Chapter 10

Two weeks before the start of school found the kids at the castle without their parents. Arthur, Molly, Bill, and Charlie returned to The Burrow to put it back in order. Sirius, Remus, James, and Lily went to Grimmauld Place. As expected, the return of the Potters rocked the magical world onto its ear. Since the Daily Prophet had come out, James and Lily were accosted whenever they went to Diagon Alley, though it only had to do with their return since the paper refused to print anything about the return of Voldemort.

On this particular day, they were headed to Gringotts to open their own vault. Thankfully they had had their key on them that fateful day. This is what they used to prove their identities since Gringotts keys could not be duplicated except by Gringotts goblins themselves and only when the original key is registered as destroyed. The original key had been registered as such when the Potters had been attacked so a duplicate had been made for Harry.

Leaving the majority of the money in the vault, they removed enough to set up another vault and to give them some spending money. Both had been offered Ministry jobs once again and, under Dumbledore's advisement, accepted so they could keep their eyes and ears open regarding Fudge and any Voldemort supporters.

With Cherish's book list in hand, they stopped to get her books, then her other supplies, such as parchment, ink, quill, and potions ingredients. Their last stop was to Eeylops Owl Emporium. Finding what they were looking for, they bought the owl and decided to wait until the kids visited again before school began to give it to Cherish.

++++

That same day, during breakfast at the castle, everyone was surprised to see Vernon and Petunia enter the Great Hall. Vernon looked at those gathered with disgust evident on his face. Petunia stayed a step behind her husband, nose in the air, refusing to look at anyone. Vernon stopped halfway into the room.

"We want to leave. We don't believe we'll be in any more danger now that we won't be associating with that...boy...any longer. One way or another, we're leaving here today."

"But Dad," shock was evident in Dudley's voice, "You didn't see what those people were like. They won't stop to find out if Harry's there or not. They'll just kill you for the fun of it."

Vernon turned his beady eyes on his son. His face began turning from red to purple. "Are you, my own son, telling me that you'd rather stay here with these freaks and all of their unnaturalness than be at home in normal society? Because if you are, then you are no son of mine! Make your choice right here, right now!"

"Now, Mr. Dursley, I really don't think...," started Dumbledore.

"You stay out of this! It's none of your business!"

Dudley had been stunned silent at his father's words. He never realized his father could have that much hate inside him. Though he was afraid of losing his parents, he knew what his choice would be.

"I'm choosing to live, Dad. I'm staying here."

"Fine," Vernon spat, "Stay here with the freaks. Just don't bother coming home, except to gather your stuff." He turned back to Dumbledore. "Well? How are we getting home?"

Dumbledore and McGonagall rose from the table but it was Dumbledore to speak. "Please gather your things and bring them down here. Someone should be here shortly."

Without another word, the Dursleys left, and Dumbledore went to McGonagall's office to make a Floo call. At those departures, the room was filled with an awkward silence. The kids were the only ones left at the table and everyone, minus Harry and Dudley, split their attention between the cousins. Not one could believe the harsh things that spewed from the elder Dursley's mouth.

Harry no longer had an appetite. Shoving his plate away, he propped his elbows on the table, folded his hands, rested his head on his hands and closed his eyes. A great sigh escaped. He'd really wished his uncle had kept his mouth shut. This was definitely one thing he'd never intended to share with anyone, not even Ginny. Really, he should have been surprised it had taken as long as it had for his uncle to show his true colors.

Suddenly, Harry was filled with a soothing, comforting feeling. It brought a small smile to his lips. Without looking up, he reached out and took one of Ginny's hands in his and gave it a squeeze of appreciation.

To break the awkward silence, Ginny spoke. "When do you think we'll get our book lists for the school year?"

That started a discussion on the upcoming year and who the new professor for Defense Against the Dark Arts would be. Actually, Hermione did most of the discussing and the others threw in comments where applicable.

Several minutes later, a couple of thunks sounded outside the door. Vernon peeked in, no doubt looking for his and Petunia's escorts. Soon after that came a rhythmic clanking sound. Curious, the kids got up to see what was making that sound.

Dumbledore stood in the Entrance to the castle with two people. One was a young female, not much older than the twins, with dark hair streaked with bright pink. The other was an older man with a scarred face, a notched nose, and a magical eye that zoomed independently of his real one. As soon as it noticed the others watching, it zoomed to them and stared right at Harry. As unnerving as it was, Harry paid attention to the introductions.

"Mr. and Mrs. Dursley, this is Ms. Tonks and Mr. Moody. They will be your escorts home. They are highly trained. You will be in good hands."

The Dursleys recoiled in horror at the appearances of their escorts.

Noting this, Tonks changed the color streaks from pink to deep red. "Is this any better?"

Obviously, it was not. Harry snickered at the looks on his relatives' faces. The sound drew the witch's attention and she winked.

"Isn't there anyone more normal who can take us?"

"I'm afraid not. It's either us or no one." Moody said with no little amount of glee.

"Fine, then. Let's just go. How are we getting there?"

"We're going to Apparate there," Tonks answered in a cheerful voice.

"You see," Moody began the explanation, relishing in the details. "We're going to disappear from here and reappear at your house. You'll feel as though you're being sucked into a hosepipe but it won't last long and when done correctly you won't even lose a body part."

Moody took out his wand and, with a flourish, made the luggage disappear. "Don't worry, they've just gone to your house."

The four began their trek to a point outside the gates. Dudley watched them leave with a mixture of bewilderment and sadness at the latest upheaval in his life. He ran after them, a call echoing through the grounds.

"Mum! Mum! Remember the button! Don't lose it! Stay safe! Remember the button!"

Two pops later they were gone. Dudley hung his head wondering what life was going to be like now. For all he knew, he could be losing his parents this very moment and he wouldn't even know it. He began to understand what Harry felt for so long, not having parents and being somewhere you knew you didn't belong.

"Dudley?"

Dudley's head snapped up to see Harry standing not far away. "Yeah?"

"I'm sorry. I'm sorry for what he said to you. I'm sorry for being the cause of all this."

"Harry, if there's one thing I've learned, it's this. None of this has been your fault. Unfortunately, Dad is the way he is and nothing can change that. After all the stuff we've done to you, I don't know how you can stand there and honestly be sorry, but I know you are. Don't worry, I'll figure things out. I'm obviously not going anywhere. I'm going to wander around a bit."

"Yeah, okay."

Harry knew Dudley had to be feeling he didn't belong here and what Dudley had said about not going anywhere gave Harry an idea. He ran to catch up with Dumbledore.

"Professor! I was wondering if it would be possible for Dudley to attend some classes this year and maybe even participate in some. I know he's feeling like he doesn't belong here and it would give him something to do."

"That's an interesting idea, Harry. I think it would be safe for him to attend Astronomy, Care of Magical Creatures, Herbology, Potions, and History of Magic. He can attend one, all, or some. I'll leave it up to him."

"Thanks, Professor. When will we be able to get our school texts and supplies?"

"I believe you'll be able to go while you are visiting your families before the start of the school year."

"Oh, okay. Thanks again, Professor."

Harry set off to find Dudley and give him the good news.

++++

"What is it you want?" a feared high-pitched voice asked.

"Master, I've learned that Harry Potter and Ginevra Weasley have formed a Life-force Union. It had been recorded in the Hall of Records."

"I didn't think that was possible for someone so young, but then we always knew there was something different about Harry and young Ginevra, too. Yes, I think I can use this to my advantage. Kill one and the other dies as well. Yes, you did well. Now, return to your duties."

"Yes, Master."

Voldemort sat with an evil smile on his face, a cold, calculating look in his glowing eyes. He murmured to himself. "Very useful information indeed. It won't be long now, Potter."

++++

One week prior to the start of the year found Harry, Ginny, Cherish, and Dudley at Grimmauld Place. Ron, Hermione and the twins returned to The Burrow. It was this first day at Grimmauld Place, that Cherish was presented with a very special gift.

In a cage, perched a regal looking owl. Its rounded head was black with white spots. It had black-bordered white facial disks. Its eyes and beak were the same haunting yellow. Its entire black-brown back was white spotted. Its entire white underside was barred with brown. Its long bluntly pointed, falcon-like tail, at 7.5 inches, made for nearly half its overall size of 17.5 inches.

"It's beautiful," breathed Cherish.

"He's yours. We wanted you to have your own post owl, one you knew you could trust and one to keep you company in case you're having a hard time adjusting."

"Thanks, Dad. What kind of owl is he?"

"He's a Hawk Owl. His tail makes him seem really big but he's not. He's a very swift flier, very patient, and very intelligent. He'll hunt day or night so he can be available whenever you need him. He also needs a name."

Cherish opened the cage and the owl hopped onto the girl's arm. They stared at one another and she absently ran a finger down its feathery chest as Cherish thought of a suitable name.

"I've got it! If I remember correctly, the first recorded animagus was an ancient Greek by the name of Falco Aesalon. He could turn into a falcon. That's what I'll call him, Falco." She turned to her owl. "What do you think? Do you like it?" The bird dipped its head in an obvious nod.

Cherish gently put her owl back into his cage and hugged her parents.

"Thank you, both. I just wish I knew someone to send a letter to now."

"You could send one to Hermione," Harry offered.

"Yeah," Ginny agreed, "I'm sure she wouldn't mind."

"Well, okay."

Cherish gently took the cage in one hand, took some parchment, ink, and quill in the other and headed off to her room.

++++

Time passed quickly and before they knew it, Harry and Ginny were moving their school things to The Burrow to stay the remaining days of the holiday. To their surprise, Hermione and Ron had been made Prefects. As an award, Ron chose to get a new broom. Despite the toll it was likely to take on them, Harry and Ginny agreed to sleep in separate rooms, for Molly's peace of mind.

Three days later, they were again making the trip to King's Cross Station. The usual scramble associated with the Weasleys occurred. Luckily, they made it with ten minutes to spare. The Weasleys met up with the Potters and Dudley. This, of course, drew the attention of many, reporters included.

"Mr. Potter! Mr. Potter! What do you think of your son?"

"Mrs. Potter! Mrs. Potter, what's it like to be able to finally send Harry off to school?"

"Harry!" yelled another, "Are you glad to have your parents here to see you off to school?"

Quick hugs were given all around with promises made to write and the kids jumped onto the train. As they searched for an empty compartment, Harry was well aware of the stares he was getting. He hated it, but there wasn't anything he could do about it. Finally, they came to an empty one and Harry, Ginny, Dudley, and Cherish filed inside. Hermione and Ron had to go to the front of the train for a bit.

"Whew, glad that's over. I can't say I'm surprised though. Should have expected it really."

"Maybe that's why we got here with only ten minutes to spare. Mum and Dad were trying to save you from all that."

At last, the whistle blew and the train started to move. Not having slept well the past few nights, Harry and Ginny both grew tired but they resolved to stay awake until Hermione and Ron returned since neither Cherish nor Dudley knew anyone else.

"So, Dudley," Harry asked, stifling another yawn, "Are you excited about the classes you'll be attending?"

"Actually, I am and that's new for me. Thanks, again, Harry for talking to Professor Dumbledore. What can you tell me about the professors?"

"Well, let's see, Professor Sprout is teaching Herbology and she's the Head of Hufflepuff House. She's tough but fair. Professor Sinistra teaches Astronomy. Those classes take place at night, obviously. Again, tough but fair. With Hagrid gone, I don't know who will be teaching Care of Magical Creatures. That takes place outside on the school grounds. You get hands-on knowledge about different creatures. It can be fun."

Ginny took up the discussion. "Professor Binns teaches History of Magic. He's a ghost."

Dudley's eyes bugged out. "A ghost? For a Professor?"

"Yes, and he's boring to listen to. The subject can be interesting enough by itself. You can phase out his lectures and just read the chapters in the text. You'll do fine."

Cherish joined the conversation. "The professor you have to watch out for, though, is Snape. He will find a way to mess you up and take points from your House, fair or not. He's head of Slytherin House and lets any Slytherins in his classes get away with pretty much everything. He'll goad you into talking back just so he can give you detention. I suggest you bottle two samples of your potions, just in case he purposefully drops one."

"He'd actually do that?"

"He's done it to me, once." Ginny answered his question with a nod.

"He's done it to me loads of times." Harry piped up.

The door opened and Neville came in carrying a gray-green cactus-like plant.

"Hi, Harry, Ginny. Look what I've got. Gran gave it to me. It's a Mimbulus Mimbletonia. I don't even think Professor Sprout has one in the greenhouses."

"That's great, Neville. Neville, this is my cousin, Dudley and my sister, Cherish. Dudley is staying at Hogwarts because his house was attacked over the summer. He's a muggle but will be attending some of the classes, Herbology being one of them."

"That's great, Dudley. If you need any help, I'd be glad to give you a hand."

"Neville's the go-to guy in our House when it comes to Herbology," praised Ginny.

The shy fifth-year blushed crimson. "Thanks." He quickly turned to Cherish. "What year will you be in?"

"I'm a third year." Cherish blushed a little at the older boy's attention.

Neville studied the young girl beside him a moment then turned his attention to Harry. "You don't look a lot alike."

"No," agreed Ginny, "but they act alike."

Mirroring looks of indignation crossed both Harry and Cherish's features and they simultaneously said, "What's that supposed to mean?"

"See?"

Neville again glanced between the two and chuckled. "I do now."

Light reflected off Harry's bracelet as he reached for Ginny's hand and it caught Neville's eye. His eyes widened when he caught sight of a similar one on Ginny's wrist. He'd heard of hand-fasting bracelets before, but had never actually seen one, much less known anyone who had gone through the ceremony. He looked away quickly hoping they hadn't noticed him staring.

Harry had noticed. "I'm assuming you know what the bracelets mean, Neville?"

Neville gulped. "Yeah, sorry. I didn't mean to stare. You don't have to explain anything to me."

"Neville, you're a friend. We don't mind you knowing. As a matter of fact, the whole school is going to know soon. We had the ceremony earlier this past month. Yes, we're legally married. Yes, it means we're adults so we can do magic whenever we feel like it. It also means I won't be in the dorm with you. Dudley will be taking my place."

"Oh. That's cool. Really. I figured you two would be getting married at some point. It was kind of obvious."

The door slid open and one of Harry's least favorite people stood in the doorway.

"Well, well, well. What do we have here?" Draco asked in his smarmy voice. "A half-wit, two half-bloods, a Weaselette and a...whatever." His gaze landed on the silver bracelets. "What's this? Potter, you actually shackled yourself to a Weasel? Hard up, are you? Surely, someone else would have given it up for you."

Rage boiled inside Harry. He stood up, took one step toward Draco, and said in a low voice, "Malfoy, back off, now."

Something about the way Harry was standing, or maybe just the feel of raw power, got through to the Slytherin. The smile faded and he backed up a step. His parting shot was said with his usual scorn.

"Hope you enjoy your year, Potter."

"Who was that?"

"Draco Malfoy," replied Ginny. "His family is what's called pure blood, though there really isn't such thing anymore. His family is rich and thinks they're better than everyone else. His father is a Death Eater."

Soon after that, Neville left and Ron and Hermione returned. Feeling drained after the Draco encounter, Harry braced his back against the window and his legs across part of the seat. Ginny sat in his lap with her back against the seat back and leaned against Harry, using his shoulder for a head rest. The motion of the train lulled them to sleep.

A couple hours into the ride, the train jerked to a stop, waking Harry and Ginny. It reminded Harry of the ride back for his third year, except it was still daylight out and it wasn't abnormally cold. Looking out the window he just barely caught a glimpse of a giant wing.

"What the bloody hell was that?" yelped Ron. Apparently, he'd seen it too.

Harry squinted and could just make out the form of a man sitting on the ground. He wasn't moving so Harry assumed the man was stuck somehow. Around and around the man, a graphorn and two dragons flew. Harry got the distinct impression the man was a muggle and he obviously needed help. Without thinking, he drew his wand and headed for an exit.

"Harry!" Hermione shrieked, "What do you think you're doing?"

Harry just kept going. It was Ginny who paused long enough to answer the girl.

"What do you think? He's going to try to help. Harry knows a lot of spells thanks to the tournament last year. Besides, do you see anyone else rushing to help?"

When Hermione stayed silent, Ginny continued following Harry. Feeling Harry's determination and confidence bolstered her own.

"Ginny! Shield charm against fire is Protego Incendium! It's something you have to hold in place, so you have to drop the spell to attack."

Ginny nodded her head in understanding.

As the creatures made another sweeping pass, the two teens couldn't help but be in awe of the massive creatures. The graphorn was identical to the one he'd battled the year before, grayish purple, humped back, and two very long, very sharp horns. The dragons he'd never even seen photos of. One was iridescent with pearly scales. Its eyes, Harry saw with another too close pass, were glittering and multi-colored and it didn't have a pupil. Every so often it would let loose with a vividly scarlet flame. The other dragon was smaller in size but quicker. This one was smooth-scaled and a coppery color with black ridge markings. Its horns were fairly short but it appeared to be the more aggressive of the two.

"This is what I want to do. We're going to go out to that man. I'm going to keep them distracted as best I can and throw shield charms and flame freezing charms up as much as possible while you help the man back to the train."

"Got it! Let's go!"

The two ran towards the man on the ground. Reaching him, they found the man's foot was stuck in some kind of hole, likely an animal's burrow.

"Hey, you!" Harry yelled waving his arms and skipping away from Ginny. "Over here!"

It actually worked for a while. As soon as the creature's attention was diverted, she began digging at the ground around the man's foot. She would have used some minor blasting jinxes but was afraid she'd hit the foot. It was slow going. The ground did not seem to want to give up its victim. Periodically she glanced up to check on Harry.

The beasts grew tired of the quick prey and turned back to the one that had been pinned on the ground. Seeing their interest turn, Harry sprinted back in Ginny's direction.

"Ginny! Hurry!"

As one, the massive heads ducked and spewed streams of fire. Lucky for Harry, they were all on the same side.

"Protego Incendium!"

A giant bubble-like barrier formed around himself, Ginny, and the man, the starting point being Harry's wand tip. While the charm held off the flames, the heat was still intense. As quickly as they appeared, the flames disappeared. Before Harry could take a breath, however, one of the dragons sent another stream of flames his way. Each beast took its turn sending flames at Harry's shield. By this time, Harry began to feel weak. He had to keep drawing on Ginny's magic in order to hold the shield in place. Again, all three sent flames towards the humans. Harry was trembling now and he could feel the shield weakening.

"You've got to hurry, Gin! I don't know how much longer I can hold it!"

With a triumphant cry, Ginny pulled the man's foot free. "He's free! Let's go!"

Slowly, the trio backed toward the train. The beasts continued attacking the invisible barrier. Harry somehow managed to keep the shield until they got there. It completely flickered out the moment they reached it. Ginny handed the man off to someone else and turned to Harry. Exhausted, he collapsed into her arms.

Ginny helped him back to their compartment where they rested, cuddled close, both feeling the effects of Harry's use of their magic. Several students stopped by to see Harry and Ginny but Hermione blocked their way.

Suddenly a rhythmic clank clank came down the corridor. Moody, having just Apparated to the train upon learning of the situation, opened the compartment's door. Neither Harry nor Ginny moved, merely looked up at the man.

"That was insanely crazy, you two," Moody smiled. "Dumbledore will be wanting to talk to you when you make it to the school. The man suffered a broken ankle but that's all thanks to you. He will be taken back to his ranch, his memory erased, and that will be that. We also have some people coming in to remove the beasts from this area."

"Where did they all come from?" Hermione asked.

"Not sure. Will be doing some investigating. Just wanted to let you know everything will be taken care of."

"Thanks, Moody," Harry said tiredly.

A little while later, the train continued on its journey north and Harry and Ginny slept, blissfully unaware the story of them going against two dragons and a graphorn became more and more embellished until it was more tall tale than fact.

The journey was uneventful from that point on. Once the sleeping pair woke, the six of them would play Exploding Snap or chess. Harry bought lunch off the trolley for everyone and for awhile it managed to feel like any other year, except of course, Cherish and Dudley were there. Before they knew it, it was time to get into their school uniforms and greet the coming school year.