I had to chuckle at the start, clearly Harry & Hermione let their situational awareness slip and they paid for it (fortunately, a bit of embarrassment is a far cheaper price than one could pay). I loved Hermione's response to Harry's being so accepting of her potentially being pregnant, though I doubt Tom did.
I'll be rather interested in seeing if Sybil is able to overcome whatever compulsions and such Dumbles has placed on her; methinks she might end up having to be tanked, anyway, simply because the compulsions would have physical effects and the only way to save her for later healing would be to tank her. Meanwhile, that convenient situation in Morocco should at least keep her in a safe condition for a while.
I admit, I loved Dobby's prank on Tom and I figure it's only fair to cause him as much heartburn as he causes others. I rather suspect this is not going to improve Severus' longevity as Tom becomes more easily irritated.
I admire Harry's being willing to do the "dirty work" himself and not order it out, as Albus does, though I rather thought that Dobby's little "addition" to Albus' wand was a thoughtful touch of interior decorating. 'Twill be interesting to see the results of those doctored lemon drops.
I loved that last bit and I'm looking forward to seeing Albus' reaction when he finds out that Neville's parents are unavailable to him. I rather imagine that, when asked, Augusta will simply reply that they were relocated to an experimental clinic with some innovative new therapies and, no, she won't remove them from there so that Severus Snape can attempt to heal them.
The advancement duels between Harry & Hermione and Harry & Neville should convince everyone that he plays no favorites as well as point up just how experienced they are compared to the rest of the Jedi Apprentices. Methinks those globes will help add to their experience (and so "experience is what keeps you from making mistakes; mistakes are what give you experience" is proven yet again).
I'll agree with Teresa in regard to Draco, that "boy" is going to have a way too interesting spring term for his own safety (then again, he's arrogant enough to believe he doesn't need worry about that, he'll learn otherwis and I'm sure McGonagall, Flich, Severus, and Tom will find it "interesting" to instruct him).
Author's response
Heya Cat!
Yeah, it did start the chapter off n a lighter note. I can actually see that happening, though. As for the jokes, yeah, I've seen that too!
Tommy: Anything that gives him a headache, is good in my book!
Sybill's fate will be decided in this next chapter, including my reasoning.
Tom/Dobby: Heartburn! I loved the way you said that! Having eatn Haneros, I quite agree. While they aren't the hottest peppers on Earth, they are more than hot enough for me!
And as for Snape, ummm...no. He is working for a psychotic dictator with grandiose dreams and no sense of humour.
Harry and the dirty work: I used my own sense of fairness there. Since I would never consider doing something like that by remote control, I cannot picture Harry doing so either.
Albie's reaction: Basically, yes, except Augusta won't even talk to him. (Remember, she's now convinced he was responsible for Frank's and Alice's condition.) As far as she's concerned, he's no better than Voldemort.
I explained my reasoning to Teresa for the advancement duels. Still, anyone who claims Hermione is being advanced because Harry's sweet on her is gong to come to face him, her, Neville, Remus, Tonks, Dobby and worst of all...Mackenzie!
The remotes are definitely gonna keep them on their toes. When Moody seen them, he's gonna say: "I want a hundred!"
Spring term: Here's where the whole thing begins to tie together. the events of late April will be a major focus point in the story...not in the actions, but in their effects.
Draco is going to try to skiv off his detentions, and get more for his trouble, and his 'sessions with Snape are going to hurt!
Until next time...
Alorkin