A/N--Hey everyone sorry it has been so long since I updated, but you know how school is. But now that it is summer I should be updating more often. This is one of my favorite chapters, I hope you like it!

Chapter 11—Grand Schemes

As soon as Harry was released from the fire's hold, he was swept up in a hug from Mrs. Weasley.

"Mum, can you stop doing that?" asked an annoyed Ron.

"What? Harry doesn't mind. Besides I'm just glad that you're all back okay," said Mrs. Weasley.

"We went to Diagon Alley, mum! DIAGON ALLEY!"

"I know! That's why I was so worried about you," said Mrs. Weasley.

"Ron, Diagon Alley is a major wizarding venue…it's a obvious target for Voldemort," explained Hermione.

"Yeah I guess," admitted Ron.

"I don't know how you do that Hermione," said Mrs. Weasley in awe.

"How are we getting to Platform 9 ¾ tomorrow, Mum?" asked Ginny.

"Mad-Eye has arranged for a ministry car to pick us up. He and a few other members of the Order will accompany us," said Mrs. Weasley.

"Who?"

"Tonks, Lupin, and Kingsley Shacklebolt."

"How are those two? I didn't get a chance to talk to either of them at the wedding," said Harry.

"I spoke to Tonks for a bit, she seemed much happier than before," said Hermione.

"Yes I think they are doing really well," said Mrs. Weasley.

"Well that's great and all, but I don't think your blood pressure could handle another wedding that soon," said Ron.

"Hermione, if I were you I'd dump Ron now, he seems to be extremely opposed to weddings…" said Ginny.

"I am not…besides we're not even thinking about getting married yet…are we Hermione?" asked Ron.

"Well not yet…but I didn't think it was out of the question," said Hermione.

"Er, Ginny let's go get something to eat," said Harry as he, Ginny, and Mr. and Mrs. Weasley went into the kitchen.

"I didn't say it was out of the question. Its just that we've only been dating for a couple weeks," said Ron.

"Yeah, but we've been best friends for 6 years…"

"And loved each other for a good part of that time too," whispered Ron as he leaned into kiss Hermione, "Maybe marriage isn't as far off as we thought."

Hermione nodded, "But not until after graduation."

"Okay," said Ron a grin spreading across his face, "Did we just get engaged?"

"I think we did," Hermione giggled and kissed Ron again.

"I guess I'd better get you a ring and some blood pressure lowering medicine for Mum."

While Ron and Hermione we having this surprising conversation, the others were having an equally interesting conversation in the kitchen. But before it got interesting, there was an awkward silence for a few moments because everyone was a little weirded out by Ron and Hermione.

"I'm thinking of a number between 1 and 10," said Harry.

"Why?" asked Ginny in a partly disgusted, partly amused voice.

"I don't know…I'm trying to break the silence," said Harry.

"Is that some sort of lame pick up line?" asked Ginny.

"No its—" began Harry.

"Is it a MUGGLE game?" asked Mr. Weasley excitedly.

"Wait…you do that for fun?" asked Ginny.

"Well I think it could be fun, dear. Let's give it a try," said Mrs. Weasley.

"No, no, no…it's not a pick up line and it's not a game. It's something Muggles do to settle little disputes---," Harry tried to explain.

"Wait…let me get this straight…so muggles, instead of fighting, think of a number between 1 and 10?" pondered Mr. Weasley.

"No!" said Harry laughing, "Okay here's an example: let's say that both you and Mrs. Weasley want to be seeker---"

"Oh no, Harry dear, I don't play Quidditch," said Mrs. Weasley.

"Its just a hypothetical situation!" said Harry exasperatedly, "So you both want to be seeker but obviously you both can't be. So an unbiased third party, let's say Ginny, thinks of a number between 1 and 10. Then each of you guess a number and whoever is closer wins," Harry ended dramatically.

"What if the person had the inner-eye?" asked Mrs. Weasley.

"Well Muggles normally don't…" said Harry.

"And what exactly is the significance of 1 through 10?" asked Mr. Weasley.

"Okay this really isn't that important to Muggles. It's just a little guessing game," said Harry.

" So what was the number?" asked Ginny.

"Six."

"So what courses are you planning to take this year, Harry?" asked Mr. Weasley changing the topic.

"Well I am continuing in my auror training," said Harry, "So basically the same courses as last year—Potions, Defense Against the Dark Arts, Charms, and Transfiguration."

"Fine, fine. A very nice course load Harry. You'll be able to give Ginny some help," said Mr. Weasley.

"I think it was a very wise decision to go back Harry," said Mrs. Weasley.

"Thanks," said Harry, "We'll see where this year takes me."

"Not to bring up anything uncomfortable, but what are you planning to do about the horcruxes?" asked Mr. Weasley.

"Well, I figure I'll look for the Locket of Slytherin first, because I at least I have an idea where that might be," began Harry.

"And where's that, dear?" asked Mrs. Weasley.

"When we were cleaning out the Headquarters of the Order we found a lot of old, potentially dark objects…maybe it's still there. And while I'm hunting down the locket maybe I'll stumble upon some others."

"Splendid plan! Of course I'd run it by Dumbledore first, but that's just me," said Mr. Weasley.

"You'd WHAT?" asked Harry in shock. He glanced over at Ginny who was equally stunned.

"You don't know?" asked Mr. Weasley, " He doesn't know Molly?"

"I guess not…I thought he or at least Hermione would have figured it out," said Mrs. Weasley.

"Figured what out?" asked Hermione entering the kitchen beaming over the conversation she had just had with Ron, but becoming confused by the looks on Harry's and Ginny's faces.

"How you'd be able to talk to Dumbledore," said Mrs. Weasley.

"Huh?" said Ron (typical!).

"Er, Mrs. Weasley, Dumbledore is dead…." Said Hermione.

"Yes I know that, dear. Haven't you ever been in the Headmaster's office?"

"Yes," said everyone in unison.

"Haven't you noticed the portraits of the prior headmasters?"

Then it dawned on Harry. Dumbledore had always consulted and even spoken to the people in the portraits. He would be able to talk to Dumbledore through his portrait.

"They hung Dumbledore's portrait the night of his death. He's probably been quite lonely in there, he'll be glad to talk to you," said Mr. Weasley.

"Who's the new headmaster? Will Harry be allowed in the office to talk to Dumbledore?" asked Hermione.

"Didn't you notice on the letters? McGonagall's been promoted, Flitwick's become deputy headmaster. There's actually been quite an overhaul at Hogwarts," said Mrs. Weasley.

"Wait. What's going on here?" asked Ron.

"If you can't keep up Ron, just go to bed," said Ginny.

"We-can-talk-to-Dumbledore-through-his-portrait-in-the-headmaster's-office," said Hermione very quickly.

"Oh, okay…continue, Mum," said Ron clearly still confused.

"Right, so your old friend Oliver Wood (so hot!) will take over transfiguration, Hagrid will become Head of Gryfindor, Slughorn will become head of Slytherin, and none other than your brother Charlie will be the DADA teacher!" said Mr. Weasley.

"I'm so glad that he won't be working with those dangerous dragons anymore," said Mrs. Weasley.

"Charlie?" asked Ginny.

"Yes Charlie," said Mr. Weasley.

"All right! Easy O!" said Ron, in a very Fred and George-ish manner.

"Why didn't he tell us?" asked Ginny.

"And more importantly, what about Snape?" asked Hermione.

"Well I don't know why Charlie didn't tell you," said Mr. Weasley, "But Snape obviously won't be returning as your teacher."

"Where is he?" asked Harry, his anger rising.

"He's with the death eaters----"

"Yes but who is he working for us or them?" interrupted Harry.

"We don't know…no one has heard from him all summer," said Mr. Weasley.

"Well then he's not on our side," said Harry.

"We don't know that for sure dear," said Mrs. Weasley, " Now that the death eaters are back together and gaining strength, their meetings are more regular. It would be much harder for him to get away to report anything…"

"Not to be rude, Mrs. Weasley, but we can't keep ignoring all the signs. Dumbledore did and look what happened to him. We can't continue to be naïve! Snape is not on our side!" said Harry.

"Harry I think you're too close to this situation to have a clear view on this matter," said Mr. Weasley. As Harry looked like he was about to retaliate, Mr. Weasley added, "I'm thinking of a number between 1 and 10."

Harry smiled, he knew it was no use arguing with his allies, "I'm sorry…four?"

"No, it was eight," said Mr. Weasley.

A/N--Well did you like it? Please review and feel free to make any suggestions that would make the story better! Thanks for reading!