A/N: Ok, so I've noticed that there have been over 5,000 hits to this story, but only 29 reviews. All that I ask is if you read the story, please leave me some sort of feedback about it.Please... :)
I'll be updating this as soon as I finishthe nextchapter, so keep checking back or sign-up for an alert.

Disclaimer: All the characters, places, objects, etc. from books 1-6 (and maybe some stuff before them) belong solely to J.K. Rowling.

The rest of the stuff in this story is out of my own mind and any resemblance to anything in book 7 when it comes out is purely coincidental.

Summery: With what lies ahead of Harry, he gathers as much help as he can to aide in his quest to defeat Voldemort. Will Harry succeed? Will love come into his life?


Chapter 12

This time it was Harry's knees that buckled at the sound of McGonagall's statement. Luckily, he fell into a chair that was right behind him.

Mrs. Weasley spoke first, "But Minerva, Dumbledore is…"

"Dead, I know," finished McGonagall, "but not gone."

"B-but h-how…" Harry stuttered as he looked up towards Professor McGonagall, "how c-can he…"

"Mr. Potter," she sternly replied, "you of all people should know. I mean, the number of times you were in that office, surely you would have realized that each and every portrait in that office is of the departed heads of Hogwarts."

The obviousness of the response quickly dawned on Harry. "Oh, right… sorry professor."

"No need to apologize Potter. I realize that under the current circumstances, people may not think too clearly about what they're going to say or do."

"So, when is it that Dumbledore wants to speak with us?" Ginny asked.

"I'll be taking you there as soon as Mr. Weasley and Miss Granger arrive. If that is alright with you Molly."

"It's no problem at all Minerva," Mrs. Weasley responded, "I just wish you had arrived just a minute earlier before Ron and Hermione left for their little walk."

"We can wait for them Molly. By chance, could I trouble you for a cup of tea?"

"Sure Minerva." Mrs. Weasley left to the kitchen to make a fresh pot of tea.

"Professor McGonagall," said Ginny, "we could go and look for them."

"Thank you Miss Weasley, but that won't be necessary," McGonagall replied.

Ginny smiled back at her, and Harry and Ginny walked over and seated themselves on the couch to wait for Ron and Hermione's return. Mrs. Weasley came back in with Professor McGonagall's tea and looked over at Harry and Ginny.

"Is there anything you two would like while I'm moving around?" she asked them.

"No thanks Mrs. Weasley," Harry replied.

"I'm fine mum," added Ginny.

Professor McGonagall and Mrs. Weasley immersed themselves in conversation while waiting. Meanwhile, Harry and Ginny just immersed themselves with each other as they sat on the couch cuddling. Minutes later, the serenity was broken with two loud pops that caused both Ginny and Harry to jump. They turned their heads and saw, standing in the kitchen, were Ron and Hermione who had just apparated back to The Burrow.

"What's wrong?" Ron asked with some concern in his voice, "Dobby came and found us, and said we needed to return at once."

As Ron finished his sentence, there was another pop, and Dobby appeared next to him.

"Dobby is returning with the friends of Harry Potter as requested Professor McGonagall," said the house-elf in his squeaky little voice.

"Thank you Dobby," replied McGonagall, "you may return to Hogwarts." And with that, Dobby bowed and vanished. She turned to Ginny. "As I told you Miss Weasley, there was no need for you and Mr. Potter to search for them," she said with a smile.

"So what's going on here?" Hermione asked.

"We're going to Hogwarts with Professor McGonagall," Ginny answered, "Someone wished to talk with us there."

"Who?"

"Dumbledore," Harry replied. Ron and Hermione had similar looks of shock on their faces.

"Wha… Dumbledore? But how?" stuttered Hermione.

"Harry, Dumbledore is dead. How can he talk to us?" asked Ron.

"If you two will settle down a minute, I'll clarify things," Harry told them. He allowed Ron and Hermione to sit down before he continued, "Inside the Head's office at Hogwarts are portraits of each of the school's previous headmasters and headmistresses."

"Of course," said Hermione, realizing the obvious, "Dumbledore's portrait wants to speak to us."

"Correct Miss Granger," said Professor McGonagall as she set down her cup, "and now that the four of you are all here, we can proceed to the school. I'll try to have them back in time for dinner Molly."

"Thank you Minerva," Mrs. Weasley responded, "just send an owl if they'll be later."

McGonagall nodded to Mrs. Weasley in reply and turned to the teens, "Now we will be apparating to Hogsmeade and continuing on from there. Miss Weasley, you'll side-apparate with me."

"Yes Professor," Ginny answered.

The five of them bid farewell to Mrs. Weasley, and went out of the kitchen door and into the garden where they all apparated off to Hogsmeade Village. Moments later, they arrived outside the Three Broomsticks Pub. The village seemed like a ghost town. No one was out in the streets, several buildings were boarded up, and even the smell in the air was unwelcoming.

"What's happened out here?" inquired Harry.

"With everything that happened last year, people became scared that the school was and still is a target, and they fled," McGonagall answered him, "Madam Rosmerta is one of the few who has stayed, but I fear that even she may not stay much longer." They continued their journey in silence, taking in the dismal surroundings.

Soon, they found themselves standing at the gates to Hogwarts with it's winged boars standing guard. As they approached, the gates opened to allow them to enter the grounds.

"I've never seen this place look so empty," said Ginny.

"Very few people are on the grounds during the summer holidays," explained Professor McGonagall, "other than myself there's Hagrid, Mr. Filch, Professor Trelawney, Professor Firenze, and Professor Sprout."

"And the house-elves?" questioned Hermione in a rather agitated tone.

"Yes Miss Granger, they are here year-round," McGonagall replied.

Hermione huffed and crossed her arms at this response from Professor McGonagall. Ron simply rolled his eyes. He knew better than to try and argue with Hermione about her stand on the rights of house-elves.

"Good afternoon Professor McGonagall," Professor Sprout greeted as they approached the doors to the Entrance Hall.

"Good afternoon to you too Pomona," McGonagall replied.

"And hello to you lot as well. Trying to get a head start on your N.E.W.T.s?"

"No Professor Sprout," responded Harry, "Professor McGonagall asked us to come with her and speak to Professor Dumbledore."

"Ah, I see. Hopefully he's a little more pleasant than he's been."

"What do you mean professor?" asked Ginny.

McGonagall sighed. "In all honesty, Dumbledore hasn't fully adjusted to his present situation yet Miss Weasley."

"And needless to say," added Professor Sprout, "that Phineas Black isn't helping matters at all. He keeps nagging Dumbledore about his passing."

Professor McGonagall muttered something under her breath, and then said, "As the current Head of Hogwarts, I'll deal with Phineas."

"Best of luck to you Minerva."

"Thank you Pomona. Now if you'll excuse us, I promised Mrs. Weasley to have this lot back by dinner."

Professor Sprout and the group bade farewell to each other. Professor McGonagall continued to lead them into the Entrance Hall and through the corridors until they reached the gargoyle that concealed the door to the Head's office.

"Sloth grip roll," Professor McGonagall stated as the gargoyle jumped aside. Harry, Ron, and Ginny all looked at her when they heard what she had said.

"Sloth grip roll?" inquired Harry, "you're using quidditch terms for passwords?"

"Honestly Potter, I would have thought that you would have realized from the first time that I introduced you to Oliver Wood that I am rather fond of the sport," explained McGonagall.

Hermione rolled her eyes as the five of them began to ascend the spiral staircase to the Head's office. When they entered the office, they were greeted by a voice that was familiar to all of them.

"Ah, good day to all of you. It is so nice to see all of you within these walls once again," spoke the old, silver-haired wizard behind his half-moon spectacles that had been their headmaster for six years. Dumbledore sat in his portrait surrounded by an ornate, golden frame with some sort of raised and distressed looking flourish on it. The framed portrait sat upon the enormous, claw-footed desk near the center of the room. Dumbledore continued on, "Judging by the looks on you faces, you may be disbelieving that I am speaking to you."

"Sorry sir," Harry confided, "it's just that after witnessing you die…"

"Harry, I realize that your emotions must be causing a lot of confusion within you. But I do ask that all four of you simply take a deep breath and relax. And please, sit down." Dumbledore motioned to four chairs that were sitting in front of the desk. Harry, Ron, Hermione, and Ginny all took their seats, as did McGonagall.

"So, why was it that you wanted to see us professor?" Harry asked after he had gathered himself together.

"First off Harry, seeing that I am no longer an official member of the staff at Hogwarts, let alone the world of the living, please call me Albus. And I would like to ask the rest of you to do so as well," he said to Ron, Ginny, and Hermione.

"Sure… Albus," replied Ron a little reluctantly.

"it'll probably take a curve of the tongue to say it at first, but you'll get used to it," Dumbledore reassured them. He then continued on, "Now on to why I've asked to speak to the four of you. I'm going to take it for granted Harry that you have probably shared the information of what we were doing before my death with Ginny." He peered over his half-moon spectacles with his piercing blue eyes at Harry.

"I'm sorry, but I felt that she should know," Harry said apologetically.

Dumbledore held up his hand as a request for silence. "There is no need for an apology. I suspected that you might. After all that you two have been through over the years, especially in the Chamber of Secrets, I would not have expected any less."

Harry and Ginny looked at each other slightly puzzled and then turned their attention back to Dumbledore who simply smiled at them. "To answer the question in your minds," he continued, "the portraits in this castle aren't very tight lipped. I'm sure you recall how quickly the Fat Lady's friend Violet spread the word of your entrance in the Triwizard Tournament.

"And now that I am certain of Ginny's involvement, I would like to make you aware of Minerva's involvement as well. I have informed her about Tom Riddle's life as well as the horcruxes. I must ask, however, that no one else outside of this room become knowledgeable about our discussions. Agreed?"

"Agreed," they all replied in unison.

"Alright, onward then," Dumbledore went on, "I hope that you are all preparing yourselves for a new year at Hogwarts."

The four teens all shifted in their seats and looked around at each other, knowing that they were all planning on leaving without going to school this year. Suddenly, Ginny elbowed Harry and gave him a look that plainly said 'tell him Harry'.

"Um, well sir," Harry began nervously.

"Albus Harry," Dumbledore reminded him.

"Albus… we had agreed to… go looking for the remaining horcruxes, and skip school all together."

A scowl appeared upon Professor McGonagall's face as her lips pursed so tightly, her mouth nearly disappeared. Meanwhile, Dumbledore merely scratched his chin in silence.

The silence didn't last too long as Dumbledore once again began to speak, "Hmm… I see. Well, I hope that you'll at least stay around for a bit. I'm sure that you have realized that the school is once again short staffed."

A look of anxiousness spread across Harry's face as he remembered what followed a similar statement from Dumbledore the previous year.

"Your not going to ask me to persuade someone else to take a post at the school are you?" he asked Dumbledore.

"No, no Harry," Dumbledore replied, "there is no need for you to convince anyone. I will be the one using persuasion to try an acquire a new Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher."

"Why not just ask Lupin to come back," suggested Ron.

"With the present situation with Greyback and the rest of the werewolves, I'm afraid that many parents just would not accept the fact of Remus teaching once again."

"Well then, who are you trying to get to fill the post?" inquired Harry.

"That is where you come in Harry."

"But I thought you said that I wouldn't need to persuade anyone."

"You will not have to Harry. For you see, it is you that we wish to fill the post of Defense Against the Dark Arts."

Harry's jaw dropped to the floor at the utterance of these words. He looked bewilderedly around at everyone else who was just as shocked by what they had just heard as Harry was.

"Me? But… but…" he stammered as he turned his attention back to Dumbledore, "me, teach? I don't even… I mean…"

"Harry, listen to me," Dumbledore interjected, "you have used magic that is beyond even N.E.W.T. level in Defense Against the Dark Arts, I have personally been witness to your endless determination; and besides, according to your peers, you have excellent teaching skills."

"He's right Harry," said Hermione, "the way you lead us in the D.A. was remarkable."

"As was the time in the Chamber of Secrets," added Ron.

"Or when we sought out the Sorcerer's Stone."

Harry took a deep breath. It was all true, what they were saying. But could he actually teach in an actual academic setting and prepare his peers for their O.W.L.s and N.E.W.T.s. Then it hit him. "But… Albus," he said, catching himself before saying professor, "how will people react to me teaching, especially if I haven't taken my N.E.W.T.s yet."

"I believe I am the one to answer that," Professor McGonagall chimed in, "after speaking with the governors and the Wizarding Examinations Authority, we have been granted an opportunity to have your test administered early. All of you."

Hermione let out a slight shriek. "Take our N.E.W.T.s early! But I haven't studied! I-I…" she stuttered exasperatedly.

"Miss Granger, please calm down. You may not need to take the exam early."

Hermione's heavy breathing slowed. "I might not? But what would determine whether I do or not?"

"Well Hermione," came Dumbledore's voice once again, "you see, Defense Against the Dark Arts isn't the only open post. With Professor McGonagall taking over as Headmistress of Hogwarts, we are also missing a Transfiguration teacher."

"Hang on. Are you suggesting that Hermione should take over in transfiguration?" questioned Ron.

"That is the gist of what we were getting to Mr. Weasley," McGonagall admitted. She then turned to Hermione, "Your skills in transfiguration are superb as are all your other academics." Hermione went a little red in the face from Professor McGonagall's flattery.

"The choice is up to both of you," said Dumbledore, "and I hope that I can count on you two, Ron and Ginny, to back them in their decisions."

"We will," Ron acknowledged.

"Absolutely," agreed Ginny.

"Thanks guys," Harry said gratefully.

"There is one more thing that I would like you to think about," continued Dumbledore, "as you make you decisions about the open posts. As staff members at Hogwarts, you'll have more access within the school to search out possible horcruxes than you would as students. But remember, that you will also have normal staffing duties as well and responsibilities to your pupils."

"We will allow you the next twenty-four hours to consider your options," McGonagall told them, "I shall stop by tomorrow evening to accept your answers, no matter what they may be." As she finished, McGonagall stood up as did Harry, Ron, Ginny, and Hermione.

"I thank you all for coming here today," thanked Dumbledore, "and I'll await your response tomorrow." They bid farewell to Dumbledore and proceeded out of the office and down the spiral staircase, followed by Professor McGonagall.

At the bottom of the stairs, McGonagall spoke to them again. "Miss Weasley, are you at all comfortable with side-apparating with one of these three?" she asked, indicating to Harry, Ron, and Hermione.

Ginny looked over to them and then back to McGonagall. "Yeah, I guess so," she replied.

"Alright. Then I shall lead the four of you to the front gates so that you may apparate back to The Burrow. I have some things that I must attend to soon, so I will not be accompanying you. However, I will check-in with you tomorrow to get your decisions." She then led them through the corridors and out to the front gates where she bade them farewell and returned to the school.

The teens walked a little further away from the gates to be sure that they were clear of the school's anti-apparation wards. Once they felt that they were clear of the wards, they apparated back to The Burrow. Ron and Hermione went separately, and Ginny trusted Harry to side-apparate with. Moments later, they were all outside The Burrow where they could clearly smell Mrs. Weasley's cooking coming from the kitchen.

Ron inhaled deeply. "Ah, smells good," he said.

Hermione looked over to him. "I'm honestly starting to wonder if you're nothing more than a stomach with feet," she joked. Harry and Ginny both sniggered at Hermione's comment.

"Isn't that the truth," giggled Ginny in agreement.

"Hey!" said Ron, slightly affronted, looking at his sister.

"Come on," Harry said, "let's go inside and let your mum know we're back."

The four of them made there way into The Burrow where they were greeted by Mr. and Mrs. Weasley.

"Ah, I thought I heard someone apparating outside," said Mr. Weasley from the kitchen table where he was reading The Daily Prophet.

"Welcome back. How was you meeting?" asked Mrs. Weasley, who was busy preparing dinner.

Harry, Ron, Hermione, and Ginny all looked at each other. "Well, Mrs. Weasley," Hermione started out, "um… we'd rather wait and tell you after dinner," she said, seeking agreement from the others.

"Yeah mum, we're kinda hungry right now," added Ginny.

"Alright, but dinner won't be ready for another thirty minutes or so," Mrs. Weasley told them.

They all left the kitchen and proceeded upstairs to Ron's room where Hedwig and Pigwidgeon were fast asleep in their cages. Ron and Hermione sat down on Ron's bed, and Harry and Ginny sat down on Harry's bed. The four of them looked at each other in silence.

Then, Harry broke the silence in the room, "So, what are we going to tell them?"

"Personally, I think we should just tell them the truth," Hermione suggested, "that Harry and I were offered the jobs and given a day to decide."

"We might as well," said Ron, "there's not really any way around it, especially with McGonagall coming back here tomorrow for the answers."

"That's true," agreed Harry.

"Let's face it, mum and dad are going to find out one way or another about our meeting," admitted Ginny.

"Alright then," said Hermione, "we'll tell them after dinner. Agreed?"

"Agreed," they all said in unison.

"Dinner's ready!" came Mrs. Weasley's voice up the stairs.

They all got up and began their way downstairs to the kitchen. When they got there, they found the table prepared for their meal. there was a chicken and ham pie, boiled potatoes, and a rather sizeable salad along with a couple pitchers of pumpkin juice. The four of them took their seats along with Mr. and Mrs. Weasley.

"So tomorrow's the last day before the wedding," began Mrs. Weasley, "is there anything that you lot have planned to do?"

They all looked around the table at each other before Ginny spoke up, "Well mum, we do need to pick-up our dresses and the boys' tuxes. Don't we?"

"Yes dear, but I was going to take care of that with Fluer's mother tomorrow, so you won't have to worry about that."

"Tuxes?" Harry questioned, not realizing he would need one.

"Oh no," Ginny said exasperatedly, "Harry, I forgot to tell you. Bill wanted you to be along side Charlie, Fred, George, and Ron as one of his groomsmen. I'm so sorry for not telling you."

"It's alright Gin," he told her, "it was just a little shocking to hear it after today. I have no problem being one of the groomsmen. In fact, I'm honored."

"You are?" she asked. Harry nodded in response. "That's great Harry. I'm glad you're alright with this."

Mrs. Weasley smiled, "I'm glad to know how understanding you are Harry. And don't worry, I've got all you sizing down after the years of making you sweaters and getting your dress robes back in your fourth year."

"Thanks Mrs. Weasley," he said.

"Now why don't we all tuck into this lovely meal before it gets cold," said Mr. Weasley.

They all enjoyed their food without any discussion about the meeting with Dumbledore and McGonagall earlier that day. The main topic during dinner seemed to be Mr. Weasley complaining about all the counterfeit objects that people were still trying to sell to others as protection from the Dark Arts.

"… I mean, how on Earth can he live with himself. Selling bottles of Draught of Living Death disguised as liquid patronus," he explained to everyone, "there isn't even such a bloody thing as liquid patronus!"

"Arthur, please don't shout at the table," Mrs. Weasley hissed at her husband.

"Sorry Molly," he said sheepishly.

"No bother. If you're all finished, I'll take care of cleaning up." With a flick of her wand, Mrs. Weasley cleared all of the dishes off of the table and sent them into the sink where they began washing themselves. "Now," she began as she sat back down, "I recall you lot saying that you would tell us what your meeting was about."

Once again, the four teens found themselves looking at each other. Hermione sighed and then spoke, "Well Mrs. Weasley, Professor McGonagall and Dumbledore actually suggested that Harry and I…" she paused, looking across the table at Harry. He nodded as to say 'Just tell them,' which she did, "that Harry and I take teaching jobs at Hogwarts."

The sound of breaking glass echoed in the kitchen as Mrs. Weasley dropped the cup of tea that she was drinking. She sat there dumbstruck, just staring down the table at Harry, Ron, Hermione, and Ginny. Mr. Weasley, on the other hand, looked extremely shocked and then said, "Well… congratulations you two. But you haven't even taken your N.E.W.T.s yet. Are you prepared for this?"

"Professor McGonagall worked it out so that we could take our N.E.W.T.s early," explained Harry, "With our grades and practical experience, she feels that we're ready for them already."

"And she's giving us until tomorrow evening to make our decision. She's going to come back then to get our answers," Hermione added.

"So, what is it that you would be teaching?" Mrs. Weasley asked once she had regained her composure.

"Hermione would be taking over for McGonagall in Transfiguration," Harry told her, "and I would take over in Defense Against the Dark Arts."

"I'll admit, I was really shocked when you first told me this. However, if Minerva and Dumbledore feel that you're up to this endeavor, then I fully back whatever your decisions may be."

"As do I," added Mr. Weasley.

"Thank you," said Hermione with a tear in her eye, "you two have been like a second set of parents to me for so long, your commendations mean so much to me."

"Same here," added Harry. "And the support of you two," he indicated to Ron and Ginny, "means just as much."

Harry, you and Hermione have the support of an entire family with you," said Ginny, "a family that we're all glad to consider both of you a part of." She then leaned over to Harry and kissed his cheek. Hermione put an arm around Ron, he did likewise, and they embraced as tears continued to fall from Hermione's eyes.

"Well," Hermione sniffled, "I guess then we have a choice to be made."

Harry nodded and then said, "Why don't we sleep on it tonight an discuss it in the morning."

"Sure," she agreed, "I could use some rest after everything that has happened today."

:I think it would be a good idea if we all got some shut eye," Mrs. Weasley suggested, "after all, the next forty-eight hours are really going to be exhausting."

Harry, Ron, Hermione, and Ginny all bade goodnight to Mr. and Mrs. Weasley, and made their way up to the bedrooms. On the third landing, Harry and Ron wished Hermione and Ginny a goodnight and then continued on up to Ron's room. Once in the bedroom, Harry and Ron changed into their pajamas and got into their beds.

"Goodnight mate," said Ron, "and don't worry. I know that you and Hermione will make the right choice."

"Thanks Ron," he replied, "see you in the morning." Harry laid there for a minute thinking of everything that McGonagall and Dumbledore had said. 'Dumbledore's right,' he thought, 'we could have loads of opportunities to search the school for a horcrux. But am I ready to teach and prepare my classmates for their O.W.L.s and N.E.W.T.s?' These questions, and many like them echoed in his head as Harry eventually dozed off.


Please let me know what you think and leave me a little review, I crave reviews and read all of them. And to show that I do...
Thank you Mei fa-chan, Malfoy teddybear, and djsdad12 for you reviews. And to GinnyPotter09 sorry but as you've probably read by now, Dumbledore is in portrait form in this chapter, however stay tuned for a little twist on this in later chapters. Again thanks for the reviews.
And I will update this a soon as I finish the next chapter.