only living up to expectations." Snape backed off. "Now if you wouldn't mind, I have to arrange things for a long study session with my mates." Snape walked out, slamming the door behind him. "Git." He sat down, using his wand to hide things in unsummonable containers. A few things were kept out. The plum liqueur was kept out because Ron liked it thickened over vanilla ice cream, which was in his portable freezer. A handy invention that. He smiled at his vanity. Then he checked on the stock of chocolate and nuts. Both of them liked those.

While he waited he considered his two mates. They had come a great way since the holidays. They were carefully closer, almost close enough for him to let down his guard with them. He had seen the vulnerabilities both men carried and it saddened him in a few ways. The wizarding world was dependent upon a young man who had never had the chance to grow up or to be himself. Potter sometimes had days of deep depression and an intense desire to never be around people that he didn't already know and trust. Unfortunately he could see it was ready to come to a head. Potter had been having violent nightmares now for weeks. The nightly drinking was getting a bit heavier because it let him sleep. This problem with Millicent would only make it worse. He was going to snap and Draco sincerely hoped someone with a bit of sense was around, or someone went running for Ron. Harry wouldn't let him help him yet, but he was almost there. If this had happened in a few more weeks, things would have been fine. Now though, he wasn't sure the boy wasn't going to snap and do something stupid. Even Snape had started in on him it seemed, always onto him about his duty and the rules, which no one really followed. To be pure and upstanding. Blah. Horrid confinement for someone their age and even worse when all you knew was confinement and the cage was shrinking. Yes, something bad was going to happen. He stood up to make sure everything was in order, and that the books were still there. He wouldn't put it past someone to steal one of them. He heard the screaming and flinched. "Harry," he groaned, heading out to deal with that.

***

Harry walked into the Potion's dungeon, following the house elf's orders. "You wanted to speak to me without Ron?" he asked.

"Yes, I did." Snape walked behind him and closed the door. "Mr. Potter." He looked the boy over. Small for his age. Determined look on his face. "You cannot be allowed to continue in this manner, Mr. Potter. There is nothing that can be done to stop fate."

"I'm well aware of my future and its limited possibilities," Harry said firmly. "I don't need a lecture on taking up my responsibilities either. There's nothing that I'm not doing now."

"Really? Have you trained?"

"Yes, and I've trained others to be just as good."

"Yes, but it will be you and him, not you and all of your friends," he sneered.

"I doubt that when the time comes it's going to be a straight duel, Professor." He crossed his arms over his chest. "Most likely it's going to be a battle and even if it's not, there's going to be a need to have better trained fighters running around. To that end, I've trained a number of people and have been helping the Defense teacher now and then with the other year groups when he asks." Snape gave him that look again. "What? You think I'm not training?"

"I haven't seen any evidence of it. For some reason, your schoolwork seems to have improved this year. I would take that to mean that you have too much free time on your hands, time that could be spent in better ways than dreaming about Mr. Weasley." He sneered at the boy. "Thousands of beings look upon you and see a hero. Some of us see a scared little boy."

"And some of us could give a rat's ass," Harry interrupted. "Yeah, I'm young. Yeah, I've been scared. Yeah, I've worked through it before. Where were you when we were fighting at the Ministry, sir?" Snape stepped back. "Or even during last year's fights? Hmm?" He glanced around, then back at Snape. "You know what? I'm doing the best I can, but I'm tired of this. I train every day. People expect me to be able to work miracles and I can't. No matter how much people might want me to be something else, I'm just me. Just one guy with a few problems and a small issue with authority when it tries to constrain me to a cage. Now, if you don't mind, I have homework to do, sir."

"Oh, but I do mind. You see, you could be taking some of that time as well. You're obviously thinking about changing your mind, Potter, and I know what you've planned."

"One, you don't have a clue," Harry told him. "Two, you're being an ass." Snape opened his mouth and Harry felt something inside him snap. "Seventeen years of hell, all because I was born and my parents had the misfortune to die. What makes you think I want to save anybody?" he asked suddenly. Snape stepped away from him. "What makes you think I want someone to stare at me and pin all their hopes on me? Or even to have to add my name to their future plans. 'If Harry Potter wins, then we can go on vacation'," he mimicked.

"That is a foolish statement."

"I heard it last week," Harry said in a deadly calm voice. He stepped closer. "You know what else I heard, *sir*? That I'm the only reason some people aren't going to fight. They believe I'm going to be the only one fighting. How ironic. There'll be a battle and no one on the side of good will come but me. I'm supposed to win that way?" Snape took another step back. "Now, either back off of me or I'm going to walk out of the school right now and disappear. Hang your war. I'll show up when it's time to kill him and then disappear again."

"You can't do that. You're the one who has to lead the fight, the figurehead."

"You want it?" Harry asked. "I'll gladly give you the ability to be the figurehead." He picked up a boning knife and looked at it. "What'll it take? My blood? My skin? Some hair? Oh, I know," he said bitterly, taking the knife and using it to look at his scar. "That thing." He glared at him. "Want it? I can give you one."

"You will do no such thing!" Snape said hotly.

"I'll do what I want, you overgrown prat!" Harry shouted. "You have no idea what things go on around me and there you stand, wanting to do everything and deep down I bet you even fantasize about it being you killing him. Well, here you go," he said, digging the tip of the knife into his forehead, trying to remove the scar. Snape screamed and lunged forward, but Harry had managed to free some of the bottom edge. The knife was taken from him just as the door burst open.

"You idiot!" Draco shouted, pulling Harry over to the sink to get a cloth on the wound. He glared at his professor, who looked stunned. "You knew he was having confinement issues, felt like he was trapped in a bad horror flick. Yet you still pushed more, didn't you?" he sneered. "Come on, Harry, we'll get that fixed right up." He led the boy away, taking the shortest way to the infirmary, which took them past where Filch was chewing out a student who had been pushed into a suit of armor. He heard some gasps but ignored them. As soon as he walked him into the infirmary, Madam Pomfrey took over. "Snape pushed him, trying to make him feel guilty for not training harder," he said coldly. "He took a knife to the scar."

She nodded. "I've expected something like this for the last year. Those men will never get him to help willingly that way."

Draco pulled her away from her patient. "What do you mean?" he growled.

She shook a bit, never having seen that sort of anger in a student before. "I mean that he could leave and let us all fight this ourselves. A lot of people who know something about his upbringing expect him to walk away and never come back once he's got some freedom." She looked at the bleeding. "I need to stop that." He released her. "Thank you, Mr. Malfoy. Perhaps you should get the other one?"

"Ron's probably already on his way up. We passed some students in the halls." He leaned against the wall, watching her work. "You knew?" She nodded. "Dumbledore knew?" She bit her lip and nodded again. "Snape and McGonagall?" She looked at him and nodded again. "Then they deserve to be left. Harry should leave them," he said simply.

She shook her head. "It's never that simple."

"It is. They knew they were pushing him over the edge and probably planned it this way. They deserve what they get."

"No," Harry whispered. "I still have to fight."

"No, you don't."

"I do, or he'll never die," Harry said, looking at Draco. "It'll be fine. I'm not going to be their lapdog."

Draco felt a wave of protectiveness smooth over his mind, and he knew what his new calling in life was. Just like that. In the end, it was easy to make the right decision, and he wouldn't have to hide what he really wanted to do while he did it. "No, you're not. I won't allow that. No one outside the most critical and Weasley's family will know where you're at, not at any time. We can hide you a bit and still let you have your training."

"Thank you, Draco."

"You're welcome. Things like this irk me," he admitted. "It's foul and I won't have it going on around me." He snorted. "No wonder my father said that Dumbledore's seeds of destruction were in his own hands." He took Harry's hand as the nurse slowed the bleeding further. "Will there be more scarring?"

"Probably," she agreed grimly. "At least it was a clean knife." She knocked Harry out so he couldn't complain, he always complained when he was in there being treated. "I know you were volunteered, Mr. Malfoy, but I can see that you have come to at least like Mr. Potter and...Ron. You will take care of them?"

"Someone had better. Ron will take care of Harry and I'll take care of both of them," he said at her intense stare. "This should not happen."

"No, it shouldn't," she agreed. "I'll seal the wound once it stops bleeding. Put your hand over the bandage while I get some more of them." He did so and she walked away, fuming mentally at the stupidity of her boss.

***

Ron looked up as the portrait slammed open. "Harry's bleeding!" the girl sobbed, falling into Hermione's arms. "From the head."

"Bloody hell, what now?" Ron asked as he stood up. He looked at Hermione, who nodded. "I'll tell you what went on later," he announced. "It wasn't an attack, I'm sure of it." That calmed some of the younger students down, but those who had seen Harry's scar turn red because of the link he had through it still worried. "I'm sure it was nothing, probably a small accident."

"Malfoy had him," the girl sniffled.

"Then I'll go up to the infirmary. Hermione, keep everyone calm." He walked out, heading up there at a dead run. This had to be bad. If he was right, there wasn't any way to explain this. He found Draco standing guard on the sleeping Harry, a large bandage on his head. He knew instantly what had happened by the look on Draco's face. "He snapped?"

"Snape started on him about the time he spent on his homework and with you," Draco said calmly. "He tried to cut the scar off to present it to the prat." He looked at the door at the gasp. "Granger," he said politely. "Longbottom. Patil," he said with a nod. "Needed to see for yourself?"

Hermione walked up to them and looked down at him. "He looks like he's fine."

"Snape tried to make him feel bad for doing well on his homework," Draco told her. She glared at him. "Truth. He decided to take off the symbol of what made him famous and hand it over. Got the bottom half free before the knife was taken from him."

"I guess it's a good thing it wasn't his wrists," Parvati suggested lightly. Draco nodded and Ron frowned at her. "Some of us have noticed he was closing in on the snapping point," she admitted. "I had thought Dumbledore was smarter than that."

"Me as well," Neville said quietly. "Will he be fine?"

"He's fine, just with a new scar." Neville nodded but he touched Harry's sheet-covered leg to reassure himself.

"He probably won't want to see anybody for a while," Ron told them. "Go back and spread around the *truth*." They nodded and left. Ron was Harry's second in command, his word was law when it came to Harry and his conditions. Ron pulled the curtains and looked at Draco. "How bad?"

"He used a boning knife. He really did lift up the bottom half of the scar. Madam Pomfrey went to chew Snape and Dumbledore a new one for you." Ron relaxed but jumped when the curtain opened. "Vincent," Draco said in greeting.

"Was this Millie's fault?"

"It was all of them doing it," Ron told him. "Snape was the final straw though." Crabbe nodded and pulled a chair over for him. "You don't have to."

"I do. You're his mate, this is part of my job, to take care of you. Draco said so," he said firmly, pushing Ron into the chair. "Want one, Draco?"

"No, I think I'll stand. I'm letting my anger wash through the wall and drain off." He stood straighter when he heard footsteps. "Adults it sounds like." Ron snorted. "Be nice," he said with a small smirk. "We don't want to scare them with the truth, now do we?" He nodded at Crabbe to pull the drapes back further, showing the Headmaster. "Ah, the person who let it get this far," he said with mock-fondness. "Go away."

"I'll talk with Harry alone," Dumbledore told him.

"You're going nowhere near him," Ron retorted, standing up and moving the chair out of the way. "I think you and your band of rules have done enough for now. *We'll* take care of Harry. You can wait on him to get better and see if he wants to talk to you then, *sir*." He stepped back, taking Harry's hand to hold. "You rest, I'm right here." Harry's other hand searched and Draco took it. "And you were worried," he scoffed. Draco glared at him. "With all due respect, you can only make it worse, Headmaster. He doesn't need that right now. After someone telling him that he was spending too much time doing homework and not enough training, I'm not sure he should be here at all."

"He'll heal," Draco told him. "Feel lucky."

Madam Pomfrey walked over and took the Headmaster's arm, leading him away. "I will not have that boy bothered, Albus. He's much too fragile right now. You should have known better," she snapped. "You don't cage a wild animal in a dog kennel and you don't do the same with constrictions around a young person. It's the same feeling to them." She glared at him. "You may come back tomorrow, when I let him wake up." She walked off, going to look in on Harry again. "There's a small room across the hall for serious illnesses. Should we move him over there so you can have some privacy?"

"Please," Draco agreed. "It would probably be better for him at the moment."

She nodded and lifted Harry up, transferring him over with her wand. The others followed and locked the door after she was gone. She returned to the infirmary and called out the best weapon she had. A mother. "Molly Weasley," she said into her fireplace. Molly's head popped up. "Harry just snapped and tried to cut his scar off to present to Severus, Molly. I think he could use a mother, someone who saw him as a human being, not a tool." The other woman looked astonished. "Severus got onto him about spending too much time doing homework," she said bitterly. "That was only the third incident today by the gossip going around the school."

"I'll be right up," Molly told her. "Is he all right?"

"He managed to cut under the bottom half of it," Madam Pomfrey admitted. "He was totally out of it though."

"Fine. I'll come up and stay for a bit, how's that?"

"I'm sure you can stay in my rooms if Albus doesn't agree," she agreed, signing off. "I pity that man because I wouldn't want to be him at the moment, but I will not allow this to continue to harm the health of one of my patients," she told herself as she tidied up the mess from earlier. An hour later she got her first student asking for something to combat nightmares. She dosed them and sent them back to their room, but kept the medicine out. There would be many more she bet.

***

Molly Weasley walked into the Headmaster's office and up to his desk, slapping him. "How dare you hurt that boy further!" she yelled.

Arthur ran up and stopped his wife. "Albus, we're concerned about Harry's mental state," he told him more calmly. His wife struggled in his arms. "Stop it, it won't help if you lose your temper," he warned.

"I'm as concerned as you are," Dumbledore told them. "I hadn't thought he was that badly off."

"He told you he was!" Molly said, finally getting free. "He told you that he wanted a real life and you ignored him. Did you sic that girl on him today? Or Severus?" Dumbledore shook his head. "You had better believe that Harry is wanted and loved by someone, us, even if you don't!" she screamed "I won't let you hurt him further, even if I have to withdraw him from this institution myself!"

Arthur caught her again. "Albus, where is the boy?"

"He's been moved to the special cases room in the infirmary. Your son Ron is there with him, as is Mr. Malfoy," he said quietly. "Severus feels horrible."

"He's going to feel worse once I get done with him," Arthur pointed out. "May we stay?"

"If you can help calm Harry back down, I wouldn't mind in the least," Dumbledore agreed with a smile. "He does look upon you as his real family."

"The only one he has. His uncles aren't standing up for him at the moment so someone had better," Molly said angrily. "How could you? You always said you wanted what was best for him, and yet you've let him stay in that house for years. You let him be trod upon here. And now you've let him be forced into a situation where he'd rather run back and be a muggle again, forgetting everyone and everything here!"

"For someone who has the boy's best interest at heart, Albus, you do seem to be failing a tad," Arthur agreed. "He's nearly eighteen, has never had a life of his own, and the time when he might die is coming closer. Of course he acted out."

"We made allowances for that."

"And I bet you piled on the guilt as well," Molly said bitterly. "How could you go out and nearly get yourself killed...how could you run away and not tell us...how could you make plans without telling one of the responsible adults...how dare you have fun when there's training to be done. He's a boy, not a convenient tool," she spat. "Those of us fighting in the war know that he's not going to be alone."

"Molly, love, calm down. We don't need you sick," Arthur said gently. "Harry's been training a bunch of students whenever possible to at least protect themselves. He's made sure that Ron's safe and that Ginny can take care of herself as well. He's a good boy and we'll coddle him as soon as possible."

"He may be leaving the school for a few days," Dumbledore admitted. "Your son told me earlier they had planned a small trip this summer and he wanted to take it sooner. Plus, Mr. Potter now owns the means to get around on his own. He bought a car and we think a house." Molly gasped. "He's been doing a lot of planning, Molly. We were correct to remind him of his duty, but we were a bit heavy handed I admit."

"Heavy handed," she scoffed. "Heavy handed? The boy took a knife to his own forehead to get rid of the thing that marks him as your tool, Albus. You were a bit more than heavy handed." She turned and stomped off, going to check on the children.

Arthur shook his head. "She'll calm down."

"I wouldn't were I her," Dumbledore admitted. "I had no idea Severus was going to go off on him again. He really does feel terrible, Arthur."

"I'm sure he'll get over it," Arthur said, leaving to follow his wife.

Dumbledore groaned and put down his head. "How did I not notice this?"

"The boy sat in your chair and told you," the portrait of the first Headmaster reminded him. "No, you thought it was all drama, but the boy told you a few times I bet."

"Do shut up now, thank you," Dumbledore told them. He sat up again. "I did my best for everyone. Sometimes toes have to be stepped on."

"What will you do if he leaves?" the first Headmistress asked. "He can and will leave you. I've seen his type before. He'll go hide and come out for the fighting, but he'll cut himself off from the rest of the world."

"He already has," Dumbledore told them. "He refuses to associate with most everyone."

"Another thing you could have cured," the first Headmistress reminded him. "If you had kept your promise on his parents' graves and treated him like a son instead of a magical creature, you wouldn't be in this mess."

"I know. I should talk to him tomorrow." Most of the paintings made scoffing noises. "You don't think he'll listen?"

"I think it'd be best if you sent him a letter and tried to explain yourself," the Headmaster before him suggested. "There is no way that boy will talk to you tomorrow, nor will his guardians let you. If that boy walks out of that infirmary alone I'd be very careful how you treat him and watch him to do something rash. If he simply walks out with his mates, he'll be fine eventually, but his anger will cloud his sight for many years. You always were bad at emotional ties, that's why you never kept a girl in school. If only your own parents had been a bit more stiff with you, you could have the emotional control necessary for confident interaction with the students on a meaningful level."

"Thank you for the critique," Dumbledore told him.

"I'm not finished," he said firmly, snapping a ruler against the frame of the picture. "You may have done your best, but you didn't listen to the boy. You didn't see him when you nearly destroyed him in his fifth year. You didn't see him when you nearly sent him packing in his sixth year. You don't see the real him now. You have to *look* and *desire* to see the boy, Albus, not think that he's as old as you and sees the whole picture. He doesn't. He sees his part and the pressures and expectations that have been laid on his very small shoulders. What did happen to make that boy that small? He should be at least three inches taller judging by his father's height."

"His caretakers mistreated him some," Albus said thoughtfully. "He's clinging to two people, one he used to hate, and they seem to understand them."

"Those Weasleys always were an emotional and understanding lot," the last Headmaster pointed out. "Probably took him in as an extra child and gave him everything that he ever wanted. Besides, that Malfoy boy is very intuitive. Knows people. He can find their weaknesses and can figure out which buttons to push. It's good to see him using them positively for a change, but still. The manipulative bastard seems to genuinely care for him, or at least he cares enough to see him work through this. Let him guide your interaction. He's studied Potter for years now, he can see all the weaknesses he has and how best to use them if necessary. That Weasley child will help Potter in any way he can, up to and including dying for him. That's the one thing I think Malfoy underestimates, the power of affection and love. Hardly surprising considering his family of course. Still, let them be the buffer between you for a bit. Maybe they'll help you keep your promise to protect the boy and do what was best for him."

Dumbledore nodded. "I think I will. Thank you." He stood up.

"Not now, you ninny. They won't let you near him for at least another few days. The boy's much too fragile at this moment." He sniffed in disdain. "I knew I should have forced you to take up with that Wilhelmina. She would tell you the same thing and swat you to boot."

Dumbledore laughed. "That's why I didn't take up with her. She was too fond of swatting me." He sat back down and nodded at one of the paintings. "Will you check him for me?" She shook her head. "No?"

"No, they're talking it out. Molly and Arthur are having a concerned parent moment. Harry's telling them many things that he never wanted you to know." She sat down in her chair and got comfortable. "He'll talk to you when he's ready."

"I'll have to wait then. What about Severus?"

"Drunk," another painting said firmly. "You might go talk to him. He's mixing something foul."

Dumbledore stood up and headed down to the dungeons, going to stop the man from doing something stupid.

***

Harry was walked into breakfast the next Monday and the room quieted. "Leave me alone," he groaned. Most of the kids turned away and left him alone. A few ran over and gave him hugs. He smiled at them and hugged them back. Ron finally got him seated and put food on his plate for him. "Thanks, Ron," he said quietly, giving him a smile.

"That's what I do best, Harry," Ron reminded him. "I like to nurture and all that." He winked. "It means I get you to myself more often." Harry gave a light laugh and a ripple went through the crowd as everyone relaxed. "See? They're happy you're better too," he whispered, then he stole a kiss. "Eat. You have Potions today." Harry groaned but dug in.

Hermione cleared her throat. "We haven't seen Draco yet this morning. Isn't he coming to breakfast?"

"He's sore and opted to do something about that instead," Ron told her. "He said he'd see us in class later." She nodded and gave him a tentative smile. "Did my mother rip you a new one too?"

She nodded. "Very loudly, in front of the whole house," she admitted. "I realize how dumb I've been, Ron, I'm sorry."

"That's okay. Our minds are funny things. Besides, you blowing me off means I found Harry and I'm really happy now." He took Harry's hand to hold between their plates. "I don't know what I would have done without him so far this year."

"And Draco?"

"And him," Ron agreed. "He's found so much stuff about this condition of mine that I'm really in awe of him. Did you know his house has *four* libraries, all full of books?" She shook her head slowly. "He does. He's a monster in the library when he's researching."

"As long as he's interested," Harry offered. "Plus, he's got a sense of humor. Kind of dry, but it's there. He laughed at Ron's joke last night."

She smiled sadly. "Then I'm glad you're happy. Are you going to formalize your union?" Ron shrugged. "He hasn't said he wants to?"

"It's not necessary when we're wearing his marks," Harry pointed out. "It's the same thing, only without the party afterwards and the sweating beforehand." He smiled a little bit. "He thinks it should be fine."

Hermione looked down. "He's better because he has you," she told her plate, but meant it for them. "He's turned tolerable and even I can see his good side now."

Ron nudged her with his foot. "I'd tell him you said that but he'd probably hex you in the halls to keep his reputation intact." They both laughed. "Eat, Harry. You can snuggle up to Draco later."

"Sure." He took a bite of food and nibbled contentedly. "Do you think your mother really liked the house?"

"I think she adored it. She said it had charm and beauty, high praise from her. Though she did say she wanted to give you our ghoul for your attic." Harry chuckled. "She liked it, calm down. Mum and dad both thought your plan was brilliant and that you're taking very good care of me and Draco. So relax about it and enjoy what's left of this year, all right?" Harry nodded. "Good. Now about that paper," he said with a grin. "When do I get to read it?"

"Tonight. We'll hand it in tomorrow," Harry told him. "Draco's found some amazing stuff that can be done with you and he wants you to know the whole truth."

"Good, I like that," Hermione agreed. "How long is this paper?"

"It's approaching textbook length," Ron told her. "They've traced back Lucius' original sources." He winked at her. "Should at least be interesting."

"Or nightmare producing," Harry muttered. Ron gave him a hug. "I didn't need that, but okay," he agreed, lightening up some more. "We have practice today."

"I'm all for a fly soon," Ron agreed with a wink. "Want to sneak into town tonight?"

"Nah, I think we managed to sneak enough stuff in for now," Harry told him.

"You've been sneaking stuff in?" Hermione asked.

"Yeah, but we can't tell that official side of you," Ron teased.

"That's right, we can only tell people who need things like Godiva and Mars bars," Harry agreed.

"Or something sweeter or more naughty," Ron finished with a catty grin. "Think you know someone like that?"

"Oh, I think I do," she agreed, smiling at him. "I won't even turn you in if you've got some of the good Godiva pieces."

Ron beamed at her. "Orange truffles?" She started to drool. "Draco liked the fruit ones so that's mostly what we brought back."

"And three of the candybars but I think we only have one left," Harry offered. "Did you know that there was a chocolate liqueur?" She shook her head. "There is. We made some wonderful milkshakes out of some last night."

"You have ice cream?" she asked, looking like she was begging.

"Only chocolate and vanilla. It's good though," Ron offered.

"How much?" she asked.

"Make a deal with Draco, it's his ice cream. The chocolates are mine," Ron told him. She nodded, patting herself down. "He's in his room under the massaging showerhead he bought."

She stood up and walked out, heading down there. She tapped politely on the door, then used her Head Girl authority to open it. "Draco?" she called. He groaned from the bathroom. She peeked in but didn't look at the shower curtain. "Ron said you have ice cream," she told him.

"Granger, out. I'm bathing," he pointed out.

"I have PMS," she told him nicely.

He walked out of the shower and grabbed a towel, walking her over to the freezer and small cooling unit. "Ice cream?" She nodded and wiped her mouth off. "Don't drool. Chocolate or vanilla?"

"Chocolate," she said happily, digging out her small amount of money. "How much?"

"Two sickles a bowl, toppings are an extra one each," he told her.

"Toppings?" she asked helplessly. He showed her the shelf with the toppings and she whimpered. "Butterscotch please?" she whimpered.

He smirked as he added a generous portion to it and took the three sickles. She took the bowl and the spoon, heading for the door. "Don't forget to put the bowl back in the kitchen when you're done," he called after her, then he licked off his messy fingers and stored everything. He was walking back to his shower when he heard the knock. "I'm naked!" he yelled.

"It's never bothered you before," Pansy yelled back.

"Enter." He put his hands on his hips and stared down at her as she walked in. "What?"

"I got a letter from my mother," she said grimly, handing it over. "The Dark Lord's spies have noticed the mark hasn't moved. He thinks you're playing games."

Draco read the letter, then nodded. He pulled out a chocolate covered spoon and handed it over. "Thank you," he said, putting the letter into his bookbag. She had left him alone with the door open. He walked over and looked around, waving the kid jogging down the hall closer. "What?" he asked patiently.

"Do you have any creme de menthe?" the boy whispered. "I want some so bad, Mr. Malfoy, sir."

Draco patted the fifth year on the head. "Come by after dinner and we'll see what we can scrounge up. It'll be five sickles because it's more illegal than everything else."

"Do you have mints, especially the chocolate mints?" he asked hopefully. "For a small glass with a few mints, I'd be willing to pay a galleon." He showed it off.

Draco patted the hand. "After dinner. As a wonderful dessert." The boy nodded and ran off. Draco made sure his door was locked before going back to his shower. "This was an excellent idea," he told himself. "The exchange rate is high right now and I'm making money. Perhaps I should buy them something delicate and fun," he told himself with a smirk. "I'm sure they'd like something fun."

***

Ron looked up from reading the paper, accepting the glass of wine with a smile. "Thank you, Draco. Did you do good business today?"

"Four glasses of creme de menth and those Andes mints Harry likes, at a galleon each. Granger bought some ice cream, as did six other girls. Plus I ran out of most of the chocolates earlier," he told them. They clapped. "We should sneak out and go shopping again."

"This weekend is a Hogsmeade weekend," Harry pointed out. "We can go then."

"That reminds me, we have something more serious to take care of this weekend," he said firmly, grabbing Pansy's letter and handing it over. "She got it this morning."

Ron read over Harry's shoulder, his mouth falling open. "The woman wants to know what we do in the bedroom?"

"Her mother's a watcher, she adores to watch people going at it," Draco noted dryly. "That's not the point. We may have to consummate this relationship. How do you feel about that?"

"Does that mean you'd have to...be in me?" Harry asked hesitantly.

Draco nodded. "For at least a second. I can make it pleasurable of course. For both of you."

"I really wanted Harry to be my first," Ron told him.

"Hence us doing it this weekend. Harry, you both have a room reserved for most of Saturday in Brighton at that little place I told you about. Check-in's about noon." Harry nodded, grinning at Ron before kissing him. He cleared his throat. "Then we'll come back here and finish it?" The guys nodded. "That's wonderful. I'll make sure I have plenty of the necessary things on hand. An extra stop on our usual route should accomplish that." He saluted them with his glass of wine. "To us?"

"To us," Harry agreed, grinning at him. He stood up and leaned down, giving him a kiss. "Thank you for helping Ron save my sanity."

"You're welcome." He smiled at Harry as he sat down between him and Ron. "Just think, this weekend we'll have quite a lot of fun."

"Yeah," Ron said happily. He scratched at a nipple. " I hate that thing."

"It's fine, Ron. It'll stop in a few, when you quit growing again," Harry soothed, leaning down to kiss that spot. Ron had a shorted male cycle this time so he was on his way back toward female again. He would be two days before fully female when they went to Brighton. The tiny breasts were adorable to him, just as tasty as the bigger versions he sprouted. He contented himself with playing for now.

Draco cleared his throat. "Let Ron finish reading."

"I can read and let him play," Ron told him. He picked up the paper and went back to his former spot, shaking his head. "I hope I never get pregnant."

"We do as well," Draco reminded him. "That would make your blood the most potent ever if you carried fully." He saw Harry's look over at him. "None have carried fully. One miscarried, one was killed while pregnant, and one had a stillbirth due to a famine going on at the time. Ron's only the fourth fertile changeling out of seven like him." He sipped his wine as Harry moved lower and Ron let him have access to his stomach. "You could borrow my bed," he pointed out. "It wouldn't be the first time you touched him in it, Harry."

"I know, but I'm enjoying this. The couch feels naughtier," he said with a small smirk. Then he bit Ron on the stomach, making him shriek. "Didn't like that?" he asked innocently between licks to the sore spot.

"Not really, even that isn't enough to make up for being bitten." Ron pushed his head off his stomach. "Explore lower."

"You're wearing pants," Harry pointed out.

"Perhaps we should take this into the bathroom," Draco suggested.

"Your tub isn't any bigger than ours," Ron reminded him.

"Ah, you've never seen the real bathroom," Draco told them as he stood up. "Come along." He pulled Ron up and led him to the closet. "It's a small opening, but it should be big enough." He moved his clothes aside and showed off the painting in there. Three dogs swimming in a pond with a few ducks. "Silverfish," he told it. It opened with a small bark and he led the way through, getting out of their way.

Harry gaped at the large pool. "This is wonderful," he breathed. "Is it warm or cold?"

"Warm thermal water," Draco said proudly. "I considered being held back a year so I wouldn't have to lose this." He pointed at the other painting. "That one leads to the traditional Head Girls' rooms." He crawled back through to get them some towels, snacks, and other things, coming back to find them floating in the water. He stopped to admire them. Ron was sleek in this phase. Harry was always small and sleek, plus he looked at home in the water. He dropped everything on the stone path and stripped himself off, wading down to join them. "A few feet further in and there's a drop-off," he warned.

"I found that already," Ron said happily. "I like to swim. I wonder if we can set up another entrance to here from the new house." He felt a finger sliding up his thigh and spread his legs for Harry. "Now you can play all you want." He felt a warm tongue touch him and nearly quit floating.

"No, stay," Draco told him, touching him gently. "I always wondered what you looked like with both."

"I'm a bit small at the moment," Ron said, blushing fiercely.

"It doesn't matter, it's still a thing of beauty." Draco laughed suddenly. "I bet if Goyle could have seen you this way, he would understand the meaning of the word enchanted."

"It is?" Harry asked, swimming over. "Wow. That's really pretty, Ron."

"The rumors say that the first one to take his female virginity will be linked with him permanently," Draco told Harry, pushing him closer. "Touch it." One shaking finger came up and Ron moaned as it traced his outer lips. "Doesn't it feel good?"

"It feels soft, yet a bit scratchy where the hair is," Harry told Ron. "This really is a wonderful thing." He moved closer, touching here and there. He noticed the shivering. "You don't want me to?"

"No, I'm enjoying it a lot," Ron admitted. "But I want somewhere more firm to be laying on at the moment. I don't want to drown when he does to me what he wand did the last time we were at the Pussycat." Harry laughed and stuck his finger inside him, making him thrash. Draco caught him. "Harry!"

"Sorry, I couldn't resist. It's slick," he told him. "Very nice."

"Come over here, there's a large, shallow shelf formation, perfect for this activity," Draco said as he pulled Ron with him. The water was only about three inches deep, they could do this and still get some of the effects of the water. "Touch him now, Harry," he encouraged. "I want to watch his reactions."

Harry gently touched Ron, leaning down to kiss him. Ron mumbled something. "What?" he asked with a grin.

"There's supposed to be a nub, find it," Ron encouraged. "It's supposed to be great."

"Right now, it's your penis. The penis and the clit are the same organ with the same amount of nerve endings," Draco told him, touching what was left of it gently. "We are shielded in here," he said, smiling at Harry. Who shivered and leaned down to lick across Ron's nipple while staring at him. "Pay attention before Ron swats you again," he commanded. "You'll see more than enough of me soon enough," he promised.

Harry explored the soft body, making Ron groan and writhe underneath him. "Can I lick there?" he asked. Draco and Ron both nodded. "Thank you." He started by licking the small penis, getting a taste of it. Then he went lower and licked there as well. Ron pushed up against him that time. "How do I do this?"

"What do you want to do?" Ron asked.

"I want to dive in and never come back out," Harry admitted.

"Start gentle and work you way up," Draco encouraged gently . "Do what you would like done to you if you were on the bottom. I'll judge what I should do to you by what you do to him." Harry nodded and dove back down to get a better taste of everything, licking and tasting all he wanted. Ron gasped something and arched up under Harry's inexperienced tongue so he lent a helping hand and mouth on the firm breast nearest him. Ron came with a long, drawn out moan and went limp. "Very nice," Draco told him. "Harry?" Harry looked up and licked his lips off so Draco thoughtfully kissed him to finish cleaning him up. "Is he still slick?" Harry nodded hard. "Then line yourself up and push in *gently*. There will be a small barrier but you'll be pushing past it." He took Ron's hands to hold, stroking the backs with his thumbs as Harry broke the barrier. "Good," he encouraged. He saw the fast stroking. "Slow down," he snapped. "Slow and gentle."

"I can't hold on," Harry complained.

Draco pulled him back and held him captive until he quit shaking. "You always want to go slowly unless your lover asks for it otherwise," he whispered in his ear. "A considerate lover gets laid more often." Harry nodded so he let him go, watching as he went slowly into Ron's body this time, being as gentle as he could. "Very nice." He waded over to their things, bringing back the lube he had decided to bring. He slicked his fingers and then touched Ron's other hole, making him arch up. "Gently," he soothed. "It'll have to happen sometime and it's better to be prepared for a while."

Harry came with a groan and went limp across Ron's chest. "Give me mo and I'll help you along again," he promised.

Draco leaned down to lick at Ron's cock, making him groan and come. "Done. Ron?"

"Please," Ron agreed, rolling the both of them onto his side. He felt the entrance into his first hole and his eyes widened. "Both?" he hissed.

"Both and everywhere else," Draco promised, whispering in his ear. He went slowly, stroking gently as he learned this new body. He knew this meant that the marks could never be removed, but he did like them quite a lot. He felt a twinge of guilt. "Ron, Harry, if I flood into you, then you're mine permanently. The marks can't be removed," he warned them. "You're mine." They nodded and kissed each other, then him. "Good." He went a little faster, stroking Ron lightly. He felt some precum dripping out and noticed the mark wiggling, so decided to pull out. "Relax," he warned, adding more lube to himself. He slowly slid into the back hole, gently soothing Ron's heaving body. "Just relax and it won't hurt."

"Do more now," Ron ordered through gritted teeth.

Draco finished sliding into him and paused but Ron shifted, starting to ride him. "That's for next time," he teased, starting off but still going gently. He knew how fragile this system was. Ron started to pant, grabbing Harry's hands to squeeze. "Take him again," he encouraged Harry. He positioned Ron just right and shared his this with his lovers. Harry and Ron both moaned at the feelings of being together this way. "Whenever you want," he swore. He moved a little faster and felt Harry synch himself up with his movements. Soon he was going full-tilt and Ron was howling with pleasure. "Hang on," he warned. He thrust a few more times and came hard, moaning Ron's name.

"More!" Ron demanded. Harry pulled out and gently licked him again, but Ron forced his mouth open and inserted himself. "Suck." Harry did so, staring up at him. Ron came quickly and passed out.

Draco smirked. "Very well done. We'll let him lay there," he said as he pulled out, rolling Ron onto his back. He looked at the mark, watching as it wiggled down to Ron's stomach. "Hmm." He smiled at Harry. "Give me a few moments to clean off and then we'll work on your initiation." Harry swallowed so Draco gave him a stunning kiss. "Help me clean up, Harry," he encouraged, moving to the edge of the shelf. He felt the tentative touches. "Go ahead. Ron's got one that's nearly the same size when he's fully male."

"He grew more since this started," Harry admitted. "I peeked last year and I noticed it last month." He helped him clean off. "Draco, does it hurt?"

"Not if we're careful," Draco soothed, stroking his back. He had never worked so hard at making it good for his lovers, and he found he enjoyed this part. "Lay across my lap." Harry carefully spread out on him and he grabbed the lube again, slicking up a finger. "This will feel a bit odd. Just relax." He slicked up the outside and slid into the virgin hole for the first time. Harry moaned. "I see you like it?" he asked as he hit the other guy's prostate. Harry nodded and splashed around as Draco added two fingers. He felt himself start to get hard and cheered mentally. Usually he took a half-hour to recover, but this time would be fine, as long as he sent some seed into Harry's body. He took his time so by the time he was done, Harry was humping his leg. "Do you want to crawl on and control or not?" he asked.

"Not," Harry said quietly, not looking at him. Draco forced his face around. "I'm not sure about this."

"It won't happen again until you're ready," he promised with a smile. "I'll hog Ron until then." He patted the firm backside. "On your hands and knees, Harry." Harry shifted off him and got into the desired position, far enough away from the edge so Draco could comfortably get behind him. "Good boy, Harry," he soothed as he started to push in. "Relax," he warned. His head popped in and he groaned. Harry must be clinched. Draco reached around to stroke him, making him go limp. He pushed in steadily, burying himself in the warm body. "Ready?" Harry nodded, biting his lip. "You can scream and yell, no one will hear," he teased. He started to move and pushed back in. Harry moved back against him. "Move back on the in-stroke," he encouraged. Harry got it right this time and together they moved for quite a while. He felt himself ready to blow and sighed in relief, pushing them a bit faster. Harry whimpered as he came and Draco released due to the insistent pressure. He felt the few drops fall off him and watched the mark. When it only wiggled he squeezed himself, sending more out. It wiggled harder. He did it again and this time the mark moved down to Harry's stomach. "There," he said. "All mine now."

"Does that mean we can do it to you?" Ron asked quietly, watching them.

"If you want," Draco agreed. "I haven't been taken many times, but you can certainly talk me into it." He pulled out and cleaned them both up, making sure Harry wasn't going to drown before he got back to Ron's side. "Go lay on the breasts," he said quietly. Harry crawled over and flopped down on top of Ron, making him groan. "Gently, Potter." He joined them, tossing away the worthless tube of lubricant. "Did you want to?"

"Sometime soon," Ron agreed with a smile. "Mum asked around and found our family's mark," he said casually.

"Really?" Draco asked, smiling at him. "Was that a hint, Ron?"

"Definitely, but we'd have to wait. It's upstairs in my trunk."

"It's in my bookbag," Harry admitted. "I wanted to ask you to do me too, Ron," he said, lifting his head. "Would you mark me as well?"

Ron sniffled and hugged him tightly. "I'd adore it, Harry. You know I love you." Harry nodded and clung to him. "Wand?"

"I'll get it. Which pocket?"

"That small zipped one," Harry told him. "Inside back." Draco nodded and walked out, going to retrieve the ring. He looked at Ron. "You're going to do him too?"

"I am," Ron agreed, stealing a fast kiss. "I want it to be mutual but your family doesn't have one." He pinched Harry on the nipple, making it stand up. "Think you could go again tonight, Potter?"

Harry laughed and dove down to lick Ron into hardness. "We can always do this until you're ready." He looked toward the doorway. "I wonder what's taking Draco so long?"

"I think I hear a voice," Ron said quietly. He stood up and walked over to the doorway, looking through the viewing holes on the duck. He groaned quietly as he backed off, covering Harry's mouth. "It's Dumbledore and he looked upset," he whispered. "We'll have to wait in here." Harry pointed at the other portrait and Ron shook his head. "No, we'll wait." They waited against the wall until Draco came back. "Is everything all right?"

"Dumbledore thought he felt a power flux," Draco admitted, handing over the ring. "I told him we had taught you how to touch yourself." He locked the portrait firmly. "There, now we won't be bothered." He went to his knees in front of Ron. "Go ahead. Do you know how?"

"You twist the crest and blow on it," Ron said as he did so, then he touched a spot approximately where his had been. "Here?"

"There's fine," Draco agreed. "It'll show if we don't consummate it the other way."

"Can we do that when I'm so shrunken?" Ron asked as he laid the white hot crest against the pale skin. He winced at the burning noise and lifted it off. "Fully there," he announced. "Harry?" Harry mimicked Draco but he decided to lick Ron's cock to get him hard while the mark went on him. He winced a bit but that was fine. "Who's first?"

"I think it's only fair that you take him first since he took yours," Draco said casually. "Besides, he's still lubed." He held up the other thing he had brought in. "It's the best I can do on short notice."

"Fine, can you get yourself ready?" Ron asked as he pulled Harry up and turned him to face against the wall. "I always wanted to do it this way," he whispered in Harry's ear.

"Don't compare me to her, Ron," Harry complained.

"I'm not, simply stating a fact. Yeah, I worked out a few fantasies but she never seemed to enjoy it like I did." He slid into the still-slick hole, making them both groan. "Damn, I wish I was in full male mode," he complained as he started to move. He felt a wet finger touch him and spread his legs. "Tongue, Draco, not finger," he pleaded. A tongue wet him and he thrust harder. "Oh, that's so nice," he said, pushing harder. "Oh. Oh! OH! OOOOHHH!" he said, coming quickly. "Damn, that was excellent," he panted, turning around to face Draco. He grinned. "On your knees, my new possession," he teased with a smirk. Draco wiggled his butt and Ron fell onto it like there was no tomorrow. "Good boy, Draco," he encouraged as he slid in. "It's a good thing I'm not at full girth or we'd be here all night," he noted as he started to push himself. He came quickly and sat down, smirking at the men who were now his. "Come here, Harry, I can take care of that for you," he whispered. Harry shifted closer and Ron latched on, sucking hard. Harry groaned and went limp, landing on the walkway as his eyes rolled back into his head.

"That's very good," Draco told him. "I've never seen anyone pass out during, only afterwards." Harry came with a groan and he found himself in a similar position, getting his brains sucked out. "Strong suction," he hissed, but he liked it a little rough. Ron breached him to play in his rear and he came with a drawn-out moan. "We'll have to do this again soon," he pleaded, resting against Ron's chest. "More?"

"I doubt I could do more. The last one during the first round was only those neat contractions." He felt a finger touch him and spread his legs. "Oooh," he said, smiling brightly as Harry and Draco both worked at making him join them in unconsciousness.

***

The next morning Neville caught them first. He squealed and pointed at Harry's neck. Ron looked and smirked, then shrugged. Neville beamed and thumped him hard on the back, making him move. "Thanks."

"You're really going to stay with them?" Hermione asked quietly.

"We are," Ron agreed, kissing her on the cheek. "How did you like your ice cream?"

"It was wonderful, thank you, Ron." She smiled at Harry. "Congratulations. I'll stop by and see your other husband to tell him the same later." Harry hugged her. "I am happy for you," she reminded them. "Now eat, I'm sure you're going to have a busy night tonight." Both boys blushed but they did eat hearty breakfasts.

***

At the Slytherin table the students looked from the loud people on the other side of the hall to Draco and back. He gave them a tolerant smile and sipped his morning juice. "What?"

"Did you...move them?" Pansy asked finally.

"Go see for yourself. It was your mother's letter that led to it," he told her with a small smirk.

Crabbe walked in and sat on Draco's left, his usual spot. Then he looked at his boss. "Did they give you a hickey?" he asked, pointing at the red spot. Draco frowned at him and he grinned. "They did, didn't they?" he teased.

"I bet one of them sucks in their sleep, Draco would never allow himself to be marked," Pansy told him.

Draco snorted. "Not like that," he agreed. He touched the spot on his neck, the reason it was red. "It's nothing, Vincent."

Vincent looked at Ron as Harry tipped over his seat trying to get away from someone. A hand on his arm stopped him. "Are you sure?"

"Very," Draco said quietly, staring at the young man. "He's a fan of his and Ron's." He frowned when Harry looked over and snorted at the helpless look.

Vincent stood up and walked over, tipping Harry's neck off to the side so he could see the clear skin. "Well," he said finally. He looked at Ron, who moved his hair. "Good! It's about time!" He glared at the boy, watching as he sat down again. "My father wanted me to congratulate you on your good taste, Potter," he said formally, giving him a reason for having come over. "He said that anyone who could stand a Malfoy had to be strong enough to beat nearly anyone. Except, of course, him," he finished with a grin. Harry laughed. "Good man." He walked back and sat down again. Draco looked at him, one eyebrow raised. "He did."

"I'm sure he did. Your father has been generous in his compliments to me since he figured out who I was." He finished his juice and decided he'd had enough of breakfast. Vincent grabbed him by the wrist. "You needed something?"

"There's a line left," he said quietly.

"It wasn't fully done. We were a bit exhausted," Draco retorted with a smile. "Soon enough, there's time for that." Crabbe nodded and let him go, watching him leave the room.

"What line?" Pansy asked sweetly.

Crabbe grabbed his breakfast to go and ran after his boss, not wanting to be interrogated by her. She was a scary woman when she wanted to be. She should be an inquisitor, no one would ever hide anything from her. He ran into Draco in the library. "Pansy heard," he panted.

"I figured as much," he sighed. "It's fine, Crabbe. She can learn to live with it as well." He selected his book of the day and took it to check out.

"Light reading?" Madam Pince asked. He nodded. "Wonderful. Not many take those theories seriously, Mr. Malfoy." She stamped his book and handed it back. "Two weeks, as usual."

"Two days is more like it," he noted as he walked away to find a quieter spot to hide from Pansy.

***

Ron looked across the table in Herbology, frowning at the woman staring at him. "What?" he asked patiently.

"I was thinking you should have a ring by now," she admitted with a shrug. "Draco would buy you one if you wanted."

"I don't want to inconvenience anyone," Ron told her, hoping this subject wouldn't continue. He felt something move up his leg and squealed, jumping away from it. "Stupid tentacles," he said angrily.

"Mr. Weasley," Madam Sprout said as she hurried over. "Did it stick you?"

"No, it tried to feel me up," he said indigently. "Can't you tie it up?"

"No, but you could switch sides of the table," she offered. Ron looked at the other side of the table, all Slytherins. He looked at her and opened his mouth. "Ms. Parkinson, work with Mr. Weasley today and be nice about it," she said briskly, putting him in the spot. "There you go, it won't attack you again." She looked at Harry and clucked, looking up at the line that ran under his scar, making it look like the shelf holding the lightening bolt. "They should have put more healing sap on that," she told him, walking away. Another tentacle was reaching for someone.

Harry rubbed his forehead. "I hate it when people look at that thing," he muttered.

Ron looked down at him and grinned. "Dirt," he said, pointing. Harry groaned and pulled his shirt up so he could clean it off with his collar. "You got most of it."

"I'll deal with it later," Harry decided. "Why did I get volunteered for this?"

"Because Neville wanted your help, this is his project," Ron reminded him.

"Yeah, now I remember." He felt something touch his ankle and looked down, frowning. Then he swooped and caught it, holding the rat by the tail. "Ron, wasn't he yours?" he asked dryly.

"Oh, shit!" Ron said, freezing. "Dumbledore, now," he said, pointing. "Right now! He's liable to bite, Harry!"

"Fine, I'll take the shit to Dumbledore," Harry sighed, walking out of the greenhouse, the rat still being held by the tail. It was squeaking indignantly. "Shut up, Pettigrew, before I stuff you." He paused at the gargoyle. "Lollipop." It opened and he climbed onto the stairs, going up. He tapped briefly before walking in. "He showed up in the greenhouse and tried to bite me," he said, holding up the rat. The little silver foot glinted in the dim light. Behind him, a male gasped so he turned around to show off the rat to Snape. "Yes, it's him!" He shook it. "Change, bastard, before I decide to change you myself. I may not be good at transfiguration but I'll certainly change you into something." The rat changed and he let it go, glaring down at it. "I will see you dead," he sneered. "You destroyed my family."

Pettigrew swallowed. "I want to change sides, for some consideration," he said quietly, looking at Dumbledore. "No Azkaban and not a life sentence."

Harry grabbed him by the throat and squeezed, making the man wet himself. "You destroyed my family," he hissed. "Not even he will save you from me." Pettigrew started to cry and Harry let him go because a hand was on his wrist forcing him to. "Take a deep breath and tell us everything and I promise I'll make it a fast death. No torture involved."

Pettigrew looked at Dumbledore. "I want to change sides," he repeated. "Please?"

"Harry, leave us," Dumbledore decided.

"Like hell!"

"Now, boy," Snape said coldly. He found himself crashing to the floor without having been touched. "Did you training break down?" he sneered.

Harry glared at him. "No, I did it on purpose." He looked at Pettigrew again. "This had better be something excellent or else your life really was a waste," he said coldly. "I will see to it that you die."

"Better you than *him*," Pettigrew yelled, starting to shake. "He's going to attack Hogsmeade tomorrow night."

Harry shook his head. "No, he isn't." He looked at Dumbledore, who looked stunned. "So you really can't tell when a student is lying?" he asked calmly.

Dumbledore gave him a look. "That's beside the point. I'm wondering how elaborate this plan really is."

"There is no plan!" Harry said firmly.

"I meant the one to bring us to Hogsmeade," Dumbledore assured him. He looked at them, then at Harry. "Go find Mr. Malfoy. I want him to be here for you," he decided.

"Not Ron?"

"Ron is still vulnerable. It would be too easy to trap him in here and cut him." Harry nodded and stuck Pettigrew to the floor with an ever-stick charm. Dumbledore looked at Snape. "That was an admirable idea, sticking him to the floor," he agreed. Snape shook his head. "As was yours of getting Malfoy," he admitted with a smile. He turned it on Pettigrew, making him start to cry again. "Why don't you tell me everything?" he suggested lightly.

Harry knocked on the Charm's classroom door and walked in, heading straight to the teacher. "We need Malfoy in the office," he whispered.

"More problems with his family?"

"Pettigrew just showed up," Harry said blandly, just loud enough to be heard by a few people, most of whom hissed. "Draco? Office, now," he ordered, walking out. Draco followed along behind him. "I believe you're going to be keeping me from killing him. I don't know why I let go earlier," he mused.

"Because you wanted answers more?" Draco suggested, moving up beside him. "It's really him?" Harry nodded, reopening the gargoyle. He heard running feet and got out of McGonagall's way so she had time to stop. "You as well?"

"The Headmaster sent for me," she told them, sounding like she was trying hard not to pant. "What's happened?"

"Pettigrew just walked up to me in Greenhouse Six and tried to bite me," Harry told her. "He said he wants to switch sides." He stomped up the stairs and flung open the door. "There, now I have someone who can grab me so I don't kill him," he announced. Draco patted him on the back. "Thanks."

McGonagall walked in and went pale. "It is you," she agreed, sitting down.

"Gee, what a shock, did you think I was wrong?" Harry asked coolly.

"Sometimes seeing it for yourself is the only way to believe," Draco said calmly, staring down at Harry. "Relax." Harry shook his head. "You can torture him later," he said with a small smirk. "I can show you the room with the chains already set up for you. There's even a few toys in there for you to use, but you have to calm down." Harry looked at him and he could see the truth in his eyes. "We'll help you if you want. Hold him still and the like," he said with a cool smile. "Agreed?"

"Yeah. Ron's still outside."

"That's probably better. We don't know if Pettigrew would try to hurt him."

"My master will," Pettigrew snapped. "He will get the changeling."

"The changeling has a name," Draco said, looking at the pathetic being. He saw the sneer and lifted Harry's shirt up to show his mark. "Mine. The both of them." Pettigrew's eyes went wide as Draco lifted his own. "As I am theirs."

McGonagall looked away from him. "I had no desire to know that much about your lives," she noted. "Tuck it back in, Mr. Malfoy." She looked at Snape, then at Pettigrew. "What do we do about him?"

"First, Harry had a few questions I believe," Draco said briskly, stepping forward. "Then whatever you wanted to do would be fine I believe?" he asked, glancing back at Harry. He looked at Dumbledore again and smiled. "By your leave of course," he said smoothly.

"I don't think Harry needs to learn how to torture people," Dumbledore said quietly. "Nor do I think he'll have the answers that Harry wants."

"Bet me," Harry snorted, stepping forward. "What was so damn important that you had to kill my parents, Pettigrew? Power? Fame? Money? What was the thinking behind the action?"

Pettigrew looked down at the floor. "I was envious. Like I told you that night in town. The power sang to me and I could get anything I wanted with it, including someone to love me." Harry snorted. He glared at the boy. "You have no idea what your parents were like," he sneered.

"You'd be surprised," Harry told him. "I've been told some very damning things about my father over the years. Beyond that, I've been allowed to look inside the vault that holds my parent's effects." He pulled a small gold box out of his pocket and enlarged it so he could take out the book, letting Draco hold the box while he opened it. "Does it look familiar?" he asked snidely. "I am just like my mother."

"That book is obscene," Snape said harshly. "Put it away this instant!"

"Fuck you," Harry told him, carefully putting his mother's book back into the box and relocking it. It was shrunken and put back into his pocket. "My mother did wandless things as well. She came from a long line of witches who had that gift. Almost all of her line was first-born daughters, with the exception of myself and my great-great-great grand-grandfather Servan. Both of these males showed the same gifts as the female first borns, the deep ability to produce magic without a wand. As noted by their leaking magic while under stressful conditions and while under attack." He looked at Draco, then at Dumbledore. "It's also where I got my ability to talk to snakes," he continued, tipping his head to the side. "Someone tried very hard to hide my mother's family history in the library, but not quite hard enough. Madam Pince came across it while we were working on that last Defense paper, the one about Ron's blood." He smiled at the Headmaster. "You knew though, you helped deliver me so that none of my innate skills could leak through."

"I was there," Dumbledore agreed. "Your mother was incredibly shocked to find out you were a male. You were nearly named after your great-grandmother Cassandra." He smiled. "That doesn't change the fact that you're not to have that book until you reach twenty-one."

"Which may well be a moot point," Harry reminded him. "It also is irrelevant because the gifting ceremony can't be done since none of my mother's line are alive. Thankfully the book seems to understand that and manages to translate itself most of the time." Dumbledore opened his mouth and Harry shook his head. "The more I find out about my family, the more I wonder how they were killed. James was a normal wizard, my mother's family was so powerful it was blinding according to the person who wrote the family history. Oh, and you'll be pleased to know that I sent a copy to my aunt Petunia as well, just in case something happens. She may have been adopted, but that doesn't mean she doesn't deserve the right to know." He looked at Pettigrew, who was as pale as the light coming through the windows. "Now then," he said with a smile. "We've gotten the pissing contest out of the way. Tell me what I want to know and I might back off and only let Draco torture you, instead of letting Ron, Draco, and I do it." He crossed his arms. "Now!"

Pettigrew slumped in on himself and turned back into a rat but he was still stuck in the same place. He grew into a man again and looked at the adults. He shivered when he saw the look in Draco's eyes and how he was stroking Harry's back. Then the door slammed in and Ron walked in, making him wail and cover his face. "I'll tell you anything you want to know, don't let him touch me," he sobbed. "Please! I'll tell!"

Harry looked at Ron. "Hi. Hug?" Ron hugged him and Harry relaxed against him. "I admitted to having the gold book," he whispered.

"'Bout time, Harry," Ron said with a smile. He moved between Harry and Draco, leaning against Draco's side but pulling Harry closer to hold him as well. "Can we kick his ass yet?"

"I'm sure we can," Draco agreed, smiling at him. "If you want a torture victim, all you have to do is ask, Ron."

Ron beamed at him. "Pansy suggested you were delinquent in getting me a ring," he told him.

Draco snorted. "She likes rings. I was thinking about a nipple ring for each of you."

Harry frowned at him. "No."

"I don't need more holes in my body, I think I have more than enough," Ron agreed.

"I asked a muggle about them when I saw she had one. She said they didn't hurt and they could be fun," he suggested lightly. Ron shook his head. "No? Not even if I get one?"

"Not even if you pierce your cock for me," Ron said with a grin.

"People do that?" Snape asked with a shudder of revulsion.

"There's two possible ways to do so," Harry informed him. "Width-wise, and a small one that ends right behind the head and comes out the hole. Both are fairly popular but the PA style, the second one, is more widely used."

Snape curled in on himself and shuddered again. "I didn't need to know that."

"How do you know?" Ron asked, pinching Harry on the arm. "And why don't you share these tidbits more often?"

"I read about it in a magazine while I was waiting on a haircut," Harry told him. He shrugged and smiled. "It sounded interesting, but fairly painful."

"It does," Draco asked, clearing his throat. "I think I'll give up the nipple ring idea before Harry gets any more ideas." He looked at the scared Pettigrew again.

Ron had noticed the look Pettigrew was giving Harry again. "Harry, did you ever think about getting one of those?" he asked, playing it for all it was worth. He nudged Harry and gave him the 'play along' sign. He caught Draco's eye and smiled at him. Draco tightened his hold on his waist to show he understood. "I know you have a scar down there."

"I thought about it and tried to pierce it myself, but I decided I didn't like the look so I gave it up," Harry said with a shrug.

Pettigrew went to his knees, bowing to Harry. "Not even the Dark Lord can do that to others," he whispered. "You are more evil and deserve my support."

Harry kicked him, breaking his jaw. "You still killed my parents," he said coldly. Pettigrew nodded, bowing his head. "Tell the nice Headmaster and us all you know and I might just send you to the Dementors without branding you as one of my victims." He unstuck the man and then forced him to turn around. "Now, spill, or I find the large bore needle."

Pettigrew babbled incoherently, but they got most of it through the spittle and the blood. When he had run out of words and was lying limply on the carpet, Ron remembered something. "Draco, aren't you supposed to go visit your father soon?" he asked, smiling brightly at him.

"I am," Draco agreed, stroking down Ron's back. "Should we escort this creature to the prison ourselves? Is that what you're suggesting?"

"Possibly going and making sure his cell is more secure than the ones that have let people out," Harry agreed. He looked at Draco and smiled. "Wanna?"

Draco smirked at him. "You'd both have to dress up."

"No fair, I'm not there yet," Ron complained.

"Your chest is more than ample enough to get the point across," Draco said, giving him a short kiss. "Now go put on something slinky and I might even buy you some nice chocolate tonight. Harry, you change as well."

"I don't get a treat?" Harry asked.

Draco looked over at him and winked. "A treat of what?" Harry shivered and grabbed Ron's hand, dragging him up to get changed as quickly as they could. Draco looked at the other adults in the room. "Shouldn't you be calling someone about him by now?" he suggested lightly.

"You're going in your school uniform?" Snape asked.

"Father always hated it," Draco said lightly with a wink for him. "I'm sure he'd be most happy to see me in anything but. Unless of course I was wearing a 'The Light Rules' shirt." He shrugged and straightened out his clothes, spiffing himself up for the upcoming meeting. When the aurors rushed in with Remus Lupin behind them, he stepped between them. "Not yet," he cautioned.

"Malfoy," Remus growled. "Move!"

"Harry would not like that," Draco said quietly, staying in the way. "Besides, Harry was promised him if he didn't cooperate in a timely manner."

Lupin looked at the boy, backing away slowly. "What happened to him? What have you done to Harry?"

"Marked him and Weasley as mine," Draco said smugly. He heard footsteps. "Lupin's here," he called.

Harry jogged up the last few steps and hugged the older man. "Hi, Uncle Remus."

"Harry, is what he said true?" Remus asked. He saw the stunning redhead and blinked a few times. "Ron?" he asked, stunned into silence.

"I like that, where did your mother get it?" Draco asked, strolling around Ron, twitching the deep green velvet dress a bit to make it fall better off the impressive rear.

"I don't know. Mum said it was sent to her, but the store wouldn't say who had bought it. She said there wasn't any harm in it."

Draco frowned, but he let it go. "From now on, I believe I should go shopping with you. I want to see you in more dresses like that during your female times." Ron beamed at him and Draco touched his lips. "You forgot something."

"Oops." Ron used his wand to clean his mouth and brush his teeth. He smiled again and Draco kissed him. "Thanks. Harry, let's go. We can follow them."

"Bloody unlikely," McGonagall noted, standing up. "You may not go touring the wizard's prison! Do you know what will happen if they try to attack you?"

Harry looked at her. "I'll kill them," he said, then he looked at Draco. "I get to do that still, right?"

"We'll do it together," Draco assured him, taking the spot between them. "My I am lucky, and I look horribly shabby next to you two. But I'm sure my father will appreciate me all the less because of it." They laughed as they followed the aurors out and grabbed their portkey at the last moment. Much too late for anyone to say anything to them about it. Draco ignored the yelling and led his mates to the public floos, sending them to the prison office. "I'm here with my spouses to see my father," he announced. The witch in charge looked at him and he smirked. "Family news, the announcement of our union. I'm sure it will...thrill him to no end." She laughed and handed them a special key. "Thank you. Come, my pretty ones. Let's go make him choke on his tongue." He let Harry take Ron's arm until they got through the door, then took up his position between them. "Remember, let no one touch you," he warned quietly, smirking at the inmates. "Oh, Auntie," he said with a wave. They followed the directions on the key, going up to the solitary tower rooms. Lucius was in a small cell with a window overlooking the sea that confined them. "Father," he said in greeting, his hands tangled with Harry and Ron's. Lucius turned and choked. "What's wrong? Do you not appreciate the announcement of our union?" he asked pleasantly.

"Weasley," Lucius said as he stood up and walked over. He gasped when Ron looked at him. "You're not her!" he shouted.

"No, I'm her brother most of the time," Ron told him with a smile. "Thanks to some of your journals my brother botched a potion and now I'm your daughter-in-law for six days a month." Harry laughed. "Well I am," he said with a smile for him.

Draco patted Ron on the rear. "Yes, you are," he said with a smile, the hand behind Ron shifting to trace over the small mark on her stomach. "Such a wonderful wife as well. Beautiful and talented in this form."

"In any form," Harry argued. "Ron's wonderful no matter what form he's in."

"She," Lucius corrected absently, still staring at Ron. "You really do change," he whispered.

"And she's still mine," Draco reminded him with a smile. He bit Ron on the neck, making her moan. He did the same to Harry, making him go limp against his side. "As you can see, we only came up to share the good news. That and to announce that Pettigrew was captured." He looked down at Harry. "Should we skip tonight and have dinner in London?"

"I'd like to eat with my parents and possibly the twins," Ron offered. "We've only had that one dinner with my folks and the twins deserve the right to get to know you so they don't try anything against you."

"I think I'd enjoy that," Draco agreed. His father screamed in outrage. "What?" he asked innocently. "They are my in-laws. It wonderful that Ron felt the need to mark me as well." Harry giggled. "Fine, the both of us," he said with an eye roll. "You hate to be left out, don't you, Harry?"

Lucius looked at Potter and frowned, reaching a hand against the shield keeping him in his cell. "Your scar."

"Dumbledore wanted to lead him down the wrong path, he tried to cut it off," Draco said with a shrug. "Amazingly enough, he swears I'm the reason he's sane at the moment. Ron and I." He squeezed Harry's rear, making him jump and laugh with pleasure. He smiled back at Harry's true smile of happiness. "I believe we're done sharing the good news. Do have fun rotting since none of the dementors like you enough to ask you for a dance and a kiss. Farewell, father." He walked his lovers back down, smirking at the screaming and ranting going on upstairs. "Well, that was pleasant. Were you serious?" he asked Ron. Ron nodded. "That's fine, we'll call the school from their shop I suppose." He turned in the key to one of the human guards. "We're done."

"You could A-K him," Harry suggested. "Put all of us out of our combined misery?" He led Draco to the floo, taking some of the powder and tossing it into the fire. "3W's," he called out as he stepped in. He disappeared.

"After you," Draco said regally, helping Ron into the fire. Ron disappeared and he waved then went off himself. He was helped out of the fireplace by a strong male hand. "Ah!" he said happily, hugging him. "Brother-in-law."

"Git," Fred said, pushing him away. "I really don't understand this, Ron, but mum said it was for the best."

"We're here to explain it all," Harry said from his position leaning on the counter, fanning the unconscious George. "He's coming around."

"She," Draco corrected, putting an arm around Ron's waist again. "Good job, you didn't even get nasty from the floo."

"Ours isn't that dirty yet," Fred told him, going over to help his twin off the floor. "Are you all right?"

"I saw Ron and it was a shock," George admitted, looking at their baby brother. "You do look hot."

"Charlie said the same thing," Ron assured them, running a hand over her stomach. "Dinner?"

"Is on us," Fred told him. "Go clean up, we'll eat in the alley. Should we call the parents?" Harry nodded as he took Ron's hand to help him clean up.

"No snogging," George called.

"Or shagging without me," Draco added. The twins looked at him and he shrugged. "I like that, sue me." He glanced around. "You seem to have done very well for yourselves." He looked back and found both twins trying to loom over him. "Do stop that," he said quietly. "I can kick your asses. I see no need for it since I haven't hurt your brother and I only have his best interests at heart, but we don't really need to get physical."

Harry cleared his throat as he came back. "He's right. Didn't your mother tell you they found the Weasley crest and Ron's used it on us?"

"Crest?" Fred asked, eyes going wide.

"On you?" George seconded.

"On both of us," Harry corrected. "The same as we wear his. The only problem is that my family doesn't have one."

"There isn't much use commissioning one," Draco said as he examined his hands. He looked at Harry, who nodded. "Do you boys have any lotion? I'm dry today for some reason." George stomped off and came back with a sample bottle. "Thank you." He neutralized it before putting it onto his hands and rubbing it in. "Ron?"

"Adjusting her panties," Harry said with a groan.

"Maybe we'll talk her into wearing those thongs," Draco said with a small wink. Harry laughed and hugged him. "Thank you."

"You two hated each other," George said quietly, staring at them. "What's changed?"

"For once, Harry has someone who's concerned about his well-being over the war," Draco told him. "I also recognized his innate abilities and desire to attend to Ron."

Harry nodded. "Added to that, he understands about needing a real life, not some rule-created cage of hell that I had been living in." He smiled as Ron came out. "You look wonderful, but you're showing a bit, Ron." Ron adjusted his bosom and then grinned. "Perfect as usual, even though I won't get to stare at them all night."

"You can see them later," Draco reminded him patiently. "Ron?" Ron walked over and hugged his other side. "Where shall we eat?"

"We have to call the school," Ron reminded him. "Plus the folks."

"Dad's at work, I'll call him," Fred said as he headed for the second floo line. "George, you get the school and mum. Tell her it's causal and she doesn't have to change." George nodded, going for the main fireplace. "Dad," Fred said happily. "Ron, Harry, and Draco are here asking us to dinner. We're treating of course. Want to come and berate them for snogging in public?" Arthur apparently said something because Fred laughed. "I don't know, but Ron does look stunning in his green dress." He hung up and looked at his brother. "Father said you should be wearing red or gold," he chided, but he was smiling.

"Green goes so much better with his hair, and looks lovely against the rest of us," Draco pointed out smugly.

"I did not need to hear that much," George said as he stood up. He looked down at himself. "This you think?"

"Change into that blue number I saw you in last time," Ron encouraged. "You looked good in it."

"Sure, Ron, whatever you want," George agreed, giving him a small hug before going to change. "Mother's on her way."

"Wonderful," Fred noted, leaning on the counter. "So, marked?" he asked.

Harry pulled up his shirt to show him. "Marked," he agreed happily. "Ron would show you but his is in the same spot."

"We don't need Ron to expose himself any more than usual," Fred agreed. He moved Harry's hair aside. "What happened? I don't remember the shelf."

"I snapped," Harry admitted.

Draco stepped forward but Ron hugged Harry first, hogging him to herself. "Snape got onto him about spending too much time doing homework and not enough training," Draco said quietly. "Harry went off and suggested he lead the fight , then tried to cut it off so he could hand it to Snape. He got halfway," he said easily, smiling at Harry, who pulled him in for a hug. "We got close over the holidays, with shared grief, but that cemented our lives." He stroked down the shaking back. "I think you need to eat something, Harry."

"I could eat," Harry agreed, smiling weakly at him. "I have a headache."

"I have something for that," George said as he walked out. "Ron, have you started a cycle yet?" Ron shook his head. "If you do, there's a wonderful potion made by the nice witches up the street that works wonders. Helps it go very quickly and easily." He retrieved the headache medicine and handed over the bottle. "Two good slugs and it should cure it."

Harry gulped a bit of it and handed it back with a grossed-out face. "Eww."

"Medicine isn't supposed to taste good," Fred reminded him. The fire erupted and their mother walked out. "Mum," he said, waving. "Come see what Ron's wearing. Draco dressed him in his house colors."

"Actually, someone bought it for him and sent it to the house," Molly corrected gently, giving everyone a hug. "I still haven't figured out who, but there was another outfit just yesterday."

"Send it back," Ron told her. "It isn't right that I'm accepting presents that way. You'd ream Ginny a good one," he said at her amused look.

"That's true, I would," Molly agreed, looking at Draco. "But that's his job."

Draco nodded. "Send the rest back and refuse any more. If I want my mates to wear slinky things, I'm more than capable of buying them something." He patted Harry's pocket. "Box?"

"Both of them," Harry agreed with a smile. "Where are we eating?"

"Up the alley," Fred told him. "It'll be packed soon so let me go ahead and get us a table. Just the seven of us?" Everyone nodded. "Good deal." He took some money out of the register and made a note on the pad beside it, then headed up to get them a table.

George took his mother's arm. "I think Father knows where we're going. He can follow behind," he said lightly, escorting her out. "I want to know why I don't get admirers that way," he pouted at his parent.

"Because my breasts are bigger," Ron told him, giving him a little shove. "You did a really good job making me this way."

"It was inside you," Draco reminded him. "He had nothing to do with the sculpture that is your body." He saw people looking at them and pulled Ron closer. "Let's not talk about them in public," he hissed. "Harry might get embarrassed." Ron blushed. "Thank you, Ron."

"Sorry, I forget that not everyone knows," Ron sighed, leaning over to smile at Harry. "Sit on my other side?"

"As always," Harry agreed, smiling. He pulled Ron against his side and smirked at Draco. "My turn, greedy bastard."

Fred met them outside the restaurant. "I managed to get us a back room so we could have some privacy," he told them happily. "No dad?"

"Not yet," George agreed. He followed Fred inside, smiling at the homey feel of the room. "This feels like a kitchen table," he said as he took his seat.

Draco felt a hand touch his arm before he could enter the room and looked at the man who had walked up to him. "Mr. Crabbe," he said with a smile and a handshake. "How pleasant to see you. I'll have to tell Vincent we ran into you tonight."

"Are they..." he asked nodding at Ron and Harry. Draco nodded. "You have excellent taste, as always, Draco. Be good to them?"

"I'm going to do my best," he assured him. "Potter and Weasley are very safe with me. Nothing and no one will get them." He saw the doubt in the clear eyes and shook his head. "You don't have to worry about him either," he said gently. "I swore on my life to protect Weasley."

"Then you won't be joining?"

Draco shook his head, smiling brightly. "Why should I? I have everything I could ever need. He has nothing to offer me."

"There's power," Crabbe senior suggested.

Draco laughed. "I have access to one of the most powerful beings in the country, why should I shackle myself to that old, insane thing and destroy everything that I've built?" He patted him on the arm. "Your son was most eloquent in his statement of how happy you were for me."

"My Vincent?" he asked, but he was smiling again.

"Yes, came out of nowhere," Ron agreed as he joined them. "Very nicely stated and very sincere." He shook the man's hand. "Draco, not to interrupt, but my father's on his way in."

"Of course." He shook hands with Mr. Crabbe again and led Ron back to their room. "It is very sad that my father got him into this mess. He used to be frightfully nice until my father accepted him into his service." He sat down on Ron's other side, looking over at Harry. "I just ran into Vincent's father. He said again that I have very good taste."

"Of course you do, you took up with Ron," Harry agreed.

"And you," Fred said firmly. "We're tired of you putting yourself down, Harry."

"That's right! You're very special, even if you are an insecure prat some days," George agreed.

"We'd like to hear you say as many good things about yourself..."

"As Ron does about you," they finished.

"I would as well," Molly agreed. She smiled at Harry. "You are a wonderful young man, Harry Potter, and I expect you to start appreciating yourself."

"We're slowly building up to that," Ron assured her. "Since his incident he's started to enjoy his life and has even told Snape to fuck off a few times." His mother laughed. "Plus another for Dumbledore earlier I believe?" he asked, looking at Draco. Who nodded. "See?"

The waiter walked in. "Your husband is coming up the alley," he told Molly. He smiled at everyone. "What would you like to drink?" He did a double-take at seeing Draco and hurried out, coming back with a wine list. "The owner was very sorry he pissed off your father," he said respectfully.

"My father was easily annoyed, that's why he's in prison," Draco assured him. "Ron's keeping me more even tempered." He looked at the wine list. "What are the specials tonight?"

"We have a wonderful prime rib dinner. We also have veal and lamb on the meat menu. There is a pasta dish for the ladies," he said with a nod toward Ron, "so they can watch their figures."

"They watch mine just fine," Ron assured him. "I want the veal."

"Me too," Harry offered. "I've never had veal."

"It's baby cow," Ron told him.

"I know that," Harry retorted with a grin. "Draco?"

"I believe I'll have the lamb so we'll take that bottom bottle," he said, pointing it out. The waiter nodded and looked toward the others. "Don't worry, I have dinner."

"No, *I* have dinner," Harry told him.

"No, *we* have dinner," George reminded. "You get to buy your own wine though." He looked at Ron. Then at Harry. "Since when do you drink?"

"Since my nerves were shot and it keeps the nightmares away," Harry told him. "Even better than sleeping on Ron."

Ron laughed and blushed. "Harry! Not in mixed company!"

"Sorry," he said with a light blush of his own.

"I've been drinking wine since I was six," Draco told them. "A single glass every few days isn't going to hurt either of them." Arthur came in and Draco stood up respectfully. "Just in time, sir. What do you think you'd like tonight?"

"I'd say something with seafood," Arthur said as he moved past his wife and sat on her right, giving her cheek a kiss. "Small problem at the prison," he said, looking at the trio. "It seems Lucius nearly killed himself trying to get out, yelling the whole time about how stupid he was." Draco smiled and patted Ron's hand. "I heard you had went to visit."

"We did, just to share the good news," Harry told him. "Pettigrew came up to me in the greenhouse today." Molly gasped. "That's the other reason we went."

"We were proving to my father that he is easily annoyed," Draco noted. "Order, we're hungry. Ron and Harry both got run out of lunch by their friends."

"Again?" Molly asked.

"The girls wanted us to help translate for their boyfriends," Ron said with a shrug. "It happens." He smiled at the twins. "I'm not as mad at you as I used to be."

"Thank you," George said, smiling back. "We are sorry, Ron."

"Eeh. I like this form," he admitted, running a hand down his thigh. "Like I told Hermione, I wouldn't have gotten Harry or Draco if you hadn't." Fred beamed. "You're still probably going to get into trouble for doing it," he reminded him.

"Oh, we already have," Fred agreed.

"We're under the careful eyes of Law Enforcement." Arthur nodded at them and George sighed. "How much longer?"

"They'll probably always keep an eye on you two," Arthur assured them.

Molly cleared her throat. "We should finish ordering," she pointed out delicately. The twins ordered the pasta dish, and she ordered the large chicken caesar salad. Ron looked at her. "I'm not that hungry, dear, I was nibbling as I cooked earlier."

Ron nodded. "I've had days like that."

"Why hasn't he started a cycle yet?" George asked. "Mine's been about for nearly three months."

"It's the nature of the change. If it does happen, it would be suddenly and probably at the worst times," Harry told him. The twins looked at him, staring. "Draco and I had to do a paper on what could be done to Ron, mostly so he'd know and understand what sort of trouble he could be in," Harry told him. "We traced back the sources Draco's father used and found a lot of things."

"I'll send you my copy," Ron promised.

Draco looked at him. "You're going to throw away all our hard work?" he asked lightly.

Ron kissed him gently. "It's three hundred feet long, Draco. I'd rather have you and Harry tell me than have to read it all. I'm sure it'd be more pleasant anyway." Draco nodded. "Besides, he does need to know, just so he can be careful," he added quietly, for Draco's benefit only. Draco took his hand to squeeze. "We'll owl it out tomorrow, guys."

Draco squeezed Ron's hand. "I wanted to talk to you in front of others about a few things."

"Not the 'you shouldn't say that in public' talk," Ron sighed. Harry laughed. "You'll get one too."

"No, not that one, though talking about feminine problems over dinner seems strange to me. I was going to tell them about our plans." Ron looked clueless. "The rest of the things besides the house?"

"Oh, that," Ron said, nodding. He looked at his family. "It can't get out," he told them genially, smiling at Draco. "Someone has come up with some wonderful ideas to help Harry and I."

"Yes, you'll be leading the group away from the fights and Harry will be fighting with me," Draco reminded him. Ron shot him a glare. "Tough. You're too valuable to risk that way. We can't have you bleeding all over the field." He looked at the older people again. "Harry and I, while researching for defense, have found a way to attach hexes and curses to inanimate objects. Such as weapons that are thrown," he said at the opening mouth on Arthur.

"Things like arrows and bullets," Harry put in.

Molly opened her mouth, then closed it and shook her head. "Harry, that's not the way we fight, dear."

"No, but he's not expecting it, is he?" Harry asked dryly. "It'll make the whole bloody thing go faster and we'll all hopefully live to a ripe age." Arthur started to shake his head but Harry patted him on the hand. "Think about how many people could be saved if we thought outside the normal ways of doing things," he pointed out. "How many families wouldn't be wiped out. How many children won't end up like me. Hell, how many children won't end up like Draco," he said, giving his lover a small smile. "If we think outside the normal ways, we might find a way to sneak up on him and take him out faster." He frowned at the door and put a privacy shield on it. "I forgot to do that earlier," he admitted. "Just consider the implications."

"That might help," George agreed, his voice quiet. "You cast it wrong."

"I did not."

"You did what you usually do and forgot the last vowel," Ron told him, recasting it for them. "There, much better," he said with a smile. "Harry's right, and I'm going to stick up for this idea. If only so that this thing is done with faster and we can move on with our lives."

"Ron, you know the prophecy," Draco gently reminded him.

Ron's back stiffened. "I have to have faith that Harry will win, Draco. The other option is unthinkable to me. If Harry doesn't win, then the world goes to hell quicker. If he does, we might be able to hold some of it off for at least another few years." He shrugged. "There is no other option to me but Harry winning. And you never know, that prophecy can be taken a few ways."

"If you say so," Draco said carefully.

"I'm sure it will all work out for the best and Harry will win," Molly said firmly.

Draco nodded and gave up on the topic, for now. "We've also thought about how to best camouflage our non-wizardly interests. That way Ron and Harry would be better protected from the staring that will come their way."

"I doubt many people would look for Harry and Ron at your house," Molly reminded them. "Not unless they knew that you were there."

"That's what I thought," Harry said bitterly, "but I've already gotten one letter by owl saying that I was more than welcome to come to her for decorating advice for me and my mates when we started on the nursery."

Arthur cleared his throat. "I'm sure it will be fine, boys. Things will settle down soon enough." They sighed. "They will," he repeated. "The battles are starting to get more intense and people won't have time to wonder about you three."

"Arthur, there will *always* be time to wonder about people you idolize," Harry pointed out dryly. "If only for the escape from stress." Someone knocked on the door and he unlocked it. "Enter!" He stood up and launched himself at the man standing there, hugging him as hard as he could. "Oliver!"

"Harry," he said, patting him on the back. "I went down to the shop to see if my boys there can fix my broom again and I saw the sign that said it was a family dinner." He smiled at the rest of the family, though it slid a little when he saw Draco and the unknown redhead. "Hi, sorry to intrude."

"Pfft, intrude away," Fred told him. "It'll lead to happier dinner conversation. Harry, let the poor guy breathe." Harry led Oliver in and summoned the waiter to bring an extra chair and a drink, plus he ordered him a large dinner.

Oliver looked down, frowning when he saw Ron's face. "I swear I know you," he said gently.

"Ron," Ron said, shaking his hand. Oliver's mouth opened and he straightened up so Ron pointed at George. "I was the other tester."

"Oh, dirt!" Oliver breathed, looking him over. "At least they made you stunning."

"And because I'm so stunning, I found myself two wonderful protectors," Ron said, pointing at them.

"Malfoy?" Oliver asked Fred.

Fred nodded. "Apparently Malfoy does it for him."

"In more ways than one," Harry said sweetly, "as I do, thank you."

Draco laughed and gave Harry a hug. "Calm down. They're not saying you don't do it for him." He shared a look with Molly. "He's been having a problem with not being included recently, though we never leave him behind." Ron pinched him. "OW! Harridan!"

Oliver chuckled. "At least it won't be a boring relationship," he pointed out. George giggled, covering his spitting with his napkin. "I see someone else's had that same problem. You make a prettier girl at least, George." George laughed some more. "Think I'm kidding?"

"No, I think you're right actually," George told him. He looked at Draco. "We should toast your father."

"Tell me about it," Ron groaned. "He went nuts when he figured out who I am," he told everyone.

Harry nodded. "He only asked about my forehead." Oliver cuffed him on the back of the head. "Ow!"

"You deserved it. You could have written to me and vented, Potter."

"Fine, I'll tell you the next time I want to hex Snape into a wall," he agreed, grinning at him. "That should be at least one owl a week."

Oliver laughed, shaking his head. "Say it with me, thirteen more weeks."

"Thirteen more weeks," the trio repeated, smiling and nodding. They clinked glasses.

***

As soon as everyone was back in the shop and seated, Ron got up to call the school. He decided to call the house instead of the official line, hoping to get his sister. There'd be less whining that way and they might be able to do a bit of delivering for the twins. "Gryffindor," he called out. Dennis Creevy's head appeared. "Is Ginny or Hermione there?" he asked.

The boy shook his head. "Sorry, Ron, Ginny's locked in her room so she can't go help and Hermione's guarding the doorway on the other side."

"Why is anyone guarding the doorway?" Harry called.

"Um, there's a small insurgence in the main entryway," Dennis admitted. He looked at Ron. "I'm sorry, Ron."

"That's all right, Dennis. Is everyone in the house accounted for?"

"Everyone but Crabbe and Pansy," he agreed quickly. "I heard someone yelling for them in the hallways; I think it was McGonagall." He swallowed. "Don't come back, Ron, they're looking for you."

"And they'll find me too," Ron said firmly. He looked at his men, then at his parents. "We'll be back in a few."

"Yes, *we* will," Draco agreed as he stood up. "You will be here informing your older brother what the worst of the dangers are." He took Harry's hand and apparated off.

"Shit," Ron complained, grabbing more floo powder. "Stand back." Strong arms grabbed him. "Let me go! I have to go help!"

"If they're looking for you, you absolutely cannot go," Arthur argued from behind him, holding him more tightly. "If it's you they want then they'll go wild seeing you. You can't do that to Harry and Draco." Ron slumped so he led him over to his wife. "Here, you hold him, I'm going to let someone know. The rest of you stay here!" He disappeared, heading back to the office.

George reached behind himself and pulled out a book. "This one, Ron?" Ron shook his head, moving to sit beside him and whisper in his ear. "Eww." Ron nodded. "And this is a power thing?" Ron nodded, slower this time. "Shit!" He looked at Fred. "As long as I change, you're in danger too," he announced. "Power raising potions are made from us."

"Our blood," Ron corrected. "The less pure you are, the more powerful the blood solution is according to our research." Someone knocked on the door and he stood up, heading that way. The twins tried to stop him but he knew it wasn't someone after him. He found someone on the ground and the person behind him in a cloak. "Yeah?" he asked dryly. The hood was pushed back. "Come on in, Vincent. Draco and Harry went back to the school." He looked at the body. "Who's that?"

"My uncle. Stupid fuck tried to tell me no." He led Ron away, following Molly. He pushed Ron onto the couch. "Draco sent me, he told me to keep you here even if I had to stun your stubborn ass." Ron shook his head, smiling. "He's serious. I can't let you go help them, Ron, there's three Death Eaters that decided to break into the school." He swallowed. "Pansy's missing."

Ron stood up. "That's exactly why I should be there," he said quietly. "Harry and I have been all over that school."

Vincent took the easy way out of this one, sitting down and forcing Ron into his lap so he couldn't get free of him. "No. They've already taken her off. You won't be of any help and they'll do anything to find you. You're staying here, even if I have to hurt you a little bit. Got it?" Ron shook his head so he squeezed him, making Ron moan in pain. "You're staying!"

"He is," Molly agreed.

"Let him go," Oliver suggested. "We can keep him here." He put a shield around the room and nodded. "He can't get out." Ron was set free and stood up. "You can't go. This time it's their fight."

George pulled Ron into his arms. "I know this sucks, but you're different now. You can't fight like you used to."

"No, now I'm more sneaky," Ron told him, getting free. "It's my fight, I should be there."

"Ron, think objectively," Oliver pleaded. "If it was anyone else, would you send the person the Death Eaters wanted into the battle?" Ron groaned and held his head. "See? We're right."

"No, pain and anger. Draco," he said quietly, allowing himself to be sat down, this time next to Crabbe. "Oh, no, calm down," he whispered, thinking calming thoughts. The pain on the other side flared so he pushed it back, hoping he was sending calming waves back to Draco the same way the pain was coming to him. The pain receded and he slumped against the warm bodies around him. "He's fine."

"He marked you?" Molly said. "Fully? It's moved?" She brushed his hair aside, looking for the mark.

"Harry's is on his stomach," Fred told her quietly. "Ron, didn't you know about that?"

"No," Ron whined. "I didn't. He said he'd explain but I...." He winced and held his stomach. "I hate stress."

"I know. You lay down," Vincent said gently, shifting down so Ron could use his thigh as a pillow. "You rest and we'll call the school in about thirty minutes to check on everyone." Ron nodded and laid down, letting his brothers cover him. "He really doesn't know. Draco doesn't know much about his either, just that it bonds them and it can have some influence on the less-dominant partner." Molly opened her mouth. "Malfoys never marry anyone complacent," he told her with a smile. "Narcissa was a bitch and a half most of the time. I'm really surprised Draco came out so well."

George dipped his finger in a bottle his twin had retrieved and leaned down, stroking it across Ron's neck. "You rest," he whispered. Ron nodded, closing his eyes.

"I always thought Narcissa Malfoy was a cold woman," Fred put in.

"Draco said that was an act," Ron whispered. "Thank you, Vincent."

"You're welcome, Ron." He patted the firm shoulder. He looked at the family members. "It's fine, they were getting it solved. By the time I left there was only one missing Death Eater. All the kids were safe, but Pansy and I were up in the mezzanine talking. Her mother's been missing for three days and she didn't want to say anything," he told everyone. Molly looked horrified. "She's the one who tipped off Draco that the Dark Lord was eyeing Ron because the marks hadn't moved." Ron giggled. "Are they fine?"

"Harry put a bubble around the idiot and he's bouncing him down the hall," Ron explained. "I've never heard some of those phrases."

Vincent patted Ron again. "They'll hopefully be back soon."

"If not, you can have the couch," Fred offered.

George nodded. "I think it's wonderful that Draco told you to babysit Ron. He's too fragile to be left alone."

"He's an auror candidate," Molly snorted. The twins looked flabbergasted. She nodded smugly. "The auror teaching Defense suggested him and his boss liked him." She looked at Oliver. "I'm sure you could head home if you wanted to."

"He can stay with us," Fred told her. "Don't worry about it, Mum. You take the guest room. Ron and ...Crabbe was it?" Vincent nodded. "Can sleep out here. We have plenty of extra blankets." He led everyone to their rooms, settling them in. "Oliver, pick a bed. We're used to sleeping in the same bed."

Oliver looked at them. "George is female, Fred, that's not right."

"He's my twin, I know that."

George coughed. "I think he's trying to be gentlemanly, Fred. Oliver, don't worry about it, I've crawled in with him a number of times in the last few months thanks to the nightmares."

Oliver turned and hugged him. "It'll get better."

"It had better, this being female stuff sucks some days," George sniffed, letting himself be comforted. "Fred looks at me like he's studying me and we weren't talking to Ron for nearly two months because he was so mad at us."

"You needed someone to comfort you about all this," Oliver agreed. "Don't worry, it'll be okay. Even if I get to kick Percy's ass for you, it'll be fine." The twins laughed. "Now let's settle in for the night. How would you really like to do this?"

"I call his left," Fred offered, "or his back."

"That's fine. I let you guys crawl in with me more than once," Oliver reminded them, pushing the beds together and merging them. It could be fixed back in the morning. He laid down in the middle and let the twins curl up around him. "What did Ron tell you?"

"Just that we're now considered a magical creature. If I bleed anywhere it can be picked up and used in a power-raising formula," George said, wiping his face off. "I hate feeling girly."

"I wouldn't worry about it while you're in that form, it might be natural," Oliver soothed, giving him a backrub. He liked this, the twins comforted him when he had a really bad loss and the twins got their comfort when things went haywire in their lives and nothing could be counted on.

"He really married Malfoy?" he whispered. Both twins giggled and hugged him. "Harry I could see, but Malfoy?"

George gave him a squeeze. "Apparently Draco's reputation was true. Ron glows."

"I noticed. Malfoy was even laughing, I'm very shocked."

"Consider our reaction," Fred told him. "Ron is one of the most watched people in the wizarding world and is now married to one of the others. They'll never get any peace."

"That's why they bought that house," Oliver reminded him.

"How did you know?" George asked.

Oliver smiled and stroked over the longer hair. "A little bird told me." Fred pinched him. "Harry sent an owl to tell me," he admitted. He felt the snuggling start and held still so they could get comfortable. "Night, guys."

"Night, Oliver," George sighed against his chest, falling asleep there.

"Fred?" Oliver asked. He heard the quiet grunt. "Try to quit staring at George. You're going to make him mad soon."

"I only wanted to know what it was like," Fred admitted.

"Then fix the formula and try it on yourself, Fred," Oliver suggested. "Don't tell anyone though, I want to see their faces." He felt the smile. "Even if you do like Ron did, you'd still be prettier." Fred laughed and snuggled closer. He felt that all was right with the world again, the twins had quit fighting.

***

Draco and Harry came out of the floo just before dawn, yawning and leaning against each other. Draco nudged Harry and pointed at the couch. Harry peered over, stepping closer. He smiled at the picture of Ron asleep on Crabbe's thigh, smiling at the other student. "Why didn't you fall asleep?"

"He's been having nightmares," Crabbe told him.

Draco nodded. "He has since he found out why people would want him. They're slowly getting better as he works through it." He picked Ron up. "You rest, Vincent, you did excellent in keeping him here." He walked Ron over to where Harry was, then back to the center rug. It was comfortable enough. He let Ron curl up against his side and Harry got his back. He gave him a look and Harry shrugged. "Fine, let's sleep."

Harry used his wand to call a blanket from somewhere, covering them gently. "There. Now we can sleep." He snuggled in. "You were wonderful."

"Thank you. I seem to have had a bit of practice over the years." Harry laughed. "Sleep, we'll need it tomorrow."

Ron lifted his head. "You're back?" Draco nodded. "Is it fixed?"

"All three of them," Draco assured him, stroking over the fine hair. "Go back to sleep, it's still early. We'll go shopping today." Ron nodded and put his head back down. "Good boy, Ron." Ron giggled. "Shh. Let Harry sleep. He almost fell asleep on Snape during the argument in the Headmaster's office."

"Again?"

"Yes, again," Draco agreed. "This time it was even about things that weren't in our control." He settled in to nap, comfortable with being held this way. At least until they got too clingy then they'd put Harry under them again.

***

Molly walked out and smiled at the trio on the floor and the bigger boy on the couch. She shook her head as she headed for the kitchen, finding the twins and Oliver already up. "Give me a moment to wash my hands and I'll cook," she offered.

"We've got it, mum," Fred told her, giving her a hug. "Not like you're used to but some eggs and sausage and the like." He pointed at the table. "Sit and eat."

"Weren't they cute?" George asked, grinning at her.

She laughed. "Yes, they were. When did they get back?"

"Just before dawn," Oliver told her, then he yawned. "I hate early morning practices."

"You forced us through *how* many?" George teased.

"I think that was to see the girls in bedhair," Fred reminded him. "We used to like that sight too."

"I remember. Seen any of them?" Oliver asked. Both twins blushed. "Really?"

"Katie got a letter from Ron about balance problems so she came to yell at us for doing that to him," Fred told him, sipping his coffee.

George laughed. "Until she saw me in full girl gear, then she passed out for a good twenty minutes. I had to wonder if my magnificence had overloaded her and caused a stroke."

Oliver hugged him. "I'm sure it was the sight of you grabbing yourself instead of trying to play with her set," he told him. He gave Fred a hug. "I'll be back tonight?"

"Sure. We've got late hours tonight."

Oliver waved a hand. "And? I want you guys to unhex my game broom. Someone laid a jinx on it and you're one of the best at that." He waved a hand at Molly. "I'll see you sometime soon, Mrs. Weasley." Then he walked out the door into the sunlight, squinting hard.

Fred closed the door and looked at George. "He's right, it probably was the sight of you not trying to play with her breasts that made her pass out."

"Keep it up, Harry kept that sample," George taunted.

"He gave it to Snape," Vincent groaned as he walked in. Fred handed him his coffeecup and smiled as he drank it. "Thank you." He looked up. "No pranks."

"Not yet. It's too early for that. Go ahead and eat, we'll let them sleep a bit longer."

"We're supposed to go back to school today," Vincent told him.

"I'm sure they will eventually," Molly said tolerantly. "I think Draco wanted to do a bit of shopping."

"Probably wants to drive around a bit," Fred noted.

George nodded. "That boy loves his speed."

Crabbe nodded. "Definitely. He's scary like that too." The twins laughed. "You think I'm kidding, but I'm not. He gave me a ride around and I was terrified. We nearly hit a truck. There was loud and scary music that felt like it was trying to pound its way through your body. I couldn't even make out what were trees and what were houses." He shuddered. "At least Potter goes slower. I don't think I could ever drive around."

"It's not so bad if you have an experienced driver and you're in the back," Molly noted, patting him on the hand. "Most people in Draco's situation have a driver so they don't do things like crash themselves into trees."

"I'll suggest he get one," Crabbe said, giving her a genuine smile. "You're very nice."

"Thank you, dear." Fred put down more food and she looked at him. "More?"

"The trio is waking up. Ron's whimpering and Harry's already talking him down out of the nightmare," George told her.

"He's had a few of those," Vincent agreed. "They usually handle them pretty well." He grabbed a pancake and fixed it. "Thank you, gentlemen."

"You're welcome. You're guarding our brother, we like that in a being," Fred pointed out.

"Of course, the first time you don't protect him, you'll be seeing us on your doorstep and will surely try to run away screaming," George added.

Vincent smiled. "If Ron gets hurt then Draco's probably already dead and I might welcome it." He stuffed his face.

***

Ron walked Harry into the Great Hall at lunch, waving off the clapping. "Stop it." He sat down at their table.

"Mr. Weasley, where is Mr. Malfoy?" Professor Dumbledore asked.

"He'll be back in an hour. One of his family retainers had some business for him to deal with," Harry called.

"Thank you."

Ron felt a hand touch his back and looked at Hermione. "Hi." He gave her a hug. "How are you?"

"Better now that you two are back," she noted dryly. "Harry was like some avenging angel last night."

"The teachers were struggling before you came, Harry," Collin Creevy told them. "Then Harry and Draco come in the front door and the Death Eaters break the lines and run. It was so cool. I have pictures."

"I bet you do," Harry said tolerantly, giving him a gentle smile. "It was the added numbers, not me specifically, Collin." Everyone gave him one of those looks. "If the Death Eaters scattered because of us appearing, it was because they had heard horror stories about how cruel Draco can be." Collin opened his mouth.

"Really, Collin, let them eat," Hermione told him. The boy blushed and grinned at them. "You can bother them later since Dumbledore assured us that they were staying for a few days." She gave them a bland look. "Aren't you?"

Ron nodded. "Yup, and we did some shopping before coming back too." She whimpered. "He'll be back in an hour," he promised, patting her on the hand.

"Did you bring back more ice cream?" one girl asked quietly from Harry's other side. He nodded, giving her a grin. "Cool." She whispered to the person next to her and got a giggle.

"We brought back more chocolates and ice cream, plus Harry forced me to get some new robes."

"You needed them, Ron, your old ones weren't fitting this form," Harry reminded him, letting one hand disappear under the table to tease Ron's thigh. He heard the squeak. "Remember, Rons who let themselves be spoiled get treats," he said quietly, staring at him. Someone squeezed the back of his neck and he let go of Ron's thigh. "Thank you, sir," he said, turning to find Snape standing there. "Draco will be back in an hour, a family retainer had some business for him to attend to," he told him.

"I see. Where did you three spend the night?"

"On the twins' living room floor," Ron offered. "Crabbe was on the couch. Our mother was in the guest room."

"Very well then. You do realize you are now grounded to the school for the rest of the term?"

Harry nodded. "That's why we made sure to bring back plenty of things for us to do," he said smartly. He grinned at the evil glare he received. "For all those nights when the training's done and the homework's done, and it's either a treat or sex, sir."

"Yes, you probably needed something of that nature," Snape sneered before moving off. "Do not touch her that way again."

"I'll bloody well feel up my wife if I want," Harry snorted, but he did it quietly.

Ron kissed him, bringing him out of his anger. "Don't worry, you can grope me later. We have Defense today with Hufflepuff." Harry moaned. "So be a good boy and I might even reward you." He winked and dug into the hamburger in front of him. "I don't know why I've been craving steak," he complained after the second bite.

"I usually do that near my cycle," Hermione offered.

"I haven't had one of those yet," Ron told her, then he shrugged. "I'm hoping I'm one of the half that doesn't."

"Fat chance," Hermione told him, patting him in sympathy. "You're too much one of us to get away with that one. We'd all have to kick you about if you missed that privilege."

Ron groaned. "Fine, if it happens it does." He gave her a sideways grin. "If I do, can I come screaming to you?"

"Of course. Any of us really." She gave him a hug. "Now eat, you'll need it. I have no doubt you had chocolate frogs for breakfast."

"Actually he had a chocolate sundae for breakfast," Harry told her with a wink. Draco strolled in and he sighed. "He looks like he went for another drive."

"You could have," Ron reminded him. "You're the one who set our return time." He looked over and smiled at Draco, who winked at him. "He's playing with you, Harry."

"I know, but I can't wait for school to be over with," Harry told him.

"Yeah, us too," Hermione agreed. "Your summer plans are set?"

"One week at the Dursley's. The rest at the new house," he said absently. Ron touched his hand. "What?" he asked, looking at him.

"You're looking upset again," Ron whispered. "You okay?"

"Yeah, fine. I guess we missed Remus' departure."

"Maybe he left you a letter," Ron soothed. He picked up his spoon and loaded it with bread pudding. "Open." Harry ate it, giving him a smile. "Now relax. You can question McGonagall later about where he might be." He held onto Harry's hand, giving him some comfort. He looked at Draco again and got a small nod. They'd be talking later.

***

Draco leaned against the wall as he met Ron in the hallway between classes. "I don't know what to do for him, Draco. He's sliding back again. Remus didn't leave even a note of 'glad you're fine'. Dumbledore's back to ignoring Harry for being audacious enough to have been out of the school. The only person who stood up for us is Snape and he stood up for us, not for Harry - all because he's Harry Potter."

"I can try to talk to Snape, but it won't help," Draco said, pulling a foot up to rest against the wall as he tipped his head back. "I don't know what to do about this, Ron. It's like he's never had a relationship with anything."

"He hasn't," Ron reminded him. "No pets, no siblings, only the bloated family from hell." Draco gave him a curious look. "You guys didn't bond over grief, it was more shock on Harry's part. Guilt and shock," he corrected himself. "He doesn't actually like his relatives."

"Interesting. So how was he able to .... Never mind, he still mourns his parents," Draco said, shaking his head.

Ron stepped closer, shifting some of the gelled hair over the bald spot. "It was uncovered," he said gently. "Have you thought about having someone look at that? There's all sorts of adverts in the muggle world about getting hair loss fixed."

"I did that earlier," Draco admitted, pulling him closer. "The physician said they could minimize it by cutting it out. Or they could do a few hair grafts, planting my own hair into that spot. Whichever I wanted."

Ron gave him a hug. "It'll be okay, but if you get it fixed I'm hiding your hair gel on you permanently."

Draco smiled. "Fine. Make me have bad hair."

"You have good hair when it's not gelled," Harry said as he joined them. "Why are we having a meeting?"

"I don't feel right," Ron said quietly.

"I think he's about to have a monthly cycle," Draco told him, holding out an arm. "You can hug too," he said when the offer wasn't taken.

"I'm too wound," Harry admitted. "Dumbledore just summoned me up to his office."

"Maybe he'll have something from Remus," Ron suggested.

"I doubt it," Harry told him. He shook his head, then shook out his hands. "If I don't make it to class, please take notes for me." He got a short hug between them then headed up to the office. "You wanted to see me, sir?" he asked as he walked in, exuding confidence.

"Harry," Dumbledore said happily. "Wand?" Harry held it up. "I wanted to see if you could truly follow your family's lead. I hadn't thought you could," Dumbledore told him.

Harry shrugged. "It's slow going. I'm learning more each night." He sat down with a sigh of relief. This wasn't the chewing out he had expected. "I'm working my way through the basic lessons and then I'm going to do the minor offensive spells next. It may not be the most helpful but the books were quite clear on me learning things in order."

"I see. Books?" he asked.

"Books," Harry agreed. "Safely hidden. I've copied the pages I need for now." Dumbledore put two boxes, one gold, one silver, onto his desk. Harry took them and shrunk them further, putting them back into his pocket. "If you know that I had both then you know that you can't open them or use them, sir," he said stiffly. "I won't let you kill me and everyone by opening the books and breaking the bindings." He stood up. "Anything else? I'm due to change classes in a few."

"No, go ahead," Dumbledore told him, frowning at his back. He waited until he was alone before looking at the portraits. "What do you think?"

"I think you've overplayed your hands and lost him," was the male opinion.

"I think the boy's still depressed," one female portrait pointed out. "He seems to have been upset about something."

"You always did read the students the best, Arabelle. Thank you," Dumbledore said, staring at the door. "You think he won't do what I need?"

"No, I think he'll do what he needs," Arabelle said gently. "That might include similar things, but they may well not match."

"He'll be an auror, he'll fight, but he won't be the lapdog he was before," one of the Headmasters agreed. "He's found his life and he's going to do everything he can to keep it, Albus. That includes fighting for it."

"I suppose I should be happy with that," Dumbledore said quietly. "If only the twins hadn't done that potion," he said in disdain. "Things were going according to plan but they screwed those to hell and back."

Arabelle laughed. "Albus, you know very well that no war follows a plan, especially not a precise one. It was unrealistic to expect it to. Why didn't that nice werewolf leave Harry anything? Do you know?"

"No, I don't. I don't think he thought about it," he admitted.

"If they're close then I bet Harry was expecting something," she said thoughtfully. "You might get onto him about that." She turned her back and went to her other painting.

Dumbledore frowned. "I'm not sure I should mention it," he said quietly. "Remus has been in a mood recently."

***

Ron led Draco into the pet store he had found the last time. "It drew me before," he explained. "I want to see." They had snuck out early for a dinner alone, with permission, and Ron had wanted to see in here. "See, animals," he said happily. He heard an excited yap and was drawn back that way. "Oh, you're precious," he whispered, picking the puppy up.

"Hi, welcome to Run's Sanctuary. How are you today?" a pleasant woman asked.

"Just fine, and yourself?" Ron asked. He continued to stroke the puppy. "What's this one?"

"That one is a black labrador, with a touch of wolf somewhere in him," she told him. "About three generations back. He's a bit of an upstart, that's why we haven't been able to find him a good home."

Ron looked at Draco, then grinned. "You know what? I know someone who had a dog nearly this color, but he was a grim."

"Really? Are you thinking about adopting him?" Ron nodded. "It's a small form and a thirty quid fee. We'll even fix him for you if you wanted."

"I'm not sure what I want in that way, but I know he'd be loved."

Draco held up a finger before pulling Ron away. "A dog?"

"Harry's godfather was an animagus," Ron whispered. "A big black dog." Draco's face lit up with understanding. "It'll give him someone to talk to, Draco. Something to love beside us."

"That's a good idea," Draco agreed. He looked at the woman as he pulled out his wallet. "We'll take him." She clapped and went to get them the forms and a carrying box. He looked at Ron. "The first time he chews on one of my shoes, it's your problem," he told him.

"Sure, I'll even walk him," Ron agreed, smiling happily. "Harry will love him."

"Why doesn't he play with Fang?"

"He does, but not all the time," Ron told him. "Hagrid gets possessive when people play with Fang, says they'll ruin his training." They worked together to fill out the form, giving them his mother's address for the form. "I don't know why, but we were drawn in here and right to this one," he chatted. "It seemed like it was fated."

"It could have been, his mother belonged to a wiccan I know," she told him, smiling at him. "The mother died in a car wreck last week and I was left the dog."

"Her name wasn't Kiana, was it?" Ron asked. She shook her head quickly. "That's cool, we know Kiana and she's a very nice lady. Yes, she is," he said as he rubbed his nose in the soft fur. "She even likes your other father very much."

"Hmm. I've heard her talk about you three," she admitted. Draco looked at her. "It's a small wiccan community, Mr. Malfoy. We all know each other." She took the form and the money. Then she pulled up the cage. "Come on, spud, into it."

"Is that his name?"

"No, it's what I've been calling him. When you decide on a name, you'll have to tell it to him each time you want something. Call him with it, pet him while using it, give him a lot of attention while using it. After a few weeks he'll start to realize it's him." She carefully put the dog into the carrier and closed the doors. She handed over a package. "In there's some flea medicine, his shot record, and a bit of food. You'll want to find him a large water bowl, he drinks like a drunk." She smiled at the bark. "Yes, I know your mother was a drunk." She rolled her eyes. "Try to be good to him, or else I'll know, boys."

"Sure," Ron agreed, taking the carrier out to the car.

Draco walked behind him, slowly shaking his head. He hoped Potter enjoyed this gift. He didn't need to care for a puppy, they were hell on the clothes. "That mutt will not sleep with us," he said as he climbed in to drive.

Ron leaned his head on Draco's shoulder. "If you can train him that way, that's fine with me," Ron agreed lightly. Draco stole a kiss. "Pet store then takeaway by the lake?"

"I think I'd enjoy that," Draco agreed. He started the car and shifted into gear, pulling out into traffic. The dog barked. "Hush, you, we're heading to get you real food."

***

Harry looked up as Ron called his name, waving him over to the library table he was sharing with Hermione. "How was dinner?" he asked, stealing a kiss.

"Good, we decided to pick up a present for you and then take our private dinner by the lake while you squealed in joy." He nodded at the books. "Pick up and come on."

Harry picked up everything and followed Ron back to Draco's room, dropping his bag into the chair. "Why did you pick me up a present?"

"Because we thought you needed someone to talk to when you felt you couldn't come to us," Ron said, giving him a hug. "So we got you another friend to talk to." He turned Harry around so he could see the sleeping lump on the bed. Both of them since Draco was laying there snoring. "Oh, how cute," Ron cooed. The dog lifted his head. "Harry, this is.... well, you're going to have to pick a name, but he's yours." He watched as Harry walked over and knelt in front of the bed, smiling. "I was drawn to him and I thought that maybe you'd like to talk to him like you used to do with Snuffles." Harry lunged over and hugged him as hard as he could. "Hey, now. I knew you needed something."

"No one's given me anything like this before," Harry said against the firm stomach. "Thank you, Ron."

"You're welcome, Harry. Thank Draco as well since he went along with me." He pulled Harry up and made him look at the dog again. "His former owner died in a car crash recently. She was a wiccan, and we found out tonight that they know who we are because everyone seems to know Kiana." Harry laughed and walked back over, getting down to play with the dog again. Ron laughed as the dog cleaned Harry's face repeatedly. "I think he loves you."

"I will not kiss you until you wash that slobber off," Draco said from his pillow. He lifted it off his head and looked down. The dog walked up and tried to kiss him too. "No!"

"Let him have your hand," Harry told him, moving up to get closer. "You're going to be big," he said appreciatively.

"The nice woman said he's mostly a lab, but he's got a bit of wolf thrown in a few generations back," Ron explained. He held a hand out for Draco to take. "We're going to eat dinner, you play with your new friend and name him." Harry nodded, hugging his dog hard. So Ron hugged him. "Just remember, you can't love him more than me," he teased, then he stole a kiss and led Draco out. "Come on, I'm starving."

Harry looked at his puppy, grinning at him. "What should we call you?" he asked. The puppy flopped over as soon as the ear scratching started. He looked around and saw the equipment in the corner. "Ooh, I can take you for a walk," he said, hopping up to get the collar and leash. He clipped them on the dog, earning a sad and disgusted look. "Come on, we'll go explore," Harry offered, trying to pull the dog off the bed by the leash. "I promise, there'll be more petting. Come on, boy. How about Snickers for a name? Not quite as good as it could be, but you do sort of remind me of Snuffles somehow and it's a close name." The dog hopped down and drank for a while before allowing himself to be led off for a walk. Harry had to keep him from going into each and every room. "I promise, we'll get to all those soon," he cooed. "Let's find Hermione first, I'm sure she'd appreciate you very much too." He led the dog to the doorway of the library and waved to catch Hermione's attention. "Come with us," he called. She nodded and packed her things, walking over. He saw her shocked look. "Ron found him, his name's Snickers," Harry said proudly.

"You're a beautiful puppy," she said, bending down to let it sniff her hand. It licked her and she scratched it gently on the head. "Come on, let's head out so he can find the outside. It is a male?"

"Yup, a male." Harry walked toward the front door, and the dog took off suddenly. "No, don't chase Mrs. Norris," he cried. "We'll get eaten!"

"He's not," Hermione called. "He saw the outside." She laughed as the puppy pulled Harry out the door, walking slower to catch up. "That might be a problem. We'll want to introduce him to Filch and Mrs. Norris tonight probably, just to make sure they won't have a problem."

"Yeah, but I wanted to hog his attention tonight," Harry said happily. "He's very cuddly." The dog finished peeing and came back to lick him on the face. "Very good boy, Snickers. Yes, that was a good boy," he cooed, petting his new friend. "Wasn't that nice of Ron and Draco to find him for me?"

"It was wonderful of them," she agreed. The dog shifted over so she stroked down his back. "I wonder how old he is?"

"Ron brought back some stuff for him, it might be in there," Harry said with a shrug. "He can't be too old."

"Is he fixed?"

"I don't know," Harry admitted.

"Harry, you'll have to get him fixed. It's important."

"Eventually. I'm going to enjoy having my very own dog before I start thinking about that sort of stuff," he told her, hugging the dog to his chest. "You're a good boy, Snickers, and we'll be the best of friends."

Hermione watched him, seeing what a happy, young Harry might have been like. She smiled and accepted sloppy kisses when the dog lunged to attack her again. "It's a good thing I don't wear makeup or you'd be grossed out by now," she told him, scratching his ears. The puppy groaned and flopped onto his side to let her have more access to the good spots. They both laughed and leaned against each other, petting their new friend.

Down by the lake, Draco canceled the scrying spell. "It seems you were right," he said before kissing Ron. "They both like it."

Ron leaned against Draco's stomach, head in his lap. "He looked like he was eight," he said quietly. "It was the right thing to do."

"Hmm. I wonder if we can make him chase Mrs. Norris?" Ron pinched him. "It'd give us a chance to sneak out again." Ron looked up at him. "We forgot lube."

"Speak for yourself," Ron said as he snuggled in. "I didn't forget a thing." He ran his fingernail across Draco's thigh, making him moan. "And I plan on using most of the things I got today on you two tonight."

Draco picked up a piece of chinese food and fed it to his mate. "We'll try our best for you, as usual, Ron." Ron licked his fingers and he groaned. "Remember to put the dog in the bathroom tonight."

"He won't watch," Ron assured him. "He's a puppy, he'll sleep."

***

The next morning, three sleepy men and the excited puppy walked into the Great Hall for breakfast. McGonagall cleared her throat. "Familiars do not come to class, Mr. Potter."

"He's just gotten here, ma'am, I'm making sure he's acclimated. Besides, this way the house elves don't get bowled over when they come into our rooms. He's very well trained." He sat down and pointed. "Sit." The dog sat, something they had found out he could do last night. "Good boy," he said, snitching a piece of sausage to feed it to him. "There you go. Stay there." He smiled at the teacher's table.

Dumbledore smiled at Harry. "I believe today will be a test to see how well he acts," he said gently. He looked at McGonagall. "I haven't seen that smile in years, Minerva. Let it go this time," he whispered.

She nodded. "What's his name? So I know what to yell when he misbehaves?" she asked.

"Snickers." Ron smiled up at her. "We found him last night."

"Good. Hopefully he behaves in an acceptable manner." She looked at Severus, noting the look on his face. "Though I believe you shouldn't take him to Potions yet. It might scare him."

"Yes, ma'am."

"I'll take him with me since we have Herbology," Ron told him. Harry beamed and hugged him. "Eat, you big goof." Harry loaded both their plates and tucked in. Ron smiled at Draco, who saluted him with his juice. "Hey, Harry, maybe you should take him to Potions," Ron suggested quietly. "Just to see Snape's face." Harry giggled madly, leaning against him. Ron patted him on the back. "Just a thought for the future."

"I think I'll do that," Harry agreed. "Not today, but sometime soon." He tossed down a bit of egg, making his dog lunge for it. "Sorry, Snickers, didn't mean to toss that so far afield. I'm not a chaser."

"Who's going to watch him during practices?" Neville asked.

"I thought I'd bring him out and tie his leash to the stands," Harry told him.

"We got him a long tie-out line," Ron told him. "Just in case you wanted to tether him during classes. Fifty feet." Harry beamed again, straightening up. He looked down. "I think he's snuck off already."

"He's here," Hermione told him from across the table. "I dropped some food by accident and he's presently eating it and my ankle."

Harry looked under the table. "Whenever you're done, come back here," he instructed. The dog barked and spotted another bite of food, going to eat that too. Harry laughed. "At least he's cleaning up after us," he suggested.

Hermione shook her head, whistling to bring back the dog.

"Snickers," Draco called. He came trotting over and accepted the treat. "Go see Daddy," he told him.

"Oh, let him stay for a moment," Vincent said, looking down at him. "I've never seen one like him." He let the dog sniff him then petted him on the head. "Get used to me, kid, I'm your family's guardian too." The dog licked his hand, staring up at him, getting a smile. Then he ran back to his dad's side, laying down with a bark to show how good he was. Harry dropped some pancake and he snarfed it quickly.

"Potter, do not feed the dog human food, it's not good for them," Snape ordered.

"It's good enough, Fang eats lots of people food and look at him," Hagrid argued. "May I?"

Harry stood up and walked Snickers up to the head table, letting him greet the other dog on the premises and Hagrid. "Ron found him last night," he repeated. "He's very loving. Didn't even try to interrupt...homework," he finished when he saw the teachers looking his way.

"Oh, be truthful, you were getting in a snog, Mr. Potter. With two husbands, I'd probably be doing the same," Madam Sprout said with a fond smile. The dog licked her hand as well. "You are beautiful. Very finely conformed. Labrador?" Harry nodded. "Wonderful. I'm sure he'll learn to respect the plants?"

"I'm going to teach him today not to dig," Harry assured her. "And to stay out of Greenhouse Three." She laughed. "You don't mind?"

"I don't mind," she agreed. "Now go eat, you're too thin, young man." He took his dog back down to the table, feeding him more sausage as he sat down. "A delightful creature. Fang used to have that same sort of energy," she reminded Hagrid.

"Used to drive us all nuts," McGonagall reminded her. "Chasing that puppy all over the school at all hours."

"I'm sure Harry's gonna train him right," Hagrid said firmly. "He and Ron are good with animals." Fang barked to show his support. "Besides, he's good for Harry. You noticed he was grinni' to beat anything? That's good for a boy." He picked up his tea, slurping the rest of it. "I'm off for the mornin' feedin's, 'scuse me." He stood up and walked out, his dog barking at the other before leaving. "Yes, I'm sure Harry'll let you play with the new dog," he said tolerantly. "I know you've been lonely for other dogs, Fang, and he seems nice. We'll arrange some playtimes for ya."

***

Harry and his dog became features around the school. They were almost never separated. He had even learned how to ignore Snape after that first ten minutes in potions, especially after Harry had threatened Snape back for saying he was going to use the dog in a potion or three. Considering Harry's was much more graphic and had made one student get sick, everyone decided he had won that argument. There weren't any problems at all until three weeks before school ended for the year. That was another fateful potion's day, and everyone was in a bad mood. Test anxiety was high in the seventh years and even Harry had snapped at someone earlier that morning. So of course that's when his dog would decide that it needed to hone his sexual prowess.

Snickers waited until his father was involved in his smelly thing, then casually stood up and stretched. No yelling. He sniffed the legs of the people around him, but none of them smelled like a bitch. He found his other father and received some ear scratches, which he loved, but he was busy too. He traced the smells around the room. This room was always interesting. Humans, not-humans. Smelly things. That big smelly thing in black. He sniffed his way around casually, making sure no one would say anything. He'd done this before and he was always careful since his father had told him he'd have to leave if he couldn't behave. He found the big, dark thing nearly asleep in his chair. He smelled like a bitch. He even smelled like he was in heat. Snickers sniffed him more, then mounted his leg, humping away.

"What are you doing!" Snape yelled as he came out of his light doze. He started to strike at the dog, but a hand caught his.

"Naughty, he's not like you," Draco chastised, frowning at the dog. It got off the welcoming leg and sat beside his feet. "Naughty, go sit beside the other daddy." He slunk back to his father's side, his tail between his legs. "Do not hit his dog," he hissed. "You won't like it back." He sat down again. "Put his leash around the chair's leg," he advised.

Harry, still shocked, looked down at his dog. The first thing that came to his mind managed to pop out. "Was it good?" The students cracked up, laughing long and hard about that one. Harry put the leash around his ankle and went back to his potion. "Sorry, sir, it slipped out," he said, trying hard not to smile. He couldn't believe he had said that! He looked at Draco, who was laughing just as hard and shaking his head. "It really did, I couldn't stop it."

"I can sew your lips shut, that would stop all such comments," Snape said angrily. "Leave, Potter," he said through gritted teeth. "Now!" Harry cleaned up and quickly took his dog for a walk. "Stop laughing!" Snape demanded. The students slowly calmed down. "Finish those potions or flunk for the term." He went to change clothes. He would not stay in the outfit he had been molested in.

Draco looked at the few Gryffindors, then burst out laughing again. "Damn, I want a video of that," he told them. They burst out in more giggles.

***

Harry led his dog up to the Headmaster's office. "It really did slip out, sir," he said in greeting. "I didn't mean to say that."

Dumbledore nodded. "I know, a young man's mind is an odd and strange place. I have no doubt you didn't mean to vocalize that sentiment, Harry. But the dog will have to stay with Ron during your Potion's classes." Harry nodded. "Thank you. Feel lucky, he was to flustered too take off points."

"Or give detentions," Harry said happily, petting his dog. "You are such a good boy," he cooed. "Come on, let's go to Defense." The dog barked, he got to play with the other students during defense, hassling them. The teacher said he was good at it. He waved and walked downstairs, going to wait by the Defense classroom's door. The teacher waved him in so he walked in. "Sorry, we got kicked out of Potions early," he explained.

"That's fine. Go sit down. The rest of the students can soothe their nerves by petting Snickers." He smiled, having heard about the dog already. Snickers came down to greet him then went back to his father's side. Harry was careful to make sure the dog was out of the way. "You have five minutes left on your quiz," he announced. "Harry, move him a bit more out of the aisle. I have the feeling that they're going to run," he said with a smile. "How did he like Potions today?" he asked. Harry burst out in laughter. The students gave them an expectant look. "I'm sure you'll hear later, it will make up for the abysmal grade on this quiz." He walked around, accepting quizzes. "You can go when you're done," he announced. As predicted, most of the students ran out the door. The last three left as the gong rang, and as Neville ran in. Snickers barked and Neville waved. "Take your seat. Remember, you have a quiz today as well, Mr. Longbottom."

Neville walked up to his usual seat. "Hey, Harry? Was it true?" Harry shrugged. "About Snickers and Snape doing it on the desk?"

"Not quite," Harry said with fond tolerance. "Snickers decided to hump his leg, nothing further. Who said they were going at it on the desk?"

"Draco."

Harry laughed. "No such luck, Neville. Besides, I know for a fact that Professor Snape likes women, he was staring at the strip club." The Defense Professor's eyes went wide. "You didn't hear that he tracked us to one and had to sit there with us? Him and the Headmaster?" Harry asked. The Professor choked back a giggle, running into the other room to laugh his ass off. "I like spreading that sort of stuff," he said happily. "It makes others happy." Neville laughed and hugged him. "Thanks. You'll get to play with him a lot since he's got to go to Herbology with you and Ron from now on."

"That's fine. The whole school adores Snickers now, Harry," Neville said with a grin.

Ron strolled in. "Snickers," he said with a smile, petting him. "You've got to get better taste in mates, boy. You really do." He took his usual spot. "Humped his leg?" he asked pleasantly. Harry nodded. "And what came out of your mouth?" he teased.

"Was it good?" Harry said with a blush. "It slipped out!" he said at the raucous laughter.

"I want film of that," Ron said between laughs.

"Draco told me that Snape did the dog on the desk," Neville told him. Ron burst out into further giggles.

The teacher came back, still chuckling but more lightly now. "You guys are too much. I'll miss you."

"You don't train aurors?" Ron asked.

"Well, I do some," he admitted. "You'll be seeing me on and off, don't worry about that, Ron." He patted the dog gently. "You are so special," he told him. "That was wonderful. Do it again, during dinner," he whispered. More of the students filed in and petted the dog. "You can admire his stress-relieving capabilities after your quizzes are done," he announced. "Pull out a quill and parchment."

Halfway through the quiz, Ron felt something was wrong. He was wet, and he shouldn't be - quizzes didn't make him happy that way. He shifted uncomfortably but it wasn't getting any better. This was a bad feeling. His stomach hurt a bit too. He raised a hand and pointed at the hall when the teacher looked at him. He got a tolerant look and a nod so he slipped out of his robe, it had things that jingled in the pockets, so he could sneak out. He saw the dark spot and knew what had happened. He stopped at the teacher's desk. "Female problems," he whispered. The teacher nodded and let him go. He went to the bathroom to clean up, using a cleaning spell on his clothes. Once he was as clean as he could be without a real bath, he looked at the machine that held the feminine products. He only knew about these things in theory. He looked around, this was Moaning Myrtle's bathroom. "Hey, Myrtle?" he called. She came out of her stall. "What do I do with these?"

She floated closer. "You're not fully a yucky boy?" she asked.

"No, I change back and forth and now I think I need one of these. How do I do this?"

"I was too young," she whined. "I never had to use those." She sniffled. "They killed me too young, I don't know anything about those!"

"Okay, thanks then," Ron told her, giving her an encouraging smile. "We'll learn together, all right?" She perked up a bit, until the bathroom door opened, making them flinch. It was Pansy Parkinson. "Pansy, I know you hate me, but can you give me some practical advice?" he asked, pointing at the machine. Her eyes opened wide and backed away from him. "Oh, don't do that," he begged. "I'm stuck, please?" She shook her head and ran out. Ron slumped against the wall. "Great." He found the knut he'd need in his pocket and put it in the machine, selecting the tampon option. The girls who had told him about this stuff said they were better. Less bulky and nasty feeling. He heard footsteps outside and walked over to the door, grabbing the girl walking past. A fourth year Ravenclaw. "Do you know who I am?" he asked, starting to sound desperate.

She nodded, noticing the thing in his hand, then her face lit up. "You finally started one?" she asked. He nodded, looking miserable. "Welcome to real womanhood," she said, giving him a hug. "Do you know how to use one of those?" He shook his head. "Okay, you open it, you hold it by the joining spot." She watched as he opened it and pointed at it. "Hold it there, insert it string side down, and press on the bottom half until it's all the way in."

"I can't get it in too far?" he asked.

She shook her head. "You can only go as far up as your fingers allow you, Mr. Weasley. Don't worry about that. Though if you're a virgin, it might hurt some." He blushed and muttered 'not an issue'. She beamed brighter. "Go ahead and try it, I'll wait right here." He nodded, going back into the stall to affix it. When he came out, she looked happy. "Go okay?"

"Yeah, I guess," he said, holding up the toilet-paper wrapped thing. "What do I do with this, and the dirty one?"

"Well, the dirty one I usually flush, even though you're not supposed to. They fall apart eventually," she assured him. "That gets tossed in the trash and then you wash your hands really well because the blood smell will stick to them." The door opened and Hermione walked in. "He started!" she said happily. "He really is a real woman part of the time." She waved and walked away.

"You'll be a school legend almost as much as the dog," Hermione said as she watched him clean. "Hold still, you missed some blood," she told him, flicking her wand at him. "Clean."

Ron hugged her. "I want to go back to bed now," he admitted, walking out with her. "Why did you come in?"

"The teacher moved your robe and saw the blood. He suggested that one of us go and I was already finished," she told him, opening the door so they could go inside. She leaned closer. "I cleaned up the mess too, with Harry's help." He nodded. "After this, go change." She went back to her seat, sitting there patiently.

Ron sat down on his robe and went back to his test, weathering Harry's sideways glances. He punched him on the thigh, making him groan and Snickers give a small bark of protest, but it would be fine for now. When he was done, he was excused to go change. He saw that the chair was clean so he bundled his robe up and hurried up to change clothes. In front of the stairs, he ran into McGonagall. "Ma'am, I need to change," he said as he walked past her.

"Why?"

Ron looked at her, then glanced around. "Because I couldn't tell I was gushing blood in class," he said honestly. "I got it fixed with the help of a fourth year Ravenclaw. Oh, yeah, ten points to her for helping me," he called out, using his Prefect powers. The clock changed. He grinned at her. "She deserved it, she saved my sanity." He ran up the stairs, going to change before his next class.

McGonagall walked back to her office, making a mental note of what to send in the care package she traditionally sent to each girl in the school who started their periods. She packed the nice bag and had a house elf bring it to Ron's bed. It gave her a funny look, but did as she was told.

Ron walked up to the Ravenclaw table during lunch and smiled at the girl who had helped him. "I gave you ten points for helping me," he told her. "I forgot earlier, but I did give them." He gave her a short hug. "Thank you." He walked back to his table, letting the girls squeal and talk about him. It was only fair. He sat down carefully, looking around and seeing the curious looks. "She helped me earlier," he explained. "She deserved the points." They nodded and went back to their lunches.

Harry leaned closer. "I'm sorry, Ron, I know you didn't want it to happen."

"It's okay, Harry, just another thing to have figured out," Ron sighed. Harry gave him a hug. "Thanks." He was let go and Snickers stuck his face in his lap. "Don't you start with me. Go molest Neville or someone," he said, giving some short ear scratches. "Lay down." Snickers laid at his feet, giving him adoring looks. "Harry, your dog's giving me looks like I'm his wife, not yours," he said nervously.

"We'll talk to Hagrid, make sure we don't have to be careful," Harry said quietly. Ron nodded, blushing. "I'll do it without you if you want."

"Please," Ron begged. "I think I'm going to go hide after this." He looked around. "How many should I plan on buying?"

"Buy the big box the first time and see how many you use," Hermione said practically. "Or ask Ginny how many she uses. It's usually similar within families."

Ginny's head popped up from further down the table. "Ask me what?" Ron stood up and walked down, whispering it in her ear. She blushed. "Buy the big box," she encouraged. "You're going to go hard and fast for the most part. Shorter than mine, but worse." Ron shuddered. "Just three days," she promised. "Most likely."

He slumped but went up to talk to McGonagall. "I think I need to go out for an hour tonight," he said quietly. "Ginny told me I'm going to need a box." She nodded, giving him a smile. "May I skip you today and do that?"

"I'll allow that this time," she agreed. "Find yourself some chocolate too, it'll help. Believe me." He nodded. "Go back to lunch, Mr. Weasley, you'll still need to eat, no matter how much you don't want to." He nodded again and went back to his seat. She noticed he had to push Snickers off his lap. "Hagrid?" she asked. He looked down at her. "Perhaps you should take a moment and talk to Harry about some further obedience training with Snickers," she said delicately. He nodded, looking confused.

"Yes, he should," Snape butted in. "That blasted dog attacked me earlier."

Hagrid beamed. "It means he likes you, professor. They only do that to the ones they like." The students who overheard, and knew, laughed, clutching each other. "But I'll talk with Harry about Snicker's training." He smiled at Harry. "After this?"

"Sure thing, Hagrid," Harry agreed. "I don't want a repeat performance either."

"They'd be ugly babies," one of the Hufflepuff males said, just barely loud enough to be heard. The whole hall burst out in giggles, that had been enough of a clue as to what had happened.

"Fifty points off," Snape ground out. The kid saluted him, Hufflepuff was already in third, it couldn't get any better. "Mr. Potter, you now have detention," he said snidely.

"Sir, with Draco having practice and Ron needing to run out for something, that means I'd have to bring my dog with me," he said politely. "If you'd wait, I'd gladly do it tomorrow night."

"Fine! I never want to see that dog again," Snape demanded. He looked down and noticed the dog was creeping toward him. "Get him out of my sight!"

"Snickers," three voices called at once. The dog looked at each father.

"Come here," Harry called. Snickers walked over and plopped down on his feet, accepting the treats from the rest of the table. "Don't overfeed him, he'll start to expect it," Harry warned. "The house elves already spoil him rotten."

Ron sneezed and groaned. "I think I'm done, I'll see you guys later," he announced. He leaned on Harry's arm. "Do you have a knut on you?" he whispered. Harry handed it over with a confused look. "For the machine," he whispered.

"Oh. Definitely. I'll give you a galleon later to change into knuts," he said with a smile. Ron nodded and left the Great Hall. Harry waited until he was gone to look at Hermione, then at Parvati. "Is it always like that?" Both women nodded. "Okay then, I'll adapt and learn how to deal best with Ron's mood swings," he decided. He decided silently that he was going to warn Draco before he heard about it from someone else. He stood up and took Snicker's leash, leading him over. "I might be late to class, can you take him for a bit?" he asked pleasantly.

"Of course," Draco agreed, accepting the leash. "What happened to Ron?" Pansy bit back a panicked chuckle. He looked at her. "What?" he asked impatiently.

"Um, Ron's started," Harry said quietly. Draco's eyes went wide. "In the middle of the Defense quiz earlier. He's going to sneak out soon."

"I'll tell him if I need anything," Draco agreed, nodding. He smiled. "It'll be fine. I'm sure it will be fine, there's no need to be scared of this."

Harry leaned down next to his ear. "Having seen Ginny nearly take apart the Common Room looking for the hair ribbon that was in her hair one day, I'm going to continue to worry," he whispered. He walked back and grabbed his books, walking over to stand in front of Hagrid. "Nearly done?" he asked mock-cheerfully. "I really don't want a repeat performance."

"Sure, let me finish my drink." Hagrid smiled at him before quaffing his drink and standing up. "C'mon, Fang. You can play with the puppy this afternoon. We'll take him off Harry's hands." He looked at Draco. "Send him over, we'll play with him today." Draco let go of the leash and Snickers ran back to his favorite father's side. "Good boy, come on." He led them out to the back hall. "What happened? Besides the humping?"

"Ron's started having a female cycle and Snickers seems to like his lap," Harry said delicately.

"Yeah, dogs bleed when they're in heat. You'll have to train him not to do that," Hagrid agreed. "You can also train him not to hump Snape's leg again. I agree, those would be ugly babies," he said with a smile for Harry's benefit.

Harry chuckled. "Snape was dozing in his chair and Snickers snuck up and attached himself to his leg. Snape got so flustered," he said, smiling brightly. "Then my mind went funny and the only thing that I could say, instead of 'sorry' or something equally nice, was 'was it good'?" Hagrid roared with laughter, clapping Harry on the back. Snickers barked in protest, his father had nearly fallen over.

"No wonder he's so pissy 'bout it," Hagrid said finally. "I'd say that was great, even though it was an accident."

"Yeah, me too, in hindsight," Harry agreed, walking outside with him.

***

Draco walked into his room, where Ron had been hiding most of the afternoon. He found the tray of chocolates in the cool area and brought it over to the bed, presenting it to Ron as he laid behind him and wrapped an arm around his mate's stomach. "How do you feel?"

Ron picked up a chocolate and bit into it. "Rotten," he admitted. "I'm pouring blood and I feel horrible."

"I know. At least yours is shorter," he said calmly. "Are you being careful?"

"I was told to flush each one after I remove it."

"Good. The water will dilute the blood's power," Draco said, starting to smile. "You couldn't tell?"

"No, I thought I had wet panties," Ron said bitterly. "I noticed it was bad during the quiz earlier and I got up to go to the bathroom. There was blood on the chair. Harry and Hermione had to clean up after me."

"At least they're good enough friends to do that and do it quietly," Draco soothed, stroking over the firm stomach. "We'll have to be a bit more careful from now on, infertility charms and the like," he said as the snort. "We'll also have to chart this so you know when to expect it again," he said quietly.

"Parvati told me how to do that," Ron admitted. "She gave me her spare calendar." He ate another chocolate. "Can I bathe like this?"

"Yes, and it might help some of the pain you're in if it's a warm bath," Draco offered. "Since this is your first one, I'll even run it for you." Ron smiled at him. "Did you get to run out?" Ron nodded. "Good. Did you get more chocolates?"

"I got the generic stuff," Ron admitted. "Harry forced chocolate money on me. I only got to go to the village."

"That's fine. I can sneak out later with Potter's cloak and get more of the good stuff. You eat all you want," he said casually. He stood up and went to run the bath for Ron, smiling as he added just a touch of his cologne to it. He'd enjoy it hopefully. Ron came in a few minutes later, already stripped. "Get in," he said, helping him into the warm water. "How's that?"

"It's nice," Ron said with a smile. "Thank you."

"Harry's freaking at the moment," Draco admitted. "He was bouncing around earlier and wondering what he could do to make you feel better. Snickers thought they were playing." Ron giggled. "Want the chocolate?" Ron nodded. "How about some milk to go with it?"

"Yeah," Ron agreed with a smile. He watched Draco walk out, wondering why he was getting those fluttery feelings again. He'd have to ask about those he guessed. When Draco came back, he put a hand on his arm. "Sit and talk with me?"

"If you want," Draco agreed, summoning a chair and planting it next to the tub. "Are you feeling odd?"

"Those fluttery feelings came back, the pre-sex ones," Ron admitted, opening his mouth to yawn. Draco popped a chocolate into it, surprising him. He chewed slowly. "Thanks, I was yawning but that sort of service can only get you jumped when I'm better."

Draco laughed. "Many women have sex during their cycles. They say it can help cramps." He stroked over the softer chin. Ron was two days before the onset of his female time and it showed. "There are many things you can do that don't require penetration."

"I'd like that," Ron agreed. He looked at the tub. "If we were in the other tub, we could cuddle."

"We can both fit in there with some maneuvering," Draco informed him. "Sit up." He quickly stripped off and climbed in behind Ron's back, pulling her back to rest against his chest. "There, how's that?"

"What if I bleed in the water?" Ron asked quietly, getting comfortable.

"Then we both shower off afterwards and nothing is going to happen," he assured her. He kissed her on the scalp. "I have an appointment for my spot Saturday. I managed to get us all sprung that day."

"Cool," Ron agreed, smiling up at him. "You make a very comfortable pillow, Draco Malfoy."

"Thank you, Ronald Weasley." They shared a kiss. "Do you think Harry will be jealous?"

"Probably, but we'll have time for him to take a bath with me this cycle as well." They both had heard the barking. "I hope he's cured Snickers' reaction to blood."

"Most animals bleed when they go into heat. He's probably expecting you to start putting out pheromones," Draco said quietly, picking up a chocolate to take a bite out of then feed the rest to Ron. "What did you do to Pansy?"

"I was in the bathroom trying to figure out how to do that stuff, fix it and the like, and she walked in. I asked her for help and she looked really scared."

"I see. I'll talk with her later," he said gently. "I think she's under a compulsion to tell Voldemort if you started this." Ron shifted. "He had her for a good three hours, Ron. I'm sure she's under the Imperious somehow. Most everyone is but we're not sure what the trigger is for her." He stroked over the warm stomach. "We will definitely need an anti-fertility charm from now on," he whispered.

"What happens if I do get pregnant?" Ron asked, looking up again.

"Well, first of all, it would make you one of the most powerful changelings in history," Draco told him gently. "As soon as you were more than four weeks along, your blood couldn't be used." Ron opened his mouth. "Not even by your desire. It taints it, Ron, and there are many complications associated with it. It's not a good idea." Ron nodded, settling back in to listen to him. "Once you reach that four week mark, your body has accepted the future baby and it starts to adjust itself. Your blood would sing with the power of the energy running through it. You would blow things up without meaning to, possibly even Harry and I. Of course, your magic would go funny, so even if you wanted to you probably couldn't do a simple levitation spell," he noted dryly. "Then comes the problem of the birth. Since you change on a cycle, your body won't automatically change when it's time for birth. That means you could die because the child wanted out. If you were more like George, then your body would not only adjust but probably stay female all the time, definitely before giving birth." He gave him a squeeze. "It would be a great deal less of a worry, but the risks aren't that great."

"What if I miscarried?" Ron asked quietly. "You said there had been one that did."

"And she was driven insane by it," Draco told him. "Again, not an option I want to contemplate." He considered it. "If we had to, and you wanted to, we could do it and then do an abortion I suppose." Ron shuddered. "I didn't think you'd be open to that." He smiled sadly. "My mother confessed a few years ago that I nearly had an older sister. Father had tried to do the changeling spell in-utero and she had aborted it so it wouldn't be tortured." Ron squeezed his arm. "Not that I'd mind, some day, but definitely not until after the war's over with." Ron nodded. "I wonder what's taking Potter so long?"

"He's probably playing with Snickers in the hallway. He looked a little scared earlier."

"He did," Draco agreed, smiling and kissing him again. He picked up another chocolate and handed it over.

In truth, Harry was trying to get away from Hermione and Parvati, who were telling him what to expect when he walked in there. He was nearly sick and shaking in fear, but he would have to go in sometime. "Maybe I should volunteer to do my detention tonight," he said finally.

"It won't be any different tomorrow," Hermione reminded him.

Parvati nodded. "You should get it over with, Harry. Be supporting and take it for now. Ron can't help it." He nodded and opened the door. "Want us to take Snickers with us?"

"No, we'll be fine," Harry said with a smile. He walked through the doorway and shut the portrait. "It's me," he called.

"Bathroom," Draco called back. Ron giggled. "The main one, no matter how much Ron wants to be in the other one."

Harry and Snickers both headed in there, one to get pets and the other to drink from the bathtub again. "Hi." He sat on the chair and fed Ron a chocolate. "The girls pounced me," he said with a smile. "They think I need a hard hat."

Ron laughed. "Not yet," he assured him. He grinned. "If we moved this to the other room, we could all cuddle me."

"I'll get my cuddles later, you can have Draco cuddles for now," Harry told him. "C'mon, Snickers. Let's go sit and do the homework for tomorrow." The dog barked and followed him.

"You were right, that was the perfect friend for him," Draco said quietly. "I've never seen him that happy."

"Me either," Ron admitted. He looked up then at the doorway. "Harry, did you send your aunt an owl?"

"No, I'm avoiding it," Harry called.

"Do it now, that way we can correct any grammar mistakes," Draco called.

"Fine," Harry said from the doorway. "I'm sure they don't want the protection."

"Yeah, but Dumbledore promised that you'd do it for them," Ron reminded him. "It's only for a week, Harry, and we'll be at the nearest hotel." Harry nodded, giving them a brave smile. "Think of it as a distraction from the decorating plans," Ron suggested. Harry laughed and went out to write out the letter. Ron looked up. "Your job is to find us somewhere to stay," he said with a pinch to the thighs around his. Draco nodded, smiling at him. "Room service isn't necessary, but no bugs would be nice."

"Some places have insects?" Draco asked, a clear 'eww' look on his face.

"Some of the more sleazy places," Harry said from the doorway. "You could stay at the Leaky. I know how to get there by the Underground and busses." He sat next to the tub and put the parchment on the edge. "Dear Aunt Petunia sound okay?"

"Sounds good," Ron agreed, giving him a smile. "Harry, did they say anything to you about being horny during this?" he asked. Harry's quill tip broke, spreading ink out onto the paper. "Sorry."

"No, they didn't," Harry said, tossing both away. "I guess I can put that off for a while." He looked down at Ron's body. "How would we.... while you're bleeding?" he asked.

"Anally," Draco offered. "Blow jobs. Touching. There are rumors that you can penetrate vaginally during menses but I'm not sure I want to contemplate it outside of water." He looked down at Ron. "It's up to you, it's your neediness."

"You're not horny?" Ron asked, wiggling some. "This lump against my lower back says differently."

"Ron, we're all about eighteen, we're *always* horny," Harry reminded him. "This time would be about you, so you get to set the boundaries." He winked. "I call next time."

"That's fine," Draco agreed. "I win no matter who starts it." Ron pinched him again, this time on the inside of his thigh. "Ow," he said playfully.

"Behave then," Ron said, scowling at him. "Or else I'll beg and plead until you give in and do that tongue thing again."

"Not this week I'm not," Draco noted in his most dry voice. Ron pouted, but he held firm. "Not until you've stopped, then I'll give it to you for hours on end if you prefer." Someone knocked on the portrait. "Get that, Harry."

"Sure." Harry got up and walked out, looking outside. He saw the majority of the Slytherin seventh year so he opened the portrait. "He's in the bath with Ron," he announced. Crabbe pushed past him. "Something bad? Where's Pansy?"

"She just freaked," Millicent Bulstrode said as she pushed past him. "Draco, get your naked ass out here, we've got problems," she called. She smirked at Harry. "You could stay or go. We don't care anymore."

"I was nearly put into your house," Harry told her. Everyone stopped and stared at him. "I begged the hat," he explained. They sighed in relief. "With what I had heard about you guys, I knew I didn't want to be in there."

Draco walked out with a towel around his waist. "You mean I could have molested you sooner?" he teased. Harry blushed. "Close the door, unless Pansy...." He saw the hard looks. "Close and lock it, Harry," he said quietly. "What happened?"

"She started going all house elf and beating herself on the head," Crabbe said, looking at his feet. "I punched her to knock her out."

"I'm sure she's thankful for it," Draco assured him. "Sit." They sat and stared at him. "What was she saying?"

"That she had to tell him, but then her voice changed and she said she wouldn't. That's when she started to hit herself," Millicent offered. "That's when I screamed and Vinnie came in and stopped her. She's in the infirmary."

Ron walked out of the bathroom. "Let her tell him," he suggested.

"No, that'll make him drool more," Harry said firmly. Ron opened his mouth and Harry walked over and pushed him against the wall. "I'm not losing you," he hissed. "Never! Understand!" Ron nodded, looking scared. He let him go and backed off, running his hands through his hair. "I'm sorry, Ron, I don't know what came over me," he apologized, looking at him. "I won't force you to do anything you don't want."

Draco watched Ron comfort him and an idea started in his head. "Harry, you speak snake, right?" Harry looked over Ron's shoulder and nodded. Draco looked at the rest of them. "When is he free?"

"Tomorrow night around ten," Vincent told him. "Dad said tomorrow's a night off, he wanted to know if I wanted to have dinner with him. He usually feeds his friends around ten though." He looked at Draco. "I said yes."

"Then go, we'll be fine," Draco assured him, smirking confidently. "Ron, bathe. Harry, go with him. I'll go talk to Pansy." He looked at the seventh years. "You were correct in bringing this to my attention."

"We were also going to ask a question," Millicent told him. "You're not taking it?"

Draco shook his head. "Why would I want to destroy everything I have left by joining the insane in his quest to wipe himself out?" he asked quietly. They hissed.

Harry walked back out. "I've seen his history. He's a half-breed himself," he put in. Draco put an arm around his shoulders. "He's committing suicide using others. It's a common thing in psychology according to Hermione." He sighed and leaned against Draco. "In the muggle world they call them hate crimes. Hurting someone else to take out your insecurities on them. It's sad and tragic that so many have to suffer because no one's shot him." He got free of the warm arm. "I have one ready," he told Draco. "Ready for a test at least."

"We'll try that tonight," Draco said, looking a bit awed. "How?"

Harry shrugged. "It's not hard. If it works, I'll show you. Can we use them tomorrow?"

"To make sure we're not bothered," Draco agreed, giving him a kiss. "Go plan and plot. You know what I want?" Harry nodded. "Good. Go figure out what you want to bring and wear. Remember, we're going for impression and fear." Harry walked into the bathroom and shut the door. "Have you told anyone else what she was doing?" he asked.

"Just Madam Pomfrey. She recognized it because she gave Pansy the saddest look," Vincent told him. "I carried her up there, I figured it was only fair since I was the one who knocked her out." He shrugged lightly. "Are you sure?" Draco nodded. "Okay, but I want to know immediately when you get back. I'm only allowing an hour, Draco." He stood up and walked over. "I won't let Ron be hurt."

"Good, because she's staying here," Draco said quietly. He looked at the women. "I want you to stay with Ron, and possibly the women usually around him. Can you?" They nodded. "Good. Then it's settled. You leave Pansy to me and ignore this whole situation, just keep Ron here tomorrow night." They nodded and filed out, only one of them handing him a few sickles for the shot they had taken. He smiled as he put the money away, going to find clothes quickly. He headed up to the infirmary, knocking as he walked in. "Is Parkinson awake yet?"

"She is, but she can't be bothered," Dumbledore told him.

"I don't want to bother her," he snorted, walking around him. He smiled at Pansy as he walked in. "We understand," he told her. She lunged up and hugged him. "If it hurts that badly, give in." Everyone hissed. "He'll know anyway. He has spies around here," Draco pointed out. "I know at least one house elf reports directly to him." Dumbledore groaned. "You learn things listening to my father rant about the stupidity of spies," he said, looking directly at Snape. "How's your arm?" he asked finally. Snape reared back. "We've known."

"Does he?" Dumbledore asked.

Draco shrugged. "That I don't know. You'd have to ask my father whether or not he thought it was politically expedient to tell." He looked down at Pansy again. "You can give in, we don't mind," he assured her. "I won't let you near Ron, but I know it's not you. We'll break you free soon enough. Got it?" She nodded quickly. "Good girl. You stay up here for now." She nodded again. "Good," he said with a smile, patting her on the side of the face. "I'd best get back. I left a panicking Harry with a chocolate needing Ron. He's probably shoving them into her mouth by now." He strolled out, stopping to get a pain potion for Ron. He walked back downstairs, looking unconcerned to all who saw him. He found a few members of his soon-to-be-former team and stopped to chat with them. "Ron's started her cycle, I can't attend. I'll be at the next practice," he told next year's captain. He got a quick nod. "Pansy's upstairs. Do be nice to her." He walked away, heading to his quarters. Harry was indeed trying to force Ron to eat more chocolate. "Let her decide, Potter," he sighed. "You always want to go fast. Take your time and enjoy it. This is a rare occurrence. Let her enjoy it with you." He held up the bottle. "In case you get cramps." He put it down and stripped, getting back into the tub. "We'll have to teach you to appreciate the slower things," he said with fondness and a smile for Harry.

"Rushing makes sense when you don't have time," Harry pointed out.

"Ah, but we do have time, Harry," Ron reminded him with a grin. "The war's started but you're not on duty yet. Take the time to enjoy it, it'll mean more later."

"Okay, I'll try."

Ron reached over and stroked his hand. "It's okay, really, but taking your time means that I enjoy it more too," he said gently. Harry gave him a weak smile. "I tell you what, you get past this and we'll show you how to take it slowly this weekend." Harry nodded and relaxed.

"Good boy, now go get more chocolates," Draco ordered with a wink. Harry rushed out to get them more chocolate. Ron had apparently trained him well already.

***

Back in London the next morning, Percy looked up as the paper finally came. It was over three hours later and he should probably complain, but the picture on the front page made him choke and wheeze. He glanced around, then straightened up and went on his break. He was entitled to it, the office wouldn't run without him, he could take fifteen minutes. He sat down in the break room, reading the story, and the ones mentioned on the other pages. "Oh, no," he said quietly, reading about his brother Ron. He went back to the front page, frowning at the picture of his youngest brother and, according to the caption, his husbands. Why hadn't he been informed of this? Ron may not like him but that sort of information usually filtered back to him. He stared at the picture for a few moments longer. Ron looked wonderful in the dress he was wearing. Harry looked happy. Even Malfoy looked happy. He noticed the date on the picture and frowned. "Nearly three months old," he said in disgust. Then he hit himself on the head. "Of course, they're in school. They were released for the night. There wouldn't have been a more recent picture." He turned back to the content of the article, shocked by all that had happened that he hadn't heard about. Yes, this should have filtered down to him, so someone was hiding the truth from the general world.

In the back of his head, a small fact hit him. He smiled. "So that's why," he said, nodding calmly. He had noticed that the cause was given for his brother's miraculous change, and that one of the twins was also affected. He stood up, deciding he had had enough of this, this would give him a legitimate reason to talk to the twins. He walked into the Minister's office. "I need the rest of the day for personal business," he said quietly. Minister Fudge looked at him like he was some monster. "I haven't taken one before but I believe that I should do something about my family situation," he said quietly. Fudge smiled, probably hoping he'd patch it up so he could spy on his parents for him. "Thank you, sir. I'll be in the usual time tomorrow." He went to his desk to get his robes and his wand, taking them out into the alley. He looked up and down Diagon. Where was the shop again? Oh, there it was, it had a large black cloud coming out of the door. Must have blown something up again. He strode that way, looking purposeful. He walked in and whatever Fred had been explaining dried up. He shrugged and waved the paper, heading for what appeared to be the back room.

Fred cleared his throat and finished giving the young girl instructions on her prank. "We'll be right back," he told the kids in the store. "GEORGE, VISITOR!" he yelled as he headed to the living room. He walked in and glared at his older brother. "What?"

George jogged in and stopped. "Percy," he said dryly. "What the blazes do you want?" He walked over. "Ah, today's paper. And that's a wonderful picture of Ron," he said, glancing at his twin.

Percy sat down. "There are things you don't know, and I know that Malfoy doesn't," Percy told them simply. "I can get you access into the archives." He raised an eyebrow. "Ron is in more danger now that he's started."

"Started what?" Fred scoffed, picking up the paper to glance at. His face went pale. He looked at George. "Just like you."

"Shit," George muttered, taking the paper to read. "That is a stunning picture. Whomever bought him that dress had excellent taste." He dropped the paper onto the table. "Give and then leave."

"Boys, there's more than you think," Percy said gently.

"We found out a few things," Fred said, closing the door behind him. Then he reopened it. "George, go call lunch or something," he said. He waited until his twin was gone. "Why did you come?"

Percy stood up, walking over to stand in front o him. "Because I figured out why Ron's been left this long," he said quietly. "There's a symbolic moment, Fred, and it's critical. If George has started his cycle, his has passed." George walked back in. "Did you have any funny feelings your first month? Dizziness, lightheaded feelings, something like that? Especially if it was during a dark moon?" George nodded slowly. "Were they together?" George shook his head. "Has one dark moon while you were bleeding gone past?" George nodded slowly, looking confused. "Then you're safe." He waved a hand at the paper. "If the two coincide, that is the *perfect* moment to make Ron bleed. The height of his power, no matter how corrupt or innocent he may be. That would be tonight," he informed them. They both opened their mouths. "I know Malfoy won't, I found Lucius' journals myself. It was something I glanced through a few times," Percy admitted. "I figured it was a myth, because otherwise anyone could have done it. Now that I've seen some of the higher research I realize I couldn't have done it and almost no one else could. You have to be very powerful to do so. You worked together?" he asked.

Fred swallowed. "What's going to happen?"

"Is Ron at the school?"

"We can make sure he stays there, if not we can bring him home or here," George told him. "What's going to happen?"

"If he's still bleeding, and the article suggests he only started yesterday, then there will be an attack to try and get him. If they succeed, then they'll tie him out, do an arcane and ancient ritual, and pierce his heart. If not, he won't be vulnerable this way ever again." He ran his fingers through his hair. "There is another factor. Is he fertile?" Both twins shrugged. "It happens that only half are. George, are you?"

"Not in the female sense," George said, sounding baffled. He looked at his twin. "Why?" he asked finally.

Percy sighed. "Because the other version of the ritual is to impregnate him and then kill him once the power takes hold, just short of one month later. A lunar cycle to be exact. Two days before he becomes invulnerable." Both boys winced. "Now you see why I broke our silence this way?" They nodded. "Thank you." He found a piece of parchment and pulled it over, writing them out a pass. "Whomever's doing Ron's research, Hermione or Harry, give them this. You can go with them," he told them, handing it over.

"Draco is," Fred told him. Percy's mouth opened. "He seems to adore Ron."

George nodded. "We saw Malfoy giggle because of Ron and Harry. He took up their protection without a lot of browbeating since his father was the problem."

Percy groaned and shook his head. "If he knows, then Ron may be in trouble with him. This will give the user nearly unlimited power."

"Harry'll be with him," Fred pointed out.

"How easy is it to distract Harry?" Percy snorted. "How many times did he look at a girl and go numb?"

"Good point," Fred and George agreed. They looked at the pass.

"We can go visit," Fred decided.

"I'll get the new sample case together," George agreed, heading back into the store.

"Thank you, Percy."

"You're welcome," Percy said stiffly. "I don't want to see Ron hurt, nor do I want to see that sort of power in anyone's hands, not even Dumbledore's or Potter's. That sort of power does corrupt." He walked out, leaving his family to rally themselves. He felt his chest tighten but it had to be done. Maybe something good would come out of this in the end. Hopefully not with his brother's death to hype Potter's powers, but still something good. At least they wouldn't let Voldemort have him.

***

George walked into the Defense classroom and waved, then grabbed Ron by the arm and dragged him out. "More testing," he said pleasantly. "He'll be right back." He closed the door and walked his brother away. "Percy came to us earlier," he said as he walked Ron toward the room Dumbledore had agreed they could use. Ron's mouth opened. "Not out here." He opened the door and pushed Ron in, then locked and sealed it. "Tell him."

"Percy had an interest in the changeling myths," Fred said, waving a hand so Ron could sit near him. Ron sat, looking at both of them. "He found a 'but' that you may not know and wanted us to warn you directly."

"That's good, I wouldn't have listened to him," Ron snorted.

"He looked really worried," George admitted. He walked over and sat across from Ron. "You have started bleeding?"

"That bloody paper," Ron sighed. "Yeah, I have. Yesterday. Why?"

"Because tonight's the dark moon and the innate response is to take your blood tonight," Fred told him. Ron's mouth opened. "Listen."

"There's apparently a ritual. The first month, the first cycle, the dark of the moon."

"And your heart's blood," Fred told him. "Or if you're fertile, you getting raped and impregnated, then held hostage and killed on the next moon dark."

Ron jumped up, staring at them. "Shit!" he said, wiping his palms off on his pants. "How?"

"That's what we don't know," Fred told him.

George stood up. "We know Draco won't, but we'll need him to watch you particularly closely."

"They're not here," Ron breathed. "They had a plan to protect me from the big stinky arsehole." He ran his hands through his hair, messing it up. "Who else knows?"

"Just us and Percy, though we did get a pass into the archive out of it," George said with a grin. "Where can we hide?"

"We can go to the new house," Ron decided. "Let me get the dog and Vincent. Draco said he was staying, that something funny had come up with his father canceling their dinner or something." He looked at the door. "Wanna walk with me?"

"Sure," Fred agreed as he stood up. "We've already cleared it with the Headmaster. He suggested you take all the contraband out of your room before it was searched." Ron giggled nervously.

"Oh, really?" George said, grinning at him. "Pranks?"

"Chocolate, liquor, and ice cream," Ron told him. The twin's looked impressed. "Harry's idea but Draco's running the business end." He nodded at the door. "Let's go." George unsealed it and Ron was escorted down to Draco's room. "The contraband locker is over there," he said, pointing at the hidden cabinet.

Fred felt along the wall, finding the pull knobs for the doors. He whistled and let George see. "That is impressive," George agreed. "Bring it?"

"We could just shrink the whole cabinet and bring it," Fred offered.

"Draco said that's how he got it here," Ron told him. "Seal it first, and put something up so nothing shifts. Some of those are opened." He packed a small bag, including the bag of dog food, then whistled to bring Snickers to him. He had been napping in the bathroom. It would have looked suspicious if Harry or Draco had dropped him off. He clipped on the leash and the dog's tail started to move. "Yes, we're going to for a ride," he said happily. "Let's see if you can track. Find Vincent." Snickers took off with him, George following while Fred cleaned up their presence. By the time he found them, George, Ron, and Vincent Crabbe were in the front hallway. "We set?"

"All set," Ron agreed. "There's a floo if you want to use it," he said quietly, glancing around. "We can use Hagrid's fireplace. He's got class right now."

"Fine," Fred agreed, walking out after them. They made a strange parade. He noticed one girl standing up on the mezzanine staring after them. "We have spies."

"Pansy's under the Imperious," Ron said firmly. "It'll be fine. They won't be able to follow us." He looked at Crabbe, their secret keeper. "You can tell them, they'll need to know so we don't have to double floo with the dog." He looked at Hagrid and pointed at his cabin. Hagrid frowned but nodded. Ron winked at him. "We'll be safe," he told him as he walked past him. "Relax." They walked into the hut and started the fireplace. Ron looked around as Vincent told them the address. Then they headed out, whispering the name into the fire. Ron came out in the middle of the group and looked around the house. "Someone really needs to dust," he said with a snort. Even the dog sneezed. "I know. Put the cabinet down beside the bookcase," Ron said, pointing out a blank spot. "That's where it was heading originally." He let the dog go. "You stay near me, got it?" Snickers barked and wiggled until George sat down to pet him. "Thanks." Ron dropped his bag onto the couch and flopped down on top of the dust cover. "Where's Fred?"

"Coming," Fred called. He came back with some glasses of water. "To take the dust out of our throats," he said, glancing around. "What is this place?"

"Harry's house," Vincent said quietly. "Ron, I'm going to look around. Draco didn't give me the tour last time."

"Go for it," Ron agreed. "I'll show you our stash later." Vincent nodded. Ron looked at the water. "Pranks?"

"Not a bit," Fred sighed. "We're in serious mode now."

"We should reassure mum," George offered.

"Not from here," Ron told him. "Draco had the floo rigged so it'll only go to the school, his house, and to anyone who knows the place exists. We drove mum here." He sipped the water. "The floo's the secret entrance."

"Good job," George praised. "You three together are a bit of a pain in both sides I imagine."

"Yeah, well, we had to. Harry didn't have a life, I was quickly losing my right to one, and we freed Draco by giving him the obligation of me." He looked at his dog and put the glass down. "Here, have some. You're usually thirsty." Snickers walked over and slurped out of the glass.

"What about neighbors?" Fred asked.

"About two miles away, and they know we have small inheritances. Well, Draco seems to have a bigger one. The whole sports car thing gave it away." He grinned. "It's a beauty. I love riding in it."

"Cars?" George asked. "Do they fly?"

"No, normal cars," Ron told him. "Look outside, they should be out there." Both twins looked outside, then at Ron. "What?" he asked, standing up. "Hmm. Have to fix that." He walked out and took down the 'for sale' sign, deciding to call the person on the listing. They had two prepaid cellphones lying in the study for things like takeout. He dialed. "Hi, I saw your sign in my front yard?" he asked. "Yes, that's our house. No, I'm not, I'm Mr. Weasley," he sighed. "Yes, him. Yay." He laughed. "Good! I like that! What? I thought we had bought the surrounding grounds. How much more for it?" He sighed. "I'll tell him. Well they can wait! We have first call, our house is sitting in the middle of it, lady." He hung up and dialed the other cellphone. It was missing so one of them must have it. "Hi, it's me. Did you see the sign in the front yard? Yes, Percy found out of all people," he said dryly. "No, twins." He laughed. "I'm sure we can. We have the cabinet too, Dumbledore warned that he was going to do a check. Yup, and him." He chuckled again. "Good. No, I told her I'd talk to you about buying the surrounding lands. No, apparently we only bought the acre around the house and then everything else is still on sale." He giggled. "If you say so, Harry. Yeah, the sign's on the ground. Thanks. You be careful! I am being careful, I have the fucking arsenal," he pointed out dryly. He laughed. "Sure. Wonderful." He blew a kiss. "Come home and crawl in with me tonight and I'll reward you both." He grinned as he hung up, then went back to the living room. "It'll be fine. It's about the surrounding lands. They've been on the market now for six years according to Harry's research. He said Draco can scare the woman tomorrow." He clapped them both on the back. "Vincent, come see," he called. "Draco said I could show you all one of the many secrets the house holds." He led the way into the kitchen, waiting until Crabbe joined them. "C'mon." He touched a certain tile and a door popped open in what had looked like a decorative panel. "It's a little small," he warned as he walked through it. He flipped on the lights as he walked down the stairs. "We found this hiding spot already in here, along with most everything down here," he told them as they joined him. "Apparently the last guy had been paranoid." He grinned as he removed a sheet from a crate and kicked it open. Everyone's eyes bugged out at the sight of the bullets. He picked up one, holding it up in the light. "Harry, thanks to some of his mother's things, figured out how to put a hex or a curse on a weapon that you were tossing," he said, tossing it at Crabbe. "It works, they tried it last night on something that was already dying. Hagrid agreed and watched, so he knows that it works, but nothing else. A non-killing wound that killed instantly," he said with a smile.

"What's on this one?" Crabbe asked, looking it over. "And what do you throw it with?"

"That goes in this," Ron said, opening another crate and picking up a 9mm handgun. "It has the Cruciatus on it." Crabbe dropped it. "It's inactive until it's fired," Ron told him gently.

Fred picked up the bullet, looking it over. "Ingenious."

"And with this you can get at the most six hundred yards away and still be useful," Ron told him. He put the gun back and closed both crates. "We have longer distance ones as well."

George hugged him. "They really want the war to go quickly, don't they?"

"They figured it has already gone on long enough," Ron agreed.

Crabbe coughed. "They're going to visit people tonight," he admitted.

Ron beamed. "I know, I helped Harry pick out his clothes this morning." He grinned at his brothers. "Tonight's a night off. Or at least it was until the paper came out today."

"We warned the Headmaster why we were taking you," George told him.

"Just the generics, not the specifics," Fred added.

"That's good. Dumbledore would do it if he thought it'd help," Ron told them. He shrugged at their shocked looks. "It shows in how he's been treating Harry. I've caught him giving me a few speculative looks as well." He looked at Vincent. "We're going to have you taught how to use these," he told him. "Harry already knows. Draco and I are in the middle of our training." Vincent nodded quickly. "Don't worry, it won't make you less of a wizard, just more of a threat," Ron teased. Crabbe relaxed and laughed back. "Let's go find food. Otherwise we'll have to break into the safe for money." He followed everyone up, making sure everything was off and the door was sealed before looking around. "Dog?" Snickers barked from the other side of the panel. He sighed and reopened it, letting the dog out. Then he sealed it again. "Food, then we'll figure out how to kill time."

"I bought my textbooks and stuff," Vincent admitted with a small blush.

Ron patted him on the back. "We'll study together. Harry hasn't won the argument yet and gotten a satellite dish put in." He checked the refrigerator, frowning at the contents. "We have sealed juice, juice boxes, Harry's, and some really old cheese," he said, tossing that out. It was the wrong sort to have mold showing. "That's all that's in here." He checked the freezer. "Hey! Food!" he said happily. "What do we want to eat?"

"What's vegetarian lasagna?" George asked.

"Something Draco decided sounded good," Ron admitted. "No meat, just veggies." He handed it over. "We also have frozen mashed potatoes and frozen pizza," he rummaged around. "Oh, and here's the frozen vodka." He shook his head as he put it back. "Just what we don't need tonight." Vincent laughed from behind him so he grinned at him. "Not tonight, tomorrow night if we don't head back tomorrow afternoon."

"I doubt Draco wants to share his special liquor," Vincent pointed out dryly.

"He won't care, it's Harry's and he'll be in a sharing mood after the first shot," Ron said tolerantly. "Hey, maybe we can talk them into letting us visit Kiana." Vincent groaned and walked away. "What?" he called after him.

"Ron, that's mean."

"But she'll protect us," Ron pointed out. Vincent came back into the kitchen. "She will. She's a wandless witch, she's the one who's been training Harry, Vinnie, she will protect us."

"All right then," he sighed. "Force us to go to the strip club. Want me to call?"

"Sure. Then see if you can pop the safe? I only remember the last two numbers."

"Sure, Ron." He walked that way.

"Strip club?" the twins asked in unison.

Fred looked at George. Then down at his outfit. "You may not try it out," he warned.

Ron giggled. "I won't either if it makes you feel better," he said sweetly. "Even though the girls were very nice and helped me a lot. They even showed me some of the pole tricks." The twins whimpered and let him deal with the food.

Vincent came back. "She's working tonight, now. The boss called her and told her we were asking about her. She's coming in special for us." He looked at the food. "Are you sure it's good?"

"Draco seemed to think so," Ron said with a shrug. "If not, that's what restaurants are for. Any luck on the safe?" Vincent nodded. "Good, grab a big handful. I'm sure she'll appreciate us more if we bring a lot of money."

"Can I tip that one dancer again?"

"Sure," Ron said, giving him a pat on the arm as he walked around him. "Pull out the potatoes. We'll have them too."

"Sure, Ron. You do know how to use the stove, right?"

"Mum made sure all of us could cook enough to feed ourselves," Ron assured him. "Besides, it's got directions on it." He winked. "Even Percy could do it and he was helpless. Couldn't boil water." Vincent laughed. "Where's the dog?"

"Staring out the front window at the trees. Every once in a while he growls then yips happily and wags his tail. I think there's another dog out there."

"There may be," Ron agreed. "Who knows." He glanced back at the hallway. "My personal weapon's upstairs in the bedroom. Can you bring it down?" he whispered. Vincent nodded. "Thanks. If there's another up there, I'll show you what I know. If not, I'll get one of the ones from the basement." Vincent opened his mouth, then simply walked away. "Thanks."

"It's your safety," Vincent called back.

Ron opened the first thing and set it into the oven, then started on the rest of the meal. "Not as great as mum, but good enough," he told himself. As soon as Vincent was back, he handed him the spoon. "Stir that." He sat down at the table to check it, loading the two extra clips and the gun itself. "There." He put it on and did a concealing charm. No one would see it unless he pulled it. Well, possibly Kiana, but they could explain it to her. She'd understand.

***

Draco and Harry got out of Harry's car, strolling casually through the large park. They could feel the magic sliding around them, so they followed it. They had already gotten a call from Ron saying they were going out and decided that was a good idea. So when the cellphone rang again as they walked into the clearing full of snakes it surprised them. "What?" Draco asked. He laughed. "That's fine, Ron. Do you have money?" Pause. "Use it all if you took more than five hundred." Harry took the phone.

"Ron, be good," he said with a grin. He listened and burst out laughing. "Thank you, that might embarrass the both of them. Come home looking splendid for us tonight." He hung up and handed it back. "He promises not to dance."

"Good," Draco agreed. He looked at the snakes. "Unless you want to crush them...." he suggested.

Harry looked at the snakes, hissing at them, "Let us pass." They slithered out of the way, all but one large one. "Nagini," he said, smiling at her. "How are you, dear?" She hissed something and he laughed. "Because I've dreamed of you." He got down on her level. "I can free you," he whispered.

"Shouldn't you ask her master first?" an amused voice asked as he walked into the clearing.

Harry stood up. "Why would she want to stay bound to a sleazy, diseased, suicidal person?" Harry asked with a shrug. "I'm offering her a safe spot as long as she doesn't bother my dog."

"We can't have her in the house's backyard," Draco reminded him.

Harry looked at him. "I figured she's seen your backyard and could probably get on fine back there," he said with a grin. He looked down at her, hissing again. "It's up to you. Servitude to the evil one, the one who will kill you some night, or a nice resting spot of retirement. Nothing asked or expected outside of you leaving my animals and mates alone. All you have to do is come with us and tell them the names of the others you've seen."

"No!" Voldemort said, raising his wand.

Harry pulled his gun. "It's amazing what you can do when you embrace your heritage," he said dryly as he walked forward. "Not only is it amazing, but then you get to scare the shit out of others, like you and Dumbledore." He stared at the wizard, smirking hard. "You never should have thrown over my mother, Tom. That was your fatal mistake." He shot him, making the man scream. "Sorry, I'm not in the mood to kill you today," he said with a special smirk just for him. "But I'm sure you'll enjoy the Cruciatus just as much as I did since I figured out how to put it onto things." He backed off, sneering at him. "You're old."

"I'm experienced," Voldemort sneered as he forced himself to stand up. "There's a difference, Potter."

Harry laughed. "Not really. It may be because of my age, but your experience doesn't do anything if I can find ways around it." He looked at his gun, then at the Dark Lord. Then he looked at Draco. "I'm bored," he complained.

"I know," Draco said, holding in his shock. Where was the usual Potter? This one was a touch psychotic and scary. "We'll go find Ron soon and then you'll have the pretty one."

"Okay." Harry shrugged and looked at Voldemort again. "You really should have tried to court my mother. I'm glad you didn't, because then I wouldn't be me, but you really should have paid more attention to those around you when you were in school."

"Why?" Voldemort raised his wand. "Expelliramus." Harry's wand flew over to his hand. "You're powerless."

Harry flicked the safety on his gun and handed it to Draco, nodding to their right. "Incoming," he said lightly, then he raised his hand. "Digitalis," he cast. It was the spell he had learned last night. Voldemort grasped his chest and screamed in pain as the Death Eaters started to gather. They stood still, watching this be played out. Harry causally walked over and grabbed his wand, then broke the other one. "Did you *never* watch my mother, Tom?" he asked with a sneer. "There are more forms to magic than this puny one, and she knew that too." He looked at the other Death Eaters, then back down at his quarry. "I find you too boring to live. Not only can't you get past your own birth, you can't get past yourself. Maybe if you meditate it would help," he advised seriously. He shrugged. "Until you either die or surrender, the war is on." He walked back to Draco's side. "Since I've been so good and I didn't kill anyone, can I have Ron *and* Draco cuddles?" he asked as he turned him around.

"Malfoy," Voldemort hissed as he stood up.

Draco turned to look at him. "You have no right to even speak my name, old man. I and the other pure bloods know that you're not one of us." The senior death eaters all started to mumble. He laughed. "He didn't tell you? His father was a muggle, his mother a witch. He's a mudblood himself." He tilted his chin up and gave a triumphant smirk. "As if any of us would follow you knowing that," he scoffed. "None of this year's graduating Slytherins need you to attain power and control. We can follow Potter here and get it faster. At least he's less of a mudblood." He smiled at Harry and kissed him. "That's why I chose him as one of my two mates."

"Yes, the changeling," Voldemort hissed, screaming in pain as he tried to move. "Take it off."

"Why?" Harry shrugged. "I could add more. Unlike you using the spell, I can layer on spells." He took his gun back and undid the safety. "Want another to prove it?" he asked happily. The senior Death Eaters wavered. "Don't try it," Harry said derisively. "Bullets are faster than apparation." He glanced around. "I won't tolerate this. This is official notice that the war is on and I'm going to win." He shot Voldemort again, this time in the knee. "Oops, I meant to hit you in the dick to make sure you couldn't breed." He stepped up to him again, kicking him in the injured limb, making him fall in screaming pain. "The changeling is mine, Tom. Ron always has been and always will be. And now I'm going to go find my Ron and fuck him into next week in each way possible. Then Draco's going to join in, as is his right since he agreed to join the both of us. Maybe, if you're *really* lucky and I'm feeling generous, I won't transfigure you into a woman and set you loose in Azkaban, I'll only kill you." He strolled away, flicking the safety on his gun and taking Draco's hand as he walked away.

"You're scary," Draco noted quietly. They stopped to look at the snake. "Fine, she can live in the manor's backyard," he sighed. "It can only help the war effort." He looked at the Death Eaters staring at them. "I've already told your children, they know what's going on. It's too bad Dumbledore wound up Harry earlier, he's in the mood to play instead of killing mercifully."

Harry hissed at the snake. "Well?"

She wound herself around him until she got his waist. "I am yours. He has already tried to hurt me, he does not deserve my support."

"Nagini! NO!" Voldemort yelled. "Stop them!" No one moved.

Draco opened the car door with the keychain remote and got them inside, starting the car to speed away. "Where to now?"

"Ministry. I believe we should have a talk with her," Harry said as he lovingly stroked the snake. "Remember, do not go near my dog or my mates."

"Or the house elves, we'll never replace them," Draco added. "If that's all right with you?" The snake nudged the hand shifting. "Thank you. Potter, you were a scary bitch tonight. Would you warn me the next time?"

Harry grinned. "Sorry, but I wanted to show my ass and it was rather fun."

Draco nodded. "True. And the fact that you've announced you're a side unto yourself?"

"We'll make a treaty with Dumbledore's side."

"It's good that you have a plan." Draco shifted down as they entered city limits. "Where is the Ministry?"

"Down by Diagon." He looked down at the snake. "Soon, just a small talk and then we'll release you."

***

Ron paid everyone's cover and led the way to their usual table in the corner. The waiter rushed over. "Beers all around, good ones, and change," he said, handing over three hundred-Pound notes. "When is Kiana due in?"

"She's just gotten here, sir, she's changing." He looked at them. "Are you the ones she came in for?" Ron nodded. "Then she said to wait here and she'd be right out." He hurried off, going to get them what they needed. When he brought back the drinks and the change, one of the big guys walked over to the stage, watching the dancer go for it. The waiter watched the others, there was something odd about them.

"They're my family," Ron told him. The waiter nodded and moved away, going to another table to check on them. Ron leaned over. "He's a bit of a gossip hog," he said quietly. Clapping started and he looked toward the stage. "Wow. You go girl!" he yelled. She smiled at him and then down at Vincent. "That's who we're here to see," he told them. The twins nodded, stunned stupid by her stage act. Ron nearly laughed, but he remembered being that stunned for his first hour in there. When she was done, she strolled over to sit with them, tying the belt of the robe she had been handed. "Hi, Kiana. These are my next older siblings. Fred and George."

She looked at George. "You did this to him," she noted, holding out a hand.

"It was an accident and I administered it," Fred said as he shook her hand.

"Hmm." She made room for Vincent, then looked at Ron. "Do you have a permit for that thing?"

"No, but if I have to use it, we're all in deep shit," Ron told her. She nodded and relaxed. "Harry and you were right, it worked."

"That's wonderful." She accepted Ron's folded tip. "You're a wonderful tipper, Ron."

"And you dance like nothing ever seen before," he assured her, giving her a real hug. "They're off facing down the stupid plonker."

"I thought they were the smart ones," she sighed, shaking her head. "So, why did you come running?"

"I started," Ron said happily. Her mouth opened and he nodded. "It's moon dark tonight."

"Oh!" Her eyes widened and then she nodded. "Understood. Hey, I'll take myself off rotation and we'll get blintzed," she offered.

"He's the driver," Vincent told him. "But we'll gladly share some drinks with you and get you lit," he said nicely. She laughed and reached over to hug him. "Thanks. You're very good."

"I try but sometimes that wicked streak of mine comes out," she said with a wink. She looked at the twins. "You definitely don't dress to impress, sweetie. You either."

"We own a prank shop," Fred told her.

"Ah! See, now I thought all you blokes dressed like businessmen to throw people off when they made things explode." Fred's eyes lit up. "You'll have to invite me down some time, see if it works with me."

Ron hit himself on the head. "I forgot to tell you. Harry has a dog. We found him at a friend of yours' shop."

"I heard. What'd he name the little mischief maker?"

"Snickers."

"Ah. Is he active?"

Ron smirked. "Better than that. Yesterday, he decided to hump Snape's leg in class." She started to giggle so he put a hand on hers. "No, that's not the best part. Harry was so flummoxed he couldn't think of an apology. 'Was it good' slipped out instead." She cackled, leaning against him. "Thought you'd like that," he said with a grin.

"He did?" George asked. Ron nodded. "I thought the dog had good taste," he sighed, looking at his twin. "I would have wanted film of that."

"Draco got so annoyed at Snape for nearly hitting Snickers that he started the rumor that he and Snickers had been doing it on the desk." Fred spluttered in his beer. "Sorry, had to share," he said with a grin.

"As long as the dog doesn't do it to me," Vincent told Ron. Kiana laughed. "He's a strong little dog!"

"I know, I gave him a bath the day before you guys showed up." She kissed Ron on the cheek. "I'd offer you a private dance, but I doubt you brought that much without having the financiers along."

Ron pulled out his wallet and showed it to her. "Can it get you out of dancing? We only need you to help protect me for right now."

She smiled. "Honey, for that, we can sit upstairs all night and drink champagne." She snapped her fingers, bringing the waiter. "Have them escorted up to the blue room. They wanted a few privates." She stood up. "I'll meet you up there," she said with a wink. "Gotta go put on something more indecent." She strolled off.

"I want to know how she wears heels that high," George breathed as they followed the waiter.

"It's not hard, Ron can do it," Vincent told them. He brought up the rear of the group.

Ron blushed. "She taught me," he told them. He whistled when he saw the room. "This is a nicer place," he agreed. He pulled the cellphone out and called the guys. "Hi, I'm doing a private with Kiana. Yeah, Vinnie popped the safe." He laughed. "Of course, Harry. No, I won't snog Vinnie or her into the plush fabric or do a turn on the stage," he sighed. "Not without you guys being here." He laughed and hung up. "Did we take more than five hundred?"

Vincent nodded. "Probably a thousand, why?"

"Draco said we had to spend whatever we took if we took that much and they expected me to look fabulous when they showed up later." He sat down on a couch and looked at the waiter. "Beer or champagne, guys?"

"Beer," the twins and Vincent muttered.

Ron grinned. "I think I'll have whatever Kiana wants me to have. Ask her." The waiter nodded and collected the money for the first private session. "Sit, guys, don't stand around. They are watching," he said with a nod toward the camera. Everyone found a seat, the twins next to each other. Ron leaned forward. "Can you think of a better place to hide?" he asked the twins. They laughed and shook their heads. "I can't really imagine anyone like Draco's father coming in here and not causing a ruckus."

"I can't imagine Lucius coming in here," Vincent corrected. "He never was one for playing with his victims that way, Ron. He was more of a mental fucker." The door opened, admitting their gracious hostess in her see-through robe and teddy. "Wow." He wiped the drool off.

She sat down next to him. "Don't worry, I won't jump you," she said with a grin. He laughed. "Good boy. Ron, tip the nice man." Ron tipped the waiter and took the tray of drinks from him. "I ordered you the good champagne. Draco would have my head if I did otherwise." She accepted her glass and saluted them. "Here's to an easy night." She smiled at Ron. "I should have brought you something to change into so we could all see what you've remembered."

"I'm still going off," Ron said with a blush.

"They make protection for that," she said with a wave of her hand.

"Yeah, and I nearly panicked when I had to figure out how to use it for the first time," he countered. She laughed, leaning over to give him a hug. "Thanks, but figuring out a tampon is really hard!"

"Just that first time," she soothed, patting his arm. She saw George's confused look. "Don't have one?"

"What's a tampon?" George asked.

"Internal bleeding protection," Ron told him.

"There are *internal* ones?" George asked. Ron nodded, smiling at him. "Damn, I'm going to have to figure that one out for myself." He slumped a little. "I need to have a girls night with you, Ron."

"Why not? I had one with Parvati and Hermione. I have some back at the house. I've slowed a bit." He put an arm around Kiana's back, not minding in the least when she shoved him off. "Sorry."

"That's okay, but the bosses are watching."

"Let 'em. We're paying good money to sit here and chat," Fred told her.

"And with the length of time we're spending up here, he can't say you're doing anything improper," Ron pointed out gently. She smiled. "Besides, aren't you nearly done?"

"Definitely," she agreed. "One more class and I'm totally done, then I get to go onto my Ph.D. at Oxford. They've already accepted me."

"Congrats," Ron said happily, clapping her on the back. "That is wonderful." He handed her his wallet. "Here, send them money for however long we can get. Draco said I had to spend it all if I took that much out." She grinned and kissed him on the cheek. "He said I was to hug you once for him if he didn't make it here before we left."

"When can we leave?" Vincent asked. "Not to intrude or impinge, but how late does the danger run?"

"Probably not much after two, which is when we close anyway," Kiana told them. She counted the money, then handed a small wad of it back. "There. Let me stroll down there and hand this in and put some of it on the tab, then I'll be right back." She stood up and moved to the doorway, looking outside since she heard giggles. "Great, the pro's up here," she said dryly, walking past the girl and her client. She walked up to the bartender. "They're old friends and they've bought three hours worth of privates," she informed her. "Plus about six rounds, depending what they're getting." The bartender smiled. "Hey, I like the old friends," Kiana said with a wink. "Less dancing that way." She looked over her shoulder. "You might watch Cindy, she had her hand down the guy's pants in the hallway, in clear view of the bottom of the stairs."

"I'll point out that the rule is no whoring," the bartender agreed. "Or at least to make it to the private's room if she has to. Sorry they had to see that."

"They know I'm not like that," Kiana said with a shrug. She strolled back up the stairs, waving at a customer she knew on the way up. She walked in and locked the door. "Whew." She saw the stunned looks. "What?"

"The noise next door," Vincent said, clearing his throat. "Either she's a screamer or there's a small problem."

Kiana stepped out and went to listen to the next room, then frowned and knocked. "Is this one open?" she called. She heard a grunt and opened the door, frowning at the mess and the body. "Bobby!" she shrieked, getting out of the bouncer's way. "My clients said they heard a scream while I was downstairs," she told the boss as he came running. "I came over to check."

"Go back to the blue room," the boss told her, getting her out of the way. "Good, she's still living. Get an ambulance." He looked at Kiana. "Go back to your privates."

"Yes, sir." She walked back in and shut the door, shaking her head. "Thanks for that. She'll probably live. You didn't happen to see who it was, did you?"

George nodded. "I saw some blonde guy with red streaks when I looked out to see who was knocking on the door."

Kiana opened the door. "She knocked over here and it sounded like she was with her ex," she told them.

"He was here," the bouncer agreed. "I warned her, sir." He put a fist into the wall. "I knew we should have banned him."

"We will from now on," the boss sighed. "Kiana, aren't you busy?"

"Mine are old friends buying me privates, they won't mind," she told him. "Will she be all right?"

"She'll be fine, she's still living. I'll pop out the tape for the cops so they don't bother you." He looked her over. "You put on the special outfit for them?"

"One's the guy that I helped find his female persona," she said with a grin. "Him, his two older brothers and that really sweet big guy."

"Where's the blond and the brunette?" the guard asked. "You never see the redhead in here without him."

"Out doing something, they sent him ahead," she said with a shrug. "Send them up when they get here." She smiled at the paramedics. "She wouldn't have voluntarily went with the guy, you might want to tell them to check for drugs in her system. It was her ex as far as we can tell."

"Blokes can be bastards," the female paramedics agreed.

Kiana closed the door again and looked at them. "Gee, Ron, it's going to be one of those nights all the way around."

"I had to bring the sports car," Ron said with a grin. "Harry has his. Those two had to cuddle up in the little cubbyhole," he said with a nod for the twins. "You could ride in Vinnie's lap on the way back if you want."

"Nah, I'll do the cab thing. It's much nicer." She curled up next to George this time. "Okay, hot stuff, show what I taught you."

Ron groaned. "Do I have to?" She nodded. "Fine, I'll get up there and *try*. You can always teach me more."

"Honey, I've taught you most of the real woman's secrets already. I've got to start work on this one." She patted George on the knee. "Try a spin." She looked at George, then at his body. "You're definitely going to be a leisure suit sort," she decided. "Tougher fabrics. Maybe chinos."

"Our women don't wear pants," Vincent said, looking scandalized.

"Yeah," George agreed, nodding.

"I do all the time," Ron reminded them.

"Yeah, and people stare at you," Vincent told him. Ron shrugged. "Really, you should wear skirts, Ron, be a proper woman."

Ron snorted as he shimmied his way up the pole. "Yeah, right. Vincent, how often have you seen me being a so-called proper woman?" Vincent's mouth hung open. So he slid down, twirling a bit. "Yeah, so, unless I'm wearing lingerie to school, or something slinky to draw attention, I'm wearing pants."

"You could wear those flowing robes," Vincent told George.

"I wear the big skirts so I can put some of the material between my legs," George told him. "I can't do that with them."

"That's why there's these grody and out of date things called coollots. They're shorts that look like a skirt. Unfortunately they're coming back in our world, so you could probably find some in yours, or have some made." She watched as Ron worked the pole. "Damn, I am good," she announced. "Ron, arch your back more, it makes your tits stand out." He did so and Vincent whimpered. She smiled at him. "That's right, you weren't here when I taught him that. Harry nearly attacked him after the first trick. Show them the good one." Ron humped the pole as he slid down it, simulating really wild sex by the way he was throwing his hair around. Then he licked up it and smiled at her. "Good boy. Come sit." He walked over and curled up against her side. Vincent reached over and handed them each a hundred pound note from his pocket, making them laugh. "Thank you."

Ron tucked his into his pocket. "Since I don't have a g-string on," he said with a wink. Vincent nodded. "Oh, like that, would you? And what would Harry say?"

"Probably nothing until he castrated me," Vincent pointed out. "Then I'd hear about it and have to hope that Draco knew I was teasing."

"Harry's the possessive one?" Fred asked.

"I would have thought that Draco had that edge."

"It depends on the circumstance," Ron told him. "Harry's very fond of my tits and he considers them his property. He's even growled at Draco for nipping one once. Draco wants me to be a showpiece. Slinky, sexy, and totally untouchable. It leads to fights."

Vincent nodded. "A number of fights," he agreed. Everyone laughed. "Ron, if I beg, would you wear that silvery/blue number that your mother found you?"

"In public?" he asked, sounding shocked.

"You are a woman right now," Kiana reminded him.

"Good point." He considered it. "Vinnie, it dips really low on both sides. Harry would kill me."

"Besides, silver?" Fred asked. "With his hair and skin?"

"It's stunning," Vincent told him. "Molds itself just right and he looks stunning in it. Ron did a show when it came and Harry nearly drooled himself to death."

"Draco nearly drooled himself to death," Ron said dryly. He rolled his eyes. "I didn't bring it, Vinnie."

"Tomorrow?" he asked slyly. "As a reward for them coming back? You could be ending tonight."

"Yeah, I could, couldn't I?" Ron agreed, considering it. "I'll wear that one or the new light green one, how about that?" Vinnie whimpered. "Cool idea. Thanks." He winked and looked down. "I don't have shoes for either of them."

"We can fix that," Vincent reminded him.

"That's true, we can," Kiana agreed. Someone knocked. "Occupied."

The boss walked in. "No dancing?"

"She was teaching me how to," Ron told him. He smiled nicely at him. "We did pay for a few hours."

"And we appreciate that, but I have to warn the girls that the cops are downstairs." He looked at her. Then at her outfit. "You might want to change."

Ron sighed. "Can we take her home? That way she can help us shop for shoes?"

"You're a drag queen?"

"He's my side project, he's a trannie," Kiana told him. "I'm helping him find his female side. These two are his brothers, and this is his bodyguard for the night," she said, waving at each of them. She stood up smoothly. "Since I only came in for them I can disappear if you want. You know the local cops hate me because I don't bow or blow."

"Go for it," the boss sighed. "Will they want their money back?"

"Only for the last hour," Ron told him. "She deserves the rest, this job is really hard." He stood up and pulled Vincent up from the too-soft couch. "That okay with you, Kiana?" She nodded. "Cool." He looked at Vincent. "You want to sneak back to get those dresses? I packed the dark green one for tomorrow."

"Sure, Ron, be happy to." Vincent gave the twins a look. "Protect him. I'll be back."

"We'll be outside against the car," Ron told him. Vincent nodded and led the way out, heading down to the bathrooms to apparate from there.

***

"May I leave?" Nagini hissed at Harry.

"If you wish. I will not keep you against your will, but you are under my protection if you stay. The blond one's father was one of the bad ones. So bad the dementors wouldn't touch him. I'm sure you've seen his house." She nodded. "Then you can decide for yourself where you want to go. Even if we have to ship you somewhere." Harry pointed at a road. "Go there." They went that way, going past his old house. "There's a for sale sign," he noted.

"You can owl them or talk to them tomorrow," Draco said dryly. "Not tonight, it's late." He shifted down again as they encountered traffic. "Come on!" he said in disgust. "I have a lover to shag!"

"Me? Really?" Harry teased.

"It'd better be you, just to wear you out." They finally got a green light and headed downtown. "How do we get there from here?"

"Left, two blocks, then a sudden right. Go to the blank shop." He stroked the snake some more, keeping her calm. He only hoped that they had another Parsletongue there. As soon as Draco parked they got out and walked over to the phone booth. Draco smooshed in behind him. "Ministry of Magic."

"Please identify yourself."

"Draco Malfoy and Harry Potter, plus a guest," Draco told her.

"Please go to the guard's desk and register your wand." The phone booth shifted down, bringing them downstairs.

Harry led the way to the guard's desk, startling him. "Is Arthur Weasley in? And could you call the aurors for us please? This young miss wants to have a discussion with them," he said pleasantly. The guard registered their wands then made the call. Someone came running. "Hold up, don't grab us!" Harry said in disgust when hands reached out. "She's not a problem, she's decided to switch sides. Nagini, meet some of the aurors I'll be training beside," he introduced. He looked at Arthur and smiled. "She decided to change sides, Voldemort hurt her one too many times. Oh." He took out his pistol and showed it to the guard. "We're registering it." He looked at the stunned people. "Doesn't anyone else speak snake?"

Arthur looked at Draco and opened his mouth but Draco shook his head. "It wasn't me, he talked to her. I'm only offering her my backyard if she wants it," he noted. The aurors walked them to their department, getting them set up in a meeting room. "This is nice."

Harry patted him on the hand. "I'd doubt they'd accept you, Draco, they'd hold your father against you," he said with a smile. "Even though we know you're better and have a working dick, unlike him." Draco laughed, giving him a short kiss.

Arthur cleared his throat. "Not now, boys, please." He looked at the head auror as he walked in. "They decided to not follow orders."

"It seems that Mr. Potter has that reputation," he noted as he sat down. "The parsletongue we have on standby is on her way in. Why don't you tell us what you did, Mr. Potter. Or Mr. Malfoy," he offered with a small smile. "It's nice not to have the battleground in the building this time."

Harry laughed and let the snake uncoil, laying her on the table. "We were warned something would happen because of what Ron is," he explained. "So I announced a formal start to the war." He pulled out his gun and slid it down the table. "My mother was a wandless elemental witch." The others hissed and looked away. "Each first child in my family is somewhat. My own gift is nature, changing the formal nature usually." The head auror and Arthur stared at him. "I was given custody of my mother's books this year," he admitted with a smile. "I'm not through them both, but I am learning. I figured out how to implant a quiescent curse on a bullet, or an arrow if you want to go less technologically advanced." He gave them a bland look. "Those are Cruciatus."

"Oh, my," Arthur breathed, picking it up. He looked down the barrel. "It won't fire, right?"

Harry looked at it. "Don't touch the little switch or the big lever," he told him. "It shouldn't fire even if you do touch the lever, but I don't want to take that chance with you, Arthur." He looked over as the door opened. "Hello," he said in snake.

She nodded. "Hello," she replied in kind. "Who is our honored guest?"

"Nagini, I've had dreams about her," Harry told her. "She's the Dark Lord's snake and personal assistant."

The woman bowed. "We are honored. Did he hurt you?" The snake nodded. "If we could get a list of names, it would help us stop them sooner, my lady. But whatever you feel able to give us would be wonderful."

Draco cleared his throat and looked at Arthur. "You might want to talk to Dumbledore about establishing a formal treaty between himself and Harry. With the way he worded things, it may have sounded like he was starting a third side," he said carefully.

Arthur looked at Harry and saw the truth in his eyes. "I'll floo him as soon as we're done, boys," he said with a smile. "It was foolhardy, but I for one appreciate it, Harry."

"You're welcome. I figured we'd make this one on our terms since our last meeting went so poorly," Harry said with a sad smile.

"Yes, well, things like that happen in war," the head auror said briskly. "There will be time enough to grieve at the end. Can she give us names?"

"She can, I let her set what she wanted to give," Harry told him, "as did your interpreter." Their cellphone rang and Draco answered it. He stole it at the shocked look. "Hi?" He smiled. "Hi, George. What happened?" He waited. "Hi, Kiana. Where are you?" He smiled then heard something that made him drop the phone. He looked at the worried Draco. "Silver dress," he said. Draco grabbed the phone and his arm, pulling him out of the room and out to the car.

Arthur smiled. "It is a stunning dress. Ron must have promised to wear it for them," he said with a sad smile. He looked at the snake. "Does Voldemort want my son Ron?" She nodded. "Please, we'll do whatever we can if you'll help us protect him."

The translator smiled at him, translating the latest hisses. "She says the time has passed. Her master can't hurt him now unless he wants to bring a blood debt onto his head." She pulled over some parchment and a quill. "Would you please give us names, my lady? If we could arrange to pick them up tonight or tomorrow, your safety would be ensured." The snake bowed her head and hissed out a stream of names, which the interpreter took down. "Thank you, my lady. We'll put you into Mr. Malfoy's backyard if that is what you want, or we do have a wonderful conservatory that has a few mice." Nagini said something and she nodded. "That would be true, you would be safer, but bothered by humans. Your choice." The snake hissed something. "Of course, my lady." She looked at the waiting people. "She wants to go to Brazil. That's where he found her, in an ancient temple."

"We'll send one of the recruits down there," the head auror told her. He took the list of names and read them over. "There's a lot of them."

"If you get one each and/or do a midnight raid on each house you could pick them all up relatively quickly and in one night. I'm sure Veritassium would solve their vows of silence." The head auror nodded. "Plus, I'd even be willing to go back out on assignment myself if you needed me to."

"No, I think we have enough. Pair the recruits with a trained auror." He looked at Arthur. "Where is your son?"

"Apparently they sent him to safety. Harry's very possessive of Ron when he's in his female stage." The head auror looked concerned. "No one told you," he said bitterly. The man shook his head. "The twins decided to try and make a candy that would give men a chance to be women for a day, to see if they could understand them better," he said with a sad smile. "The tests on mice worked, but the ones on humans left George changing randomly and Ron changing on a cycle. He's in the middle of a female phase right now and just started his monthlies."

"That's why they did it tonight. So You-Know-Who couldn't catch your son," the head auror said, nodding. "A solid distraction plan, if a bit foolhardy." He took the gun. "We'll look this over before sending it back to him. We might be able to use it." He stood up. "I'll let you handle her arrangements. Tell me what you'll need." He walked out, ending the meeting. He needed to call in everyone for an early morning briefing.

Arthur smiled at the snake. "Thank you, Nagini. You have saved my son's life and his sanity." He left the translator with the snake.

"You did very good and we will make sure you are as safe as can be," the translator told her, stroking gently over the regal head. "You're magnificent, you shouldn't have had to serve him."

***

Ron walked out and leaned against the car, looking up at the nearly moonless night. "At the house you can see the stars," he noted.

Fred gave him a nudge. "You're too domestic for your own good. Those men of yours are going to expect you to cook and clean for them."

Ron looked at him. "Draco threatened me if I didn't let him spoil me," he told him. "Harry's decided that if I don't allow him to spoil me too then I don't get good treats, only the spoiling stuff. They've both decided that they're getting a squib to do the housework." George coughed. "You okay?" he asked.

"What did he threaten you with?"

"With allowing me to get really drunk again and doing a table dance in Slytherin." Vincent showed up with the two dresses and immediately gave him a funny look. "That was the threat if I didn't give in and allow them to spoil me. It was either that or they were going to be sneaky and get Ginny drunk and have her do one for the Slytherin quidditch team." The twins frowned. "I convinced him that wouldn't be a good idea," Ron said with a grin. "Did she tell you she's dating Neville?" They shook their heads. "Huh. She is." He put the dresses into the back then held the seat. "In you go, don't worry about wrinkling them." He heard the sounds of discomfort. "Sorry, there are a few days when I think Draco should have gotten a bigger car; he got this one because it's sleek and fast." Kiana walked out in jeans and a flannel shirt. "I don't know where you'll sit, unless you want Vinnie's lap or between the seats," he told her. She wiggled her way into the back. "Okay then. Vinnie?" He pulled out the keys and walked around to get in and drive.

"Slowly this time, Ron," Fred pleaded.

"He doesn't drive like Draco, feel thankful," Vincent told them, shutting his door. "I wish I knew a spreading charm," he told Ron.

"Harry's book has one but he's not there yet," Ron said as he started the engine. "Okay, where are we going?"

"You're going to get back here and I'm going to drive," she told him. They switched places, Ron getting the small space between the seats. She took off. "Mall, Ron, or speciality stores?" He shrugged. "It's a matter of money, sweetie, how much do you have? We only have a little while before everything closes."

Ron pried out his wallet and looked in it. "Maybe a few hundred," he decided.

"More specific?" she suggested dryly.

Ron countered and a hand edged the hundred pounds out of his pocket. "Thanks." He recounted. "Four hundred fifty-six pounds," he said finally.

"More than enough," she said, heading for the big department store. "You're lucky we're doing this early, these guys close at nine sharp." She glanced at the dashboard clock. "That gives us an hour, Ronnie."

"Okay," he agreed. "Will we have to bring in the dresses?"

"Yuppers. Oh, but they have a wonderful lingerie section. And thanks to you, I can splurge. Next time, tell them you have a private party and request me. That'll cost less and I can come out to the house." She pulled up into a parking lot and turned off the car. "Pile out. We're here."

"Where is here?" George asked, slithering out as soon as possible.

"Harrod's," Ron said with a smile. "Which floor?"

"The first. Most of the ladies' things are there," she said as she took his arm. "Come on, we'll go have some fun." She took the wallet. "Don't you worry about it."

"Ron, shouldn't you call the worrywarts and tell them where you are?" Fred suggested, following behind the two women.

"Maybe," Ron agreed. He handed back the cellphone. "Go ahead."

George took the phone and looked at it. "How?"

"Hit send," Kiana told him. "It'll dial the last number. Do it quick since we can't really call inside."

George hit the button marked 'send' and put it up to his ear. "Harry? No, Draco, it's George. No, something happened at the club to another dancer so she's taking everyone to Harrod's. No, I don't know." He handed the phone to Kiana before crossing the street.

"Hey, cutie. Shoes. Because Vinnie convinced Ronnie to wear that silver dress." She laughed and hung up. "Harry dropped the phone," she told him, giving him a pat as they walked across the street. "Inside, to the floor marked 'one'," she called after the twins. She smiled at the door guard and walked to the first escalator. "To the right," she said as they were about to exit. "The escalator marked 'ten'." They followed behind her, going up this one as well. She got out of their way. "Welcome to the Ladies' Department, gentlemen, and George." She grinned at him. "Shoes are in the back left corner, lingerie is on this side in the back. Everything else is clothes. Vinnie, take Ron, he usually has decent taste, I'm going to get George started." She pulled him and Fred with her, going to investigate the more suitable clothes.

Ron carried his dresses to the left, rear section, smiling at a saleswoman. "I need shoes to go with these?" he asked, handing over the bag. "I can wear heels, up to four inches, but I prefer solid shoes instead of sandals."

She looked at the outfits. "Very unusual colors. This one's more a spring and the silver's more a winter," she said thoughtfully. She looked at him. "When are you wearing them?"

"One of them tomorrow, then they're in general practice depending on the weather."

"All right then, let's see what we can find." She led him back to what should be his size. "Do you wear about an eight?"

"I know I wear an eleven in mens," he offered. She clucked her tongue. "I have big brothers."

"Oh, you poor dear. Did your boyfriend buy these?"

"Husband," Ron corrected, smiling at her pointed look at his hand. "I refused to let him decorate me that way. He tends to go a bit overboard sometimes. Threatened me if I didn't let him spoil me."

She laughed. "Some husbands do enjoy the spoiling. Most women give in graciously as long as it's tasteful. Perhaps you should try." She heard running feet and looked over. "Which is yours?"

"Both of them," Vincent said, nodding at her stunned look. "They made sure of it."

Ron nodded. "They adore me, but they couldn't decide between each other and me."

She laughed. "I *adore* you non-traditional couples. Let's see what we can find for you and your men." She looked at the selection in the eight and a halves, and then the nines. She pulled down a pair of black ones, a tan pair, and then a silver pair. Ron added a blue pair and she decided on a slightly darker green pair with his nod. "Try these on and then we'll see." She looked at the light green dress. "I don't have a thing to wear with that one," she admitted. "This spring we might have, but..." She trailed off. "The wedding stuff," she announced, going over there. She came back with a simple white pump with a three inch heel. "These are dyed to match any color."

"That's the only dress I have in that color," Ron told her. "How much are they?"

Draco covered his mouth. "He'll take it," he said with a smile, taking out a card. "Try on the shoes, Ron." Ron nodded so he let him go. "He has the worst time accepting being spoiled."

"I don't want to become rotten," Ron taunted.

"Too late," Harry said with a grin. He watched as Ron tried on each set and nodded that they fit well enough then he took her with him to the ladies clothes. "Kiana, I need something spectacular, yet stately, for Ron," he called when he spotted her. "George?" George shrugged. "Not that," he said with a headshake.

"Is he gay?" the saleswoman asked.

"Trans," Kiana said as she joined them. "Define special and stately."

"Um, special enough to be taken out after graduation and stately enough to go nearly anywhere?"

She nodded and took the saleswoman away. "Ron's about my size, and I'm sure you can find something like that better than I can."

Draco had found the lingerie section and was loading a basket in Ron's size of everything he had ever wanted to see on a girl. He paid for it and came back for the shoes. Harry was forcing Ron to accept a new outfit, so he stopped and kissed Ron. "Stop it or I'm going to make you sleep with the snake." He walked over to pay for those as well.

"Snake?" Ron asked.

"It's a long story," Harry said with a hesitant smile. "Really a long story."

***

Ron was pushed onto the bed and bounced with a smile. "How did it go?"

"Harry pretended to be psychotic," Draco told him. "He scared even me." He stole a kiss as he undressed Harry slowly. "We'll appreciate her together," he said against the soft lips. "Give her a reason to sit around tomorrow looking wonderful."

Harry's answer was a moan. He loved being the plaything.

Draco looked at Ron. "He also shot the idiot twice, neither fatal wounds."

"Too bad," Ron put in, holding up a hand. "Harry?" Harry fell down beside him, giving him a kiss. "We need to bathe me really well, I did stop."

Harry grinned. "Good. I'm going to appreciate you for as long as I can stay awake." He stood up and heaved Ron up, putting her over his shoulder as he walked into the bathroom. He saw the look Draco gave him. "I had to do some weight training. It's required that I can lift another auror if necessary."

"Now I know to run screaming from them if they offer me a spot," Draco said dryly as he followed them, taking off his own clothes. "Are you sure, Ron?"

Ron nodded. "The last one came out with nothing." He let himself be placed into the large bathtub, the real selling point that had made them choose this house, and watched as Harry tore off his clothes. Oh, no, he was in eager mode. "Slow down," he ordered. Harry gave him the 'deer in the headlights' look. "I want to see you strip slowly and carefully, Harry. I liked that shirt."

"I'll have it fixed," Harry promised, but he did go slower. As soon as he was done, he climbed in with Ron, picking up the bath sponge to play it over Ron's skin. A hand grabbed the back of his neck so he slowed down again. "I'm sorry, I don't know why I can't control my speed."

"It's the whole 'may die' thing," Ron assured him. "You want to get so much shoved into this little space that you're hurrying, but you don't have to do that with us, Harry. We like things done slowly and you still get everything you want." He gave him a slow and gentle kiss. "Put the motor on idle and take a few deep breaths." He accepted the sponge from Draco's hand and stared on his arms, making them moan. "What is it about me and doing normal things?" Ron asked them.

"We're eighteen and you're touching yourself," Draco said honestly. He stripped himself and squeezed in behind Ron, taking the sponge to do it for her. "Let us." They carefully bathed Ron for their pleasure, making sure to get all the right spots and clean her very well between her legs. By the time they were done, Ron was more than ready and Harry looked like he might have a stroke if he didn't get some soon. "Harry, you get out first and help Ron," he ordered. Harry scrambled out of the tub, grabbing a towel for Ron and helping her out. Draco climbed out and dried himself and Harry off, the poor boy still looked too flustered for words. "Bed?" he asked Ron's neck before kissing it.

"Bed," Ron groaned, allowing Harry to lead them all out to it. He was pushed down and Harry immediately buried his face in her crotch. Ron looked at Draco, then down at Harry, tapping him on the head. "Not yet." Harry looked up, looking hurt. "Slowly, Harry. Slow and gentle. So I can pleasure you too."

"I get plenty from this," Harry told him.

Draco grabbed some lube and decided to do this the most practical way. He slicked himself and Harry up, making him moan and go limp on top of Ron's body. "Let me show you," he whispered in his ear as he slid in. Harry stiffened. "We'll do it together. Insert yourself, Harry." Harry started to pant, but he did as he was told.

"He's going to blow within seconds," Ron pointed out.

Draco leaned back and drew Harry into his arms, holding him still until his breathing evened out "Are you ready now?" Harry nodded. "Good. Now let's try this again. They watched as Ron shifted over to join them, Harry getting her while he got Harry. He pulled out and Harry instinctively followed him. He pushed in slowly and Harry did the same. He smiled. "Like that. That is how she likes it. It takes a long time to get a woman off and her orgasms are powerful and wonderful things," he whispered in Harry's ear. "Touch her," he ordered. Harry reached out and gently stroked Ron's body until he made her moan, then concentrated on that area. "You can suck as well," Draco said with a smile for Ron. Harry did what he usually did, latching onto her nipples. "Now try her stomach. You can pull out if you want to."

"No!" Ron shouted, grabbing Harry's hips. "More, then he can pull out.

Draco took one of Harry's hands and led it to the perfect spot. "Touch her there, very gently." Harry breathed harder, gently teasing the little ball of flesh. Ron screamed under them and arched up into his fingers. "See? Take it slower," he whispered, stroking Ron's stomach, there was a known hotspot there that he liked to tease. "See where I touch her? She likes it there too."

Harry nodded, giving Ron a kiss. Ron pushed up against his fingers, making him start to pant. He trampled the urge to go faster, this was for Ron. Draco had been right, this was much better. He hardly ever got to see Ron looking like this. He played some more and Ron screamed again. "It doesn't hurt?" he pleaded.

"Merlin, more!" Ron shouted. She finished coming by going limp. "Damn, never so close together before," he mumbled.

Draco laughed as he pulled Harry off her. "That is a sated and happy woman, Harry Potter, and you did it for her." Harry tipped back his head, allowing a kiss. "Each of those screams was a peak. You did very well. You should be rewarded. Of course, if you go back to your too fast ways, we may have to punish you," he whispered in his ear, getting a wicked shudder. "Perhaps tie you to the bed and force you to watch while I send her into that state again?" Harry came, moaning and going rigid in his arms. "Good boy, Harry," Draco said as he sped up. He came with a hard bite to Harry's shoulder, making him groan. Harry disengaged and turned to get real kisses, which Draco delighted in giving him. "Do you feel better now?"

Harry nodded, cuddling closer. "Much. Thank you for taking me in hand that way."

Draco stroked down his back. "There are times and places for quickies, Harry, the bedroom is not one of them. Unless you're at a friend's house borrowing theirs." Harry looked up at him, starting to smile. "Really. It can be very energizing. I tend to prefer bathrooms, there are more handy surfaces and no one can tell if you're careful." He shifted back. "Pull Ron up and we'll sleep under the covers."

"Can I... lick her clean?" Harry asked.

"If you want to start her off again, by all means go for it," Draco encouraged. "I enjoy watching you two go at it, most of the time," he said smugly. They got Ron situated on the pillows and Harry decided to lick all of Ron clean, taking off all the sweat and assorted bodily fluids. Ron woke up in the middle of him torturing her stomach. Draco stole a kiss. "He requested the right to clean you up."

"Better than a wet spot," Ron quipped, holding Harry's head down. "There!" She moaned hard, arching up into the teasing tongue. "Harry, more!" he demanded. Ron shivered as nimble fingers found that spot again, going slowly. "This time faster is good, just not your normal speed," Ron panted. Harry sped up a bit and the next coming crashed over her, making her go limp. "Damn, you're good."

Harry laughed and went lower to clean up after himself again. "You know I enjoy you like this, Ron. You look marvelous after you've just gotten off." He slowly and carefully licked her clean then moved up to join them. "May I have a helping hand?"

"For that you can have a helping mouth," Ron offered, shifting down to help them along. She had noticed Draco was hard again so she shifted just right, giving him free access to her lower half while she sucked on Harry. She nearly swallowed and bit when she was thrust into but remembered not to in time. "Draco!" she said, scandalized.

"What?" Draco asked. "I enjoy it, you enjoy it, go back to what you were doing and enjoy that some more while I play down here." He grinned at Ron and got a shrug and a return to the sucking in response. Draco decided it was his turn to play and her being on all-fours just made it easier. He decided this one should take nearly forever because he loved a good, long tease, and started slowly rocking into her body. She swatted at him but he laughed. Draco pulled out once and slid back in slowly, making her arch back against him. "Like that do you?" he teased, leaning down to nip at the spot just above Ron's right hip. Of course he had to pull back some to hit that spot, but that was fine for right now.

Harry came with a long groan, so Ron untangled her hair from the clutching fingers and pounced Draco hard, pushing him back into the bed so she could ride him this time. "Do not tease," she chastised. "I hate being teased. It's mean and I stay wet for a very long time, which isn't all that comfortable," she pointed out as she bounced up and down on him. He only held her hips to steady her, letting her set everything that they were doing. Then one of Harry's fingers came in to help and she screamed in pleasure, tipping her head back. That's when Draco lunged up, feasting on her neck like it was a delicacy. She came with a shudder but he wasn't done yet, flipping her over on top of Harry's body. She could feel the semi-hard cock brushing against the small of her back. "You wanted to do it together?" she teased.

"If you want," Draco agreed, bending down to feast on her nipples now, making her wiggle and squirm. "Harry, do lube the darling for us." Harry summoned the lube container over and swiftly stretched Ron. "I would chastise you about your speed issue again but I find I can't wait this time." He pulled out completely, going down to lick her clit for her while Harry finished up. "Do you want front or back?"

"I want back," Harry said with his most evil smirk. "Like this?"

"If you want, or me on my back, either way." Harry's eyes lit up so Draco flipped onto his back, bringing Ron over top of his hips, making her straddle them. He inserted himself and watched as Harry positioned himself. He felt the finger easing past him and shook his head. "Let her," he said gently, smirking back. "It's her turn to get herself off. Ron, do whatever you want," he encouraged as soon as Harry was deeply seated.

Ron pushed herself up and looked at them both. "Really?" They nodded. She tried a few experimental thrusts. "This won't work for me. Sit with your dicks together." She climbed off and got them into the position she wanted, sitting facing each other with just enough space between for her. She slowly slid down, trusting them to insert themselves again. "Ahhhh!" She braced on Draco's shoulders and started to ride again.

"Touch yourself, Ron," Harry whispered hoarsely. "Let us see it." One of Ron's hands was pushed down there and the button found, making her moan. "Come on, I know you can do it," he encouraged, playing with her stomach since Draco was sucking on her breasts. That meant he got the hot spots on her neck though and he liked those nearly as much. Ron moaned and whimpered as she thrusted unevenly, clearly ready again. "Come on, Ron, I want to feel it," Harry encouraged. "Bring yourself off."

Ron gave one last touch and screamed, going limp in their arms. "Shh," Draco whispered, pulling her closer and nodding at Harry to go get a cloth and water from the bathroom. He laid her down, tending her gently. "That was spectacular," he whispered in her ear. "Truly rousing."

"Finish yourself," Ron whispered hoarsely.

Draco smiled. "I'd love to. Harry?" Harry came back with the bowl of water and cloth, setting them on the tray table they had left the last time. "Clean me as well, then finish us both off," he ordered. Harry looked at him. "Ron would like to see it."

"Sure," he said, licking his lips. "I'm not that good."

"I'm sure you'll do fine," Draco encouraged as he was gently cleaned off. Each touch of the rough cloth fought his control, but he managed to hold off. Together they got Ron cleaned and under the covers again, then Harry cleaned himself and put the bowl aside. He pushed the dark head down into his lap, humming at the gentle licking. "Do to me what you would Ron," he encouraged. "We do like the same things."

Harry looked up at him. "Are you sure, Draco?"

"I'm very sure," he said confidently. "It seems to soothe her nerves, I'm sure you'll do fine."

"Can we reciprocate?" Harry asked eagerly.

"If you want. Scoot around." They got into position and Draco carefully sucked the hard, dripping piece of flesh in front of him. Harry groaned and sucked harder so he gave it back. Their lust was feeding off what was being done to them, they didn't even realize when they went in for prostate play, or that Ron was slowly stroking herself off again while she watched them. They were evenly matched, perfectly in-sync and timing each other's orgasms for them. Harry came first, pulling back to scream, but he licked up all the come that flowed out, greedily lapping at it. He heard Ron whimpering and shifted over there, giving her one last one for the night, then he fell limply across her body.

Draco forced himself to move, scooting up to join them under the covers. "He's good at that," he whispered.

"He is," Ron agreed, sharing a kiss. "Let's sleep, Draco, I'm exhausted."

"Hmm. Was it five or seven?"

"Seven," Ron admitted with a little purr. "You both are wonderful lovers." Draco curled up behind Harry's back, one arm going across her stomach. "There, there, we'll sleep and I'll give you the blow of your life tomorrow." Draco fell asleep with a smile on his face. Ron drifted off, comforted by being the body pillow to two wonderful lovers.

Down the hall, the twins finally pulled the pillows off their heads. "Are they done yet?" Fred asked.

George nodded. "Sounds like it. No more grunting or groaning."

"Or screaming," Fred reminded him. "I've never heard so vocal a lover in my life!"

"Not even on those muggle tapes," George agreed. They settled in to sleep, now that their baby brother had quit having sex.

Across the hall, Vincent finally managed to find his calm spot so he could sleep. "I've got to put something in their food to hold that off," he muttered. "They'll never let me sleep otherwise. Dawn is in four hours," he complained. "They had even called it an early night!" He flipped onto his side and ignored his own dick. It wasn't right that he wanked off to the sounds of his best friend being fucked into the afterlife. Even though Ron wouldn't mind, he still didn't think it was right to do that to her. "Maybe one of the dancers," he decided when he couldn't fall asleep.

***

The twins clapped when Harry stumbled in to breakfast, but stopped when they saw the embarrassed looks. "Are you all right?" Fred asked, helping him into a chair. "Did Ron suck you dry?"

Harry looked up at him. "Both of them," he admitted with a weak smile. "We didn't keep you up, did we?" Everyone at the table, including Vincent, shook their heads. "Thanks. We're sorry if we got a bit loud. We...enjoy Ron's body very much when she's like this."

Ron strolled in and messed up Harry's hair, her dressing gown tied tightly around her middle. "Harry, I think I'm changing back a day early. My chest doesn't seem as big."

Harry stood up and walked over, slipping his hands underneath to measure them. "No, they're bigger," he said with a grin. "They're a bit squishier today, but still firm and full." He stole a kiss. "They clapped, Ron."

Ron looked at them and shrugged. "What can I say? Three days without sex." The twin's mouths hung open. "Oops, sorry," he said with a grin. "Didn't mean to share too much."

Draco wandered in and took Harry's former seat, flopping down on it and putting his head on his arms. "Potter, don't start her off again, we'll never wake up," he complained to the table.

"She thought she was changing back too soon," Harry explained as he withdrew, making sure Ron was covered. He sat in the free chair and patted Draco on the back. "It's all right," he soothed. "I'll take care of her while you take a nap. Now that I learned how to do the five-minute orgasm trick on her, it'll be fine; I'll do it every few hours to spare you." Draco turned his head and looked at him. "Just to keep her primed for tonight?"

Draco smiled. "I might like that." He looked at Ron, who was sipping coffee. "Come sit," he said, forcing himself up so Ron could sit in his lap. He saw Harry's opening mouth. "You just got laid, get over it. My turn to have her in my lap." Both twins gasped.

"Draco, you're embarrassing them," Ron said with a blush. But he did sit in his husband's lap. "Which dress should I wear?"

"The silver one," Draco decided. "I've got to run home for a few moments, but then I'll take you out and we'll restock the chocolate supplies." Ron beamed. "Good boy, Ron." He stroked over the hard back. "Do you feel better?"

"Much," Ron agreed, putting down his coffee to stretch upwards. He saw the glance at his chest. "Harry swears they're the same size."

"They're softer," Harry put in, "but the same size."

Draco shifted the edge of the robe out so he could see. "I think you're going to have a longer female time this time," he decided, then looked up at her shocked look. "It'll cut down on the in-between."

"But you like those times," Ron said with a pout.

"Hell, we like you in every stage, Ron," Harry pointed out. "Not even the sex god there does me like you do as a bloke."

George stood up. "I think we'll leave you to discuss this without us."

"No, stay, we'll quit talking about sex," Ron said, giving him a hopeful look. "I never get to see you guys."

"Ooh, did you miss us?" Fred teased, giving him a hug. Ron nodded against his shoulder. "We're sorry, Ron, we've been really busy but we should have written at least each week."

They all stiffened as the fireplace went off. "In here," Harry called.

Arthur walked back and smiled at everyone. "Good morning, children." He patted Ron on the head. "Your mother wanted me to tell you that you made the paper again," he said, handing it over. Ron giggled as he showed off the photograph of them coming out of the strip club. "As did Harry and Draco," he said as he flipped the page. He patted Draco on the back. "The Dark Lord was actually howling last night when the aurors found him, though he barely managed to get away. Harry, you left your gun."

"I was going to let them look at it anyway," Harry said with a shrug. "I can always load another one."

"Good point," Arthur said quickly. From what the Death Eaters they had captured last night had said, he didn't want to upset the boy. "Are you feeling well this morning? You look a bit tired. Nightmares?"

"Sex with Ron," Draco said honestly. Everyone else nodded.

Arthur laughed. "I remember those days fondly. Don't worry, it won't slow down for years," he told Ron with a clap on the back "The Headmaster wanted you back in school today sometime, something about exams next week?" he said tolerantly. The current students sighed. "Remember, you and Ron both have to pass everything if you want to stay in the auror training program."

"Yes, sir," Harry sighed. "Today? Can it be stretched back to tonight? That way Ron can visit the twins?"

"He'll be out soon and he can go stay with them while you're at your Aunt's house," Arthur reminded him.

"We passed by there last night and there was a for sale sign," Draco noted, taking Ron's coffee to sip. He made a disgusted face. "Too much sugar."

Ron winked at him. "It's what makes me sweet, Draco."

"I'll have to remember that," he said dryly, flipping through the rest of the paper. "Ah! Here we are. The Death Eaters claimed that you were, and I quote, psychotic and a danger to yourself and others," he said, looking at Harry. "They say that you should be more closely monitored and it was obviously all my fault."

Harry snorted. "More like Dumbledore's fault," he said snidely.

"Yes, that point was put forward by one as well," Draco said as he continued to read. "McNair," he told Vincent, who shuddered, "suggested that his descent into partial madness was because Dumbledore was trying to, and again I quote, strangle you with cottonwool and rules. Your sneaking out and other things were totally in line with the desire to escape the horrible fate that has been handed to you. He's only sorry that he's not going to be there to witness it because he says people like you should be put down," he finished with a smile.

Harry laughed. "I'd like to see him try!"

"Considering he got kissed this morning, so would I," Arthur agreed, smiling at him. "Harry, are you going to finish out your school year?"

"I have to, I'm not eighteen yet," Harry reminded him. Draco groaned. "Not for another month and a bit," he told him. He stood up. "Let me call my aunt, see if we can arrange something for this summer." He walked into the study, going to use the cellphone. He leaned on the desk, listening to it ring. "Aunt Petunia, how are you?" he asked quietly, sitting down to listen to what she wasn't saying. Her voice sounded tired. "Yes, that's why I was calling. Really?" He frowned. "I might be able to help a bit, but I don't know how much," he offered. He sighed. "If that's what you want. Yes, ma'am. I'm not sure, but I'll gladly check that out and write you tonight if you want. No, I won't force myself on you, or the protections," he promised. "Of course, hiding is the best option. Whatever you want," he assured her. He smiled. "That's fine. No, my owl can find you anywhere, Aunt Petunia. I might be able to do that. If not, I'll start sending regular letters, say once a week?" He smiled brighter. "Yes, ma'am, I am happy. How did you know? Oh, the Daily Prophet comes to you now? Oh, that one was mailed. Yeah, we are. All three of us," he told her. He rode out her disgust. "I know, but they're very fond of me and we do happen to adore each other. I know, but among us it's not so bad." He listened. "Of course. Is he going with you?" He laughed. "That's fine then. I'll owl you tonight about the protection being moved. Yes, ma'am. A big white owl. Hedwig." He laughed. "That's fine then. I can probably use Ron's Pig, it's a tiny thing." He smiled. "Yes it was nice to hear you this way as well. Of course I'm behaving. Good bye." He hung up and walked back into the kitchen. "Aunt Petunia's selling the house and moving to the islands. Since my uncle can't work and the doctor said it'd be better for them, they're going to transfer him down there to a care facility. The cost of living is lower so they'll be able to live more comfortably on his pension." He looked at Arthur. "She's not sure she wants the protection to continue, but she wanted to know if it was transferable."

"I'll ask Dumbledore when I talk to him in a few," Arthur promised. "When were you going back?"

"This afternoon," Ron told him, glancing at the clock. "In time for our last class."

"That's fine then. Make sure the twins get to their shop," he reminded them. "I'll see you at King's Cross?"

"Sure," Ron agreed, giving him a hug. "Thanks, Dad."

"You're welcome, Ron. You're a wonderful son, even in this form," he said with a wink. He walked out, going to report for them.

Draco clapped his hands. "We have four hours. What shall we do?"

"I'm all for getting dressed," Ron offered. "Silver? Since the green shoes have to be picked up."

"Go for it," George encouraged. He watched as Ron jogged out of the room. "How did you guys talk her into dressing up for you?"

Harry grinned. "It stared as a ploy to make Malfoy beg," he told him. Draco groaned and shook his head. "Draco had been staring for months and Ron decided to make him sorry for it. So he put on this little silverish dress and these cute one inch heels and went to class that day."

"Let's not forget the stockings," Vincent put in. "They were clearly shown when Ron squatted down to catch an escaping animal."

"At least he managed to keep his thighs together, I don't think any of us could have stood it if she hadn't," Draco told him. "Plus there was the laundry incident."

"That was the day he marked us," Harry said, touching Draco on the thigh. He got his hand slapped. "Not a good memory?"

"Back then I thought I was doing it to protect her," Draco said, shaking his head again. "Now I know differently. Ron is very special to me and will hopefully stay that way." Harry looked hurt. "You are as well," he promised, giving him a gentle kiss. "Where is your dog?"

"Staring at the woods again," Ron said as he walked back in with his hairbrush. "I can't do a thing with it this morning."

Draco sat her down in his lap and worked on her hair, clipping it back on one side so it fell on her shoulders. "There, now take off the robe so we can see," he teased.

Ron took off the robe and put on the shoes, standing up to do a small turn for them.

Harry wiped his mouth off. "Ron, would you be really hurt if I pounced you?" he squeaked.

"No, but you would be," Ron assured him. "Come on, if we have to take them back to the shop and go for chocolates, we'll have to hurry. This will not stand up to floo travel."

"That's what cloaks are for," Draco reminded him, standing up and looking down at himself. "I feel underdressed," he muttered, going up to change. Harry followed quickly, spiffing themselves up to match her radiance.

"Draco, why is she taking longer on each side?" Harry asked quietly.

"It's a common side effect of having monthlies. She'll still only have them for three days, but now she'll spend ten each month on either side and the other eight in the center." Draco fixed his tie. "It's limiting her more dangerous times now that she's passed another stage." He messed up Harry's hair so it looked better and walked him back downstairs. He found the cloak he had bought for Ron, handing it over. "Put this on over it, we'll go through Diagon," he promised.

"But the chocolates aren't near there," Ron complained.

"We really don't need many," Harry offered. "One of us can run out for that." He snapped his fingers. "I noticed the cabinet was here."

"Dumbledore was threatening to search Draco's rooms," George said as he joined them. "Can we floo out?"

"It's set so you can once you know," Draco agreed. "We'll go to the shop with you. Harry can go to the bank, I'll escort her through the alley, then head for the muggle stores. Good enough?" Everyone nodded. They headed for the floo. "Vincent, with me," Draco ordered.

"Is Harry going to be enough of a guard for Ron?" Vincent asked as he snapped to attention.

"Dear Lord, I hope so," Harry said with a grin. "Nothing's taking Ron away from me, and I do mean nothing. I'd die or go really insane without Ron kisses." He kissed her gently and they headed off. As soon as they opened the door to the shop, people came in and the trio walked out. "Ron, can we spoil you some more?" Harry asked. Ron shook his head. "Please?"

"I think the new clothes last night were enough," Ron said gently.

Draco snorted. "This summer we've got to go through my mother's room, Harry, he can have whatever he wants from in there." Ron opened his mouth. "It's called an inheritance and you will not fuss," Draco said firmly. "There are times when you're going to have to appear to be the Mrs. Malfoy. The same as you're going to have to be the Mrs. Potter sometimes."

"We enjoy dressing you up for those times so we can say things like 'wear the blue one'," Harry added.

"You hated the blue dress," Ron pointed out.

"I hated the attitude you copped as soon as you put it on," Harry corrected. "You seemed like his mother in it."

"Yes, she did have the hint of bitch about her that day," Draco agreed dryly. "Of course, my mother was only like that in public, at home she was very pleasant - to me at least." He grinned back at Vincent, who had snorted. "She didn't like your mother," he confided. "That's what all that was about. Your mother refused to see my mother as a higher being worthy of worship."

Vincent laughed. "I'm sure they got along well enough most of the time." He looked at Ron, who was looking in a shop's window. "I can't wait until you have to host your first event, Draco."

Draco groaned. "That would be a graduation celebration this summer," he agreed. "Mother had started to plan it, I'll have to make sure plans are still underway."

"I got the invitation two days ago."

"Good. Then I'll have to check in on the house elves tonight from my room." He pulled Ron closer. "Don't get too far away, we don't want to have to hurt anyone for trying to look down your top." Ron beamed and giggled. "Bank, and then we'll split up for a bit."

"Yes, Draco," Harry and Ron agreed in unison.

Vincent laughed. "You two aren't that meek."

"Hey, it gets us wonderful sex," Ron said with a shrug and a naughty grin. "I can be nice for that."

Draco burst out laughing. "You naughty wench," he said, kissing her, then Harry. "I'll have to reward you for that later."

Vincent gently nudged Harry to make him walk. "They're leaving you behind," he whispered when Harry didn't move. Harry jogged to catch up and Vincent shook his head. "I don't know what Draco's gift is, but I want to know if he'll teach it to me before I have to find a wife," he muttered, catching up.

***

Dumbledore met them at the front door, looking at the three young people. "Harry, my office. Ron, Snickers, class. Mr. Malfoy, there's someone here to see you," he said quietly.

"It's not my father, is it?" Draco asked. Dumbledore shook his head. "That's fine then. I'll see you after dinner."

"You've all got detention for endangering the world by being so foolish," Dumbledore told them, scowling at them. "What part of protection didn't you get, Mr. Weasley?"

"I was safe. We had Kiana, Vincent, and my two older brothers with me," Ron snorted. "I'd like to have seen anything get within a few good hundred feet of me."

"Fine. Take the dog and go to class. Since you weren't the one who foolishly went to face down Voldemort, I can't really punish you."

Ron stared him down. "They did what you wanted them to do," he pointed out in a quiet voice. "They might not have killed him, but they started the war off in style, made the old fuck afraid for his life, and got a good number of Death Eaters captured. What else did you want him to do?"

"He could have died," Dumbledore pointed out.

"Harry's got skills that Voldemort can't counter," Ron pointed out. "The old fuck's running, scared for his life hopefully." He shifted his stance, letting the leash go. Snickers headed for Hagrid. "Behave," he called after the dog. He got a bark and a tail wag, but Snickers continued out to greet Hagrid. "What did you want them to do? Wait for an attack?"

"They played a very dangerous game, young man. You may not realize this, but Harry's wand was taken from him."

"Yes, and he still had his specially charmed gun and his other magic," Draco put in. "Not to mention the fact that none of the Death Eaters came near us. Between us, we demoralized the old order and pointed out that they were going to lose. Voldemort barely got away. Over thirty minor and major Death Eaters were captured. We even got his snake friend away from him," he said with a smile for Harry. "Sorry if we're not running the war in the old ways, but to some of us they're not exactly suitable for this. A long line of an army isn't going to help very much."

"Guerilla warfare," Ron agreed. "We're going to have to be adaptive and cunning, it's the only way to beat him, sir. Harry pointed out last night that we can do that. Harry, remember the formal truce with him." Harry nodded and Ron checked Draco's watch. "Is it last?"

"Yes, and we do have Creatures," Draco sighed, taking Ron's arm. "Send whomever out, they can talk to me outside." He walked Ron out, shaking his head at Hagrid's open mouth. "It's a treat for us being audacious," he said with a smug look. He looked at the unicorn in front of them. "Again?"

"He's got a split hoof," Ron pointed out, pointing at it. "Has it been bandaged yet?"

"We've been poulticing it," Hagrid assured him. "Want to put on the bandages?"

"I think he'd probably run from me," Ron said, giving Draco's arm a subtle squeeze. Hagrid's eyes went wide. "I think you'll have to get someone else, Hagrid, sorry."

"That's all right, Ron, if that's what makes you happy." He stared down at Draco. "You had better keep him happy as well," he said darkly, heading over to one of the girls who had pet the bull unicorn earlier. "Ron said you'll have to do it," he told her.

"Okay," she said happily, slowly walking over. "I won't hurt you," she crooned. "Just put the nasty smelling stuff back on your hoof so it feels better." The unicorn looked at her, then looked around. It whinnied at Ron. "He can't touch you anymore," she soothed. "He said so. He's got husbands now." The unicorn bowed its head and let her bandage it. "See, all better," she soothed, standing up and giving it a kiss on the forehead. "Weasley, come closer, let him see," she called. "He seems a bit hurt."

Ron moved around the edge of the paddock fence, stopping a bit away. The unicorn sniffed in his direction and flattened his ears back. "I told you so." He grinned and reached out a hand. "Smell me, know I'm still okay, but I can't touch you." The unicorn put out his nose and sniffed the hand, then sneezed and backed away. "See, I was right to send her, huh?" The unicorn threw his mane back and snorted, stamping an uninjured foot. "Calm down, I'm not your herd. Draco and Harry are my herd stallions." Draco moved to the edge of the fence. "He took me in," he said quietly. "I'm sure you have a wonderful herd." The unicorn glared at Draco then stamped another foot, and Ron started to back away. "Walk away slowly," he encouraged the other girl. He laughed hesitantly. "I'm pretty sure those are fighting motions." She bowed to the creature and backed out as well. "Don't go near Draco," he hissed when she walked toward him. "He's challenging Draco over me. Go to Hagrid." She nodded, walking far around Draco's side when she got to the fence and hurrying to Hagrid's side. "Hagrid, we've got a small problem," he called.

"What's wrong?" Hagrid called, looking up from his playing with the dogs. "What did you do?"

"I showed him that I was unsuitable to touch him, he's challenging Draco."

"Weasley, I won't be speared for you," Draco said dryly.

Ron looked at him. "I thought you liked me enough to do anything," he teased.

Draco pulled Ron closer, kissing him gently. "I do, but dying isn't high on my list today." He looked at the unicorn. "I didn't steal her."

"Stop it now," Hagrid warned the bull. "She's not yours. She's my student, my herd." The unicorn snorted and pawed the ground in his direction.

"Stop it now," Ron warned. The bull ignored him so he pulled his wand, blowing up a small divot of dirt in front of him. "I wasn't your mare, great one, just one who cared for you." The bull moved closer, sniffing at her again. "No, you did not mark me. And I'm his."

Harry came jogging out and stood on Ron's other side. "Ours," he corrected, staring down the unicorn. He got snuffled as well then the bull seemed to pout as he walked off. "That was close." He looked at Draco. "What happened?"

"The unicorn wanted Ron to come in and bandage it, but she refused," Hagrid told him. "Then I was playin' with the dogs since this was routine and Ron walked in there to talk to him. He decided Draco had poached his herd." He gave Ron a look. "When I retire, you may be called. Arragog likes you, the unicorns like you."

"He's a magical creature in his own right," Draco agreed, touching Ron's back gently. She glared at him. "You are," he said with a smile. "As magical as that creature out there is."

"We'll see," Ron told Hagrid. "I might have stopped changing by then."

Draco shook his head. "You started a cycle, this is most likely permanent, Ron," he said gently. He let Harry walk her off, only sending a frown at him. "I was enjoying my time with her."

"Now it's my turn, I want to tell her what the auror said. By the way, that's who's looking for you."

"Fine," Draco said, waving a hand. "Where?"

"Your rooms."

"I'll go that way then," Draco sighed. He shrugged at Hagrid. "Prove to one Dark Lord that he's an idiot and the whole world comes bawling to you," he said disgustedly as he walked back to the school.

Hagrid gaped at his back, then looked at Harry and Ron. "What did you do last night?" he demanded. "I thought the paper was a lie."

"Well, not quite," Harry said, giving him a shrug and an innocent looking smile. "I did go officially start the war. I made him piss himself too I think," he admitted with a brighter smile.

"Then we went shoe shopping for Ron. Do you like them?" he asked, pointing down at the ones Ron was wearing now.

"You took her to see 'im?"

"No, I went back to see our friend at the strip club," Ron told him. "She took us shopping and then the guys joined us." He linked his arm through Harry's and walked him back over. "Don't worry, Hagrid, we did know what we were doing. I was safe all night long and Harry decided to act slightly miffed off. It was a brilliant plan and netted thirty death eaters being caught." He gave him a pat on the arm. "How much longer? I'm hungry. Harry and Draco forgot to feed me lunch."

"Go ahead so the unicorn can calm down," Hagrid said, staring at them. "I don't want to have to tell her mother," he told himself. "She'll kill 'er."

Crabbe cleared his throat. "Since his father joined us earlier this morning, I'm sure she knows, sir," he said before following the twosome into the school. He saw Ron look at him and shrugged. "I am supposed to protect you, I can't do that from another classroom."

"Thankfully there's only one more week," Ron sighed, smiling at them both. "Then what?"

"Well, I sent a message to Aunt Petunia about being able to move the protection with her. Pig was very happy to go," Harry assured him. "He's less noticeable," he said at Ron's opening mouth.

"Good point. I'm sure she'd like that better than your snowy one." He squeezed Harry's arm. "What else did the auror say?"

"That usually we'd be in different classes, so we bonded more closely to the Ministry than to each other, but they couldn't do that this year, they're only running one large group to try and get us trained faster." He coughed. "He warned me to expect to need some headache potions over the first week because we're together. Plus, no one's told the trainers what you are," he said gently. "We'll start classes in late August so we'll have most of the summer off."

"Good," Ron decided. "I could use a break between the two." He looked back at Vincent. "Should we have a room made up for you at the manor house?"

"I already have one," Vincent admitted. "Goyle and I shared a small room off Draco's."

"Yeah, but now we'll be sharing one with him and I'm sure you don't want to have to listen to us," Harry pointed out. "Maybe Draco's old room?"

"We'll talk to him about it later." He heard the squeal and looked around. "Hi, Hermione," he called. She came out of the bathroom covered in water. "Did it explode?"

"Yes!" she said shrilly. "The faucet came shooting up and nearly brained me," she complained. She caught sight of Ron's dress and pursed her lips. "Don't you think that's a bit much for the school day?"

"It's a reward for me and Draco," Harry said firmly, walking Ron off to the Great Hall. It was nearly dinner time. "Come sit with us when you're drier."

"We'll share how last night went," Ron said with a wink.

Vincent Crabbe took out his handkerchief and handed it over. "Here you go, Ms. Granger. If Ron had had one I'm sure he would have handed it to you." He bowed and walked off, following them. He was a bit hungry. Dinner had been a long time ago.

Hermione looked at the cloth, then at the large back, her mouth working hard but all that came out was a squeak. She did use it to dry herself off, promising to send it back later, once it had been cleaned. She ran up to the tower, going to change clothes. For some reason, she even made sure she looked impeccable. She wasn't sure why, but it was a nice thing she supposed. She found one of her own handkerchiefs and brought it down to give it to the thoughtful man. "Until I can get yours cleaned," she said with a blush before heading to her table. The other Slytherins had been watching.

Draco gave Vincent an expectant, mouth open look, like he was going to say something. "The faucet exploded and she was drenched," Vincent said quietly, staring at the cloth. "I gave her mine."

"I see." Draco smiled and patted him on the back. "You reach very high, my friend," he whispered. "But for a muggle she's not half bad."

"That's high praise," Millicent noted for Vincent's benefit.

"Stay out of the conversation," Draco warned. She shrank back into her own seat. He looked at Crabbe. "Is that what you want?"

"She's interesting," Crabbe admitted. "Too smart for me, but interesting."

"Then let me be the first to congratulate you and to warn you that she likes to be thought of as a woman, not as one of the guys. You'll have to tread very carefully not to go overboard and irritate her feminist leanings." Crabbe blushed. "We'll discuss this later. While those two decide where you're living in the house."

"They suggested I take over your old room," Crabbe pointed out.

"It is a suite and would be most suitable. We're going to renovate my parents suites and make them one room again. You're free to it if you want."

"Thank you, Draco."

"Besides, it would make an excellent room for a couple," he said with a wink.

"Draco!"

***

It was finally leaving day and the final house points had been given out. Gryffindor and Slytherin had tied this year so everyone was walking away mostly happy. Ron had already packed everything and shrunk it down into one of Harry's trunks, so he was snuggled up on Draco's chest. "It seems odd," he said quietly, playing with an open button.

"What does?"

"That I came in a woman and I'm walking out a man," Ron said, looking up at him. "I guess this is how people who have the surgery feel."

"Possibly, but for you it's a normal change of life."

"Gee, fun," Ron said dryly. He cleared his throat. "Draco, can I ask you something?"

"You sound like one of the girls," Draco teased.

"It's probably going to keep sounding like that," Ron admitted. He looked up again. "Do you love me?"

Draco frowned. "You're right, that did sound girlish." He gave Ron a gentle squeeze. "I don't know," he said honestly. "I know I'm in lust with you, but I don't know about farther."

"So it's just in the bedroom?"

"I didn't say that," Draco corrected gently. "I said I wasn't sure how much farther it went. The only thing I have to base that question on is how I felt about my mother." He swallowed. "I worshiped her, Ron."

Ron shifted up, giving him a hug. "I know you did, Draco. Have you mourned any since the train?"

"I give myself ten minutes each morning to think about her, then I have to be what I appear."

"You never have to pretend with us," Ron reminded him. "We both understand grief and we'll support you mourning her." Draco nodded, letting him cling. "Where are we sitting tomorrow?"

Draco snorted. "That's an abrupt change of subject, Weasley." He rolled them over so he could look down at his wife. "I know I feel somewhat about you like I did her. I am in awe of you, I want to worship you because of who you are, not only what you are. Most people faced with this would have run screaming into the hills and never come back out until someone found them." Ron's mouth opened. "It's a statistical fact. Most changelings done as an adult have run screaming somewhere to hide." Ron pinched him so he smiled at him. "I know you're stronger than I am emotionally. I have few, but they're walled up. You let yours out and you laugh so easily."

"You've gotten better," Ron reminded him. "I guess I can live with that answer."

"Hmm, good, because it's about the only one I have." He stole a kiss. "I feel about half as worshipful as Potter does about you, how about that?"

"That's a better answer," Ron agreed, smiling at him. "We have to finish packing your things."

Draco looked at the wands lying on the bedside table. "It won't take that long."

"Packing always takes longer than you expect," Ron reminded him. "Last year you nearly missed the train."

"I overslept," Draco defended. "If I hadn't been hexed nearly to oblivion last year, I wouldn't have needed to sleep in." He poked Ron on the stomach. "If I remember right, that was your fault."

"Yeah, it was," Ron said with a grin. "We'll have to find a new someone to pick on." He gave him a hug. "I'll miss hexing you in the hallways."

Draco laughed. "How about we let you pick on some of the auror candidates? They should be able to defend themselves well enough by now. If not, I'm sure you'll be correcting that." Ron nodded. "You and Harry can share hexing duties again even."

"I kinda like that idea," Ron agreed, biting him on the tip of the nose. "Where are we heading tomorrow?"

"Back to the house. We've got to oversee some renovations before the party in two weeks." He kept his secret to himself, for now. "Do you and Harry want to share a compartment with Hermione again or would you like us to find one together and invite her?"

"I think it should just be us. It started out as me and Harry, then she joined in, it should end that way."

"That would be fine." Draco kissed him again. Then he sighed. "We should pack, shouldn't we?" Ron nodded. "Where are Potter and his dog?"

"Gryffindor. He's still trying to force everything into his trunk. I'll have to check and make sure he didn't take my things out later." He wiggled until he got free, walking over to the wall of cabinets. "We'll have to empty all these, right?" Draco nodded, sitting on his bed. "Well come help me. The sooner we get done, the sooner you get shagged."

Draco stood up and strolled over, casting a 'servant' spell - an advanced one he had found in the defense books Harry and Ron were working from. "Pack everything gently," he ordered. "As few boxes as possible and as securely as possible." He winked at Ron. "You have to give them specific orders." A wine bottle broke and Draco canceled it. "I guess we are doing it by hand," he said dryly at the smirk.

Ron reached over and rang the bell to bring a house elf. "Hi, Winky. Is Dobby around?" he asked when she appeared. "We're having some trouble packing and wanted to know if he'd help us." She nodded and disappeared, bringing back Dobby. "Dobby, can you please help us pack? We've already broken stuff," he said with a point at the broken wine bottle. "We're horrible at this, my mother yells about my trunk every year."

"Dobby pack," he agreed happily. He called up some boxes and started things dancing into them. "Yous gos home, Harry Potter's Weasey?"

"We're going back to Draco's since we're married," Ron said with a smile, getting down to write on the boxes. "Harry and I are both going back with him."

Dobby looked at Draco, giving him a fearful look. "Fine," Draco sighed. "Potter and his helpers. First a dog, then a snake, and now a house elf."

Dobby hugged him around the legs. "Thank you! You are very nice! We serve Harry Potter faithfully!" He quickly packed everything else and looked at Ron. "Harry Potter needs help too?"

"He might," Ron agreed, giving him a pat on the head. "Thank you, Dobby, you are a great help and a wonderful house elf." Dobby teared up and hugged him before leaving to help Harry. Ron helped Draco shrink everything into a special case with drawers so nothing would shift until they got home. "That was nice of you," he said, giving Draco a kiss once they were done. "You deserve a reward."

"Hmm. I suppose I do," Draco agreed smugly. "Whatever should I ask for?"

"Since there's just me here," Ron said seductively, "I should hope it's not an audience." Draco laughed and hugged him hard. "Or I could tell you Harry's suggestion for the house." Draco raised an eyebrow. "He wants to recreate the thermal spring. He said there's one near there, and that he can arrange it so it comes up near the house. He wanted to know where you wanted it."

Draco pulled Ron closer. "We'll figure that out soon enough. I almost forgot." He wrote out a small note and put it in the wardrobe, on the top shelf where it wasn't likely to get lost. "I had one left for me. It's the password to the lake." He checked everything, packing the clothes that had been lying in the bathroom. The trunk went into the pocket of tomorrow's pants, then he led Ron back to the bed. "What are you wearing tomorrow?"

"Those obscenely tight jeans and a t-shirt?" he suggested.

"I like that idea. Remember not to flash anyone when you unzip them for comfort."

"Do you really think Hermione and Vincent will go for each other?"

"I don't know," Draco admitted. "We can only put them together and see." He stroked down Ron's back. "About my reward?"

"Yes?" Ron asked, smiling into Draco's side.

"I believe I want handcuffs," he said in a sultry voice. He pulled a set out from under his mattress and held them up. "Are you game?"

"As long as we can get me out of them. Do you know how many horror stories there are about people getting trapped and having to call for help?"

"That's not a problem, you would call and Granger and Crabbe would both come and they'd be embarrassed together," Draco said with a smile. "But I can easily unlock them, they've got a switch."

"That's fine then," Ron agreed. "What else do you have stored down there?"

"A few sex toys, a penis whip, nothing major," he said lightly. Ron's mouth opened and Draco kissed him, attaching him to the bed during it. "I think it spices things up now and then," he said softly. "I wouldn't dare use one on you without your permission."

Ron nodded. "Good. I don't think I'm ready for that yet."

Draco laughed. "Tell me when you think you are and we'll gladly try it," he offered. Ron's clothes were removed via spell and he looked down at the fine male body. "I do believe I happen to like this view," he noted, leaning down to lick down the hard body. Ron arched up into him, then swore when he realized he couldn't reach him. "That's the fun of handcuffs," he said with a smirk. "I'm in total control."

"Draco, lick me or let me go so I can do myself," Ron warned.

"Or you'll do what?" Draco teased.

"I'll yell for Crabbe and tell him that you're being mean to me."

"He'd only shake his head and walk out after giving me another warning," Draco told him. "The same as he did the last time you tried that." He did lean down and lick across the hard cock a few times, giving in slightly. "There, that should do it," he said, standing up.

"Draco!" Ron screamed in outrage. "Get back here!"

Draco smirked at him. "I can't leave you like that for a few hours in retaliation for taunting me all these years?" Ron shook his head. "Pity." He heard a dog barking. "Well, this might get interesting yet," he said smugly, going over to let Harry in. Harry had never asked him for the password to the door, he knocked and waited patiently for him to let him in. "Come in, send the dog into the bathroom," he ordered. Harry walked in and saw Ron, then looked at Draco. "He was teasing," he explained at the weary look. "Are you tired?"

"No," Harry said, shaking his head. "Do you want to be left alone?"

"Harry, make him let me go," Ron complained.

"Go ahead and see," Draco offered, locking the door and making sure the dog was in the bathroom. This was not a time when a cold, wet nose would be appreciated. He came out of the bathroom and found Harry all the way down on Ron, making him very happy. "You're supposed to draw it out, that's the fun of handcuffs, Potter."

Harry pulled off and looked at him. "Then he retaliates," Harry reminded.

Draco considered it. "Then this first one can be rather fast, we'll tease later." Someone knocked on the portrait. "Hold on," he called. "The switches," he noted before turning around and walking back to see who it was. He saw it was the Headmaster and glanced back, but Harry had Ron free so he opened it. "Yes, sir?" he asked, getting out of the way.

The headmaster walked in and glanced around. "All packed?"

"Yes, we convinced Dobby to help us since we're horrible at it," Draco admitted. The headmaster looked at him. "We broke things before we talked him into it. He was amazingly fast."

"Yes, he usually is." Dumbledore looked at the other two boys. "Harry, your Aunt and Uncle...."

"Are moving and they're not sure if they want the protection moved or not," Harry reminded him. "Pig was sent with the letter."

"I know, she just came back with it, looking very confused." He moved further into the room, glancing around again. "Wine?"

"To calm my nerves, sir. You now how upset I get sometimes," Harry admitted.

"Ah." He smiled. "It's nice that you cover for him, but I believe that bottle may have come with him his first year. I was hoping he would have cleaned out his stash in the basement by now." Draco groaned and hit himself on the forehead. "I'll leave you to finish packing." He smiled at Harry. "We will miss all of you, but you two especially because you livened up my life so very much."

Ron snorted. "You mean gave you more headaches than the twins, right?"

"That as well," Dumbledore agreed, giving him that same smile. "I doubt there will ever be another class like yours, boys. Or at least one hopes that there won't be more classes with roaming hexing parties in the hallways, or such violent animosities between the houses."

"It's Draco's fault, Headmaster. He was a nasty shit to us that first day," Harry said, giving Draco a smile. "Now that he's reformed, he's pretty decent."

"Yes, well, we all grew up over the years, Harry, even you. Thankfully you've become more tolerant and less like your father. Your mother would have been very proud." He looked at Draco. "I will hurt you if you hurt them," he whispered. "Now go clean out your father's storeroom of favors." Draco nodded, watching as he left.

"That was odd," Harry said in the silence.

"Indeed," Draco agreed, grabbing a few more boxes. "Do we have any more of these?"

"If not, we can use socks to cushion things," Ron reminded him, sliding out of the bed and putting on some pants. "Where is this storeroom of favors?"

"I'm wondering what it is."

"It's left over from my father's days, though he did add to it in my first year. It's how we were supposed to pay off favors and bribes. Come, we'll show you. I could use the help anyway," Draco sighed, walking down to the basement. He heard Snickers and looked back at Harry.

"It would be mean to leave him," Harry pointed out. "He loves to explore."

"Good point." Draco glanced around before ducking into one of the girls' bathrooms. "Hello, Myrtle," he called. "Just going to the store room."

"Icky boys," she sneered. Ron waved. "Oh, and you," she said happily. "Why are you going with him?"

"Because he needs help packing," Ron told her with a grin. "He's my playtoy so I probably should help him. He doesn't look all that good sweaty." She laughed. "Harry, wasn't this..."

"The Chamber of Secrets," Harry agreed, pointing at the sink. "Draco?"

"What?" Draco opened a doorway on the wall between the two rows of stalls. He waved. "In here. Where's the Chamber of Secrets?" Harry walked over and patted a sink. "Huh. I never knew that. Have to speak to it?" Harry nodded. "It figures. What was down there?"

"A big, huge snakey thing," Myrtle told him. "It froze people, that's how I died," she said with a smile for Harry. "You figured it out."

"And speared the sucker too," Ron agreed, patting Harry on the back. "Thank you for saving my sister that year." He waved as they followed Draco into the storage area, whistling as he looked around. "We're going to need a lot more boxes if we're bringing this home."

In the cavern were kegs of beer, boxes, barrels of scotch, even some single bottles of wine. There were also bolts of cloth, a large covered box, and numerous things that they couldn't see. It was a huge cavern.

Harry's mouth fell open. "Well, shit!" he decided. "I wish I had found this when I was looking for the chamber of secrets." Draco laughed. "You think I'm kidding, but there were a few times when I could have used this." He walked over to one of the barrels. "Thirty-year-old scotch," he said in appreciation.

"How in the hell are we getting this back to the manor, Draco?"

"That's what I'm trying to figure out." He pointed at the fabric covered thing. "I don't even know what that is."

Harry walked over and looked under the sheet, coming back rather pale. "Dumbledore!" he called. The Headmaster came strolling in a few minutes later, smiling at everyone. "Would you like the basilisk egg?" he asked as he removed the sheet.

Draco looked impressed. "I didn't know that was here."

"It's on top of the boxes, it might have been laid recently," Harry offered.

Dumbledore looked at the egg, showing him the broken spot. "It may be loose."

"Okay, first you blind it, then you stab it," Harry instructed. "It's immune to its own gaze and it'll take a sword." He looked around and Draco hefted one. "That looks heavy."

Dumbledore laughed. "Don't worry, we'll capture it."

"Sir, with all due respect, if I see another one, I'm killing it," Harry told him. "Even if it's during the final battle, I'm killing it."

"Good point. Let me get Severus and Hagrid onto this." He glanced around. "I'll give you an extra day to fly up tomorrow night with more boxes. Whatever's left after that stays." He strolled out. "I'll have the unstiffening potion mixed, Harry."

"Thank you, sir." Harry gave Draco a look. "How in the hell do we get all of this home?"

"Easy," Draco said, waving his wand to start shrinking things. "A bit of magic and a few extra trunks." He paused at one container. "And a few old friends. Be right back." He floated two of the barrels out, taking them to his former house's common room. "Pansy, Crabbe, the rest of you lot," he called. They came running. "I'm ripping down my father's storeroom. A treat if you have any extra space in your trunks." He patted the barrels and a few of the future drunks drooled. "Oh, Potter found a new basilisk's egg that's recently hatched."

Crabbe's eyes went wide. "I love you like my brother, Draco, but I'm not being petrified for you."

"No one's asking you to," Draco assured him, giving him a smile. "They're sure it's went into the Chamber of Secrets to come out in a generation or so." Pansy laughed. "That's what was in there the last time." She quit laughing. "But if you have a bit of room in your trunks that we may borrow, I'll gladly leave the scotch here."

"Hell, I've always got room," Crabbe reminded him. "What about their friends?"

"They haven't said anything yet about a bribe." He shrugged. "Come help. We're in Moaning Myrtle's bathroom." He strolled away, trusting at least some of them to come out of curiosity, and the desire to steal a bit of the stuff. He and Crabbe walked in first, and found Hermione Granger halfway inside a box of books, her rear sticking out of it. "There's your chance," Draco noted, smiling at him. "Go steady her." He walked over to where Harry and Ron were shrinking more barrels. "How did you get her?"

"We're letting her see if any of the books are good," Harry said quietly. "I said that she could beg you to borrow a few." He grinned. "She loves books. She's shrinking the layers as she searches."

"Wonderful. Crabbe likes to sit and read as well." He glanced over at her squeal, finding Crabbe behind her and saying something quietly. "Yes, that's quite the position," he said as she went back into the box with him steadying her. Ron grinned and giggled. "Your doing?"

"Just the box. She went in head first." He looked around. "What is some of this stuff?"

"Some of it is parchment. There are some special inks and a few boxes of pens," he said, pointing in that direction. "There's some coins, some food, some treats," he said, pointing at another section. "Then there's my father's side, he apparently kept most of his house drunk." He belched. "Excuse me." He saw a slithering movement and nodded at Harry. "Do your worst," he suggested.

Harry picked up the sword Draco had freed earlier and carefully moved back that way, stabbing the thing in the back of the head. It quit moving and he tossed the bag Ron threw at him around it, picking it up carefully. "It's dead," he announced. Crabbe let go of Hermione to clap. "I'm going to present it to Snape, maybe he'll be happy to see me go." He walked out, carefully carrying the bag and the sword, and found the Potion's Master in a book about the little snakey things. "Sir, I killed another one, would you like it?" he asked, holding up the bag.

"You killed another what, Potter?" Snape asked, looking over at him. He saw the size of the bag, then the sword. "The basilisk?" Harry nodded. "The new one?" Harry nodded again. "*That's* what was down there!" he shouted. Harry nodded again, looking happier now. "Very well, I'll see what I can do about it." He snatched the bag and felt it. "Are you sure it's dead?"

"Its eyes quit glowing and it quit moving. I got it in the neck." He handed over the sword as well, hilt first. "Just in case, sir. It was in Draco's father's storeroom."

"You're tearing that down?" Harry nodded and Snape stood up, securing the bag in a locked box. "Very well, lead me to it. I have always wanted to see what his father guarded so very carefully."

"Oh, the egg's down there too," Harry noted, walking back that way. "Just us, Myrtle," he called as he opened the door. He pointed at a sink. "That's the entrance to the Chamber, sir. For future reference it's more dark and dank than even your classroom is." He walked into the back. "Snape wanted a look see."

"I'd have thought my father had let him in before," Draco noted dryly, waving at him. "Come in, we have until tomorrow night to move all this."

Crabbe looked at Draco. "I'll take your mates home for you if you want," he offered.

"Funny," Draco taunted. "I'm not leaving you alone with Ron; he's horny, he might jump you and scare you."

Crabbe laughed. "I promise I won't let it happen, Draco."

"Shit, if he's that jump happy, I'll take him," Pansy offered.

Ron blew a kiss her way. "Sorry, I only really like men it seems." He shrugged at hers and Hermione's looks. "I do. I like it quite a lot." He smiled at Crabbe, making him swallow. "The same as I love you, big guy, but I couldn't sleep with you. You'd smoosh me." Crabbe burst out in laughter and Ron jogged over to give him a hug. "No hard feelings?"

"Not a one, but if you start making noises like the last time I reserve the right to burst in and tell you to stop it."

"That's fine. Or you could wank off to it, either one," Ron suggested with his naughtiest grin. He went back over and pounced Draco for a long, hot kiss. "Hurry up. You interrupted my sex time."

Snape looked appalled. "You're corrupting him?"

"Without the pain and fear," Ron told him. "That way my blood is corrupt in a good way. Harry, help him," he ordered. "Let Snickers hunt rats, he does it very well."

"There might be another in here, Ron," Harry sighed.

"Then let him go play with Myrtle," Pansy suggested.

"Good point, go back to the bathroom, Snickers," Harry prompted. His dog gave his hand a lick and went to drink out of a toilet, making Myrtle squeal in fear. "He's a good dog, Myrtle, he won't hurt you."

Hermione stuck her head out the door. "Besides, think of the new stories you'll have to tell."

"I guess," Myrtle agreed. "I wish I could pet him."

"If I see a ghostly dog, I'll try to get him up here for you," Hermione promised. Myrtle perked up. She went back to the box of books, diving back in.

Pansy nudged Crabbe. "Does she know that she's doing suggestive things?"

"She's enjoying the books," Crabbe reminded her. "I doubt the suggestive nature of her pose is anywhere in her mind." He didn't get a chance to see the blush, but he did appreciate the view quite a lot as he steadied her.

Snape looked around the storeroom, shaking his head. "No wonder he never let anyone else in here." He pointed at a barrel. "What is that?" he demanded.

Harry looked at it. "It's labeled 'Finnigan's Best, 1683'," Harry read. "I wonder if it's Seamus' family." He looked at Draco, who shrugged. "We have to move it anyway, sir, so he said you could have it."

Snape floated it up and out with him and the egg shell. "Do clean all this up so no future years can get into it."

"Yes, sir," the Slytherins all called. Then they burst out laughing once he was gone.

"I guess he's celebrating you being gone after all," Ron said, slapping Harry on the back. Harry giggled and kissed him, hurrying over to the treat section to work on those things. He walked back over to his section and started shrinking things again. He heard a squeal and looked at Hermione. "Hold her tighter, Vincent, or else she'll fall in and never get up," he called.

"My hand slipped," Vincent called back. Pansy giggled like a hyena.

"Parkinson, work or no liquor," Draco warned.

"Fine," she called, going over to help Harry. "What's this stuff?"

"Treats. Canned meat, olives, things like that," Harry said, writing on the box. Then he shrunk it. "Want to help me?" She nodded. "Cool. Get that side," he said, pointing at the other side. "It's got the more delicate stuff and I noticed you do this spell very well." She blushed and walked over to work on that side. He briefly wondered if she thought it was a come-on, but decided she wouldn't try anything even if she thought it was.

By dawn, they had the majority of things shrunken and packed into boxes, leaving only the heaviest stuff for last. Including the box Hermione had fallen asleep in. She woke up when he lifted her out, giving him a sleepy smile. "Thank you, Vincent," she murmured, falling asleep on his chest.

Draco smiled at his bodyguard. "Sit down with her somewhere," he instructed.

Vincent sat against the wall, holding her tightly. When she woke up again, he smiled at her because she looked confused. "You fell asleep in the box of books," he said quietly. "I rescued you from being shrunken and packed up." She shifted off his lap and straightened herself out. "Are you okay?"

"A bit stiff from the books, but I'm fine. Thank you, Vincent," she said, not looking at him. She glanced at him and smiled, then hurried back to help some more.

He beamed, stunned by her smile, as he sat there for a while longer. The dog came over and sniffed him so he stood up. "Harry, I'm taking Snickers outside," he called.

"Okay. Is his leash on him?"

"Yeah." Crabbe walked the dog outside, letting him anoint the bushes again. "I think she likes me too," he told the dog. Snickers barked and licked his hand before picking another spot and dragging him. "Yeah, we can go there too," he decided.

***

Ron, Harry, and Hermione flopped down into their usual compartment, smiling at each other. It had been a long night, but they were done! The cavern was clear and everything was cleverly hidden inside other things. Now if nothing broke, they'd all be happy people. As they pulled away, Harry looked back at the spires on the school. "I'll miss this place," he decided.

"We definitely came out better than we went in," Ron agreed. "No one's mentioned the freckle on my nose in years." He rubbed a finger over it.

Hermione laughed. "Neville's not looking for his toad this year," she agreed.

"Malfoy won't come up and pick on us this time either," Harry added.

The door opened and Malfoy and Crabbe walked in. "Potter," he said with a sneer. "Crying over leaving?"

Harry looked at him. "Keep it up and don't get blown for a week," he warned.

Draco laughed. "I tried to make it seem like old times." He sat between them, getting comfortable while Crabbe got comfortable next to Hermione. "Our compartment was overrun by the first years having a party," he admitted at the curious looks. "Otherwise we would have let it be just you three. There aren't any others free." He yawned and looked at his mates. "Which of you would be more comfortable?"

"Harry's got the better padding since I'm fully male," Ron reminded him. "Too bad these seats don't pull out."

Draco fiddled with something under his section and the seat snapped, shifting. "Says who?" He stood up and pulled the sleeper out. "There's been many a child conceived on these seats." He laid down on top of Harry's chest, snuggling in. "Good night, Ron. Wake me when the trolley comes and I'll buy lunch."

"That's fine," Ron agreed quietly, smiling at the other, shocked, couple. "He hadn't slept well the night before," he said quietly, with a wink for Crabbe.

"If you didn't holler like you were being killed, he'd probably get to sleep more often," Crabbe pointed out. Hermione blushed a bright red. "Sorry, but he's rather noisy sometimes. You should have heard him the night before we came back the last time. Embarrassed the twins to no end. They were still blushing when they came down for breakfast."

Hermione looked at Ron and laughed. "I never imagined you'd be a screamer."

"Howler's more like it," Harry said, nudging Ron with his foot. "Come nap, let them talk. Our best friends should get along." Hermione opened her mouth. "Just sleeping, nothing indecent," he assured her. Ron snuggled in as well. "We'll do the indecent stuff later, when we're not so tired."

Ron laughed. "Wake up knob shiners?" he suggested.

"Later," Draco grunted. "Sleep now, Ron, or no getting laid at all during your female times."

"Grumpy." Ron laid on Harry's chest as well, comforted by the arms that were flung over him by both men. "Good night."

"Night," Draco said.

"Good night, Ron," Harry agreed.

Hermione waited until they were asleep before taking off her robe and using it to cover them. "There," she said, looking at the man she hardly knew. He did the same and sat facing her. "I think Harry's right, we should be able to get along, it will make them happier."

Crabbe leaned forward and gently kissed her. "It'd make others happier too." He saw her blush and smiled. "Sorry for being so forward, but even Draco's agreed that you're not the average ...."

"Mudblood?" she suggested.

"I didn't want to use that word," he told her. "But basically. Yeah."

She smiled. "Being a genius is rather like that sometimes. I've had many teachers that have had to rearrange their thinking because of me. Both in Hogwarts and outside of it." She got comfortable. "So, do you read?"

"A lot. There's a lot of quiet times in our house so I pick up anything at hand."

"What do you prefer?"

"I think I like mysteries the best, but I have a soft spot for fantasy novels." He grinned and ducked his head. "Some of the best ones are muggle. They have no idea about some of the creatures of course, but they tell the tales very well."

"I prefer science fiction, but you're right," she agreed, smiling at him when he looked at her. "Really. My parents would throw fits if they ever found my collection, but I have a large one at the moment. Nearly fifty books carefully hidden around my room."

"I'd like to see them some time," he offered. "My old room at Draco's is nearly full of books. Aunt Narcissa made me store them up there and hide them from her and Uncle Lucius because they were disgusted."

"That shows a lack of respect on their part," Hermione said firmly. "They're not bad just because a muggle wrote them."

"No, they only saw the wizarding ones, they considered fantasy and anything like it beneath them. They used to make sure I wasn't corrupting their son. That's why he reads textbooks for fun."

"I'm sure Ron can break him of that habit. Ron has a wonderful comic book collection started. Not a real one, for investment purposes, but a nice one nonetheless." She shifted in her seat and he pulled her closer, kissing her again. "Well." She licked her lips. "You like me?" He nodded. "Why?"

"Because I got to see Ron as a real person so I started looking around at the people he liked because we get on so well," he said quietly, glancing at the trio. Then he looked back at her, seeing the understanding. "I think you're ...."

"Neat?" she supplied with a smile. "All that?"

"That fits," he agreed with a grin. "Even if you can't dance like those women at the club." She choked. "Sorry." He hung his head. "I'm not great with women."

She tipped his head back up. "Most of those women would leave those jobs if they could," she said quietly. "And you don't know what I do in my free time, I might be just as wild." He shook his head. "You don't think so? Come with me to the science fiction convention this summer," she offered. "We'll see if we can redefine wild for you in a better sense." He beamed. "We can even wear robes if we put on pointy ears and go as elves."

"I don't look like an elf."

"No one will care that you're large and strong," Hermione said gently, shifting closer. She looked at the men again then at him. "I believe this is the longest conversation I've ever had that didn't mention schoolwork."

He laughed. "Mine's usually sports with Draco," he admitted. She laughed as well. "You are neat."

"Thank you. I think I could come to like you as well, Vincent."

"Vinnie," he corrected. "Only to my close friends, but I think you're going to qualify." She patted him on the hand. "What does one do at a convention?"

"We celebrate the fandom and the spirit of the works."

On the bed, Draco smiled and let himself fall asleep. Those two were rather cute.

***

The quintet walked off the train and gathered their belongings, then Hermione gave them a sad look. "I guess I'll see you soon?" she suggested.

"Actually," Draco said, putting an arm around her shoulders, "I took a rather large liberty and wrote to your parents, Granger. They agreed that you should help Harry and Ron settle in at the new house. Seeing as you're their friend and they'll be mostly alone, you should probably spend some time out there with them, get accustomed to it and all. They said they'd see you in a few days, right before that convention thingy they said they sent in the registration form for." He walked away. "Come along, boys, or I'll tie you both down and do myself." Harry and Ron walked after him, grumbling about him being mean.

Hermione looked at Vincent. "Is he always like that?"

He nodded. "When he gets determined that things should go a certain way, he tends to get a touch manipulative." He cleared his throat. "He forgot to mention something as well. The rest of the house is under renovation. We'll have to share Draco's old room. Of course, I have my own room in it," he said at her opening mouth. "I wanted to warn you beforehand so you wouldn't have a fit on him. He's trying so hard to be nice."

"I noticed," she agreed. "Come along then, let's go to his house. Does he really have four libraries?"

Vincent nodded. "Big, huge libraries, and he's nice enough to occasionally let people borrow books too." He put a hand on her back to steer her toward the wall, letting her go through first. His own father had told him what being a gentleman was about, even if Lucius did sneer at the simple courtesies. He could get to like this, she leaned back against his hand.

The End.