Chapter 37

It wasn't much later that morning when Harry, taking Ginny along by side-along apparition, left for the home of Andromeda Tonks. They took with them the gifts Harry had for them. They arrived on the meadow near the home and then walked happily and quietly up to the door. It was Andromeda's house elf who answered the door.

"You is here to see Miss Madam Tonks?" the elf asked.

"Yes please," Harry said. Ginny was holding Harry's arm and smiled down at the elf.

The elf looked like most of her kind with her short stature and bat like ears. Her nose was rather pug-like and reminded Harry of pictures he'd seen of pug dogs and cats that looked like their faces were smashed in. This elf, instead of wearing a loin cloth or filthy sack, was dressed in what looked like an old pillow case that had a simple rope belt. There was a slit in the top for her head, and one on each side for her arms. The outfit hung down to just below the elf's knees.

"What's your name?" Harry asked kindly.

"Logee sir. Who should Logee say is calling for Miss Madam Tonks sir?" The elf said bowing them in.

"Harry Potter and Ginny Weasley." Ginny announced.

The elf stopped and did a double take. "You is Harry Potter? You is a good man!" The elf bowed low to Harry making him very uncomfortable.

"Hello," Harry said offering Logee his hand. Logee looked like she was going to faint.

"Logee heard tell of Harry Potter's kindness from Dobby and Winky! Logee has heard Miss Madam Tonks say very nice things about the Great Harry Potter, he who has stopped He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named!" Logee bowed again. "Logee is very happy to meet Harry Potter."

Ginny seemed to be getting quite a kick out of Harry's discomfort. Harry knew without looking at her that she'd be telling the family of this event over dinner that night.

"Mister Harry Potter and Miss Ginny Weasley may sit and wait in the drawing room. Logee will go and fetch Miss Madam Tonks. Logee is a good elf she is!"

Harry and Ginny went to sit in the drawing room while Logee disappeared to go find Andromeda Tonks. It was only a couple of minutes before the woman walked in, carrying baby Teddy.

"Harry, Ginny! What a pleasant surprise!" Andromeda exclaimed happily.

Harry and Ginny stood up and hugged Andromeda who then promptly placed Teddy into Harry's arms. Harry, who was only uncomfortable for a minute, sat back down and held Teddy. Staring into the baby's face Harry was amazed to see his hair, what there was of it, change colors. At first it went from brown to a bright yellow blonde, to fiery red, to cobalt blue and then shifted again.

"He seems to do that when he dreams. Nymphadora used to do that too." Andromeda observed with a sad smile.

"How have you been, Ginny?" Andromeda asked. The two women; one young, one older, sat quietly and talked and got reacquainted while Harry contented himself with looking in wonder at his god-son.

When Harry looked up every now and again, he would catch every so often either Andromeda, or Ginny, or sometimes both of them watching him. They would smile at Harry when he caught them and return to their conversation.

When Harry was ready to pass Teddy along Ginny took him so that Harry and Andromeda could catch up. Harry found that while he could hold a conversation with Andromeda, his eyes kept wandering over to watch Ginny smile and coo at the baby. Every time he looked at her holding him he felt a sense of longing. He so wanted that to be their baby she was holding. He found he wanted it to be in their own house he was spending Christmas. His vision however wasn't of the house in Grimmauld Place but of the house his parents had in Godric's Hollow. The one that had been passed down to him.

The young couple didn't stay overly long. They caught up on how Teddy was doing. How Andromeda was doing and how the holiday was shaping up for her. Harry learned that Andromeda Tonks was going to spend the Holiday with her sister and her family. It was the first time that Narcissa Malfoy had shown any interest in her in more than twenty years.

That reminded Harry of his gifts. He and Ginny together gave Andromeda some fudge and figgy pudding that Kreacher had made. Then Harry gave Andromeda a gift of his own for her and later for Teddy. It was a coin. A fake galleon. He'd had Hermione charm it with a Protean charm so that if Andromeda needed to contact Harry in an emergency she could. Later, when Teddy was older, the galleon could be passed on to him. When Andromeda accepted the gift with a raised eyebrow, Harry merely explained that it was a lot faster way to communicate than by owl post if something urgent came up.

The couple was taking their leave, waving goodbye to Andromeda and Teddy. Harry was going to miss the baby. He had smiled happily when he saw how much Teddy enjoyed that enchanted child's wand Harry had given him. Andromeda even commented that there were a few times it had come in very handy for her.

They were on their way out to the gate where they were to apparate back to home to Grimmauld Place when Harry had an idea. He had been thinking a lot about Ginny and himself as a couple. Watching Ginny holding Teddy and thinking about what their life could be like in a place of their own. After tossing the idea around in his head for a few minutes he finally decided to ask; "Ginny, do you fancy the idea of a little detour before we head back home?"

"What kind of detour?" Ginny wanted to know.

"Well, its a bit of a surprise really. Something I've been meaning to show you."

Ginny studied Harry's face for a minute. "Sure Harry, I'll go with you."

"Great! Thanks!" And together they apparated out of the yard of Andromeda Tonks.

The look of surprise on Ginny's face when the couple Apparated into the small snow covered cemetery at Godric's Hollow was something that made Harry smile. "Where are we?" she asked looking around at the quiet little graveyard her eyes wide. The snow blanketed the ground in an untouched carpet. Not even the tracks of birds could be seen.

"Godric's Hollow." Harry said quietly.

It took Ginny only a second to realize where Harry had really taken her. Her eyes opened in surprise. "Godric's Hollow?" she whispered.

"Yes, Godric's Hollow. Come on, I want to show you something." Harry said taking Ginny by the hand. He led her slowly over to a grave marker. Even though he'd only been there twice before, Harry knew precisely where this particular grave marker was located. It was the one that belonged to his parents. He knelt down, brushed the snow away and placed his fingers on the headstone.

Harry didn't know why, but he wanted Ginny to see this. He wanted her to be here. If she was going to be a part of his life, she needed to be a part of all of it. Which included this. He felt her hand gently being placed on his shoulder. Then she too knelt down and softly reached out and touched the headstone. Her fingers slowly traced the names written on there.

"You miss them, don't you." It was a statement of fact. Not a question.

"I never really knew them. The only example of them I've seen is what's been borrowed from other people's memories, photos, the portraits on my wall, and of course that night when I died." Harry took a deep breath and let it out. He stood back up but continued starting at the twin graves in front of him. "But yes, I miss them. I'm angry that they were stolen from me when I was so young. I would love to introduce you to them and have them get to know you. I bet my mom would like you. I bet she would have liked you a lot."

Ginny stood up and took Harry in her arms. She held him close and Harry returned the gesture of affection. He knew that she appreciated what it was that he was trying to show her. After a moment Harry then took Ginny's hand again and led her out of the graveyard and down a side street. Trudging through the drifts of snow together. He knew where he was going, but wasn't in any real hurry to get there. He was content to just enjoy the time with Ginny and share this part of his life with her.

They walked together hand in hand quietly for a short time, each lost in their own thoughts. Then Harry spoke again. "It's been almost a year exactly since the first time I was here. Hermione and I came. This is where You-Know-Who's snake tried to kill me. He had killed Bathilda Bagshot, and the snake was impersonating her to lure me in so the Dark Lord could come and get me. It didn't work out so well." Harry said with a humorless chuckle. "I've been here once since then. Hermione and I came right after the Battle. We visited my parent's house. That's where I found the jewelry box that had some of my mother's jewelry in it. That necklace you wear, what I gave your mom, and a few other things besides." They came around a bend in the road and there before them stood the wreck of what was once the Potter home.

"I know that you've been here once before." Harry said in a low monotone. "That night this last summer. But I wanted to bring you here. Just you and me."

They stood together side by side and looked at the snow covered house. There were no tracks leading up the drive. All traces of previous visits had been erased by the recent snows. It was still coming down though not as heavily as before. The snowfall and lack of people out on the streets lent an image of peace and tranquility to the scene before them.

Ginny wrapped her arms around Harry's waist and he put one arm over her shoulder. They stood there together quietly looking at the house. "This house is mine you know." Harry said breaking the quiet. "It was passed down to me upon my seventeenth birthday."

"What are you going to do with it?" Ginny wondered.

"I'm not sure. I don't know what it would take but I've thought about fixing it up and rebuilding it. I think it would be a nice place to call home." Harry chanced a sidelong glance at Ginny. She was looking up at the home. Her eyes seemed particularly drawn to the part of the house where Voldemort had tried to kill Harry and had only succeeded in killing his parents. She didn't respond, at least not right away. Harry was hoping for a response but knew that she might need a minute.

It wasn't a proposal. It wasn't even an offer really. More than anything else, what Harry really wanted was her opinion on the house. When she still didn't respond, Harry couldn't resist asking; "What do you think?"

Ginny still stood and looked up at the house. It had been a nice home, and would have had room for several children. It was clear that renovating the house and yard would take a lot of work. Just because it had been a nice home didn't mean it couldn't be one again. "It could be a nice home." She finally agreed. "It would take a lot of work." She sounded skeptical.

Harry turned back to the home. He was felling a little disheartened. He tried to see the home through the perspective of someone seeing it for the first time. Then he realized that given what had happened in this house, Ginny may not want to live in it. It might make her uncomfortable. Then another thought occurred to Harry. One that made sense given all of their recent discussions of the future. One that filled the pit of his stomach with lead. What if she didn't want to marry him? It was a thought that Harry found he couldn't bare thinking about.

They stood there together for another minute looking at the house. Finally Harry couldn't stand it anymore. The cold he felt in his heart matched the cold in the air outside. "Come on," He said quietly. "We should probably be getting back. It's getting late and I'm sure your mom might be starting to worry."

"Harry? Are you okay?" Ginny asked. She looked at him concernedly.

"Fine. Just been a day full of memories I guess." Harry replied.

"Let's get home then. Maybe Kreacher can make up some of that hot cocoa of his." Ginny said taking Harry by the arm.

"Sure, anything you want." Harry said.

They walked over to a secluded spot in the lane and Harry apparated them back to Grimmauld Place. They went into the house. They took off their traveling cloaks and removed their snow covered shoes. The two started walking towards the kitchen, but Harry excused himself. He left a very confused looking Ginny at the door to the kitchen when he said that he wanted to go upstairs and change into warmer clothes.

Harry did indeed go upstairs to change clothes. Then instead of going downstairs he went on up to the attic. The same place where he and Ginny had been just the evening before. He wanted time alone to think. And by doing this, he was keeping his promise that he made to Kingsley and everyone that he wouldn't run off again.

A few hours later Hermione entered the attic. She had a look of concern on her face. "Harry?" She asked.

"In here." Harry said quietly.

"Are you alright? Ginny said you two went to Godric's Hollow, and that when you came back you kind of disappeared." Hermione said. Harry knew his friend was concerned. "You should know that Molly is not especially happy with your detour to Godric's Hollow by the way. It wasn't part of your planned trip. What if something had happened?"

"I'll apologize. It was just something we did on a whim." Harry said in a monotone.

Hermione scrutinized Harry carefully. She seemed to realize something because she sat down right next to him on the floor of the attic. She then put her arm around Harry's neck and he laid his head on her shoulder. "What is it Harry? What's bothering you?" she asked. Then before he could respond she added, "And don't tell me it's nothing either. It's been a long time since I've seen you like this."

"Don't worry, I won't go running off again." Harry said. It was a poor attempt at humor and he knew it. Hermione let it go.

"Did you and Ginny have a fight?" She asked. "I didn't get that impression from Ginny, but on seeing you I have to wonder."

"No, we didn't have any fight." Harry said. He was really feeling down. Then he decided something. Hermione was his best friend. Like Ron, they had been through a lot together. So much that they shared a bond that people outside of family rarely share. "I love her Hermione."

"I know that. Anyone that sees the two of you together would know that." Harry wasn't sure what to say to that, but he knew he had to get what he was thinking and feeling off of his chest. If there was anyone in his life who would understand him and not judge him for his thoughts and feelings, it was Hermione. It was part of that bond that they shared.

"What I mean is, I really love her. As in I want to make her a part of my life. You know...permanently."

It only took Hermione a moment to realize what Harry was talking about. "Oh? Oh! Permanent, as in marriage?"

Harry nodded. "As in marriage." Harry took the ring he'd purchased from Avarice just a couple days before from out of his pocket. He'd grabbed it from his room when he changed clothes, but couldn't bring himself to look at it. He held it in his hand for a moment, and then handed the box to Hermione. She carefully removed the box from his hand and then opened it. He heard as much as felt her sudden gasp as she looked at the ring.

"Harry! It's beautiful! She's going to absolutely love it!" Hermione squealed softly.

"I'm not sure I should give it to her." Harry said.

"Why not? Harry, did something happen when you went to see Teddy today? Or in Godric's Hollow?"

"No. That's just it. Nothing happened." Harry sighed heavily. He felt like his insides had been removed and dragged over a very rough road before being put back in place again. "I was watching her hold baby Teddy, and it looked so natural to see her holding a baby in her arms. It was easy to imagine that she was holding our baby. That we were in our house. That's why I took her to Godric's Hollow. I showed her the grave of my parents, and then took her to see the house. I asked her if she thought it would make a nice home. She didn't seem to think it would."

"Did she say so?" Hermione wanted to know.

"Not really. She agreed with me that it would take a lot of work. I rather got the impression that she was only answering my question, not necessarily seeing it as a home that she could live in."

"You got the impression. You mean you didn't ask her?" Hermione asked with that patient tone that Harry knew so well.

"No. But I don't think she found the idea very appealing."

"Harry, did you ever stop to think that maybe Ginny was feeling overwhelmed?"

"No. Not really." Harry said guiltily.

"Well, there's only one way to find out really. You'll just have to ask her."

"I think I'd rather face a dementor right now." Harry said quietly.

Hermione leaned over and kissed the top of Harry's head. "Harry, I love you. I really do. And it's because I love you I can say this; sometimes you are your own worst enemy."

Harry thought for a moment about what Hermione had just said. "What do you mean?" He asked, though he had a hunch he knew.

"It's just that you're up here stewing over what might be rather than concentrating on what you know to be. You know you love Ginny. You know she loves you. You know that you two most likely have a long and happy future together, but rather than trying to find out for sure, you're up here feeling sorry for yourself instead of doing your best to find out." Harry knew Hermione was right. He was busy feeling sorry for himself instead of spending what time he could with Ginny. They were both here, now, together in this house. It was a waste of an opportunity to spend every moment he could together with her.

However it was nice to have some time with Hermione too. She really was a very good friend to him. Harry snuggled in a little closer and felt even more affectionate warmth for his best friend. "Thanks Hermione. I needed that."

Taking Harry's hand in both of hers, Hermione held it close. "You're my best friend Harry." She said.

"What about you and Ron?" Harry asked her. She had been there for him, Harry felt it was his turn to return the favor. However at the moment she didn't seem as inclined to share her feelings on that topic.

"Ronald will come around when he has a mind to. I just don't know if his mind is there right now." Hermione said with what seemed like more patience than she actually felt.

"Give it time. I'm sure things will work out." Harry said. He smiled at the thought that downstairs was Ron's ring for Hermione. Won't she be surprised when she gets that ring in just a few days time. "You know he really loves you, don't you?"

"Yes, I know. I just think he sometimes lacks the confidence to really show it."

"I'm sure he'll come around. He always does." Harry said confidently.

Hermione smiled at Harry's comment, but didn't respond. Instead they sat together sharing a few quiet minutes comfortable in each other's presence.

It was only a little later that Harry and Hermione came down from the attic. Ron met them outside of the room he shared with Harry. "Everything okay?" he asked.

"It is." Harry said happily. The three friends went downstairs to the kitchen where Ginny sat at the table watching her mother and Kreacher busily making dinner.

She looked up at the three friends as they entered the kitchen and took seats near her. Harry chose a seat right next to Ginny, and she reached over and took his hand.

"What's the deal?" she asked.

"Nothing, I just needed some time to think." Harry said with a smile.

"And?" Ginny asked.

Before Harry could respond though, Mrs. Weasley turned around and confronted him. "Harry, what were you thinking going to Godric's Hollow today?"

"I'm sorry Mrs. Weasley. I just felt like I needed to go. It's Christmas and all and I wanted to show Ginny my parent's grave." Harry apologized.

Mrs. Weasley's face went from concerned irritation to one of being deeply touched. "Of course. I'm sorry Harry; I should have realized how important this must be for you. I'm sure you must wish they were here." She came over and gave him a hug. "I just wish I'd have known where you were going."

"I would have told you if I knew myself. I only just thought of going as we were leaving Andromeda's place."

"See Mom? That's what I told you." Ginny said looking exasperated. "She wouldn't believe me."

"Yes, well, I guess you were right after all." Mrs. Weasley said as she turned back towards making dinner. It smelled like it was going to be wonderful.

Harry caught Ginny's eye and leaned in close to ask her a question. "How are you doing?"

"Fine. You're the one who decided he needed time to think." She said. Harry caught a note of irritation in her tone. He couldn't blame her for being a little upset with him.

"Well, let's talk about that." Harry said. "Come on." He said standing up. He took Ginny to the living room and they sat together on a sofa. Ginny quietly went with him, curious to see what it was that Harry would have to say.

"Thanks for going with me to Godric's Hollow today," Harry said by way of beginning.

"Sure." Ginny replied. She smiled uncertainly at him. Harry realized he really did owe her an explanation.

"An idea came to mind while we were visiting with Andromeda and Teddy. I wanted to take you to Godric's Hollow to kind of get your take on it. You know how we've kind of talked about the future?"

Ginny cautiously nodded her head. "Yes..."

"Well I was thinking, if we're going to have a future together, we're going to need a place to live. You know a place to make a home." Harry went on. He was watching Ginny very carefully. She seemed willing to hear him out and he took that as a positive sign.

"You want to live there?" Ginny asked him.

"Someday, maybe. Yeah." Harry said.

"With me."

"Yes. I want us to be together."

Harry thought that maybe she wasn't very fond of the idea, and was starting to feel a little let down when suddenly Ginny was in his lap and she was kissing him firmly. Before Harry realized it, her arms were wrapped tightly around him and she was holding him close. They spent many happy minutes holding each other and kissing deeply, passionately, and with real affection. Harry couldn't have been happier.

The next morning was the day that Ron and Hermione were scheduled to leave for Hermione's parent's home. They were both beside themselves with nerves. Harry couldn't help but smile as they bustled about trying to make sure they had everything they wanted to take with them. Then it was time to go.

Mr. Weasley had fixed up with the Ministry of Magic so that the Granger home could be hooked up to the Floo network for the duration of the Christmas Holiday. It wasn't all that unusual a request and it was easy enough to do. The nervous couple was given hugs good-bye, and Harry made sure to whisper to a very nervous Ron good luck with his proposal. Ron looked at him and nodded. Harry thought he looked like he wanted to be sick.

Harry had to admit he was a little nervous for his friend. It couldn't be easy what Ron was doing, and he had to admire him for having it in him to do it. Harry had to wonder how well he would do if his and Ron's positions were reversed. He had to admit Ron was holding up well.

First Hermione and then Ron took a pinch of the Floo powder and tossed it into the flames of the fire. The fire surged green and they stepped into the flames. Clearly enunciating their destination they disappeared. And then they were gone. Mr. Weasley left for work and that left Harry, Ginny, and Mrs. Weasley alone.

"Do you two have any special plans for today?" asked Mrs. Weasley.

Ginny looked at Harry who shook his head. "No," she answered. "Not at the moment."

"Do you mind if I go visit Bill and Fleur? Did you want to go?" Mrs. Weasley asked.

"No, I think Harry and I are going to stay home today." Ginny said. Harry smiled at the look on Ginny's face. Clearly she was happily anticipating some uninterrupted time together.

"Would you mind picking up around the house a bit while I'm gone? There really isn't that much to do with Kreacher around." Mrs. Weasley asked.

"Sure, no problem." Harry answered.

Mrs. Weasley came and gave Harry a quick kiss on the cheek. "Thank you so much, dear." She then kissed Ginny on the cheek and went upstairs to get ready to go.

While Mrs. Weasley was bustling around upstairs getting herself ready to go, Harry and Ginny worked companionably together getting the house picked up. Now that they were both overage, there was no restriction on using magic. It wasn't long before the home was looking spotless enough that even Aunt Petunia would be comfortable there.

Then Mrs. Weasley was off to see Bill and Fleur. She wasn't gone five minutes before Harry found Ginny in his arms. She was wrapping her arms around his neck and pulling him in close. Her lips found his quickly and Harry felt the familiar swoop in his stomach. It was the one he felt every time Ginny kissed him, held him, or when he knew she was thinking of him. He loved her. He loved the feelings she generated in him. They spent most of the rest of that day locked in each other's arms. There was no place that Harry would rather be.

It was a nice day all around and still two days before Christmas. Harry was content. His Christmas shopping was done, and that evening they'd received an owl from Ron and Hermione saying that things were going well. Crookshanks, Hermione's cat, was happy to see her and seemed to be very happy living with Hermione's parents.

That evening Harry lay in his room. It was strange having it to himself again. In just two days time he'd gotten re-used to having Ron as a roommate. It was kind of odd not having Ron there with them. Harry realized that it was his second Christmas since meeting Ron that they weren't spending it together. The really interesting part of that thought was that Harry was with Ron's family while Ron was with Hermione's. Harry was thankful though. Thankful that they both had somewhere to go where they were welcome and could be with those they loved.

He drifted off to sleep thinking of those things. He was half expecting Ginny to come and join him. His last waking thoughts were of her. Harry almost thought he was dreaming when he felt a sudden weight on his bed next to him. Then he felt her lips on his. Searching at first, and then demanding. There was a heat to the kissing. A passion, a longing in the kissing such that he'd not experienced before. Harry felt himself giving in to it. He felt arms around him and then hair drifting in his face. Harry inhaled deeply.

Then he inhaled again. The smell was wrong. This wasn't Ginny on him, kissing him. Harry felt himself rising to a full state of wakefulness when light suddenly appeared in the room. "WHAT THE HELL?"

Even before Harry opened his eyes to see, he knew. Without a shadow of a doubt that the owner of the voice was Ginny. He opened his eyes to find Hermione straddling him. Just as she leaned forward for another passionate kiss. "Hermione, what are you doing?"

"Harry! I Love you Harry! Harry you're mine!"

Harry had a devil of a time trying to extract himself out from under Hermione and her advances. He looked to see if he could get Ginny's help, but she was gone. Harry was trying again on his own when he heard different footsteps and then, "What the BLOODY HELL IS GOING ON?"

Harry closed his eyes. It was Ron. Harry finally managed to extract himself from under Hermione just as she reached out and pulled him down on top of her. She then wrapped her arms around him and kissed him again. There was a noise like someone trying to come and help. Harry was immensely thankful until he felt something hard smash into his face and he saw a bright light and then stars.

"YOU'RE SUPPOSED TO BE MY BEST MATE! HOW COULD YOU? HOW COULD YOU DO THAT TO GINNY!" Ron yelled. And then Harry heard him run out of the room.

Harry managed to extract himself from Hermione again. He felt blood coming from his nose. Hermione started trying to follow Harry. Harry grabbed up his wand and pointed it at her. "Patrificus Totalus!" And Hermione froze in place, arms locked at her side and laying as rigid as a board.

"HARRY?" came now the shocked voice of Mrs. Weasley. Mr. Weasley was right behind her. He could see the looks of shock and betrayal in their eyes. It was the betrayal that hurt the most.

"Wait! I can explain." I think Harry thought to himself.

"This had better be good." Mrs. Weasley said. Harry noticed she had her wand in her hand.

"I was lying in bed going to sleep. The next thing I know I'm waking up and Hermione is on top of me, kissing me. She's never done anything like that before. Ever. We've only ever been friends and that's all. I know she loves Ron. In fact we talked about that very thing just the other day. I think she's under the Imperious Curse."

"Very likely." Said Mrs. Weasley. She looked ready to use her wand. Mr. Weasley looked devastated by what he'd seen, but also like he was more willing to listen to what Harry had to say.

"How could she have been put under the curse?" asked Mr. Weasley.

Harry thought about it. Mr. Weasley was right. Unless they went somewhere during the evening and crossed a Death Eater who could have used the curse, there was no way it could have happened. How then? Harry thought very hard about the entire situation. Then something occurred to him. "Where's Ron?" Harry asked.

"He left. He was right behind Ginny."

"I need to talk to him, get this sorted out." Harry said looking for his clothes. He quickly got dressed again explaining as he went. "Remember in our sixth year how Ron ate some candies that had been meant for me? It was when he got poisoned. Ramilda vane gave me a box of candies filled with a love potion. Ron ate them by mistake. Professor Slughorn was able to sort him out and all. Hermione is acting now just like Ron did then." Harry thought some more. Of course! Why didn't he think of it before? That day in Hogsmeade! The owner of the candy shop being so insistent that Ron buy a particular box of candy! It made sense. "When we were on our last trip to Hogsmeade, Ron bought a box of candy there for Hermione to give to her for Christmas. I bet he gave her that gift a little early! I've got to find him!"

"Why does that have anything to do with this?" Mrs. Weasley asked gesturing at Hermione lying frozen on the bed. Even now her eyes were following Harry's every move.

"The owner of the candy shop was acting funny when we were there. He could have been under the Imperious Curse to get that box of candy to Ron. It makes sense. That was the same day that we met up with those Death Eaters there." Harry remembered it very well. It was also the same day that the one Death Eater, the one who seemed to be the leader, made it clear that before he killed Harry he would do everything he could to hurt him first. This certainly counted in that department.

"Harry, they left. Both he and Ginny went running out the door. That's what brought us up here." Mr. Weasley said. Mrs. Weasley was still looking daggers at Harry, but she no longer looked quite as ready to use her wand on him.

"Look, I love Ginny. I really do. I would never do anything to hurt her. Especially not something like this." Harry said to them both. "I've got to go after them."

"We're coming with you." said Mrs. Weasley.

"Mrs. Weasley, if you want to come with me, I can't stop you. But I really feel like this is something I have to do alone. I owe it to Ron. I owe it to Ginny. I have to set things right."

Mrs. Weasley looked as if she was going to argue the issue, but Mr. Weasley intervened. "Molly. They're not kids anymore. We have to give them a chance to work this out on their own." Then he turned towards Harry. "Harry, I know you understand this, but I have to say this to you. It is not safe out there. I know you know this after the attack on George and you and Ginny and everything that happened this last summer. Please, be careful."

"I will." Harry turned to go, then stopped and looked at Hermione still frozen on the bed. He turned and withdrew his wand. He muttered under his breath and gave it a flick towards the window. A silvery ball of light erupted from Harry's wand and flew through the window out into the night. At the inquisitive looks of Mr. and Mrs. Weasley, Harry explained: "I just sent an urgent request to Professor Slughorn. I've asked him for some of the same antidote that we gave Ron that night two years ago. If I'm right, and I'm sure I am, Hermione will be okay as soon as she takes it. Then she can help sort all of this out too."

Mrs. Weasley nodded. "Be careful Harry. Those are my children out there. You are too. In all the ways that count. I need you all to come home. Please Harry, bring them back to me."

"I know." Harry said. "I will."

He picked up his traveling cloak and then grabbed a pouch with an undetectable extension charm. Inside it he stowed some Peruvian Instant Darkness Powder and a vial of Instant Animagus. This one was for turning into a dog. If Harry had to run, then doing so as a dog would give him the best chance to be both fast and unobtrusive. Harry then left Grimmauld Place and walked out into the night.