A/N: Sorry if it rambles on a bit. I outlined 10,11,&12 and am working on the finished product of 11. ENJOY!

Harry pulled a chair to sit in front of Dumbledore's picture. He placed a hand in the small of Ginny's back to guide her into the chair before pulling one up for himself. "Sir…I feel like I have to apologize. I should have tried to do more to protect…"

Dumbledore cut Harry off, "Harry, there is no need to apologize. I knew of the unbreakable vow Severus had to make and I knew what was coming. I just didn't know when. But we can not focus on what would have been. We have far more important things to discuss."

Harry nodded and rubbed the tears that had been forming in his eyes away with his fingers. "Yes sir. We want to know what is going on with us."

"All in good time Harry. All in good time. First, since we don't have much time as being a new portrait I don't have much stamina, I need to let you know I believe you should take Miss Weasley into your confidence. We don't know much about this connection the two you of you share but I believe Miss Weasley will be better equipped to handle things if she was made aware of what you know. Next, I want to encourage you to remain at Hogwarts next year to finish your education. I believe, you Miss Weasley, will do well should you choose to skip your sixth year. However, should you choose to remain with your friends in sixth year, there is no problem with that, either. Once your mother and father have settled in and seen to Bill, talk it over with them. You don't need to make your decision any time soon. But remember, if you choose to yawn skip your sixth year, you will need as yawn much time as possible to study for your exams. Pardon me, it seems I will not yawn be able to remain awake yawn much longer. But I have one more thing I need your help with from the both of your. Yawn When Professor Lupin returns, Minerva would like you to reveal the surprise that he has been made head of Gryffindor yawn House and lead him to his new quarters…" Dumbledore's portrait nodded off to sleep. Ginny and Harry looked at each other as the portrait began to gently snore.

"I wonder how often that will happen. It doesn't seem that we will be able to get much out of him if he's always drifting off." Harry wondered looking back up at the portrait.

"Harry, what did Dumbledore mean? What is it that you're keeping from me?" Ginny asked.

"How about I tell you later while we eat lunch. I think I hear Professor Lupin returning so let's go surprise our new head of house." Harry jumped up and pulled Ginny with him out of the office and met Lupin on the revolving staircase. "Professor, Dumbledore's portrait asked us to take you to your quarters."

Remus looked at Harry quizzically, "Oh really? I didn't realize you knew where the staff quarters were, Harry."

"Oh but sir, you aren't living in the staff quarters. They've arranged a special place for you to help protect your privacy and so you can be close at hand should we need your help." Harry answered as he took off down the corridor that would eventually lead to the portrait guarding the Gryffindor Head of House quarters.

"What are you talking about Harry? I'll have all the privacy I need in the staff quarters. In fact, I was hoping to have the same quarters as I had last time. There was a wonderful view from my window of the Forbidden Forest. I could watch the sunrise from the window."

"Well sir, you see your new quarters will have a great view of the sunset and if I remember correctly from the Marauders Map, these quarters have a nice little balcony you could read on. And besides, with McGonagall being headmistress there is a need for a new head of house for Gryffindor." Harry stopped outside a portrait of Godric Gryffindor and muttered the password he had seen written on the list on the desk in the headmistress office. Harry pulled Ginny through the portrait hole and turned to look at Lupin, "Come on sir. Welcome to your new quarters. I'm sure everything has been delivered for you." Harry had to step back out of the portrait hole and pull Lupin into the sitting room with Tonks following closely behind. "See sir. There are your books already unpacked and I'll make sure the ones you left at Grimmuald Place get moved up her as well." Harry grinned up at the stunned Lupin and clapped him on the back, "Congratulations, sir. I just hope I don't get too many detentions from my own head of house. We'll just leave you to get settled in. Oh, yeah…what's the password to Gryffindor tower? I want to change into some shorts. It's warmer her that back at my aunt and uncles."

Harry's question seemed to wake Lupin, "Oh, yeah, the password is 'Marauder' but you all are not staying in Gryffindor tower. The headmistress tells me the house elves are still doing their summer cleaning of the dormitories so you are going to be staying in the head's dormitories for the summer. We charmed them to accommodate the four of you once Ron and Hermione arrive. You know where they are don't you Harry?"

Harry's face lit up, "Yeah…I've seen them often enough on the map. Come on Ginny, let's go find them and then get something to eat." Harry turned back to Lupin, "Is it alright if we eat there instead of in the Great Hall?"

"Of course Harry. We will send Ron and Hermione to you there once they arrive. Nymphadora and I need to begin working on the wards for tomorrow. We will see you at dinner then. I doubt that we will be in the Great Hall so I'll send word of where to meet us."

Harry took Ginny's hand once again and tugged her out the portrait hole. Tonks turned to Lupin and said in a sultry voice, "Wow…all my school girl fantasies coming true, who'd 've thought? I'm involved with a handsome professor who just happens to be a head of house with his very own quarters." Tonks stepped toward Lupin with the intention of swinging her hips suggestively, however being who she is, she wound up sprawled on the floor at Remus' feet giggling, "well there went my attempt at seduction. I guess I'm just too clumsy for all that sultry, sex-goddess act."

Remus reached down and pulled Tonks to her feet, "Nymphadora, all you have to do is be you, that's sexy enough." He pulled her close for a kiss as she wrapped both hands around his neck. Remus moved them backward till his knees hit the edge of a sofa. He pulled them down to lay on the sofa without breaking their kiss. Once settled into the sofa, Tonks began running her hands over Remus' shoulders and down his back. Remus found his hands couldn't keep still either. His hands wandered over her shoulders and up her neck. He reveled in the feel of her skin and moved his lips to her jaw. He breathed deeply taking in the scent that was uniquely Nymphadora, his Nymphadora, his woman. He kissed down her neck and gently nibbled at the pulse point and heard a moan was that me or her? He thought to himself.

Tonks hands weren't still. She ran them over his back and down to his waist. She tugged at the back of his shirt and slipped her hands onto the skin of his back. She gently massaged the taught muscles covering his lower back and felt the scars that she knew covered his body, remnants of his transformations before the Wolfsbane potion. Somewhere off in the distance Tonks heard an insistent beeping. The sound grew louder and louder till it broke through the fog that had settled in her brain. Tonks pulled her hands off Remus' back and pushed gently at his chest, "Remus, love, It's time for more potion. I sat my alarm so we wouldn't miss it."

Remus, too struggled against the haze that engulfed him and had driven all thought but his woman from his brain. Finally he fell back to earth and sat up swiftly dumping Tonks onto the floor. He pulled Tonks back up to sit beside him, "Sorry Nymphadora. I didn't mean to dump you on the floor. I should also apologies for getting carried away. We have too much to do this afternoon to get ready for tomorrow." He wiped his hands across his face and muttered, 'stupid furry little problem.' "Nymphadora, I wish we could just hole up here and not leave till we were well…sated. And I guess now is as good as time as any…I've never really had a…a girlfriend. I never really let any woman get close to me and well" Tonks could see a delicate blush creeping up his neck and face "I've never, that is to say, I've never had a, well, physical relationship…with a woman…before…ever." Remus looked away embarrassed as to what he had just reveled.

Tonks placed a hand on Remus' chin and pulled his face around to look him in the eye, "It's okay, Remus. We can learn together. I decided early on that I was going to wait for the right man. You see, all the blokes I dated, once they found out about my abilities, only wanted me to morph into their dream girl. None of them were worth it so I have waited. And now I'm glad I've waited. We'll be the first for each other." She leaned in and kissed him gently on the lips, "Now come on. Take your potion and lets get to work and maybe we'll have some time to spend together before dinner."

Remus looked at the witch beside him and once again was struck at his luck, "I love you Nymphadora, you know that don't you?"

"Of course I do, Remus, or else I wouldn't be here." She said honestly, "Now, what's the first thing we need to do?"

Tonks and Remus began making plans to see to the protective wards that would be needed for the next night.

Meanwhile, Harry and Ginny found their way to the head's dormitories. The walked in and were amazed at what they found. The common room was decorated in muted burgundy and gold tones. There were two sofas, four desks, several comfortable chairs and bookcases that covered three walls from floor to ceiling and were full of all kinds of books. There were two doors that led off this main room. Harry went to the one on the left to find two full sized beds with his trunks sat at the end of one of the beds. This room was also decorated in muted tones as well but with more colors other than the burgundy and gold. His bed had emerald green hangings and thick comfy looking pillows. There were two desks in here as well as bedside tables and armoires to hang clothes in. Harry noticed another door leading out of the bedroom. Through it he found a very splendidly appointed bathroom. There was an oversized soaking tub with dozens of taps that Harry was sure held different bubbles and scented waters. There was also a large shower with ten different spray nozzles that will feel great after a long quidditch game or practice he thought.

He then heard the soft whisper-like voice of Ginny's in his head Harry, does your bathroom have that wonderful looking shower with all those nozzles, too? Harry thought his response you have one of those showers, too? Doesn't that look wonderful? Harry had to act quickly to stop his thoughts from wondering too far astray. He didn't know just how much Ginny could 'read' of his thoughts and he didn't want to get caught in his fantasies.

Harry felt rather than hear Ginny walk into his bathroom behind him, "Harry? I think we should talk. I called for Dobby and he is bringing us some lunch." Ginny took his hand and led him back through the bedroom and back into the common room. They arrived to find Dobby had indeed brought lunch up for them.

"Mister Harry Potter, sir!" Dobby squeaked "Dobby is please to see you again and your Miss Wheezy, too. Dobby is most happy to serve the brave Harry Potter. Just call on me and I'll be there to help you with what ever it is that you be needing."

Harry was surprised to see Dobby and patted him on the back, "Thanks Dobby. I think lunch is enough for now. How about we call you when we're done?"

"Oh thank you Mister Harry Potter, sir. Thank you for letting Dobby serve you. I have brought chicken, pot roast, potatoes, beans and iced pumpkin juice. There are also a variety of puddings for desert on the desk." With a snap of his fingers, Dobby produced a table and two chairs complete with plates, glasses and silverware. The food was on a nearby table with magical domes over them to keep them at the perfect temperature until they were eaten.

Ginny's eyes were round in shock at the amount of food he had produced for just the two of them, "Dobby, we can't eat all of this. Why don't you stay and eat with us?"

Dobby began to weep, "I knew friends of Harry Potter, sir, would be as generous but to be asked by the one who holds Harry Potter's heart to sit and eat like an equal. You must be a kind and wonderful witch Miss Wheezy. But no, Miss Wheezy, I must go and help the other house elves prepare for the arrival of your family." Dobby bowed to Ginny and with a loud crack was gone.

"What an odd little creature he is, Harry. How is it he is so devoted to you?" Ginny turned to look at Harry but Harry had turned away from Ginny so she wouldn't see his blush.

Harry cleared his throat, took a deep breath and turned to Ginny. He guided her to the table with a hand in the small of her back and pulled out a chair for her. He walked over to where the food was laid out and asked "What can I bring you Ginny. You're right, there's enough food here even to feed Ron."

Ginny stood up and brought the plates from the table, "It's okay Harry, you don't have to serve me." Ginny smiled shyly at Harry as she handed him his plate.

"Oh…well, you know, manners and all. I was just trying to be nice." Harry felt like he had never been alone with Ginny. Something had changed in their relationship and he knew they would have to talk about it.

Harry took some of everything and loaded his plate. He went back to the table and poured pumpkin juice for the both of them. When Ginny joined him at the table he said, "I guess I need to tell you what's going on." Ginny nodded and gently squeezed his hand in a reassuring manner. Harry began with the prophesy, "You know the prophesy we went after two years ago?"

Ginny nodded, "But it was destroyed. No one knows what it said for sure."

Harry shook his head no, "One person knew. The prophesy was made to Dumbledore and he showed me what it said." Harry took a deep breath before he went on knowing that Ginny's to what he told her next would dictate where their relationship could go, "It said 'the one with the power to vanquish the dark lord approaches. Born as the seventh month dies, born to those who have thrice defied him and he will have a power the dark lord knows not. And the dark lord will mark him as his equal. Neither can live while the other survives. The one with the power to vanquish the dark lord approaches' or something like that. I can't remember it word for word because I was pretty upset when he showed me the prophecy. But what it essentially means is it's him or me. I have to kill or be killed." Harry looked at Ginny expecting to see a look of shock or horror on her face. What he saw stunned him. Ginny was mad. She didn't look just mad, she looked to be in a rage. Harry spoke rapidly then, "I understand if you don't want to be involved with me. I mean that's why I broke thing off with you to begin with. I didn't want you to be in danger. But I've realized that it's possible that the safest place for you is with me. We can make sure you know how to defend yourself and I won't have to worry about whether your hiding place has been compromised." Harry broke off when he saw the dangerous glint in Ginny's eyes.

"Harry James Potter, why didn't you tell me sooner? I could have been working on ways to help you all along. What, did you think I'd get scared off? I'm not some silly little girl, Harry. I can take care of myself. I thought I'd proved that to you. I'm going to help you so you'd just better get used to it." In her anger Ginny had stood up and was waving her fork at Harry. She realized she was standing and sat back down, "But that's not all is it?"

Harry shook his head, "No…I was having private lessons with Dumbledore last year." Ginny gasped in surprise, "I was learning about Voldemort's past and what happened to him as a child and young adult. We learned that he had made several, we think seven, Horcrux's." At Ginny's quizzical look, Harry explained what a Horcrux was, "Voldemort has split his soul. He has hidden parts of his soul in various magical or significant objects. You remember that diary? That was one. That is how he was able to control you. So that leaves six. We know the last bit of his soul still resides in his body, so that leaves five. Dumbledore destroyed one that was a ring that belonged to his ancestors, so that leaves four. And Dumbledore and I had left that night to find another one. We found what we believed to be a Horcrux but when I found it beside Dum…Dumbledore's body I realized it was a fake one.

"There was a note inside the locket that said someone had already found out Voldemort's secret and had taken that Horcrux. I don't know if it was destroyed or not but it still has to be found. You see, Tom Riddle liked to collect things. He liked trophies and had even stolen from the other kids in the orphanage. So we believe that two of the Horcrux's are something of Gryffindor and Ravenclaw's and one is Hufflepuff's cup. Dumbledore told me that in order for Voldemort to split his soul, he had to commit murder. Dumbledore believes he was going to use my murder to split the last bit of his soul but that backfired on him. So he thinks that Voldemort used his snake Nagini. So we still have to track down four Horcrux's and destroy them before I have any chance of killing Voldemort." Harry still expected to see a look of horror or at least of fright on Ginny's face but he was surprised to see a look of intense loathing on her face.

Ginny got up and began pacing around the room, "So do you have any idea where to start looking?" she asked somewhat agitated.

Harry shook his head, "No, that's one of the reasons I was so anxious to get back at talk to Dumbledore's portrait. But I have a feeling that he won't be in any shape for long talks for a while. So that leaves researching what and where they might be. That's why I needed Hermione with me. She is so much better at research than I am. And I needed Ron to help plan strategies. He's certainly better at that than I am." Harry stood up and caught Ginny and turned her to face him, "And you. I just need you to be with me. I feel grounded when you're by my side and when I know you care. Ginny, I was stupid to suggest we break things off. I missed you so much even though it was a short time we were apart. I felt horrible, not only because I knew I had hurt you, but physically I felt ill. And it really scared me when I couldn't produce that patronus. But now, I feel like I could take on Voldemort as long as you are by my side." Harry couldn't believe what he had just reveled to Ginny, but as soon as he touched her his heart seemed to take over and decide for him what needed to be said. He noticed that he had also felt that intense calm feeling again.

Ginny took Harry's right hand from her shoulder and pressed her cheek into it, "Harry, of course I'll be by your side through all of this. And I have had those same feelings. I was physically ill while we were apart. There were times that I was afraid I would never be able to perform magic again but I realized that the magic I was missing was the magic of the heart. You had my heart and I was lost with out it. Just make sure you don't hurt it again, Harry or I'll have to use my bat boogie hex on you." Ginny grinned up at Harry and placed her right hand on his neck and pulled him down into a kiss.

Harry gathered Ginny close and broke off their kiss to hug her tight to him, "You realize, I'll never let you go, now. Don't you? You're stuck with me, good or bad."

Ginny whispered into his ear, "Just try getting rid of me Mr. Potter." Ginny turned her head and captured his mouth in a passionate kiss. They both felt a power surge flow through them and had they been able to see themselves they would have seen a pure white light surrounding them.

Neither of them noticed the portrait hole had opened or that Ron and Hermione had stumbled in dragging their belongings till they heard Ron cry, "OY! What's this?" Ron made a move to attack Harry, but Hermione restrained them as the couple broke apart blushing furiously. "What did you stop me for, Hermione, he was pawing my little sister, he was. Just you wait till I tell the others. They'll help me set him straight."

Harry made to stand between Ginny and Ron but Ginny pushed him out of the way, "Ron, you idiot. I can decide who I kiss and who I don't and Harry wasn't pawing me. If anything I was pawing him. And if you don't want me to hex you into next week, you'll keep this business to yourself. It's none of your concern who I date or who I love. So keep you nose out of it!"

Ginny turned back to Harry to see a dazed look on his face, "What? What's wrong with you?" Ginny demanded.

Harry folded Ginny into an embrace, oblivious to Ron's outrage, looked deep into her eyes and thought love? You said love. Is that what you feel?

Ginny nodded yes and thought Yes, Harry. Love. I've known it for years I was just waiting for you. Ginny pulled Harry's head down and kissed him, pouring the love she had felt for Harry all these years into that kiss.

This time it was Hermione that interrupted them, "What's going on with you two? Ginny was nodding as if Harry had asked a question but neither of you spoke a word. Tell me what's going on, Harry, Ginny?"

Harry and Ginny turned to face Hermione and Ron, "No. I don't think we will. Not at least till we have a chance to talk this over with Dumbledore's portrait. Now don't look like that Hermione, it's nothing bad. We just want to make sure we aren't messing things up by not checking with someone who might know what is happening to us. We've both had problems with our magic but when we're together, it's all okay." Harry addressed Ron, "and before you can get mad again, I promise to take good care of Ginny. I won't let anything hurt her just like she won't let anything hurt me." And in attempt to distract Ron from the intimate way they were standing together, Harry said, "Besides, there's food. Dobby brought us lunch and left more than enough for you two, as well."

Ron looked long and hard at Harry who was still clinging onto his baby sister and seemed to come to a decision, and nodded to Harry and Ginny, "Alright then. I assume you've brought her up to speed then, Harry?"

Harry grinned at his best mate, "Yeah…she knows what you all know now." While they had been focused on each other, two more chairs appeared beside the table, "Funny, there were only two chairs here before and the table was smaller. I wonder, do you think this room has some of the same enchantments that the Room of Requirement has?" Harry asked turning automatically to Hermione.

Hermione answered, "I don't know but we can always test it. Each of you, think of something you would like to have in the room."

Each concentrated on an object and much like in the Room of Requirement, four new objects appeared. Ron walked over to where a new wizard's chess set had appeared on a small table with two chairs on either side of it, "Wicked. Harry, fancy a game?"

Hermione had walked over to a soft, squishy arm chair had appeared with a table and lamp beside it, "This would be perfect to read in" Hermione said to the room in general.

Ginny had found a table with a large brick of Honeyduke's chocolate on it. She picked it up and tore into the wrapper, "yum…I haven't had a bit of chocolate in ages."

Harry had noticed what he had been thinking of, but was a bit embarrassed by his choice oh…what the hell he thought and walked over to where a single red rose was in a vase on of the desks. He picked it up and turned to present it to Ginny, "Here you go, love. It would seem you are never far from my mind."

"Oh Harry, It's beautiful. Thank you." Ginny took the rose and kissed Harry swiftly on the cheek, "No one has ever given me a flower before."

Harry could see a blush creep up her neck and decided he would make sure to surprise Ginny with flowers often.

Hermione got up from her chair and moved over to where Ginny and Harry stood grinning at each other, "Alright you two. That's enough. Ginny, why don't you show me which room is ours and Harry can sort Ron out."

Hermione and Ginny walked into the room that would be, come September 1, the head girl's dormitory. Hermione gasped at how richly the room was appointed. There were two full size beds with cream colored velvet hangings. The beds had a darker butter cream colored bedspread and what appeared to be silk sheets. There were two writing desks with lamps and comfortable chairs. Hermione saw three doors that lead from the room. The first one she opened was near the bed closest to the windows and held the largest walk-in closet she had ever seen. Inside the closet was a place to sit and do her hair or make-up not that I really indulge in those frivolous things thought Hermione. The next door held a similar closet for Ginny. The third door opened into a very large bathroom. There was a jetted soaking tub with dozens of taps that held fragrant bubbles as well as pretty jars full of soaking salts and skin creams that lined a decorative shelf beside the tub. There was also a small table beside the tub that Hermione felt would be perfect to lay a book while preparing a bath and could hold a drink. There was a large walk-in shower with a dozen different shower heads as well as a bench. There were two sinks with lighted mirrors above them and a small linen closet built into the wall between the sinks. Heroine opened the linen closet and felt of the towels, "Oh. Ginny come feel these. I've have never felt anything so soft. And those sheets, Ginny, do you think they are silk? I can hardly wait to take a bath and go to bed just to see if that bad is as comfortable as it looks." Hermione heard Ginny chuckle behind her, "What are you laughing at?" demanded Hermione

"Nothing. Nothing I swear. You just look like a kid in a candy store. Now I know what to get you for your birthday and Christmas. Your very own silk sheets and cotton bath towels." Ginny went over to her friend and continued when she saw a crestfallen look pass over Hermione's face, "Hermione…I think it's pretty cool too, it's just that, well, I got a good look at it all earlier when Harry and I got here. Now I kind of wished I'd waited for you. But I promise you can be the first to try out the tub. As long as you're alone." Ginny smirked.

"Ginerva Weasley…why I…I would have never…no…oh who am I kidding. I think it would be great to try that tub out with R..well you know who I'm talking about, but we've never…I mean we just started going out and …"Hermione trailed off as a wave of embarrassment washed over her. She turned away from Ginny with the thought dawning on her that's Ron's little sister. He'd kill me if he knew what we were talking about. He can barely stand the thought of someone kissing her let alone anything else.

"It's okay Hermione…I think at the right time that could be rather romantic. And I think it's wonderful that you and Ron are finally going out. I know he really cares for you Hermione. And if you get the chance to get him in that tub, take it. I don't think he's ever had a proper bath since mum stopped bathing him. Mum and dad's bathroom is the only one at home with a tub so I know he only has showered at home. But you might have a hard time getting him out of their shower over there. It's as nice as ours." Ginny blushed when she realized she had revealed too much of her knowledge of the boys bathroom.

"Ginny…just what have you two been up to? Harry hasn't pressured you into anything has he?" Hermione asked with a worried tone.

"No, of course not. He's been a perfect gentleman. Besides, we just got things settled between us when you two showed up. So I don't think I'm in danger of becoming, what did Ron call it, a scarlet woman. So…where is my trunk? I'd like to shower and change. I didn't have clean clothes at Harry's so I didn't shower."

"Well, you see…your mum wouldn't let us bring it to you. She said you had to go and talk to her before you could get your trunk. I think she was wanting to make sure you really were feeling better before she decided she could let you stay in here with us." Hermione walked back into the bedroom, "So, which bed do you want?"

"It doesn't matter to me. But I've always like sleeping under the window at home so I could hear the night noises. Would it be okay to have the bed by the window, Hermione?"

"Of course…now go see your mum so you can get back here and change. Don't shower and maybe we can go for a swim in the lake before dinner. Oh and do you know which staff room Professor Lupin is in? I need to give him these other vials of potion before dinner so he has enough for tomorrow." Hermione inquired

"You don't know…Professor Lupin is head of Gryffindor House. He's already moved into the head's quarters. Its that portrait of Godric Gryffindor down and around the corner to the right of the Gryffindor common room. Harry and I got to tell him and boy was he shocked. He had just gotten used to the idea of getting to teach again and then this…I'm glad they chose him to teach defense and to be our head of house. Better than some fool like Lockhart or that toad Umbridge." Ginny closed her eyes for a minute then looked up at Hermione, "Harry says he and Ron would like to join us in our swim so I'll just go and talk to mum so I can get my things and get back here to change." Ginny made for the door.

"Ginny, how did you do that? How do you know what Harry was thinking?" Hermione asked.

"I don't know how we do it, we just do. Now I'd better go see what mum wants or we will never get to swim before dinner." Ginny made it out the door and out to the corridor before she realized she had no idea where her parents were staying. Ginny called softly "Dobby?"

With a loud crack, Dobby appeared beside Ginny executing a low bow that had his nose touching the marble floor, "Yes, Miss Wheezy…what can Dobby do for you?"

"Can you take me to where my parents are staying? Hermione told me my mum wants to talk to me."

"Of course, Miss Wheezy…anything to help someone Mr. Harry Potter thinks so highly of. You must be a very special person to hold Mr. Harry Potter's heart, Missy Wheezy."

Ginny blushed at what the house elf was saying to her. "Well, Dobby, I think Mr. Harry Potter is something special, too."

The pair walked in silence for a short while. Down three flights of stairs to a portrait of the four Hogwart's founders that Ginny had never noticed before. "You wait here, Miss Wheezy. Dobby will just pop in and let Mrs. Wheezy know you are waiting. We house elves are not allowed to give out this password so Mrs. Wheezy will have to come and get you." With a loud crack Dobby was gone.

Ginny didn't have to wait long before her mother was pushing the portrait open to allow Ginny to pass. "Ginny, dear, how are you feeling? Let me get a good look at you. Have you eaten anything today? You are still much too thin. Perhaps you should stay here with your me and your father so I can keep an eye on you." Mrs. Weasley clucked disapprovingly at her daughter's thinness. "I want to make sure you are eating enough and resting enough. And I don't think you can do that with all the noise that Ron, Harry and Hermione are bound to make." Mrs. Weasley, sharp as ever, couldn't help miss the gleam that bounced into Ginny's eyes at the mention of Harry. "So, you two have sorted things out, have you? That's good. I was afraid I couldn't hold your brothers back for much longer. Not that I didn't want to give him a good wallop myself, mind you. Even though he is like another son to me I wont stand for him hurting my little girl."

"Mum…now really…you were holding my brothers back from attacking Harry? Surely your exaggerating."

"No dear, I'm not. When Bill and Charlie saw how devastated you were, they wanted to take out after him immediately. But your father and I stopped them. We sat them down and told them you were growing up and you needed to learn to handle things in your own way. But if he'd let this go on much longer, I was prepared to send a few of my own hexes at him" Mrs. Weasley said crossing her arms over her chest.

"Well I'm glad you didn't. Harry and I will be fine and there is no need to let loose the Weasley army." Ginny and Mrs. Weasley arrived at the rooms Mr. and Mrs. Weasley were staying in, "And mum, I feel fine. Really. I want to stay in the dormitory with the others. See, even some of my magic is back" Ginny flicked her wand and produced a tea pot, two cups and a plate of biscuits. "It's not exactly what I was going for, but it's better that what I had been doing. At least nothing has a hole in it, this time." Ginny said sheepishly.

"I don't know. Maybe we should ask your father." Mrs. Weasley said as she sat down and picked up the cup, "And maybe we should have Madame Pomphry take a look at you, as well. Just to make sure."

"Mum, I don't think that's necessary or Professor Dumbledore's portrait would have suggested it when we got here. He seemed satisfied we were okay and said he would talk to us later when he was more awake" Ginny countered, "Besides, the others are waiting on me so we can go swim in the lake. I promise to take it easy and have Hermione put a charm on me so I wont burn. And I will eat a big dinner tonight when we are all together. By the way, where are we all eating tonight?" Ginny inquired.

"I'm not sure. Minerva said I wasn't to lift a hand today but I do want to make Bill's favorite dessert." Mrs. Weasley began worrying her hands together.

"I know just who will help you, mum." Ginny quietly called the house elf's name, "Dobby."

With a loud crack, Dobby appeared in the same low bow, "Yes, Miss Wheezy, you call on Dobby for help again?"

"Yes, Dobby. Please help my mum get the things she needs to make my brother Bill's favorite dessert for tonight. He's going to have a rough day tomorrow and so is mum and she would feel better if she could cook one thing for him."

"But Miss Wheezy, the headmistress has instructed us house elves to not allow Mrs. Wheezy to lift a finger today or tomorrow. She is to rest and relax in preparation for tomorrow night." Dobby simpered.

"I know Dobby, but mum always feels better when she is cooking. Please do this for me, for Harry. Bill's favorite dessert also happens to be Harry's so you'd be doing him a favor by helping mum get the stuff so she can make it." Ginny winked over the elf's head at her mother.

"Of course Miss Wheezy, anything to help Mr. Harry Potter, sir." Dobby turned to Mrs. Weasley, "Mrs. Wheezy, ma'am, anything you need, you just call for Dobby and I will help you and get it for you."

Ginny left the house elf and her mother in the staff quarters. On her way out she remembered her trunk. She waved her wand and muttered 'accio Ginny's trunk' and soon her trunk was racing down the hallway toward her. It stopped beside her on the floor. Ginny waved her wand again and muttered 'moblius trunk' and the trunk hovered in mid air. Ginny conducted the trunk back to the room she was to share with Hermione and found Hedwig sitting on her bed with a note from Harry. It read

Ginny, love I didn't want to freak Ron and Hermione out by trying to 'talk to you' so I'm leaving Hedwig with this note. We've already gone down to the lake but I will wait by the front doors for you and walk down with you. That will give Ron and Hermione a few minutes alone. Maybe they will be more willing to return the favor at a later time. Be quick, love, Harry

Ginny opened her trunk and sent a silent thank you that it appeared that Hermione had packed for her instead of her mother because laying on top was her favorite two-piece bathing suit. It was a pale green with darker green stripes and had a matching cover-up skirt. Ginny quickly changed and rushed out to meet up with Harry.

Dinner that night was a boisterous affair as was the normal custom when anything involved more than one Weasley. Fred and George had arrived just in time to sit down for dinner and that brought the totals up to seven Weasleys, Harry, Hermione, Remus, Tonks and Professor McGonagall. It quickly became evident that Mrs. Weasley had talked Dobby into allowing her to cook more than a dessert. There was a small amount of mumbling from Fleur about how the meat in the Shepard's Pie was overcooked and Bill could be found looking for the rarest part of the roast that had been placed in front of him. Everyone talked at once and Harry knew that some day he wanted a family like this. And if things went as he planned, when the war was over, maybe this would be his family. He turned and caught Ginny staring at him and he realized she had been able to tell what he was thinking. She took his hand that was lying on the table and leaned over and thought that's what I want, too, someday. Harry grinned and nodded at her.

Hermione saw this exchange and frowned. She leaned over the table and spoke in a whisper, "you're doing it again." Both Harry and Ginny just grinned at her.

Harry turned to ask Remus when he thought they would be able to talk to Dumbledore's portrait again, "I don't know Harry. Some of it depends on how much he wears himself out when he is awake. But don't worry; we'll take good care of things till then." Everyone heard Tonks watch sound and Remus reached into his robes to withdraw a small vile from his pockets. He uncorked it and downed it in one gulp with a grimace. He shuddered and looked over at Hermione, "I truly do appreciate you brewing this for me. But don't be disappointed if it doesn't help this cycle. It's always a chance not having it the full week before a full moon."

Hermione nodded, "Yes, but from what I read, if you are able to stand taking all the doses today and tomorrow you should be able to at least control the worst of your impulses. And either way, we'll have plenty of time before the next one comes round."

Remus grinned at Hermione. Bill asked from the other end of the table, "So do you think I'll have to take that stuff next time?"

Remus looked at Bill, "I just don't know, Bill. Until we know how you react without it, we can't possible know if you'll need it or not. I don't believe you will suffer a full transformation and there may come a time when you find the potion helpful to control the more distractive side effects. For me the lure of the moon becomes almost unbearable the closer I get to the full moon. Like right now, I'd much rather be outside gazing at the moon and running like a wild animal through the forest. But I haven't done that in years." Remus finished with a chuckle.

"So what's going to happen tomorrow night?" Bill asked and everyone became silent.

Remus put down his fork, "It will be pretty simple, actually. We are using a dungeon classroom. Nymphadora and I have placed the preliminary wards and have tested them. At six tomorrow night, I will enter the classroom first and Nymphadora will place the last of the wards around me including a steel cage. Then you will come in and she will do the same for you. However, your wards will not be as strong so that in the event of an emergency, she can get you out quickly. There will be 'creature comforts' in each cell like a blanket for me but I believe there will be a bed and blankets and such for you. Then Nymphadora will place the last of the wards around the entire room. Alastor will be there to double check her placement. Then we wait. I will of course transform as soon as the moon rises.

"Kingsley has managed to convince the Ministry to let Nymphadora be the official observer for your first full moon. So she will set up a recording device and be making notes through the night. She will at times attempt to engage you in activities; I believe she may even attempt a chess game. Then once the moon has set, the anti-apparation charm will be lifted for fifteen minutes. Fleur will be able to enter the room and apparate with you back to your quarters where she will give you a dreamless sleep draught. Then sometime on Saturday, Nymphadora will interview you for the final report. The good thing is that since I do not believe you will have much if any transformation, Nymphadora's report should come in handy when it's time to apply for your marriage license." At Bill's confused look Remus explained, "Werewolves are not allowed a marriage license. Should one choose to marry, they can do so in spirit and may even be able to find a minister to officiate however, it will not be seen as binding in the eyes of the Ministry."

Bill nodded thoughtfully and then turned to Tonks. With a grin and a sparkle in his eye, he said, "Chess, eh? Bring it on, you pink-headed freak."

"Oh…I'm shakin in my boots, you long haired hippie." Tonks responded with a very mature raspberry blown in his direction.

"But seriously," Bill said, "Thanks for doing all this Tonks. I trust you to do things right and" Bill reached over to take Fleur's hand, "We trust you to do this for us and can never repay you. I don't know what I would have done if they forced someone we didn't know to observe for us."

"No problem, Bill. Just remember that gratitude when I've whooped your ass in chess." Noticing most everyone was finished with their meal, Tonks said, "Minerva, is Professor Flitwick ready for us?"

McGonagall nodded, "Yes. He said to come up as soon as we were done eating. He wants Remus to head straight to bed afterward."

Harry rose from his seat and asked, "What do we need, then?"

Remus spoke first, "Are you sure, Harry? I'd imagine that anyone here would agree to do this in my place."

Harry walked around to stand beside Remus, "We've been over this, sir. I haven't changed my mind and I'm not going to. Lets get this done so we can get you taken care of and into bed." Harry held out his hand to Remus, not trying to assist him in standing but in a move of solidarity.

Remus nodded, "Alright, if you're sure. Then lets get his over with." Turning to Mrs. Weasley, Remus said, "Molly, please save me a bit of that wonderful cake you made. I'm sure Nymphadora will take it to my rooms for me."

Molly nodded, "Of course, Remus. I'll make sure some is waiting for you when you get there."

Harry and Remus left the dining area of the staff quarters and made their way to the Charms corridor. Neither of them speaking till they reached Professor Flitwick's office. Remus broke the silence, "Harry, you've never seen this charm performed. It takes a lot out of the person the secret is being concealed in."

Harry interrupted him, "It's not dangerous to you, is it?" Harry hadn't considered this aspect of the magic to be performed. He couldn't bear the thought of his last link to the past being hurt because of his stubbornness. "If it is, I'll find someone else. I don't want you to be hurt."

Remus placed a hand on Harry's shoulder, "No, Harry it's not dangerous, just draining. But really, any of it would be worth it to make sure you are protected. Like I was saying, once the charm has been performed, I'll probably need some help getting back to my quarters. I'll be pale and weak, well more so than I am now and I won't feel up to doing much of anything. I've left the password the same on my portrait hole so you can help me through if I need it. I just wanted to warn you so you wouldn't be shocked if I need to lean on you."

Harry gulped, "Okay sir. Should I get someone else to help us? I'm sure Tonks could levitate you if needed."

"No, Harry, no one else can be present but the one performing the charm, the secret keeper and the one needing to conceal the secret." Remus said opening the door to Flitwick's office, "We're here, Filius."

"Great." Squeaked the Charms teacher, "Lets get started then. You've warned Harry what to expect?"

"Yes, he will help me back to my rooms when we're done." Remus said

Flitwick nodded and pointed to an area that had been cleared in the corner of the room, "I need you two to stand over there, three feet apart, please."

Harry and Remus complied. Flitwick moved to stand between them. he began waving his wand in a complicated pattern and muttering in a language Harry did not recognize. A blue light began to glow at the tip of his wand. The light left his wand and traveled around Harry, then around Remus. Then the light steeled between them and seemed to glow brighter from within. Harry was mesmerized by the light. He had never seen anything more beautiful and wanted to reach out and touch the light. But as he raised his hand movement from beside him caught his eye. Remus was swaying on the spot and became very pale in the blue light. Then Flitwick began speaking again. The light began to spin around Harry and Remus' heads, faster and faster till it was a blur passing before Harry's eyes. Harry then felt a tug behind his heart. He looked down to see a small white light hovering before his chest. The light flew over to Remus and entered into his chest. Remus gasped and his eyes opened to stare at Harry. Harry saw Remus' knees buckle and he start to fall to the ground. The blue light finally spun out of the room. Flitwick nodded and Harry rushed to Remus' side just catching him before he fell to the ground, "Remus, Moony, are you okay?" Harry frantically searched out Professor Flitwick, "What happened, is he okay?"

Flitwick took a deep breath, "He will be fine Harry, he's just drained. The blue light was a binding light, the binding part of the spell. The small white light was the secret you wished to be concealed within Remus. You wont be able to speak the secret till he re-reveals it to you. Now, take him back to his quarters, quickly and make sure he goes straight to bed. I truly wish this could have waited another week till he was stronger."

Harry hoisted Remus up and helped him get his feet under him, "Come one Moony, lets get you to bed." Harry saw Remus smile at the use of his nickname.

He croaked, "I like hearing you call me that."

Harry grinned, "I'll see what I can do, then, but don't talk now. You need your strength. We have one flight of stairs to get up before I can get you to your bed." The two friends made their way toward Remus' quarters meeting no one along the way. Once outside the portrait of Godric Gryffindor Harry, murmured the password and helped Remus into the sitting room. He looked around for the door to the bedroom and seeing his confusion Remus pointed to the door on the far right. As they approached the door, Tonks came crashing through the portrait hole.

"Oh good, you've got him back here. You two were gone for so long, I was worried something had gone wrong." Tonks said as she rushed to Remus' side to help Harry get him into bed. Seeing Harry's confusion she continued, "You two were there for over two hours. It's almost eleven. Molly was so worried she almost came looking for you two. But McGonagall stopped her saying Flitwick would take care of any problems." Harry nodded as they placed Remus on the bed. Harry bent down to take of his shoes and swing his legs onto the bed. "I'll take it from here, Harry. He put on a pair of track shorts so we could just get his pants and button down off and he could sleep in his t-shirt and shorts. As I understand it, he won't fell like doing much tomorrow so I'm going to try and keep him here to rest."

"Alright, take care of him for me Tonks." Harry said and with a wave of his hand he was out the door heading back to his rooms.