"Probably, but maybe we owe him something," Harry said. "This will give him his shot; give him a chance to do his own thing."
"That might appease Molly though that shouldn't matter," McGonagall replied thoughtfully. "I shall consider it."
"Ma'am," Hermione said. "If you really are going to consider Ron, you might want to require him to keep a certain academic performance requirement, otherwise..."
"Mrs. Potter, have you ever heard the expression concerning teaching your Grandmother to suck eggs?"
"Uh...sorry Ma'am."
"That's quite alright. Though I do appreciate opinions, you should have already known that I am very much aware of Mr. Weasley's academic performance."
....
"What did Professor Dumbledore want?" Neville asked as they all made themselves comfortable in the train compartment sometime later. They had gotten there early so they could get the very last compartment. Anyone coming to their compartment would have passed other empty compartments and people so they'd definitely be looking for them.
"He wanted to express his displeasure with the interview we gave Skeeter," Hermione replied.
"It seems he and the school are being sent owls continually asking why Snape is teaching here," Harry smirked.
"I'm glad I won't be taking potions next year," Neville replied.
"If things happen like they did last time, he'll be teaching Defense instead," Hermione said. "Slughorn, the Professor who had the party where Harry took Luna, he taught potions. He was much better than Snape. So if you get an Exceeds, give it a shot."
"Dumbledore also wanted to give us an update on my Aunt and Uncle," Harry said. "He hadn't found a way to protect them and they refused to go into hiding voluntarily. It seems they think it's all a trick and I am trying to steal their house and turn it into...what did he say?"
"A freakhouse," Hermione replied. She then continued to Luna and Neville. "But Harry was able to suggest a plan that should keep them safe," She looked over at Harry and smiled.
"What did you suggest?" Luna asked.
"It actually was Hermione's idea," Harry admitted as he returned Hermione's smile. "But one she thought of a year in the future," He waited for a couple of seconds before continuing. "I only suggested he modify their memories to convince them they are Wendell and Monica Wilkins along with their son Chuckles and that they desire to move to Australia."
"Chuckles? Did you mean Chuck?" Luna asked.
"No, Chuckles," Harry replied and then shrugged. "I thought it was funny."
"Dumbledore agreed to that..." Luna started and immediately went quiet as the door to the compartment slid open and there stood Ginny Weasley. She walked in and started putting away her stuff as if they had been expecting her.
Harry looked over at Luna and Neville and gave them a small wink before addressing the youngest Weasley. "There's my little sister, I was beginning to wonder if you were going to show up."
It took Ginny a couple of seconds but when she replied her voice sounded strained. "Uh...I didn't see you at breakfast."
"We had to meet with the Headmaster," Hermione replied nicely.
"What about?" Ginny asked as she turned and sat down.
Before Harry or Hermione could answer, Luna piped up. "It must be so nice to be like Harry's sister," She said to Ginny. "Of course if I was Harry's sister then Hermione would be my sister too since she's as good as Mrs. Potter already."
Ginny didn't reply as she swallowed hard. Her eyes moved from Harry to everyone else, lingering on Hermione for several seconds at the end. Finally she rasped out a "Yeah."
"I never did say I was sorry that you and your boyfriend broke up," Hermione said. "I've been so engrossed in studying and of course Harry," She leaned over and kissed Harry on the cheek before smiling at Ginny again. "If you ever want to talk about it..."
"It...it's fine," Ginny replied a little to gruffly. "That was weeks ago."
"So got anyone else in mind already?" Harry asked. "Anyone I need to be concerned about my little sister being with?"
"Yes actually," Ginny said figuring it would be a good time to start her plan. "I've chosen Dean Thomas."
'I've chosen Dean Thomas' The words echoed in Harry mind and memories of the same train ride came to mind. The same words spoken from the same person. "DAMN!" He mentally shouted to his wife. "She said the same thing last time...remember. Ron had told her to choose better next time. Come to think of it, I wonder if that was a setup because I think he looked over at me when he said it. He must have already known her plans. Especially after he overreacted the way he did. Anyway, she said 'I've chosen Dean Thomas.' She didn't say I'm dating him or seeing him but I've CHOSEN him. If they were already seeing each other wouldn't she have at least spent some time with him on the train trip back to London? I mean it would be the last time they were to see each other for months?"
"You're right," Hermione agreed. "Very suspicious. She already had her plans in the works didn't she?"
"Dean?" Harry asked after agreeing with Hermione. "Well he's a pretty good bloke. Maybe I should have a word with him."
"NO!" Ginny shouted before calming down. "I mean I don't want him intimidated. Ron's bad enough you know."
Harry shrugged. "Just trying to be a good big brother."
....
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