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RS- Transforming Harry
Part VIII -- Games

While Hermione plays a game with Ginny, Bulstrode plays politics and Voldemort makes a move.

Harry never wondered magicals differed from Muggles. He should have. When it’s discovered Harry has metamorphing abilities, life will be very different. HP/HG/LL/GW, some bisexuality & slash.

The Harry Potter canon and characters are owned by She-Who-Must-Be-Mentioned and many minions. This fic shows what hormonal teens wished they could get away with.

*

Chapter 15

There was a mixed group who came for the first DA meeting. All of the Fifth, Sixth, and Seventh year Gryffindors met at the door to the large dungeon room Dumbledore had assigned them. All of the Fifth year Hufflepuffs and all the Sixth and Seventh years who were continuing with Defense also showed up. All the Fifth year Ravenclaws came, except for the one girl who disliked Luna the most, and who was also a close friend with Cho and her group. None of the Seventh years showed. Half the Sixth years were continuing with Defense, and they all came, but none of the others did.

What did surprise a number of people was Blaise Zabini showing up with Tracy Davis, Daphne Greengrass, and all of the Slytherin Fifth years. Ron had not been the only person scowling at that, but none argued with Hermione or Stella.

However, when Draco Malfoy showed up at the last moment, the entire group went silent. "What are you doing here?" Ron growled.

"I'm a Sixth year Defense student," Draco said. "I need to practice defense."

"Don't you mean offense?" Ron demanded.

"My father took care to teach me plenty of offense," Draco stated simply. "Now I need to know defense."

Ron started to draw in a deep breath to start screaming, but calmed down when Stella took him by the wrist. She turned to Malfoy. "You do understand why many people are doubtful about you, don't you?"

Draco set his jaw, but nodded. In truth, he was still undecided about what direction he wanted to go in. Had Harry Potter been present, there was no way Draco could have swallowed his pride. It was difficult enough to do with the Weasel and the Mudblood there. He could tolerate this only because Stella was there.

"Fine. Behave correctly, and everyone will behave correctly towards you." Draco merely nodded again.

Stella glanced around. "Does anyone have a problem with that?" Ron looked the most unhappy, but he said nothing. Therefore, neither did anyone else, although it was clear no one welcomed Malfoy’s presence.

"Alright," Stella called out. "We have about eighty people here! Pair up by year if you can. We'll do some stinger and shield drills to warm up, and then we'll see if you can do the Patronus. Let's go!"

Stella grabbed Ron more tightly as he tried to move off towards Malfoy. "No you don't," she said. "Work with Dean and stay away from Malfoy. I'll keep an eye on him."

"Right," Ron answered simply.

"Ernie," Stella called.

"Yes?" he said uncertainly, coming over.

"You're supposed to have a good shield. Work with Malfoy. If he steps out of line, stun him," Stella said softly. Only Ernie and Ron heard her.

"Right," Ernie answered, as Ron went off, slightly mollified.

*

At the end of the meeting, the group cleared out quickly. In the end, only the six close friends were left.

"What do you think Malfoy is after?" Ron asked.

Stella signaled for silence, and ran her wand over the room while chanting softly. Finally, she said, "All clear. After Skeeter, I'm worried about all sorts of snoops. As for Malfoy, I think he's terrified of joining Voldemort, and equally terrified of what could happen to him if he does not join him. He's keeping his options open, and that means getting close to me."

"So you don't think he wants to join us, right?" Ron persisted.

"He might," Hermione said.

Stella shook her head. "He may or may not decide to join the fight against Voldemort, but he will never really be on our side, certainly not any time soon. He would have to have his ego knocked down a few notches, and none of us can do that."

"Why not?" Ginny asked.

"He wouldn't accept it from us," Luna explained. "That exposure to Riddle this summer that Stella told us about started a process. He has to shed his illusions and preconceptions about many things. We can give him positive enforcement, but he would resist our correcting or directly trying to guide him."

"And remember, Ron, a neutral Malfoy is better than one plotting against us or spying on us," Stella said.

"That's true, I guess," Ron allowed. "I still don't trust him."

"I don't trust him either, but we have to give him a chance to be useful, while not trusting him."

"Fair enough," Ron had to agree "Come on. Dinner should be served soon."

*

"Why did you go to the Mudblood's meeting?" Pansy demanded.

"I don't answer to you," Draco snarled.

"We both know who you're supposed to be answering to," Pansy snarled back. "Are you a coward or a blood-traitor?"

Draco slapped her hard across the face. "I have my orders, you stupid, ugly, useless bint. Even if you were somewhere in the Circle of the Faithful, you would be under orders to leave me alone. Since you're not leaving me alone, that means you are even more stupid, silly, and out of the loop than I thought. Now," Draco went on, his voice hard and slowly enunciating each word, "leave me alone." He walked off.

"I told you this would happen some day," a deep voice said from the shadows.

"Leave me alone, you unnatural cow," Pansy snapped. She stormed off.

"H'mmm," Millicent said to herself softly, "the balance of power seems to be changing in Slytherin. The question is, what does this mean for Hogwarts and the larger world?" She knew she would have to consider this matter a great deal before making any move.

*

Wednesday, September 10, 1996
10:10 PM The Gryffindor Common Room

"Do you find this at all annoying?" Ron teased.

Hermione scowled at him. She was seated at her favorite table, surrounded by books. About half the Gryffindors, Fifth years and above, were still up. On the largest sofa, near the fire and facing Hermione, sat Sarah, Ron, Stella, and Ginny. Stella had been quietly strumming her guitar for the previous half hour.

"You four could be studying," Hermione growled.

"We just finished our History essay," Ginny said.

"I'm finished for the week," Ron said.

Stella just smiled, which made Hermione scowl all the more. Stella had demonstrated yet again so far that week that she had mastered all the Sixth year practical skills. Add in the practical time she was spending on Defense and Charms, and Stella had little for worry about in any of her classes, other than Potions. She had therefore taken to entertaining the common room in the late evenings.

Hermione had another reason for discontent. Harry had spent two hours with Ginny the evening before, and two hours with Luna that night. Stella would therefore not be ready to play in bed this night any more than she had the evening before. Worse, Harry would spent time with the other two the next two nights. Things would only be more equitable starting the next week. Those were hardly things she could complain about in the common room, however.

"How late are you going to be tonight?" Stella asked Hermione.

Hermione sighed. "At least another forty-five minutes," she answered.

"Well, I'm going to go to bed," Stella said regretfully. She stood and kissed her three seatmates goodnight on their foreheads. She stooped and kissed Hermione on the cheek. She then whispered in her ear, "Remember to slip into my bed. I still want to cuddle you and wake up with you."

Hermione smiled brightly, and went back to her translation with renewed vigor.

No one else paid much attention to any of this, except for Colin Creevy, who shook his head with disappointment.

*

Sunday, September 15, 1996

Ron scowled mightily as Draco Malfoy escorted Stella from the DA meeting. It took Sarah and Ginny working together to drag him away.

"I sometimes wonder if Weasley doesn't care as much for you as he does that . . . other American." Draco barely managed not to insult Sarah.

"He's not in love with me, but other than that, he does care for me very deeply, both on my own and because of Harry," Stella answered. "You really don't care for any of my friends, do you?"

"My father loathes the Weasleys," Draco said simply. "They represent everything I've been taught to despise among any family who should. . . . Well, you can probably guess what my father taught me, about Weasleys and people like Granger."

"I can. Have you changed your mind about them at all?"

Draco gave Stella a twisted smile. "Well, I dislike the pair of them for their personalities more than anything else. Is that an improvement?"

"For you, probably. Tell me, I don't see you with Crabbe and Goyle very much, especially Crabbe. From what Harry told me, the three of you were inseparable. Was he exaggerating?"

Draco shrugged. "I'd say he was, except he never saw us in the common room and such. Crabbe is even more mixed up than I am. He never really understood the risks our fathers were taking." Draco grimaced. "For that matter, I didn't think about it enough, and I think my father had talked himself into believing he couldn't be touched, either. Nott was the least pro-Dark Lord of the four us, but since the arrests, he's been the most. Crabbe has switched over to Nott, while Goyle is sticking a bit more with me. It's all still up in the air."

"And if you decide you're backing Dumbledore instead of Voldemort?"

"I wish you wouldn't say the name," Draco complained. He sighed. "I do know I can't trust the Dark Lord, and to tell you the truth, I don't really trust Dumbledore. I'm sorry, I just can't back his agenda. I might work to defeat the Dark Lord, but if I come out of this with any credit, I'm still using it to limit the influence of the Muggles on our society."

"I think that's where North America has the advantage over Europe. You want to hide away and only mix marginally with the Muggles and the Muggle-born and the Mixed-and-half bloods at best. Parts of magical society has achieved it there."

"True," Draco agreed.

"I think Hogwarts really needs to be teaching the Muggle-born-and-raised more about magical traditions and culture. From what I hear, your history teacher does a really terrible job of it."

"Binns is the worst of the lot," Draco agreed. He nearly went on about Hagrid, but decided not to risk it.

"Is this what you wanted to talk about?" Stella asked after a few moments of silent walking.

"Well, not trusting Dumbledore is part of it," Draco said. "Look, are you going into Hogsmeade next Sunday?"

"I am," Stella agreed.

"Did Dumbledore tell you, or anyone that you know of, that it's a trap set by the Dark Lord?"

"Ah, so you're the source?" Draco flushed. "Yes, that's why I'm going. If the trip was canceled, you'd be outed as a source, and Nott or Montague or someone might just slit your throat one night." Draco paled at the thought. "So, I'm going. If there is an attack, I can summons the Druid Masters, the enemy will be captured or driven off, and you won't look bad."

"I hadn't thought of it that way," Draco said. "I have to admit, I admire your courage. If you only knew what it was like to face Him, or to feel the Cruciatus. . . ."

'If only you knew, you coward,' Harry thought. He was glad a tale had been concocted to cover what he was about to say, combining several little known stories from North America. "I've stood up to all three Unforgivables. I know what they're like."

"Huh!?" Draco's eyes were wide. Stella pulled him into a disused classroom.

"Your so-called 'Dark Lord' is hardly the only one out there, you know. We had one, nine years ago, trying to take over the Community. His people took my extended family hostage. I was hit by the Crucio. Then I was put under the Imperius by one of his stooges, and I was told to stab my mother."

"How awful!"

Stella sneered, which shook Draco. "I stabbed that bastard right in the balls! Another stooge sent a Killing Curse at me, and my mother stepped in front of it. He sent another, and it hit me."

"Just like Potter!"

"Just like Harry, except when the spell rebounded it killed the prick instead of disembodying him, like it did Voldemort."

"I never heard of it!"

"We don't talk about such things," Stella said. She undid her robe and blouse.

"What are you doing?" Draco demanded, his voice in a panic.

Stella partially pulled up her bra, showing the underside of her right breast, where the little lighting bolt was. Then, she covered up. "If Voldemort hears about this, it can only be through you," Stella said. Seeing Draco was still a bit green. "What, you never saw part of a boob before?"

"Not the bottom of one, anyway," Draco said.

Stella frowned. "Draco, tell me the truth. Are you more interested in wizards or witches?"

"I. . . ."

Stella took hold of Draco's upper arm and stared deep into his eyes. "The truth, Draco."

Draco shivered. "Wizards. I think you're gorgeous, and I've always thought the Weaselette cute, but I prefer wizards." He shook his head, and then collapsed in anguish.

Stella knelt next to Draco, who had covered his head with his arms and was rocking back and forth. "It's not that bad, Draco," she said.

"I'm the only surviving son," Draco said. "I have to continue the line. I can't be known as a sodomite."

While most of her attention was on Draco, Stella caught a movement near the door. She silently sent a trio of wandless hexes in the direction of the intruder. "Now Draco, calm down," Stella said.

"How did you know?" Draco wailed.

"I've been charmed," Stella said.

"Huh?"

"I've been charmed. The only wizards who should find me attractive are Druids, but they did say there was a chance that other guys, especially bisexual or homosexual ones, might be attracted to me. I have a mission here, Draco, and a wizard I'm interested in back home. I didn't need the normal distractions a witch in my position is exposed to."

"Oh . . . bother." He sighed. "Has there been anyone else?"

"If there have been, I would no more mention their names than I will yours," Stella pointed out.

"So, I suppose Dumbledore told you the Dark Lord gave you as my assignment?"

"He did," Stella said. "If we have to fake anything, we'll wait for the spring to work on it."

"I understand."

Stella helped Draco up. "Now, go on back to your common room, and try to avoid Ron if he's being silly."

"But. . . ."

"We'll talk some more, Draco. We'll find you solutions, alright?"

Draco scowled, but merely agreed and bade Stella good night.

After Draco was gone, Stella went out to the dark corridor. She brightened the torches with a command, and the ambient light increased. She looked up at the vaulting. "Well, well, hello Millicent." Stella canceled the hexes, and Millicent Bulstrode fell the fifteen feet to the floor.

It took Millicent over a minute to recover, most of it spent moaning. "I think I broke my wrist," she finally said.

Stella did a quick spell. "Nope, just a bad sprain. Now, when did you start listening in?"

Millicent bared her teeth. Stella leaned in and to Millicent's surprise dragged the larger girl to her feet. "I said," Stella snapped, staring into Millicent's eyes, "when did you start listening in?"

Millicent was a bit stronger-willed than Draco, but she could not resist the Legilimency attack. "I heard you ask Draco if he had never seen a boob before." Millicent shook her head to clear it. "Even better than that, I heard Draco finally admit he's bent."

"Tell me why I should let you know about Draco?" Stella demanded.

Millicent snorted. "What can you do about . . . URRK!" Millicent gagged as her throat was partially constricted merely by Stella's will.

"Do you know the main difference between Harry Potter and myself?" Stella asked conversationally.

Millicent was not quite strangling, but she was nearly strangling. She managed to shake her head.

"Harry is a nice guy, and has to be a nice guy. I'm not, and I don't have to be. Don't believe I won't kill you, and in such a way as to get away with it. Understand?"

"Arrrggcchh!" Millicent managed to agree.

Stella let up on the wandless clamping hex she had placed on Millicent. The large girl took a huge, deep, ragged breath. "I ask again, why is it to my advantage not to get rid of you, or at least your recent memory?"

"Tell me honestly, do you think Dumbledore's side will win?" Millicent managed to ask.

"Yes," Stella said simply. "Right now, you're on the far outside, if not in the opposition."

"I'm a half-blood," Millicent said, almost with a snarl. "There aren't many of us in Slytherin, but there are a few, believe it or not. You haven't been here long enough to realize what that can mean."

"I can guess, and I happen to know that a certain head boy back in the mid-1940s was both a half-blood and in Slytherin."

Millicent frowned. "Is that supposed to mean something to me?"

Stella sighed, and reproduced Tom Riddle's trick of changing his name into 'I am Lord Voldemort'."

"Really?" Millicent said eagerly. "I hadn't fully understood what the Headmaster meant."

"Oh, yes, totally true. The hero of the lunatic fringe of the Pure-Blood movement is a half-blood. His mother was the last known heir of Slytherin himself, and she seduced by a Muggle who didn't know she was a witch by using a love potion. The father abandoned them when he found out what had happened."

"Why didn't more people know this?" Millicent demanded.

Stella snorted. "Didn't you read Potter's interview in The Quibbler last spring?" Millicent nodded. Stella shrugged. "It was all in there, but everyone seems to have read it without taking it in, just like some people didn't listen to the Headmaster."

"I had better reread the reprint in The Prophet again," Millicent mused. She thought some more. "May I come to your DA meeting next week?"

"We're not meeting next week. It's the equinox. The next meeting is in two weeks, but yes, you may."

"Are you going to be here next year, or is Potter?"

"I don't know," Stella admitted.

Millicent thought some more. "Why is keeping Malfoy's secret important to you?"

"Because while I can't trust Malfoy, I prefer trying to keep him neutral rather than working for Voldemort. He's supposed to try and seduce me. . . ."

Millicent snorted.

"And he knows now he won't succeed. Still, he might be useful to me."

"And what can you offer me?"

Stella shrugged. "What do you want? Other than your memories and your life, I mean."

Millicent shuddered at the threat, but carried on. "First of all, Draco is a spoiled coward, but he's not stupid," Millicent said. "He's the number one Slytherin student in our year, and I'm the second. I could be first, but I learned quickly to match Draco at best, and not to beat him too often. Nott isn't stupid, either, but he's even less of a leader than Draco is. Zabini doesn't want to get his hands dirty, and no one else is ready to step up, either. I know how I can take control of Slytherin."

Stella's eyebrows went up.

"Alright, I know how to get most of the Slytherin students on your side, if Draco will go along. I can blackmail him into it right now."

"That's rather unstable, from my point of view," Stella replied, glad Hermione was not there to overhear.

"Can you get him to go along at a lesser cost to us?" Millicent asked, trying to tie their interests together.

"I can get him to go along with what I want, for at least the rest of the school year. I don't know if I can get him to go along with what you want."

Millicent smiled, as she realized Stella was on to her. Stella actually was not as aware of the nuances as Millicent thought she was, but was faking it well. "Can we get him on both our sides if he comes out of this with some political capital?" Millicent asked. "I'll never be able to be a leader in the general community."

"Now that's something Draco can appreciate," Stella agreed. "If that was first, what's second?"

Millicent suddenly actually looked shy. "Could you arrange a loan for me?"

"How much, and for what?" Stella asked.

"Like I said, I'm considered a half-blood, because one of my grandmothers was Muggle-born. I want to marry Greg. Greg wants to marry me. However, because of my status, his parents want a 25,000 Galleon dowry. My parents have managed to raise around 14,000. . . ."

"A loan, huh? If I did arrange, say, a 12,000 Galleon low-interest long-term loan, when would the bonding be announced?"

"Any time that would be politically convenient for you," Millicent said. "Either will buy my silence on Draco for two years. Both, well, that opens up some interesting possibilities. You can really arrange the loan?"

"From Harry, yes."

Millicent grimaced. "And you really don't know if you or Potter will be here next year?"

"I don't."

"You're his Proxy. Would he be willing to be yours?"

"Yes."

Millicent thought some more, "Let me go. Please."

Stella did so, and then Millicent got down on one knee. "I will not swear to be your leigewoman for life, but I can give you my allegiance for two years, if we are agreed. I should swear now, so you'll know my silence is good."

"Let's do it," Stella said.

*

"So, now we're working with two people we can't really trust," Ron stated softly later that night.

"We certainly can't fully trust Draco," Ginny said. Stella had, of course, not told them that Draco was passing on some information to Dumbledore. "Could Bulstrode have made the pledge if she hadn't meant it?"

"A really powerful witch or wizard might be able to fake the flash of a pledge being made," Hermione mused, "but I doubt Bulstrode could do it."

"So do I," Stella said. "We can't fully trust her, but I think this means we can work with her. She's a true Slytherin. She's ambitious. She figures she won't have much of a future if Voldemort wins, and, let's be blunt, despite the shortage of witches, not many wizards other than Goyle would be interested in her. This way, when we win, she'll be on the winning side, she'll have some influence with Malfoy, who like it or not will have some influence on the Pure-Bloods, and she'll have her marriage portion all set up."

"Do you think it will be over by then?" Sarah asked.

"I think so," Stella said. "I can't see Voldemort and Harry clashing more than two or three more times without there being a definite winner, one way of the other."

"But Harry isn't here," Hermione said, just in case they were being overheard.

"I'm sure Dumbledore has that taken into account," Stella said. At that point, they were beginning to draw attention to themselves. The Sixth years went back to a Charms essay, and the Fifth years went back to one on Potions.

*

Thursday, September 19, 1996

Hermione made her way back from the library a bit tiredly, even though it was just after 5:00. It wasn't every day a girl not only had her birthday, but her 17th birthday, the day she reached her majority.

No one had cared about her or her birthday during her first year at Hogwarts. During her second year, the two boys had told her happy birthday, and that was it. Ron had only given her a card for her birthday during her third year. Harry, in part because she had given him an expensive broom servicing kit for his birthday two months before and in part because he had spent a few weeks in Diagon Alley, had given her a set of gift certificates at Flourish and Blotts and two used bookstores. He had had Mrs. Weasley pick up the same things the previous two years for him (in larger amounts), while Ron, Ginny, Neville, and a few other people had still given her cards.
All of them, and a few other, like Luna, had given her cards that morning. Since then, nothing. Hermione had not expected much more, but she had hoped for a little more.

She allowed herself a small sigh.

"Psst!"

"EEP!" Hermione jumped and then looked around. Finally, she saw Stella's face peeking out from under the invisibility cloak. "That are you doing?" Hermione hissed.

"Looking for my best girl," Stella said softly. She opened the cloak. "Come on, beautiful."

Hermione didn't hesitate, but hurried under the cloak. She was not surprised to have Stella take them the hidden area behind the mirror that they used for their afternoon together, and for Harry to come out.

"Surprise!" Luna, Ginny, Ron, and Sarah shouted.

Hermione wasn't really surprised, of course, but her smile was genuine. Dobby had provided a cake and enough finger foods to serve as dinner, and there was a small pile of presents. As she opened them, she decided her favorite was Luna's personal copy of an early 15th-century manuscript on snorkacks, since she knew it was a very precious possession.

After Hermione had blown out the candles and Ron had demolished a platter of finger sandwiches, he and Sarah left the four lovers alone.

"Thank you, whoever thought of this," Hermione said. Ginny and Harry pointed at Luna. "Thank you, Luna." Hermione kissed Luna firmly.

"And now for the last present," Ginny said.

"And what might that be?" Hermione asked.

"Your choice," Ginny said.

"My choice of what?"

"It's not quite Seven," Ginny answered. "We can leave you alone with Harry, or we or any one or two of us can make love with you. Your call."

"I wish we were all seventeen," Hermione said. "Then we could all make love properly."

"313 days for Harry, 689 days for Ginny, and 407 days for me," Luna said.

"Not that you're counting," Ginny teased.

"But I am!" Luna said, puzzled.

"Anyway, shall we leave you with Harry, or may we make love with you, too?" Ginny asked.

"All together," Hermione answered.

"I think we'll start you off with an oil massage," Harry said, getting up to get the massaging oil. Ginny quickly started stripping, with Luna and then Hermione following.

Dobby had found them a massage table somewhere (they had all decided not to ask such questions), but this was the first time they were putting it to use. Hermione positioned herself face down while the other three adjusted themselves. Luna took Hermione's left foot, Ginny her right, while Harry started in on her neck and shoulders.

As the trio massaged her, Hermione reflected that although her parents were fairly affectionate, she had never been touched much before the previous summer. She could no longer imagine life without the caresses, hugs, and casual-but-affectionate touches that now made up her everyday life, even leaving aside the more intimate touches that formed her love life.

By the time Harry had worked his way down to her lower back and the girls had worked their way up to her buttocks, Hermione was both relaxed and slightly aroused. The trio helped her flip over on the narrow table.

The massage now became more directly erotic. The oil was both aromatic and edible, so Luna and Ginny were alternating massaging and gently squeezing Hermione's pert breasts and flicking her nipples with their tongues. Harry's strong hands had started massaging her thighs, but Hermione had already spread her legs. Harry's fingers quickly moved to make slow progress on her inner thighs and labia.

First Luna and then Ginny started alternating sucking on Hermione's engorged nipples with kissing her, and then each other, deeply. When he judged Hermione aroused enough, Harry started licking the oil from her inner labia.

Hermione let go a low moan of passion.

Harry’s tongue flicked her clit, and Hermione grabbed onto Luna and Ginny's waists. Harry started flicking and then sucking in earnest, and Hermione arched her back, crying out in passion. Harry, aided by Luna and Ginny, brought Hermione off three times in just over two minutes. Only her begging for them to stop brought the session to an end. Hermione shuddered in passion one last time, and then slid her legs off the table.

Hermione turned around and bent over. "Do it," she told Harry.

Harry oiled his cock, then narrowed it a bit. He used his hand to make the head of his cock play with Hermione's labia for a moment, not quite pushing into her and taking her virginity, before letting it slid up and into her anus.

Hermione moaned and pushed back, and Harry widened his cock back to normal, and the two began a quick butt-fuck, with Harry trying to hold back from the passion generated, while Hermione howled her demands for more as she bucked against Harry and rubbed her clit, trying for a fourth orgasm.

Luna and Ginny, meanwhile, were in a passionate 69 of their own on the large sofa.

Hermione hit her fourth orgasm first. Her tight arse grew even tighter, and Harry shot off deep inside her, groaning almost as louder has Hermione had been screaming. As the pair began to cool down, Ginny and then Luna orgasmed as well.

Hermione squeezed her butt cheeks together, holding Harry's softening cock, and said, "This has been the best birthday party ever."

*

Chapter 16
Sunday, September 22, 1996

"So," Ginny said brightly to Harry, Luna, and Hermione, "what shall we do today?"

"Somehow, I think you have an idea," Hermione said drily.

"Maybe. . . ." Ginny retorted.

"Oh . . . pooh!" Luna exclaimed. "I wish I had never loaned you those books of Victorian pornography!"

"Huh?" Harry asked, confused.

"Really?" Hermione asked, curious. "The English Vice, I take it?"

Ginny flushed slightly, but nodded. Harry was stumped. "The what?"

Hermione ignored him. "So, birching, flogging, whipping, or spanking?" she asked, eyeing Ginny's back and backside. Harry's eyes went wide.

"Spanking, just to try it," Ginny said softly.

Harry was shocked. "You can't be serious!"

"I believe she is," Hermione said.

"And you mean to. . . ."

"Spank her? If she wishes."

"But. . . ."

"When done while her passion is already inflamed, it's supposed to enhance her pleasure," Luna said, a bit doubtfully to Harry's ears.

Hermione concentrated, and a long chain appeared from the ceiling, ending in a pair of padded manacles. Ginny quickly started stripping. Hermione moved to a cabinet that had also appeared, which was full of what Harry thought were rather nasty looking items.

Hermione selected four small paddles. They were very slightly padded on one side and plain wood on the other. Three were flat, and one seemed to be made of lattice work. She placed them on a table, and then started to strip. Luna and Harry looked at each other, shrugged, and stripped as well.

Hermione had stopped undressing long enough to clasp Ginny's wrists in the manacles, and then pulled the chain so that Ginny's arms were raised over her head. She did not have to go up on her toes at all, and she pouted.

"Don't pout yet," Hermione said. She went back to the cabinet, and pulled out a strange device. These were a pair of foot manacles. These would force Ginny's feet two feet apart. This also took up the slack in the overhead chain, so that any further movement could either force Ginny onto her toes or leave her hanging from her wrists. "How's that?"

"Odd. . . ." Ginny admitted. She was now getting a little nervous.

Luna and Harry waited for instructions. Luna seemed to have some idea of what was going on and what should happen, but Harry was completely lost. He looked at Hermione. Luna looked at Hermione.

Ginny looked at Hermione. "Well?" she asked.

"You know," Hermione said, nonchalantly, "you're very pretty, Ginny."

"What?"

"You're very pretty." Hermione stepped back a few feet, and ran her eyes over Ginny. Even though all four were nude, only Ginny felt naked. She was exposed, and could do nothing about it. "In some ways, Ginny is the most feminine of the three of us, in her build I mean. Her breasts are the fullest, and her hips . . . do you think we could call them lush?"

"I suppose so," Luna said.

Harry mildly asked, "Should you be. . . ."

"Talking about Ginny as if she were an object?" Hermione asked, walking around the suddenly-shy Ginny. "Oh, yes. She wants to be objectified today. She wants us to admire that creamy un-marked skin -- see the nipples puckering, the moist little cleft, the swell of her arse? She needs us to look at her." Ginny looked down at her toes. "Look, she even got someone to give her a pedicure and manicure. Was it Lavender?"

"Yes," Ginny said in a small voice.

Ginny had just reached five foot even in height, so Hermione had four inches on her. She reached over and lifted Ginny's chin. She looked into Ginny's eyes, and then dipped her head and kissed her deeply. Ginny whimpered a bit as Hermione thumbed her hard nipples.

"Luna," Hermione said as she broke the kiss, "could you come here please?"

"Yes?" Luna asked.

Hermione whispered in Luna's ear. Luna listened, nodded, and then knelt in front of Ginny. "Harry?" Hermione called, "would you come and kiss Ginny, please?"

Harry shrugged, and did as he was told. Hermione whispered to him, "Kiss her mouth, face, and neck as you please, but stimulate her tits."

"Right."

"When I start, stop kissing her and concentrate on her nipples."

Harry wasn't certain what that meant, but he nodded and did as he was told. It wasn't easy to get at her neck, since her arms were over her head, but Ginny's breasts were high and exposed. Harry had to stoop a bit, as Luna was busy licking Ginny between her navel and upper thighs, although at the moment she was avoiding Ginny's labia and clit. Harry could tell that Hermione was behind Ginny, stroking her back and sides, at times tickling her lightly, which Ginny generally hated.

Harry had just finished kissing Ginny deeply yet again, and had moved on to her cheek when -- WACK -- Hermione landed the first hit with a paddle. It was from a padded side, and so made a lot of noise but really didn't sting at all.

Harry moved to hold up Ginny's breasts with his palms while his thumbs kept stimulating them. Having spent time with (and as) as all three girls, Harry knew that Ginny's nipples were by far the most sensitive. Luna now started licking Ginny's labia as well.

-- WACK!! -- "Oh!"

This was from the other side of the paddle.

It stung.

-- WACK -- WACK!! --

Harry pulled back to look at Ginny.

-- WACK -- WACK!! -- SMACK!! -- WACK -- WACK!! Hermione was alternating between the cheeks she was slapping with the plain and lattice paddles, and the hard and padded sides.

-- SMACK!! -- WACK -- WACK!! -- Ginny was biting her lower lip, but she had a slightly blissful look as well. Harry kept his thumbs moving on Ginny's nipples, and Luna had her long tongue working at full speed.

-- WACK -- WACK -- WACK!! -- SMACK!! -- WACK -- WACK!! -- WACK!! -- SMACK!! -- SMACK!! -- WACK -- WACK!! -- WACK -- WACK!! -- Ginny was moaning in pleasure. Harry leaned in and very lightly bit Ginny's left nipple. "Arrggh," Ginny responded, more in pleasure than in pain.

-- SMACK!! -- WACK -- SMACK!! -- WACK!! ---- WACK -- WACK!! -- SMACK!! -- WACK -- WACK!! -- Ginny was moaning loudly. Hermione smiled and went after both buttocks with the hard side of the paddles. -- KRACK!!! -- KRACK!!! -- KRACK!!! --

Ginny screamed in her orgasm. Hermione dropped the paddles and kissed the bright red cheeks. Luna loosened the chain, and Ginny fell to her knees. Luna handed Harry the tube of lubricant. Harry arched his eyebrows.

"Do it," Hermione said.

Harry greased up his cock and knelt behind Ginny. He held his cock against Ginny's rectum.

"Do it!" Ginny echoed hoarsely. Harry shrugged and drove in. "OOoaaaww!"

Ginny bucked against Harry while Harry fucked her arse as hard as he could. He didn't last long, collapsing on top of Ginny.

Ginny was still breathing hard as Luna and Hermione gently rubbed some cold soothing potion onto her cheeks.

Harry cleaned himself up and then laid down next to Ginny. "Are you alright?"

Ginny smiled. "I wouldn't want to do that often, but I liked it!" Harry looked at Luna and Hermione. They shrugged. They all had kinks of their own.

*

The nine students who were going to visit Hogsmeade gathered in the entrance hall at 11:30. Besides Stella, Ron, and Hermione, Dean Thomas was there from Gryffindor. Kevin Entwhistle was the only Ravenclaw. Justin Finch-Fletchley, Wayne Hopkins, Charlie Moon, and Eloise Midgen were there from Hufflepuff.

"First of all, does anyone have a pre-set appointment?" Professor Flitwick asked. Dean, Hermione, Justin, and Eloise raised their hands.

"Miss Midgen?"

"I have an appointment with a representative of the Magical Craft Guild," she said.

Dean raised his hand. "Yes, Mister Thomas?" Flitwick asked as he ticked a piece of parchment

"I have the same appointment, plus one with a rep from the Artists' Guild."

"Very good. Let's see, Miss Granger and Mister Finch-Fletchley, you're to be interviewed by Gringotts, correct?"

They agreed. "Anyone else? No? Now, we'll be taking carriages into town. We will be having a luncheon at the Three Broomsticks, while listening to presentations by the Mayor of Hogsmeade, the Master of the Diagon Alley Merchants' Guild, and the representative from Gringotts. After that, those of you who have set appointments will stay at the Three Broomsticks. The rest of us will make three other visits. Now, come along, everyone."

Ron, Hermione, and Stella got into the last carriage. "What's wrong, Ron?" Stella asked.

"This is damn depressing," Ron said.

"Why?" Hermione asked.

"You two just don't know how the magical world works," Ron said.

"True," Stella said. "Explain it to us, if you can keep it short."

"Do you know why there are really only four people going to Hogsmeade? I mean, four of you have appointments, and Stella here to keep an eye on us. Most of us have a basic idea what they're going to be doing. Neville inherits a small estate. Ernie's family are the main magical builders in northern Britain. The Patils run an import business from India. Zabini's family does the same from the Mediterranean. Seamus' maternal family is big in Ireland, and his father has his own Muggle business. Me, Kevin, Wayne, and Charlie don't have any family connections in either world, and Kevin will probably be going into accounting somewhere. I'm surprised he's not getting interviewed by Gringotts."

"His mother doesn't like goblins," Hermione said. "He fights it, but has to put up with it until he leaves home."

"So that leaves me, Wayne, and Charlie. Shall I tell you what two of the three 'visits' will be?"

"How do you know?"

"Because they're here every year," Ron said. "The Knight's Bus will be looking to add people, and the Post Office will be looking for owl keepers." He sighed. "Taking tickets and delousing owls. Welcome to the wonderful world of magic."

"You'll never have to do either," Stella stated.

"Oh? What am I supposed to do? Live off Harry?"

"Harry has a huge estate," Stella retorted. "Most of his investments are in the Muggle world. . . ."

"I wish the so-called Pure-Bloods would remember that a lot of their money comes from the Muggle world," Hermione growled.

"Harry sent a letter to the twins last week, asking if he could make a formal investment in their business, especially if they wanted to open a second store in Hogsmeade. He has a lot of gold, just sitting in his vaults. You could manage one of their stores, or if you know of a business, he'll go partners with you. And if not, why should he pay some strangers to look after his wealth, if you want to do some of it? Would it really bother you if Harry paid you, if you were doing the work?"

"If I were a Muggle, maybe not," Ron said. "That's a much bigger world. Very few wizards are employed by other wizards."

"What about witches?" Hermione asked.

"A lot of them do tend towards part-time jobs for other people," Ron admitted. He sighed. "I might end up in the Ministry after all, if I can get five N.E.W.T.s."

"Is that the requirement?" Stella asked.

"Five N.E.W.T.s, any subject, any level," Ron said.

"Obviously, the better you do, the better the position," Hermione said.

"Oh, thank you for reminding me," Ron groused.

"Sorry," Hermione said.

Ron shrugged. "It's a fact of life. Here we can do all these marvelous things, compared to Muggles, and I could still end up taking tickets on the Knight's Bus."

"Ron, you're too smart and too magically talented to end up with a job like that, unless your pride is the most important thing," Stella said. Ron frowned. "Think about it. From what you said, unless you start your own business or work for the Ministry, the only way you get a good job in the Magical world is by being related to someone, or as a favor to someone. Right?"

"I suppose so."

"Then who do you know? Harry. Who are you related to? The twins, and Bill and your father, I suppose. There is no shame in working the system, Ron."

"If this were the Muggle world, I'd argue that point," Hermione said. "It used to work that way, and probably still does to some degree, but it's not a good thing, Still, if that's the way things are, then that's how we have to deal with the magical world."

"Oh, like you'll have problems," Ron said.

"Who do I know, besides Harry? Who am I related to?" Hermione snapped.

"Hermione. . . ."

"Yes, Stella?"

Stella sighed. "If you, Luna, and Ginny do all formalize your relationships with Harry, you do realize it might limit your employment opportunities?"

"Nonsense," Hermione stated. "After Harry defeats Voldemort, he could have a harem of fifty wives, who each had another husband who each had two wives, and Harry could be screwing them all, wives and husbands all, sequentially in the arse one a day every day at noon in the middle of the Ministry lobby and again at Six in the middle of the Hogsmeade High Street or in front of Gringotts and they'd all get jobs of some kind. They just might not be very good jobs. As for Harry, he'll be lucky if they don't nominate him for Minister the day after he wins."

Stella shuddered. "If that happens, I think he'll say they should make Mister Weasley or Madam Bones minister."

"Mum would love you, err, him, but Dad would have screaming fits," Ron said.

"Then I'll suggest he meets with Madam Bones, and make a promotion part of the deal. Maybe he'll suggest hiring you as Percy's boss, too."

Ron couldn't decide how he felt about that, which kept him quiet over the last few minutes of the ride into Hogsmeade.

*

The early afternoon went much as Ron and Hermione had predicted. The speakers were professional, the lunch was nice (and free, although the students did have to pay for their own drinks). Afterwards, while most of the students were having their pre-arranged interviews, the other teens were taken by Flitwick to the far edge of town to the bus station (Harry had always wondered what the large building across from the train platform was, and now knew) and given an enthusiastic talk on the glories of being a bus driver.

Harry had assumed there was only one Knight's Bus, but it turned out there were six out every day in Britain, running in overlapping six hour shifts. Each driver had a one day on and one day off schedule, and the pay sounded decent. Ron and Charlie looked slightly interested in spite of themselves. Charlie was also somewhat interested in the technical side, and asked some interesting questions.

They came back to the post office. Wayne and Ron had no interest in working on maintaining the owls, but training the post owls seemed both more interesting and rewarding. After all both had their O.W.L. in Care.

It was 1:45 as they headed back to the Three Broomsticks, where they would all hear the last pitch of the day. Stella was beginning to wonder if this was not just a ruse to see if Voldemort would find any leaks in his organization.

However, as they approached the last place Stella thought it likely they might be attacked, they all heard someone shout, "AVADA. . . ."

Before the curse could be finished, Stella and Flitwick had metal shields conjured in front of them and the students between them. The Death Curse did not get through, but it hit Flitwick's shield with enough force to blow the elderly little wizard onto his backside, along with Charlie Moon.

Ron and Wayne shot stunners in the general direction of the curse, and then Ron picked up Flitwick's shield, giving himself, Charlie, and Flitwick some cover.

The fire fight began in earnest. While the incoming fire was dangerous, Stella quickly decided it really was more show than force. She took a chance and moved more closely to a narrow walkway between two shops.

Stella had only gotten off three hexes when she heard the 'pop' of an apparation down the walkway. She turned to see what Voldemort had planned for her.

She was not certain if she should be disappointed or not. Despite all her training, despite her power, Harry was not certain if he could take on Voldemort in his own or in Stella's form. So while Harry was hoping things would soon be over, Stella saw it was not going to be that easy.

"So, you're the Old Man's new hero?"

"No, Bella, I am not," Stella said, moving down the passage.

"You know who I am?"

"I do." Stella cast an anti-apparation spell over the narrow passage.

"Silly girl! You can't fight and keep that spell in place!"

"Maybe, maybe not," she said, now within twelve feet of her prey.

"Stop!" Bellatrix commanded.

"Get fucked!" As that was said, Stella turned back into Harry.

"Potter!"

"You killed Sirius," Harry snarled. Bellatrix started to back up before the fury in front of her. She had partially lied to Harry the previous June. When he had cast the Cruciatus on her, it had been very brief, but it's power had been worse than Voldemort at his worst.

She raised her wand. "I'm warning you, Potter!"

At that point, Harry lunged forward and transformed into his Manticore animagus form. The sting of his scorpion tail moved forward with his momentum and drove into her from under her jaw up into her brain.

The Manticore wiped its sting on Bellatrix's black robes, and then turned back into Harry, and from that form to Stella. She carefully took Bellatrix' wand, using Lestrange's own cloak to prevent her fingerprints from getting on the wand. Stella shoved the wand into the wound and commanded it to shoot sparks (which would destroy most of any poison the stinger might have left, if not all of it). Then Stella moved back to the high street, where the sounds of battle were already dying.

*

Twenty-five minutes later, Stella was back in the Three Broomsticks, sipping a warm butterbeer. While the attack on the students was a complete failure (there were no serious injuries on the students' part, while all the Death Eaters other than Bellatrix Lestrange had been captured), the preparations for the attack had seen the Death Eaters torturing and killing a dozen residents of Hogsmeade while they had waited for the students.

After a further fifteen minutes of general debriefing, Master Ivor and Dumbledore called Stella into a private corner.

"You . . . you killed Bellatrix, didn't you?" Dumbledore accused.

"I did," Stella calmly answered. "I was practicing for Voldemort. I wasn't sure if I could do it. Now I know I can, and I will."

"But. . . ."

Stella glowered at Dumbledore. "I am what you and the Prophecy made me, Headmaster. Part of me regrets not allowing Remus and Sirius to kill Wormtail, part of me wishes I never had to kill anyone. But I do have to kill, don't I? I helped kill Quirrell, and then killed the avatar of Tom Riddle. Don't preach to me, unless I start killing at random, or act like an avenging angel. I hope I only have to kill once more, but I will have to kill, won't I?"

Dumbledore said nothing, but stood and walked away.

"I think it was as much what you did to Lestrange afterwards as the killing that bothers him, not to mention the fact that you do not seem to be suffering any remorse."

Stella's hand started to shake. Stella steadied the mug with her other hand. "Oh, I feel worse than you can imagine. I wasn't about to allow him to see it, though."

"Why?"

Stella looked at the elderly wizard, and he was shocked at the pain in her face and eyes. "I've been manipulated my entire life, and he has been behind most of it. He's never been upfront with me. You and your people. . . ."

"Our people, my child. You are one of us."

Stella smiled a very wavery smile. "Thank you. Our people are also using me, but you've been upfront. In some ways, the girls are using me, just as I'm using them. We're open about it. I want Ron to use me in a way, to help his career. I'm using Malfoy and Bulstrode, and they're using me. Again, it's out in the open. The Headmaster is still trying to use me without giving me much information."

"I see. I will do my best for you. Please, for your own soul's sake, do not kill again if you can help it, other than Voldemort. What did you feel as you killed Lestrange?"

"When I saw it was her, I had mixed feelings. I had hoped I would get the chance to test the Manticore, but knew I couldn't just kill anyone. I had really hoped I could get Voldemort, but I don't know if I could actually take him right now."

Stella stared out into nothing for a moment. "Bellatrix, well, her I knew I could kill. She was a crazed psychopath. I could make a good argument against it being right to kill anyone, but if anyone in addition to Voldemort deserved to die, it was her."

"Well, my child, I think you should come with me now. We shall go through a ritual of forgiveness and then celebrate the equinox. Meanwhile, some of our brethren will speak to your friends. We will be opening formal relations with the British, French, and Swiss after the war. We will be partially staffing our missions, of course, but we will also be using some locals. I think your Ron Weasley would be a good man, as well as some of the others."

Stella stood, bowed, and then knelt on one knee. "Thank you, Master."

Master Ivor also stood, and then stooped and kissed Stella's forehead. "Come, my child."

*

Stella was not surprised to see Dumbledore waiting for her when she returned to Hogwarts with Siân that evening. The Headmaster escorted Stella to his office.

"Are you going to scold me some more?" Stella asked.

"Could you please change?"

Stella shrugged. "It feels weird, wearing a skirt as Harry." Dumbledore said nothing, so Harry reappeared. "Happy?"

"No, I am not happy at all."

"Well, neither am I." Harry returned Dumbledore's stare with a glare of his own.

After several moments of silence, Dumbledore said, "I believe you can understand why I reacted as I did at the Three Broomsticks."

"You dislike the fact that I must be a killer almost as much as I do, even if it's likely for different reasons," Harry answered. "I think you also would prefer me angst-ridden and malleable to independent."

Harry thought Dumbledore might have winced under his long beard, but could not be certain. "I hope you are mistaken about that. Anyway, unless you have strong objections, we will simply announce that Bellatrix was killed in the firefight."

Harry considered that. "Do you mean just to the press, or will we be lying to the Ministry and Voldemort as well?"

"The Ministry yes, Voldemort. . . . It might be best if he did not come after you directly."

"Lestrange was after me directly today. I would prefer he come after me directly, as opposed to sending attacker after attacker. One of them might get lucky."

Dumbledore considered that. "Very well. I shall inform Severus, although I shall not of course inform him of the actual method."

"I understand. As her death been announced yet here at the school?"

"No, why?"

"Then I should tell Neville."

"Perhaps. Another suggestion was that someone Polyjuiced into you, so that Harry and Stella might appear together, with Harry taking the blame or credit for Bellatrix' death."

Harry shook his head. "No thanks. All other considerations aside, I think, in their own twisted ways, Draco and Millicent would have more respect for Stella if she is thought responsible, and she might need that."

"True," Dumbledore acknowledged. "Your friends are waiting for you behind the mirror; they left dinner early. Neville is with Susan Bones in the great hall."

"Thank you." Harry stood and transformed back into Stella.

"Was there anything else you needed to tell me?" Dumbledore asked.

"Oh, yes. . . ." Stella responded. "The Council of Druids have declared Harry of age as of today. I believe that takes precedence over British law, doesn't it?"

"It does," Dumbledore acknowledged. "Please be careful."

"Yes, sir," Stella said, and left.

*

"How did Neville take the news?" Ginny asked forty-five minutes later.

"He seemed rather relieved," Harry said. "I think the idea of that Bellatrix was still around was hanging around his neck almost like knowing the Prophecy weighs me down."

"Are you . . . do you want to talk about it?" Sarah asked hesitantly.

"If you mean about my feelings about it, not really," Harry said frankly. "I know I didn't want to use the Killing Curse, but I needed to know if I could kill. Well, I can. I don't feel very happy about it, but at least right now, I don't feel terribly guilty, either. I don't know if I could have killed anyone other than her, besides Voldemort of course. I don't know if the same trick will work on him or not, but it's better than the Killing Curse." He shrugged. "That pretty well sums things up."

"Do you think Draco will hold it against Stella?" Hermione asked.

"I don't think so, but if he does, I don't think he'll have the restraint to hide his feelings."

"Good point," Ginny said.

"The important thing now is, how do you five feel about it?" Harry asked.

"I'll go first," Ron jumped in, as the four girls looked torn. "If your conscience doesn't bother you, I don't think it should. Bellatrix Lestrange was a sadistic murderer. She escaped justice more than once. Did you enjoy killing her?"

"No," Harry said. "I don't feel bad, but I'm not proud of what I did, and I certainly didn't enjoy it. I did a necessary thing, not a good thing."

"Then I certainly have no problem with what you did," Ron said.

"I have to agree," Sarah said. "I'm sorry you felt you had to do it, but you shouldn't feel that bad that you did."

"Thank you," Harry told them.

"I think we three need to speak with Harry," Hermione said.

"Alright," Ron said. He laid a hand on Harry's shoulder. "We'll stay in the common room until Eleven."

"Thanks," Harry said again. "You did a good job, too, Ron."

"Thanks." He smiled a wan smile. "Fifty House points." He shrugged. "It mattered more a few years ago."

Sarah kissed Harry's cheek, took Ron's arm, and the pair left.

Harry turned. "I take it you don't agree with Ron and Sarah?"

"I do," Ginny said, "but I think we're all interested in when you decided to use this as a trial run for killing Voldemort."

"Exactly," Hermione agreed. Luna remained in the background.

"As soon as I heard there might be an attack, the possibility occurred to me," Harry answered. "I didn't think it was likely Voldemort would actually show up, unless everything he was planning was already falling apart. When I talked with Master Ivor about this, I realized that wasn't likely. But yes, I decided that if I somehow confronted Bellatrix alone, I would try it. I didn't think I could deliberately kill anyone else, except Voldemort."

"Then I support you," Luna said.

"So do I," Ginny agreed.

"I don't like that you killed her, Harry," Hermione said. "I hate having a human life, even one like Lestrange's, used as part of an experiment. I don't like that you decided something like this totally on your own."

"I must disagree," Luna said.

"Let Harry talk," Hermione urged, "then argue with me."

"Very well," Luna said, and turned her attention to Harry.

"It does affect all of us," Harry said. "In that respect, I can see why you think I should have talked to you about it. But I knew what I had to do. I'm sorry, but since I knew what I was going to do, I didn't want to argue about it. If I had anything I'd wanted to figure out or argue out, I of course would have asked all of you."

"I understand," Luna said. She approached Hermione. "Don't be hard on him." She went and kissed Harry, who whispered in her ear. Luna looked taken aback, thought a moment, and whispered back.

Ginny and Hermione looked interested. As Luna left, Ginny repeated Luna's actions. Harry whispered in her ear in turn, and she looked even more surprised. She and Harry exchanged a few more whispers, and then she left.

"What was that all about?" Hermione asked.

"I had some other news, and I wanted to share it with them," Harry answered.

"May I know?"

"I thought you wanted to have a tiff first?" Harry asked.

Hermione stamped her foot. "Don't tease!" Hermione warned. "Not tonight!"

"Master Ivor told me that the Council of Druids have declared me an adult," Harry answered.

Hermione thought about that, and all it implied. Finally, she said, "And I suppose you think this means we'll be having sex tonight, then?"

"No," Harry answered. "I think it means we can make love any time we both want to." He handed Hermione a vial.

"What's this?"

"A birth control potion. You take it when your next period starts, which would be what? Around the Sixteenth?"

"More or less," Hermione agreed.

"From four days after you take it, it will prevent conception for four hundred days." Harry shrugged and held out the vial again.

Hermione took it. "I love you, Harry, but I'm still not thrilled by what you did."

"Neither am I," Harry agreed.

*