HARRY POTTER AND THE SECOND WAR Chapter 11, a harry potter fanfic

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Harry Potter and the Second War by Captain Charles
Chapter 11 : CHAPTER 11 – Christmas Comes to Godric's Hollow, The Lightening Bolt and a meeting with the Minister of Magic.

Rating: Mature

Chapter Reviews: 6

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Harry and the others in his small dorm were busy trying to learn the spell Hermoine had found tucked away in the restricted section. The tiny book looked like an address book and while researching a spell had opened the larger book only to have the smaller one fall out in her lap. After opening it she had discovered several spells and potions for a variety of things. Such as the spell for the dark mark in the sky that the Death-eaters used to announce to the world that another innocent was dead. In fact Hermoine was able to change the formulation of the spell so that anything could be displayed.

Hermoine usually weary of anything that had dark magic connected with it had asked Madam Prince about the book who knew nothing about it. Even the authors name was omitted. When Hermoine finally let it be known the night at the three broom sticks that there may be a way to get rid of the dark mark on Draco and Severus Snape, Draco lost no time in readying the potion. It took two months to brew the potion and another two weeks to stand corked in a vial for potency. Draco had already started and with Slughorn and Snape's assistance would have enough to remove both of the men's Marks with some left over hopefully.

Christmas was fast approaching and Harry had yet to do his Christmas shopping. One of the perks about being a student professor was that he could come and go as he pleased as long as Minerva McGonagall was informed of his whereabouts. Ron informed him that morning when he asked that he couldn't make it as he had to do some work on some of the school brooms. Part of his job as a student professor. After Ron left the Common room Draco came in and sat on the couch and Harry watched him pick up yesterdays copy of the 'Daily Prophet'.

"Draco I was going Christmas shopping today if you'd like to come along," Harry said settling back into the armchair by the fire. "I didn't know if you had finished yours or not"

Harry thought at first Draco didn't hear him as he didn't move at first but only continued to read. Maybe Draco was ignoring him. "I'd like that Harry thanks. Mother got almost everything on my list the other day but there are a few last minute items I would like to get personally" Draco said just as Harry was going to say 'never mind.'

"Good maybe a bit of breakfast and we can get going then eh?" Harry asked.
Draco nodded and they went down and had breakfast and came back to their common room to pick up some things and they took the floo straight to Gringots.

The first person Harry saw when he came out of the fireplace was Bill Weasley looking his old self and with a slight tan. "Hi there Harry!" He said holding out his hand.

"Hi Bill, how was your honeymoon?" Harry asked

"Oh Harry you wouldn't believe it. We had a blast. There's this cozy little pirate built town where the streets are a maze. Both muggle and wizards live there but the muggles have no clue about the wizards. The streets are cobbled and the shops, lets just say that I don't have to shop for Christmas." Bill said and Harry saw that Bill looked like he wanted to say more but glancing over Harry's shoulder spying Draco his voice died.

"Sounds like you and Fleur had a wonderful time Bill" Draco said.

"Yes, yes we did. How are you Draco?" Bill asked evenly.

"Not good at all. Seems Potter is behind on HIS Christmas shopping" Draco said smiling uncertainly. "He asked me to tag along so I could do mine as well."

Harry chuckled "Well yes it's been tough getting out lately and Hogsmeade has just been rebuilt. I don't know how much we will find there or here either with some of the shops missing in Diagon Alley as well." Harry said.

"Did you two need something here or were you just using the floo system?" Bill asked all business now.

"Oh well, erm, I need to get in my vault" Harry stammered.

"I need to make a withdrawal as well Bill" Draco said

Gringots, Harry noticed was busier than he had ever seen it. Only one Goblin was available for the both of them and Harry waited for Draco to get some money from his vault before they were on their way again to his vault.

Harry returned to the vault with the rings and found the Potter box. Opening it up he looked within at several wedding sets complete with engagement rings that he had seen before. One set was a wedding set that was gold bands with a delicate white/gold leaf pattern with a diamond and ruby engagement ring marked "James and Sarah Potter."

He remembered seeing a book about the Potter family at his house in Godric's Hollow. He would have to look up the names when he went back but he was pretty sure "James and Sarah' were his grandparents. He knew the place in Godric's Hollow was bigger then Grimmald place and Harry had already did the Fidelis charm over it making it impossible to find.

He picked the last person anyone would suspect as his secret keeper. Dobby. The small elf had been so excited about it and at the same time nervous. House-elves had their own special brand of magic and not even Voldemort would think of him using a house-elf. He had already had Dobby and Winky helping Plonky and Derby who were the house-elves for Godric's Hollow decorate the place and Dobby would be hand delivering invitations personally since he was the secret keeper.

Pocketing the Diamond and ruby engagement ring, he also spied something further into the room near the back wall. On a pedestal near the back was a heart shaped necklace with a blue stone in the center and a small diary laying beside it.

Gazing at the necklace he picked up the book and saw that it had his mothers name on it. 'Lily Evans' in gold letters. He pocketed the book and put the necklace on and shoved it underneath his robes then he retraced his steps closing the vault behind him.

The journey to the top was quicker this time as the goblin seemed in too much of a hurry to worry about whether Draco and Harry ended up sick from the ride or not.
When they stepped out of Gringots they headed toward Weasley Wizard Wheezes first.

Entering the shop the twins were nowhere to be seen. Only Verity it seemed was running the store and then suddenly he heard Fred.
"George! I told you not to put too much Mandrake root! That stuff is expensive you know" Fred said coming through the curtains from out of the back and spying Harry and Draco. "Harry! You do know you have a Slytherin following you don't you mate?" Fred said winking at Draco.

In the twins estimation Draco would still be watched but after saving their brother, Harry and Neville they figured he was ok. But they still couldn't help teasing him.

"Weasley one of those bags of pranks you gave me had a Doxie in it" Draco said frowning. "That thing could have bitten me you know"

"Oy so that's there the little bugger got off too" George said coming from the backroom as well. "Wondered about him. He has no teeth so the worst he could have done is gum you Draco" George said chuckling.

"I found that out after he nearly wrecked my room the first night," Draco said scowling which made everyone have to keep from laughing.

"So what brings to prosperous Student Professors to our shop?" Fred asked.

"Well I would like some of those party crackers that you and George had on display around Halloween if you're making them for Christmas as well" Draco said.

"Right this way Professor Malfoy" Fred said obviously feigning seriousness and led Draco to a display near the front.

George motioned Harry into the back and pulled out a duster. "Harry we just made a dozen of these. We are giving these to you and the rest early" he said "The ministry wanted these strictly for the Auror department alone."

"What's it do?" Harry asked taking the Duster from him. "Hey this is… What is this made out of?" Harry asked suddenly frowning.

"Roughed up Dragon hide from a Hungarian horntail soaked in the blood of the Maerquis Darkhorse and lined with a blend of Fireworm silk and Unicorn hair and sprayed with Kraken oil." George said proudly holding it out to Harry. He took it and put it on and it automatically shrunk to fit him. Meanwhile George grabbed a sledge hammer and swung it at Harry hitting the duster square in the side and shattering the head of the hammer.

"Hey!" Harry said in surprise.

"Harry, don't worry. These things will stop any kind of man made weapons. And while we haven't tried the killing spell we know its impervious to everything else we've thrown at it" George said.

"Wow! The Auror's should be a lot safer in these" Harry said.

"Well we want you lot to be safe as well. We have one for each of you including Draco" George said evenly. "We have them wrapped up in this bag here," He said pulling out another bag like the one he gave them for the pranks. Just enlarge the packages before setting them out" he said handing Harry the bag.

"Thanks George" he said and George waved him off

"Harry how many times do Fred and I have to say it and now that were almost family" George said winking "Well that's even more reason to quit thanking us. OH and we got the vials you sent us. We might have to come back to Hogwarts if you keep those pranks up Harry" He said chuckling.

"Hey! You guys know I couldn't out prank you guys in a million years" Harry said "You guys are legends"

As they walked up front he and Draco quickly took their leave.

Fred and George were talking to Verity while on each of their backs was a sign blinking "Out Pranked by Harry Potter and Draco Malfoy" while oblivious of this fact at first it was Fred who saw Georges sign first and began to laugh until George in turn found the one on Fred's back. Both looked at each other and nodded. It was agreed the two would pay. The challenge had been made. The gauntlet thrown and may the last two standing win.

Harry along with Draco went to "Obscure Books" where the owner eyed them suspiciously until they made their purchases and left. Both Draco and Harry agreed that only one thing would make Hermoine happy and that was another book. Harry stopped in the Magical Menagerie and bought some snacks for Crookshanks, Hedgwig, Pig and Arnold the pigmy puff to which Draco said "Man Potter you got it bad don't you?" he said smirking

When Harry and Draco were once again out in the streets of Diagon Alley they set off toward the Leaky Caldron to floo to Hogsmeade. Finishing up their shopping in Hogsmeade the two made their way back to the castle in time to wrap their presents before dinner. Harry calling for Dobby to take the presents he had bought to Godric's Hollow to put under the tree and Dobby informed him that all invitations were sent and all accepted.

"Even Hagrid's?" Harry asked

"Dobby found Mr. Hagrid and delivered his friend Harry Potter's invitation, Mr. Hagrid said he would be glad to come." Dobby said beaming "Dobby took the liberty of putting Mr. Hagrid in the lower bedroom which Dobby made bigger" Dobby said

"Good job Dobby. You may want to enlarge the dinning room and a chair for Christmas dinner and at least one other chair in the living room for him also." Harry reminded him. "How are the decorations coming along Dobby?" Harry in the end had told Mrs. Weasley and had her help Dobby with the decorations. Harry had asked her for something uniquely special.

"Mrs. Wheezy and Dobby made Harry Potter's Christmas that he asked for." Dobby said excitedly "Everything is ready for Harry Potter and his family and friends" Dobby said proudly.

"Thanks Dobby and know that when we sit down for Christmas Dinner I want all the house-elves there as well" Harry said smiling. "And I got you all gifts there, but don't worry no clothes" Harry said which made Dobby relax. It seemed Dobby, while he liked being a free elf, was more at home as house elf to Harry. Harry had it in his Will that when Harry died Dobby would be set free again so as to give him a choice in who he wanted as a new master.

When Dobby left there wasn't much for Harry to do so he went out into the common room to study the book he had picked up from Gringots. Draco was sitting in the plush armchair nearest the fire and looked up when Harry came in.

"Thanks Potter for inviting my mother and I for Christmas" He said with none of the sarcasm he would have shown at other times.

"Don't mention it Draco, I'm sure you would have offered the same invitation had you thought of a party first" he said matter of factly.

"Well yes, erm that is to say yes I would now but there was a time Harry Potter that I just wanted to beat you at something to make my father proud of me. For some reason now its not that important anymore, well except for Quidditch" Draco said smiling and then looking surprised himself.

"Well somewhere in the past few years a lot of the stuff we thought was important at first seems rather…" Harry was at a loss for words.

"Silly?" Ron said entering the room having heard most of the conversation.
"Yeah silly" Harry said and they all chuckled.

"Thanks Harry for inviting my family for Christmas" Ron said smiling.

"Well Ron your family has seen me through about every Christmas I can ever remember being good. Your family is like my family, bloody hell your family IS my family!" Harry said chuckling "And the one thing I have learned from the Weasley clan is that family comes first" he said to Draco.

"Whatcha got there Harry?" Ron asked seeing the unopened book in Harry's hand.
"Something I found in Gringots in the vault with the rings. Draco and I finished our shopping" Harry said opening the book. "This seems to be a diary of my mothers although its not starting out like a diary. Listen to this"

"James brought me the most lovely locket home this afternoon. He said his great uncle James, who he is named after, called the locket the Blue Heart of Love. James said it goes lovely with my hair, I cant figure out if he did something or is just being a dear. Sometimes with him and Sirius you can never tell."

Harry skipped over a few pages "I bet dad was in trouble" Harry said smiling
"That's helpful to know. If I make Hermoine mad I can just buy her something." Ron said

"Something tells me Weasley that it wont be that easy with Granger. Unless it's a book, and remember the bigger the book you buy her the more it will hurt when she hits you with it" Draco said and the three of them chuckled.

"Found a reference to the 'Blue Heart of Love' Necklace that James gave me from his uncle who passed on just last week I'm sorry to say. The listing I found said it was a powerful protective amulet. If this necklace and the one in this book "Ancient and Powerful Amulets" by Jonathan Cross, then it would be priceless. The legend of the amulet apparently is that if the wearer is given the necklace by someone that loves her, she will be protected from harm. Nothing to say if it means magical harm or physical harm but I asked Sirius to try stunning me today to test it and the spell was repelled."

"So I wonder if she had this necklace on the night…" Draco said musing aloud then realized what he was saying and quickly apologized "Look Harry I'm sorry I do that when I think aloud" He said and looked stricken like he expected the two to lash out at him ending the friendship.

"Not to worry Draco I was thinking the same thing." Harry said

"Kind of hard not to wonder isn't it?" Ron said and Harry and Draco both nodded.

Harry thought at first of giving the necklace to Ginny but realized that Ginny wasn't going to be in the final battle with him. Hermoine would be there though. Giving the necklace to Ginny, while it would make him feel easier, Harry knew that Hermoine would need it more. She and Ron would be side by side to him throughout whatever was to come. Much later after everyone had gone to their rooms Harry came out and knocked on Ron's door. The Griffon in the portrait didn't even wake up.

"Harry?" Ron said questioningly "Everything ok mate?"

"Yes, well yeah everything's fine I just wanted you to have this. It's for you to give to Hermoine." Harry said handing him the 'Blue Heart of love' and starting to turn when Ron's hand shot out and grabbed his arm. Harry turned back to see Ron's face looking overcome.

"Harry this means a lot. You, Hermoine and I we have been friends for a while and you know how I feel about her. I would die if anything happened to Hermoine Harry. But this, this should go to Ginny." Ron said holding out the Necklace.

"You know I thought about that. But when it comes down to it Ron it will be just you me and Hermoine at the end that will face Voldemort and who ever stands in my way of him. You both will need all the protection you can get" Harry said reaching out and closing Ron's hand around the heart shaped charm at then end of the necklace.

Ron blushed scarlet and for a moment and then hugged Harry like a brother "Harry thanks, I'll give it to her tonight" He said stepping away and going toward the Portrait of the Unicorn while Harry slipped back into his room.

Harry woke from the first nightmare he could remember in a while. All about the night Sirius went through the veil. He woke up twice from the same dream and the second time knew he wouldn't get back to sleep. He showered and dressed and stumbled into the common room with the diary in his hand to sit in front of the fire and read. An hour passed and he heard one of the portraits swing open behind him. Arms went around his neck and familiar bushy brown hair cascaded over his vision.

"Thanks for giving the necklace to Ron to give to me Harry" she whispered then she straightened up and came around and sat near him on the couch looking at the diary.

"You really should give this to Ginny though" She said fingering the charm frowning.

"Hermoine, like I told Ron, Ginny wont be there for the final confrontation but you and Ron will. We both know that it's going to be all I can do to bring down Voldemort without him taking me with him, and if it comes to that …" Harry's words died on his lips and his mouth went dry. "Anyways you and Ron both need to be protected. Truth be told I think when the end comes you and Ron will be dealing with other things and I'll be alone dealing with Voldemort at the end." Harry said

"Don't tell me you're a seer already?" Hermoine smirked.

Harry smiled and stuck out his tongue "No I'm not Trelawney, but it's just a feeling nothing more"

"My parents were stunned and excited about the invitation Harry thanks. They feel so left out of this part of my life." Hermoine said dropping her head for a moment.

"I take it you haven't told them about Voldemort and all" Harry said and she shook her head.

"I cant Harry, I don't know how to tell them" Hermoine said and there was a tear in her eye. "I feel like keeping this from them is like lying to them. And I have never lied to them Harry"

"I think it best over the holidays that you tell them Hermoine. It may make them worry some but it would make you feel a lot better being honest with them" He said

"Yes, I think your right Harry. Can I see that Diary when your finished? I'd love to see if theirs more to this" She said fingering the amulet again.

Harry handed the book over "Well actually it goes on to tell quite a bit about it. It was said to belong to the mother of Godric Griffondore." Harry said.

"Harry this things been in your family for centuries" She said and Harry, Afraid she was going to pull it off put his hand on hers.

"Keep it Hermoine it was given to Ron and he gave it to you with love, Its to protect you Hermoine" Harry said sternly "With that on Ron will be more focused you know" and she relented. "I'm through with most of it. Go ahead and read it. Maybe you can find something else out about it as well. Although it seems like my mother exhausted the library at Hogwarts and at Godric's Hollow," he said handing the diary to her.

Snow had already blanketed the grounds at Hogwarts a few days ago and it was still snowing hard. Although Harry loved the warmer weather for flying and Quidditch, he loved the snow as well. Nothing was quite as beautiful as the vast land around Hogwarts blanketed by snow.

The next few days flew by in no time and Harry was leaving his trunk here at Hogwarts and taking the floo to Godric's Hollow ahead of the others to make last minute inspections per Mrs. Weasley's express wishes.

When Harry arrived in the library of Godric's hollow at four in the morning he looked around at the festive garnish that hung over the fireplace. Everyone had a stocking up even the house-elves per Harry's instructions and to Harry's amusement there was an old smelly stocking that had the name 'Kreacher' on it. All the end tables were wrapped with garland and a pretty red bow added to each. The garland sparkled from within. Harry was about to walk out of the library and spotted the mistletoe overhead and moved on into the hallway. All the way up the stairs the garland spiraled and sparkled. Harry knew he didn't have much time so he stepped into the livingroom to see the tree and what greeted him made his eyes water. It was the most beautiful Christmas tree he could imagine. Although it wasn't as big as at Hogwarts, then he realized it was because it was a tree in his own home, His home.

Harry noticed as well that Dobby had charmed the ceiling to show falling snow in the dining room and the livingroom and to his amusement the entryway as well. Opening the front door Harry stepped out into a rising wind and a face full of snow. The front of the house was pure white as far as he could see and the snow was blowing so bad he couldn't see the end of the driveway. Walking out a little way from the house he turned and smiled. Twinkling in the early morning light were thousands of Christmas lights. They were magical Christmas lights though so they sparkled beautifully. The icicles hanging from the eaves glowed from within with their own magical lights. Two of the tree's on either side had been decorated as well and sparkled brilliantly. Walking back into the house Harry was greeted by Plonky and a nice hot cup of tea.

Tired from getting up so early and the dreams of Sirius that had become more frequent he left word with Plonky to wake him at nine. No one would be arriving till three that afternoon so he would be ready to great his guests by then. Harry made his way to the master bedroom after asking Plonky if she had the room arrangements and things right and added one. The stocking of Kreacher's was to be washed soundly and hung back up. Harry didn't want the guests to have to endure Kreature's antics just because the house-elf didn't like him.

Maybe there was a way to change that thought. After all he had made Winky happy. Harry knew he couldn't just let Kreacher go. But maybe there was a charm that old Mrs. Black had used to make Kreacher the way he was. Or maybe Hermoine was right. Being locked in the black mansion for so long alone with only Mrs. Black had caused him to lose his mind slightly.

Setting aside the thought of Kreacher Harry removed his clothes and put on the Pajamas that were laid out carefully on his bed noticing the floor was warm. 'Must be a heating charm' he thought to himself as he snuggled deep into the king size bed falling asleep almost as soon as he lay down.

He was awakened only an hour later by an excited Dobby trying to wake him up and Plonky scolding Dobby about as loud as Dobby himself was talking. "It's ok Plonky, what's got you so excited Dobby?" he moaned resisting the urge to throw a pillow over his head and go back to sleep instead.

"Mr. Harry Potter has his first mail in his new home sir!" Dobby said excitedly "Dobby thought he should show Harry Potter as it's come with a package sir" he pointed to the foot of the bed where a large long package was laying and Harry sat up immediately.

"Who's it from Dobby?" Harry asked and by this time Plonky looked crestfallen." Don't worry Plonky I expect to be woken up when something strange turns up" Harry said chuckling and this immediately made her look thoughtful. "Well not everything weird but this is strange" Harry said taking up the package and looking at the address of the sender. On the address the sender was 'Thaddeus Alexander Sweaper Broom Maker Extraordinaire.'

"Yes but how did the mail get here? No one knows this place and you're my secret keeper Dobby." Harry said

"Dobby seen this on Harry Potter's bed at Hogwarts sir and Dobby delivered it!" Dobby said and Harry had to hand it to the elf. Dobby was a one-elf fan club in charge of the Harry Potter fan club. "Well lets open it shall we and see what the Honorable Thaddeus A. Sweaper has sent" Harry said.

Plonky had other plans and seemed not to be as curious as Dobby. "With Master Harry's permission I am still helping Mrs. Weasley down stairs sir" She said timidly and he noticed that she looked at Dobby when she pronounced Molly's last name.

"Sure Plonky and make sure you learn her recipes well, I love her cooking" Harry said smiling and with a pop she was gone.

"Now to the serious man stuff Dobby" He said smiling and ripping off the wrapping paper and spying a new broom. It was long and sleek with what he knew was a hard oak handle polished to a high sheen but the broom itself was lightweight. While it in some ways resembled his Firebolt, it was much more streamlined and the two metal footholds were in the shape of lightening bolts. He turned the broom over and read the inscription on the side.
'Lightening Bolt 3000' and under it 'endorsed by Harry Potter'

Harry laid the broom down and took the letter that Dobby was still holding out to him. Truth be told when he read the second part on the broom he was already fuming.

Dear Mr. Potter,

My name is Thaddeus A. Sweaper. As you may know I invented the Cleansweep 1200, and had a hand in the first broom you ever owned, The Nimbus 2000. What you may not know is that I designed your Firebolt as well. I have been working on this new design that you see in front of you. I took the liberty of sending your good friends Ron Weasley, Hermoine Granger (Although I understand she doesn't fly much maybe this will change her mind) and the rest of your Quidditch team the same brooms in hopes that you will test them out and put them through the moves. On each broom sold I can guarantee you forty percent of the price. No broom in history is as fast and maneuverable as this one is, I can promise you that. If you have time today for your friends to try them out I can have them in the stores before new years day.

Please let me know by return owl at your earliest convenience.

Sincerely,

Thaddeus A. Sweaper

P.S. The endorsement logo is optional Mr. Potter as Arthur Weasley has told me how very modest you are. I just thought I would add it on here for you to look at. No 'chosen one' or 'The boy who lived' hoopla on it anywhere. I am to understand you hear quite enough of that. Thanks again.

Harry looked over the broom again feeling the sleek lines on it and then went over and threw some warm clothes on. "Well Dobby I think I am going to go outside and try this thing out" Harry said smiling wickedly. "Want to come watch me?"

"OH Dobby would love to come watch Harry fly his new broom!" Dobby said jumping off the bed and following Harry about while he was trying to finish getting ready.

When he was finally dressed Harry was down the stairs and out the front door before anyone knew what was up with Dobby hot on his tail. Harry kicked off from the ground about eight feet from the door and flew between several rows of trees trying out the maneuverability first and then shot off like a rocket into the sky. Harry could already feel that the Lightening Bolt was far more powerful than his Firebolt. Charms must have been placed on it to keep the hands warm while flying in cold weather. In fact Harry didn't seem to feel most of the cold at all.

The broom was three times more maneuverable and where the Firebolt had been fast the Lightening Bolt was a thrill ride. He turned high up in the air over Godric's Hollow and looked down seeing his house with the smoke rising from it. Putting the Lightening Bolt in a steep dive as if diving for a snitch he pulled up just at the last second lightly stepping to the ground.

Maybe he should endorse the broom after all, he thought. So far Mr. Sweaper hadn't lied about the performance of the broom. He decided to ask Mr. Weasley about the man first to see what kind of person he was. In the end he would have to meet the man before endorsing the broom though.

He saw Dobby had conjured himself a comfortable chair and was wrapped up in caps; socks and two rather ugly looking knitted sweaters and then wrapped up in a blanket. "Dobby you wouldn't happen to have a snitch with you by any chance?" Harry asked smirking and saw dobby pull off a mitten and snap his fingers and a snitch flew by Harry's head. Surprised and delighted Harry turned and thanked Dobby before zooming off in the same direction the snitch had zoomed off in.

Finding the golden snitch in the falling snow was hard enough. It seemed that this snitch that Dobby had conjured had a mind of its own. Just when Harry would sweep his arm out to catch it, it would suddenly sense him and zoom either straight up or straight down, and it suddenly dawned on him after the fourth time it happened that Dobby maybe helping the snitch and Harry out by making Harry work the broom harder. On the next try to catch the snitch it zoomed straight up and Harry took off behind it and then suddenly it swept down in and among the trees with Harry still hot on its trail.

Almost clipping a tree when the snitch changed direction, Harry gained some altitude and came at the snitch from another direction catching it while doing a barrel roll and a flip maneuver and ending up right-side up hovering about twenty feet over where Dobby was sitting and clapping wildly and then Harry noticed that Ron and Hermoine were also down there cheering and he dived down to greet them.

"That was awesome Harry! I can't wait to try mine out!" Ron said excitedly "I'll bet its cold though eh mate?

"Nah it's got a warming charm on the broom itself." Harry said.

"Well you two should let someone check those brooms out before going off flying on them!" Hermoine said pointedly "Although I must admit if it was going to act up the paces Harry was putting the broom though should have left him a broken wreck" Hermoine said frowning at Harry " Don't you ever think before you just get on a broom and take off?"

Both the boys looked scandalized. "Hermoine your not serious about having someone take apart this broom like they did with my Firebolt are you?" Harry asked in shock.

"Well I just mean they can cast a few charms to make sure no really bad curses are on it like this" She said pulling her wand and making a few passes over it before Harry could pull the broom back. The broom glowed green and then the glow faded. "See that's the whole charm and nothings wrong with the broom."

Harry and Ron both looked at her and then at each other "Snowball fight!" They yelled and Hermoine squealed and ran for the house laughing and shouting "Boys!" While the boys were making a convincing try at trying to make snowballs before she could reach the door. When they were all three inside and sitting by the fire with hot steaming mugs of chocolate Harry looked at Hermoine.

"Thanks Hermoine and your right I shouldn't have just went out there and flew. I should have gotten someone to do that charm on it" Harry said

"It's ok. I already did the charm first on Ron's so I figured yours was ok as well but it just makes sense to be sure." She said while Ron half choked on his Chocolate and made Hermoine have to pound him on the back for him to breath again. "Oh honestly Ron I preformed that charm a few times before this, I know what I'm doing"

"Sorry Hermoine it's just that, well it's like the most awesome broom I've ever owned!" Ron said turning red.

Hermoine reached out and put an arm around his waist and rested her head on his shoulder. "All the more reason I want to make sure that broom is safe before you get on it." She said and Ron's face softened.

"I'm going to hurl if you two start snogging" Harry said chuckling and earned a not so hard kick on the shin from Hermoine.

"Oh shut it Potter" Ginny said smiling from the doorway and Harry got up and crossed to her and the sticking charm that Mrs. Weasley put on the mistletoe earlier to catch people under it took hold. "Well just great! Now your going to have to kiss me to unstuck us." Ginny said pretending to look put out.

"Yes well I asked your mother to charm the mistletoe this year" Harry said.

"Why Harry James Potter" Ginny said turning red "You planned this?"

"Guilty" He said taking her in his arms and kissing her. "Did you get your new broom?" He asked when he had pulled away

"Oh no don't think your going to change the subject that quickly" She said pulling him into another kiss.

"Oy! Quit snogging my sister in front of me! OW!" Ron said trying to cover his eyes and then being elbowed by Hermoine.

"OH hush Ron!" Ginny said giggling as she still stood in Harry's arms. "Anyone up for a quick game of Quidditch?"

"Sounds great" Harry said then looked to Hermoine "Can you check her broom really quick Hermoine?"

Ginny backed away from Harry. "Why would she have to check my broom?" she asked frowning.

"She is checking for curses she wont hurt it, It's just a simple charm," Ron said.

"Yes better to be safe than sorry later" Harry said.

"So when did you become so safety conscious Mr. Potter?" Ginny said eyeing him

"Just a minute ago when I was holding you in my arms Miss Weasley and my thought was that I never wanted it to end." Harry said quietly

"Oh al-bloody-right you can check my broom." She said growing furiously red after the compliment and trying not to look smug as she followed Hermoine up to their rooms.

"Harry this is fantastic! Everyone you invited has a room of their own! It's not over crowded either." Ron was saying

"Not yet anyways" Harry said "Everyone hasn't shown up yet Ron"

"True but its bigger than I first thought it was. You could sit two of the Black Mansions in this place." Ron said.

"Well yeah I guess but it would get pretty lonely living here by myself I think" Harry said sighing. "So Ron I want to ask you something."

"Shouldn't you ask Ginny this question?" Ron said smirking at Harry

"Shut up you git! Now is it ok? I mean I am asking your sister to marry me," Harry said.

"I couldn't think of anyone I'd rather her be with Harry honestly. I think I told you that last year. I think your memories are slipping" Ron said

"Thanks Ron" Harry said picking up his broom. "Better get your broom. I'll meet you in the yard"

Hermoine joined them and still wasn't any better at Quidditch but gave high marks on her broom. She thought it was easier to handle and while she didn't travel at breakneck speeds like the others did, she did find it better than Harry's Firebolt that she had flown on once.

Draco and Narcissa were the next to show up and while Narcissa went to help Molly out in the kitchen Harry let Draco try out the new broom. "Just what you need Potter, Something else with your name on it. Although in all honesty it's a great broom." Draco said.

When Arthur Weasley showed up early Harry pulled him aside and showed him the broom and the letter. "Well? Is he a person you would trust Mr. Weasley?" Harry asked

"Harry I went to school with the man. He was a brilliant flyer and in seventh year made his own broom, which was the fastest broom any of us had ever seen. As a person he is honest and trust worthy. I would say that anything he put in that letter he would honor. If you'd like me to go with you to see him let me know." Mr. Weasley said

"Think we could see him today?" Harry asked.

"I could floo him and see if I can catch him in his office" Mr. Weasley said turning toward the library.

Within the hour Harry and Mr. Weasley sat in the office of Thaddeus A. Sweaper the designer and maker of some of the fastest and most popular brooms in the wizarding world today.

"Good to see you Arthur, Good to see you! Married life sure agrees with you Arthur" Mr. Sweaper said grinning.

"Thanks Thad it does indeed" Mr. Weasley said and the proceeded the introductions to which Sweaper gave him a grin.

"No need for introducing this young man as his reputation precedes him. I've been to see you fly Harry! Great flyer you are too. Reminds me of watching your father. He was quite a flyer as well although of the two I think you're the better flyer. I saw that game with Slytherin you had where you stood on your broom, The old Nimbus 2000, and caught the snitch. Astounding! Simply astounding!" Mr. Sweaper said smiling. "Are you going to be playing Quidditch after this business with you-know-who Harry?" He asked.

"Well actually I was thinking about becoming an Auror" He said and found he liked the man. Usually when people talked to him or first met him they fawned over him because he was the boy who lived.

"Of course, of course! What with all your facing, and not alone either as the other Order members are always here to back you, why wouldn't that be your first choice." He said looking at Harry thoughtfully. "Well what did you think of the broom, I'm assuming that's why you're here isn't it?"

"The Lightening Bolt is fantastic! But I do have reservations about…well erm" Harry stammered

"Of course you do! I would myself if I were you. The Lightening Bolt has been in my head for a while. When the proto-type was finished and I saw what I had I wanted to market it then. We have a hundred thousand units out there in the warehouse now ready to go to stores overnight when you're ready. I was going to call it the Lightening Bolt all along but I thought between us we could increase sales of the broom." He said standing up and looking out the office window. "I don't want to lie to you Harry. With your name on that as an endorsement that broom would reach record sales."

Harry was thoughtful for a moment. "So you didn't name it the Lightening Bolt because of my scar then" he said musing.

"No, no nothing that silly. No the twin prong stablelizers on the back that are shaped like lightening bolts are were it gets its name." Mr. Sweaper said. "It was during production that I got this idea and had the brooms that I sent to you and your friends and team printed with the endorsement to show you how it would look"

"How much will it sell for?" Harry asked.

"The Lightening Bolt will sell for less than the Firebolt did Harry" Sweaper said coming around and sitting on the side of his desk.

"I know it's hard for kids to afford new brooms. I wasn't very rich myself in school which it why when I was in seventh year I invented my own broom." He said smiling. "I thought if I offered it at a lower cost more people would be able to afford it."

"How will my name be used? Just on the broom?" Harry asked "I don't want some add saying something like "Even the chosen one loves it" or something like that" Harry said frowning.

"Oh no, Nothing like that. A picture of you in your tri-wizard uniform if you still have it and just a slogan that reads "Endorsed by Harry Potter"

Harry turned to Mr. Weasley and asked him if he could speak to Mr. Sweaper alone. Thirty minutes later Harry came out and they floo'ed back to Godric's Hollow with an extra broom for Draco.

By the time they returned everyone with the exception of Hagrid was there and dinner for the first evening was about to be served.

"Well Harry? OW" Ron asked and then Hermoine elbowed him "You wanted to know if he took the deal as well Hermoine"

"Well yes I did Ron but let Harry eat first" Hermoine said.

"Yes well I just hope Harry remembers" Fred Started

"Us poor slobs when he is famous" George said.

"You two are famous yourselves. Or getting there, I heard something about a grand opening of a shop in France" Harry said eyeing his plate.

"Fred and George Weasley! Another shop? How will you pay for opening another shop?" Mrs. Weasley asked.

"Well mother dear it seems that the ministry has decided to finally pay well enough that we had money just hanging around." Fred said

"Plus with the inheritance that Harry gave us we used it to fund twelve more locations. Everywhere from Australia to china and the America's." George said.

Silence greeted the two and even Harry was looking up shocked at the two. They seemed unfazed by the silence and lifted their glasses in a toast and clinked them together "To Weasley Wizard Wheezes, A world wide company now" They said in unison.

"And don't worry mother dear" Fred said

"We still have money left over." George said

"You see we are selling people a franchise. They purchase the right to open a store like ours and they buy only our products at wholesale and sell them at market value" Fred said.

"We talked to a man who was telling us about a muggle restaurant chain that did the same thing" George said smiling "And they have over a million locations around the world now"

"McDonalds?" Hermoine said in shock. "That American Hamburger place that went world wide?"

"That's it Hermoine!" Fred said.

"We of course we'll still be doing all the inventing" George said.

"Why of course brother dear why let someone else have all the fun" Fred said.

"And its about time we confess something" George said. "Seeing as mother has been raking us over the coals we thought we should let our silent partner reveal himself tonight"

"Maybe to let mother know that we didn't get the money to start our business illegally eh" Fred said and neither of the twins so much as looked in Harry's Direction.

Harry cleared his throat and Mrs. Weasley spun around along with the rest of the table. "I gave them my tri-wizard tournament money to start their business Mrs. Weasley." He said looking down at his plate and felt the eyes on him now.

"And as such we have been sending part of the proceeds of the shop to his account in Gringots and putting some back in along with ours to fund testing for future products" Fred said.

"Now with the franchise's that we have sold already we have enough to fund an additional business," George said.

"We have been doing business with the ministry as you know" Fred said.

"Working on some things that we have supplied the Order with as well" George, said.

"We are opening a second factory to work on defense items for the ministry alone" Fred said.

"And of course we will still supply the Order with what it needs as well" George said.

Both the twins were smiling and Harry couldn't help it. He grinned in spite of himself.

"Harry it was a blessed day when you came into this family" Mrs. Weasley said smiling and half sobbing and caught him in a hug that almost made him choke on the bread he was chewing.

The rest of the Christmas holidays went great. Christmas morning was filled with laughter, smiles and hugs. Someone anonymously bought Draco a gray and black Pigmy Puff after which he turned several shades of red, Draco not the pigmy puff.

Later Ginny confessed to Harry that it had been she who got it for Draco after seeing him playing with Arnold, Her Pigmy Puff, one day in the library. His Aunt was enjoying having Dudley and Uncle Vernon there for Christmas as well and Uncle Vernon and Dudley had brought him an American defense against the dark arts spell book with a whole list of spells not even Remus and Severus knew. Aunt Petunia had contacted one of the ladies she had gone to school with and she had helped the two pick out the book.

Christmas night when they were alone he proposed to Ginny under the mistletoe and he kissed her after her tear filled "Yes" was whispered in his ear.

After the new year they would be returning to school and the spell at Godric's Hollow he knew would be broken. He wandered the halls and the grounds taking it all in before he had to leave. Maybe this was how it was when he was younger. His parents and their friends gathered together on the holidays. What would future Christmas's hold here? Would he get to see the day when he and Ginny would have a family as well? He was, for the first time, looking past the confrontation with Voldemort.

Harry and the others had found out that Voldemort, who had already sliced his soul into so many pieces, couldn't make another Horicrux without killing himself. Harry unknown to anyone else had secretly gathered all the other Horicrux together and wrapped them up as a gift.

Two days after Christmas the Order finally got a chance at killing Nigini and they took it. Snape along with Draco snuck out of the house at noon and returned bleeding and ready to collapse early the next morning. They had not only killed Nigini, Voldemort's snake, but had also ended up capturing Peter Pettigrew who was guarding the snake. Moody had questioned him for several hours before Harry, Remus and McGonagall arrived. Harry had specifically requested to see Peter and ended up telling Remus it was urgent that he speak with Peter.

"Why do you want to see him Harry?" Remus asked

"We are going to release him Remus and he is going to take Voldemort a gift from me" Harry said simply.

"He won't do that Harry he's a traitor," Remus said. "And releasing him would be out of the question!"

"Yes he will watch" And Harry turned and entered the room where Pettigrew was bound in the chair. Although he disliked the man he knew what he was doing would doom Peter as well and it made him sick to his stomach. It was the only way he knew to force Voldemort to make a mistake though.

"Peter I'm having them release you" Harry said looking at the man in the chair.

"OH thank you Harry your Mother and fath…" He started

"Shut up about them Peter you betrayed them and Sirius and Remus as well. They were your friends. I don't know how you could betray them but you did." Harry said through gritted teeth. "When your released you'll take a message back to Voldemort for me and a package" Harry said removing the gift from his pocket and enlarging it. "You wont have to tell him anything Peter I have a letter for him inside the gift" Harry turned to leave and turned back to Peter. "You will deliver this. I ask it for the life debt you owe me" he said "And I have one more thing I want you to do Peter" Harry said and whispered in the struggling mans ear.

Peter seemed to sag in the chair he had been struggling in and his head drooped to his chest. "He'll kill me Harry you know that"

"You were chosen for Griffondore for a reason Peter, The hat never lies and is never wrong" Harry said at last before he left. An hour later Moody released Peter Pettigrew against his better judgment.

Back at Godric's Hollow that night Harry was finally cornered and asked about the contents of the package. The room was as silent as a tomb as he told them.

"And the letter you mentioned Harry?" Remus asked quietly.

"I told him the prophecy, After all he has been wanting to hear it for some time now" Harry said. "It doesn't say I have to kill him Remus, It just says that one of us has to die for the other to live" Harry frowned. "But it will be me who he meets in the end and he and I both know it"

On New Years Eve Mr. Weasley took him to see Rufus Scrimgeour at his home in Devonshire. Scrimgeour himself answered the door and introduced Harry and Arthur to his wife Alexandria and his daughter Kelsey then showed them into his library closing the door behind him. "Have a seat Harry please. Would you like something to drink?" Scrimgeour asked.

"No sir, but thank you." Harry said. "The reason I am here is I've decided to give you what you want Mr. Scrimgeour." Harry said.

"You mean you'll agree to support the ministry? Do a few interviews?" Scrimgeour asked cautiously "And what would you want in return Harry"

Harry smiled "Well first I want Stan Shunpike released because we both, you and I, know that he isn't sympathetic to the death-eaters nor has he ever done anything to warrant the treatment your giving him." Harry said.

"Done Harry, I can have him released with a nice write up in 'The Daily Prophet' and back working the knight bus by the end of this week" Scrimgeour said still frowning. "Why do I think that's not all you want though?" He added

"I've come to lay my cards on the table." Harry said smiling "And I want in return your help as well" He said, "Do you know anything about something called a Horicrux?" He asked and saw Scrimgeour pale slightly.

"Just a little Harry" Scrimgeour said frowning and shivering "It calls for a sacrifice, a murder, and then the murderer puts a piece of his soul into an object so that he can be brought back at a later date. Its all very dark magic." Scrimgeour said.

"Basically yes, the night Dumbledore was killed we were in search for one of six Horicrux made by Voldemort" Harry paused letting this sink in and then continued as he watch an amusing display of emotions and defeat on the minister's face "We, the order, have tracked down all of the Horicrux, at this time all are destroyed and Voldemort cant make another or he will forfeit his life in the attempt." Harry said looking Scrimgeour in the eyes.

'S-six of them? Are you sure they have all been destroyed?" Scrimgeour said shakily.

"The order itself is now concerned only in defeating Voldemort. The order has a list of those in the ministry that we know are spies. They will be fired and arrested immediately." Harry said. "This is non-negotiable."

"We would have to run our own investigations on these claims Harry we just can't go around arresting people" Scrimgeour said indignantly.

"You did with Stan Shunpike" Harry said frowning "The Order already has proof of the spies in question so no investigation will be necessary" Harry said. "And if you don't wish to arrest known death-eater spies within the ministry then simply fire them."

'Who are they Harry?" Scrimgeour said scowling

Harry reached into his pocket and extracted a list and handed it to Scrimgeour "You'll find a complete list there of the ones the Order knows about, and there will be folders on your desk with definite proof of said activities against not only the Order but the ministry as well" Harry said.

"Is there anything else Potter?" Rufus Scrimgeour was beginning to have a headache already and began massaging his temples while he sighed in resignation.

"Just one more thing, a few of us would like a chance to study the veil in the hall of mysteries sir" Harry said.

"That I cannot do. The Veil is too deadly for children to be playing with" Scrimgeour said, "Your God-father lost his life because of that veil Harry and so have others. Even two of the unspeakables have lost their lives to it. You shouldn't even know about the veil," Scrimgeour said almost dismissively.

"I said that I have come to lay my cards on the table sir. I'm giving you full and total support. I will make sure that the people know that I stand behind you" Harry said "This will give the people more trust in you" Then Harry frowned "But you have to do your part as well" he added "But remember that when I finally give my word I will keep it. But I do want to examine the veil minister, even if I have to sneak into the department of mysteries again. And you know what a fiasco that turned out to be last time sir"

Scrimgeour scowled again "ok by the middle of January you will visit me at the Ministry of Magic and we will do a tour and a stint with the reporters" He said "Harry we must all work together now to defeat You-know-who" Scrimgeour said.

"Ok" Said Harry "But this is how it will go down. You, sir must be able to break out of this 'you-know-who' and call him by his name. Fear of a name is silly Mr. Scrimgeour and if you want the people behind you then you need to stop saying silly things like that. Also you're family will need to go into hiding because once the ministry and the Order join forces and you and I are seen on a friendly basis then your life wont be worth much Minister" Harry said matter of factly.

"Harry most of us have grown up in fear of V-Voldemort our whole lives." Scrimgeour said. "What do you propose I do, tell people its illegal to call him 'You-know-who'?"

"I'll work on my side to end the fear of that name. You do what you have to do Minister but we both know that Dumbledore wasn't afraid to say either of his names" Harry said "And neither am I"

"Dumbledore" Rufus said frowning "I wish I would have listened to him when he came to see me that first night after I was elected" He said sighing.

"We'll work this out together sir. In the end you're going to need me to kill Tom Riddle minister" Harry said "You see the prophecy is…." A half hour later they left a pale minister behind looking much like the last minister of magic did when Fudge had finally realized that Voldemort was back.

Mr. Weasley and Harry hailed the knight bus and went up top to the back where it was empty. "Harry what do you think you'll find studying the veil that no one else has been able to find?" Mr. Weasley said after a few minutes silence.

"My god-father hopefully. We'll know more in a week or two. It will take that long for Hermoine to find something on it" Harry said "Of course Ron and Ginny and I will help but I put my money on Hermoine anytime"

"She is bright but that's asking quite a bit isn't it Harry?" Mr. Weasley asked him frowning.

"Don't worry if something is there to find she will find it. If it's not then she will have a theory of some kind" Harry said.

As the knight bus came to a stop and Harry and Arthur Weasley were exiting the bus in down town Godric's Hollow Mr. Weasley smiled "Well if nothing else at least you will have tried and that's all anyone can do, but Harry" he said as they struck out toward the house "If you don't find him I don't want you beating yourself up over it. There are a lot of people who care about you that are worried about that." Mr. Weasley said.

"The only thing I feel guilty about right now is the fact that I'm not ready to end all this Mr. Weasley" Harry said grudgingly "If I could Voldemort wouldn't harm another innocent person again"

"Harry" Mr. Weasley said, "It's as you said though. Maybe it's not you that has to kill him. As you said, the prophecy says only that one must die, it definitely doesn't say who has to kill him" he said hopefully and he was hopeful. Arthur Weasley felt a great deal of fatherly affection for Harry and had for some time. There was a reason Arthur and Molly had so many kids. They had a lot of love to give them.

When they arrived home it was to see the twins, Ron, Bill, Charlie, Draco, Neville and Ginny playing Quidditch in the front yard with almost the whole household bundled up and watching from some bleachers McGonagall and Snape had conjured up. Even Hagrid was there watching "Ok there Harry?" he said.

"Quite good Hagrid" He said as Hagrid hugged him cutting off his wind.

"Thanks for inviting me and I love me room too! Only bed I've ever had where me big feet didn't stick over the edge!" Hagrid said wiping away a stray tear and smiling.

"And that room is there for you anytime Hagrid" Harry said shaking his hand. "After all it was you who came to get me and took me to the first place I can remember where I felt wanted, Hogwarts" he said quietly to Hagrid so that his Aunt wouldn't hear.

"Thank ye Harry," He said sniffing a bit.

"Well Harry? Arthur?" McGonagall asked

"He went for it" Harry said smiling and saw McGonagall sigh as he went in to grab his broom. Hermoine who wasn't very good decided she would play so that the teams would be even.

Harry and Bill were chosen for captains and Harry chose the twins along with Neville and Hermoine against Draco, Bill, Charlie, Ron and Ginny. They took a beating with the Quaffle but Harry managed to catch the snitch in time to end it with a win. Two more games were played and the action was intense but with the new brooms made the difference. Ginny had even managed to catch the snitch from him the last two times. She was smaller and lighter and the Lightening Bolt she was on seemed even fast than the one he was on.

After a while they landed as they were starting to lose the light and as the ones below had finally gotten too cold to watch anymore. It was the last week and they would be going back to school in four days.

Harry motioned them all toward the library and relayed to them his meeting with Scrimgeour. Over the holidays Percy had patched things up with his parents as he showed up on Christmas morning with a bundle of presents and more importantly an apology to his parents. While his brothers and sister still hadn't completely forgiven him they were including him to make their parents happy.

It was Hermoine who made them get to work on the collection of books there at Godric's Hollow and by the third day they were exhausted. Only Hermoine and Percy were still able to keep going. Percy found the first reference to the Veil from among the books on the shelf. It had actually been bookmarked by Harry's mother.

I know this ones rather a long chapter but I hated to split it up and make two chapters of the christmas holidays. Remember to leave a review and thanks to all that have!

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Harry Potter and the Second War: CHAPTER 11 – Christmas Comes to Godric's Hollow, The Lightening Bolt and a meeting with the Minister of Magic.

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