Not mine.

The Feast

The walk back to the far end of the train was surprisingly easy, despite the corridor being full of students, eager to leave after hours of sitting down. As soon as he was seen they just seemed to move out of his way. He was soon guiding the Widdick twins into the first carriage in moments.

"Sit down you two I've had a word with the Thestrals, so it'll be a bumpy ride," Harry said climbing in after them."

"What are Thestrals?" Irene asked.

"Thestrals are the creatures that pull the carriages," Harry answered.

"Oh I wish I could see them," Irene said.

"They're invisible to most people," Harry said, and then had a terrible thought. "Stay here."

"Like we have a choice," Hilary muttered. Harry never heard because he was busy looking for Ginny, Ron and Hermione. He spotted them further back. All of them were standing around two Thestrals. Ginny was busy stroking one while Luna was talking to Ron and Hermione, all of them looked calm and relaxed. Relieved that they were taking it so well, he went back to carriage and climbed, back in.

"Hold on tight, it's going to be an uncomfortable ride." Harry thought that had been an understatement when they finally stopped outside the castle. He had several extra bruises and a sore lump on his knee.

With one on each arm he led them up to the infirmary, looking around at the familiar sights. The castle didn't feel like quite like home as it use to, but he was glad to be back all the same.

"Madame Pomfrey, I've got a bit of business for you," Harry said poking his head around the door of the hospital wing. The Medi-Witch walked out of her office to see who had called her. Her face turned into a scowl as soon as she saw who it was.

"Mr Potter, term hasn't even started yet, and you have already got yourself into trouble." Harry couldn't stop himself from grinning. It was nice to know some things never changed.

"It's not me this time a couple of first years hexed each other." Harry then led them both in.

"Well really, as Head Boy you were meant to be making sure this sort of thing didn't happen. Right sit them on those two beds, while I mix up a counter potion." Harry led the two girls over to the beds and helped them sit down.

"Why didn't you tell us you were Harry Potter?" Hilary asked.

"And Head Boy," Irene added.

"I told you my name was Harry, and it is."

"Is it true that you killed a Basilisk?" Irene asked.

"Yea with a bit of help," Harry answered.

"Wow cool! Who helped you?"

"Well it wasn't a who. It was a Phoenix."

"Can we see the Phoenix?"

"No I'm afraid it's no longer here," Harry felt a tightness in his chest at this statement.

"What about the Basilisk, is the body still here?" Hilary asked.

"I don't know to be honest, but I doubt it. Its fangs were very poisonous and too dangerous to leave behind."

"Oh that's a shame, and did you really fight a dragon with your bare hands?" Harry laughed.

"No I didn't fight a dragon. I had to get past one, and I used a broom."

"Wicked, do they have dragons here?"

"No thankfully, or though I'm sure Hagrid would love to have some."

"Who's Hagrid?

"He's a professor, big chap can't miss him. Loves what he calls interesting creatures." Harry found he was enjoying talking to Hilary and Irene. Madame Pomfrey though chose that moment to return with two full glass vials full of a viscous grey fluid, with wisps of vapours rising from it in spirals. She handed one each to the girls, both of them sniffed the concoction suspiciously.

"Knock them straight back," she said. Irene and Hilary looked towards each other, and then at Harry, not that they could actually see anything.

"My advice is to do it as soon, and as quick, as possible," he said.

"Mr Potter is an experienced patient, I would follow his advice," Madame Pomfrey said. In unison they put the vials to their lips. Hilary was forced to push away the hair covering her mouth, and they poured the fluid down their throats. Both of them coughed and spluttered, and dropped the glass vials which smashed on the floor.

"Yuk that was revolting."

"Do all your potions taste like that," Irene added.

"If you think that's bad, you should have a taste of Skele-Gro," Harry said. "How long will it take Madame Pomfrey? They need to be sorted."

"It starts straight away. How long it takes depends on the number of hexes, and how powerful they were. If it takes too long they'll have to be sorted in whatever state they are in." Harry looked at them both, and thought he saw the start of a slight change in them. "Now while we wait I can give you a check over Mr Potter. I don't trust these foreign Wizards at the World Cup."

"I'm fine, and I was treated by the English medical team," Harry protested.

"That's my point exactly, they were foreign," she retorted.

"Well not to me they weren't."

"Get on the bed now. You may be the Head Boy, a Quidditch hero, and the saviour of the Wizarding World, but you're just another patient here in my ward." Over the years Harry had learned, slowly he had to admit, that there were some battles that just weren't worth fighting. He lay on the bed, and put up with being prodded by her wand. What wasn't so easy to take though, was the sniggering from the Widdick twins, who were now able to see him clearly now.

"So did they do a good job?" Harry asked.

"It's adequate I suppose," she answered.

"Good and it looks like you two are nearly back to normal." The twin's faces had finally appeared. Bright blue eyes shone out from below thick wavy blonde hair that reached just below their shoulders. There was a sense of mischief in their expression, which reminded Harry uncomfortably of Fred and George. "It's going to be a little harder to tell you apart though."

"I thought you would be taller," one of them said as Harry stood up.

"And have more muscle, you're far too skinny," the other finished. Madame Pomfrey was now checking both of them and looking satisfied.

"Right you're all fit to leave. Mr Potter tell your wife that I would like to have a talk with her. I've been a school nurse here for over fourteen years, and I'm proud to say there have been no accidents in all that time." Harry looked confused.

"What do you mean?"

"What I mean Mr Potter is that even though you are both married, I would suggest that it is too early for both of you to take the path of parenthood." Realisation hit Harry, and by the renewed sniggering from the Widdick twins they understood as well.

"Her mum's told her all about it," Harry said trying to ignore the twins.

"This is the same mother who has seven children. It hardly fills me with confidence Mr Potter. I'll still want to have a word with Mrs Potter, unless you're willing to take responsibility yourself? I can talk to you about it now if you want."

"I'll let Ginny know you want to see her," Harry said quickly.

"I thought you might, and I won't be so kind to you two next time you appear in my hospital, wands are not toys," she said glaring at the girls with a stabbing finger, who immediately stopped sniggering. Harry handed their wands back and pointed at the door.

Despite the fact that the twins could now see properly, the trip down to the main hall took longer than it had on the way up. Both girls kept stopping to look, and touch everything they passed.

"Look you two they'll be plenty of time to explore after you've been sorted. Don't make me put you in detention."

"Are you really married. I know my mum said you were."

"Yea she thinks it's really romantic," they said.

"Does she, and what do you think?"

"I think it all sounds yucky."

"Yea sounds gross to me."

"Well when I introduce you to Ginny you can tell her it's gross and yucky."

"All boys are stinky."

"That's a sweeping statement, how many boys do you know?"

"We have two younger brothers."

"Daddy said it would balance the family, but they're really annoying."

"And smelly."

"That sounds like a nice balanced view," Harry said as they reached the main halls doors. "Right this is the parting of the ways. It sounds like the sorting has started, so you've missed the Hat's song. After I've opened the door join the other first years, and wait for your turn."

"Thanks Harry."

"Yea thanks, you're not really dumb, or stinky like a real boy."

"I think I'll take that as a compliment. Now I'm warning you two stay out of trouble. The caretaker Filch is a nasty, vindictive piece of work and detentions with him are deeply unpleasant." Both of them nodded, but Harry didn't think they paid him any attention. He'd seen that same look on Ginny's face, when her mum was telling her off.

Harry swung the doors open and saw the occupants of all four houses turn and look at them. He nudged both girls in the back, and they nervously began walking down the hall towards the clump of first years.

Harry looked at the Gryffindor table, and saw a beautiful smiling face surrounded by brilliant red hair. Ginny gave a little wave and Harry, ignoring the stares from everybody else, went and sat down next to her.

"Glad to see you made it," Ginny said as Harry sat down next to her.

"Just about, those two kept getting distracted on the way here. They're going to be trouble."

"How much trouble?"

"Well I might be being a little pessimistic, but how about Fred and George trouble." Hermione and Ron's heads snapped round.

"You're joking. I hope," Hermione said.

"I wish I was. You didn't see what they did to each other, it was really impressive, and although they hadn't a clue what they did, it wasn't bad magic for first years. They're really cheeky as well, not an ounce of respect in either of them."

"Did they insult my famous husband then," Ginny said mocking him.

"Yea they did. I like them."

"Well never mind them, have you looked at the head table yet. See anybody you recognise," Ron said with a broad smile. Harry turned around and saw Professor McGonagall was sitting where Dumbledore used to sit, making him feel slightly uncomfortable. He knew it was over a year ago now, but it didn't feel like it to him. The sights and sounds of the castle brought back the memoirs like it was yesterday. Hagrid was in his usual place dominating the table with his huge bulk, and beside him was Madame Sprout. On her other side was a face that Harry would never have suspected would ever sit on the high table, and very nervous and awkward he looked to.

"What's he doing there?"

"We have no idea," Ron said.

"We've been trying to work out what he could be teaching," Ginny said.

"I reckon old McGonagall's lost it, and he's going to teach potions," Ron said. "Can you imagine the lessons, we'd be lucky to get out with our lives."

"Ron don't be an idiot," Hermione said.

"I think he's joking," Harry said. "It has to be something to do with Herbology. It's what he loves, but Sprout is still here."

"That's what we thought," Ginny said. "The only other option is defence, but he's not good enough is he?"

"Well he's not that bad. Give him some credit he didn't spend any time in the hospital like the rest of us," Harry said.

"It's more than just wand work Harry," Hermione said. "There's all the course work as well."

"Maybe McGonagall is desperate, after all the position wasn't filled last year was it Ginny?" Ron suggested.

"No it wasn't."

"Well if he is the Defence Professor at least he won't be trying to kill me like all the others," Harry said, "at least not deliberately."

""Yea I suppose that's a plus," Ron added. "Hey I just had a thought, with Riddle dead the curse on the job must have been lifted."

"Careful Ron thinking can be dangerous."

"Ha, ha, Harry."

"Although you do have a point."

"He's not the defence professor, if you two looked closer you'd both see two more new faces up there. One for Potions, and the other for the Defence position," Hermione said.

"Just a minute there are three new faces," Harry said once he taken a second look.

"That's Miss Kittelson," Ginny said pointing at her, "she teaches fifth year and below in Transfiguration. McGonagall likes to keep her hand in, so she still does the NEWT students."

"Oh right, I suppose that makes a kind of sense," Harry replied. "I wouldn't want her, and her favourite student separated." Hermione scowled at him, but he could tell she was pleased that McGonagall would still be teaching them.

"So what do you reckon, which one is which?" Ron asked.

"What is it with you three?" Ginny said. "Do you have to solve every little mystery that comes along? Can you not wait a few minutes, when all will be revealed." Harry, Ron and Hermione looked surprised at her outburst.

"We're just curious," Harry said.

"Yea well save your detective skills, your two little girlfriends are about to be sorted. Hilary Widdick was the first up, and sat down like she did this every day of her life. The Hat though was having some trouble deciding which house to place her in, and it was several minutes before it loudly proclaimed Ravenclaw. Irene was already standing by the stool before her sister had stood up. She took the Hat off her sister before placing it on her own head. This time it cried out Ravenclaw before she had even sat down.

"That's what we all need, intelligent troublemakers," Hermione said gloomily as the Widdick girls walked over to the Ravenclaw table, who were all cheering.

"Well at least we won't have to worry about losing points," Ron said, but Harry wasn't really listening, he was watching the girls who turned around in their seats, and gave him a cheeky wave, and a grin. Ginny was right, he thought, he had been phobic about meeting new people. The Widdick girls though had shown him that he needn't worry about it. Sure some people would be gits like that Slytherin on the train, but he was old enough, and wise enough he hoped, to deal with it should he have to.

"To the new students, welcome, and to the rest of you welcome back," McGonagall said. "I have a few other things to say, but now is the time to eat." The food magically appeared in front of all the students, and Harry was glad to see all his old favourites in front of him. He tried not to over eat, but Ginny kept adding to his plate to, as she put it, keep his strength up.

"Harry?" Ron said half way through a mouthful of steamed chocolate pudding.

"What?"

"How come you're the only person with treacle tart?" Harry looked up and down the table, and shrugged.

"He has friends in low places," Ginny said.

"Oh right Dobby," Ron said just before he stuffed in another mouthful dripping in custard.

"He didn't tell me that he was coming back here," Harry said.

"He told me," Ginny said. "He was worried that you wouldn't allow it. He promises to keep an eye on Winky, and the house as well." Harry was pondering the strangeness of Dobby when McGonagall stood up for her welcome address.

"Before you all leave for a night's rest I have a few things to say." The hall listened in complete silence.

"We have three new teachers this year. Our new potions Professor will be Margarita Rossi she comes highly recommended from the Milan School of Magic." Harry looked along the table and saw a woman in her late twenties with long black hair, sun tanned complexion, dark eyes, and a slender nose. Many of the boys were making appreciative noises.

"Professor Urquhart is our new Professor for Defence Against the Dark Arts, and we wish him well." A man in his late forties with short brown hair tinged with grey and a large prominent nose nodded his head in brief acknowledgement. "He will also take over the duties as the Head of Slytherin House." There was light applause around the hall, and some muttering from the Gryffindor table.

"Now I'm sure most of you have recognised our last addition, but I shall formally introduce him anyway. Professor Longbottom will be teaching Herbology to the first and second years. He may also fill in for Professor Sprout as and when the need arises. Why do we need two Professors for the one subject? At Professor's Longbottom's suggestion Hogwarts will be branching out and supplying many rare plants and their ingredients across the country, and we hope in time beyond. The intention is to make a small profit for the school, and improve some of its facilities with the money. I think we all know that the school brooms are well past their best for an example." There was a ripple of laughter around the hall. The school brooms were a long standing joke and McGonagall's love of Quidditch was well known.

"There is of course a down side to this. With all the extra work there will be a great deal of scope for detentions. You have been warned." The laughter died away quickly the idea of shoving dragon dung, and many just as unpleasant tasks was not a laughing matter.

"The Forbidden Forest is just that. Every year at least one student seems to think this doesn't apply to them. The forest is far more dangerous than ever before. The colony of Acromantula spiders that inhabits it has expanded, and is threatening to take it over. Even Professor Hagrid rarely goes into the Forest anymore, for a student it would be certain death." McGonagall paused to let her words sink in. Ron's face had paled, and Harry thought that he was imagining them invading the Castle grounds.

"On a more pleasant note Quidditch trials will take place next weekend. Yet again I must give you all a warning. Any student and I mean any student, whether in a match or practise on school grounds, will be expelled immediately if they attempt to perform," and here the corners of her mouth turned up in distaste, "the Potter Plummet."

"It's the 'Potter Plunge,'" Harry said before he could stop himself.

"Whatever it's called it is banned, and that includes you as well Mr Potter!" Harry thought for a moment he saw a glimpse of a smile, but if there was it vanished just as quickly.

"I'd like to end these announcements on a happier note. The Order of Merlin has been around almost as long Hogwarts itself, and over the years many people have worn it within these walls. However until today there has only ever been one student with the award and as it turned out his father gave it to him, so it was total unearned. It is therefore worth saying that we now have five students, and one Professor with the award. A round of applause is called for." The entire top table then stood up, apart from Neville who looked as appalled as Harry felt, and began clapping.

Harry didn't know where to look. The school followed the Professors example and stood up as well including the Slytherin table. Luna he noticed was being pushed back down by her housemates when she tried to stand up with them, pleasing Harry. She was getting the respect she deserved. His eyes then drifted towards the Widdick twins who were applauding with everybody else. When they saw he was looking at them, they both stuck their tongues out at them.

"I see your fan club knows how to treat you," Ginny whispered in his ear. "I think they're cute."

"I knew you'd like them, but don't be fooled by the cute look." The applause calmed down, and people began to sit down again, to Harry's relief. "I promised them I'd introduce you. They think us being married, and in love is gross and yucky, and all boys are stinky."

"I grew up with six of them. Trust me boys are stinky, very stinky, and when they're not they tend to be gross and yucky."

"Look I want to go and have a quick chat with Professor Longbottom," Harry grinned as he said it. It just seemed a ridiculous thing to say.

"I hope he doesn't expect me to call him that," Ginny said. Most of the students were finishing off their meals, but Harry could feel many eyes following Ginny and his progress, and he sensed that Ginny could feel it as well. Neville saw them approaching and stood up his hand out stretched, which Harry shook willingly.

"You're a dark horse Neville," Harry said.

"Well nothing was really finalised until a few days ago, so I didn't say anything just in case the Governors turned the idea down."

"So what are the chances of you taking a seventh year class?" Ginny asked.

"It's possible I suppose."

"I'll look forward to it. Just don't expect me to call you Professor. Congratulations Neville, and thanks again for saving our lives." Harry made sure that he said it loud enough for most of the table to hear him, especially the new teachers.

"Forget it."

"We won't Neville," Ginny said.

"Look I reckon you two are the right people to decide what to do with these," Neville then pulled two wands out of his robes. Two wands that Harry instantly recognised, and so it seemed did Ginny. With a slight hesitation Harry reached out and took Voldemort's wand, while Ginny took Snape's. "I gave that woman's wand to my mum. She snapped it in half herself, and then smiled."

Harry didn't need to ask who that woman was. The mad bitch was dead and Harry was glad for it. What was he going to do with Voldemort's wand? He could snap it in half as well. It had been used to kill his parents after all, but then he had managed to speak to them through it, or at least an echo of them, and destroying the wand would end any chance of that happening again.

"Thanks Neville, I'll have to think about what I want to do with it." Harry placed Voldemort's wand inside his robes. Ginny didn't hesitate, and in front of the school, which had fallen silent without Harry noticing, snapped the wand that had killed Professor Dumbledore in half. McGonagall gave her first genuine smile of the evening, and stood up.

"Right it's time to go back to your houses. Prefects make sure the first years get settled in properly." The hall echoed to the sounds of hundreds of students getting up and leaving.

"Alright there Harry, Ginny," Hagrid said. He stood up sending his chair crashing to the floor."

"Never felt better Hagrid, it's good to see you," Harry said.

"How's Grawp?" Ginny asked.

"He's great. I got him a job making firewood. It really suits him."

"I can imagine," Harry said raising his eyebrows. "By the way those two first years I bought in late seem to like 'interesting creatures'." Hagrid's eyes lit up at the thought of two like minded students.

"Pop round and see me when you get a chance you two. It wasn't the same last year without you Harry, and bring Hermione and Ron as well."

"We will Hagrid. Can't tell you when though, as I don't know how busy I'll be with Quidditch, work and Head Boy duties."

"I understand Harry. You better get going," Hagrid said. There was still quite a crowd of people leaving, but just as they had on the train it seemed to part before them. The ease at which this happened unnerved Harry, but it did make life a lot simpler.

"Do we know where our rooms are," Ginny asked as she slipped her hand into his.

"I do, we're not far from the Gryffindor common room. I should probably check in, to make sure everything is ok."

"Oh let Hermione do it you know she will."

"I should make the effort Gin. I'm apparently Head Prefect of Gryffindor as well, and I don't want Hermione breathing down my neck, about me not taking my responsibilities seriously."

"Well of course not. Why would anybody think you're not responsible, after all you only spent a year hunting down a Dark Lord, because you thought it would be a bloody laugh," Ginny snapped.

"Hey what brought that on?" Harry said shocked at her outburst. Ginny looked a little stunned herself.

"I'm sorry Harry."

"Don't be sorry. I love the way you jump to my defence."

"I'll always defend you Harry, but who was I defending you from then? Hermione isn't here, and she hasn't said anything."

"I think we're a little stressed that's all, it's been a long day." He stopped walking, and pulled her into a hug, ignoring the looks they got from those passing.

"I just get angry sometimes, and I don't know why."

"I'm sure Hermione could come up with a long winded explanation, using words that we don't understand, never mind spell." Ginny smiled at his answer.

"Come on Head Boy, duty calls," and grabbing his arm began to pull him up the last set of stairs to the Gryffindor level. They arrived outside the portrait of the Fat Lady, but before he could utter the password she opened up.

"No password will ever be needed for you two, my dears," she said in answer to their surprised looks. The Common room was only half full, most people had decided to unpack, and catch up on gossip in their dormitories. In one corner of the room an argument was going on between two fifth year girls, and a large fifth year boy whose back was turned towards them.

"Look give it back Burtch," one of the girls said tears in her eyes.

"You can have it back in the morning, once I've copied it," Burtch said with a sneer.

"Give it back or I'll tell professor Flitwick," the other girl said her face flushed with anger.

"Nobody likes a sneak Glover, so shut your mouth, before I do it for you." It was when he tried to push her away that Harry moved in. Burtch was tall for his age, and well built as well. His hair was cropped short giving him a menacing look. He'd make a good beater Harry thought if he had any talent.

"Burtch is it?" he said quietly from behind.

"What's it to you," he said before turning around.

"What's it to me? Well I like to know who I'm talking to. So are you going to explain what the argument is about, or will I have to ask one of the ladies instead." Burtch's face had paled slightly when he saw who was behind him, but his pride wouldn't let him back down.

"It's nothing, just a little disagreement that's all."

"He's stolen Penelope's Charms homework on the train, and won't return it," Glover said.

"Is this true?" Harry said calmly to Burtch, who was now looking distinctly uncomfortable.

"I haven't stolen it. I just wanted to check hers against mine."

"Really! Tell you what why don't we do that now. Where's your homework?" Harry's calm exterior didn't show the anger boiling underneath.

"Err… it's locked in my trunk," he blustered.

"LIAR," Harry roared making all three of them jump. "You will hand Penelope's homework back now," he added in the same quiet voice that he'd been using. Visibly shaken by Harry's sudden outburst he held out some parchment that he pulled from the bag he had at his feet.

"I don't want it," Harry said. "Return it to Penelope, and apologise." It was barely audible, but they all heard his muttered sorry when he returned the parchment. "I'll be informing Professor Flitwick that you haven't done your homework, and the threats you've been using. Now get to your room, I'll be keeping a close eye on you from now." Burtch slouched off to the boy's staircase, anger on his face.

"Oh thank you Mr Potter he's always doing that," Glover said.

"Yes thank you Mr Potter," Penelope added.

"Call me Harry, and let me know if he's had a go at anybody else, and I'll make sure he's shovelling dragon muck for a month."

"Right… yes… ok."

"We will, thank you" they both flushed red, before they fled up to the girls dormitories. The common room had emptied during the confrontation, leaving both of them alone. When Harry looked at Ginny her eyes shone, and her face showed amusement, and mischief. He could tell he was in for a spot of teasing.

"Go on then, get it out of your system," he said before she opened her mouth.

"Of course Mr Potter sir, whatever you say Mr Potter sir. Mr Potter is amazing. Mr Potter is soooo… masterful. Mr Potter is the sexiest thing on two legs, and he makes my knees wobble."

"Oh hell Ginny you're doing it again," Ron said entering the Common room behind Hermione. "Can't you just say that sort of thing in private. You either talk like that all the time, or you hide round corners waiting for me to appear."

"I definitely talk like that all the time," Ginny said, "especially when Harry exudes, his natural authority."

"I hate bullies," Harry said, sitting down and stretching his legs out.

"What did you think of the new teachers," Hermione asked wary of Harry's tone, and wanting to change the subject.

"Well that Rossi woman is easier on the eye than Snape, that's for sure," Ron said.

"I can't argue with that," Harry said. Both girls didn't seem that impressed with their comments. "Urquhart bothers me though, and I don't know why."

"Well he's a Slytherin isn't he mate," Ron said dropping into an armchair.

"No it's not that. There was something in his eyes, a hardness."

"I thought he had a ruthless look about him," Hermione said. "I guess we'll have to wait and see whether he's competent."

"Come on I want to go and find our room. See what we've let ourselves in for this year," Ginny said when it looked like nobody was going to move.

"Alright then," Harry said suddenly keen to see his new living quarters. Ron and Hermione followed them back out into the corridor, and instead of turning right, which would have taken them back to the centre of the school, they went left. Harry had only been down this way a few times since starting at Hogwarts, mostly because he hadn't been concentrating on where he was going, and he had walked past the portrait in a daydream.

Thirty odd yards beyond the portrait of the fat lady was the door to the Gryffindor Head Girl's room. It hadn't been used in six years. Another twenty yards beyond at the end of the corridor was the Gryffindor Head Boy's room. Last used by Percy Weasley. Harry wondered whether it was going to be big enough for two.

"We'll see you in the morning then?" Hermione said outside her door.

"See you tomorrow. No sleeping in you two, lots of lessons to go to," Harry said getting two contrasting faces in return. Once Ron and Hermione had disappeared behind their door Harry held Ginny in his arms.

"Should I carry you over the threshold? I never really got the chance before." Ginny grinned back at him, Harry bent down and lifted her up into his arms.

"Why Mr Potter you're so strong," Ginny laughed.

"It's a good thing you're small and weedy," Harry said suppressing a grunt.

"I resent that, and I may have to take measures to prove you wrong."

"I look forward to it." Ginny wrapped her arms around his neck and planted a kiss on his cheek. "Right the password is 'amat'."

"Ah… how romantic, 'he loves'" Ginny said as the door swung open.

"I didn't set it that was McGonagall," Harry said.

"You're kidding me."

"Nope, she has hidden romantic depths our Headmistress." Harry managed to enter the room without banging her head on the door jamb, and lowered her back to the ground.

He looked around and smiled. The room was big, a huge double bed sticking out prominently from the back wall. Well he thought that looks big enough. There were two desks either side of a bay window and Dobby he assumed had already unpacked all their books and supplies.

"Harry are those our wardrobes?" Ginny asked. Harry looked at where she was pointing, and smiled. Two wardrobes from Godric's Hollow had been placed either side of the bed.

"Sure looks like it. I guess Dobby thought we'd like to have them here. I wonder what our view is like." When they stood staring out at the grounds Harry felt Ginny's hand clasp his own, and he was grateful for it. To the left was Hagrid's hut, and in the middle was the wonderful panorama of the lake. They also had a great view, if you could call it that, of a large white marble tomb. It would be a daily reminder, Harry thought, of the price of peace.

"Do you think they know?" Harry asked.

"Who are they?"

"Dumbledore, Sirius, my parents. Do you think they know the war is over?"

"I don't know Harry, but if they do they would be very proud of you, as I am."

"They would be even more proud of you. You're my hero."

"And you're mine," Ginny said her head pressed against his chest, while he rested his chin on her on the top of her head.

"I've been thinking."

"That sounds dangerous."

"Hah, hah, very funny. Gin I love the fact that you will always defend me." Harry paused not wanting to say the wrong thing.

"Go on," Ginny interrupted.

"Let me defend myself first before you get involved."

"I'm not letting anybody curse you, no matter what."

"Sorry love you're misunderstanding me. I mean if that prat on the train has another go at me, or someone like him. Let me deal with it, before you pitch in."

"But I didn't have a go at him. I wasn't there."

"You would have if you had been. Wouldn't you?" Ginny didn't say anything at first, but eventually she sighed.

"Alright I'll try, but if wands start being used then that's a different matter."

"I wouldn't have it any other way," Harry said smiling.

"The same goes for you!"

"Agreed, this all feels a bit weird don't you think, you and me in private room at Hogwarts."

"If I think about it, yea it's weird, but I wouldn't change it for anything," Ginny said.

"Nor would I," Harry said picking up a tattered old piece of parchment he recognised from one of the desks. He placed his wand on it and activated it, watching two names moving about on it, making him laugh.

"What's so funny?"

"Their first night here and already they're breaking curfew," Harry said letting Ginny see the Marauders map.

"I assume that they're your two new fans. Do you want to go and catch them?" Harry thought for a moment, and then shook his head.

"I believe the makers of this map would be horrified that it might be used in maintaining law and order. That's not to say I won't have words with the miscreants in the morning."

"Good decision besides I'm ready for bed. It seems like it's been a long day"

"Are you tired?" Harry asked.

"A bit," Ginny answered and then she saw and felt the look in Harry's eyes, "but not that tired."