I have certainly appreciated all the wonderful comments as we draw closer to the final battle. In this chapter, Harry learns more about his family. This was taken completely from JKR and Pottemore, in just released info. FYI the Deathly Hallows wont play a huge role in this story, although they will be mentioned.

November came in with a steady burst of snow. Harry and Ginny joined Charlie one night in his cabin, and to their delight, Bill and Fleur were there too. They had decided to visit Charlie unexpectedly to tell him they were engaged. The evening turned into an impromptu engagement and birthday celebration for Bill. Fleur asked Ginny if she would be her bridesmaid when the time came, along with her younger sister Gabrielle. Ginny happily agreed.

Bill was interested in the advanced defense lessons they were having. Charlie had joined Sirius and Remus to demonstrate some defensive moves he used while working with dragons. Emmy had also joined them for the last lesson, as Tonks was unwell. Things were obviously going well with her and Sirius, which, she told Ginny, "she had her to thank for." Ginny hugged her and told her she was glad she made Sirius happy.

While Fleur brought Charlie and Harry up to date on the Order of the Phoenix, Bill spoke to Ginny about her idea to make curse-breaking her career. Harry ended up listening more to that than the other, having already been briefed by Sirius last time they spoke. Harry had to admit, curse-breaking sounded like something he could do with Ginny. Bill seemed to think he could set them both up with apprenticeships, and that they could work as a team once they qualified. Harry's defensive strengths were matched well with Ginny's knowledge of Runes and Charms. Bill foresaw a great future for them.

Things were getting grim in the world outside Hogwarts. Families were disappearing; the Dark Mark was seen flying over houses. Voldemort was said to have infiltrated the Ministry. Kingsley Shacklebolt, their most trusted Auror close to the new Minister for Magic, was now mostly involved in guarding the Muggle Prime Minister, so he wasn't able to tell them what was going on back at the Ministry. Ginny was worried for her brother Percy. After the fiasco with Barty Crouch and the Tri-Wizard Tournament, he was ass kissing his way back up the Ministry ladder.

Back at Hogwarts, the closer it got to Christmas the worse things got at school. Several students had been pulled aside by their Head of House, to be told their family had been attacked, or was missing, or worse, killed. Harry's scar started prickling again, but he told no-one. There had been no sightings of Voldemort, and word was, he was out of the country.

Goyle and Crabbe seemed to be uncaring of any sort of authority. In the few classes Gryffindor shared with Slytherin, they mostly sat in the corner, whispering and plotting. They barely seemed to do any work. Snape constantly berated them, but now they sneered back at him, earning them detentions. It didn't seem to phase them; nothing did. It was like they were uncontrollable and had nothing to lose.

They roughed up younger students simply for fun. If someone looked at them the wrong way, or sat in their 'supposed' seat, chances are that sometime that day, Crabbe and Goyle would pounce on them and beat them up. None of them alerted the teachers, having been threatened. The teachers knew what was going on, but unless they were caught red-handed, or someone complained, there was nothing they could do. Ginny advised them to walk together in packs; to never be alone. She tried to look out for them herself, but she was running ragged herself, what with studying and her precious time with Harry.

Draco was another who didn't seem to care about his grades. He sat in his lessons, books opened, staring unseeing out the window. Harry was keeping a close eye on him, through the Marauder's Map. He'd seen Malfoy's dot on the map quite often, near the Room of Requirement. He wondered what he could be doing there. What could Draco need from the Room of Requirement?

Their advanced defensive lessons continued. Bill and Fleur joined them. Some of the boys flushed at the pretty Veela, so it was decided she would work with the younger girls, while Bill worked with the young boys. Remus and Sirius were taking the middle school, while Emmy was taking the older students, with Harry's help. Emmy was standing in for Tonks again, who was working on something for the Order.

The numbers continued to decline, but there was still a strong group left. Some of Ginny's year just felt it took too much time away from their OWL study time, and while Ginny hated it, she could understand. She helped Remus and Bill with the younger students, while learning from Emmy and Harry with the older students.

To her delight, she was finally able to produce a full corporeal Patronus. Hermione was one of the first, a cheeky otter. Luna surprised everyone with her hare, and Cho's graceful swan was much admired. Seamus and Dean were still trying, and Ron finally got his, a terrier.

Ginny had been watching Harry as he helped Susan and Tracey with theirs. Ginny saw them eye her wizard appreciatively as he walked away. Harry looked over to her and winked, and she blushed when she realised she had been sprung watching him. He just didn't get how attractive he was, in body and mind. And he was all hers!

"Expecto Patronum!" she called. Faster than ever before, her full Patronus burst out of her wand. The size surprised everyone. Her horse Patronus cantered around, before walking over to Harry to let him pat his snout. Everyone stared in wonder, then smiled proudly at Ginny. That was the good thing about the group, they were all supportive of each other, and happy to help when one was struggling. Ginny's determination was well-known, and her inability to produce a full Patronus had surprised many.

"Good one, Gin," cried Emmy. Sirius patted her shoulder proudly, and Remus beamed. They all knew how much Ginny had wanted to do it.

Harry hugged her tight. "You did it, baby. Well done." He lifted her up and twirled her around before kissing her. "I'm so proud of you."

Bill, Charlie and Fleur congratulated her too. "I don't know why it took me so long. I have heaps of good memories to use," she complained happily to Fleur and Emmy.

"Which one did you use this time?" asked Fleur.

"I just thought how hot Harry was looking, and I remembered that he loved me, and I loved him, and well, there it was," shrugged Ginny. Fleur and Emmy laughed, shaking their heads when Bill and Harry asked them what was so funny. Harry had the feeling it was to do with him. Ginny just smiled mischievously at him and kissed him.

They all went downstairs for tea. Bill and Fleur had to go, and Charlie was checking up on an ill unicorn in the Forbidden Forest. Sirius, Emmy and Remus made their way to the familiar table that was getting bigger and bigger. Neville and Luna were already there when Harry and Ginny joined them all.

"So Remus, how's Tonks? I miss seeing her," said Ginny.

"She's good, away at the moment. She hopes to be here for the next lesson, which will probably be the last one for the year," said Remus.

Rose Zellor walked past, smiling broadly at them all. She had touched all their hearts with what had happened to her family, and her determination to do well in their classes had not gone unnoticed.

"Well done today, Rose,"said Emmy.

Rose stopped by their table. "Thank you. You're really good teachers. I'm going to practice heaps, even over the Christmas break."

"Will your relatives let you?" asked Harry, remembering her aunt was a Squib.

Rose shrugged. "They don't want me to come home for Christmas. I'm staying here, so I'll have plenty of time to practice."

Everyone could see that she was upset with her Muggle relatives. "It's all right Rose. I'm staying at the castle for the holidays, and so is Luna, aren't you?" asked Neville.

Luna nodded, smiling at the younger girl. "You can help me with the Nargles. They love mistletoe, you know. It's their breeding season."

"Why don't you come and sit with us?" asked Sirius.

"Are you sure?" asked Rose. "I don't want to interrupt your family time."

Harry laughed. "Sure. We're just a bunch of orphans, outcasts and oddballs."

"I'm an orphan too," said Rose, sliding into a seat between Harry and Emmy.

"Then you fit right in. Welcome to our table, Rose," said Sirius.

"Welcome to the United Nations of Hogwarts, little sister," giggled Luna.

"Were you really going to be staying at Hogwarts over Christmas?" Ginny asked Neville quietly.

"You could come to Grimmauld Place with us? Maybe Rose could come too?"

Neville shrugged. "I was going to go home, but when Hannah and Luna said they'd be staying here, well, I was already thinking of sticking around. Gran won't mind, I dare say. Now I can help Rose to practice, and maybe others who stay."

"You're a good man, Neville Longbottom. So, is it the lovely Luna or the delightful Hannah that is putting a smile on your face these days?" teased Ginny.

"I don't know what you mean, Gin," said Neville, blushing.

Ginny just laughed and turned her attention back to Harry and the rest of the table. Neville glanced over to the Hufflepuff table. Hannah looked up and smiled at him, and he smiled back.

"Yes, lots of Nargles around," said Luna, with a knowing look at Neville.

Harry made his way to Dumbledore's office slowly. He had seen Draco's dot appear on the Marauder's Map and would have loved to just grab his Invisibilty cloak and go up there, see if he could get in and see what Malfoy was up to. "Candy Canes," he said, giving the festive password. The Griffin door opened, and he made his way up.

He knocked and entered, when he heard Dumbledore call out, "Come in." His headmaster stood looking out a window that overlooked the grounds. He stroked Fawkes, who was crooning. Harry came in and waited, but Dumbledore seemed in no hurry. Harry cleared his throat and Dumbledore finally turned to face him.

"Ah Harry. How are you this evening? How did your last lesson with Professor Slughorn go?" he asked.

"Good," said Harry, smiling. He fingered the small vial of Felix Felices in his pocket, given to the one who brewed the best Amortentia that lesson.

"Yes. Amazing the difference a professor can make in one class, isn't it? Professor Snape has been astounded at the turn around in your grades," said Dumbledore, his eyes twinkling.

"Astounded, sir?" queried Harry with a smile.

Dumbledore nodded. "That was one word used, I can assure you."

"I can imagine the others," grinned Harry.

Dumbledore walked back to his desk and sat down. He eyed Harry over his glasses. "I believe you met my brother recently."

Harry nodded, suddenly wary. He said nothing.

"What did you think of him?" asked Dumbledore curiously.

Harry shrugged. "When he said he was your brother, I could see the resemblance. He's a lot different to you."

"Yes. He would agree with you," he said, in a mocking way.

Harry suddenly felt like sticking up for Abe Dumbledore. Abe had reminded him a bit of Ron. Admiring, but jealous of an older, supposedly better brother/s. Of course, all that had been in Ron's mind, but still. "He defended you. Said he always knew you were meant for more."

Dumbledore sighed. "I was thirsty for knowledge. Greedy to know more. Magic consumed me. When I met Gellert, his knowledge and magic matched mine. Together, we thought we could do great things for the wizarding world. I loved him and trusted him."

Harry's gaze remained on Dumbledore's. "You don't look shocked, Harry."

Harry shook his head. "We can't help who we love. It's something to be treasured, not shamed."

Dumbledore smiled sadly. "You are wise beyond your years, my young friend. I always hoped for a son to pass on my knowledge to. When I admitted my feelings for Gellert, and he returned them, I soon realised it was not meant to be. You have come closest to me, in that regard."

Harry bowed his head slightly in respect, but said nothing. Dumbledore sighed. "With the festive season upon us, it brings home the importance of family. It seems as though you have made a family of your own, even among our students."

Harry smiled easily, for the first time that night. "Oddballs, outcasts and orphans, that's us."

Dumbledore smiled. "I thank you for taking young Rose Zellor under your wing."

Harry nodded.

"Harry, I would like to take you out of the school tonight. I'd like to give you- a gift, you may call it. I'd like to tell you about your family."

"Where are we going?" asked Harry.

"Godric's Hollow," said Dumbledore. "Do you have your cloak? It's better to be safe than sorry. Go and get it, I'll meet you on top of the Astronomy Tower in ten minutes."

"Yes, sir," said Harry. He got up and hurried out. He hoped Neville was in Gryffindor Tower, so he could tell him what was going on and let Ginny know he was out of the castle.

He was in luck. Neville was in their dorm and Harry quickly filled him in as he dug through his trunk for his cloak. Neville promised to go to the library to let Ginny know, and told Harry to be safe. They left Gryffindor Tower together, then parted ways.

He found Dumbledore easily. "Ready, sir. How are we getting there?"

Dumbledore smiled. "I know you can Apparate alone, but if you take my arm, we can apparate out of the castle. Some people may say it's impossible, but, sometimes, it's good to be me."

Harry placed his hand on Dumbledore's forearm. He felt the familiar sensation of Apparition, not really one he liked. He much preferred flying. He opened his eyes and found himself at the gates of the Godric's Hollow cemetery.

"Tell me Harry. Do you know the story of the Three Brothers?" Dumbledore walked into the cemetery, moving amongst the graves with ease. He seemed to know where he was going. Harry glanced in the direction of his parent's graves.

"Er, the children's tale, sir? I've heard mention of it, but not the actual tale,"said Harry.

Dumbledore nodded. "Yes, it is a well known story told to children in the magical world. It is the story of three brothers, Antioch, Cadmus and Ignotus. The legend is they were the original owners of the Deathly Hallows. Antioch had the Elder Wand, Cadmus, the Resurrection Stone and Ignotus, the Cloak of Invisibility."

"The Deathly Hallows? I've never heard of them, sir," said Harry, fingering his own Invisibility Cloak.

"Fascinating story. You really must read it, Harry. Some wizards think that it is much more than a fairy tale, and have spent countless years searching for them," said Dumbledore. "Gellert was one."

"Grindelwald? Why?" asked Harry.

"Because the one who holds all the Hallows is said to master Death itself," said Dumbledore, stopping in front of an unremarkable grave. "It is what Gellert craved. He stole the Elder Wand from the wandmaker Gregorovitch."

"Master Death? Oh, like Voldemort and his Horcruxes!" said Harry.

Dumbledore nodded. "Yes. He has also been searching for the Deathly Hallows. I believe he must surely know his Horcruxes are being destroyed. He went to Nurmengard Prison recently. He killed Gellert when he realised he no longer had the Elder wand, nor knew where it was. Indeed, he hasn't had it for many years," sighed Dumbledore sadly.

"I'm sorry, sir," said Harry softly. "What about the others? The Resurrection Stone and the Cloak of Invisibility?"

Dumbledore looked at him, then back to the grave. "I brought you here to talk about your family, Harry."

"Ginny's Great Great Aunt Muriel told me about my grandparents, Fleamont and Euphemia. She was at school with them," said Harry.

Dumbledore nodded. "Your family goes back to the twelfth century. A wizard, named Lingfred of Stinchcombe was known as the 'Potterer' among the town. He supplied his Muggle neighbours with potions to heal, but he was known as a bit of an eccentric. They had no way of knowing that his remedies were actually magical. He is credited as the originator of some potions which have evolved to include Skel-E Grow and Pepper-Up potion, which of course, are still used today. This was the start of the Potter fortune."

Dumbledore continued. "He had seven children. His eldest son married a beautiful witch named Iolanthe Peverall, who came from the village of Godric's Hollow. She was the granddaughter of Ignotus Peverell. With there being no male heirs, she inherited her grandfather's Cloak of Invisibility. Iolanthe explained to her new husband that it was a tradition in her family that the cloak must remain a secret. From this time on, the cloak was handed down to the eldest in each new generation."

Harry could hardly believe his ears. He looked at his Invisibility cloak. Was Dumbeldore saying he had a Deathly Hallow? Was it possible?

"The Potter line continued. Each generation contributed to the family fortune by hard work, continuing the ethic of their ancestor, Linfred."

"Twice, a Potter has sat on the Wizenmagot. Ralston Potter, in the seventeenth century. He was a great supporter of the Statute of Secrecy. Then there was Henry Potter, known as Harry. He was a direct descendant of Hardwin and Iolanthe, and was best known when he called out the then Minister for Magic, Archer Evermonde, for forbidding the magical community to help the Muggles during the First World War. It is believed that his outspokeness on behalf of the Muggle community led to the family's exclusion from the Sacred Twenty-Eight."

"Henry's son was called Fleamont. His unusual name was because it was the dying wish of Henry's mother that he perpetuate her maiden name, so it would not die out. He bore the burden of his name well, becoming one of the best duellers in his time at Hogwarts. He attributed it to the number of times he had to fight people that made fun of his name. It was Fleamont who took the family gold and quadrupled it, by creating Sleekeazy's Hair Potion. He sold the company for a vast profit when he retired, but no amount of riches could compensate him or his beloved wife, Euphemia for their childlessness. Indeed, they had quite given up hope of a child when, to the delight of their many friends, they announced that she was pregnant. Their much longed for son, James was born."

Harry felt tears in his eyes. He felt like he had when Aunt Muriel told him the story, but this was so much more. He had years, decades, centuries of family. Family who had made significant contributions to the wizarding world. He remembered Hermione saying she had tamed her hair for the Yule Ball with Sleekeazy's Hair Potion. His family's product!

"James brought so much happiness to the two of them, it was a delight to see. He was full of mischief, that boy but he adored his mother and looked up to his father. They both lived long enough to see him marry his Hogwarts sweetheart, Lily Evans. They had just announced her pregnancy when they both succumbed to Dragon Pox within days of each other. James then inherited The Cloak of Invisibility."

For the first time, Harry looked up at the headstone of the grave that they were standing in front of them. "Ignotus Peverell," he read. He looked up. "It's all true? My family, the Deathly Hallows, all of it?"

Dumbledore nodded. "Your family has a long, proud wizarding history, Harry. Right now you hold one of the fabled Deathly Hallows."

"We need to find the other two," said Harry, then his heart sank. More things to find. They still had no clue to the whereabouts of the diadem, and no idea on the seventh Horcrux.

Dumbledore shook his head. "Focus on the Horcruxes, Harry. We need to find the diadem. Many great wizards have suffered in their quest for the Hallows."

He looked down at the cloak draped over Harry's arm. "It has served you well. Who knows, maybe one day it will go to your son," said Dumbledore.

"What if I die before I have children? If I have no descendents, what will happen to the cloak?" he asked.

Dumbledore shook his head. "I have no idea. Perhaps, if Death came for you, he would also take the cloak with him."

Harry stared back at the grave. "I can't believe I have all this family history. It's more than I can ever wish for, it's almost overwhelming. My family," he breathed. He looked over to his parents resting place. "Sir, do we have time for me to visit my parents?"

Dumbledore nodded. "Go ahead. I shall wait for you in the church. I feel the need to light a candle and say a prayer."

Harry was surprised by that. He hadn't seen much evidence of Spirituality in his time in the wizarding world. All he knew was that ghosts were readily accepted. He made his way over to his parents, and conjured up a wreath of lillies.

"Hey Mum, Dad. I'm here with Dumbledore. He just told me about my family history, Dad. I'm still trying to wrap my head around it all, especially the whole-Deathly Hallows stuff." He paused, looking around. He saw the minister of the church greet Dumbledore and welcome him inside. Harry turned back to his parent's graves, pulling the collar up on his cloak as the wind picked up.

"It's nearly Christmas. I'll be with Sirius and Remus, and of course, Ginny. The family that I've made. I miss you lots, but they're looking after me, and we're all happy together. Remus is married, and Sirius has even found himself a nice witch. Ginny, well, she's just brilliant. I know you'd love her as much as I do."

Tears welled up in his eyes. "I want a life with her, but I'm scared. The prophecy says I'll have a power Voldemort doesn't know, but I don't have a clue. I have to kill him, and I don't know if I can do that. But I have to, to have a life with Ginny. Loving her, well, she is the best part of me."

Harry wiped his eyes. "I guess I should go. Thanks for listening." He chuckled. "Goodbye."

He got up and made his way to the little church. He saw Dumbledore in a pew near the front, head bowed. He didn't want to interrupt him, so he stood uncertainly at the back.

"Mr Potter?"

Harry turned to see the Minister of the church smiling at him. "Welcome to the Godric's Hollow Church. Please, come in. I am Father Dornan."

Harry nodded in respect. "Hello. This is a nice church."

Father Dornan nodded. "It was built by the townspeople for the townspeople. The strong magic in our community sustains it, protects it, enhances it."

"I like the town. I was born here," said Harry.

Father Dornan nodded again. "You are one of us. A Citizen. You will always have a home here in Godric's Hollow."

"A Citizen?" asked Harry.

"Born in our village, lived in our village. Your descendants lie in our graveyard. You may always seek shelter and solace here, no questions asked."

Harry contemplated what the Minister had said. He was young to be a Minister, only in his mid forties.

"Soon it will be time to celebrate the Yule. If you have no objections, I would like to light a candle for you."

Harry gulped and nodded. He walked to the front with Father Dornan. Dumbledore kept his head bowed.

Father Dornan took a candle and asked Harry to light it. He waved his hand over it, and the wick burst alight. Harry bowed his head. "I place this candle to the light, to represent the Light. May a Higher Power watch over Harry Potter and all who help him in his quest. A heavy burden is on his young shoulders. I ask that you be there to assist him in any way you can. Guide him, aid him, love him. Amen," said Father Dornan.

"Amen," said Harry. He smiled tiredly at the minister. "May I light a candle, please Father?"

"Of course," said Father Dornan, allowing Harry to step up and select one. He picked up a big one.

"It has to represent a lot of people," he explained sheepishly.

"Go ahead, my Son," said Father Dornan, bowing his head. Harry lit the candle and took a deep breath.

"I hold this candle up to the light, to represent the lights in my life. For Sirius, my Dad's best mate. He's been like a Dad to me, and I love him. I want him to have a chance at a life with someone he cares deeply about."

"For Sirius," said Father Dornan.

"For Remus and Tonks. I'm so happy they have each other. They have both been so supportive of me. Dad, you chose your best friends well."

"For Remus and Tonks," said Father Dornan.

Harry's voice got shaky. He took a deep breath. "Ginny. My beautiful Ginny." He shook his head. "I don't know what I did to deserve her. She fills my heart. Please, please let her make it through this."

"For Ginny," said Father Dornan. He turned away to place the candle on the altar and give Harry time to compose himself.

"Harry, it is time for us to return to Hogwarts,"said Dumbledore quietly.

Harry nodded. He smiled at Father Dornan. "Thank you."

"Remember, my son, Godric's Hollow is always here to welcome you home. I shall pray for you and your loved ones. I hope one day I will get to meet your Ginny," said Father Dornan.

"Thank you Father," said Harry.

Harry and Dumbledore walked down the quiet street till they came to the statue of James, Lily and a baby Harry. Harry looked at it for several seconds.

"Harry, my arm," said Dumbledore.

Harry looked over at the little house he'd been born in, and took Dumbledore's arm. They Apparated out of Godric's Hollow, and returned to Hogwarts.

Dumbledore walked Harry back to the Gryffindor common room.

"Thank you, sir," said Harry, "for tonight."

Dumbledore nodded, and walked away, whistling.

That night would always stay in Harry's memories.