"You know, I don't think I've seen Oliver cry before," said Lee, holding his wand in front of him to light the way. Lee, George, and Fred were traversing one of the secret tunnels into Hogsmeade.

"I've certainly never heard him swear before," said George.

"'Fudgenuggets' isn't really a swear word though is it?" said Fred, from the back of the group.

"It probably is in Wood's house," said Lee. "Oh here we are."

At the end of the tunnel there was a trapdoor in the ceiling which lead into Honeydukes' cellar. The three boy's quickly made their way up the wooden stairs and crept out into the shop making sure no one saw them. They made their way over to the Hog's Head where they expected to find their uncle but the grumpy barman told them that he had left earlier that day after an argument over the price of his room. They found him perched on a stool at the Three Broomsticks instead, along with Miro.

"I wondered when you three would turn up," said Enoch, beaming a wide smile at their approach. He dusted some dirt from George's shoulder. "Took the scenic route did you?"

"Alright guys," nodded Miro. He turned to the barmaid. "Three Butterbeers please."

"Cheers," said Fred, as the drinks were poured and handed to the three boys.

"You deserve it," said Miro. "It's not every day you get to face a Kosa and live."

"No Lexington?" said Lee, looking around the room.

"No, he's been in with the Minister of Magic since first thing this morning, I figured I might as well come and see if Enoch needed any help with the Quidditch Pitch. But it turned out he fixed it all last night."

"Even Dumbledore himself would be hard pressed to notice anything had happened," said Enoch, smiling.

"Well, he has other things going on at the moment," advised Fred.

"Like what?"

The boys brought Miro and Enoch up to speed with everything else that had happened in the school while they had been busy fighting Valek.

"Well that explains Fluffy then," said Enoch, shaking his head. "The Philosopher's Stone eh? What I wouldn't give to get my hands on that. Legally of course."

"Of course," said Fred, grinning into his Butterbeer.

"Can anyone else hear that?" said George, frowning. "It sounds like tiny bell is ringing."

"Oh that's me," said Miro. He started patting his pockets before he pulled out a small round mirror. The ringing sound got louder once it was out of his pocket. He tapped the surface of the mirror with his wand and the boys could just about see Lexington's face appear. "Oh hi Mr Lexington."

"Miro, can you get somewhere private? There's much to discuss," said Lexington.

"Sure," said Miro, hopping up. "Excuse me."

"What are those?" said Fred, stealing Miro's stool.

"Portable two-way mirror," said Enoch. "Standard issue when two Aurors are working in the field."

"We could have done with one of those last night," said George.

"I think you did just fine without them," said Enoch.

"So what now for you?" asked Fred.

"I dunno," said Enoch, shrugging. "I might stick around for your match tomorrow, but after that who knows?"

"Might not be much of a match," advised Lee. "Harry's still out. I doubt he'll be allowed to play even if he woke up today."

"I'm sure it'll be a good match either way," said Enoch.

Enoch and the boys continued talking as they drunk their Butterbeers and had almost forgotten about Miro until he appeared back at their sides. He had a serious expression on his face when he returned.

"What's wrong?" asked Enoch.

"Lexington didn't have much time to talk," said Miro, quickly. "He had to cut me off when he was summoned back into the meeting."

"Summoned? That doesn't sound good," said Enoch, frowning.

"Apparently Lexington submitted a full report on what happened last night. He left you four out of it of course. But once the Minister read it, he went ballistic. Started going on about 'raising unnecessary fears' and 'scaring the public' with 'unfounded rumours of Kosa'."

"Unfounded? We all saw him," scoffed Lee.

"Yes, but it's not like there was any evidence left is there? They are trying to say that Lexington has finally lost his mind," said Miro. He looked furious.

"But that's a lie," snapped Fred. "They can't do that can they?"

"They're the Ministry, they can do what they like," sighed Enoch. "So what about you?"

"Lexington said that if I back him up it'll probably end my career as an Auror. At best they'll let me stay on but give me a desk job completing reports, at worst they'll sack me," said Miro, bitterly. "He wants me to lie and say he made up the whole thing."

"What about us? We all saw Valek as well," stated George.

"Yes but Lexington already filed the report saying it was just us. If we suddenly say you four were there as well they'll just say you're lying as well. Plus they aren't going to stake much on the word of three Hogwarts' students and the Ministry isn't the best place for you uncle right now."

"Why not?" asked Enoch.

"Something about some magical artefacts that were returned in less than pristine condition," said Miro.

"Ah… yes… probably a good place for me to avoid," said Enoch.

"So what are you going to do?" said Lee.

"I don't know. I have two choices; Lie, and say Lexington made it all up, or tell the truth and risk losing my job," sighed Miro. "The worst part is that Lexington wants me to lie."

"Why would he do that?" said Fred, frowning.

"Because he is a good man," said Enoch. "Doesn't want a promising career ruined because of Ministry politics. Whatever happens Lexington is out but he doesn't want to take Miro down with him."

"Well that sucks," muttered George.

"Guess I don't have much time to make my decision," said Miro, looking out of the window. The group turned to see that outside there were two serious looking men in tweed suits walking towards the entrance. "Must have just Apparated. Lucky that Lexington was able to call me when he did."

The two men entered the Three Broomsticks and looked around the room. As soon as they saw Miro they approached. Enoch turned away on his stool and rested his forehead on his hand to cover his face.

"Miro Franca? Auror-in-training?" asked one of the men in a gruff voice.

"That's me."

"Can you come with us back to the Ministry?" said the man in a way that indicated his question wasn't so much a query as it was an order.

"Sure," sighed Miro, putting his drink down. "I'll talk to you guys later."

"Let us know how it goes," said George.

"Not if its classified he won't," snapped the second man.

They watched as Miro was escorted from the pub, and the three men Apparated away. With Miro's departure the mood took a solemn turn and the boys didn't really feel much like celebrating over Butterbeers. They bid their uncle goodbye and made their way back to the school. The bad news didn't end there either.

On the way they bumped into Oliver who had just come from the Infirmary. Harry was still unconscious and would definitely miss the final Quidditch match of the year. Despite their best efforts to find a suitable replacement to fill the role of Seeker the Gryffindor team were steamrollered by Ravenclaw and Slytherin won the Quidditch Cup again along with the overall House Cup as well. It took the rest of the team nearly two days, just in time for the end-of-year feast, to coax Oliver back out of his room.

The Great Hall was decorated in the Slytherin colours of green and silver, with a huge banner showing the Slytherin serpent covering the wall behind the High Table where the teachers sat. Fred, George and Lee were seated across from Angelina and Alicia with the rest of the Gryffindor third years. They were talking animatedly about their plans for the summer when a sudden hush fell over the room. Each of them craned their necks to try and see why everyone had gone quiet.

"It's Harry," said George, spotting the cause of the commotion. "Must have been let out of the Infirmary."

"Do you think it really happened? The whole Quirrell You-Know-Who thing?" asked Angelina, as the room started talking once again.

"That's what Ron and Hermione said," replied Lee.

"Yeah but they were only repeating what they were told by Harry," explained Angelina. "He's been unconscious for three days, I heard about someone who got bumped on the head and when they woke up the next day they couldn't remember their own name."

"Well Quirrell's certainly gone," said Fred, looking over at the teacher's table. "And everything else they told us about what happened turned out to be true. Plus I don't think Harry would like."

It seemed that everyone else in the room was having pretty much the exact same conversation. Eyes followed Harry across the room until he found space next to Ron and Hermione. Not soon after Dumbledore arrived in the Great Hall and took his place at the top of the room behind the large ornate lectern. The babble died away.

"Another year gone!" Dumbledore said cheerfully. "And I must trouble you with an old man's wheezing waffle before we sink our teeth into our delicious feast. What a year it has been! Hopefully your heads are all a little fuller than they were... you have the whole summer ahead to get them nice and empty before next year starts... Now, as I understand it, the House Cup here needs awarding, and the points stand thus: In fourth place, Gryffindor, with three hundred and twelve points; in third, Hufflepuff, with three hundred and fifty-two; Ravenclaw has four hundred and twenty-six and Slytherin, four hundred and seventy- two."

A storm of cheering and stamping broke out from the Slytherin table.

"Gits," mumbled George, while Fred and Lee nodded in agreement.

"Yes, Yes, well done, Slytherin," said Dumbledore. "However, recent events must be taken into account."

The room went very still. The Slytherins' smiles faded a little, and the rest of the school sat up straight.

"Ahem," said Dumbledore. "I have a few last-minute points to dish out. Let me see. Yes... First: to Mr. Ronald Weasley... for the best-played game of chess Hogwarts has seen in many years, I award Gryffindor House fifty points."

Gryffindor cheers nearly raised the bewitched ceiling; the stars overhead seemed to quiver. Fred and George whooped loudly and waved at their little brother who had gone a deep shade of purple, while Percy could be heard telling the other prefects, "My brother, you know! My youngest brother! Got past McGonagall's giant chess set!"

At last there was silence again.

"Second: to Miss Hermione Granger... for the use of cool logic in the face of fire, I award Gryffindor House fifty points."

Once again Gryffindors up and down the table were beside themselves : they were a hundred points up. Fred, George and Lee, were banging their fists against the wooden table while Angelina let out a roar of triumph and hugged Alicia.

"I always liked that girl," said Fred.

"Third: to Mr. Harry Potter..." said Dumbledore. The room went deadly quiet, "for pure nerve and outstanding courage, I award Gryffindor House sixty points."

The din was deafening.

"We've won the cup!" shouted Fred, pumping his fists into the air.

"Champions!" bellowed George.

"No, you idiots," said Angelina above the noise. "We're on four hundred and seventy-two points. Exactly the same as Slytherin. We're tied for the cup. If only Dumbledore had given Harry just one more point."

Dumbledore raised his hand. The room gradually fell silent.

"There are all kinds of courage," said Dumbledore, smiling. "It takes a great deal of bravery to stand up to our enemies, but just as much to stand up to our friends. I therefore award ten points to Mr. Neville Longbottom."

Someone standing outside the Great Hall might well have thought some sort of explosion had taken place, so loud was the noise that erupted from the Gryffindor table. Fred, George and Lee stood up to yell and cheer while elbowing their way towards Neville who had disappeared under a number of people hugging him. The three boys leapt on top of the group in celebration causing it to topple over pile onto the floor.

"Which means," Dumbledore called over the storm of applause, for even Ravenclaw and Hufflepuff were celebrating the downfall of Slytherin, "we need a little change of decoration."

He clapped his hands. In an instant, the green hangings became scarlet and the silver became gold; the huge Slytherin serpent vanished and a towering Gryffindor lion took its place.

"Ha," laughed Fred, from the floor. "Look at Snape's face."

Snape was shaking Professor McGonagall's hand, with a horrible, forced smile.

The rest of the feast was a cacophony of cheer, with laughter and celebration ringing around most of the hall. The Slytherin table was decidedly mute and most of them left as soon as they had finished eating, but everyone else stayed long into the evening and for those students in Gryffindor the party continued back at their Common Room. After Fred and George carried Neville on their shoulders from the Great Hall to the Fat Lady's portrait they doubled back down to the kitchens several times and brought back armfuls of cakes, pastries and desserts for everyone to enjoy. The partying went on to just after midnight when Professor McGonagall arrived and shooed everyone to bed, she even waited in the Common Room so that the students could not sneak back down after she had left to continue their merrymaking.

Soon the wardrobes were emptied and their trunks packed and the students were heading down to Hogsmeade Station. Hagrid took the first years down to the boat house to catch the fleet of boats that sailed across the lake while the rest took the usual routes to the carriages. As they were waiting to board teachers were busy handing out letters to each of the students to warn them not to use magic over the holidays.

"I always hope they'll forget to give us these," said George sadly.

"I said the exact same thing to Ron and Harry," said Fred. "I've actually been given three already."

"It's like they don't trust us," replied Lee, who was holding two copies of the letter. After careful consideration Professor Flitwick handed each of them an additional one.

The three boys climbed into a carriage by themselves and watched as the school slowly disappeared behind them.

"Any plans for the summer?" asked Fred, stretching his legs and arms.

"Nah, I've sure my parents have thought of something but I'm pretty much just looking forward to not having to get up for lessons," yawned George.

"Not you, you idiot," said Fred, elbowing his brother.

"No idea," said Lee, shrugging his shoulders. "My parents were planning on going away for the summer, but my dad has to work now. At least I'm not stuck with aunt Beryl.

"You should come and stay with us for a bit," said Fred. "I'm sure my mum would love to have you over."

They reached Hogsmeade Station and disembarked the carriages. The train was already waiting for them and as usual the first years had arrived before them and boarded.

"Fred, George, Lee!" barked a voice as they reached the platform. They turned to see it belonged to their uncle. He was standing off to one side away from the crowd along with Miro.

"What are you doing here?" asked Fred.

"Thought I'd stick around for a few days and see you guys off," said Enoch.

"What about you?" said George, addressing Miro. "How did it go at the Ministry? Are you still an Auror?"

"Nope," said Miro, who despite expectations looked rather pleased at divulging this information. "I couldn't turn on Lexington like that, and I wouldn't want to work for any place that would expect me too. So I quit."

"What are you going to do now?" asked Lee.

"Easy," said Miro, he put his hand into his pocket, pulled out a small square card and handed it over.

"'Lexington Franca Wizarding Detective Agency, no job too big, small, or dangerous'" said Fred, reading the writing on the card over his friend's shoulder.

"A Wizarding Detective Agency?" said Lee, frowning.

"It was Lexington's idea. We talked about since first hearing about the Valek. We figured if the Ministry didn't want to look into certain things then there should be someone willing."

"Surprised they didn't ask you," said George, turning to his uncle.

"Who said they didn't?" said Enoch, smiling.

"That's actually why I was here," nodded Miro.

"I'm not really one for a regular job though, but I might give them a hand if I find myself at a loose end."

"Knockturn Alley?" said Lee, reading the address from the card. "Why would you set up there?"

"Lexington said we should get ourselves based right in the centre of where trouble is most likely. Plus it's all we can afford at the moment," said Miro. "It's a small office above a pie shop."

"At least you won't have to travel far for lunch," said George.

"I never said what they put in the pies," said Miro. The boys couldn't tell if he was joking or not.

"Well once you've solved a few cases I'm sure you'll move somewhere a bit flasher, maybe even into Diagon Alley eventually," said Fred.

"That's the idea. Our first case is unpaid but we're hoping it'll help build our reputation enough that people start to seek us out."

"What's the case? I bet some rich eccentric guy wants you to solve a murder," said Fred excitedly.

"Actually it involves you guys," said Miro.

"Hey, we haven't done anything," said George quickly. "Well you know what I mean, nothing bad… er… I mean nothing bad that would require investigating… hang on… nothing bad that…"

"Relax," said Miro holding his hand up. "I'm not investigating you, I'm investigating for you, and Enoch. You said that Valek mentioned someone sent him after you."

"Yeah that's right," said George. "I'd completely forgotten about that."

"Well that's what we're looking into. Look, I'll be in touch in a few days to interview you about it, see if you can remember anything else. Anyway, I'll see you guys around, okay?" said Miro, giving them a wave and backing away a few feet so Enoch could say his goodbyes.

"I guess this is it," said Enoch, shaking each of the boys' hands in turn. "You take care of yourselves you hear?"

"We always do," said Fred.

The boys were the last to board the Hogwarts Express and leaned out of the window to wave to Enoch and Miro as the train pulled away from the station.

"I think it's a good thing," said Fred as the three boys walked through the train trying to find a compartment with spare seats.

"What?" asked Lee.

"That someone is investigating Valek. Sounds like the Ministry just brushed it under the carpet," said Fred.

"Yeah, and if they solve it we might become famous," agreed George.

"People would refer to it as 'The Case of the Kosa Assassin'," said Fred, waving his hand in an arch.

"That's a terrible name for… well… anything," said Lee, shaking his head.

"That's not that bad," countered Fred.

"It's pretty bad," said George.

"What would you call it then?"

"I dunno, how about 'The Weasley Twins and…"

"Hey, what about me?" interrupted Lee.

"'The Weasley Twins and Lee'?" said George, frowning. "It doesn't exactly roll off the tongue…"

The trio continued to argue even after they settled into their seats and the Hogwarts Express pushed on through the countryside bringing everyone back home for the summer.