A/N: I want to begin by thanking everybody who read and especially reviewed my previous chapter. Folks, you guys are the reason why I feel the need to keep writing and to try and make the time to do so. I am grateful for all those who added me to their alerts and favorites lists, but I also want to stress that if you can find the time to provide critical feedback it would be awesome! So without further ado, I give you chapter three.

A Phoenix in Exile

Chapter 3

Hope and Pray

"When good people in any country cease their vigilance and struggle, then evil men prevail." -Pearl S. Buck

Hogwarts Castle

May 3, 1998

23:30 GMT

It had been a long and exhausting day for Harry Potter. The day had begun with a tender reunion between him and Ginny, which ultimately resulted in them getting back together, much to their mutual delight. However, soon after the combination of having to confront the fallen in the Great Hall during breakfast and followed by the stunning revelation of his brother's existence. But it had not ended there, for following dinner that evening, Kingsley Shacklebolt had approached Harry and inquired as to if he, Ron, and Hermione could possibly share the events of the past year with him. After conferring with his two best friends, Harry thought it best to minimize the number of times they would have to recount their epic tale. Therefore they thought it prudent to invite the entire Weasley clan and the Hogwarts professors in addition to Kingsley to the Headmaster's Office that evening to present their story.

Harry, Ron, and Hermione alternated in recounting the events which had transpired over the past several months from their hasty departure from the Burrow following Bill and Fleur's wedding and culminating with Harry's retelling of his role in the Battle of Hogwarts.

It took several hours for the entire story to be told as the trio was peppered with questions throughout their epic tale. However, they held back several details including the more gruesome portions of their stay at Malfoy Manor. Also, when it came time to explain Ron's departure from the group, both Harry and Hermione pointed out the ill-effects that the close proximity to the Horcrux had on them all.

One thing that Harry did not attempt to sensitize or gloss over was his actions leading up to the final duel with Voldemort. Explaining to the group why it was imperative to let Voldemort kill him was not easy, and he could not bear to look at Ginny throughout this portion of the story so as to spare him the pain of seeing her tying to process how he could possibly justify walking to his death without saying goodbye to her.

Finally, the story and additional questions had reached their end, and after Kingsley thanked Harry, Ron, and Hermione for sharing their story. However, Harry still had one more thing to reveal to the group assembled before him.

"There's something else I need to tell you all, something I was only made aware of earlier today." Harry began. "There's no easy way to say this, so I'll just come right out with it, I have a twin brother."

The silence in the room was deafening. Looking around, Harry noticed that save for Ron, Ginny, and Hermione; everyone had a look of disbelief and shock etched into their faces. After a few moments, Kingsley Shacklebolt broke the silence.

"I think I speak for all of us Harry in asking you how you have come by this information?" The battle hardened Auror began, "And if what you're saying is true, then how is it that we are just finding out about your brother now?"

"I can answer both questions in a word," Harry began, "Dumbledore," He stated flatly.

Harry then proceeded to tell the group about the memory Dumbledore's portrait instructed him to view, recounting the scenes he witnessed of his and his twin brother's birth, and the former Headmaster's decision to separate the Potter twins as a direct result of Professor Trawleney's prophecy. Upon finishing his account, the atmosphere in the room turned somber.

"Harry dear," Mrs. Weasley began, "If any of us even had an idea…"

"I know Mrs. Weasley, but Dumbledore was sure to cover my brother's existence quite well. What I want more than anything else now is just to find him." Harry remarked, his voice trembling somewhat toward the end, causing Ginny to take hold of his hand and grasp it firmly.

"I believe I may be able to offer some help there." Bill Weasley interjected, "While working for Gringotts I met some Yanks who might be able to point you in the right direction."

"Have a look at his file." Harry offered, tossing the file over to Bill, who caught it and immediately started scanning its contents. After a few moments, his face paled and he promptly closed the folder.

"Bill?" Harry asked the elder Weasley.

"It says here that your brother is in the 9th Special Forces Group." Bill began shakily.

"Yeah, and?" Ron asked, somewhat indignantly, which earned him an elbow from Hermione.

"Harry," Kingsley began, "The 9th Special Forces Group is the most secret but arguably the best magical armed forces team on this Earth." Kingsley finished.

"I heard about them while I was in Egypt," Bill recalled, "Apparently a separatist group was planning to launch attacks on the magical government. Rumor had it, the Yanks were called in, and a day later the whole lot of the traitors was found dead in the desert. These guys are a class above even the best Aurors both in skill and in lethal force." Bill finished.

"I would anticipate that anything other than what we have here will be most difficult to obtain from the Americans, and adding to the difficulty is their lack of a dedicated magical government." Kingsley thought out loud.

"So what are you saying Kingsley? That we should not even bother trying and just wait patiently until my brother decides to drop into London for a visit?" Harry replied angrily.

"Harry, I think what Kingsley is trying to say is that we must be patient." Arthur Weasley said reassuringly, "I swear to you that all of us here want nothing more than to see you and your brother reunited, however we can't just Portkey across the Atlantic and barge into America on a man-hunt."

After a moment or two, Harry sighed deeply and nodded his head in agreement.

"You're right Mr. Weasley, I guess I can stand to wait a couple of weeks if need be, considering I've already waited nearly eighteen years." Harry remarked with a hit of sarcasm, causing those in the room to chuckle.

"Well I think it's rather late," Mrs. Weasley remarked, as if to politely suggest to her children and Harry and Hermione that it was past their bedtimes.

"Indeed Molly, I think we all have a lot of information to digest, rest is certainly in order." Kingsley agreed, standing up from his chair.

Gryffindor Common Room

The twins plus Ron and Hermione had retired upon entering the familiar quarters of Gryffindor Tower. For Harry however, sleep was not on his mind, but David Sirius Potter was. Ginny Weasley, noticing her boyfriend's preoccupied state, refused to leave him completely alone. The couple positioned themselves on one of the chesterfields with Harry lying down, his head in Ginny's lap.

While he stared blankly up at the ceiling, deep in thought about the existence of his brother, Ginny ran her fingers through Harry's unkempt hair and messaged his scalp and forehead, while occasionally planting a tender kiss on his scar.

After only a few minutes of this, Harry could no longer keep a straight and stoic face and a goofy and satisfied grin appeared.

"I think you're the only one who can make me feel so good." Harry remarked, causing Ginny to blush.

"Yeah?" She replied softly.

"Yeah, I love it when you run your fingers through my hair and kiss my scar." He remarked, "It just makes me feel so…loved." Harry said, as he stared into his girlfriend's chocolate brown eyes.

Ginny's blush only increased in intensity as she smiled. She then bent her neck forward and placed a tender kiss on her boyfriend's lips. The kiss was brief, but what it lacked in length it made up for in its intent.

Pulling back, Ginny was mesmerized by the sparkle in Harry's emerald eyes. "I love you Harry Potter," She whispered softly.

Harry sat up and took Ginny's hands into his and he stared intently into her eyes, "I love you with all my heart and soul Ginny Weasley, and I've never been surer of anything else in my life." Harry said resolutely before the couple engaged in another tender kiss.

After several minutes of affectionate snogging, Ginny began to notice how tired Harry was. "Sleep with me tonight Harry?" Ginny asked her boyfriend sweetly.

Harry paused for a moment, thinking of the potential consequences should the wrong persons discover the two of them in the morning. On the other hand, he didn't care much for sleeping alone. Letting his heart get the better of his brain, he replied "Lead the way."

Ginny took Harry's hand in hers and led him towards the Girls Dormitories, as they approached the stairs Ginny said to no one in particular, "Venus."

"What's that for?" Harry inquired.

"It's so the stairs let a boy come up with me, silly." Ginny answered with a grin.

Harry then recalled the security feature of the Girls Dormitories, whereby the stairs would disappear should a boy try and enter. What he didn't know was that a girl could override it.

Sensing Harry's confusion, Ginny spoke up, "Technically only seventh years have the password but I have my ways of getting necessary information." Ginny grinned slyly.

The couple ascended the stairs and entered Ginny's empty suite on the fifth floor.

"Looks like Hermione found other accommodations." Ginny remarked with a smirk. Grabbing some nightclothes, she went into the bathroom to change. Harry meanwhile was still a bit nervous about this whole scenario and spent the duration of Ginny's time in the bathroom taking in his surroundings.

Not two minutes later, Ginny emerged in a white tank top and shorts which showed off her curves, and with the swaying of her hips, caused Harry's knees to buckle and an organ between his thighs to become more active.

"Do I arouse you, Potter?" Ginny asked seductively.

"Errrr…." Harry stammered, unable to form any coherent speech.

"I'll take that as a yes." Ginny replied, "But this won't do." She remarked at Harry's fully dressed self. With a few waves of her wand, Harry's shirt, jeans, trainers, and socks were banished, leaving him in his boxers.

"GINNY!" He cried out, his hands instinctively covering his gonads.

"Quit complaining and get into bed, I know you want to." Ginny replied coyly as she moved toward the bed and pulled the covers back.

After a moment of hesitation, Harry climbed into Ginny's four poster and after sharing a kiss, Ginny cuddled up next to Harry and rested her head on his shoulder, while he wrapped his arms around her protectively.

4 Privet Drive

Little Winghing, Surrey

May 4, 1998 00:15 GMT

The Dursley family materialized in their living room in a flash of blue light. Once confirmation reached their safe house that Voldemort had been vanquished, Vernon Dursley insisted that they be taken home as soon as possible. Earlier that day Dedalus Diggle had inspected the neighborhood, and along with the advice of Arabella Figg, saw nothing in the way of having the Dursleys return home.

Their luggage soon followed, landing with a thud behind them which masked the clap of thunder and the pouring rain associated with the thunderstorm which was raging outside.

"Dudley! Turn on the lights!" Vernon Dursley commanded his son.

Dudley, who had become leaner and stronger over the past year, felt his way along the wall to the light switch, and flicked it to no avail. "No good Dad." He replied.

"I think you'll find the electricity is not the only thing out of order here." A voice stated.

"WHO GOES THERE?" Vernon yelled out.

As if on cue, a flash of lightning briefly illuminated the house, revealing a man clothed in black sitting at the kitchen table.

"GET OUT OR I'M CALLING THE POLICE!" Vernon barked at the intruder.

"Do stop yelling, if I wanted to kill you, I would already be standing over your corpse." The man replied coolly, his chilling words silencing Vernon.

"Your accent, you're an American?" Dudley inquired.

"You could say that/" The man answered tersely.

"What is it you want from us?" Petunia asked, her voice trembling.

"Why don't we all sit and have a brief chat." The man offered, clearly indicating that it was not a suggestion but an order. Slowly the family made their way over to the kitchen table and took the three chairs opposite him.

"Now I don't want to be here anymore than I have to be so I'll cut to the chase." The man began, "Your actions towards someone very important to me have been reprehensible and certainly not how you should treat family. If I had it my way I would have seen the lot of you rotting in cells for the next twenty years, but alas you should be grateful that it is not in my power to do so. "

"If I may," Dudley began, "I know I was horrible to Harry growing up and I know I can't undo the things I did but..."Dudley went out on a limb.

"Shut it Dudley! I will not hearing you apologize for that fr…" Vernon began.

Suddenly a crack of thunder and a flash of lightning illuminated the room, revealing the unknown man stabbing a knife into the table right between Vernon's middle and ring fingers.

"Finish that sentence and you'll be missing a hand Uncle!" The man spat.

There was a stunned silence in the room, as the Dursleys tried to digest the last word their mysterious visitor uttered.

"No! It's not possible!" Peunia gasped.

"Oh yes, Aunt Petunia, my mother had twins, but thanks to the madman who ended up killing them they shipped me to America the night I was born." David fired back.

"Does Harry know?" Dudley asked after a brief silence.

"None of your concern cousin." He replied harshly. "Though it seems that your year has done you well, should you continue to keep that attitude, perhaps we may see each other again." David offered.

"I think it's time you left boy!" Vernon commanded.

"You'll address me as Major Potter, Uncle." David replied with added disdain for the word Uncle. "And I will only leave when I'm ready to do so. Now all of your behavior these past seventeen years towards my brother will most likely ensure that he will never contact you again. Quite sad considering he and I are the only things left of your sister, Aunt Petunia especially since I know you have regretted the day you sowed the seeds of hatred between you and my mother. Perhaps after a lifetime of shame maybe you will have atoned for your sins and my mother will forgive you when you depart this world." David remarked.

"There may be some hope left for you Dudley," David began, "Maybe one day Harry will come to forgive you as well.

"Regardless, I took the liberty of removing the rest of my brother's things from your home, so you finally get what you both have always wanted." David directed at his Aunt and Uncle. "But until you atone for your sins, even in death, your slumber will be plagued with the guilt and shame of how you treated my brother as a slave and whipping boy."

"I pray for all of you, as unfortunately you will always be my family. But I shan't bother you any further. May he forgive you, because I won't." David finished curtly as he disappeared in a ball of flame.

Unknown Location

?:? GMT

Harry found himself standing in front of an impressive looking fortress built on the slope of a mountain. It was dark and the steadily falling rain was chilling him to the bone. For some reason he was drawn to the fortress and despite its uninviting exterior he walked up the mountainside and approached the structure.

The first thing Harry noticed was that the heavily armed guards on the upper catwalks appeared to be either asleep at their posts or dead as their bodies were slumped over their machine gun emplacements. The second thing that seemed out of place was that the vault like entrance was wide open. Curiosity getting the better of him, Harry pressed on and after walking through a dimly lit hallway, he saw an elevator at the far end. Upon reaching it, the doors to the elevator car opened and Harry stepped inside, the doors closing behind him, and the elevator descended.

After descending for quite a while, the doors opened to reveal a hilltop at night during a thunderstorm. Stepping out of the elevator and into the rain, Harry's gaze was drawn to a figure at the summit of the hill. As he got closer and assisted by the lightning flashes, Harry was able to make out a man kneeling over a body. Once he was within a few dozen yards, Harry started to recognize the face of the man and that the body he was kneeling over was that of a woman with long auburn hair, whose head he was cradling in his arms.

As he started to get to within a few dozen yards, Harry now could say with certainty that the man before him was his brother and that he was sobbing over the seemingly lifeless body of the woman before him. Now standing only a few feet from the scene, Harry looked at the woman's body and saw a beautiful woman whose blue eyes stared lifelessly back into David's'.

"NOOOOOOOOOOOO!" David yelled in anger up to the sky.

Hogwarts Castle

Harry's eyes fluttered open as he was awoken by a disturbing dream. Looking over at Ginny, she had a smile on her face and was sound asleep .Sighing in relief, Harry then shut his eyes again and fell back asleep listening to the sound of his love's breathing.

Cambrón Gate

Toledo, Spain

05:30 CET

David Sirius Potter awoke with a start from his slumber on a bench adjacent to the Cambrón Gate in Toledo. Mentally he was in complete disarray; he had another dream about that fateful night where he lost the woman he loved. The dreams were becoming more frequent, indicating that his mental shields were weakening, which was indicative of a larger problem. David's magic was being severely impaired at a faster rate than previously anticipated. However, what disturbed David more than his magic deteriorating was that he felt a presence in his dream that evening. Someone had access to his mind and it brought upon him tremendous pause.

Doing his best to put the issue aside, David withdrew a flask from his utility belt and took a long swig of the vile contents. Gagging slightly, he stowed the flask back on his belt and scanned the vicinity, looking for Diego.

"I knew you'd be here amigo." A voice said from behind David.

Turning around, David was now face to face with Diego, who was holding a manila envelope in his outstretched hand.

"Here it is, I only hope you know what you are doing." Diego offered.

David took the envelope and after shrinking it, stowed it in his armor. "Get in touch with Felipe, and give him this," David instructed, giving Diego a sealed envelope.

"He will know what to do with this then?" Diego inquired.

"Pretty self-explanatory." David replied tersely.

"I'll get this to him as soon as he wakes," Diego replied.

A silence fell between the two men, neither of them sure of how to conclude their conversation. Finally after a few moments, Diego embraced David tightly.

"Tenga cuidado mi hijo," (Be careful my son) Diego said to David as the older man and his protégée shared a tender moment.

"I will," David replied.

David stepped back from the older Spaniard, and after giving a salute, David disappeared in a flash of flame.

"God help him." Diego said solemnly before apparating to Madrid.

7 Cooper Square

New York, NY, USA

May 4, 1998 12:00 EDT

A man in his mid twenties returned to his Manhattan apartment after an evening at the neighborhood Jazz club he often frequented. He was still in awe of the saxophonist's ability to make the improvised music come alive. It was as if by playing off the top of their heads, they could convey their emotions to the audience much better than in most other music genres.

After unlocking the door to his somewhat spacious abode, the young man unzipped his outer rain coat and hung it on the hook behind the door, and after kicking off his shoes, made towards his 'sanctuary.' The Astro-Turf grass as flooring, and the lawn furniture adorned throughout the room, in addition to a concert grand piano, told most any visitor that this was a man of eclectic tastes. He was eager to write some new lyrics and an accompanying melody. Sitting down at the piano, he started with a couple of chord progressions and tied them to the first words out of his head.

The effort only lasted several minutes before he, in a bit of frustration, slammed the covering over the keys and pushed off the piano bench. Looking over to his desk he noticed a photograph of him and his best friend posing goofily for the camera. It was then that he realized that without his friend, writing any kind of music would be a futile effort. They had been an inseparable duo; studying, writing music, goofing off, all in all, from the day they met they became practically attached at the hip.

And yet, the past year had brought the end to the inseparable duo, and it had a profound effect on him. He knew why his best friend had to leave, but knowing and accepting were two different concepts altogether.

Suddenly, a rush of air interrupted his train of thought, and his head snapped over to the fireplace, where in a flash of flame, an envelope was thrust into the room. The young man summoned it and it flew into his hand. Examining the envelope revealed nothing about the sender or its contents save for a traditional wax seal on the reverse with no distinguishable makings. He slid his finger across the top and pulled out a very tersely worded letter.

AD,

Execute Operation Shield

-DSP

Without a moment's hesitation, AD hurried over to a section of the Astro-Turf and pulled it up, revealing a combination safe hidden underneath. Quickly dialing the combination, AD opened the safe to reveal several document folders. After finding the correct one, AD closed the safe, replaced the Astro-Turf, and sat at his desk carefully examining the file.

After several minutes, AD looked up from the folder and took a deep breath. Opening one of the desk drawers revealed a bottle of Bombay Sapphire Gin and a tumbler. AD fixed himself a glass of gin straight and drank its contents in one swig. After performing a cleaning charm on the used tumbler, AD put the bottle and glass back into his desk. Turning around he stared into his closet and his eyes became fixated on his Tactical Uniform and his trusty M4 rifle.

"Sine Pari (Without Equal), brother," AD muttered to himself as a smirk became fixed on his face.

Gryffindor Tower

Hogwarts Castle

May 4, 1998 08:30 GMT

The morning light found its way through the drapes at the far end of Ginny's room in Gryffindor tower and upon reaching the bed where the young couple slumbered. As soon as the first rays touched the eyelids of Harry Potter, his eyes opened and he took in the beautiful sight that was before him.

The sunlight struck Ginny's red hair making it seem as though it was aflame. It took his breath away when he studied how beautiful his girlfriend looked, sleeping so peacefully beside him, and how lucky he was to have her back in his arms. He pushed a stray lock of her brilliantly red hair back from her face and placed a tender kiss on her forehead. Immediately, a grin of contentment stretched from ear to ear on her face, and she adjusted her body so that she was closer to Harry.

Harry laid back on his side and stared into Ginny's face, and in that moment he was certain that he would never grow tired of waking up next to Ginny and taking in the sight of her beauty.

"Ginny," He whispered to her, "Ginny we have to get up." But this had no effect.

Thinking of no better idea, he slid closer to her, he planted a firm and intense kiss on her lips. This had more of the effect Harry was looking for, as Ginny adjusted herself so as to push the kiss deeper and her tongue soon followed suit, begging to enter Harry's mouth. He obliged, and the couples' tongues began their duel.

After several moments, with the tongue duel ending in a draw, both pulled back from the kiss and opened their eyes.

"Mmmm, Good morning Harry," Ginny said softly, her eyes fluttering open.

"Morning Ginny," Harry replied with a grin.

"You sure do know how to wake a girl up," Ginny remarked with a smile from ear to ear.

"Yeah well I thought it would be the best way," Harry offered.

"'Twas, Mr. Potter." Ginny said with a smirk, sighing contently.

' "We should probably get moving," Harry suggested with a bit of urgency in his voice.

"Love," Ginny began, cuppying Harry's jaw with her hand, "You've noting to be afraid of," She said resolutely before kissing him lightly on the lips and swinging out of bed and departing to the bathroom.

"Right, well I'll err head over to my side to change and I'll see you in the Common Room then?" Harry posited.

"Sounds like a plan." Ginny called out from the bathroom. Harry then threw on his jeans and departed toward the Boys Dormitory.

Harry descended the stairs from the Girls Dormitory, crossed the Gryffindor Common Room, and ascended the spiral staircase to his bedroom of the previous several years. Upon entering, his eyes were drawn to Ron's four-poster where he could see his two best friends in a spooning position, with Hermione curled into Ron's protective embrace. Both appeared to be sleeping soundly with broad smiles on their faces. For a brief moment, Harry couldn't help but stare at his friends, silently laughing to himself, for he knew all along that they would end up together. Silently, Harry grabbed some clothes from his bed and after a quick shower and change; he went to join Ginny in the Common Room.

Palacio de la Zarzuela

Madrid, Spain

May 4, 1998 10:30 CET

Diego Calderon entered the Royal Family's compound outside of Madrid with a clear purpose, to deliver the letter he was clutching tightly in his right hand. Making his way to the main palace, he was greeted with a salute by the two sentries guarding the entrance. After several minutes of navigating the ornately decorated residence, Diego finally reached the set of oak doors with the seal of the Prince of Asturias in bronze.

Pushing the doors open, he entered the antechamber, which housed the Prince's study. Diego looked over at the empty desk and pushed forward, entering the Prince's bedroom without a second thought and found the Prince fast asleep. Diego pulled out his wand and cast a charm, which he knew would wake the Prince. A jet of cold water streamed from the tip of Diego's wand and onto the sleeping Prince's face.

"Aiii!" Prince Felipe shouted as he shot up and out of bed.

(A/N: The conversation is to be in Spanish, but for ease of reading it is written in English)

"Have you forgotten your training already?" Diego chided.

"No, no I haven't, I was just being careless." Felipe replied

"Good, sorry for the theatrics, but it was important that I get this to you as soon as possible." Diego stated, handing over the envelope to the Felipe.

Felipe tore the envelope open and quickly read its contents. When he finished reading, his face bore a stunned expression, "Mother of God!" He exclaimed.

Hogwarts Castle

Mary 4, 1998

14:00 GMT

It had been a solemn morning and early afternoon on the grounds of Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, as the memorial service for all those who perished in the Battle of Hogwarts were honored. It was a simple yet reverent ceremony for those who gave the ultimate sacrifice in the hopes that the forces of darkness would not take over their nation.

A large crowd had gathered for the service, which was presided over by Kingsley Shacklebolt, who delivered a brief speech calling for all those in Wizarding Britain not only to mourn the fallen, but also to honor their sacrifices by striving for lasting peace. Minerva McGonagall then followed with a speech of her own, affirming that Hogwarts would continue to rebuild over the summer and would re-open the following year, complete with a monument to honor the fallen. Finally the names of the deceased were read.

When Colin Creevy's name was read, Harry tensed his grip on Ginny, who started to cry as one of her best friends had his coffin sealed, and Kingsley presented the Creevy's with a flag bearing the seal of the Ministry of Magic and shook hands with Mr. and Mrs. Creevy along with the younger Dennis. Harry couldn't help but think of the boy who had always peppered him with his camera, and eventually joining the DA, which ultimately led to him fighting Voldemort and his legions on the field of battle.

Several minutes later, Remus and Nymphadora Lupin's names were read, and Harry nearly lost his composure as the reality, that all of the Marauders were now deceased, hit him. That reality was only to be followed by the sad fact that Teddy Lupin would grow up without ever knowing his mother and father. After seeing Andromeda Tonks accept the flags for her fallen daughter and son-in-law, holding the infant Teddy in her arms, Harry swore that he would take a role in the young child's life. While he knew he was in no position to raise Teddy, it did not mean that he would not be able to be there for him.

Following the service, Harry along with Hermione and the Weasley clan enjoyed a fine meal in the Great Hall before preparing to depart for the Burrow later that afternoon. Kingsley had arranged for Portkeys to drop Mr. Weasley, Bill, Charlie, Percy, and Harry (at his insistence, which drew a bit of ire from Ginny) to the edge of the Burrow's property. From there the quintet would secure the property, and then send word back to Hogwarts for the remaining members of the family to join them.

As the group stood ready to depart, Harry gave one last effort to try and make peace with Ginny about leaving her behind on this sortie. Harry found her in the Gryffindor Common Room, her arms folded across her chest and her back to him.

"Ginny," He called out to her, but she refused to acknowledge him.

"Ginny, please," Harry began, "Look I know you aren't at all happy that I'm going with your father,"

"You bet I'm not!" Ginny snarled as she turned to face him.

"Ginny listen…"

"No, you listen Harry! You promised me you wouldn't do this, leaving me behind just like you did last summer!" She started, tears beginning to form in her eyes, "Why is it that you always have to put yourself in danger…" She choked out before running toward Harry and embraced him tightly.

"I love you so much," Ginny said between sobs, "I just….seeing Colin in a casket…."

"I know Gin, I know," Harry said soothingly, "Your Dad, Bill, Charlie, and Percy will all have my back, and you guys will be right behind us, I know it."

"I'm sorry Harry," Ginny said to him, regaining her composure somewhat, "It's been a hard day so far, with Colin, and Tonks, just promise me you'll be careful." Ginny asked of him, as she stared into his emerald eyes.

"I promise Ginny," Harry replied before he pulled her close for a brief but tender kiss.

After their display of affection, Harry turned on his heel and headed down toward the Great Hall, where he would meet the older Weasley men to investigate the Burrow's condition.

Hyde Park

London, England

14:30 GMT

A man of about six feet, two inches, with dreadlocks and a tuft of hair on his chin strolled into Hyde Park with a canvas bag slung over his right shoulder. While his unique appearance did attract some brief glances, he made his way largely unnoticed to his destination, a bench by the famous' Upside Down Tree.' Upon reaching the bench, he took the large bag off his shoulder and placed it on the ground, while taking a seat on the bench.

He glanced at his watch and noted to himself that he was right on time. But not a few seconds later he noticed a familiar face round the corner and approach the bench. He quickly rose to his feet and greeted the newcomer.

"Felipe!" He remarked as the two men shook hands and embraced.

"Adam mi hermano (my brother), it's been too long." Felipe said with a smile as he too put down a similar canvas bag next to Adam's.

"So what next?" Adam asked the Spaniard.

"Telegraph gentlemen?" An older paper man offered the two men.

"Sure, keep the change" Adam replied, handing the man a pound coin.

"Thanks lads," The paper seller replied, handing the paper to Adam before walking away.

Adam unfolded the paper to find an unmarked white envelope tucked in the centerfold. Adam discarded the paper on the bench and opened the envelope, quickly scanning over its contents before handing it over to Felipe, who in turn quickly read over the document.

"What have we gotten ourselves into here?" Felipe asked of Adam.

"Knowing him, probably quite the shitstorm." Adam replied flippantly.

"I wouldn't have it any other way." Felipe replied with a smirk as he picked up his bag.

"Me too," Adam added, picking up his bag.

The Burrow

Ottery St. Catchpole, Devon

14:45 GMT

The quartet of Weasley men and Harry apparated onto the edge of the Burrow's property. After ensuring that all of them had made it safely, they split up; Harry went with Percy and Charlie to search the house while Bill and would check the exterior and see about reestablishing the wards.

The trio cautiously approached the front door to the house and looked for anything out of the ordinary. Charlie took the lead and stepped toward the door with his wand at the ready. After a few waves and some incantations, he turned to Percy and Harry.

"Not picking up any signs of magic at the door." Charlie remarked.

"Probably safe, not usually like the Death Eaters to think of booby trapping the front door." Harry remarked, drawing nods from the Weasley brothers. Charlie pushed open the unlocked door, revealing a sight which would become a common theme as the men inspected the house, complete and utter disarray.

"Merlin!" Charlie gasped as he took in the sight.

The kitchen was completely ransacked, with pots, pans, cooking utensils, and various things strewn about on the floor. Most of the cabinet doors were broken off or hanging on their hinges. It sickened Harry to see the only other home he had come to know outside of Hogwarts in such a condition. While walking in further, Harry banged into something heavy which was lying on the floor. Looking down he noticed the Weasley family clock badly damaged at his feet. As he picked it up he felt a hand clasp his shoulder.

"Don't take it too hard Harry; if it's one thing the Weasleys are good at, it's picking ourselves back up off the ground." Charlie said reassuringly.

Harry nodded and put the clock aside as the trio continued to look over the house.

After about a half hour, the three boys met back down in the kitchen and came to the conclusion that while the Death Eaters or whoever ransacked the Burrow left a significant mess, they left nothing sinister in their wake. It was at that time that Mr. Weasley and Bill entered the house.

"Merlin they really tore the place up!" Bill remarked upon seeing the interior of the Burrow.

"Pretty much the same thing throughout the house," Charlie replied, "Though we couldn't find anything in the way of dark magic or anything along those lines."

"Good," Mr. Weasley remarked. "Bill and I got some basic protections up around the property, but at some point soon we'll have to get the property professionally re-warded." Mr. Weasley added, drawing nods from the boys, "Well then let's get this place straightened up as much as we can before we send for the rest of the family. I don't want Molly to have to see the house like this."

For the next hour, the quintet did their best to restore the house to some sense of order. After the majority of the mess was cleaned up, Mr. Weasley sent his patronus back to Hogwarts to signal the rest of the family that it was safe to return.

A magnificent bird had been flying above the Burrow for the past hour, as if it were keeping tabs on the group of men that worked below. When more figures appeared at the edge of the property, the bird thought it best to find a perch and remain out of sight. Spotting a tall larch that provided an excellent lookout over the property; the bird flew toward it and sat there in sentinel, watching the oddly constructed house and its occupants.

19:45 GMT

A silver BMW sedan pulled off the road onto a dirt path, which was just wide enough to allow the car to travel down it. After a minute of creeping slowly down the path, about a hundred meters from the tree line it pulled off the path and backed up into a space between a triangle of trees, with the car facing the path it traveled down. After the car shut down, two men emerged and went around to the trunk.

Adam opened the trunk to reveal the two canvas bags he and Felipe had brought with them from London. Both men unzipped their bags to reveal small caches of weapons. Adam took out his modified M4 rifle, while Felipe slung his M82A sniper rifle on his shoulder. After equipping themselves with pistols and plenty of grenades, and after checking their wand holsters, Adam shut the trunk and locked the car.

"I'm getting into cover on the near side, and you're going to your perch?" Adam confirmed with the Spaniard.

"Yep a few hundred meters to the west." Felipe added.

"Alright man, with any luck we don't fire a shot and I'll see you bright and early." Adam remarked.

"Likewise," Felipe added as the men went their separate ways, using the cover of dusk to get into their positions.

23:00 GMT

The evening at the Burrow had been fairly uneventful, save for the Weasley family trying to continue to re-arrange their beloved home back to its rightful state. Harry and Hermione had taken the liberty of venturing into the village to get dinner for the family as the house had been stripped of any foodstuffs by those who ransacked it. After a satisfying meal, the family plus Harry and Hermione took the rest of the evening to relax and enjoy each other's company.

Throughout the evening however, Harry could not help but have a bad feeling in the pit of his stomach. He was hesitant to dismiss it, for his instincts had served him, Ron and Hermione well during the horcrux hunt. Much to her credit, Ginny noticed Harry's guarded demeanor and during the evening pulled him out to the porch to talk about it.

"What's wrong Harry?" Ginny asked after they were alone.

"Noth…" Harry tried to say.

"Harry." Ginny cut him off sternly, as if to say, 'Don't even think about telling me nothing's wrong.'

After a moment of silence Harry took a deep breath.

"I just…I don't know, I've just got a bad feeling like something bad is going to happen. But, with Voldemort gone, I just don't know why I'm feeling this way; it's all over isn't it?" Harry stammered, causing Ginny to wrap an arm around his shoulders.

"Harry," She began, "Voldemort is gone, and he will never come back. But there will always be evil people out there, magical or not, that will take lives. What's important Harry is that the prophecy has been fulfilled and if you want to be an Auror, you can do it on your own terms without some vision hanging over you." She told him softly.

"I guess what I'm trying to say is that even though your courage and nobility is such an integral part of you, it's ok to let go, to get out of wartime mode for a bit." Ginny suggested.

A momentary pause fell between the young couple as Harry digested Ginny's advice. Finally after some time, Harry leaned in towards Ginny and kissed her softly.

"Thanks Gin, I guess it's going to take a little bit of time for me to 'get out of wartime mode.'" Harry replied with a smirk.

He held out his hand and pulled her up, and the couple reentered the house. Not long after, they had departed to bed, but while Ron slept peacefully, Harry was staring out the window expecting Death Eaters to emerge out of the heath. After an hour of his watch with nothing but the still nighttime landscape before him, he succumbed to his tired eyes and climbed into the camp bed, drifting off to sleep.

01:30 GMT

Felipe was off at the far end of the Weasley property atop the small hill which provided an excellent view of the house in every direction for several hundred meters. The past several hours had been rather quiet, and the only heat signatures he picked up on his thermal scope were that of an occasional animal on the prowl, and Adam, who was in cover in a small depression about a few hundred yards from the start of the wards.

Thankfully, Felipe thought to himself, the wards did not extend too far from the house, so that way he and Adam could provide close support if the need arose. Ever since he and Adam split up, Felipe had been silently praying that David's intel was wrong and that they could properly secure the house tomorrow and get Harry to Spain or America.

Felipe sighed, he called up Adam on the radio, "How are you doing down there?"

"Don't think I'm fathering any kids for a while, my stones are getting crushed." Adam replied.

Felipe chuckled, leave it to Adam to bring some comic relief.

"So tell me why we can't grab him tonight?" Adam asked.

"David's instructions were clear, remain in defensive positions for the night and make contact in the morning. Probably wants to see if the intel is any good before he gets Harry involved." Felipe replied.

"Makes sense I guess." Adam remarked.

"Contact! Felipe hissed, quickly looking down the scope of his rifle as he saw new heat signatures pop up all around the property.

Felipe counted quickly and came to the realization that between two to three dozen men were surrounding the house.

"Shit Felipe! What's the plan?" Adam's voice sounded over the radio.

Felipe quickly wracked his brain for any kind of plan that might work in this situation, but he couldn't come up with anything that wouldn't get him and Adam killed without making any significant dent in the number of attackers. The odds were stacked too heavily unless you were as reckless and insane as David Sirius Potter. Thinking of only one thing, Felipe pressed his transmit button,

"Hope and pray, that's all we can do."

A/N: Cliffhanger! Anyways I hope you liked the chapter, no promises as to when the next one will come out as my MBA studies are becoming more and more intense. Please leave a review if you have time, I always enjoy getting constructive feedback. NO FLAMES PLEASE!