Disclaimer: Nothings mine, its all Rowling's.
Important Note: This is the sequel to 'Hiding'. You should definitely read that fic first or much of this won't make sense.
Chapter 1 – End of Summer
"Harry." Ginny said softly as she regained her breath and wits from a long passionate kiss to find herself in Harry's apartment at the Burrow.
"Mmmm." Harry replied his own eyes a bit glazed over and trying to recover himself.
"You know everyone is going to go insane if you kiss me like that every time we use the rings."
"So?" Harry said grinning.
Ginny just shook her head smiling. "So, we just left everyone back in Professor Dumbledores office wondering how we do that. Oh, and I'd like to point out that Hermione is one of those people and not likely to let it go."
"Good point." Harry said still grinning. "Well I'm going to take a shower and get some clean clothes on, let me know how it turns out."
Harry tried to run from Ginny but was tackled before he made it out of the living room. "Not a chance Mr. Potter you already told my mum it's my fault she didn't see you all summer there's no way you're blaming this one on me too."
"Alright, alright." Harry chuckled. "How about we just hide out in here for the rest of the summer? You haven't told anyone the secret yet, so they couldn't find us."
Ginny sat on Harry's stomach thinking for a minute. "Okay Harry. That sounds like a good idea, just the two of us all alone for a whole week, sounds romantic. I can't wait to hear what my brothers have to say to you when we turn up again. Don't worry though I'm sure they won't jump to any conclusions before talking to us." Her tone was innocent and she had a sweet little smile on her face to match but Harry knew he'd lost this round.
"Another good point." he said admitting defeat, "Fine, I'll deal with thetravel thing."
Ginny nodded happily and stood up grinning. "Okay Harry, if you insist."
"Apparently I do. I would like to take a quick shower though."
Harry and Ginny took turns in the shower then sat in the living room sipping on butter beers while they waited for Ginny's family to return. They had just finished their drinks when the clock chimed indicating the Weasley's were home.
Walking downstairs hand in hand they entered the Burrow's living room to find 5 Weasleys, a Granger, a Dumbledore, a McGonagall and a Lupin carrying a very small dog.
"Um hello." said Harry.
"There you are." said Mrs. Weasley, "You two need to quit running off like that."
Hermione had an inquisitive look on her face and Harry knew what was coming.
"How do you guys do that Harry?" she asked almost before Mrs. Weasley could finish her sentence.
Harry had a grin on his face that the Marauders recognized instantly. It was a combination of innocence, plotting and mischief all rolled into one. In other words, he wasn't going to tell and he had something else in mind.
"We apperated." Harry managed to say with a strait face.
"What?" Hermione replied, "You can't apperate on Hogwarts grounds Harry, It says so in Hogwarts a History."
"Oh yeah, I meant we made a port key." he tried next the same grin firmly in place.
"Honestly Harry. You know only Professor Dumbledore can make portkeys that work on Hogwarts grounds."
"Right, was that in Hogwarts a History too?" Harry asked. He was barely able to keep from laughing as Ginny let out a little snort next to him at his question. It also didn't help that everyone else in the room was having the same problem holding back their laughter as Ginny.
"Yes actually it was." she said blushing a little. "Please teach me Harry? Please." she begged.
'Jackpot!' thought Harry. Carefully removing the grin from his face he sighed. "Okay Hermione I'll teach you but we'll have to get Ginny's permission because it takes a lot of snogging to get to the point we're at."
Hermione's eyes went wide. "What?"
Ginny felt a double squeeze on her hand and jumped into the conversation. "That's fine, I don't mind."
"Great then were all set Hermione." Harry said as he released Ginny's hand and took a step towards her.
Hermione was stuttering something unintelligible while the rest of the room was about to break down in hysterics. Except for Ron that is, Ron's face was an amazing shade of red and he kept clinching up his fists clearly upset about the scene unfolding in front of him.
Harry almost lost it again at the sight of Ron and took another step forward placing a hand on Hermione's shoulder who jerked involuntarily at the contact her face a picture of panic. He moved his gaze from Hermione to Ron knowing the redhead was about to explode.
"Alright there Ron?" he asked innocently.
After a few moments of mumbling he couldn't hold back any longer. "Hell no, I'm not alright!" he roared.
"What's wrong?" asked a concerned Harry as the adult's continued to grin now realizing what was going on.
"What's wrong?" Ron yelled. "You're not snogging Hermione!"
Ginny couldn't resist and jumped in again. "It's ok Ron. He's really good, I'm sure he could teach her a lot." A dreamy smile appeared on her face as she said this. Hermione was still frozen in place her face a mixture of disbelief, shock and alarm at what was happening.
"NO IT'S NOT OK!"
"What? Ginny doesn't mind so why not?" asked Harry.
"BECAUSE I LOVE HERMIONE!" he yelled out before he realized what he'd said.
Hermione forgot about Harry and everyone else in the room in an instant spinning around to face her redheaded best friend whom she'd had a crush on for years. "What did you say?"
Taking a deep breath Ron looked Hermione in the eye. "I said I love you. I don't want Harry kissing you because I love you."
Tears of joy welled up in Hermione's eyes. "Oh Ron, I love you too."
As the newest couple shared a hug and a kiss no one noticed Harry and Ginny slipping out the front door of the Burrow.
Molly smiled at her youngest son and his apparently new girlfriend fondly, memories of Arthur and her in their youth coming to the surface. Turning back towards the room her eyes opened wide as she searched. "Where did those two get off to now?"
As soon as they were far enough away from the Burrow to not be heard Harry and Ginny both collapsed to the ground laughing.
"That was brilliant Harry!"
"Thank you. Thank you." he said placing his arm across his stomach and bending slightly in a mock bow. "You were perfect by the way."
"Thank you as well." she said repeating his bow. "At least that's one less thing we have to do this year."
"What else do we have to do?"
"Well," she began, looking down and picking at the grass, "in addition to the pranks we need to plan the broom closets need exploring, and the bushes by the lake, the astronomy tower, and we should test the limits of the room of requirement, and…"
Ginny's list was cut off by a kiss from Harry. "I'm in." he said moving her to his lap to continue their snogging session.
Ron and Hermione returned to reality after sharing their first kiss to find themselves the center of attention. Blushing furiously neither teen knew what to say. The adults were all smiling at the pair and Fred was whistling.
"Wooohooo little bro!" George hollered.
"Nice one Ronny, only took you five yea…Ouch!" Fred said rubbing the back of his head.
"You two leave your brother alone." a glaring Molly told her boys.
"No problem." said George. "Hermione, did he use tong…Ouch! Hey you said Ron."
"That's enough, both of you." Turning back to Ron and Hermione Molly smiled. "Why don't you two run along, it'll be awhile till supper."
Still not daring to speak Ron grabbed the bushy haired brunette's hand causing her to grin and led her outside. Noticing Harry and Ron's sister sitting by a tree in the garden they walked over to join them.
"I really wish you two wouldn't do that where I can see you." Ron said as they approached the kissing couple.
Harry and Ginny laughed. "So are you two officially a couple now?" asked Ginny.
Ron and Hermione shared a look and a nod. "Yes." replied a beaming Hermione.
"Thank god!" Harry and Ginny said together causing them to both laugh.
"You know you didn't have to do all that Harry." grumbled Ron.
"Sure Ron, and when exactly were you planning on telling her?"
Ron mumbled something no one could make out and Hermione decided to rescue her new boyfriend. "He told me now and that's all that matters." Her comment brought a smile to Ron's face. "Now Mr. Potter, while I'm impressed at the way you managed to evade my earlier question don't think for a minute I've forgotten. I still want to know how you two are getting around."
Harry took a deep breath and exhaled slowly as he faced his friend. "Sorry Hermione, for now at least that's a secret between me and Ginny. Besides, even if I told you, you wouldn't be able to do it."
Hermione frowned clearly bothered that this was going to remain a mystery.
"Tell you what though," Harry said his Marauder grin firmly back in place, "how about we let you in on an even better secret?"
Her eye's lit up with delight. "What is it?" she said practically bouncing up and down.
Ginny was looking at Harry in confusion wondering what he was talking about. Leaning towards her he whispered in her ear. "Leo and Lea"
Giggling quietly she smiled and nodded in agreement.
Harry was grinning as he returned his attention to Hermione. "We can't show you here, how about later in my apartment?"
"Oh, okay."
With Hermione's thirst for knowledge temporarily put to rest they all sat around listening to tails of her trip to Australia until it was time for dinner.
Harry and Ginny tried to sneak out of the kitchen following a typically rowdy dinner at the Weasley's. With Harry's return and the earlier events in the living room the twins had been in good form.
"And just where do you two think you're going off too?" asked Molly.
"No where." Ginny replied.
"I think before you run off to 'no where'" Molly said, "you should show us all where Harry has been living."
Sighing in resignation Harry and Ginny led everyone up to Ginny's room. Ginny scribbled 'Harry lives in Ginny's room.' on a scrap of parchment and passed it around the room to everyone. Even knowing what to expect everyone was impressed when the door appeared.
Mr. Weasley's eyes grew large, a manic grin appearing on his face as he entered the living room and spied Harry's entertainment system in the corner. As Harry began to field his many questions he noticed the twins examining the map of the Burrow by the clock. Fred or maybe it was George pulled his wand and tapped the map muttering a phrase. As the parchment went blank the twins turned and winked at Harry before wandering off to do Merlin knows what.
Hermione's eyes lit up with excitement as she entered the study. Already scanning the titles of the many books on the shelves it was only the promise of letting her use it as often as she liked that was able to get her out of the room.
After the tour everyone sat in the apartment's living room drinking tea and butter beer.
Dumbledore was smiling at Harry. "You have a very nice set of rooms Harry. I'm glad to see you were comfortable this summer."
"We'll need to see about moving your door though. I don't think it's proper to have you living in Ginny's room any longer." Molly said.
Arthur looked thoughtful at her suggestion. "I'm not sure that's possible Molly. We'll have to contact the construction company where Harry purchased the door but I don't think you can move them once they've been set without disrupting the magical space within."
"I'm afraid Arthur's correct." added McGonagall. "It might be possible but only by moving the entire wall that the door's attached too and it would still be risky, hardly worth the effort with only a week remaining in the summer."
"Mum it's been just fine like this all summer. We leave it open during the day and close it when I go to bed at night." said Ginny.
"I suppose we don't have a choice, though I'm still not sure I approve."
Mr. Weasley wrapped an arm around his wife. "Now, now Molly I'm sure there's nothing to worry about. We can trust Harry and Ginny."
With the issue of Harry continuing to live in Ginny's room settled Ginny let out a small sigh of relief that only Harry caught causing him to smile.
Professor McGonagall removed several letters from within her robes and handed them to Harry. "These are for you Mr. Potter. They would have been delivered a month ago but of course you were busy taking it upon yourself to cause us all to worry." She eyed him over her glasses as she spoke but Harry could see a small smile playing at the corners of her mouth.
Accepting the three letters he opened the first to find his owl results.
Mr. Harry Potter
Below please find the results of your Ordinary Wizarding Level tests. Core courses are worth 2 Owls, 1 for a grade of Acceptable or Exceeds, 2 for a grade of Outstanding. Supplemental courses are worth 1 Owl for a grade of Acceptable or better.
Core Courses
Transfiguration – O
Charms - O
Defense Against the Dark Arts – O+
Potions – E
Supplemental Courses
Astronomy - A
History of Magic - P
Care of Magical Creatures - O
Divination – E
You have earned 11 owls out of a possible 12 (your total includes an extra point for the + in DADA).
Congratulations,
Griselda Marchbanks
Wizarding Examination Authority, Ministry of Magic
"How did you do Harry?" asked Hermione.
Smiling Harry handed her his letter.
Hermione let out a squeal and jumped up to hug Harry. "Thanks Hermione. How'd you come out?"
Hermione smiled brightly. "I got 14!" she exclaimed. "All O's except for an E in astronomy but I protested based on what happened to Professor McGonagall and they raised it to an O."
"That's great Hermione! How'd you do Ron?" he said turning to his best friend who was now looking at Harry's letter.
"I got 9. Same as you except a regular O in DADA, an A in potions and a P in Divination."
"That's great mate!" said Harry causing Ron to grin at his friends praise.
Dumbledore was looking on in amusement as his students discussed their test scores. "You should be very proud of yourself Harry. The last person to receive an O+ in DADA was I and thanks to you every member of the DA sitting for the OWL or NEWT test received a score of outstanding on that section."
A look of surprise and a bit of a blush appeared on Harry's face at this revelation. "Well it was mostly my friends, I didn't do all that much."
"Don't be so modest Harry I'm perfectly aware of who led the group and the test scores speak for themselves. There were only three other outstanding scores in the school for that subject and the vast majority of students received and acceptable or lower. I would very much like to make your defense club official if you would consent to continue it."
"I don't know professor, I'll think about it." said Harry.
"That is all I ask." twinkled Dumbledore.
The second letter was his standard Hogwarts letter which contained a form to select which classes he would be taking in the upcoming term.
"It would be very helpful if you could get that back to me in the next day or so Mr. Potter." said McGonagall.
Harry nodded and set it aside. Opening his last letter he was shocked to find a Quidditch Captains badge inside. Looking at his head of house he held up the badge. "But I'm banned from playing quidditch."
A frown appeared on McGonagall's face at the reminder of Delores Umbridge. "Rubbish. All of those worthless decrees have been removed. You'll have to speak with Miss Weasley about the seeker position however."
"Go on Harry, I'm nowhere near as good a seeker as you. I think I'd rather try out for chaser anyway." Ginny smiled at her boyfriend very happy for him. She was surprised at what he said next.
"Thanks Gin I would like to play seeker again," Turning to McGonagall he continued, "but I don't think I should be captain. Ron would be a much better choice. I really only know the seeker position, he knows more about the whole game than I'll ever know."
McGonagall seemed as surprised as Ginny. "Are you sure about this Mr. Potter?"
"Positive." He said tossing the badge to a gaping Ron.
"Harry, I can't…" started Ron only to be cut off by Harry.
"Of course you can. We both know you'll do a better job than I could. Besides, I'd rather spend the extra time with my girlfriend." Harry received a huge smile and a kiss on the cheek for his comment.
"Thanks mate." said a grinning Ron.
Hermione seemed a little jealous of Harry's display of affection towards Ginny but knowing of Ron's passion for quidditch was happy for him. "Congratulation Ron." She said giving him a hug and a kiss on the cheek.
Dumbledore was grinning at the exchange. "Congratulations Mr. Weasley. I'm sure you'll do Gryffindor proud." Standing up he addressed Harry and Ginny. "Mr. Potter, Miss Weasley, might I have a moment of your time in private before I leave for the evening?"
"Sure." "Ok." Harry and Ginny said.
The three made their way into the study where Dumbledore cast several privacy charms after closing the door. With the room secure he turned to address his two students.
"I'm curious Harry if you were still planning on becoming an Auror."
"I don't really know sir. The fake Moody thought I'd be good at it and that got me thinking about it. After Riddle though I'm not so sure I really want to chase dark wizards for a living." said Harry.
"I see." replied Dumbledore. "The reason I ask is that normally you would require a Newt in potions to gain entrance to the Auror Academy though after your defeat of Voldemort I don't believe the lack of a Newt in this subject would be an issue. However you would still require the knowledge of potions and Professor Snape only accepts students who receive an Outstanding on their Owls into his Newt program."
Harry listened intently wondering what he was getting at. "Well I guess being an Aurors out then but like I said I'm not so sure I really wanted to be one anyway."
Dumbledore smiled. "Regardless of what career you end up choosing there is value in learning the art of potion brewing which brings me to why I've asked you and Miss Weasley to speak with me. I was approached by a friend of mine recently who has been keeping up with the events of your life since you returned to the wizarding world. He was most impressed with the way you both worked together to defeat the Dark Lord and his army. He would like to offer you some training of a sort. Much of what he is offering would consist of brewing complicated potions though he would no doubt impart knowledge of other magic's to you along the way. I have no doubts that a year of working with him and reading the normal potion curriculum would more than prepare you for the Owl and Newt tests. In your case Miss Weasley I would provide you with an exemption from having to attend the normal potions class."
Harry and Ginny were both getting excited about the offer. "Who is he?" Harry asked.
"Alas he has asked to remain anonymous for now. There are many reasons for this all of which I understand and agree with. I assure you that this is an opportunity very few individuals ever receive and I would highly recommend you accept."
"Yes! Of course I'll accept." said Harry. Ginny was nodding fervently and grinning at the thought of not having classes with Snape. "Me too!"
"Excellent!" exclaimed the Headmaster. "I'm sure he will be most pleased to hear of your acceptance. He will be arriving during the first week of the new term I'll arrange a meeting when he does so that we can work out the specifics."
After thanking their headmaster the security charms were removed from the room and the three returned to join the others receiving many curious looks.
"What's going on Albus?" asked Remus.
Dumbledore smiled as he addressed the room. "Harry and Ginny have been offered some private training by a friend of mine and they have both accepted."
"What type of training?" was the next question asked by Mrs. Weasley.
"Primarily potions however it's hard to say with this man. I assure you that whatever they learn it will be a most enlightening experience for them both." Dumbledore's face was alight with happiness and the far off look of someone reliving fond memories.
Eventually all but one of the adults bid everyone a good night leaving Harry, Ginny, Hermione, Ron, the twins, Remus and Sirius Portrait sitting in the living room.
"Nice map by the way Harry." said a grinning George.
"Yeah, we know who Padfoot is and think we know who Leo and Lea are but thought you could fill us in." added Fred.
Ron, Hermione and Remus had questioning looks on their faces. "What map?" asked Remus.
Harry and Ginny were grinning and Sirius was chuckling softly in his frame. "The Marauder's map," Harry said pointing, "hanging on the wall by the clock."
The three walked over to the blank piece of parchment hanging on the wall and examined it closely.
"Go ahead," said Ginny, "same password as the original."
Ron pulled out his wand but Hermione stopped him. "Better let Professor Lupin do it, we don't want to get in trouble for the use of underage magic."
"You won't get in trouble for activating the map but that reminds me." said Harry as he ran into the office with his Marauder grin firmly in place. A few minutes later he returned holding a single sheet of parchment.
After examining it for several minutes he turned to Ron. "Let me see your wand mate."
Curious, Ron handed Harry his wand and watched in fascination as Harry cast several spells on it before handing it back. "Ok, now yours Hermione."
She started to hand it over but stopped. "What are you doing Harry?"
"I just removed the ministry tracking charms from his wand. He can do magic now without getting into trouble." Harry said grinning.
Ron had a look of awe and joy on his face while the twins looked amused and impressed. Sirius and Remus were just watching everything with smiles on their faces.
"Harry! You can't do that. You could get into a lot of trouble!" lectured Hermione.
It was Ron who came to his defense. "Oh come on Mione. We won't get into trouble, Harry and Ginny used magic all summer and never got caught."
"That's true." Ginny said. "Even after the battle when everyone found out what we'd been up to no one ever said anything about it."
The internal battle she was fighting could be seen on her face. After looking to Remus and receiving a nod she came to a decision. "Oh, I suppose it would be ok. It would be nice to practice magic out of school."
Harry took her wand handing it back a minute later. Returning to the parchment on the wall Ron tapped it with his wand and said "I solemnly swear that I'm up to no good."
As everyone watched lines began to form on the parchment until a complete map of the Burrow and the surrounding area could be seen.
"Cool." said Ron as he watched his parent's dots moving about the kitchen.
"So," started Harry, "did you want to know that secret I was telling you about earlier Hermione?"
Her face immediately broke into a grin and she began nodding.
Sirius gave Harry and Ginny a wink and cleared his throat gaining everyone's attention. "Mr. Padfoot is proud to introduce the newest members of the Marauders Mr. Leo and Miss Lea." Finishing his introduction he gestured toward where Harry and Ginny had been sitting.
Turning towards the pair everyone was surprised to see a large lion and lioness looking back at them.
"You…You…You're…" Hermione stuttered.
Changing back Harry laughed. "I think animagus is the word you're looking for Hermione, actually illegal animagus is probably what you're thinking of."
Remus had returned to his seat near Sirius portrait and was grinning ear to ear.
"Wicked!" said Ron clearly impressed.
"Awesome guys." said George.
"Yeah, we promise not to mess with you ever again Gin-Gin." added Fred as he held up his hands and backed up pretending to be scared.
Hermione looked worried as if the Aurors were going to burst in the room any second to arrest Harry and Ginny. "You could get in a lot of trouble over this."
Harry just shook his head. "Only if we get caught, anyway it's only a ten thousand galleon fine it's not like they send you to Azkaban or anything."
Hermione seemed to calm a little with that thought.
"So, you guys want to learn to do it?" Harry asked with a grin.
The twins immediately agreed though Hermione and Ron looked nervous.
"Come on guys, the Marauders found a way to learn it in about a month." Harry could see the desire in Ron and Hermione's eyes. He figured the possible fine was the issue for Ron and if he could get Ron on board Hermione would probably follow. "Tell you what; if we get caught I'll pay everyone's fine besides we need to know what your form is if we're to make you a Marauder."
With Ginny's help Ron finally agreed and as expected Hermione wasn't far behind. Sirius and Remus assisted Harry and Ginny in explaining the process and they decided to start the potions the next morning so that Fred, George and Ron could join them to add the final ingredients and try the transformation after work.
Deciding it was late Remus bid everyone a good night and left after Harry made sure he knew he was welcome anytime. Ron and Hermione weren't far behind him leaving together to say good night in private.
"Good night Gin." Harry said after they shared several long kisses.
"Sweet dreams Harry."
Harry woke the next morning with a smile glad to be back together with his friends. After taking a shower and putting on some clean clothes he wandered towards the kitchen. As he passed the study door he noticed Hermione was sitting at his desk with several books spread about. Laughing at her predictability he entered the room.
"Morning Hermione."
"Good morning Harry. Your library is amazing. Most of these books are really rare." She said with no small amount of excitement.
"Well help yourself. If you get through all these there are loads more in the Potter and Black Family vaults." Harry smiled as his friend practically bounced up and down with joy at the thought of all the books she had access too.
Jumping up in excitement she wrapped her arms around Harry giving him a bone crushing hug.
"Hey, you've got your own boyfriend, that one's mine." said a voice from the doorway.
Harry and Hermione turned to find Ginny standing in the door to the study smiling at them.
"I don't know," said Hermione, "I might have to steal him from you just for his books."
The three shared a laugh and Harry moved to share a good morning kiss with his girlfriend.
"If you want to see Ron he's downstairs eating breakfast. He has to leave for work soon." Ginny said to Hermione.
Hermione left to find Ron with Harry and Ginny not far behind. After breakfast the three remaining teens made their way to Harry's potions lab with Sirius portrait to begin work on four cauldrons of the Marauder's animagus revealer potion. It didn't take long and Sirius figured it would be ready for the final ingredient by 8 o'clock that night.
With the potion brewing Hermione returned to the study. Harry and Ginny decided to watch a movie and went to the living room together.
That night after dinner Harry, Ginny, Ron, Hermione, Fred and George found themselves in Harry's potion lab. The four who were to become animagus each stood before a cauldron and added three drops of their blood. Each of them then filled two dozen small vials with the potion and carrying one vial apiece walked down the hall to the training room.
After changing Padfoot into a portrait and conjuring a large mirror Harry looked at the group. "Well, who wants to go first?"
The twins immediately ran out to the center of the room clearly excited about becoming one of the Marauders whom they have worshiped for so long.
"We'll" said George.
"Go!" followed Fred.
Harry nodded and watched as the twins toasted each other and downed their potions.
"Oh my god." said Hermione as everyone received their first look at the twins forms.
Harry's eyes opened wide at the sight. "That's not right."
Ginny just giggled and Ron pulled his wand backing away slowly.
Fred and George recovered from the pain of the transformation to find themselves looking up from the floor at the others. They were initially confused at the comments they were hearing about their forms until they turned around to face the large mirror Harry had conjured to find the reflection of two identical Blast Ended Skrewts staring back at them.
The twins spent an enjoyable five minutes chasing Ron around the training room before the potion wore off and they returned to normal though a bit tired.
"That was wicked!" said a grinning George.
Fred was also smiling broadly. "What a cool form!"
Sirius was laughing heartily in his painting leaning heavily on the frame for support. Everyone else wasn't quite sure what to think.
"That's umm… well great… I guess." Harry managed to force out. "Umm maybe… Hermione, why don't you go next?"
Hermione walked to the middle of the room with her potion in hand still a bit shocked from the revelation of the twin's forms. Shaking her head she focused her concentration on the task at hand and swallowed her revealer potion. As the pain passed Hermione was ecstatic to find her form was that of a Himalayan house cat. Professor McGonagall was her favorite teacher and she'd wanted to learn the animagus transformation ever since she'd first seen her turn into her form of a cat. It thrilled her to no end that she had a form similar to her roll models.
Ron ran across the room to help his girlfriend as she changed back.
"That's so amazing!" she said. "It hurt a lot more than I thought it would though."
Ginny smiled. "Don't worry; it will get a lot easier the more you do it. It doesn't hurt us to change at all anymore."
Once Hermione was settled Ron took his potion to the middle of the room. Taking a large breath he said "Cheers." before upending the vial, swallowing its entire contents in one go.
As he finished changing and looked up from the ground he realized he was very small. He noticed Harry and his brothers sniggering and instinctively ran as he saw the two girls running towards him muttering phrases such as "He's so cute!" and "Oh, what an adorable little Weasel!"
The mention of his form stopped him in his tracks. 'No. Please no.' Ron thought as he turned towards the mirror. His worst fears were realized as he saw a small Weasel looking back. As the girls caught him Hermione picked him up and held him against her chest forgetting that this was actually Ron. 'Well maybe this isn't so bad…' he thought.
Harry and the twins were laughing quite hard now.
"Hermione?" said Fred.
"You do realize that's Ron your holding." said George.
"Don't you?" finished a laughing Fred.
Hermione looked curiously at the twins thinking about their comments before she realized what they were saying. "Oh my god!" she squeaked as she pulled Ron away from her and set him back on the floor.
The twins laughed even harder as they became the recipients of an evil glare from a small Weasel. A minute later Ron changed back collapsing to the floor exhausted.
Ron and Hermione caught each others eyes and blushed eliciting a round of cat calls and wolf whistles from Fred and George.
"Nice one Ron." said a still chuckling Harry. "Malfoy's gonna love it."
Now Harry was the one on the receiving end of Ron's glare. Holding up his hands in a placating gesture he laughed again. "Just kidding Ron, how did you like it?"
"I can't say I'm too happy with my form, but that was awesome. I can't wait to do it again."
Fred and George helped Ron up and everyone moved into the living room to relax and talk about their transformations and what they needed to do next to master it.
The rest of the summer passed much quicker than any of the teens would have liked. Harry and Ginny spent some time studying but mostly just relaxed enjoying each others company glad to not have to worry about the wizarding world for a change. Ron, Hermione and the twins spent most of their evenings working on the animagus transformation and after a week could change their hands and feet.
On the last day of August Harry pulled the twins aside. "Hey, I just wanted to let you know you guys are welcome to use my apartment while I'm at school on the condition that you don't trash or prank the place."
Fred raised the back of his hand to his forehead in a sign of mock hurt. "Harry, we're shocked that you would think we would ever consider doing anything like that."
"Yeah," said George, "and upset that you realized it before you left."
Harry raised his eyebrows at the twins but was smiling.
Fred was grinning. "Just kidding Harry, thanks for letting us use your place."
"We'll be sure to send our fellow Marauders a lot of care packages while you're at Hogwarts." said George with a wink.
After a final evening together where many movies were watched and butter beers consumed everyone went to bed looking forward to their return to Hogwarts.