A/N: Chapter 25! No cliffhanger by the way. Review responses will be up soon. A mature scene is toward the end. It's not graphic, but it is suggestive. Enjoy and thanks for the reviews.

Well I've been trying to fix the spacing issue and it seems Fanfiction has made changes to its software making things...difficult...that means I can't use stars, tildes, and such...why I don't know. New Yahoo group: groups DOT yahoo DOT com SLASH group SLASH FatesDebt or just look at my profile.

Chapter 25: Returning Home

"Protego!" cried Ginny. The curse ricocheted off the shield and the oncoming Death Eaters scattered aside. She could not retreat; Remus Lupin was unconscious under her having jumped in front of a curse meant for her.

To her left Moody was pinned down behind a tree by several Death Eaters. Beyond the old Auror was Mr. Weasley standing over his wife, much like his daughter was doing with Remus. Mrs. Weasley, like Remus, had been cursed at the onset of the trap. Now, the Death Eaters were cautiously trying to flank the enraged Weasley patriarch.

"We have to get out of here!" yelled Moody, who then pivoted far faster than would have been thought considering his wooden leg, "Stupefy!"

Arthur grunted in response and hoped Moody had a plan. They could not Apparate – almost as soon as Ginny had said "trap" the Anti-Apparition wards had fallen into place. They probably did not cover a lot of distance since they had been put into place so quickly, but Arthur refused to leave his wife and Moody would never leave a downed comrade anyway. Then there was Ginny. Ginny could escape, but would not leave her parents or the chance of getting to Harry. The only reason the three of them were still standing was that the Death Eaters had unwisely started the attack while they were on the crest of a hill. The three of them were trapped on the hill, but they held the high ground.

Moody ducked back behind the large tree and swished his wand, "Expecto Patronum!"

The frenzy of spells momentarily stopped as everyone stared at Moody's patronus. Ginny stared at the silvery creature. It was an erumpent. The rhinoceros like creature turned and charged the Death Eaters, who scattered again to the sides, unwilling to test what would happen if the explosive horn hit them – corporeal or not. Ginny shook herself and then dragged Remus behind a small group of rocks.

The odd silence ended quickly as the Death Eaters regrouped and, under a flurry of multi-colored curses, charged up the hill. She tried to get as much of herself behind the rocks as possible, but knew it was only a matter of time now. She was being showered in a cloud of fine dust particles from the rock were the Death Eaters' spells were hitting it. The rock probably would not last must longer under then onslaught and the spells that missed revealed that the frustrated Death Eaters were firing more and more spells with green hues.

She could see Moody crouched low behind the large tree, which was faring even less well under the onslaught than Ginny's rock. Half of the once large tree had fallen to the ground. Somehow her father had managed to get himself and her mother behind that section of the tree. The two men would occasional shoot an aimless spell at the Death Eaters, but now that the Death Eaters had them pinned they could more effectively flank them.

"Ginny, GET OUT OF HERE!" yelled Mr. Weasley, lying on his back behind the tree trunk.

Suddenly, she felt Harry's emotions rage – he was angry, very angry. The next moment she felt her insides increase in temperature and the wards around them failed with an audible popping sound. The flurry of spells hitting her rock and racing past stopped. She edged her head above the rock to see why the Death Eaters had stopped firing. Harry?

About halfway down the hill was a large pillar of fire. The Death Eaters obviously did not know what to make with it and where fanning out so that they formed a semi-circle facing the fire. Unlike the ball of flames that formed when a phoenix flamed in or out, this pillar of fire remained for several long seconds before it started to dissipate. It took a few moments for everyone's eyes to adjust to the loss of light.

Where the pillar of flame had been now stood a man with his back to Ginny, but she would know that particular back anywhere. Pushing herself the remaining way off the ground, she began moving towards Harry, her wand clutched in her hand.

Below Harry the Death Eaters reacted as well, "It's Potter!" yelled one. "Avada…"

The Death Eater to his left pushed his wand down, "Potter is the Dark Lord's – stun him!"

The Death Eaters raised their wands in unison and yelled, "Stupefy!"

Ginny started to run to Harry, but knew she would never be able to outrun the spells, but that would not stop her from protecting him afterwards. Harry had not moved and continued to face the nearing spells. Just before the red lights of the Stunning spells hit him, he raised his right hand, but made no sound. The spells did not hit Harry, but seemed to envelop him, bathing him in a red glow. Whatever he had done, it had acted as a shield. It was not the ShieldCharm, since the spells neither rebounded nor penetrated the shield. Ginny paid no attention to the strange shield and continued rushing toward him when the soft red glow around Harry consolidated to a single red ball in front of his hand.

Harry jutted his hand forward and the red ball lurched forward, parting into a dozen smaller balls before raining down on the charging Death Eaters. They exploded like grenades, sending shrapnel of red lights in every direction. Almost every Death Eater collapsed. The few who managed to raise Shield Charms quickly enough rapidly backed down the hillside, seeking cover.

However, it was unnecessary. Small flames seemed to cover Harry's body and he collapsed, his battered body and mind exhausted, just as Ginny reached him.

The Death Eaters who had not been in the direct line of fire and had been attempting to flank Mad-Eye and Mr. Weasley, now began moving back toward their few remaining comrades, unwilling to advance, but still unwilling to retreat and face the Dark Lord's wrath.

Moody and Mr. Weasley took advantage of the lull to move towards Ginny's position over Harry. Moody and Mr. Weasley's speed was hampered though by a peg leg and Mrs. Weasley's deadweight.

"Apparate out, Arthur," Ginny heard Moody growl, but paid no attention herself. She knew that she should grab Harry and leave, but she did not want to. She wanted to hurt those that had hurt Harry and they were going to make it easy for her to do so. The Death Eaters, seeing only a petite woman standing above their quarry, rallied their courage and began moving up the hill again.

Ginny smiled grimly, "Bates Mocos!" One Death Eater toppled over backwards cursing as he tried to stop the winged bogeys. Another Death Eater shot curse at her, but like Harry had done, she only raised her left hand. The curse rebounded harmlessly off her shield. Instead of lowering her hand, she kept her arm raised and the shield stayed in place, a soft blue glow flickering around her.

She did not know how she was doing it, but she was maintaining the shield with her left hand and firing curses at the Death Eaters, who seemed reluctant to use the Avada Kedvra curse in case they hit Harry. They did try the Cruciatus Curse, however. Ginny had dodged those attempts, unsure if her shield would stand against an unforgivable, but had always returned to her protective stance above Harry. Moody and her father had joined her, flanking her sides and preventing the Death Eaters from surrounding them.

The two very tired wizards and one determined witch continued to fight the pitched battle; it looked like they had finally beaten the Death Eaters back when a series of cracks announced more arrivals. At least ten fresh Death Eaters now stood in a circle at the hill's base. In the center of the circled Death Eaters stood Lord Voldemort.

Without Voldemort saying a word the Death Eaters split into two groups. One headed for Moody, who grunted and bent his neck causing it to crack. The other group moved toward Mr. Weasley whose only response was to look grimmer. Smiling cruelly, Lord Voldemort waited a second and the started to slowly walk toward Ginny Weasley, raising his wand as he did so.

Moody and Mr. Weasley moved to use what natural cover they could. Moody found the small cropping of rocks Ginny had used to stow Remus Lupin behind, while Mr. Weasley tried to use a few small trees as cover. Ginny had no cover to hide behind and was now very ready to leave, but knew that she was not quick enough to transform and grab Harry before Voldemort reacted. Panic was rising within her, but she refused to let it show – to let the monster advancing up the hill have the satisfaction of seeing her scared.

Voldemort threw a stunning spell at her, which was easily repelled. The snakelike figure continued walking toward her, throwing curses as he did so. With each curse Ginny had to put more power behind her shield, but continued to throw her own curses, which Voldemort almost lazily batted aside.

A powerful Cutting Curse hit her shield and rocketed upward. The impact of the spell on her shield caused her arm to be pushed backwards painfully into her shoulder as if the spell had been a physical blow. Voldemort was only a few meters away now and as he drew closer Ginny realized that the twisted excuse for a human being had been playing with her.

"Give it up, you silly little girl," taunted Voldemort. "You can't stop me. Now MOVE!" commanded Voldemort. Ginny stared defiantly back, locking brown eyes with Voldemort's red ones. Her defiance enraged him, "Fine. Crucio!"

Unwilling to step aside, she tried to force as much power as she could into her shield. Briefly, very briefly, she thought the shield had held. Then the pain hit her. Her knees buckled as her nerves exploded in pain. She fell to the ground besides Harry and curled into a fetal position, her limbs jerking uncontrollably.

"Ginny!" cried Mr. Weasley, but he could not get to her as the three Death Eaters he was still facing forced him to remain where he was.

Voldemort smiled and actually sighed, "Enough of these games!" He flicked his wand up and way from Ginny; then he pointed it at Harry's unconscious body. "Accio Potter!"

"NO!" cried Ginny as Harry began floating toward Voldemort. She was not thinking of any spell. The only thought that passed through her mind was Protect Harry! as she sliced her wand in Voldemort's direction.

A burst of bright white light escaped her wand making her hair stand on end. Voldemort stepped back and raised his wand, "Protego." His eyes widened in fear for the first time as the unknown spell passed through his shield as if it was not there.

The spell hit Voldemort's left shoulder causing him to spin in a full circle before roughly falling to the ground. A faint sizzling sound could be heard and an acrid, black smoke rose from his left shoulder. Voldemort hissed in pain and pushed himself off the ground, while Ginny did the same. Only Voldemort collapsed back on the ground, his right hand holding his left shoulder. The Dark Lord immediately pushed himself up, this time with only his right hand before taking his wand in his right as well.

Ginny was breathing heavily and shakily raised her own wand, "Bates Mocos!" It was the first spell that came into her mind and the yellow light shot out at the injured Lord Voldemort.

He twisted to the side, hissing in pain as his left shoulder moved, to avoid the spell. "Time—" Voldemort stopped speaking as several loud cracks announced apparition. Voldemort's eyes narrowed, "Another time." The Dark Lord Apparated. Seeing their master leave, the remaining Death Eaters gathered up their unconscious comrades and, using portkeys, disappeared.

Ginny collapsed next to Harry and pulled his head into her lap before turning around to see who had arrived. Dumbledore stood behind her along with several others. The Headmaster's robes were torn and looked like they had been singed, but he still radiated power. She had never been happier to see him; closing her eyes and still cradling Harry's head she fainted.

Blinking wildly to remove the sleep from her eyes, Ginny looked around and massaged her aching head. She was lying in a dingy single bed in an equally dingy room. She gave a huge sigh and took a deep breath. She was back in Grimmauld Place. While Kreacher was obviously making progress transforming the house into something habitable, the house still had a dark quality about it that positively caused it to seemingly lurk – as if it had its own identity that refused to release the darkness its previous inhabitants had belonged to.

She looked over to her left. There was another single bed in the room and Harry was sleeping peacefully on it. Ginny could not help but feel irritated; she was sure her mother had something to do with it. With a determined look, she slipped out of her bed and silently walked over to Harry's bed. She gave him a nudge and he subconsciously followed her instructions by rolling over onto his side. Pulling back the covers slightly, Ginny slid beneath them and pulled the linens back up. She then nestled her head in the crook of Harry's neck and put her arm around him before smiling and falling back to sleep.

Several hours later Ginny was still asleep, but the remaining Weasleys, Remus Lupin, Mad-Eye Moody, and Albus Dumbledore were gathered in the sitting room.

Mrs. Weasley was pacing, obviously furious, and muttering. "Shield…I don't believe…Why can't Albus? How dare she! It isn't…"

Albus Dumbledore's crystal blue eyes traced the Weasley matriarch's progress across the room. Neither Molly nor Remus had been severely injured and had been quickly cured by Madam Pomfrey. Upon waking Molly Weasley had rushed to the room where her daughter and adopted son were sleeping. She never made it past the threshold. The door had opened easily enough, but she could not enter. After several attempts to remove whatever was preventing her progress, she had huffed and called the Headmaster, who had calmly assessed the situation and only stated, "It appears young Ginevra has warded the room." It had not helped to calm Mrs. Weasley.

The rest of the Weasleys found the situation rather amusing. Even Mr. Weasley, who, surprisingly, had come to terms with his daughter's relationship with Harry faster than his wife, watched his wife with concealed amusement.

"How did your fight go?" grunted Moody, while at the same time dabbing his left arm with gauze. He had refused to allow Madam Pomfrey to heal him.

Dumbledore tore his gaze away from Mrs. Weasley, "Hard. Three giants attacked Kent. With the Aurors helping it should have been easy, but then dementors arrived." Dumbledore did not explain further, but spread his hands out, palms up.

Moody nodded and his one normal eye gained a faraway look. "Bloody giants. Stupid fascination with fire…" he said mostly to himself. The old Auror shook himself, "So, the dementors have left Azkaban? Is the prison secure?"

It was Dumbledore's turn to nod, "Yes, for now it is. However, I fear it is only a matter of time before they start breeding."

Molly Weasley stopped pacing and paled, "Breeding?" Her voice was practically a squeak. A shiver ran through the assembled Order members.

Bill looked at his mother and decided to move the topic away from dementors, "I can't believe Ginny – she looked incredibly fierce when we arrived, like a mother bear protecting her cubs!" Everyone nodded.

"No, more like a wounded mate," growled Moody. Lupin and Dumbledore gave discreet coughs as the Weasleys traded uncomfortable glances.

"William," Bill jumped at being addressed by Dumbledore using his first name. "You requested that a Miss Fleur Delacour be admitted to the Order of the Phoenix. I remember her well from the Tri-Wizard Tournament, a very vivacious girl. May I ask why?"

Bill narrowed his eyes at his former professor and then worriedly glanced at his mother. "Er…yes. She's well placed at Gringotts and the goblins seem to respect her – I think she could be a valuable asset," he said silently cursing at himself, his words sounded far too stiff and rehearsed.

Dumbledore's eyes twinkled brightly and Bill knew he was going to be pressed further, "Is there no other reason?"

Bill uncharacteristically squirmed in his seat as all eyes turned to him curious. Unlike the others, Mrs. Weasley's eyes were narrowed in suspicion and with each passing second became more suspicious. He looked to his father for support, but found only sympathetic amusement. "I don't want to keep any secrets from her," he mumbled.

Dumbledore's beard twitched, Lupin grinned unabashedly guessing where this was going, Mrs. Weasley's expression grew intense, and Mr. Weasley closed his eyes and heaved a great breath as he tried to prevent from laughing at his son's predicament.

"And why is that Mr. Weasley?" prodded Dumbledore.

Bill looked at the floor and thought, Why, oh why did I have to be the first?

Almost inaudibly he said, "I'm going to ask her to marry me."

Mrs. Weasley gasped and then flushed before launching herself at her oldest son. She wrapped him in a tight hug, "Oh Bill! I'm so happy! Why didn't you tell us? When are you going to do it? Do you have a ring?" Bill was slowly turning purple.

The men snickered, but Mrs. Weasley paid them no attention as she finally let go of Bill, who gasped for air greedily. She grabbed his hand and forcibly pulled him out of the chair, and then dragged him into the kitchen, "How big of a wedding do you want?"

A flesh colored cord quickly disappeared from underneath the opposite door. From the other side of door three redheads exchanged amused looks. Each had barely stopped themselves from laughing loudly and had been forced to settle for laughing silently. Finally, faces matching their hair, the three regained their composure.

"I must say, I didn't think anything would distract mum from Harry and Ginny…" started Fred

"But that certainly did," finished George.

Ron froze as the twins' words settled on him. Harry and Ginny. Harry and Ginny alone in the same bed; unsupervised. "Maybe we should check on them," he suggested.

The twins gave him maddened looks.

"Are you nuts?" queried George.

Ron scrunched his forehead, "What are you going off about?"

Fred shook his head and put his arm around the youngest male Weasley, "Ron, Ron, Ron. Don't you understand little Ronnikens? Ginny warded the room."

Ron blinked, nonplussed.

"Ginny doesn't want to be disturbed," supplied George, throwing his arm around Ron's shoulders too so that the younger, but taller boy slumped under the weight; he was now eye level with the shorter twins.

When Ron still looked baffled the twins, with pitying expressions, forced him to sit on the floor so that they could look down at him. "Ron, consider this a favor."

"It means you owe us BIG," interrupted Fred.

"You do indeed," agreed George.

"Now think about this: Harry and Ginny are okay. Ginny and Harry are soul bonded. Harry was just rescued from You-Know-Who. Ginny fought You-Know-Who. Ginny moved into Harry's bed." Ron frowned at the last one. Fred shook his head and looked at his twin.

"I'll take the rest of it. Think really hard Ron," Ron's ears were beginning to redden, but George did not allow him time to speak. "Ginny warded the room. What does this tell you about Ginny's feelings about us just bursting in…assuming we can actually get through her ward?"

Ron opened his mouth to retort that he did not care what Ginny felt when his brain put together what the twins had said. "Ginny would kill us," he said quietly. Two identical grins greeted his statement. Ron huffed though, "I don't get it – how can you two just…just…just…"

"Yes, Ronnie?"

"Cat got your tongue?"

"No that would be Hermione?"

"Don't be ridiculous, Fred. He wishes Hermione had his tongue."

Ron, now positively glowing red, tried his best to ignore the Fred and George's comments, knowing they would only tease him worse. "How can you two be so calm about Harry and Ginny being together?" He put emphasis on the last word, trying to say that he did not mind Harry and Ginny being together, so long as they were not together.

"Are you saying you didn't see this coming?" asked George deadpanned.

"Yeah, they've only been attached at the hip since they met," contributed Fred sarcastically.

George looked at Ron and shrugged, "Besides, they are married and I know Mum has given Ginny The Talk." Fred nodded, backing up his brother.

Derailed from his original point, Ron asked, "How do you know that?"

Both twins rolled their eyes in exasperation, "It doesn't matter how we know. Now let's talk about you and Hermione."

Ron frowned, threw his brothers a dirty look, and stalked off.

George turned to his grinning brother, "Touchy on that subject, isn't he?"

Still grinning, Fred replied, "Yes. Can't wait to find out how touchy Hermione is on the subject." George joined his brother's wicked grin.

Ginny woke up and found their positions had changed. Harry was lying on his back again and she was mostly draped over him. She rolled onto her side and rested her head on her hand so that she could look at him. He showed no signs of waking, but she knew he was only resting. Whatever he had done, it had taken a lot out of him.

He looked so peaceful lying there. She gazed at him for another minute and then gently ran a hand over his brow, guiding his bangs off his forehead. The past few days had been a very long nightmare for her. Looking down at him she vowed that no one would ever harm him again. He was hers. She was so relieved that he was okay and safe again that she had even lost her anger at Dumbledore for advising Harry to return to the Dursleys.

Harry smiled in his sleep and Ginny slowly lowered her head and kissed his forehead before slipping out of the bed. After using the loo, her stomach rumbled and she walked downstairs into the kitchen. She pushed the kitchen door open, revealing Professor Dumbledore sitting at kitchen table with Remus Lupin and her father.

"Oh. Hello, professor," she said surprised to find him in the house.

Dumbledore smiled at her, "We were just discussing when it would be best to move you and Harry to Potter Manor. I have the spell ready, but we must wait until Harry is well."

"Do you want something to eat?" asked Mr. Weasley moving to get up.

"I'll find something – don't worry about it," Ginny said as she pushed her father back down into his chair. He still looked exhausted from the past few days; she also thought that he was probably not taking Percy's death well. Percy's funeral had provided little closure and it had proven to be a small and quick affair as Harry had been missing. "Harry will want to move to the Manor as soon as possible."

"When he wakes we can begin the final preparations then," answered Dumbledore.

Remus looked up from his cup of tea, "How is he doing?"

"He's sleeping – he's very tired," Ginny said as she poured her own cup and then started to open the cupboards looking for food. "Any word about Sirius?" She knew Harry would want to know when he woke up.

Remus gripped his cup tighter and lowered his head.

Dumbledore responded, "His wounds are healing nicely, but the Ministry is being obstinate. Fudge wants to prove he's doing something. He thinks if he can hold Sirius he might be able to remain Minister."

"After Kent and all those Muggles dead? He's mad!" exclaimed Mr. Weasley. Ginny stopped fiddling with the dishes; she had heard very little about what had happened in Kent.

"I share your assessment and with the dementors abandoning Azkaban I don't see how he can hope to remain Minister," admitted Dumbledore.

Ginny moved her bowl of cereal she was having for dinner to the table, grateful her mum was nowhere in sight. She looked around and decided they should leave the depressive atmosphere of Grimmauld Place as soon as possible. She turned to Dumbledore. "Harry will be ready tomorrow," the conviction in her voice left no doubt.

"Very good. Then I will leave to make the final preparations," Dumbledore said as he stood.

After Dumbledore had left and Ginny was halfway through her cereal, she began to wonder where her mother was. "Where's mum?"

Remus gave a small laugh and her father smiled at her question, "She's with Bill."

She looked at Remus, who was still snickering, and then at her father, "What's so funny?"

This time her father chuckled, "Bill is going to propose to Fleur and he just told your mother."

Ginny's eyes widened and sparkled with mischief, "So, what are they doing?"

Mr. Weasley chuckled again, "I believe you mother is having him describe exactly how he plans on proposing." This time Ginny did laugh. Mr. Weasley looked up at the clock and sighed, "I suppose it is time for me to rescue him now; try not to torture him too much – at least until after he proposes."

Mr. Weasley walked out of the room and Ginny glanced at Remus. Their eyes locked and they both burst into laughter. After their laughter subsided Remus looked up and shook his head, "Remind me that if I ever propose to tell Molly after I do it."

Ginny grinned wickedly remembering how close the former professor had sat next to a certain Auror last Christmas, "And who would you propose to?"

Remus blushed deeply, "Well…um…I was just saying that if I propose then warn me."

Smiling sweetly Ginny nodded, "I'll remember that."

Remus grumbled something unintelligible.

"What was that?" she prodded.

"Do you realize how unfair it is that we can't tease you and Harry – it's supposed to be a rite of passage. You have no idea how much we teased James." Remus paused a few moments, "We need to get Sirius out."

Turning serious, Ginny answered, "Actually, Harry had an idea that might help with that—"

"What is it?" interrupted Remus.

"Rita Skeeter. Harry could give an interview."

Remus frowned, "I don't know. I know she did the other interview with Harry, but that woman is not nice."

"It doesn't matter. Hermione has information that she doesn't want out."

Remus cocked an eyebrow. "Blackmail?" his tone was not accusatory, but interested.

"She's an unregistered animagus," explained Ginny.

Remus smiled, "That is good."

Harry woke to a pleasant, soft weight on his lips. He opened his eyes only to find Ginny's brown eyes a few inches from his own. He felt her smile into his lips.

"Good morning," she said softly.

He pulled his arms out from beneath the covers and wrapped them around her waist, forcing her to come closer. She did not resist.

"I've missed you," he choked out.

She placed her hands on his chest and pushed away so that she was looking directly into his emerald green eyes. "Harry, I'm only going to say this once so you better listen." He nodded a little worried by the emotions he was sensing. "Good." Her voice dropped to barely a whisper, but it was far more effective than yelling, "Don't you ever do that again!"

Harry smiled at her weakly and then said, "I love you too," before kissing her.

Ginny sat up, but still remained on top of him. "Now, get up, go to the loo and cleanup, then come downstairs – we're leaving for the Manor as soon as possible."

"I kind of like this position though," protested Harry his smile turning into a smug grin.

Ginny wiggled and smiled at him and then said suggestively, "I know you do. Now get up." Ginny did not give him any time to protest before she stood and walked out of the room.

Harry sighed and decided he would take a cold shower.

Fifteen minutes later he was downstairs looking at the wall where Mrs. Black's portrait had been. He was still a little tired despite his exorbitant amount of sleep. He supposed he was rebuilding his magical reserves or something. Not far from it was a large tapestry. Harry leaned in to get a better look at the tapestry while he waited for everyone else to get ready. It was a family tree. Across the top of the tapestry was written, "The Ancient and Most Noble House of Black."

There were a lot of names and it looked like the Black House went back at least several hundred years. He followed the several branches until he stopped at one. Narcissa Black was linked by a line, bolded on both sides by golden thread, to Lucius Malfoy. Harry frowned at the realization that Sirius was related to the Malfoy's, but figured that considering Sirius' mother it really did not surprise him. His eyes moved further down. Where Sirius' name should have been there was only a scorch mark, but there was another branch to Regulus A. Black.

Sirius has a brother?

Ginny sent back a mental shrug and he looked closer and noticed that Regulus had died in 1980. He wondered how Sirius' younger brother had died, which led him to Sirius. Ginny had filled him in on the situation and he had decided to contact Rita Skeeter as soon as Potter Manor was under the Fidelius Charm. Fudge would rue the day he refused to let Sirius go. Harry was furious at the man as he was unable to understand how Fudge could not know the truth now. There had been ample time to interrogate the Death Eaters captured at the Ministry.

Harry felt Ginny become irritated as she tried to lift her trunk; it was far too heavy for her.

I'll come up and get it, offered Harry.

NO! I'll do it, retorted Ginny, her stubborn side rearing.

Harry kept quite and waited to see what Ginny would do. A couple of minutes passed and it became clear that she was not going to be able to lift the heavy trunk. He heard her mutter, "Bollocks!" when her emotions changed. She had changed into a phoenix.

A moment and a fireball later, a phoenix with a rather haughty look was standing on top of Ginny's trunk next to Harry.

Harry tried to restrain a smile, but could not. The smile turned into a laugh as Ginny showed her back to him in much the same manner as Hedwig did when she was irritated with him.

Laugh it up!

I will, replied Harry, no longer even trying to restrain his laughter.

Dumbledore chose that moment to walk in. He surveyed the situation before speaking, his eyes twinkling. "May I inquire as to what is so humorous?"

"Ginny was having a little trouble with her trunk," was all Harry said.

Dumbledore smiled making his beard twitch. He was extremely relieved to see Harry joking around; it appeared he was no worse for wear after his harrowing experience. Looking at the phoenix, Dumbledore made an educated guess as to why.

"If you are both ready, then we can leave immediately," said Dumbledore.

Ginny's talons gripped the trunk before she and it disappeared in a ball of flame.

Changing into a phoenix Harry flew to his own trunk. After grasping it, he flapped his wings so that he rose into the air before he extended a tail feather to Dumbledore. Soon, they too were gone.

Harry stumbled as he transformed back into himself. Ginny's arm caught him before he was able to loose his balance. "I've got you," she said as she guided him into one of the plush armchairs of the Welcoming Den.

Two small pops announced the arrival of Corfy and Dinny. "How may we serve?" asked Corfy his eyes examining Harry with worry.

"Don't worry about Harry. He just needs to rest for a moment," answered Dumbledore as Ginny continued to focus on Harry. "What we need you to do is place these four stones," Dumbledore reached into his robes and revealed four highly polished black stones, "at the four corners of the property."

Corfy and Dinny took the stones, but did not immediately leave to do as Dumbledore bid. Instead, they looked at Ginny, awaiting her confirmation. Only when she nodded did they leave.

"Bonny!" she called. The house elf appeared a moment later. "Please, could you get a cup of tea for Harry?"

"Of course, Mistress Ginny," replied the house elf.

The elf appeared a moment later with a steaming cup of tea, which Harry gratefully accepted. He was surprised at his weakness and felt a little embarrassed about it. Ginny swatted him on the shoulder, evidently picking up on his embarrassment.

You were tortured for three days, had Voldemort trying to get into your head, and then you fought his Death Eaters…hmmm…let's see…there might be a good reason to feel just a little tired!

Harry was about to respond when Corfy and Dinny returned, "The rocks are at the four corners of the property, sir."

Dumbledore nodded, "Very good. Harry, Ginny, sit close together."

The two did as they were told; Ginny squeezing into the chair besides Harry. Dumbledore then began an incantation that was not in English or any other immediately recognizable language. He continued for several minutes. Then he added complicated wand movements in the direction of each of the four corners of the property. A few more minutes passed before Dumbledore trained his wand on Harry and Ginny and made a strange motion with it before intoning, "Ocultan Arcano!"

Their vision wavered for a moment, as if they were looking through old glass, but soon righted itself.

"Is that it?" asked Harry hesitantly.

Dumbledore smiled tiredly, "Yes. Only the three of us now know where Potter Manor is located. You two are the Secret Keepers; you must be very careful in your discussions now – you do not want to inadvertently inform someone of the Manor's location.

"How do you know where it is?" asked Ginny.

"I cast the spell so the secret could not be kept from me, but I cannot reveal it," explained Dumbledore. "May I suggest that we collect your family? One of you will need to come to reveal the Manor's location." Dumbledore paused and furrowed his brow in thought, "Perhaps it would be better if you wrote down the location of the Manor on a slip of parchment." He waved his wand, conjuring a piece of parchment and a quill. "I will return to Grimmauld Place and collect them and we will portkey near the front gate. One of you should meet us there – I do not believe the gate will respond to me. Who do you wish to come?"

"My family of course, Lupin, and Tonks if she's around," Ginny said and quickly scribbled the Manor's location on the parchment and handed it to Dumbledore.

After Dumbledore left she focused her attention on Harry. "Let's get you up to bed – don't you even think about protesting," she said cutting Harry off before he even had a chance to think about grumbling. He settled for an exasperated glare, but knew she was right. He was tired.

After putting Harry to bed and instructing Corfy to ensure he stayed there, Ginny flamed to the edge of the Manor's property and perched on top of the gate.

She did not have to wait long. Dumbledore had apparently decided against using a portkey as Fawkes was ferrying the Weasley family over. The very last people to arrive were Dumbledore, Tonks, and Lupin.

They were all looking around at the wooded area with interest, but their eyes kept skipping over the gate on which Ginny remained perched.

"Circle around," commanded Dumbledore as he removed the piece of parchment Ginny had given him. A moment later they were all staring at the gate and Dumbledore had burned the parchment.

Ginny hopped off the gate and transform in mid-leap so that she landed on her feat. Everyone quickly crowded around her, but had said nothing so far. Ginny was not sure how to open the gates. There was no latch or other obvious locking mechanism. She turned to Dumbledore with a questioning look.

"Just walk towards them; they will recognize you," he advised.

Ginny did so and the double gate creaked, sending dust up from its hinges. It had not opened in some time. The others followed her through and the gates closed obediently behind them with a soft clang. Although they all had been to the Manor last Christmas, it was very different now that it was not snow covered.

"Charlie really has to see this place," commented Bill in awe as he squinted to make out the barely visible hoops of the quidditch pitch.

Everyone laughed at his statement and Dumbledore added, "Many of Harry's ancestors loved the sport."

"I've never seen it from the front – it looks like a castle!" exclaimed Ron.

"When were you here?" asked a suspicious Mrs. Weasley forcing Ron to take several steps backwards in his nervousness. As far as she knew Ron had never actually gone outside when he was last at the Manor.

"Don't worry, Molly. Sirius and I supervised them the entire time," assured Remus. Mrs. Weasley looked anything but assured.

"The reason it looks like a castle is that is what it started out as," commented Remus with a faraway look in his eyes. "All that remains of the original construction is the castle's keep, which is the center of Potter Manor – there, you can make out the different stonework now," he said as he pointed toward the Manor's center. "I'm not sure how old the Manor is exactly or how long the land has been in the Potters' hands, but it is several hundred years old."

Harry spent the rest of the day and half the next in bed despite the fact he had been ready to get up that morning. Corfy, who had been instructed by Ginny to ensure he remained in bed, had also instructed the other house elves to prevent Harry from wandering. He had spent half the morning trying to convince them that he felt fine. It was not until lunchtime that Ginny took pity on him and informed the elves he was allowed to get up.

After a large lunch, he went into one of the Manor's many studies (he could have used the one in the Master Bedroom, but he was staying as far away from that room as he could out of fear he might be restricted to it again). He sat down at the desk and removed parchment and quill from the left drawer.

Ginny was sitting on the couch next to the desk watching him with Fawkes perched above her. The phoenix had remained even after Dumbledore had left, although the professor had said he would return shortly.

How do you think I should word this?

Simple and to the point. I can't see Rita not wanting to print something scandalous.

Harry nodded and started to write; Ginny was right, Rita would love to write this story. As he finished the letter and sealed the envelope he heaved a great sigh, relieved to find that he was not tired in the least.

"Why was I so tired?" he asked rhetorically.

Ginny gave him a small smile, but did not answer.

It surprised both of them when Fawkes trilled an answer. The phoenix had been very quiet since his arrival, seemingly content to simply observe the Manor's inhabitants.

"You burned, young one," it was not much of an answer, but the phoenix seemed to think it was enough.

"I died?" asked Harry in shock.

"No, but something…similar." Fawkes ruffled his feathers, but smoothed them before continuing, "You depleted your magic when you flamed to your mate and then fought the dark ones. You should not have been able to do that."

"Does that mean I can flame without transforming?" pressed Harry. It would be marvelous if he had that ability and he wanted to know more as neither he nor Ginny had been sure of what had happened.

Fawkes gave a trill that could only be translated as laughter, "You could try. There are some things…some powers that can only be…accessed under great stress. Be grateful you were able to flame, not that you may not be able to do so later."

"Are you saying that Harry should not have been able to flame?" asked Ginny.

Cocking his head, Fawkes considered, "You both are phoenixes, but you are also human. There are limits to what your human bodies can absorb."

"What happened with the dementor?" asked Harry.

Again Fawkes considered his words carefully, "Some creatures are innately evil. A basilisk is an example." Fawkes' feathers ruffled, "A dementor is beyond simple evil – it is the embodiment of all things evil. They are foul creatures."

"But what happened? Is that dementor dead?" Harry asked clarifying his question.

"If the dementor had known you were part phoenix, it would not have dared approach you." Harry sighed at the non-answer and Fawkes took notice. "These are matters that will be of no consequence to you. Your battle is with a dark lord, not the dementors – that duty belongs to others. Come, enjoy your time with your mate and friends."

For the rest of the day they took Fawkes' advice. Bill, Remus, Tonks, and the twins were all easily convinced to join Ron and them in a game of quidditch. As soon as dinner was over, however, everyone went in their separate directions. Remus and Tonks disappeared first, no one missed the fact that the two had disappeared at nearly the same time. Ron had said he was going to do some studying in the library. The statement was so out of character for the youngest male Weasley that even the twins forgot to tease him. Harry suspected that Ron was working on something; Ginny thought it was probably something meant to impress Hermione. The twins had disappeared into the potions lab in the basement.

Harry and Ginny were left alone. Ginny had then looked around and with a coy expression led Harry by the hand back up the stairs to the Master Bedroom. He would have complained at the thought of going to bed early, but something in Ginny's clouded thoughts, and she was keeping them as clouded as possible, made him eager to follow.

Down on the first floor, Mr. Weasley, Mrs. Weasley, Bill, and a newly reappeared Remus and Tonks were sitting around the fire.

"It was good seeing them having fun," commented Mr. Weasley.

"The three of them are magnificent quidditch players – Ron's much better than I originally gave him credit for," added Bill.

"Are you going to let me heal your knee, Tonks?" asked Mrs. Weasley wand already drawn.

Tonks sighed in resignation, "Fine."

"How you can scrape your knee in the air I'll never know," muttered Mrs. Weasley as she healed the cut.

Tonks looked mortified at the comment, "I'll have you know that I'm very graceful when I'm flying!" Then she said, lower, "I tripped when I landed."

Amused silence followed her statement and Tonks gave Remus a glare that clearly said, "Laugh and you're dead."

Finally, Mr. Wealsey broke the silence, "Has anyone seen Fawkes this evening?"

"I think he's gone to join Dumbledore," guessed Remus. "He was with Harry and Ginny for a little while, but I haven't seen him since." Tonks shrugged to show she did not know.

"I can't believe Ron is being so studious! I'm so proud of him!" said Mrs. Weasley changing the subject.

"Hermione must finally be rubbing off on him," added a smiling Remus.

"Their O.W.L. scores should be back soon, right? Then we'll find out how much she has rubbed off on him." said Bill.

"Yes, in a week or two," answered Mrs. Weasley. "It should be about the same time Hermione joins us. Ron mentioned something about studying with her."

"I'm sure all of their O.W.L. scores will reflect that," noted Mr. Weasley. "It should be interesting to see how Harry and Ginny did."

"Yes," agreed Mrs. Weasley before becoming thoughtful. "Where are they anyway?"

"I think I saw them heading upstairs. Harry seems fully recovered today. Why?" asked Tonks.

"I think I'll just go check on them," Mrs. Weasley said as she rose and left the room.

Mrs. Weasley had just reached the hallway outside the Master Bedroom and was about to knock on the door when a soft pop startled her.

Corfy was standing in front of the door. "May I help you, ma'am?"

"I was just going to check on the children," she stated, annoyed that the house elf was delaying her.

Corfy did not move. "Master Potter and Mistress Ginny are fine."

Mrs. Weasley frowned at the pronouncement and now had the distinct impression the little elf was delaying her on purpose. "I would just like to peak in on them…"

"Master and Mistress Potter desire their privacy tonight," countered Corfy. Mrs. Weasley's eyes went bug-eyed for a moment before Corfy spoke again. "Perhaps you would like a cup of tea and a biscuit?"

Mrs. Weasley peered at the elf a few seconds, "That sounds good."

Corfy began walking toward the stairs and Mrs. Weasley lunged toward the door. The house elf stopped, but did not turn around.

"Ouch!" yelped Mrs. Weasley as soon as her hand closed around the doorknob. She immediately released the offending object, "It shocked me!"

Corfy still did not turn, "It would not be wise to try to intrude upon the Master and Mistress tonight. What type of biscuit would you like?"

Harry deepened the kiss as his left hand buried itself deeper into Ginny's long hair. His other hand settled on her lower back and he pulled her closer to him before allowing it to roam downward.

One of Ginny's small hands was frantically unbuttoning his shirt; the other was playing with the hair at the nape of his neck. When she finished unbuttoning his shirt she pushed away from him and then put both of her hands on his bare chest. Her eyes held a wild, lustful gleam. She pushed him backwards so that his knees impacted the bed and he fell onto it. Her shirt too was fully unbuttoned revealing her bra covered chest. He could not remember unbuttoning it.

She straddled his pelvis, her hands still on his chest; he then grabbed her shoulders and rolled them over so that he was now in control. At first he just kissed her mouth, but moved to her neck, to the spot just below her ear that he knew she liked. She moaned in response and then nipped his neck and then sucked on his earlobe causing him to groan. Her hands grabbed his buttocks, forcing him closer to her.

Somehow she moved to her right, forcing him to follow her so that she was now back on top. Grinning wickedly and in obvious enjoyment she said huskily, "We have too many clothes on."

Far away, in a dark room, and surrounded by his Death Eaters, Lord Voldemort, his shoulder still blackened, suddenly reached up, clutched his forehead, and collapsed screaming. Only one word escaped his hisses and screams of pain, "Potter."