Harry and the rest were studying faithfully in their common rooms each night pouring over books about the different destinations they would be taking and spells and potions that might be useful.
Near the end of the term Hufflepuff turned up a win with the house cup barely edging out Griffondore. It was the first time in years that Hufflepuff had won the house cup and turned into quite a celebration for the house.
Griffondore shared the Quidditch cup with all the other houses that year and even the Slitheryn team celebrated with the rest, as they were the only Slitheryns left at Hogwarts after the morning the bodies were found.
Many of the parents were afraid now to bring their children home because anyone not of pureblood status were being attacked.
McGonagall was up to her eyeballs in letters from parents asking if their children could attend summer classes knowing full well Hogwarts didn't have summer classes.
Arthur Weasley put a lot of the families at ease by having a few of the Aurors perform the Fidelis charm on their houses making them impossible to find lest they were told.
Muggles were being targeted as well and the muggle press and the Daily Prophet had a field day blaming different people in their respective ministries who they thought were not doing their jobs finding these perpetrators and bringing them to justice. One lone name was never mentioned as responsible. Arthur Weasley became a household name to justice over-night. It seemed everyone was behind him except the pureblood families who were counted among the death-eaters. Even Scrimgeour who had just woken up that week from his Coma in St. Mungo's decided to step down as Minister of Magic and reporters in the Daily Profit quoted him as saying that he fully supported the new minister.
Aurors were patrolling Hogsmeade and a few of the families had moved back. The ministry had taken over several of the buildings for the meantime and Honeydukes and the Three Broomsticks and the Hogshead Inn had reopened. Madam Rosemerta had hired two waitresses and was spending most of her time since getting out of St. Mungo's in a comfortable chair near the fireplace. She also hired her cousin from America to guard the place at night. America's answer to an Auror it would seem. The few times that Harry had seen him he was smiling good-naturedly and talking with the patrons as they walked in. He would also seat the new arrivals and then tell the waitresses who would immediately come take their orders.
Harry, Ron and Draco along with Neville were just entering the Three Broomsticks when they heard raised voices from within. Harry walked in as an arrogant looking wizard was yelling at the smiling American. Draco recognized the man as a pureblood and a death-eater who would frequent places taking notes on the placements of buildings and such before an attack. The American's smile never left his face not even when the death-eater went for his wand. When it was over the American had gotten to his wand faster than Harry had ever seen even for Moody.
"Sorry about that, some cant take no for an answer" he said smiling at the boys. "Let me show you to a table and then I can clean up this mess and take him across the street to the Ministry holding tank." He said.
"That was some pretty slick wand work," Neville said eyeing the American.
"Thanks, just luck I'm sure. Josiah Crockett by the way." He said holding out his hand to them. Harry shook it, as did the rest.
"Harry Potter and this is Ron Weasley, Draco Malfoy and Neville Longbottom," he said indicating each in turn.
He eyed Draco for a moment easily and then the rest "Any relation to Lucius Malfoy?" he asked turning once more to Draco.
"Unfortunately yes. If you mean do we share the same views fortunately no." Draco said evenly.
"Ah then right this way we go then gentlemen" Josiah said smiling and seating them near Madam Rosemerta who smiled at all of them.
