Chapter 7. Hot Fun in the Summertime

            As Harry and Ginny kissed, something wonderful happened. Harry felt HAPPY! The sadness that had been in his heart after losing Sirius had eased, but had never really gone away. But here was a girl that could help him get through this time of sadness. What little of his heart he had withheld from Ginny before, he now gave to her completely.

            Ginny felt euphoric! For six long years, since she had met Harry on the train platform, she had known that Harry was the one for her. Most people dismissed it as a silly crush; in fact, over time, Ginny even started believing it herself. But this was no childish thing; on the contrary, she knew that someday her dream of becoming Mrs. Harry Potter would come true, and she would stand and fight beside him till the very end.

            Ron and Hermione finally gave up on them and headed back toward the house. They entered the kitchen and found it crowded; Bill, who was temporarily on assignment in London for Gringotts was there, as were George, Fred, Mr. and Mrs. Weasley, Moody, Lupin, Tonks, Shacklebolt, Professor Dumbledore and Professor McGonagall.

            Mrs. Weasley looked up at the two of them. "Where are Harry and Ginny?"

            Ron blushed, but Hermione spoke up. "We were all just in the garden. I'll go get them." She turned around to see them walking in the door holding hands.

            Everyone looked confused. Hermione and Harry had been the topic of discussion; Mrs. Weasley had made the same assumption that her daughter did. When the other Weasley boys saw Ginny's hand in Harry's, they all shifted in their seats. Mr. Weasley quietly held out his hand to Remus, who handed him a galleon; they both laughed, which broke up the tension in the room.

            "So, Harry…busy I see…" laughed Remus.

            Harry just grinned like a Cheshire cat. "Since most of us are here, I want to let you all know something; Ginny and I are officially a couple." There was a whoop from George, who just won a galleon from Fred; in fact, several more coins changed hands. Ron and Hermione went over and hugged them, followed by most everyone else.

            Molly Weasley stood there, looking at her husband. "I thought Harry was with Hermione," she whispered, then went over to hug them.

***

            After everyone had congratulated them (and the Weasley brothers talked with Harry), they all sat down and enjoyed a dinner of Harry and Hermione's favorites. When Harry couldn't eat another bite, Professor McGonagall asked to speak to him alone.

            When they had gotten away from the crowd, she smiled at him. "You remind me so much of your father, Mr. Potter. He was a good man and he inspired others to be better people. That's why he was Head Boy."

            "But how did he get to be Head Boy? He wasn't a Prefect."

            "Being a Prefect is not a pre-requisite, but it certainly helps. Prefects are chosen by Heads of House based on many criteria, including grades and attitude. But the Headmaster appoints the Head Boy and Girl each year; and he has his own criteria.

            "However, I do have some other matters to attend to. Here is a letter signed by the Minister of Magic revoking your lifetime ban from Quidditch. Also, I am sure you will be happy to know, that all Educational Decrees enacted in the past year have been revoked as well."

            Harry smiled. "So I can play again?"

            "Mr. Potter, not only can you play but you had better win. I fully expect that cup to remain in my office; I have become quite fond of it. And as Captain, you have that responsibility."

            Harry's eyes widened. "Captain?"

            "Close your mouth, Mr. Potter. Yes, Captain. I don't believe I stuttered, did I? I also have received the results of your O.W.L.S. and while I cannot give them to you yet, I am happy to say that you will have no difficulty in following your career choice. Do you understand?"

            "Yes, Professor."

            "Good." Then she did something that nearly made Harry faint—she pulled him into a hug. "I am so glad that you have found some happiness, Harry. Enjoy the rest of your summer." She let him go and walked out of the room.

            Harry stood there in shock. What just happened? Did the sternest teacher I have just hug me? As he stood there pondering, he heard a chuckle. He turned around to look into the eyes of Albus Dumbledore.

            "Is everything alright, Harry?"

            "Fine, sir…I think."

            "You have to forgive Minerva. We were all quite shaken when we realized how close we came to losing you."

            "But, sir. There are lots of people in Gryffindor for her to worry about, certainly many more worthy than me."

            The headmaster smiled and Harry noticed that the twinkle in his eye, which had been absent after their return from the Ministry that night, was back in full force, "Harry, no matter how hard you try, when you teach occasionally you have some favorite students. Now, these students are usually the brightest, the ones you see the most potential in; but sometimes it's because of their personality. Fortunately, you fit into both of these criteria, which is why most of your professors have a place in their hearts for you and your friends."

            Harry looked squarely into the face of the older wizard. "That's just because I have to face Voldemort."

            To his surprise, Dumbledore agreed. "I admit, Harry, that fact does set you apart. But it's your character and bravery for others that make you likeable; whether it's Voldemort or certain Slytherins." Harry's face reddened. "I just thought you ought to know.

            "Now, Harry. Let's prepare you for Occlumency, and if you master that, Legilimency. Over the time left this summer, I shall visit with you two times a week, once in the morning and once in the evening. I want you to keep a dream journal and write down any dreams you remember. Agreed?"

            "Yes, Professor."

            "Good. Now let's go back to the party." As Harry followed the Headmaster, he smiled and remembered that Ginny was waiting for him.

***

The next morning, a small group of Aurors sat in a classroom in the Ministry of Magic. Kingsley Shacklebolt's mentor and friend, Alastor "Mad-Eye" Moody, was sitting at a table with his head in his hands. He was sitting very still but his always-moving magical eye began to spin faster. "Here come Nymph, Pig and Caesar," he announced, shortly before they entered. Kingsley smiled at his friend and then turned to motion the three new arrivals forward.

The most junior one there was Tonks, known by the Aurors as "Nymph". All Aurors, after having successfully passed the initial round of their testing, were given nicknames by their mentors. Sometimes it was based on their names; Kingsley's was "Shack", short for Shacklebolt. Pig's last name was Hoggston, and Shack's partner, "Mutt" (who was named for a dog he always talked about) had named Pig. Shack had named Tonks because of her intense dislike for her first name, and "Caesar's" first name was Jules.

            As they waited for the final two members of this little group to arrive, Shack offered those already there a drink, motioning to the table near the wall. He asked Mad-Eye if he knew what was going on, but the older man shook his head. Just then, in walked the two they were waiting on.

            "Payback" (whose name was Baxter) and "Indigo" (a girl two years older than Nymph whose hair in training had been hexed to an interesting shade of blue—it had since gone back to the original blonde) took their seats. As if on cue, Amelia Bones walked in and walked up to the front of the room.

            "Good morning, ladies and gentlemen. Thanks for coming to this week's Sewing Circle," she started. "Shack, will you do the honors?"

            He nodded in response and pulled his wand. "Cello solvo!" The locks to all the doors clicked in unison. Shack sat back down.

            She continued. "Thank you. As some of you may be aware, Since Voldemort's visit to the Ministry, the Minister has been forced to acknowledge that he is back. That has caused our department to be stretched beyond its means. We will temporarily be receiving a dozen or so Aurors from our French allies to help us get through. The Minister was initially against this, but public pressure has made him relent.

            "These new personnel will be paired with some of our Junior Aurors. We have called Mad-Eye out of his retirement to help with this situation, but he also will be consulting for the rest of us as he has the most experience from Voldemort's first appearance.

            "A newly created Head Auror position was announced to me by the Minister yesterday. I have been asked to appoint someone to this position. Shack, will you accept?"

            Shack looked around in surprise at the others. "I will."

            "Good; now for additional personnel changes. Nymph, Caesar and Indigo, you have been promoted to Senior Aurors. Congratulations." Everyone cheered and smiled for their colleagues.

"On to the real reason we are here. We currently have an operative in Voldemort's camp. This person, who shall remain nameless, has informed us that Voldemort is actively recruiting to increase his numbers. He has been quiet because he does not want to tip his hand, but he has designated an attack objective; Harry Potter."

            The room grew silent. "Harry? When is that poor kid going to get a break?" asked Nymph.

            Mad-Eye turned toward her. "When Voldemort is dead…maybe."

            "Do we know all the details?" asked Shack.

            "Not yet," answered Amelia, "but we are expecting an update soon. I will keep you posted. Nymph, if you please."

            Tonks stood up and pulled her wand. "Cello recolo!" The locks clicked once more and they started making their way out of the room.

            Shack and Mad-Eye stayed behind with Amelia. "Amelia, I will go call a meeting of the juniors to fill them in on what's happening," said Mad-Eye. "When are they arriving?"

            "I have been assured that it will be tomorrow morning, thankfully. Cornelius was beside himself when I suggested it, but Albus stepped in; things go so much better when he's around."

            Mad-Eye laughed. "Things will be better when we get a real Minister. See you all later." He left and headed toward the main meeting room.

            Amelia looked at Shack. "So, Kingsley, what's on your mind?"

            "Well, thanks for the vote of confidence on the new position, but one thing puzzles me," he replied.

            "What's that?"

            "Why didn't Mutt get the position?"

            "Isn't that obvious? He's our informer."

***

            Bellatrix had discovered that in addition to Aurors, the Ministry had placed attack dogs around the prison. Waiting until nightfall, they took a few dozen steaks and soaked them in a sleeping draught, then levitated them to the prison; one by one the dogs found them and fell asleep.

Then four death eaters flew over the prison with sprayers and filled the air with sleeping draught, so that the Aurors would fall asleep as well. Within fifteen minutes, all were asleep. They walked in and levitated the prisoners to a waiting boat and were gone before any of the guards woke up.

***

            Harry awoke with a start. His scar was on fire. Something was happening with Voldemort. Harry's cries had woken Ginny up and she was sitting on his bed. He looked at her and grabbed her, holding her close to him.

            She pulled back and brushed a hair from his face. "What is it, Harry? A bad dream?"

            "No, Gin. My scar…he's happy. That's not usually a good thing."

            Molly and Arthur were standing in the doorway. Arthur looked at Harry closely. "Harry, what did you see?"

            "Not much. Bellatrix was standing in front of him and he was happy. I think something bad has happened."

            Molly's face went white, but Arthur just nodded. "Right then, Harry, I'll just alert Dumbledore." He turned and headed back down the stairs.

            Molly came over and hugged him, then looked at Ginny. "Why don't you two come downstairs for a cup of cocoa? It will soothe your nerves and help us relax." Harry nodded and he followed Molly and Ginny down to the kitchen.

            As Molly started preparing the cocoa, Arthur came in fully dressed. "Dumbledore is raising Fudge right now; we'll know something soon. I'll take a cup of that, too, dear."

            After twenty minutes, Harry was starting to get sleepy. He and Ginny had gone to the living room and were sitting on the couch, leaning against each other. Ginny had fallen asleep and was snuggled against Harry. Her closeness helped him relax and before he knew it he was asleep.

            Arthur and Molly peeked around the corner; he turned and looked at his wife questioningly, then hugged her. "I knew they wouldn't sleep without help," she admitted.  

            Albus Dumbledore walked in and looked at the young couple asleep on the couch and smiled sadly. He looked at the others. "It has happened; Voldemort has regained his followers."

            Molly gasped. "How?"

            "No one knows. Surprisingly, no one was killed, just rendered unconscious. I am on my way to the Ministry; Arthur, make sure that Harry knows I was here and thank him." He smiled before turning and walking out. Molly conjured a blanket on the sleeping couple and went to clean up in the kitchen.

***

            Cornelius Fudge sat in his office wringing his hands while listening to Amelia Bones describe the events at Azkaban from the previous night. After she had finished, he looked at her and then walked over to get a glass of water. He sat back down after taking a sip. "What is the current situation?"

            "Currently all the personnel are being questioned to see what they can remember. The only prisoners that escaped were the ones that were already tied to Voldemort."

            Fudge shuddered at the mention of the name. "Don't say that name!" he hissed.

            Amelia looked amused. "Who's name? Voldemort's?"

            Fudge jumped again. "Yes!"

            "Why not? That old rubbish about 'He who must not be named' is just that. We need to take action, Cornelius. What do you propose?"

            "What is in the Prophet?"

            Amelia took out a copy and handed it to him. On the front page was a story about what happened.

BREAKOUT AT AZKABAN

Sources here at the Daily Prophet have confirmed that last night several prisoners escaped from the famous Wizard Prison. The prisoners in question were those captured by Albus Dumbledore and Harry Potter (also known as The Boy Who Lived) recently in a break in at the Ministry. Minister of Magic Cornelius Fudge, who until recently denied that He Who Must Not Be Named was back, could not be reached for comment. Amelia Bones, Head of the Magical Law Enforcement Department released the following statement: "The entire law enforcement community will not rest until these escaped prisoners are recaptured. We have reason to believe that they received outside assistance in their attempt to escape; please note that these individuals may be armed and should be considered dangerous."

            For a background on the escaped prisoners, please see page 2. We will keep you updated.

            "Thanks, Amelia. What do you suggest?"

            "We need more manpower. Can you contact your counterparts at foreign ministries?"

            "I'll see what I can do. You see what you can find out from those on duty."

            He watched as she left the office. She had just pushed her way out the door, when he heard a familiar voice—Rita Skeeter. His assistant was trying to stop her, but Cornelius knew it would only be a delay and decided to get it over with. He waved her in.

            He put on his best smile and walked around the desk. "Good morning, Rita. Lovely day, isn't it?"

            "Yes it is, Minister. But not much of a lovely night last night was it?" She smiled back. "I've recently re-joined the Prophet staff and my editors have asked me to find out about this. Care to comment?" She took out her quick quotes quill and a pad.

            He looked at her nervously but realized that it couldn't be avoided. "Of course my dear." He took a sip of water. "All of us here at the Ministry are greatly concerned by these events. I have just spoken with my top aides and from what we understand someone not currently in Azkaban may have assisted in the escape, or even planned it. The number of prisoners that escaped was very low and the incident was over very quickly. I want to thank our personnel who insured that the other prisoners did not escape as well. Rest assured; we will find these prisoners and when we do, we will be seeking permission for immediate sentencing on the additional charge of escape."

            Rita looked at him. "Anything else you wish to add?"

            He shook his head. She put away the quill and pad and stood up. "Well, I had best be shoving off; deadlines you know. I am sure we will be talking again soon."

            As he watched her walk out the door, he reached in a drawer and brought out a bottle of Firewhiskey; he took a drink and returned it to the drawer before reading the rest of his paper.

***

            Ginny woke up disoriented. She knew that she wasn't in her room, and her head was resting on something…no, someone. She looked around in the early morning light and realized that she was in the living room on the couch and that the someone she was leaning against was Harry. As she sat up, she remembered Harry's dream and then coming down to have cocoa…ah, the cocoa. Her mum must have put something in the cocoa like she always did when people had bad dreams.

            She turned and looked at Harry. He looked so peaceful; Ginny had to make sure he was breathing. She watched the rise and fall of his chest before getting up and heading into the kitchen.

            Ron and Hermione were sitting at the table having breakfast. "Where's Mum?" asked Ginny.

            "She went into town for a few things," replied Hermione. "Did you have a nice sleep?"  Both Hermione and Ron snickered.

            Ginny started to reply, but was interrupted by Harry who had just entered the kitchen. "Yes we did. I can't believe I feel asleep down here."

            Ron snorted. "Mum gave you cocoa, didn't she?"

            It was Ginny's turn to laugh as Harry looked confused. "Yeah. Why?"

            "Mum added some Dreamless Sleep potion to it…she usually does after a nightmare," replied Ginny. "But I'm not sure why she gave me some too."

            Although there were several opinions, no one could figure out why. After several minutes, Ginny and Harry decided to go take showers and get ready for the day. As they reached the top of the steps, Harry pulled Ginny into an embrace. "So, Miss Weasley, do you realize that we've already slept together?"

            Ginny laughed. "Well, we have known each other long enough, I dare say." She leaned into him and gave him a hug, which he returned. "Harry, I love you. Just remember that no matter what, I am here for you when you need to talk, okay?"

            "Thanks, Gin. I know. I love you, too." He kissed her and they each headed toward their rooms.

            Twenty minutes later as they returned to the kitchen, they found Molly putting away some groceries but no Ron or Hermione. Molly came over and hugged them both and made them sit down to eat after she made sure that Harry was okay. As she made breakfast, she told them that Ron and Hermione had decided to go down by the lake.

            Ginny smiled. "Mum, did you talk to Professor Dumbledore about next week?"

            Molly looked at her daughter. "Yes, I did, dear. He said he will see if a few Order members can come by."

            Harry looked from Molly to Ginny. "What's next week?"

            "Usually, the second week in July there is a festival in town. All the Muggles get together and throw a three day long party with food, contests and music. I asked Mum to see if we could go since you would be here this year," added Ginny.

            Molly looked at Harry. "I asked Dumbledore if we could go. I understand that we have to keep you safe, Harry, but you need to be young while you can, too. He said he understood and that there was a distinct possibility that you can go."

            "Thanks, Mrs. Weasley. Knowing the Headmaster, I think I will wait to get my hopes up. But it sure sounds like fun."

            "Yes, well, eat your breakfast," replied Molly. "Let's let things go for now."

            Harry dutifully bit into a sausage as he pondered what she meant.

***

A/N: Thanks for all the reviews. I am glad you are enjoying this fic. While I usually don't respond to individual reviews, one reader felt the end of the last chapter ("Back to the Burrow") was rushed. It was written that way intentionally (and besides, it is a flashback in Order of Merlin) because they are just admitting what they have known all along.

Happy Reading!