Disclaimer: All things Harry Potter belong to the wondrous mind of J.K.Rowling. I am simply borrowing them.

A/N: Hello all. My chapters will now start coming out once a week or so now that holidays are over. I anxiously await your thoughts. I must admit that I am getting disgruntled that there are no reviewers out there. I may start holding further chapters in ransom for a review. LOL. Enjoy.

Harry Potter and the Shards of Voldemort's Soul

Chapter 10: To Be a Leader

After what seemed like hours, Harry finally set down the quill, rubbing his cramped fingers having just finished writing his last letter, he settled back in to the comfortably-cushioned, high wing-back chair that accompanied the weathered oak desk which dominated Sirius' old study. He looked at the small group of envelops that had piled upon the desk, illuminated by the small pool of light from a small desk lamp that had immediately flared in to brilliance upon Harry's entrance in to the room. He still marveled at the wonders of magic and could sometimes hardly believe that such things really existed in a modern world of technology and science. So many things had happened since that innocent moment when he had first discovered that he was in fact a wizard and been born in to a birthright of magic. Hagrid himself, his first friend in this new magical community had to track them down to a small run-down shack far from civilization because his Uncle Vernon had tried so desperately to keep him from the truth of his heritage when his eleventh birthday approached. It seemed so long ago; almost another lifetime and Harry released a long sad sigh that things were not as simple as that anymore.

While stretching out his back, he tried unsuccessfully to stifle a yawn, beginning to feel tiredness stole over him; he knew that it was getting late, but couldn't bring himself to go to sleep just yet. So much had happened that day that his mind still reeled from the shock of it all and now his thoughts were in turmoil, a complete jumble of varied emotions. Harry had just been made leader of the Order of the Phoenix; a leader; him? How could he lead these people, seasoned fighters and adult wizards, in Dumbledore's place? He was still so young and inexperienced, a child in their eyes; how could they expect him to lead. There was so much riding on his shoulders now that he had begun to feel some of the burden and pressure that Dumbledore must have felt. The sheer weight of it was almost too much to bear, however there was no one else who could shoulder the load and it was his duty to defeat Voldemort, but to do that; he would need all of the resources that the Order could provide. Pushing the chair back, Harry scooped up the letters and left the study, the lamp light darkening as he left the room. Climbing the steps which creaked under his weight, he headed up to the Owlery which was situated on the third floor of the grand house. Harry wondered at just how many rooms there were in this place. He hadn't really explored the house in its entirety and there were certainly other rooms that he must have missed during his earlier stays.

He replayed the Order meeting through his mind and trekked up the stairs past the gruesome heads of the Black's old House Elves. They had made good progress that evening having solicited the full support of the Order's key members and advising them of the Horcruxes, now everyone was on the same page and hopefully they could now move forward and start hunting for other shards of Voldemort's soul, but this was only the first step to make in that long journey that loomed before him. They would need more allies to help in their fight against the Dark Lord or they would never stand a chance in surviving. Harry hoped his letters would be well received, his pleas for help, but that remained to be seen. If he judged their characters accurately, then he would have a few more members join him his key group of Order members.

He opened the door revealing a small dark room lit only by the flickering light of a few candles that hung in a nearby wall sconce. His eyes were drawn to the small cluster of birds perched close by on various metal perches and the small collection of bird droppings that permeated the dark wooden floor. He guessed that Kreacher had not been to this room to clean and he would have to have Dobby clean it up. Yes, that's right, he thought. Dobby was now his House Elf, of a sorts, and Harry owned a large mansion-like house and was about to add his family's inheritance to his already immense wealth. He wondered at just how much money he really had now, not that it really mattered, he thought that it wasn't right that he should have it in the first place. Sirius and his parents both had died in order for him to gain that money and he still didn't feel right accepting that it was his. Maybe there was someway that he could put that money to good use. He wanted to give a huge amount to the Weasleys who meant more to him then his own family, but he knew that they would be too proud to take it from them. They were a bit touchy when it came to money remembering Ron's attitudes when he even suggested that he allow Harry to buy something for him. Maybe there was some way that he could help them out, but he would have to think on it some more.

Looking around the small room, Harry looked at the various fowl that were situated there until he spotted his target, who sat elegantly off to the one side on a burnished steel perch; Hedwig, faithful friend and companion for many years, gracefully preening herself amidst the company of these other owls. He easily recognized the minute owl Pigwidgeon who belonged to Ron and the Weasley's tired ancient-looking bird Errol. But there was another bird who sat apart from the others, a regal looking eagle owl who sat staring arrogantly away from the others as if the company had offended it. Of course, Harry muttered; it must be Draco's owl. Ignoring it, Harry approached Hedwig who hooted familiarly at his approach. He reached out to pet her soft feathers, but she had other ideas and bent her head nipping his finger hard.

"Ow, what was that for?" Harry cried out in pain suckling his now bloody finger. Hedwig hooted indignantly and ruffled her feathers. Harry realized that he hadn't seen Hedwig since before the attack and his eyes softened. "I'm sorry Hedwig, I promise to spend more time with you." Hedwig hooted again and Harry gave her a few owl treats in supplication who took then graciously. .

"I have some letters for you. Are you up to it?" Hedwig hooted again and held out her leg obediently for him. Harry carefully tied the envelopes to her leg and patted her softly. "Be careful Hedwig, you're very easily recognizable," Harry warned her earning himself a dark look from the bird. Harry smiled again, realizing that she needed no warning and took off with a powerful thrust of her wings through the enchanted window that gave her access to the outside world.

Harry left the Owlery and headed down to the library where he figured the others would be waiting. Sure enough, he was right. The library was aglow with the light of many flickering lamps which cast a host of weird shadows upon the walls. Hermione was again face-deep in a book and surprisingly, once more, so was Ron. It looked like a bit of Hermione was now starting to rub off on his friend and he wondered at the sudden change. Was it due to their relationship, he wondered. Would Harry start changing because of Ginny as well? Thinking of Ginny, Harry looked over and saw that she was dozing comfortably in the arm chair; her face etched in an expression of peaceful tranquility, like a carved statue of some goddess and he sighed in wistful longing. As he approached them, he held his finger over his lips to signal their continued silence to which they compiled readily. He tip-toed closer and could now hear her gentle rhythmic breathing and see the rise and fall of her chest. His heart skipped a beat as he stared down at her, a figure of beauty and he marveled at how he hadn't noticed her before a few months ago.

So many years they could have been together now wasted, but at least they were together now. Pulling out his wand, Harry gave it a twist and a flick while murmuring his spell quietly so as not to disturb Ginny and a large blanket materialized in his outstretched hand in a sparkle of light. He gently placed the blanket over her instantly causing her to snuggle in to it contentedly. Hermione quirked up an eyebrow at Harry's use of magic then realized that it probably wouldn't matter anyway. One of the deficiencies in the Ministry's use of tracking magical use was that their spells became confused when in the presence of other adults who could be casting spells and they could not differentiate who actually had cast the magic. At least, that was what she was led to believe all these years, but even if they could detect it, they had much more important things now to worry about now that Voldemort was out there murdering and killing. He motioned for Ron and Hermione to follow him to a set of chairs in the far corner before a row of book cases filled with many varied-subject volumes.

"What's up mate?" Ron asked in a low voice.

"Is everything alright Harry?" Hermione whispered in concern, her face now etched with lines of worry.

"No no, everything is fine. I just wanted to talk to you guys about what you thought about the meeting," Harry told them earnestly. He wanted to get their honest opinions to help make sure that he was steering them in to the right direction. Ron and Hermione had been his best friends since first year and they knew him better then anyone else, anyone except for Ginny of course.

"Well Harry, I thought the meeting went rather well considering the various personalities in the room. I expected there to be some arguments between them all, but thankfully there wasn't anything serious," Hermione said thoughtfully.

"Yeah, even the ferret was docile tonight, to a degree anyway, and the way his mother vouched for him to help you train was unbelievable. I don't know Harry, I still don't trust the git," Ron said looking over at Hermione quickly to see if a backhand was imminent, but surprisingly the slap never came and Ron continued. "I wouldn't put a wand in his hands if it was up to me, but it's up to you of course, so it doesn't matter what I think. If it works out, he could actually help you to prepare for fighting the Death Eaters."

"I agree Harry. I still don't trust him, but the Malfoys seem desperate and they have nowhere else to go to," Hermione added quietly.

"I agree with the both of you and I'm not saying that I trust him implicitly, but I saw Malfoy up on that tower. I saw the internal struggle when the choice to kill Dumbledore was right in front of him and in the end, he couldn't do it. I don't believe he's completely reformed mind, but I don't think he's a lost cause either. Dumbledore saw some good in him and I owe it to Dumbledore to give Malfoy a chance," Harry said softly, his eyes wincing in pain at remembering that night. "Anyways, outside of the Malfoys, I think we've made a lot of headway today. Hermione, I know that you've managed to scribble down an entire novel filled with notes, why don't you tell us what you've got down," Harry asked her causing her to blush fiercely at his pride in her.

"Well, outside of the people who came tonight, I believe that there is still a couple of more people who we should recruit for our core group," Hermione said while pulling out a small stack of parchments and handing him the first page.

"I've already covered that Hermione," Harry said while glancing quickly at the list. "I've just sent Hedwig out with letters for all of these people except for Flitwick as I should be seeing him soon to help me put up the Fidelius charm." Hermione eyed Harry appraisingly and continued reviewing her notes.

"As for the training sessions, they should start on Sunday which is when everyone will be able to get together. From that point, I believe that training will have to be held by different Order members throughout the week as everyone has different work schedules. I have a tentative outline of what days would work best for everyone and a list of training subjects that we need to work on. We'll review it with everyone on Sunday," Hermione explained while handing Harry another parchment which Ron started to read over his shoulder.

"Hermione, this is worse then our school work," Ron exclaimed with a low groan and Hermione's lips creased in to the tiniest hint of smile while she promptly ignored him, but Harry, ever watchful, saw the smile however and chuckled softly.

"The biggest problem is going to be finding the other horcruxes as well as retrieving the Cup from Malfoy manor. Harry, I won't pretend to know all the answers here. Vampires are very dangerous creatures and the older they are, the more powerful they are." Hermione now looked worried if not a little bit afraid. Harry looked at Ron who also looked a bit peaked.

"Mate, you know I will always stand right by your side no matter where you go or what you face, but I want to be honest with you. I am down right scared of going up against these Vampires," Ron said nervously. "I heard that Voldemort managed to secure a clan of Vampires during the last war and they were down-right nasty. They have the power to command the Inferi being that they are already dead, sort of and they can also use magic if they were formally wizards, not to mention that they have their own set of natural abilities. It was only when Voldemort, well you know, vanished that night that the Vampires retreated. I've read a bit about them and I don't know how we can fight against them." Harry saw the look of fear in Ron's eyes and turned away, unable to look up on their faces, he couldn't bear the thought of Ron or Hermione falling prey to this trio of vampires. There had to be another way, there just had to be.

"Guys, I appreciate your honesty and I'd be lying if I wasn't a little bit afraid myself, but the unfortunate truth is that we have absolutely no choice in this. In order to defeat Voldemort, we must get that Cup. In order to do that, we have to circumvent three Vampires to do it. If any of you know of a relative of Snape that is a vampire that would be willing to help us, then please point them out cause I'm all ears," Harry said sardonically.

He then turned abruptly looking at a dark corner of the room thinking he had heard something. He stared intently and for a moment, he could almost feel that someone else was in the room, watching and listening to them. Shaking his head after a moment, he turned back to Ron and Hermione who were looking at him strangely. "Sorry, I thought I heard something. It was nothing," Harry muttered.

"Who would have thought that the bat of the dungeons Snape would really be related to Vampires," Ron chortled changing the subject. Unfortunately, Ron's choice of words had earned him another fierce backhand from Hermione.

"Actually, the clan of Snape is very peculiar being that Snape's father, Tobias Snape was a Muggle. It seems that although his family is made up of primarily Muggles; most of them have become Vampires during their lifetime. Those that were actually wizards were born to it through marriage with a pure-blood, like Snape was." Ron and Harry looked at Hermione in shock. "What?" she asked, suddenly aware of their stares.

"Nothing, its just...when did you become so familiar with that murderer's family history?" Harry asked her, his eyes darkening at the thought of the greasy-haired git. Harry had been trying very hard to not think about him, but every time someone made a mention of him, his blood started to boil and he could feel his anger mount. Snape, the man who Dumbledore reportedly trusted the most, the man who could do no wrong in Dumbledore's eyes, had turned out to be Dumbledore's murderer. He closed his eyes for a moment, focusing on clearing his mind, trying to center his thoughts, forcing out his negative feelings.

"Yeah Hermione; I mean, there all a bunch of vampires and dark wizards anyways, why are you so fascinated with them," Ron piped in.

"I'm not fascinated with them," she shot back at Ron hotly with an indignant toss of her head that moved the hair from her eyes, before turning back to Harry. "And I looked it up after the meeting. After all, if we're going up against three vampires from Snape's family, shouldn't we learn as much as we can about them? Maybe plan a strategy or two so we don't get each other killed in the process," Hermione fumed, her eyes glaring defiantly at them daring them to disagree with her logic. Harry snapped out of his mental state at Hermione's comment. She thought he was being irrational again about Snape and he knew that she was partially right. He had to control his emotions better or he would never be able to confront Snape in battle and win, let alone Voldemort.

"You're right Hermione, I'm sorry. We should be trying to find out as much as we can before we go up against them, I just let my emotions get the better of me whenever I hear about that foul loathsome git," Harry said softly, his eyes downcast.

"Harry, I can understand your feelings and there's nothing to be ashamed of. You just have to try and keep better control over your feelings, that's all," Hermione said gently, not wanting him to antagonize over the issue, knowing how touchy he was about it.

"Easier said then done," Harry muttered dryly. "Well, I'm going to grab a quick snack and be back." Hermione and Ron both nodded and headed back to the armchairs next to the still slumbering Ginny. With a long lingering look at the peacefulness of Ginny's face, Harry reluctantly left and headed down to the kitchen.

He entered the dimly lit kitchen to find a somber faced McGonagall quietly talking with a disheveled looking Remus at the kitchen table. Both turned to him and smiled wanly as he approached.

"Harry, we were just coming to look for you," Remus said weakly. He was looking extremely tired with even more lines on his face.

"Oh, why?" Harry asked him.

"Well Mr. Potter, I have been in contact with Filius about recasting the Fidelius charm and it seems that he will not be able to make it tonight," McGonagall said quietly. "He has been called away for family business and will not be back until tomorrow evening. I'm afraid we'll just have to wait until then to re-cast the ward." Harry grimaced in disappointment, but understood. "Now, I must be off. I have a number of letters to parents to write and a Minister to see before we meet tomorrow at Gringotts," she told them and rose to leave. Harry frowned in confusion; what meeting, he thought.

"Harry, tomorrow's the reading of Dumbledore's will, remember? The reading is going to be held at Gringotts," Remus explained seeing the confusion etched on his face. Harry stood dumbfounded having completely forgotten with his injury and all of the excitement of the past day. It had totally slipped his mind.

"Yes, I do remember. I had just forgotten with everything that has happened in the past few days," Harry said quickly.

"Understandable Harry; no worries. Tonks and I will be here at ten tomorrow morning to pick you guys up, so be ready," Remus told Harry sternly who was nodded silently.

"Well then, good night to you both. I shall see you in the morning," Minerva announced to them heading out of the kitchen towards the floo in the hall.

"Good night Profe…I mean Minerva," Harry stammered out. Remus grinned at Harry's awkwardness, but said nothing. Turning back to Remus, Harry regarded his old professor and long-time mentor. Remus was now the last link to his family, other then Pettigrew who no longer counted. The man looked older then he really was, his face being pale and thin with his eyes that were drawn and sunken in, shadowed as well as if he hadn't slept in weeks. He remembered that it had been a full moon recently and that must have been why Remus looked so out of it; that and the fact that he must have stayed awake watching over him during his incapacitation.

"Remus," Harry began, but he was cut off.

"Harry, I know what you're going to say and I don't want to hear it," Remus barked out fiercely stunning Harry in to silence. "You've been looking at me as if I'm one foot in the grave. Trust me, I look worse then I feel, well not really, but you get my point. Don't worry about me." Harry smiled at the man weakly before responding.

"You know, you actually sound a little bit like me always telling everyone that you're fine when you're not. Remus, I know that it was just the full moon and that you've been watching over me. I'm not going to berate you. I only wanted to say thank you," Harry said warmly. Remus was now the one stunned, now properly embarrassed at his outburst and again impressed by Harry's rapidly growing maturity.

"Harry, I'm sorry and you're welcome. I must admit that it has been a trying couple of days; they must be starting to wear down on me. I also have to say Harry that I've been very impressed at the way you've been handling things. You've really grown this past few years and I'm very proud of you," Remus told Harry who blushed a dark shade of red.

"Remus, I don't think I've ever told you how much you mean to me. I mean, you mean a lot more to me then just my old professor and my parent's old friend," Harry said haltingly, not used to expressing his inner most feelings. "What I'm trying to say is thank you for being there for me." Remus smiled at the blushing boy and pulled him in to a hug which Harry returned. They sat there for a minute just enjoying that quiet moment of closeness. When they pulled apart, Harry had a stern expression on his face. "Remus, from this point on, things will start getting very dangerous. I just want you to promise me that you will take care of yourself ok. I don't want to loose you. I c-can't l-loose m-mor," Harry tried to stammer out, but he started choking up.

Tears filled his eyes and he turned his face away quickly furiously wiping them away with the back of his hand, his head bowed with shame. Remus regarded Harry and saw how vulnerable he was and suddenly understood. Reaching forward, Remus pulled Harry back in to a tight embrace, wrapping his arms around him. Harry couldn't hold it in any longer, he started crying. The long years of frustration, guilt and grief that had been building up inside him were finally let loose in the floodgate of Harry's tears. Remus just stood there holding him; trying to will the boys anguish away. After what seemed like hours, Harry's tears ceased, replaced by a soft whimper mixed with the occasional hiccup.

"Harry, listen to me. I can't promise that there won't be anymore casualties in this war, but I can promise you that I will not go down without a fight. I will be here for you as long as I can be, ok?" Remus asked Harry who just nodded silently. Remus gripped Harry's shoulders in encouragement and pulled the boy to his feet. "Harry, I know that you have been blaming yourself for all of the evil that Voldemort has done, but you have got to stop. It's slowly eating you alive inside and there is absolutely no cause for it." Harry started to protest, but Remus shushed him. "Harry, even if there was no prophecy, do you really think that it would have changed him in any way? Do you really think that he would have stopped his killing and murdering ways?" Harry shook his head and knew that Remus was right. Everyone had been telling him the same thing, but he just wouldn't listen. They had all been right and nothing he could have done would have changed things. He looked up at Remus and embraced the man again.

"Thank you Remus, for everything," Harry said softly. Remus looked down at the boy in his arms and vowed to do everything in his power to protect him. That was the least he could do in repayment for his friends Lily and James.

"Harry, I will always be here for you if I can be. You mean a lot to me too and not just because you happen to be James and Lilly's son, but just because you're you. I want you to try and take care of yourself as well, ok? You're like a young cub, always nosing in to danger without ever realizing it, you must be careful," Remus warned earnestly and Harry saw the warmth and concern on the older man's face and knew that Remus loved him almost like he were his own son and Harry's insides gleamed with the feel of that caring.

"I promise Remus, I'll try to take care as well," Harry said softly, muffled as he was within the man's arms. The two men separated finally and Remus coughed at the uncomfortable silence. "Well Harry, I should be going. It's getting late and I have to meet Tonks." Harry grinned at Remus, happy that he had finally adapted to the idea of him and Tonks being together.

"Yes, you definitely don't want to keep your girlfriend waiting or it's the dog house for you," Harry replied cheekily. Remus looked down at the brash comment that reminded him so much of what James would have said and grinned slyly.

"Harry, you're absolutely right. But if I were you, I wouldn't keep that spirited young redhead of yours waiting either. As I recall, James spent quite a few frustrated nights alone on the couch after crossing the wrong side of your mother. You might want to take care or you may too be spending some time with only yourself for company," Remus said grinning at the boy's red face. "Go get some rest. I will be here bright and early in the morning; well, maybe not too early. Good night Harry," Remus said before he spun and popped out of sight.

Harry entered the library to observe a now awake Ginny talking quietly with Ron and Hermione. He smiled as he looked at her tangled mop of hair and the way she snuggled under the warm blanket. Seeing Harry approach, she leapt up and threw the blanket aside.

"Hey Harry, where have you been? I've been waiting up for you." Ginny demanded her hand on her hip and her toe tapping. He remembered what Remus had just said about his mother and father and grinned. He wondered about how his mother must have looked when she was question his dad and just knew that it must have been the same way that Ginny looked now.

"Harry, you haven't answered my question and what are you smiling at?" Ginny asked again, wondering at what was so amusing. With a sudden impulse, Harry did the only thing he could think of to stem off Ginny's questioning; he pulled her in to a kiss. He snaked his arm and grabbed Ginny's wrist pulling her forward in to his tight embrace. Before she could object, he planted her with a passionate kiss that she couldn't resist for long before giving in. Ignoring the retching sounds from Ron and the bickering comments from Hermione in the background, Harry held Ginny in that kiss, knowing only that moment. Their tongues swirled together in ecstasy and their arms were encircling each other like a pair of animals in heat. His heart was beating so loudly he thought it would burst right through his chest and he could feel his manhood start to stiffen. Harry suddenly realized where they were and the company they held and immediately broke away, breathing heavily. Ginny stood next to him in a similar condition, her face plastered with lustful hunger. She looked at Harry slyly and smirked.

"Well, that's one way to avoid a question," Ginny remarked while touching up her hair.

"You can say that again," Harry replied with a goofy grin. "As for your question, I was here earlier to see that you were fast asleep and looking incredibly beautiful I might add," he told her with a wink that made her immediately blush. He smiled and continued, "and just now, I was in the kitchen with Remus and McGonagall. Now I'm here with you and would very much like to kiss you again," Harry finished pulling her back in to another breath-stealing kiss. They were interrupted shortly by a loud coughing ahem and turned around blushing fierce red to faced a disgusted-looking Ron and a grinning Hermione.

"Ah, hey guys. Sorry about that; we just got a little carried away," Harry said with a weak chuckle. Ron harrumphed loudly, but Hermione shushed him.

"Well, I think we should all go to bed. We have to get up early tomorrow," Harry announced.

"What do you mean? What's going on?" Ginny said, her inquisitiveness immediately taking over.

"Tomorrow's the reading of Dumbledore's will. I have to go to Gringotts," Harry said softly abruptly ended any response Ginny might have had prepared. She instantly wrapped her arms around him and snuggled her head on his shoulders.

"I had forgotten about that," Hermione said bringing a groan out of Ron. "We've got to get up early tomorrow to. We're going to do some shopping for supplies."

"Right, so everyone off to bed," Harry said. Turning to Ginny, he gave her another quick kiss before she followed after Hermione who was just pulling away from Ron. Yawning quite nosily, Ron led the way up to their room with Harry following behind.

Once they were behind closed doors, Ron turned to Harry who was in the midst of taking off his shirt. "Mate, I know that you and my sister are dating, but do I really need to see that. I mean…gross," Ron said disgustedly. Harry chuckled, but saw Ron's expression and knew that he needed to respond carefully here. Ron had always been overprotective of Ginny and the last thing he needed now was an overbearing brother. He grimaced at the thought of what the others might think as well when they saw them together.

"Ron, listen mate. I really do care a lot about your sister. But your sister is not a little girl anymore and you have to understand that she are I are a couple now and will sometimes do stuff that couples do," Harry said calmly. "You know that I would never willingly hurt her right?" Harry asked.

"Oh, really? You broke up with her remember, like that didn't hurt her. Despite the fact that it was for her own protection, you still caused her pain Harry," Ron shot back angrily and for this Harry had no excuse. Ron was right. Harry had broken up with her and it had hurt her deeply.

"You're right and there's nothing that I can do to change that. But you know why I did that. It was for her own good. I just wanted to protect her," Harry responded.

"No mate, you were pushing her away, just like you pushed all of us away. How many times over the past couple of years have you kept us all in the dark while you struggled against something alone?" Ron demanded suddenly.

"You don't understand Ron. You aren't targeted by the most evil wizard in existence whose sole purpose is to kill you in order to achieve world domination."

"Oh grow up Harry. It's not always about you, you know. V-v-oldermort wants to kill all of us you know, not just you," Ron yelled back, his face turning an awful shade of red

"It's not you who's written about in the prophecy Ron. It's me. It has to come down to me and Voldemort. You and all the others don't mean anything to him," Harry shouted back.

"You arrogant git. This is isn't all about you. Or do you really think that it's the famous Harry Potter who needs to save all of us helpless people who mean absolutely nothing."

"Oh yeah, the Famous Harry Potter. You're just jealous Ron and you always have been," Harry shot back resulting in Ron's face turning bright red and Harry realized then that he had went a step too far. Before he knew what was happening, Ron's fist shot forward punching Harry hard in the face knocking him to the floor.

"You are such an ass Harry, do you know that. You can't fool me though. You prance around here thinking that you alone can save us all from Voldemort, the great Harry Potter sacrificing his life who those who love him. The truth is you're afraid. You're afraid and you don't want anyone else to see it."

"I am afraid, Ron. Wouldn't you be in my place? But that's not it," Harry told him while massaging his bruised face.

"Really, then why haven't you let anyone get close to you? Even with my sister, you tried pushing her away by breaking up with her. With Hermione and me, you've always tried to keep us from following you in to danger" Ron pressured Harry, further raising Harry's ire.

"Because I don't want to see you get killed Ron, that's why," Harry snapped back fiercely, his eyes blazing. "Ron, Voldemort is targeting anyone who I am close to. He wants to cause me pain and to draw me out. First it was my parents, then Sirius and now Dumbledore; who's going to be next." Harry's eyes were now glistening again with unshed tears. Ron just stood there watching in silent shock.

"Do you think that I want to see you guys die? Do you think that I could live on knowing that you had been killed because of me? I can't loose you guys, Ron. Can't you see that?" Harry choked up for a moment and paused before continuing, this time, reigning in his emotions which were on the verge of letting loose. "Mate, I've never had what I can call a family. The Dursleys don't count." Ron snorted in agreement, but Harry ignored him. "What I have with you guys is as good a replacement as I'm ever going to get. You're like a brother to me and I c-can't….I w-won't l-loose," Harry again was overcome by his feelings. Since the funeral, his nights were haunted by nightmares of his friends all dying around him, visions of their dying and broken bodies. He hadn't told anyone this as he didn't want anyone to start a fuss over him. Ron sat down beside him and they sat there for a few minutes in companionable silence before Ron finally spoke breaking the stillness.

"Mate, I can understand that you don't want us to get hurt, but you know that you can't prevent that. This is war and in war, people are going to get hurt and people are going to die and you can't protect us all Harry. You're gonna have to accept that," Ron told him softly.

"Ron, I know that, I'm not a child," Harry exasperated in frustration. "Everybody has been telling me that, but I just can't make myself believe it. I can't watch you guys suffer. Not you guys. I should be the one to suffer; it's my lot in life and I'm used to it, but it's not yours. I will take him out with my last dying breath in order to make sure that you guys can live safely and happily."

"Harry, is that what you think? That it's your fate to suffer hardship and pain; that the only reason you're here is to die in order to win us our freedom," Ron asked him, but he knew the answer from Harry's silence and thought he knew the answer why, but decided against saying anything now in case he was wrong. He would have to ask Hermione later on. "Mate, do you really think that we want to watch you die. I may not have understood the suffering that took place in the first war as I was very young then, but I've heard my parents talk about it and understood their suffering through the retellings of it. I've lost family during the first war, two Uncles who I've never even had a chance to get to know at all and every day I worry that someone in my family is going to die in this one.

"Remember Bill and the fact that he was attacked by Greyback; well he could have easily been killed you know. Thank Merlin he didn't, but he could have turned in to a werewolf from the bite, but luckilly for him, he has been only changed and scarred forever. Not to mention the fact that we're considered blood traitors Harry and our family is in the Order, an organization sworn to defeat Voldemort. We're kinda high in Voldemort's list of targets. Mate, you've been my best friend since first year and sometimes I think you are even closer to me then my own brothers. I include you as part of my family. Do you really think that I could bear to loose you too? Do you really think that I could live with myself knowing that you had been killed and I wasn't there to try and prevent it from happening when I may have been able to do something in order to protect you? I told you before Harry, that no matter where you go, I am going to be there right beside you and nothing you say is going to change that? I can't…I won't loose you either. I need you mate, we need you; just like you need the rest of us. We're family and family sticks together."

Ron now had unshed tears in his eyes which he hastily wiped away with his sleeve. Harry stood there looking at Ron in a new light. He had never even considered what it must be like from their point of view and Harry was completely humbled. He was always concerned with the thought of protecting the others and keeping them safe no matter what the cost that he never even considered what the cost to them might be. He sat there for years bemoaning the fact that Voldemort had taken his parents and Sirius, the living links to a family he thought he never had. All along, he was ignoring the family that he did have right here that he already professed to care about.

"Ron, I've been a prat and I'm sorry. You're right; I was trying to push you guys away. It's easier to move forward and prepare for Voldemort if I think that you guys are safe behind me. I don't express my emotions easily. But, I want to tell you mate, that you mean a lot to me and I appreciate the fact that you want to stand by my side until the end," Harry said with his eyes downcast.

"Mate, that's what brothers are for," Ron said with a grin as he pulled Harry to his feet. They embraced good-naturedly and they both knew that things were good again.

"Sorry for hitting you mate, but you did deserve it," Ron said while Harry was rubbing his chin painfully.

"You know the girls probably will know what has happened here tonight right?" Harry asked Ron.

"Probably. I wouldn't be surprised if they were outside our door listening right now with an Extendable Ear," Ron said who nervously looked over at the door as if Ginny and Hermione were about to bust in at any moment.

"I can't believe this thing all started with Ginny," Harry chuckled.

"You know, you're right. Was this all some elaborate plan to change the topic from you and my sister?" Ron said with mock anger.

"Oh yeah Ron, good plan eh," Harry replied dryly.

"About Ginny Harry, I won't give you a hard time. I can see how much you really care for her mate," Ron told him to which Harry was nodding.

"I love her mate. Just like you love Hermione," Harry said with a grin to which Ron went red-faced.

"You're right, I do love Hermione. It just took me a long time to get past my stubbornness and admit it."

"No small task there," Harry said smirking which Ron immediately responded with a pillow tossed at Harry's head.

"Anyways mate, as I said, I won't give you a hard time about Gin. But I can't promise you that the others will let you off that easily. They're just like me and they don't see her as a grown woman, but only as a baby sister. They may not take her dating you so easily, especially when you go around groping her all the time the way you do," Ron said seriously and Harry knew that he was right. But he also knew that Ginny herself would probably explode or worse if any of them dare give Harry even a wrong glance.

"Well I could always say that we're studying like you and Hermione do," Harry joked back bringing another flush of red from Ron.

"Anyways mate, we should get to bed. You know Hermione will be in here at the crack of dawn to wake us up," Harry said to which Ron groaned loudly. "Hey, she's your girlfriend," Harry jibed which earned him another face full of pillow.

"G'night mate," Ron said while stifling a yawn.

"Night Ron," Harry said as his head hit his pillow with a flop. "Ron?" Harry asked the darkness.

"Yeah mate," Ron replied sleepily.

"Thanks," Harry said.

"Anytime mate," Ron said with a half yawn just before he started snoring loudly. Harry lay awake staring up at the ceiling for a long while thinking. He just couldn't seem to fall asleep. His mind was in turmoil about all of the tasks that lay ahead; all of the dangers that stood in their way. There would be no avoiding it. Soon, they would have to come up against Voldemort's minions and there would be no way he could protect them all. Soon, someone would get hurt and soon, someone would die. He tried clearing his thoughts and pushed all of his negative emotions to the center of his core, focusing on establishing his mental shields. He thought about Ginny and his love for her. With these thoughts on the surface of his mind, Harry was soon able to get some sleep.

A/N: Well folks, that's all for now. I will post another one next week. Please review and let me know you're thoughts. Ciao.