A gentle breeze rushed over Harry's face. The smell of rain filled his small, overcrowded room. Beneath him Ron tugged his covers over his face, and Hermione on his other side switched her position. It was nearly morning, small rays of sunshine rose from the townhouses across the street. Harry hadn't gotten a wink of sleep. All he could think about was that dreadful evening that Snape murdered the greatest wizard of all time. Now all he needed to do was track down the rest of Voldemort's souls (that could be anywhere). Not to mention, kill Snape, Malfoy, and of course Voldemort. As Ron once again wrestled with his sheets on Harry's hard wooden floor, He suddenly felt lucky in way. He had such loyal friends, their lives are in danger, and no matter how many times Harry begs them to leave his side, they stay close by him. When morning came, they where supposed to leave for The Borrow to see Ron's family before going off.
"Mione" Ron mumbled turned around and began snoring. Harry couldn't help but giggle. He remembered telling Dumbledore that he would stay strong a level headed through Sirius's death. Harry knew he needed to stay strong still, especially with so much he needed to do. "Her-Her-my-nee" Ron mumbled again.
"Pst, Ron, Wake up" Harry poked Ron.
"Hmmm, I'm-I'm up" Ron quickly sat up
"You where talking in you sleep" Hermione rose on the other side of Harry's bed "Again, you keep saying my name"
"Err" Ron turned bright red, clashing with his orange hair.
"We should get dressed, I'm sure your mother misses us terribly" Hermione grabbed clothes from her trunk that lay at her feet " Well, I'm going to get dressed" Hermione opened the door to find Duddley marching down that hall rubbing his eyes. He stared at her for a second. It was obvious that Duddely had a bit of a crush on Hermione with the 2 weeks they've been home. Ron has threatened to hex Duddely almost 8 times already.
"H-Hi Hermione" Duddely stuttered "You look g-good this morning" Thunder began to ring outside.
"Yes, she does" Ron appeared next to Hermione "And you-" Hermione pushed him back and walked down the hall into the bathroom. Ron got up to shut the door so Harry and him could dress.
"Err, why does she do this to me" Ron struggled to put his made-me-down shirt on.
"Just tell her you fancy her mate, you never know when-" Harry stopped not wanting to make things awkward but there was no stopping it.
"I know. Mum wrote me, she got us suits" Hermione walked in the room, Ron was startled being in his boxers "Hermione!"
"Please, like I care if yer in yer knickers" Hermione threw her night robes back into her trunk and shut it.
"Anyway" Ron shoved on his jeans "Fleur has made you a bride maid, according to Ginny the dresses are 'adorable'" Harry's head dropped a little. He still regrets leaving her at Dumbledore's funeral.
"Harry Potter!" Uncle Vernon voiced roared. Harry rolled his eyes and marched downstairs.
"What?" Harry sad in a very rude tone.
"Aren't you and you freaky little friends leaving soon" He bellowed.
" Why yes, Yes we are" Harry smiled sheepishly.
"Good then, you-you won't be coming back then?"
"No Uncle Vernon, no I don't believe I will, I am of age now" Harry was trying to be nice, but sounded so sarcastic.
" You are not 18" Uncle Vernon went back to reading the news stopping any argument that could continue. Harry smiled a little, happy with his behavior.
"So, Hermione you parents are normal" Duddely was questioning Hermione in the front room, Maybe he was trying to flirt.
"Muggels" She corrected him "And yes, they are"
"Then how are you a-" He couldn't bring himself to say the word, much like his fathe.r
" Well Duddely. Muggel born witches or wizards most likely get the gene from a relative such as a great-great grandfather." Hermione recited her usual textbook answer. Of course she went on about the passing of a wizarding gene but Harry returned to Ron upstairs.
"She's really grown up" Ron gazed down the steps. Maybe it was the two weeks of sleeping in a tiny room with her, or perhaps he had always felt this way, but now every moment Hermione wasn't with them he talked about her. "I'm gonna, I will tell her, at Bills wedding, I think it would be most appropriate" Harry just laughed and went to his room to pack ALL his belongings into one heavy trunk. "Harry, where exactly are we going after Bills wedding"
"Don't worry about it Ron, I'm taking care of things, The money wasn't the only thing my parents left in my possession" He slammed his trunk shut " Alright then? Go and get your girlfriend"
"Okay" Ron walked out of the room and halfway down the hall Ron shouted back "HEY!"
"Hello Ronald" Hermione stood up from the plastic covered couch "Are we ready to go then?"
"Err, yes we'll be apparating in Harry's room" Ron grabbed her arm and pulled her upstairs. Duddely followed. " I'll go first then" Ron held tightly to his trunk then, with a few clicks he disappeared.
"Whoa" Duddely screeched from the doorway. Harry and Hermione left together.
The Burrow looked the same as it always did. The tall, slim and lopsided house stood at the end of a long curvy dirt road. Harry could see flowers filling the pack yard, as he approached the front door with his mates.
"Harry dear!" Mrs. Weasely held him tightly "oh Ron Hermione Harry how glad you've come to join us-"
" Oh Molly!" Fleur shouted from the other room.
" Coming dear. Make your selves at home" Mrs. Weasely left them in the familiar old kitchen.
" This weddings been just the thing to keep mum's mind distracted" Ginny in the kitchen smiling. She ran over and gave Ron and Hermione hugs. When she came to Harry it was obvious she debated to hug him or not, but broke anyway and even kissed his cheek.
"How are you" Harry whispered in her ear loosening his embrace.
" Good-good" She realized how awkward her position was. "Bills scars are healing better than expected, however his appetites changed and he's much Well… hairier. " Ginny knew it was a question the three wanted answered. "Anyway, Hermione you'll be coming with me to get our dresses done with Gabriella. I must say, they are very nice, Fleur may be annoying but her fashion sense is amazing"
"Wish me luck then" Hermione called as Ginny pulled her away.
"Ron, shall we take our things upstairs then?" Harry began trudging his trunk up the wooden steps. In their rooms they found that fitted suits had been laid on their beds. Harry's was black with golden hem. Ron had silver hem.
"So how do you plan on doing it" Harry asked trying to put on his suit jacket.
"Do what" Ron was wrestling with his tie.
"Confess you undying love for Hermione" Harry smiled.
"I'm- love- Hey!" pause " well after the wedding, at the reception I guess."
"Good thinking," Harry smiled. He wanted so badly to be with Ginny. As long as Voldemort was after him, there was no way he'd put another person he loves in danger.
"What about you?" Ron admired himself in the mirror. "I saw you light up, when- well when Ginny walked into the room" Harry blushed: you can't say that you don't care about her Harry, it's not right to just leave her like that" Ron preferred that Harry and Ginny be together than anything else.
"You know I don't want to put her in danger" Harry admired his appearance too. Ron just shook his head.
Tomorrow Ron and Harry where awoken by loud noises coming from downstairs. Fred and George had obviously arrived. When Harry and Ron reached downstairs they where shooed out and told to put their suits on immediately. They had slept longer than they thought.
The back yard had been beautifully decorated with flowers and streamers. There where white chairs divided into two separate areas. Ron and Harry stood proudly next to a brutally scared Bill. The seats filled in. Fleurs family appareted to The Burrow and the back yard became full of people.
Music began. Gabriella walked in first. Her dress am adorable golden with pink ribbon in her hair. She kept smiling at Harry while throwing flower pedals as she walked. Then came two unfamiliar girls with the same golden dress. Following them was Hermione and Ginny. Both Ron and Harry's mouths dropped open. Hermione looked even more beautiful that what she did at the Yule ball. Her hair half way up and her curls more defined and she wore a similar golden dress but hers was tighter and did not have puffy shoulders. Ginny looked like a queen her hair was perfectly done and straight. Her golden dress was strapless and very flattering to her best features.
The ceremony continued but all Ron or Harry could remember is Lupin saying " dearly beloved" They where so caught up in beautiful girls across from them. " You may kiss the bride" There was cheers and smiles as Fleur and Bill shared a kiss for the first time as Mr. and Mrs. Weasely.
The reception was more fascinating than the ceremony. It was obvious that Fleur's family pitched in on the decorations. Ginny, Harry, Ron and Hermione as well as Gabriella shared a table together. After cutting the cake and raising a toast music began. Ron stood from his seat and walked around the large circular table.
"Err… Hermione" Ron out stretched his arm "Would you- will you dance with me" Hermione smiled and took Ron's hand. They reached the dance floor. Hermione placed her hands on his shoulders and Ron's on Hermione's hips.
"Hermione, you see there's something that I wanted to tell you." Ron now had his arms wrapped around Hermione "Well, really it's been ever since fourth year and…" Hermione cut him off and pecked his lips gently. Ron looked at her for a second then kissed her.
Harry felt bad watching Ginny turn down blonde guys with deep accents. He really wanted to dance with her.
"Ginny" Harry stood up "Dance with me" Ginny's eyes twinkled as if it was a dream come true. He wrapped his arms around her waist. Ginny fit comfortably into his arms. As the song came to a close Hermione and Ron took seats next to each other, holding hands. Ginny yanked Harry back the house saying she wanted to get out of the crowd.
"Harry" She began taking a seat at the kitchen table. "Where are you going when you leave here"
"To my parents old house" Harry revealed proudly
"I want to come"
"No Ginny!" Harry stood up "You'd be in too much danger"
"Harry you know bloody well that I am a talented witch. It's not like I can't handle myself. You're letting Hermione and Ron go"
"Do you think I want to put them in danger" Arguing now like an old married couple "They won't not go, I can't stop them, they want to and there's nothing I can so about it"
"Then you can't stop me from coming!" Ginny was tearing now "there's no way I'm going to sit here day after day wondering if I'll ever see you again. I'm coming"
"I-I" Harry gave Ginny a stern look and she gave him one back. Then he grabbed her and held her close. "I don't want to loose you"
"I don't want to loose you" Ginny's eyes where once again twinkling.
That night the Weasely house was quiet. It was no longer full of out of town strangers or bossy brides. Ron, Hermione, Harry and Ginny and stayed up late in Ron's room.
"So you're coming with us then" Ron asked for the 5th time
"I'm sure not going to go back to Hogwarts" Ginny now laid back in Harry's arms
"I wonder who'll be returning," asked Ron
"Most likely 1st, 2nd, 3rd, and 4th years I'm sure their parents want them better educated in a time like this. Apparently they're letting the parents stay at Hogwarts to ensure safety"
"Nothing bad'll happen. What with Dumbledore gone and I'm not going back" Harry managed a weak smile. "they have no real reason to attack, they only want me" There was a silence. Ginny nestled into Harry's arms more. Hermione lay down next to Ron.
"So where are we gonna look first?" Ron asked.
"Hm, Hermione, You've read Hogwarts a History, what a thousand times, could you tell me did it say anything about possession, heirlooms of the houses. I know Slythrine has a locket, Huffelpuff, a mug, obviously, Gyriffidor a sword."
"So your wonder Ravenclaw's yes? Well I remember reading about the four founders of Hogwarts in another book." Hermione felt like a dork. "hmm, well no I don't recall anything about heirlooms or possessions." Hermione forced a smile. "Well Ginny I'm going to be" Hermione Was about to get up but saw Ginny already asleep in Harry's arms, Ron was asleep too. "well I guess I'll just stay" Hermione leaned back up against Ron. Harry smiled weakly, and then for the first time in almost three weeks, Harry slept all the way through the night with Ginny in his arms.
At breakfast the next morning the table was unusually empty.
"Harry, you have a letter" Ron had taken the white envelope from a brown owls talons, and tossed it to him. Harry opened it.
Dear Mr. Potter,
Hogwarts has decided to reopen this year. I understand why you would choose not to come back and attend school but I think you education at this time is of most importance. Dumbledore left a letter in the case of his death to seek out four objects and destroy them, this letter however was addressed to you. I know you think you'll be endangering other students but I assure you that extra precautions are being taken. It would be safest to return to Hogwarts, you still have much to learn.
Hogwarts Headmaster
Professor McGanagoll
P.S. We are in desperate need for a Defense Against
The Dark Arts teacher. Hogwarts staff thinks you'd be perfect for the job.
I know you are busy but just consider.
"Hey, we got school letters too" Ronyelled as he took a bunch of other envelopes in his hand. "So Harry what's in the letter"
"McGanagoll, she wants me to come back to school this year" Harry looked up "As a student, and a teacher"
"Let me guess, Dark arts right?" Hermione giggled
"Hey, here's one to me mum and dad" Ron pulled it out a read it allowed "Dear Mr. and Mrs. Weasley. We are informing all parents that due to the loss in students in all three-wizarding school, Beauxbatons and Durmstrang students will be attending Hogwarts and combining staff. We understand that you may think the combing the schools in unnecessary but it is important to ensuring the safety of your young wizard or witch. This year they will be taught not only to defend them selves but to attack their opponent too. If you have any worries or objections please contact to minister of magic."
"Bloody Hell" Ginny stood up "well" she looked around the room "I guess we have a choice"
"I'm-I'm going back" Harry smiled "they need a new teacher, and I need to learn a lot more"
Hermione jumped up, school letter in hand "Mcganagoll's made me head girl, I'm going back"
"well then, If you're going back, than I am" Ron smiled "I wonder where mum and dad are at" Ron looked over at the magic clock. All the Weasleys hands where a mortal peril "that clocks not so useful anymore. We should ask mum before making any decisions"
"Ron, I think mum would want us to go to Hogwarts than on random adventures with Harry" Ginny laughed
"What would I care about" Mrs. Weasley appeared at the steps.
"Good mornin' mum. We got Hogwarts letter and, well here" Ginny gave the letter to her.
"Oh yes I know all about this" Mrs. Weasley came down from the steps and began cooking "you'll be going then. Fantastic"
"Wait a minuet, Why did our letters come so early" Ron took the first muffin out of the basket.
"Well, Ronald. If you kept reading you could see that they'er opening the school early so students can become acquainted with new teachers and students alike. They also need time to sort the new students. Oh and look, they're adding additions to all the house to accommodate the students" Mrs. Weasley seemed thrilled.
Harry knew that another year of Hogwarts would do him good. If he couldn't even stop Snape how was he supposed to fight Voldemort. The next few weeks where more quite than ever. No one yelling that was usually Ron and Hermione but now they spent their time snogging Mr. and Mrs. Weasley always out of sight. Before long it was time to return to school. The Hogwarts express was unusually empty. Many Slytherines and Gyffindors returned, obviously no Malfoy. Ginny Ron Hermione and Harry took and empty compartment in the back of the train. The sun was shining brightly, and the weather still extremely warm, being the middle of summer. Hermione and Ron however left right away to tend to their prefect and head girl duties. Harry and Ginny spent most of their train time either snogging or eating treats.
The school was not as crowded as Harry expected. Everyone fit comfortably into the great hall. Before Harry even reached his seat the new Headmaster stopped him and brought him to her office.
"Dumbledore wants to speak to you Mr. Potter" McGonagoll opened the door and let him into her office alone. Harry's mouth dropped open when he head a familiar voice say:
"Ah, Harry glad to see you returned" Harry stood infront of a large moving picture of Dumbledore.
"Dumbledore sir!" Harry's heart skipped a beat at the site "Your- your"
"I'm quite dead Harry, but am here in spirit of course, no listen I wanted to talk to you, take a seat." Harry sat down and nodded his head "This year it is very important that you focus on you education. The Ministry is allowing Hogwart to teach more advance, and powerful magic because of what happened last year. The school is now under tighter security to ensure another accident like that never happens again. Do not go looking for Voldemort's remaining souls. It is no longer your job, I have top Order officials on it and have already destroyed one. Now you must focus everything into you learning, and teaching" Dumbledore smiled "Oh yes, teaching. I tihnk you'd be wonderful at teaching 1st through 4th years Defense against the dark arts. " Harry, I'm glad to see you are cooping with my death well. Of course I will always be here if you need me. I suggest however you get used to Professor McGanagoll being Headmaster. Well Hurry up then, go to your feast" Harry wanted to hug Dumbledore but just smiled at him instead and ran down the spiral steps.
"Harry" Ginny came flying around the corner and almost knocked him down "come on, the feast is starting" She grabbed his hand and pulled him into the great hall. Even though he was asked to sit with the teacher, Harry sat with his usual Gryffindor table. Durmstrang and Beauxbatons made a usual interesting entrance. As Beauxbatons entered the walked gracefully to the old sorting hat in their new Hogwarts uniform. All of them seemed thrill to be placed most ended up in Ravenclaw or Huffelpuff. Durmstrang seemed more forced into coming. Two rows of strong looking wizards waited patiently walking down the middle of the room passing, Hermione and Ron.
"Hermy-neey" A chipper man stood proudly at the back of the line. His hair was long and he was very muscular. "Hermy-neey! 'ow glad I am to see you!" Viktor Krum practically picked Hermione up from her seat and hugged her.
"Viktor! I thought you would've graduated Durmstrang" Hermione seemed to be gleam. Ron however stood up next to her.
"I'm a teacher Hermy-neey. I Gave up me Quidditch to teach poisons" Viktor smiled over at Harry "Hi Harry, well I really gotta go seet up front" Viktor, not noticing Ron holding her hand, kissed Hermione's cheek.
"Oi!" Ron almost went after him when Hermione pulled him back to his seat "No Hermione, no, I don't want anyone kissing you. How dare he, right in front of me too!" He yelled.
"Ron" Hermione kissed him "shut up, it's okay"