This story is based on characters and developed from some situations created and owned by JK Rowling, various publishers including but not limited to Bloomsbury Books, Scholastic Books and Raincoast Books, and Warner Bros., Inc. No money is being made and no copyright or trademark infringement is intended.
Chapter 10
Ginny's Favourite Bit.
Harry, much to his own amazement, had managed to pass his Apparition test at the first attempt, he knew it was not just because of who he was either, he knew that he had performed each request made of him by the examiner perfectly. In any case the examiner's first words to him had been. "You may be Harry Potter, hero and defeater of the dark lord, for which I am grateful Mister Potter, but that alone will not guarantee you gaining your licence. I hope you understand that if I were to pass anyone who could not meet the standard prescribed, which has been put in place for good reason, then I would be putting lives at risk. Yours and anyone who was unfortunate enough to go side along with you. I will not risk that being on my conscience under any circumstances, so if you are not good enough at the art of Apparition, you will not pass, whoever you may be."
Harry had nodded and replied. "I would neither want, nor expect anything less." He assured the man.
The examiner shrugged. "By the same token, Mr. Potter, neither shall I expect a higher standard than is required, though of course I shall be pleased if you are so skilled. If you meet the requirements then you shall pass, if you exceed them I shall be delighted, if you do not meet them then you will not gain the qualification and must undergo classes before taking the test again. Our usual test, which has been developed over centuries, has sufficed for us all thus far, so I don't see why you should be held to any different standard than anyone else. Right, now that we understand each other, let us begin, this way please." He led the way to the room where the test would begin.
Harry quite enjoyed the experience, once it began. When they had entered the room the examiner had gone into a well rehearsed explanation of the process, making it clear that so long as Harry demonstrated that he could complete each stage safely, they would progress to the next. If he felt that Harry could not complete the test safely, then the examination would be stopped there and then and Harry would need to retest on another occasion, after additional training. Various safety and other instructions were given, then he was asked to explain what he understood of the theory behind Apparition, the precautions needed to be taken and its regulation, before they began the practical part of the test.
As soon as he had shown that he could Apparate successfully round the large, plain room, arriving in the various hoops placed around the floor, he had been shown labelled Wizarding pictures of locations elsewhere. Starting with points in the public areas of the Ministry, then out into London and told to Apparate to different locations in the City on pictures shown to him. The examiner had followed him to each and made appropriate notes on a clipboard, before showing him another picture, of a London location until he was satisfied.
The pictures then showed locations outside the City, they Apparated to various locations of generally growing distance from the last, or complexity, including one from the south coast over to France, then to Jersey and the Isle of White, before returning to the mainland and a long jump up to Hogsmeade. For the final three trips of the examination, the examiner asked him to side along him over increasing distances, the first from The Three Broomsticks to the village healers cottage, from there to the gates of Hogwarts, before finally a large jump to St Mungo's. A final short hop, individually once more, saw them return to the Apparition point in the Ministry itself. He reached each destination without so much as Splinching a hair off his head, or his passengers either on those trips. On return to the reception area of the testing department, the man sat and wrote copious notes, while Harry looked on, nervously.
Eventually the examiner looked up and said. "Well, Mr. Potter, I have to say that despite my expectations that you may be another ill prepared candidate, the like of which we have seen far too often recently, I am impressed. I must admit I was watching for any reason to fail you, as I do with all candidates that I see. We cannot be too careful, but I have to say that you have given me no doubts at all about your ability in this area of magic. Honestly it surprises and impresses me that you have taken this so seriously, many with your wealth, fame and notoriety would not have done so. Instead, in my experience, especially recently, such candidates would have expected to be passed just because of who they are, not their ability in my experience. Indeed both before and during the war I was asked to pass people, who believed it their right, without even seeing them. Of course during the war, refusal was often quite dangerous, so I and those of my colleagues with similar reservations of issuing licences to such people had to go into hiding to avoid the consequences of refusing such requests. Indeed we are still revoking the licences of those passed by our unqualified replacements who appear to have had scant regard for the safety of those candidates, who will be required to reapply for the test and actually take the test, just as you have. I am sorry to say that we were too late for half a dozen of the youngsters, who died, as a result of Splinching, before help could be sent to them. I was told that you would not be expect or welcome such special treatment that some expect due to who they are. Frankly I dismissed that and your assurances earlier, but you have, refreshingly I have to say, proved me to be completely wrong in your case. I am, for once, very pleased to have been proved completely wrong. My congratulations, Mr. Potter, you can be very pleased with your achievement, you have passed with flying colours, far exceeding the minimum requirements, you are now fully licensed to Apparate and take people or goods with you side along in this country and indeed Europe. I have to say, Mr. Potter, I have rarely felt quite so safe when being transported by a candidate, as I did with yourself. Well done, now hold out your wand for a moment, if you please."
A little stunned at what had been said it had taken Harry a moment to realise what had been requested. " What? Oh yes, of course." He held out his wand, a little embarrassed.
"Not to worry Mr. Potter. I am aware that many see achieving their licence as a rite of passage." The wizard smiled then touched the wand with his own, the two glowed red, then the wizard returned his wand to his pocket. "Thank you very much Mr. Potter, your wand now carries your licence. I wish you good luck for the future, perhaps we shall meet again one day." He said, then turned and left the room.
Harry was quite pleased with his achievements of that day, both with Dennis and in Apparition. It was, as it turned out, a good start to a good first week back at Hogwarts for him. He had been very happy with how his classes had gone, most of the students accepting him as their Professor and showing positive early signs that they were becoming enthusiastic for the subject by their second defence lessons of the week. Each year group had, had two lessons with him so far, the second had been more productive than the first with each group, as the students gained confidence that they were not going to be tortured, or be required to inflict such treatment on their classmates during it.
The interview with Lee had been arranged and the publicity had begun for it in the print media and of course on the radio itself. The trailer Lee had made for the WWN was broadcast almost hourly, it billed it as the final Potterwatch and telling people it would be an exclusive interview with Harry, from a secret location as, of course, just as all the other broadcasts of the programme had been, though there were several differences from those broadcasts. This time it would not have all the different correspondents that had been customary during the occupation, there would be no need for a password either and of course this would be the only edition of the programme to be broadcast completely lawfuly.
Since it had first been announced, the show had received a lot of speculation in the printed media, although comment by a certain Daily Prophet reporter was conspicuous by its absence and the advert for the supposed book she was writing had been greatly reduced in size, though it was still present. Like the Prophet, every magazine published in the days leading up to it included its own version of what it expected from the interview, most also including articles ranging from what they supposed would be talked about, to how to win the heart of a hero in a teen girls magazine, while the boys equivalent gave instructions on how to be as heroic as him. There was even conjecture about where it might be being broadcast from, suggestions included the Burrow, the Ministry, Hogwarts castle, The Leaky Cauldron, Various places in Hogsmeade and in front of the cottage in Godrics Hollow where Harry's parents had died. There were even reports that people were going to gather outside the WWN studio in Diagon Alley, believing the secret location line in the trailer was a red herring and that was the place to see Potter.
Dennis was a changed person in the days since he and Harry had talked, almost back to his enthusiastic self, most of the time. He, of course, had moments of melancholy, he had lost his brother and not yet been able to say goodbye, after all. Word had, naturally, spread round the school that Professor Potter had helped him, raising regard for Harry amongst many, as well as understanding for Dennis. Of all the students who had lost someone defending Hogwarts, he was the only one who returned to the castle having not yet had the funeral of their loved one. Although only a hand full of students who were from the families from which there was at least one member who had fought with the Death Eaters had returned to the school so far, it was known that the funerals of all the human dead from those forces had taken place. It was definitely sobering to staff and students to realise how many of the students in the castle had suffered the loss of a loved one on either side of the battle, be it the loss of a parent, siblings or more distant relatives of them, there could be no one who had not lost someone they knew. Of them all, Dennis was the only one who had not yet been allowed to mourn, even amongst the muggle born. It made no sense to any of them why it was that of them all, only the authorities in the Creevey's area had insisted on the delay, it was inexplicable to any of them, but at least the young man was now able to cope with the situation more effectively than he had been.
The weather was turning, literally putting a dampener on the week, rain had arrived as it inevitably did this far north in Scotland if you waited long enough, inhabitants of Hogsmeade would tell any who commented about not liking the weather to. "Wait a few minutes and it will change."
The instruction would not have held true this week, once the rain started it had settled in for several days, though at fluctuating intensity. Even that didn't completely dampen spirits in the castle, it simply served to freshen the grounds. The showers over the middle days of the week did not last long, but there frequency did push the time he had helping Ginny with her work indoors, so they could not repeat their lakeside picnic before Thursday.
It was noticeable that each day, as the week went by, fewer and fewer students were holding on to the belief that all the losses were Harry's fault. Instead they learnt from their own experience of him again. Those old enough, remembering his actions from before the occupation, as well as since the war, letting their own experience dictate their view of him, rather than relying on what they were told by others. By Friday, the day of the first Cabinet meeting, only the few older Slytherin's in the castle were still voicing the opinion that Harry was to blame for the deaths that had occurred in the last few months, at the school at least. Those who did were disgusted that their younger housemates had abandoned it, even spoke against it in the common room. Professor Slughorn, as head of house had tried to get to the bottom of why his students were so reluctant to listen to another view of the events, but to no avail. Those who held out would respond by simply repeating the view increasingly forcefully, or incredulous that anyone in their right mind could or would possibly question it, as if that in itself explained their behaviour. Perhaps it was simply that the memories of the war and their losses were just too raw for them to think about alternatives or that it was simpler to believe what they were told by some as yet, time would tell. That morning, though, the student body soon had other things to talk about and provided proof that one aspect of life in the castle had definitely returned to normal, even if it seemed faster than had been usual in previous years. The Hogwarts rumour mill had returned to normal, and was working as well as ever.
Kingsley and a group of ministry officials arrived in the entrance hall, just after breakfast had finished in the Great Hall. They had arrived for the first cabinet meeting, since the battle, the first in living memory to be held in the castle. Their number included Mr. Weasley who greeted Harry and Ginny warmly, as they arrived in the entrance hall. "Good to see you both." He said as he hugged Ginny warmly, then he and Harry exchanged a manly embrace. "I have been asked to give you these by your Mother, Ginny."
He had some parchments for Ginny in his hand from Mrs. Weasley, he leant over and whispered something to her as he passed them to her, she nodded, then as he stepped back she said. "I'll look at them later, when we get home. I am helping with Care of Magical creatures anyway, while you lot have your meeting, so I won't have time until them probably. I shall see you at Hagrid's Hut after you are done, I hope." She grinned, then folded the envelope the parchments were contained in and put them in her bag before she crossed the floor to join Hagrid.
She was acting as his class assistant whilst the cabinet was meeting, she was looking forward to it and looking forward to meeting Harry's Hippogriff, Buckbeak properly. Hagrid was going to be using him in one lesson this morning, it was the first time he had used Hippogriffs since the incident with Draco Malfoy. Minerva had thought it a good idea if there was an extra pair of eyes during the lesson, just in case another student acted as the Malfoy boy had. She knew they may not be as lucky again, as they had been then, so Ginny was that pair of eyes, making any similar such accusations against Hagrid or the beast much less likely to succeed. Of course, it also had the added benefit that while Harry, Ron and Hermione were occupied, Ginny was not left alone. Things may have calmed in the school somewhat, but there was no reason to take unnecessary risks with her safety. Harry would be meeting her after the cabinet was over, so they could go back to Grimmauld place for the weekend; Lee was to arrive at ten the next morning for the interview.
The arrival of so many ministry officials, of course, caused quite a stir amongst the students, many instantly coming up with theories for their presence, which in turn ignited the familiar Hogwarts rumour mill. Most found it reassuring how quickly the news of the arrival spread, it was just such a normal part of life at Hogwarts and very comforting how quickly after the different theories to explain the visitors presence followed. They ranged from those who were convinced that the ministry was again interfering in Hogwarts, or as some others thought they were here to open a new Triwizard tournament, despite the fact it was very close to the end of the school year. Within a minute of their arrival, it was this latter idea that had become the accepted explanation by the vast majority of those in the Great Hall, where many students were just finishing their breakfast, to explain their presence.
Some remembered the last contest and were excited at the possibility that the contest could be here once again. Of course not one of them guessed that the real reason was as dull as a simple meeting of the Ministers new Cabinet, just as Luna told them off handedly when asked. After all, she might be a hero, but she was still odd in most students opinions, so was not taken seriously by many, though she was no longer openly ridiculed, thanks to her acknowledged heroism. Still her idea was dismissed by those in hearing of her answer, even though it was unusually mundane for her, after all it was not as exciting a tale as a new Triwizard, so was easy to favour the more extraordinary story, Luna simply shrugged when they said as much. It was only later and then only by a few who had realised she might have inside information, that her story was believed, at least until it was confirmed later in the day, when the other students turned to look in amazement at her as she tucked into pudding at the end of Lunch.
Harry, Neville, Ron and Hermione were understandably apprehensive as they entered the headmistress's office for the cabinet meeting, minutes after they had finished breakfast. They were, despite what they had done in the last few months, entering an adult world for the first time, not just any ordinary part of it either. The meeting they were to be part of was made up of the political elite of their society forming what was the most powerful group they had. They knew they would be watched closely by the other, more experienced people in the Cabinet, other than that they had little idea what to expect, although they had been supplied with the same briefing notes as the others.
Kingsley was waiting for them at the top of the spiral staircase. "Morning you four, good to see you." He smiled reassuringly, "I thought I'd wait for you here, a friendly face to greet you. It's all a bit intimidating isn't it, first time at something new. Remember, you are all full members of this cabinet, you are as entitled to speak and vote as anyone else in the meeting is, don't let those who are more used to it, bully you. You aren't the only new ones to this level of committee, but even they have years of knowing how the Ministry works. That's one reason I need you, they are so used to it, most of them have forgotten how to innovate, you four have no such shackles, so do as you showed in the Wizangamot and it will shake them up a bit. They are scared you will force them out of their comfort zones, which you probably will without trying, but it is what they need and what you are here for in part, fresh eyes in a group tied by routine. If you see or hear anything that does not make sense, seem right to you or you don't understand, even if I am the one saying it, then speak up. Same if you spot anything we are missing, we are all used to all this, maybe too comfortable with it all, you are the fresh point of view I need and may see things we do not, that is part of why I have brought you in. I am there to stop them from bullying you into keeping quiet, so don't worry about that too much. Oh yes, not all those present are the actual heads of the department, some are just representatives sent to ensure every section of the ministry is present. I have yet to make all the appointments I would wish to of course, but others simply are too busy this time. That said, as you know, many of them did not have to go into hiding, but as far as we can tell all were watched closely by their superiors from Riddles inner circle. None here were Death Eaters so far as we have been able to tell so far, at least they do not have the dark mark. Right, time we went in, are you Ready?"
They nodded with varying degrees of nervousness and Kingsley led them in.
A large oval table had been placed in the room, around which were sat the heads or representatives of each Ministry department. The head teachers desk had been moved to face the wall, to allow space for the meeting. Five chairs, were empty in the middle of one side, Kingsley took the centre one and indicated that they should sit, two on either side of him. Hermione and Ron took the two next to each other on the furthest side of Kingsley, leaving the others for Neville, who took the closest, letting Harry take the one between him and the minister. As they sat, a goblet of water, parchment, pot of ink and a quill appeared in front of them. They settled into their seats, Kingsley glanced round the table, then he opened the meeting,
"Welcome everyone to Hogwarts for our first Cabinet meeting of our new government. While of course none of you were in this position under the previous regime, having been forced to give your departments seat to those who from his inner Circle. I know, though, that most of you have been in the Minister's cabinet before then, welcome back. We do have a number of new faces to the cabinet as well, who did not serve on it under any of my predecessors, but now have seats in their own right. I shall introduce them to you, though I think you all know Arthur who is new head of Muggle relations and my deputy. Minerva will also be familiar to you, as you know she is now head of this school and of the Magical education department. Thank you, Minerva for allowing us to meet here in your office." Kingsley went round the table introducing those he knew were new to this level of responsibility, including the ones who were deputising for the head of their department, before he reached the four seated on either side of him. "We also have my new advisers in attendance, two seated either side of me. Their brief is wide ranging and eventually they will be visiting each of your departments as well as my own, on fact finding tours, on which they may be accompanied by two others not on the Cabinet yet. These visits which you will facilitate when they occur, will be vital to our work going forward as we rebuild and reform. It will be from these visits which they will make further suggestions on the reform programme, that we have already begun to put in place. In case you do not recognise them, they are, Professors, Neville Longbottom, Harry Potter, Ron Weasley and Hermione Granger. Do not let their youth fool you, ladies and gentlemen, they are full members of this cabinet, just as you all are and they each bring some valuable experience and views with them and have already proved their worth to the Wizangamot. You may already have heard about their contributions there, I am sure any they make here will be just as useful. While the rest of you may be new to this cabinet, you have served on it before and all of you do know each other from your years in the Ministry and have not moved departments, even if some of you have risen in the ranks within them recently. limited
Kingsley paused, looking round the table, most sat blank faced as he expected. Quite predictably Arthur and Minerva looked on with pride, he chuckled to himself, then continued. "Right, we had better get on, we have limited time as usual. I am sure you have all read the briefing notes before coming, so we shall start with departmental reports, please introduce yourself before your report, which by the way to save time must be written and submitted to the cabinet office ahead of the meeting in future so we can copy it to everyone to read before we meet. Shall we get the largest out of the way first? That will be my old department to begin with, please"
Each department in turn reported its activities, it was clear that each was pitching the positive to the minister, minimising any operational problems they had identified. Even so it was clear that, across the board, in every department, there was a common problem. Recruitment was needed, there was much mopping up and recovery work still to do as they rebuilt from the months of damage caused during the occupation, more staff were needed to achieve this in a reasonable time. It became clear that every department had lost staff, some had fled, others had been tried as Muggle born, while still others had been killed either during those months, or at the battle itself, on both sides. Those who had fled may come back in time, those wrongfully imprisoned were being released, but needed time to recover and might not wish to return to their old posts or remain in the magical community at all. They needed time to recover, to decide on what they wanted, time the departments did not have if they were to recover enough to help their society gain some stability. Some of the departments had been looted, they had files and equipment missing or were at the least in disarray after being sifted through by death Eaters who had fled back there trying to destroy evidence of what they had done. What ever the state the departments had been left in, this all meant that the day to day work of the staff was, through necessity, taking second place to sorting out internal departmental matters, but all were short staffed.
The need for talented people was clear and it was proposed that they might hold a recruitment day at Hogwarts in the next few weeks, for those students who were leaving at the end of the year. The proposal was accepted, however as Harry surprised himself by pointing out, there was a danger of recruiting simply to fill places rather than for suitability to the post they were being appointed to. It was an observation they all readily agreed with, and wanted to ensure did not happen, recognising it could cause more problems in the departments later.
Hermione had a couple of ideas from the muggle world, which should help, that they had not considered before, thanks to seeing the process her parents had used when they had required staff at their old surgery. The head of Personnel agreed to look at measures to prevent that happening and ensure recruits were placed where they could be most effective throughout their careers, not just as things were settling in the coming months. With the acceptance of his point and Hermione's ideas, Harry was reassured that he had at least some of the abilities needed for the tasks Kingsley wanted them here for.
The report from the department of the regulation of magical creatures particularly caught Hermione's interest, as she saw an opportunity to achieve change.
"Minister!" She said. "I believe we maybe are missing an important opportunity in this area which could help all departments and our society as a whole recover more quickly than it might otherwise. In the past we have caused great resentment amongst those creatures of equal or similar levels of intelligence to our own, such as Centaurs, Elves and Goblins, by imposing our rules and restrictions on them, yet excluding them from society and decision making processes. I think we need to be engaging these beings throughout the process of reform and take their views into account, even employing them within the Ministry and the department advisors, thereby making the reforms inclusive. I wonder why no steps have been taken towards achieving this, at least none I am aware of."
Some round the table chuckled, Kingsley quelled them with a look. "Well, why haven't we thought of this?" He asked seriously.
A short fattish wizard replied. " Well Minister, we have never had beasts in the Ministry, there has been no reason to employ them, think of the practical problems for a start. I remember the tales told of when Owls were used for memos, the place was filthy. They are magical creatures which need regulating, not including as the young girl proposes, there are non of equal or even similar levels of intelligence as she suggests, such attitudes are the whim of fairy tales and the like." He condescended.
Hermione bristled at the young girl comment, but was calm as she replied "With respect to the Gentleman, his attitude is precisely why we make no progress in this area. It causes resentment towards wizard kind and divides our community along species lines which, in turn, weakens it, as recent events have shown. This is precisely why we need to look to include them in reforms of the laws which affect us all and engage our entire community in the process we are undertaking of rebuilding a society fit for the future. Many chose to fight with us at the battle, if we accept they are intelligent enough to make that choice, then we must accept they would be helpful in the aftermath."
"Well put Professor." Said Kingsley, "I think we have need here for a report on how what you suggest could be implemented, realistically. I think you and the head of department should get together quickly, investigate and agree this report, then progress its findings. Include anyone you wish to, including none humans. Although I have no doubt that it will take some time and will require the cooperation of all departments, I would like this expedited as much as is practical. If you encounter any undue obstructions, please let me know, all of you should note, this is a study that must be progressed effectively to provide proper and informed answers based in facts, not supposition. We have just been through a civil war amongst ourselves, we can ill afford an inter species one, especially after many fought alongside us. This could be an answer to more than one problem, we just don't know, in our arrogance we have never taken the trouble find out. For that we should be ashamed, lets find out if and how we can integrate more effectively than we have so far."
The witch who had given the departments report smiled and nodded to Hermione. "I am sure we can manage that, I understand that this is an area of interest of the Professor's. I am positive her insights shall be most valuable, I look forward to meeting with you Professor Granger and working with you, it is an area I have wanted to explore for a number of years."
The fattish wizard snorted. "It is a completely pointless waste of resources, if you ask me Minister."
"It is always worth looking into something that we have not fully investigated or tried before, especially if it has the potential to bring benefits to many, at least that is what my experiences have taught me. You may be right, it may come to nothing, if so then at least we have explored the possibilities thoroughly and know why it won't work fully. Who knows even if we do not find a way to enable full integration, we may well find ways to improve relations in the process, strengthening our community." Kingsley responded. "Now moving on, although it seems not too far from the subject of cooperation with other magical beings, treasury report please, how do we stand with the Goblins at present?"
The meeting progressed steadily as reports were heard, then discussed, but Neville, Ron, Harry and Hermione made suggestions in nearly all areas. Neville was especially interested in the report from the department of healing, while Ron was, perhaps predictably, more interested in the department of sport. It's plans for returning the sports calendar to its more usual level, by helping to rebuild the teams, which had all been almost decimated by the last few months. The aim was to have at least a short Quidditch season ready to start in September, hopefully a near full season might be possible in a years time, while other sports would be reintroduced as soon as it was feasible to do so. It surprised the trio to realise that professional domestic sport had ceased completely during Voldemort's reign, mainly because clubs could not field full teams, thanks to the regimes actions towards supposedly ousting any they saw as not of pure blood.
Gradually nearly all the older wizards in the room began to see that the young hero's were, in fact, making helpful suggestions and began welcoming the ideas as worth looking in to at the very least. Unfortunately there were of course, one or two who remained resistant, clearly they believed the Minister was simply indulging in a stunt, keeping the heroes occupied, but they were in a minority by the time the meeting was drawing to a close.
Kingsley closed the meeting after two hours discussion and information gathering, the Ministry was not in good shape, yet. It was, after all, not long since the current administration had taken over, barely enough time to make much head way with much more than beginning to get the recovery underway. While some progress had been made, the Ministry and the other institutions, were nowhere near operating as they should be, but they had to quickly repair and begin to operate fully again. Kingsley was fully aware that if it hadn't been for the help he had accepted from their counterparts abroad and from the Muggle Government in the last couple of weeks, they would not have progressed as much as they had so far. He knew some felt it to be a mistake to take that help, especially from the Muggles, but the speed of their recovery so far, small as that progress may be, had quieted those voices on this matter, at least for now.
Kingsley knew all this and knew there was much more that had to be done, but this meeting had been fruitful, he was satisfied as he drew it to its close. "Right I think that was a very productive meeting over all, I hope you all agree and can see I am open to new ideas. We have a lot to achieve, much to rebuild or build anew, as quickly as we can, though not without caution. We need to ensure that we do not introduce things in haste, which we may regret later. Remember written reports for the next full meeting, which shall not be for a while in any case enabling you to concentrate on the work in hand. Instead, because of the need to concentrate on rebuilding simply to restore our systems never mind introduce new ideas and policies, I shall call only a few heads to attend each week. This will be over the next six weeks, with two meetings with each department so we can monitor progress, then we shall have another full cabinet meeting. This will mean we will be able to concentrate on the work of those departments in more detail at the smaller meetings. In the meantime if any matters of urgency arise please notify me and those matters can be included in my agenda for attention. Next week will shall meet with Creatures, Muggles, Personnel and Finance please. We shall meet in the afternoon, Creatures to meet with my adviser as agreed today, but in the morning of that day, though earlier if possible please, thank you for your attendance, everyone."
Most of the wizards left almost straight away, chatting cheerfully as they went, the fat wizard remained to talk privately with a colleague, Kingsley, Mr. Weasley and Minerva came over to the four ministerial advisors.
"Well done all of you, you handled that excellently, your contributions were beyond what even I expected and I knew they would be good. I think most of them now have a respect for you by the looks of it, which should make things easier. How are you settling into your new roles here?" Asked Kingsley.
"Ok, I think." Ron said.
"They are doing very well in the circumstances Minister." Minerva, assured him.
"And the situation we discussed?" Kingsley queried.
"Settling down, largely thanks to Harry's efforts, Minister. Just Slytherin house to worry about now, Horace is still trying to get to the root of it there. It may or may not be natural grief, but somehow it is beginning not to feel like it." She replied.
"Well we must keep an eye on it, if it seems to spread further again, then we may need to investigate if it is something more. Keep me informed on it here in the school please Minerva, I shall have it monitored to see if it is a belief held outside these walls as well. Right, well, I must go back to the office I'm afraid, see you all next week." The Minister was stopped by the fat wizard, who kept glancing up towards Harry while he spoke to Kingsley.
Mr Weasley came over to Harry. "Good work Harry lad, not just today either I hear. Ron's been telling me about how you talked with young Dennis Creevey, that can't have been easy, well done on the result."
"Thanks Mr. Weasley." Harry blushed.
"No problem lad, now you might have noticed I had a quiet word with Ginny when I handed that package of parchment to her earlier, I need to talk to you both about it. I mentioned to her that I am taking you both for some lunch in Hogsmeade to talk about what is on them when I passed them over. I'm afraid Molly might be getting ahead of herself Harry, she means well, but gets carried away sometimes so I want to help you with calming her down between us, if we can. I hope you don't mind?" He added.
Harry looked concerned. "Not at all Mr. Weasley, if you think we need to then that's fine by me, though I am happy to be in your company regardless of lunch or anything else." He responded.
"Good, come on then, Ginny should be almost done at Hagrid's by now, lets go collect her." Arthur smiled and they turned to leave.
"Could you wait a moment please Harry, Arthur you might want to stay too." Called Minerva as the fat wizard finally let Kingsley go, he paused as Kingsley left, looked back at Harry, a smirk on his face, then followed the Minister from the office.
Harry frowned, he hadn't liked that smirk.
"Harry!" Minerva called again bringing Harry from his thoughts.
"Sorry Minerva!" He said, turning his attention to her.
"Not a problem Harry. Now I need to inform you that the governors have collectively insisted that the four of you, plus Ginny and Luna, are given these." The Headmistress handed them a scroll of parchment each. "They are First class NEWT's, in defence against the dark arts. They reason that no ministry examiner could possibly test you all more than you all ready have been out in the field, so to speak and what you have done is far beyond the requirements of the exams in any case. I have the certificates for Luna and Ginny, I will come down with Ginny's in a moment, Luna is to receive hers this afternoon. There is no doubt in my mind that you have earned them in a much tougher manner than you ordinarily might have done, it is not a method of avoiding exams that I would recommend though. You might also like to know that Luna and Ginny will be the youngest students ever to have achieved a NEWT in the subject, congratulations to you all."
"Bloody hell!" Said a stunned Ron, earning a hard dig in the ribs from Hermione.
"Yes I think that's very similar to what I said at the time in your case as well, Professor Weasley." Grinned the Headmistress. "Well done to you all, you have earned it. I'll see you this evening at dinner, except of course you Harry, shall we go and give Ginny the good news?"
They left the office and parted ways, Ron and Hermione went off into the castle and Professor McGonagall was side tracked by Professor Flitwick as they reached the entrance hall. "I'll see you at Hagrid's, don't tell Ginny until I get there please, I want to see her face." She called after Arthur and Harry.
The sun had made an appearance while they had been in the meeting and it warmed them as they walked over the lawns towards the familiar hut where Hagrid lived and took lessons. Mr Weasley took the opportunity to tell Harry that Molly wanted Ginny and he to come to the Burrow for Sunday tea before they returned to the school. He had no doubt she would want to talk to them about the contents of the parchments, hence the reason he needed to talk to them today, before there was any chance for her well meaning planning to go too far or become out of their control too much. Long experience told him that his well meaning wife would be unstoppable, if the two were not prepared and he wanted to avoid an argument.
"Well it would be good to come to the Burrow." Said Harry. "We may need some cheering up after Colin's funeral." He told Mr. Weasley the plans for the weekend, the older man had his doubts that what Molly wanted to discuss with them over tea would cheer any of them up, especially if her ideas did not sit well with their daughter.
They reached Hagrid's hut, but stayed back so as not to disturb the students while the class continued. Ginny was helping the half giant with the third year care of magical creatures class, this was the lesson that had raised a few concerns about being reintroduced, but it seemed to be going well so far. Ginny was holding Buckbeak, although the class was using the majestic animal's other name of Witherwings, at a safe distance while Hagrid conducted the class. Since Harry's third year they had used Buckbeak's pseudonym, to protect the Hippogriff. The proud creature had been sentenced to death after Draco Malfoy had been attacked by him, when the Slytherin had ignored safety instructions. Buckbeak seemed to be ignoring the class, keeping aloof and from the explanations Hagrid was giving was not being cooperative in letting the students near him or Ginny. They had been watching the class for less than a minute, when the Hippogriff caught sight of Harry and bowed low. The class gasped in amazement, they had not noticed the two who had joined them.
Harry and Arthur bowed back and the Hippogriff trotted over to him, Ginny, letting go of his halter. The students watched wide eyed as the large winged beast passed them, heading directly to Harry, wings out spread, a call of joy as he approached. Harry petted the Hippogriff in greeting, talking to him gently, before turning him and gently leading him back the way he had come, a hand stroking his neck all the way.
"Sorry Hagrid." Said Harry as he led the Hippogriff back towards the Half Giant. "We didn't want to disturb your class."
"No problem 'arry, 's the first time all mo'nin' 'e's let any o us, 'cept our Ginny 'ere ge' close ter 'im, e's in a righ' odd mood fer sum reason."
"Try again in a moment." Harry whispered, he had an idea what was wrong. He left Buckbeak with Hagrid and led Ginny to Hagrid's hut and told her to stay out of sight unless his idea didn't work, then returned to stand with his friend. "Ok Hagrid, I know there's not much time left before lunch, but try it again now."
A boy nervously volunteered and bowed to Buckbeak, who bowed back then allowed the boy, under Hagrid's guidance, to first pet him and then ride him. Hearing the Hippogriffs cries of joy mix with the excited yells of the youngster, as they flew over the lake and round the castle made them all smile. Buckbeak landed gracefully and trotted back to Harry, who praised him, while the boy dismounted, then ran to thank the beast and bow, before he made his way back to his excited friends. Hagrid assured them that although the bell was about to go, he would repeat the lesson the following week so they would all have a chance. In the mean time he asked them to write an essay about Hippogriffs, how to care for them and safety when dealing with them, as homework for the lesson as well as a way of ensuring the actually read about them.
With the class dismissed, Ginny was allowed back out, Buckbeak immediately walked over to her and nuzzled her. She praised him for being a good Hippogriff with the student, as she petted him.
Mr. Weasley and Hagrid were amazed.
"Ah've ne'er seen anythin' like it." Said Hagrid. "No bowin' or anythin' just straigh' to yer Ginny."
"That's my Ginny." Laughed Harry. "Never fails to amaze me or it seems anyone else. I guess he was being protective of her, that's why he wouldn't bow to anyone else. Couldn't guard her if he was off flying students around, could he?"
"Ah reckon yer righ' 'Arry." Hagrid agreed.
"You were just being a good boy weren't you Buckbeak?" Ginny cooed and petted his neck, "Come on then let's get you snug in your stable then, Harry's here to protect me when you aren't here."
Buckbeak nuzzled her, then Harry and allowed them to lead him off to his stable as good as gold, Arthur and Hagrid following on behind.
While Hagrid fed Buckbeak in his stable, Professor McGonagall arrived, she repeated what she had told Harry and the others upstairs and gave Ginny her NEWT certificate.
"Thanks Professor." Ginny stammered in disbelief.
The headmistress smiled, "You will have to work for the others Ginny, just like everyone else, but going by the efforts you put in to achieve your OWL's, that won't be to much of a worry, so long as you keep it up. Right I had better find Miss. Lovegood, have a good weekend you two, I shall see you both on Sunday evening when you get back." She waved and left to find Luna.
Ginny fetched her bag from where she had left it in the hut, put Harry's and her scrolls in it then they all said goodbye to Hagrid. She, Harry and her father set off across the grounds towards the gate and lunch at the Three Broomsticks.
The rain showers from earlier in the week had gone and everything was dry, now the sun had burnt through the cloud cover of the morning, though the grass and leaves were a vibrant green of fresh growth that the rain had prompted. There was very little cloud left in the rich blue sky, despite the showers of the week, the weather since the battle had generally been exceptional, as if nature was smiling at the end of conflict. While they walked chatting about Buckbeak's reaction to Ginny and the interview the next day, they were enjoying the warmth that had arrived with the sun.
They reached the Iron school gates, which opened automatically for them and they passed through, hearing the gates close again behind them. They carried on along the forest lined lane that lead to Hogsmeade, spring flowers were in full bloom on either side of the track, making the most of the light before the new leaves on the trees grew enough to cast them into shade.
Suddenly Harry felt the hairs on the back of his neck rise, usually a warning to him of danger which he had learned to trust more often than not, especially since he entered the Wizarding world. This track was one he had travelled many times since he had arrived at Hogwarts, since the end of his second year in the carriages, then since his fourth on each Hogsmeade visit as well. As usual, it looked peaceful, a bucolic scene of Scottish springtime, but still he glanced round, alert, he could see nothing untoward. It was true much had happened on this wooded road in the last couple of years, so Harry thought that with the lack of any other evidence it could easily be simply a residue feeling from those events, combined with the enclosed feeling of the tree's on either side. Even so he did not completely dismiss the feeling, remembering the words of Mad eye Moody. "Constant vigilance." He fell quiet as his senses became alert as a result.
Ginny felt him tense and glanced up to see him looking round. "What's wrong?" She whispered.
"I'm not sure, just a feeling. Something is not right here, not right at all." He hissed back. "Be alert, tell your Dad."
Arthur heard what was said and nodded. "No need Harry, I heard, I agree." He whispered.
The three of them cautiously put their hands on their wands, continuing to walk steadily, at an uninterrupted or altered pace. Their conversation casually continuing, if anyone was watching them there was no need to alert them.
They relaxed slightly, but only slightly, when they saw the village sign at the side of the lane, they were almost at their destination and would soon be amongst the houses, hidden just round the corner. A flash of green light shot from behind them. Harry sensed it, he was reacting to protect Ginny before the curse reached them. She was also reacting, moving quickly, the curse narrowly missed her shoulder as it sailed past them and hit a tree, which burst into flames.
"Take cover." Yelled Mr. Weasley instinctively, but they were all already moving as another curse flew past them, impacting on the road ahead, leaving a small fresh crater in the surface as a cloud of dust and particles rose up from it.
Another curse screamed over their heads, quickly followed by another that shot between them as they leapt towards the nearest cover. Mr Weasley got behind a large boulder on the verge just as the second curse hit the road, right on the place where they had been standing when the curse had been cast. Harry and Ginny had got behind a large oak tree. They had all drawn out their wands, ready to defend themselves, the couple were standing facing opposite directions along the road, protecting each others backs and scanning the area. Both working as one, also protecting Mr Weasley who was isolated, though well covered behind the boulder.
Mr. Weasley swiftly sent two Patronus, one to Hogsmeade and one towards the school, before adopting a completely defensive attitude. He quickly noted where Harry and his daughter were, proud that they had quickly begun to scan the area and had, it seemed, automatically begun protecting each other the moment they had reached cover. However he knew they were all three pinned down where they were though, they needed to hold off the assailants until help could arrive in response to his messages.
"Come out you murdering coward, any help that comes will just prolong the suffering of your self and those with you, do you really want to see more fools die for you." A voice shouted from the trees, followed by another volley of curses, towards their hiding places, but missing. "We don't hide behind others like you did."
"No, just in trees." Ginny muttered darkly.
Harry glanced up and down the lane, it was empty, so he and Ginny swiftly moved to a larger tree nearby, without being seen, but from where they got a better view of the lane and into the part of the forest the curses seemed to be coming from. Mr. Weasley nodded as he saw them move and settle behind better cover. He and Harry kept an eye on the trees in the direction the voice had come from, but apart from a few more curses from different parts of the woodland, little else happened for several minutes. "There's more than one of them." Harry whispered to Ginny. "They are moving round, trying to get a clear shot probably, watch for movement in the under growth, watch to see if it seems to follow a path."
"I will, they could be trying to ensure that we can't get a clear shot back at them." She observed.
"True." Harry said. "We need to get to the village, so they can't keep us pinned us down, if they get behind us we have no chance on our own. What was that?"
The noise of feet rushing towards them from behind him made him whip round. A crowd of villagers were approaching, he recognised Dumbledore's brother, Aberforth, leading the way. Harry signalled to them, telling them that they should take cover, they did, though Aberforth made his way cautiously to them. They must have managed it unseen, not a single spell was shot towards them, suggesting the enemy was not watching too closely, perhaps a sign of confidence in their position.
The inn keeper nodded in greeting. "Now then Potter, seems there is a spot of bother." Aberforth grinned. "We got the message, has another gone to the school?"
Harry nodded, Aberforth waved his arm to the villagers and they slowly, cautiously started to creep out into the trees, fanning out, before steadily moving forward.
"Harry Potter you murdering scum, show yourself, we're not letting you spoil our plan or allowing your crack pot ideas to interfere at the ministry, come out and face us, get what you deserve." The shout came again, beginning to betray the frustration the caller felt.
Harry recognised the voice this time, it was the fat wizard from the cabinet meeting. So that was why he hung around after the meeting, trying to discover if and when he was leaving for the advertised interview, hoping it gave him an opportunity. It also explained the smirk he had given Harry before leaving, he had learnt their plans for the day. He had, had just enough time, while they collected Ginny, to get a team of like minded people into place to wait for them and spring the ambush. The wizard must have been excited as he left the office, knowing he could reach Harry that very day. He must have had sympathisers ready to move quickly after he had overheard the conversation with Arthur after the meeting, so was taking the opportunity that had presented itself.
"You stopped my old Master, the Dark Lord, before I could take his mark, but now we have a new leader and they want you dead as well. Come on you coward, it's inevitable that we will get you, you can't hide forever, why prolong it." The wizard shouted.
Hagrid and most of the staff appeared at the other end of the lane, Arthur sent another Patronus to them, they stopped, listened to its whispered message. He gave a thumbs up signal, then they too spread out amongst woodland. Aberforth signalling to the nearest of the villagers that more help was coming towards them, a message that spread through them quickly. Harry realised that the villagers and staff must have made contingency plans, in case any attacks occurred in the area.
"Stay there!" Mr. Weasley mouthed to Harry and Ginny, he crouched closer to the boulder, watching the tree line.
They waited listening and watching for their assailants to emerge from the trees. Suddenly curses were flying from within the wood, lighting the trees despite the bright sunshine. The exchange continued, until after a few moments the attackers were flushed out by the pincer movement of the villagers and Hogwarts staff, all of whom, of course, knew each other well enough to know who to fire at and who not to..
"There are three of the evil little buggers." A voice shouted, as the three men emerged backwards onto the lane firing curses back into the trees, their attention distracted from their intended targets for the time being while they tried to fight back.
The three hit the first villager who emerged from the tree line after them, he fell, injured, to the ground, but was quickly protected by the others who had emerged only a second behind him. The assailants had few such successes though, especially once Hagrid emerged, bellowing, from the trees bearing down on them, his skin a tough shield against the spells of the now panicking trio, though he was forced to slow by the strength of the spells as he got closer. The fight was fierce as more people emerged from the trees next to the lane, which became even more brightly illuminated by the volume of curses and spells. Only a few more of the villagers fell and were protected by the others, but such were their number that it was inevitable that the three attackers shields would be worn down and fail in the end. The first of the trio's shields fell, but he saw Harry and Ginny watching from their shelter and decided he would try for personal glory. Breaking free before anyone could restrain him, he charged towards them wild eyed, roaring and wildly firing curses.
Both Harry and Ginny calmly stepped out from either side of the tree, which was bearing the brunt of the volley of spells and calmly took aim.
"Expelliarmus!" Yelled Ginny and the man's wand flew from his hand.
Suddenly panicking at the loss of his wand to such a simple spell, he leapt forward, trying to intercept it, just as Harry's stunning spell hit him in the chest. They just had time to see the shock on the man's face when Harry realised he was falling directly towards them.
"Levicorpus!" Harry bellowed quickly.
The man hovered above their heads for a moment while Ginny caught his wand, then the two stepped aside and Harry cancelled the spell, letting him fall carelessly to the ground. Harry banished him to a tree, where Ginny bound him, before he could recover. Harry stunned the man again for good measure, then they returned their attention to the fight in the lane.
The skirmish was still raging in front of the trees, though the two remaining attackers were clearly loosing, they continued to fight back, growing more desperate with each spell. Their shields were gone, one was relying on agility to dodge the spells, while the fat wizard relied on batting the spells away with his wand, neither was sending many spells at those around them any more. The Cabinet member turned to face another opponent and spotted Harry in the open watching, reacting with surprising speed he flashed a curse towards the couple. "Sectumsempra!" He bellowed.
Harry and Ginny leapt aside, that spell could slice through a tree and still kill, they knew the only defence without a powerful shield, was to dodge it. Harry felt pain as the curse grazed passed him, while he was in mid air, he rolled behind a clump of trees with Ginny. The spell hit the tree the other was tied to, just above his head, wood splintered from it and the tree slowly fell back away from the road.
"Harry!" Ginny screamed in alarm at the sight of his wound.
"Got the bugger, that's the end of your hero, what a set of fools you all were to put your faith in him." The fat wizard yelled in triumph, just before Hagrid reached him and knocked him out with one blow of his hand.
Moments later the teachers and villagers finally subdued the last of the attackers and Madam Pomfrey with the village healer, who had both been helping any of the other injured, rushed over and knelt beside Harry. Both quickly looked him over to assess his wound, then smiled.
"Well Potter, at least it is not too serious, you might be a teacher now, but you still like to give me work." Grinned Madam Pomfrey, as Harry blacked out.
Some of the villagers and staff bound the rest of the trio and levitated all three of them to the village, where the Auror's would come to collect them. The rest gathered the wounded that Poppy and the healer had not seen yet and ensured they were cared for. Only one of them required urgent treatment and like Harry was unconscious. They all acted with urgency, but caution, they had no idea if there were others in the area who might resume the attack. Once they were certain the injured were safe, they then went to check the area was secure and there were no others hiding in the trees, they were determined to capture all they could who had been involved in the attack. The injured were carefully carried or levitated into the village for their injuries to be checked and tended to, in the healers house in the village, he and Poppy would be busy with the remaining minor injuries, Harry's wound being the worst of them.
Soon the road between the village and school was clear, only a few burnt trees, one felled one and the other curse scars in the ground told that anything had happened there. The fires in the trees and ground cover had been extinguished, when Aberforth, who was the last to leave, was pleased to note two red Squirrels amble from the trees to forage in the lane. He nodded smiling, he quietly left to go to the healers to see how everyone was.
The peace he was enjoying was interrupted by a voice. "He'll be fine, it's all healed, it won't even scar." Harry heard the voice as if it was in the distance, faint, yet somehow clear.
He opened his eyes slowly, everything was in focus, he still had his glasses on at least. Looking round he realised he was in a small room laid on a bed, the white walls with medical posters on them and height of the bed told him that he must be at the village healers, but when he turned his head and saw Ginny he still asked. "Where am I?" In a croaky voice.
"It's fine Harry, we are at the village healers surgery my love." Ginny's voice was reassuring as she helped him sit up before she picked up a glass of water and helped him sip from it.
"Nice to meet you at last, Mr. Potter. I have heard so much about you from Poppy, though she never broke her oath or your confidence." The greying healer stood next to Ginny smiled. "Please call me Archie, if you would, everyone does. We brought you here rather than taking you back to the school, because it was closer and we could treat your wound more quickly. How do you feel?"
Harry pulled himself up further in the bed. "Fine now, a bit weak though. What happened?"
"You were hit by the Sectumsempra curse, but only a glancing blow rather than the full impact, which felled a tree. You've lost a lot of blood, however the wound is completely repaired. Here drink this, it will help replace the blood you lost."
Harry took the bright red potion and drank, he immediately began to feel better and managed to sit upright on the bed. "How long was I out for?" He asked.
Ginny put her hand on his leg. "About an hour love, I'm not surprised though the size of the wound."
Madam Pomfrey bustled in, "Well Archie, how's my favourite patient?"
"He's fine Poppy." Laughed Archie. "He's come round and had his potion, the wounds all fixed. He will be anaemic for a few days, probably feel a bit weak and tire easily, but he'll be back to his usual self in no time. Take it easy for a week or so Mr. Potter, let this wonderful girl look after you, Ginny has never left your side throughout your treatment, you lucky man." He grinned and winked then left.
Hagrid and Mr. Weasley came through the door as Archie was leaving, Mr Weasley was rubbing his arm and flexing it as if testing it was working. "Good work Poppy that feels a lot better. Typical of me, their curses miss and I slash my arm open on the boulder I took cover behind in the first place." He grinned.
"You'll be fine Arthur, sorry you had to wait, but we had to treat the ones more seriously injured first." Madam
Pomfrey said as she fussed around Harry checking his temperature and pulse.
"No problem Poppy, I quite understand." Arthur grinned ruefully.
"Ok 'Arry?" Asked Hagrid.
Harry nodded the thermometer still in his mouth, unable to speak. Madam Pomfrey removed it and checked the reading.
"How is everyone?" Harry asked.
"Two in St Mungo's, one unconscious like you were, he has a head injury, but its not a serious one, the other with an injury we couldn't cope with here quickly enough to be effective, simply because there was only Archie and I to look after everyone, both of them will be home by the morning at the very latest, most likely tonight.. The rest of the casualties were just minor injuries, then of course we have three more for Azkaban including that fool from the department of justice." Poppy told him.
"Molly is panicking about you both, of course." Mr. Weasley grinned. "Not me you notice, so once your ready we had better get you over to the Burrow and calm her down before she comes bursting in here because she couldn't wait any longer. Our lunch and chat will have to wait I'm afraid, I guess the papers will be the last thing on her mind now though. With luck, it will stay that way, for now at least. Hagrid, would you let them know all is fine with these two up at the school?"
"Course ah will Arthur, Ah'd better go back any 'ow, next lesson soon. See yer soon 'Arry and you Ginny."
"Thank them all will you please Hagrid." Called Harry.
Hagrid nodded and left just as Ron and Hermione arrived.
"You all right Harry? We just heard what happened?" Hermione looked worried.
"Fine now Hermione, looks like I can't even go for a stroll in the countryside without something happening to me any more though can I." He grinned reassuring them.
"Where did they get you then mate?" Grinned Ron.
Ginny suddenly burst into tears "My favourite bit of him." She sobbed, more in relief he was all right than anything.
Arthur grinned, Hermione started to giggle and Ron just looked even more puzzled.
"His bum!" Ginny finished.
"Just like her mother." Muttered Mr. Weasley wistfully, shaking his head, as Ron fell about laughing.
"Well it is a very nice one, at least from what little I have seen of it." Said Hermione, winking to Ginny, who chuckled.
Ron stopped laughing and stared at his girlfriend open mouthed.
Hermione laughed at his expression and shrugged. "Well the three of us did share a tent for most of the last year."
"Yes, I know, but you weren't supposed to be looking." Spluttered Ron.
"I would have." Ginny dead panned. "And more given half a chance."
"Ginny! Harry wouldn't want you to do that or anything like it." Ron said firmly wide eyed. "Would you mate?"
Harry looked helpless, not knowing how to answer when Arthur came to the rescue. "I don't think you really want the answer to that Ronald, I know I wouldn't. When you think about it for a while, I hope you will realise why you didn't really want to ask that either." He told his youngest son.
Ron looked round them all. "I've done it again haven't I?"
They all nodded and began laughing at him as he blushed furiously.
"I'll take him back to the Castle." Hermione grinned. "Before he really puts his foot in it."
"Good idea Hermione." Ginny laughed. "By the way, I should tell you. Luna thinks Ron's bum is quite nice too, she always has, even when we were children."
"What?" Ron shouted.
"Its true brother dear, why do you think she was always keen to swim in the pond with you? She always followed you if you remember, so she could admire the view of your bum in your trunks." Ginny teased.
Ron stared at her open mouthed while the others laughed.
Arthur shook with laughter. "Take him Hermione, we have to get ready to go to the Burrow."
When they arrived at the Burrow, Mrs. Weasley was in tears of relief as she hugged both Harry and Ginny. "Can't they leave you alone, let you get on with your life?" She wept, obviously angry about the attack. "It's so unfair after all you have been through, if I got my hands on them..." She left her final thought unfinished, though suddenly the others vividly remembered what she had done to Bellatrix Lestrang.
She sat them all in the living room and fussed around making some sandwiches for lunch, as she brought them through and they tucked in she told them. "I've let Percy know what's happened, so he's not expecting you back this afternoon as planned. You are both staying here, you can go home tomorrow in time for your interview, but not before." It was not a request, she was in full mothering mode and nothing was going to stop her from it now. "He'll tell Kreacher as well." She added, reassuring them that their Elf would be informed.
There was a pop and Kreacher appeared, looking concerned. "Master, Mistress are you both all right. I shouldn't have left you to go on your own, I have let you down."
Harry stopped him from grabbing something to hit himself with. "Kreacher you are not to punish yourself, it wasn't your fault, you have not let us down in any way at all and we are fine. I take it that Percy has told you what happened?"
"He has Master, now how can I help you?"
Mrs. Weasley glowered at Kreacher.
Harry saw the look on Mrs. Weasley's face."Er. I think you had better go back to the house Kreacher, we will be there in the morning. I expect word will spread of the attack, ask Percy to let you know if it's in the paper, if it is would you let Lee Jordan know that it doesn't change our arrangements for the interview. He will arrive about ten o'clock for the interview at eleven, so could you get the drawing room ready for that and let him in when he arrives in the morning. In the meantime look after Percy and get things ready for our arrival there tomorrow."
"Of course Master, gladly." The Elf croaked, bowed and with a pop was gone.
"Thank you, Harry." Mrs. Weasley smiled. "I really do love having Kreacher around at times, but it's my turn to look after you two tonight. Ginny, once you have finished your lunch you shall need to go and get your room ready."
"Why? What's wrong with it?" Ginny asked.
"Well I assume that you will want to look after Harry tonight dear and there's only one bed in there at present. If I were you I would move the spare from Georges old room and put it next to yours, unless you would rather use a spell to carefully enlarge yours for the two of you?"
Ginny looked amazed. "Thanks mum, are you sure?"
"Yes love, I am. If you do use the spare, push the two beds together and use a sticking charm between them, it's more comfortable that way, you'll find some clean linen to put over them, or your expanded one, on our shelf in the airing cupboard."
Ginny finished her sandwich and ran up stairs. Mrs. Weasley took the plates through to the kitchen, grinning.
"Well Harry, I have to say, I never cease to be amazed by Molly." Arthur grinned and winked then leaned to Harry. "But, don't forget, she is still plotting something for you two, something that is on those parchments in Ginny's bag."
Mrs. Weasley returned with some drinks shortly before Ginny came back in.
"All ready." Ginny said as she entered the room.
"That was quick love." Grinned Harry taking a long swig of his drink, he knew Ginny had moved quickly worried her mum would change her mind about the sleeping arrangements.
"We Weasley women don't hang about you know, especially when highly motivated to get the task done for any reason." Ginny grinned widely, snuggled up to him on the sofa and whispered "Besides I'm not going to give her chance to change her mind."
"Speaking of not hanging about." Mrs. Weasley began "Did you get a chance to look at those papers I sent you?"
"No mum not yet." Replied Ginny.
"Oh well I'll tell you about them then, they have the plans for your wedding on them." She gushed enthusiastically.
"Molly stop!" Mr Weasley said firmly, before Ginny could respond, or his wife could gain momentum. "Give them a chance, they have only been back together a couple of weeks and even if Harry weren't injured, now is not the time. I know they are perfect for each other and so do they, but they don't need any pressure from anyone to move faster than they want to. They will decide if and when they get married dear, just let them do it in their time not yours."
"It's only ideas for when they do decide Arthur, suggestions for the perfect day, that's all" Mrs. Weasley was a little crest fallen.
Seeing her mothers disappointment that she couldn't tell them something she was obviously enthusiastic about, Ginny calmed her annoyance that her mother had done this without talking to her first, at least for now. Her father was right, this was not the time or place for an argument, or even to discuss whatever plans her mother had made. "Mum if all your ideas are in those parchments, let Harry and I look at them at our leisure and let you know what we think. If you want to arrange a celebration, then how about a joint party for Harry's and my birthday, in the summer, its Teddy's naming on Harry's so we can't have a party on the day for him anyway so it would be good to have one together."
"Good idea Ginny we can hold it on your birthday, which is even better really. You are coming of age this year, so it's only right to celebrate that properly." Said Harry, catching on to the diversionary plan.
"What a great idea." Mrs. Weasley perked up. "All right then, that's what we'll do and you can let me know what you think of the rest when you get back from Hogwarts in the summer, after term is over"
This had not quite gone as Ginny had planned, she had hoped to completely head off her mother, but as Mrs. Weasley then started coming up with ideas for the party, they had at least deflected talk of weddings, for the time being. They spent the rest of the afternoon relaxing in the Garden, talking over the ideas, but at sunset they went indoors and Mrs. Weasley started on preparing Dinner for them all, refusing all offers of help from the young couple.
After the meal and they had completed the washing up, Ginny snuggled up to Harry in the sitting room once more, while her father read the Evening Prophet, which had a brief statement about the attack from the Aurors office and his wife listened to the radio whilst she knitted. Soon conversation returned to the party, or at least Molly and Ginny discussed it.
After half an hour of sitting listening to them, Arthur had got up and made them all a drink. Both of the women thanked him as he handed them theirs, then carried on with their conversation as if they had not been interrupted. Harry thanked him as well as the drink was passed to him before Mr. Weasley sat once more, then leant over to him and winked conspiratorially. "You do realise you aren't going to get any say in this at all, don't you son? When those two get together just go with the flow, it's far easier than trying to put any ideas in."
"Oh yes Mr. Weasley, I've realised that, even before this evening I got that message. I quite agree there is no point trying and I'm all for the easy life, especially where powerful women I love are concerned." He grinned, realising that the man was accepting him as his daughters partner.
"Goes with the Prewitt blood I'm afraid son, we poor men just have to accept just as you say. It's half the attraction though isn't it."
They both chuckled and clinked their glasses together, smiling, unnoticed by either one of the two they had been talking about.
Author's notes:
My thanks to those who have reviewed, as usual I have responded via the message system, your comments are much appreciated.
Until next time.
Tgfoy