Excerpt from the Daily Prophet; April 25th, 2002

Ministry Still Scrambling to Catch 'Quidditch Killer.' Is it time for a new Auror department?
By P. Clearwater – Chief Editor

A week has passed since Anthony Lestrange – best known under his alias as the 'Quidditch Killer' – took his fourth victim: the incredibly popular chaser for the Wigtown Wanderers, Gianna Marie. With the Auror department making no other statement asides from an unconvincing claim that 'significant progress' has been made on the case, the question must be asked: Is it time for a change in the guard?

Many members of the ministry appear to think so. A member of the Department of Magical Games and Sports – who wished to remain anonymous for this interview – had this to say:

"The Auror department is a shambles! It's shocking that a serial killer – whose identity is known to both the Ministry and the general public – can get away with four high-profile killings. Personally, I feel that the Auror department shouldn't even be touching this case. They clearly don't understand the Quidditch World well enough for them to make significant progress. Unless the Aurors can show us that they have actually been doing their jobs properly, I say the Wizengamot suspends the lot of them; starting with Hestia Jones!"

Harsh words, but it's hard to disagree that there may be some truth in them. To make matters worse, sources within the Ministry have unofficially told the Prophet that the Auror in charge of the case has been changed for the third time in recent months. It certainly doesn't instil confidence in the Auror department's ability to close this case, and strongly suggests that the Ministry is failing in its promise to protect those Wizards and Witches heavily involved in the Quidditch community.

The Prophet would love to hear your opinion on this matter! Do you feel like the Auror department needs to be held accountable for their failures? Or should they be let off the hook until even more people are slaughtered? Be sure to owl in with your thoughts!

Harry Potter was not having a particularly good day.

This didn't really come as a big surprise to him. He knew he wasn't going to have a good day the moment Ron floo'd into his flat at five in the morning to tell Harry that they needed him in at the office to sort through victim reports again. Despite usually being a task reserved for junior Aurors or trainees, a number of financial cuts from the ministry had resulted in pretty much everyone in the department working overtime to sort through a mountain of paperwork. And if there was anything Harry Potter really hated, it was paperwork.

He simply couldn't stand reading through accounts of the same events again, and again, and again; desperately scanning through the statements for some tiny, inconspicuous detail which could allow the case to be cracked wide open. Such work was for someone like Hermione, who didn't mind the monotonous taxation of her brain. Not Harry, who everyone knew was at his best in the field, with adrenalin coursing through his body, his mind and reflexes at their sharpest. Only then could he see things clearly, and suddenly make the investigative leaps that had led him to rapidly rise the ranks of the ministry, and become a Senior Auror at the age of 22.

And so, when Harry received a summons to Hestia Jones' office – a summons that was almost always synonymous with bad news – he couldn't help but feel a little bit pleased. At least he would get a break from rereading the same testimonies for the seventh time in a row.

However, when Harry stepped into Jones' office – a small, Spartan room, consisting of only a couple of chairs, a bookshelf and a small table – he found himself longing to return to the mounds of paperwork that cloaked his desk.

"I'm sorry, you're giving me what case?!"

"I told you he'd react this way…" Jones sighed to Hermione, in a noticeably more controlled tone than the twenty-something opposite her.

"I never said he wouldn't react like this, I just advised that he be given the role anyway." Hermione responded, briskly. "And yes Harry, you did hear us correctly. I've requested you succeed me as the head of the Anthony Lestrange case, and take up a position acting as Ginny's bodyguard."

Harry appeared slightly gobsmacked, as if he still didn't quite believe what the two women in front of him were saying. "But… this was Hermione's case, not mine? I don't know anything about it?"

"It was only for a short period." Jones explained. "Ms. Granger is actually going to be setting up a ministry task-force to punish crimes against the… err, what was it…?"

"Crimes against the Uniform Morals of Wizardry. It's pretty much the closest I'm ever going to get to a large-scale manifestation of SPEW." Jones was giving Hermione a look that almost exactly mirrored Harry's gobsmacked expression, but she continued without noticing. "I've really got to think of a more memorable name though. Basically, the plan is to set up a task-force to get people like Umbridge – people who have massively abused their power or status – in jail. It's really quite exciting, I'm planning to organize a group of about six or seven-"

She was cut off by a loud cough from Hestia.

"Oh right yes, sorry… the case. So basically, I've had to drop the case for this taskforce. And, due to your previous working relationship with Ginny, and your unparalleled defensive abilities, I chose you as my successor."

Harry shot his best friend a look of incredulity. "Hermione, you do remember how mine and Ginny's 'working relationship' ended, right?"

"Believe me, Harry, I remember the six months of continual sulking better than you do." Hermione said, causing Jones to grin. "Now, c'mon – let's go get a coffee, and talk about all of this in private. We have the next couple of hours off work for me to debrief you."

As the pair stepped out of Jones' office, and started walking towards the ministry elevator, the argument resumed.

"Hermione, seriously, what were you thinking?!" Harry exclaimed.

"That Ginny, one of my closest friends, and Ron's younger sister, needed to be protected. And the individual who could provide her the best protection is you." Hermione responded, curtly.

"Not if she hates me!"

"She doesn't hate you, Harry. Christ, sometimes I think you have a larger ego than Ron! Now where do you think we should go for coffee? The leaky cauldron's is rubbish, and there's no way I'm going to Madam Puddifoot's…"

"Wait! What do you mean about my ego!?"

"…I'm thinking the Three Broomsticks. Should we apparate or take the floo?"

"Hermione…"

"Apparition it is then. I just meant-" Hermione added, turning to face her friend, "That it's a bit unfair of you to think that Ginny's just going to see you and flip her shit. I mean, show a bit of respect for the girl. It's been four years, I'm pretty sure she's over it. No offense, but not even Harry Potter is that great that Ginny's been nursing her broken heart for half a decade." She then suddenly disappeared with a loud pop.

Harry immediately followed her lead and apparated directly outside the Three Broomsticks, where Hermione was waiting for him.

"I'm not saying that she hasn't moved on," Harry sighed. "But she still might be angry. We haven't talked for years, Hermione. Every so often I see her at the Burrow and one of us almost immediately makes an excuse to leave the room."

"Yeah, well, that's because both of you are so ridiculously stubborn. And proud. I swear; there aren't two other people on Earth who could do such a good job of ignoring each other as you two."

"See what I mean!" Harry claimed, earnestly. "I can't be her bodyguard!"

Hermione's tone softened, as they found a cubicle in a far corner of the room. "Harry, do you hate her?"

Harry stumbled for a moment. This was not a question he expected to be asked. "Well, no, of course not, but-"

"-Then stop assuming she'll hate you. Ginny's moved on with her life. I know that it was a hard time – for all of us – but especially for you. Everyone needed space, and I can understand why the two of you broke up. But you've got to have a little more faith in her. And yourself, for that matter. You've both moved on with your lives. I genuinely believe that you can do this."

Harry paused as they were given their drinks, feeling unbelievably more tired than the average 22-year-old should. "Still Hermione," He responded, once their waitress had left. "Surely there's someone else can do it? Why not one of the other senior Aurors? Or you? Or Ron?!"

Hermione raised her eyebrows. "Harry, do you really think that we haven't already thought of those possibilities? I'm out of the question. Asides from the reasons for leaving this case which I have clearly explained to you: Ginny needs an Auror to protect her, she needs someone who can defend her in combat. And while I'd like to think that I'm not bad with a wand-" (Harry snorted at this point) "-I don't have the training and reactions that an Auror has."

"A senior Auror is out of the question as well. Ginny wouldn't trust them, and would probably end up just giving them the slip, and making it difficult for them to protect her. She's like you; hates to accept a strangers help. And we simply can't put Ron in charge. He's too much of a big-brother, he'd end up suffocating her, which would in turn cause her to resent the protection. It's going to be hard enough convincing her to take on a bodyguard in the first place, her brother would be asking a bit too much."

Harry sighed. "Surely there's someone else. George? Or Charlie?"

Hermione put her drink down, firmly. "Harry, there's no-one else who can provide her the same level of protection that you can. I know that the two of you haven't had the best of pasts, but I strongly believe that you both have the maturity to put it behind you, and actively co-operate to insure her protection."

Harry opened his mouth to object, but Hermione beat him to it.

"Don't speak yet, I'm not done. There was once a time that you thought you loved this girl, and you've known her for almost half your life. And she is in danger. Very real danger. And if you claim to no-longer care about her – which I still refuse to believe, by the way – then think about me and Ron. She's Ron's only sister. She's one of my best friends! After you two, she's the person I trust the most. And Harry, I am genuinely scared for her life. I need to know she's in safe hands."

Hermione's eyes were earnest and pleading, and Harry found himself out of arguments. "Fine," He groaned, "I'll take the assignment."

Hermione's face instantly brightened. "Excellent! I knew that would work. You always did have a 'saving people thing'. Now hurry up and finish your coffee. We're supposed to be meeting Ginny in thirty minutes. We're also going to be the ones telling her that she has to have ministry protection, so that ought to be a fun experience for everyone!"

This prompted Harry to loudly swear into his coffee cup, as Hermione grinned mischievously.

Ginny Weasley was not having a particularly good day.

She blamed this completely and entirely on her brother. Ronald Weasley's head had appeared amongst a blaze of green flames in Ginny's fireplace at five-thirty in the morning. Ginny hated being woken up early during her holidays. In fact, she hated being woken up early during any time of the year.

"Ron." Ginny said tiredly to her brother's dismembered head. "What on earth are you doing in my fireplace at-" (She blearily checked her watch) "-5:26 in the morning?"

Ron appeared flustered. "I can't fully tell you the details." He explained, speaking in a rush. "I've only just managed to escape meetings long enough to talk to you now."

"What meetings?"

"I can't tell you, sis; I'm sorry. Just know that George'll be coming over in a couple of minutes, and you need to be at the ministry for one o'clock. Head to Hermione's office, I'm pretty sure that's where you're supposed to meet them. Oh! And don't leave the flat until George is there, and make sure you have your wand on you at all times!" Ron continued, in a rushed breath.

"What meeting? Why do I need my wand? Ron; you're starting to freak me out a bit."

"It'll be fine, I promise. You'll understand when you head into the ministry at one. Just – be careful, okay. Ask George a question to make sure it's him, before you open the door."

"Ron, what're you-"

"I'm sorry Gin, I've gotta go. I'll see you soon. I love you!"

Almost as abruptly as it had appeared, Ron Weasley's head disappeared, with a loud pop.

"What the bugger is going on…" Ginny murmured to herself, as someone loudly knocked on the door of her flat, three times.

"Who is it!?" Ginny yelled.

"George!" Came the equally loud reply.

"Christ; you'll wake the neighbours," snorted Ginny. "Why is it that Ron's scared of spiders?" She added, her hand on the doorknob.

"Because when we were little, Fred and I transfigured his favourite teddy into a giant spider, after he broke Fred's toy broomstick." Ginny proceeded to unlock the door, to see her brother chuckling on her doorstep. "I totally forgot about that," He grinned. "God we were funny…"

Ginny rolled her eyes, before pulling George into a hug. "It's good to see you," She admitted. "Ron was freaking me out a little bit. Can you tell me what's going on?"

"No can do, sorry. I know as little as you do. Ron just woke me up about half-an-hour ago and told me to hightail over here, and stick around you until we get to the ministry. Said you were in some kind of danger, but wouldn't go into further detail."

Ginny sighed, before wandering through to her kitchen. "Right then; guess we have a bit of time to kill. Want a cuppa?"

"I'd kill for one, yeah. Ron woke me up rather abruptly. And I hadn't gotten much sleep anyway."

Ginny turned to face her brother, raising an eyebrow when she realized how dishevelled he looked. "Err… George; do you need to take a shower? You look like you've been hit by a bus." She giggled.

"Oh, cheers Gin. Sorry, it's just that Angelina stayed over last night, and-"

"I don't want to know!" Screamed his little sister. "Just go and get showered while I put the kettle on."

"Sure thing." Replied George; grinning sheepishly.

The next few hours of her day were relatively uneventful, compared to how it had started. Once he was out of the shower, George helped to make breakfast, which the pair of them ate as they listened to an American Quidditch match over the wireless. Ron appeared once more in her fireplace to confirm that George had arrived and that she was okay, but refused to disclose any more details as to what was going on. He simply reaffirmed that she needed to be at the Ministry for one.

When her clock's face read twelve-forty, George announced that they had better head over to the Auror's department.

"The Auror's department?" Ginny repeated in confusion. "I thought we were supposed to be going to Hermione's office?"

"Yeah, she's had a small room off the side of the Auror's department for the past couple of months." George explained. "She's been working a case for them. I guess it was just a convenient place for a meeting. See you in the Atrium." He announced, before vanishing with a loud crack.

Ginny proceeded to do the same, reappearing outside the fountain of magical unity; the monument that replaced the fountain of magical brethren following Voldemort's demise. Etched onto the base of the fountain were the names of every witch and wizard who had been killed or tortured by Death Eater's during both Wizarding Wars. The words "Dedicated to Harry Potter, and all those who fought against Voldemort's reign of terror" were inscribed on the centre of the monument.

George refused to look at the fountain, knowing his twin's name was immortalized on it. Instead, he lead his sister to the elevator, catching it to the second floor. Ginny and George quietly walked down two corridors and a flight of stairs, ducking every-so-often as a paper aeroplane flew over one of their heads. When they reached to door that lead to the Auror's office, George abruptly stopped.

"Sorry; I don't think I'm allowed to come in with you." He informed her. "Hermione's office is the fifth to the right. Good luck!" George then turned back towards the elevators, leaving Ginny to approach Hermione's office alone. She stopped just beside the room when she heard voices through the closed door.

"I'm telling you; she's not going to like this." Came a hushed whisper from the door in front of her.

"Shut up Potter, she's likely to be here any minute."

"But Hermione-"

"-I said shut up! I think she's outside, like right now."

"Do you think she can hear us?"

Ginny rolled her eyes, before opening the door to Hermione's office.

"I was told I had to come here…" She said, pretending she hadn't heard anything.

She was resolutely staring away from her jet-black haired ex-boyfriend, who was in turn fixing his gaze on Hermione's peeling wallpaper. 'It's as if they're bloody teenagers again…' Hermione thought to herself.

She didn't air these thoughts out loud, however, and took on a more formal tone. "Ah – Ginny, good to see you've arrived. Please take a seat."

Ginny obliged, still making sure not to catch Harry's eye.

"Sorry you had to come here under such urgency." Hermione remarked to Ginny. "I know it must've been frustrating not to get any straight answers."

"Yeah, Ron kind of panicked me a little," Ginny admitted, continuing to stare fixedly at Hermione. "Are you going to tell me what's going on, now?"

"Eh, Yes… though it's going to all sound a little strange. Gin, have you heard of the Quidditch Killer?"

"Sure. Just what I've read in the papers'. I know that there's been some talk of getting additional protection for matches and practices. The Ministry's thinking of posting Hit-wizards onto the main entrances of each stadium, right?"

"It won't be officially confirmed until closer to the start of the season, but that's the current plan, yes. Forget about all of that for now. The reason we've brought you in here is because we've made a breakthrough in our investigation, and we have evidence to suggest that you might be his next target."

"Errm… Okay? I've never met – what's his name – Anthony Lestrange, though?"

"One of his previous targets – Gianna Marie – tried to contact you before she died." Explained Harry, entering the conversation for the first time. "We know that you never received anything from her - it looks like Lestrange got to her before she found you - but we don't think Lestrange knows that. And unfortunately, he's not really the sort of person to let anyone have information about him and live. The moment Gianna tried to contact you, you became his next target."

Ginny nodded in understanding, while Hermione raised an eyebrow at her. "Y'know, you're being very calm about all of this. Usually when people get told that they're the target of a serial killer, they kind of freak out a little bit."

"Not being funny or anything, but I did meet the darkest wizard of all time. On several occasions."

"Fair enough," Admitted Hermione. "We don't plan to keep you here for long, so I'll just cut to the chase. The Auror department has decided to issue you with a protective detail, effective immediately."

Ginny's expression didn't change. "I'm fine, thanks." She replied, bluntly. "I don't need any protection. I can handle myself."

"I'm afraid that's really not under your control." Hermione explained, calmly. "The ministry has issued you with Auror protection. You're required to accept it under magical law, for the protection of yourself, and all those around you."

"And if I just leave?" Ginny asked, preparing to stand up.

"Then, admittedly, you won't be forced to take the bodyguard. However, you will be detained by the Department of Magical Law Enforcement, and won't legally be allowed to leave the Auror's department." Hermione allowed her cool, professional façade to drop for a moment. "Gin, I understand you don't want this, but please; don't put up a fuss. I've made the plans for your protection as unobtrusive, and agreeable as I legally can. You'll only have one bodyguard, and it'll be someone you already know on a personal level. You'll still be able to continue with your job, and won't have to admit to anyone that you have a bodyguard."

"But if you make problems, there is absolutely nothing I can do for you. The Ministry'll stick you with a dozen Aurors, make you take a leave of absence from your job, and will pretty much put you under house arrest. I know you don't want this, but trust me; it's the better of two evils."

"Fine," Ginny sighed in resignation. "Who's going to be protecting me, then?"

Hermione gave out a wry smile, fully aware of what impact her next few words were going to have. "And that brings me to why Harry is in here with us..."

Ginny's expression flashed from confusion to surprise to anger in a couple of seconds. "I don't necessarily think that would be wise." She said, after a moment to compose herself.

"Harry is one of the most capable Aurors in the ministry and is more than able to protect you. As I'm sure you're aware, his reflexes are second to none."

Ginny continued to glare at her friend. "I think I might go and grab a little fresh air..." Muttered Harry, slipping out of the office and into the corridor outside. Leaning against the wall, he waited as Hermione and Ginny appeared to get into an exceptionally fierce argument conveyed only in hushed undertones.

After a long string of expletives from Ginny, and a complicated series of hand movements from Hermione, it appeared to Harry that the argument was over. Tentatively, he re-entered Hermione's office. Both women appeared equally composed - suggesting no argument had taken place - yet the smallest of smirks on Hermione's lips gave away how the conversation had ended.

Harry's suspicions were confirmed when Hermione spoke up a moment later. "Ginny has agreed to take you on as her protection detail for a trial period of three weeks." She said. "I know you're familiar with all the protocols, Harry, but you'll have to forgive me for reciting them; this is supposed to be a formal procedure after all."

"Harry James Potter: You will be responsible for the protection of Ginevra Molly Weasley, effective immediately. You likewise have been given control of the case following the serial murders committed by Anthony Lestrange, most commonly known under the alias of 'The Quidditch Killer.' Are you fully aware of the responsibility which you are undertaking?"

"I am."

"Good; sign there. Do you give your guarantee to fulfill the Ministry's obligation to protect Ms. Weasley, even at the threat of your own life?"

"I do."

"Excellent, sign at the bottom of the page, and I can take back the form. Ginevra Molly Weasley: From this moment forward you are under the ministry of magic's full, unrestricted protection. The Auror responsible for your protection is Harry James Potter, and he has the right to issue certain orders in the interests of both your safety and his own, which you are expected to follow. If circumstances arise which cause you to believe that Mr. Potter should be taken off the case, you should immediately report him to Hestia Jones - his immediate supervisor - so that the appropriate measures can be taken on behalf of the Ministry. Do you agree to Mr. Potter's protection of you, and understand the protocol surrounding this protection?"

"I do."

"Great. If you could just sign on the dotted line at the bottom of the page then hand it over. I now pronounce you-"

Hermione stopped her sentence as she saw the daggers that were being glared at her by both Harry and Ginny.

"Err, sorry... Just trying to lighten the mood. I think Ron's rubbing off on me a little too much. Range of a teaspoon and all that. For the rest of the day, you should probably get used to each other's company, and set up your new living conditions. Ginny, I know that your holidays don't end for another fortnight but you will probably need to be getting back on the pitch slightly early, so we can set up sufficient protection for you while you're working. We promise: it'll be as unobtrusive as possible. Harry, we expect your first report on the case within a week."

Taking this as their cue to leave, Harry and Ginny both stood up and left the office, with Ginny leading the way.

"What'd she mean by 'new living arrangements?'" Ginny asked, still firmly avoiding eye-contact with her new bodyguard.

"Well... You've been relocated from your old flat." Harry explained, clearing his throat. "It was far too easy for Lestrange to locate, and it was pretty poorly defended. Most flats aren't really designed to be assassin-proof."

"Great." Ginny muttered, venomously. "So where are we going?"

"Ministry-protected safehouse. It's not connected to the Floo Network, and it's got wards to stop anyone from apparating in, so I'm afraid we're going on foot. It's only a thirty minute ride on the tube."

"Perfect." Replied Ginny. "Just fucking perfect. Lead the way."

Harry ignored her tone and complied, leading them out of the Ministry and down into the London Underground. The station was surprisingly quiet, something Harry was thankful of. Regardless of his history with Ginny, he was still aware that he had a job to do, and protecting a target in a space holding twenty people was noticeably easier than two hundred. For the first time since leaving the Ministry, Harry started to relax, and took in the woman he was going to be protecting for the foreseeable future.

She had definitely changed since the end of the war. The carefree teenager he had dated in sixth year had died, and had been replaced with a woman who seemed a little colder, and stood a little taller. The worry lines on her forehead served as a scar for the experiences she had suffered through both during, and immediately after the war; most notably the loss of her older brother. Physically, her career in Quidditch was leaving its marks; she was noticeably more muscular than her Hogwarts counterpart, and she had gained a couple of scars, including one just below her right cheek.

"So..." Harry began, attempting to muster up the courage to speak. "How've you been?"

Ginny shot him a withering glare. "Seriously, Potter?" was all she replied, as any attempts to strike up conversation immediately died. A few minutes passed, until the train finally arrived. The two boarded in silence, and refused to speak for the rest of the journey.

"The fridge is pretty empty. I'll get someone to restock it by tomorrow." Harry's voice was devoid of emotion, and he refused to look at the red-head he was speaking to. "For tonight, I'd appreciate it if you could just make yourself some toast or something, likewise for tomorrow morning. I'm going to check over all of the wards protecting this place, then start working on the Lestrange investigation. All of the stuff from your flat'll be delivered sometime over the next few days. In the meantime, your room is fully furnished, and Hermione picked out a clean set of clothes for you to wear. If you need me, I'll be in my room."

"Whydidyoustoptalkingtome!?" The words all came out in one breath, suggesting Ginny had been holding them in for a little while.

"Pardon?" Asked Harry, raising an eyebrow.

"Why did you stop talking to me?" Ginny repeated, clearly enunciating each word. She was staring fixedly at the green-eyed boy, challenging him not to answer.

A small part of Harry's brain recognized that this was the first time Ginny had looked him squarely in the eye since arriving at the ministry, and he had no idea how to respond. "It's complicated." He admitted. "I didn't really know what to say."

For a couple of moments Ginny appeared to calmly muse his comment, until suddenly her eyes blazed with anger. "Oh well that's fine then." She said, oozing sarcasm. "It's totally fine that you couldn't think of anything to say for three whole years! After all, the word 'Hi' is such a stretch! Two whole letters! Hello is even harder - five! I completely understand that you couldn't string a sentence together to me for all that time. It's not as if we were friends, or dated or anything like that!"

Harry stood up a little straighter, looking angry himself, now. "Hey, it's not as if you weren't able to talk to me. You ignored me just as much as I ignored you, don't pretend otherwise!"

Ginny took a couple of steps closer towards Harry, still refusing to break her gaze, wearing an expression that made her strongly resemble her mother. "You broke up with me, remember? It wasn't my job to make amends. It was yours!"

"If it bothered you so much, you should have done something about it!"

"What, are you saying it never bothered you?"

"No - I never said that!"

"You implied it."

"You're being ridiculous." Sighed Harry, adopting a slightly patronising tone.

"No, you're just refusing to accept responsibility." Said Ginny in the same tone.

"That's not what I'm saying!"

"Get over yourself, Potter." Ginny growled, turning towards her new bedroom.

"Ginny, just wait-"

"No, I'd hate for you to have to spend more time talking to me, after all, you've spent so long trying to get a streak going. Hell, maybe once all this has blown over, you won't have to speak to me four years; maybe even five! You can set a new record!"

With that, Ginny stalked out of the room, slamming the door behind her and leaving Harry to himself. Seething, he stepped outside the safe-house.

"FUCK!" He screamed, smashing his fist into the building's exterior.

Little did he know that inside, Ginny Weasley was doing much the same thing.

A/N: Hey! Hope you enjoyed the first chapter (well, technically second chapter if you include the Prologue.) Sorry for such a long wait between the Prologue and this chapter, I promise I'll update more frequently from now on, I was just getting the plot figured out, along with writing a couple of chapters in advance. I'm hoping to update in about three weeks from today.

Big props to KasumiCain, Terachan, xXx, marinka, strangeways, zeFluffleTruffle (winner of the coolest Penname award), and ChandlerBing12 for all taking the time out to review the prologue. It is, of course, greatly appreciated.

On that note, thanks for reading, and please review! :D