After tucking Ginny in Hermione and Harry went to their room. "So how do you feel about Sirius getting a trial Harry?"

"Ok I guess. I never knew him. I don't even have any vague memories of him. Its like hes a stranger they are telling me about."

Hermione rubbed his arm as they cuddled. "I wonder if that Hector Dagworth-Granger guy is one of my ancestors."

Harry made a thoughtful grunt, "I suppose that would be neat. Might be. You would know more about your family than I would."

"oh yeah." She said sadly realizing too late what she said.

"Its ok Mione. I have you and your parents and Ginny now. So I have plenty of family. You don't need to keep tiptoeing around me. And the Browns and everyone that knew have been talking about them."

"I know Harry I just am getting used to us. You know that living together has been a lot different than just going to school together. I think we've spent more time together this summer than we had in the last two years."

"Well I'm happy with it and hope we have a lot more." He said stroking her hair.

Hermione cuddled in. "Well yeah me too."

The next couple of days where quite busy as Headmaster McGonnegal oversaw the Granger's moving to the castle. Their belongings either placed in storage or in their apartment. The Potter's were given the Gryffindor married quarters. Two bedrooms, a bathroom and their own sitting room. They where putting their things away when there was a knock on their door.

As the married quarters where only accessible by passing through the Gryffindor common room and a hidden door that had appeared between the stairways to the boys and girls dormitories Harry did not feel any threat so he opened the door to find the headmaster there.

"Good afternoon Professor. What can we do for you?"

"May I come in? I was wanting to speak with you both."

Harry gestured for her to come in and they settled down. "Is there a problem Professor?"

Minerva smiled a little bit and shook her head, "No no problem. You are the first married students we have had in a brace of centuries so we are having to dust off a few of the older rule books to ensure you are treated fairly and appropriately. Most of the same rules apply as from before. Some of the changes are you will not need to have a pass for Hogsmeade and you may leave the grounds during your off time as long as you inform the gatekeeper or other authorities."

"Although with Professor Dumbledore still running around that might not be a good idea?" Hermione voiced her concerns.

Sighing Minerva agreed, "Yes I agree. Auror Moody indicated that you should probably at the very least remain on the grounds and if you should go into Hogsmeade to arrange for an escort. Ms Bones concurred."

"Aside from going to Honeydukes for some sweets or maybe the book store for some supplies I don't really see much need for us to go off the grounds. What about you?" Hermione said while looking at Harry and Ginny.

"I've got no problem with that." Harry was not really all that enthusiastic about getting into Hogsmeade. Ginny just shrugged and agreed with her parents.

"Very well. It is still available to you should you choose to do so. You may take a fellow student with you if they have permission to go to leave and are not in detention or otherwise being punished. You may also have guests in your rooms. Although if they are from another house you must inform their Head of House or a prefect, especially if they are going to spend the night."

"well I doubt that will happen."

"None the less it is there should you choose to do so. Further the castle house elves are not responsible for your quarters but I understand you have contracted with Dobby? To provide for you."

"Uh Yes ma'am. Dobby is our family elf."

"Very well. You may take your meals in your rooms, again with any guests you choose. However foods and such will be your responsibility if you do so."

"Okay ma'am. We will probably continue to take our meals in the great hall with our friends."

"Further as Ginny is your daughter she can remain with you in your quarters as a Gryffindor by default or be sorted and placed into any of the other houses. I would suggest keeping her here. As a safety matter."

All three of them nodded their agreement with that. "Do you think there will be another threat here in the school?" Harry pointedly asked her.

The professor pulled herself up "I and the other professors will sincerely do our best to prevent any such occurrences. I know that the previous two years may not have given you much confidence in our abilities however that is going to change. I assure you we will work very hard to clean up the act of those in this school."

"Thank you ma'am. We believe you."

"Speaking of threats. I spoke with the Goblins at Gringott's and the board. Since you defeated the Basilisk last year on school property we would like to have your permission to harvest the beast and split the proceeds from its sale with you. Apparently since it has only been a few months it should still be viable for multiple uses. If you should desire to do so we could use the money to benefit the students with new school brooms and some other upgrades and such around the school."

"How much money are we talking about?" Hermione stepped in.

"A great deal. The harvesters would have to see the beast to determine a final number but I believe they where tossing around high 5 and 6 digit numbers of Galleons."

"And the take would be what?"

"I believe the goblins offered 40-30-30 to their benefit since they would be doing most of the work and taking the risk as the venom will still be quite potent."

"I suppose..." Harry began.

"Offer them 35-33-32. The spread is not that much different with Harry taking the 33% since he actually killed it, and they still retain the biggest share."

Minerva raised her eyebrow but nodded, "Very well. I suppose your wife speaks for you Mr Potter."

"Uh yeah ma'am. When she knows more about something than I do she does."

With a slight bit of amusement Minerva looked at Hermione, "Yes it seems you have been a positive influence on him indeed."

"Good which brings me to my final point I need to inform you that the school records were updated as of last year when you..finalized your marriage vows. As we have activated the married quarters and your daughter's school records have been updated it will be quite impossible to keep your marriage and her adoption secret. Especially as the student body has been notified of the actions of the former headmaster and have received treatment for his mental manipulations."

Ginny frowned a bit, "Nobody is going to make fun of me for being adopted are they?"

"Malfoy might." Harry stated with a certainty as he crossed his arms.

Hermione nodded, "He would make fun of us no matter what. I wonder what new insult he's going to come up with when he finds out we're married."

"Probably something witty and full of intellectual wordplay with cutting repartee." Harry spoofed haughtily.

Minerva started to chuckle then stopped herself. "I see that your relationship with your wife is beginning to pay off with your vocabulary Mr Potter. Lets hope your classwork shows such improvement as your wit."

Ginny and Hermione covered their laughter with their hands as Harry had the decency to look abashed at least. "yes ma'am."

"I know without Ronald here things will be different. Please do not blame yourself for the way it happened Harry." she said patting him on the shoulder as she left.

Harry collapsed on the couch. Hermione and Ginny sat on either side of him. "What's wrong?"

"I just realized something. Ron was paid to keep us apart right?"

"Yeah fortunately he failed." Hermione said giving him a brief glimpse of a shy smile.

"What if there was something else he was supposed to do?"

"Like what?"

"Keep me from studying and learning things. Look at what always happened when I tried to study with you or do my homework. He would get whiny and want to play exploding snap or chess or go out and fly. He kept you from helping us learn and only pushed you into doing the work for us."

"That makes too much sense Harry. Why would he or more importantly his boss Dumbledore want you to not be educated Harry, or worse improperly educated. That could get you killed in a real fight."

Harry noticed she had not used any title or honorific for the former headmaster. A sure sign she had lost all respect for the man. Thinking over the things Hermione said though. What if he wasn't supposed to learn how to fight. What if he was supposed to not survive.

"Harry. Talk to me?" Hermione saw Harry's eyes go wide and his mouth dropped open.

"Hermione what if there is something about that prophecy idea you had. What if I'm not supposed to survive it?"

Hermione's breath caught. "No. Don't talk like that. That would be, that would be cruel."

"You mean like making two people take unbreakable vows to not tell his secrets. Like messing with several people's minds. Like kidnapping someone in broad daylight."

"We need to tell someone."

"Next time we see Ms Bones we'll tell her. Right now lets go explore the castle."

"Well I suppose I could go to the library."

"I was thinking about flying. Its been all summer and I feel sky calling me."

Hermione's face paled. Oh yeah. Well I think the library might be more productive."

Ginny grabbed Hermione's arm, "C'mon mom. Dad couldn't fly on the island because Moody said the wards weren't big enough for him to get any speed. He can do that here."

"Yeah and maybe I can see if we can get a pair of school brooms for the two of you to float around on."

"Awesome idea dad. C'mon mom. Please. Pretty please." She even turned on the puppy dog eyes.

Hermione glared at the two of them when Harry tried the puppy dog eyes on her too. "I am not comfortable with heights."

"Ok so how about you ride with me on the same broom. You just hold on and I do all the control. That way you don't have to worry about anything but staying on my broom."

Hermione raised her eyebrow at Harry's innocent remark. "You sir are developing a precocious sense of humor. But I suppose if I am outnumbered we can fly for a little bit, however we will go to the library afterwards. And that is assuming that the Headmistress or other responsible person gives permission."

"Ok deal." harry said and pulled Hermione out the door. They wandered the halls a little bit before they ran across professor Flitwick talking to some goblins who where installing a mirror on the wall.

Hermione paused and watched for a moment as they group spoke in their own language for a few minutes then apparently finished with their task moved on. Professor Flitwick turned and smiled widely at the Potters.

"Ahh MR and Mrs Potter and young Miss Potter. I'm looking forward to having you in my class young lady. I hear you are already doing most of the first year charms."

Ginny had stepped behind her parents when they encountered the large group of goblins but when they moved on she stepped back out. "Yes sir. Mom and dad have been teaching me what they already knew."

"Ahh good. I knew the two of you would be wonderful. My star pupils. Now hopefully you'll carry on young lady."

"Excuse me professor but what is the mirror for?"

"Apparently your father was talking to the headmistress and the board about a televisor program called Star Trekking and they have magic communicators and maps on their ship that if you ask them where you are it can show a map or tell you how to get somewhere. Also you can talk to people in another part of the ship through them. She and I worked these out with the goblin artificers on a trial run. They are installed at key points all through the castle."

Hermione rolled her eyes, "oh dear. Looks like dad is already starting."

"Well if these are the sorts of things we can actually learn from and adapt for our use I'm quite happy to see them join us."

"so how would we be able to talk to the Headmistress?"

Flitwick turned and touched the mirror with his wand, "Flitwick to Headmistress."

The mirror shimmered a bit then a wavery watery effect crossed its surface and the Headmistress was standing by her desk. "Yes Flitwick?"

"Ahh the mirror at the head of the stairs near Gryffindor tower is operating. I was showing the Potters the new system."

"Oh very good. I see you now. She said moving her head a bit. I suppose we should work on the lighting in the corridors as you are rather dim."

"Yes I know. Perhaps some sort of day crystal would be useful."

"I feel an advanced project for your 7th years Filius may be in the cards."

"Yes my thoughts exactly."

"Will there be anything else?"

Harry stepped up. "Yes ma'am would it be possible for me to take my broom and fly and maybe get a broom out of the lockers for Ginny?"

Minerva shook her head, "No I'm afraid not Mr Potter. While I cannot stop you from using your personal property, right now I must decline permitting you to use school property to fly on right now. Madam Pomfrey has not arrived yet so there is no medical care available short of transport to Saint Mungo's if something serious should occur."

"Oh I see. That's okay then. Sorry."

Minerva seemed surprised he didn't argue the point but simply nodded, "Thank you Mr Potter. While you are entitled to certain privileges due to your status as an emancipated adult and married student you are still a student and must be treated equally with your others where the rules require it."

"But I could still fly on my own Nimbus?"

"Yes. Your personal property is outside the purview of my authority unless it affects the school, students or others within my authority. Just as I said be aware of the lack of medical professionals. You would have to trust in the first aid skills of the various sorts on the grounds."

"We'll be careful."

"Very well."

"Headmistress out."

The mirror faded and went back to being a regular mirror.

Flitwick was dancing in glee. "That is spectacular. If you see your father before I do please give him my thanks for putting this idea out there. I have a feeling we are finally going to be entering the modern ages."

"yes sir I will." Hermione promised as the diminutive professor strolled down the corridor humming a tune.

Turning to harry she harrumphed, "So still want to fly?"

Harry glumly kicked the floor. "Yeah but I don't wanna fly without you guys. Even if we take turns or we ride pillion that still leaves one on the ground."

"Well there will be another time. Its not like you'll never get to fly again."

"I suppose. OK lets go to the library. I want to see what we can and can't do now that we're married here."

"well since the day after tomorrow is the first that would be a good idea."

Their research did not produce much more than what Minerva had already told them. Child care was their concern, they had the right to their own schedule for classes. And since their child was also taking classes they could keep a better eye on her if they chose to.

They ate dinner with the Grangers and talked about the things they where finding. Daniel was excited and had been setting up his classroom. He had his Range Rover sitting in a shed on the property and was going to be using it as an educational tool among a lot of the other items. He had discovered that the Suv was able to still work on the grounds as long as he didn't drive too close to the castle. Professor Flitwick and the others had charmed the engine to work on a lot less petrol. Which was a good thing as it was 30 mile drive one way to the nearest station, over dirt and stone roads. Not that Daniel minded as he enjoyed the trip. Flitwick had gone with him to see if he really could see the valley and make his way back. Daniel had not only seen the valley and remembered exactly how to get back he did not have a single problem. This excited the diminutive charms professor and confused the Headmistress as it went against everything she had known.

Emma had been given a crash course in the health needs and differences in magical bodies. Minor health issues did not affect magical people it seemed. Glasses being a rare exception. She was going to be more of a clerk and aide than anything professional but considering how much she was out of her league here it was not a bad thing because she was also going to be learning the trade as much as she could.

They told the Grangers about the rules for married students and how they would be in a middle zone of freedoms. They also talked about their concerns for how people would react when the students came back. Hopefully everyone would be supportive. They knew Susan, Neville, Luna and Lavender would but everyone else would be a mystery.
The evening went well and the two families went off to their beds excited and nervous about the upcoming year.

Breakfast was taken in the hall with the other teachers. The new potions professor was a tall austere gray haired man with a neatly trimmed goatee. His light blue eyes studied Harry then his wife and daughter.

"Hello so you are the famous Harry Potter and your family."

"Yes sir. This is my wife Hermione and our daughter Ginny."

He raised his eyebrow. "Yes I was told about your special circumstances. Rather precocious indeed. Well I am Stephan Greenleaf. I will be handling the potions class rather differently than my predecessor as well as dealing with the Slytherins differently as well. If you have any difficulties please inform me. Oh and Mrs Potter should you require the monthly prophylactic potion please do not hesitate to ask. We do not need any other distractions for your education than you already have."

Blushing Hermione shook her head, "No sir we are not ready for that."

He merely snorted, "If you say so." Then he dismissed them and went back to the book he was reading. It was in Latin and discussed the various toxic plants found in the Mediterranean region.

"Will we be learning about plants in Potions sir?" hermione asked trying to be friendly.

Sighing Greenleaf put the book down. "As herbology is an and should be an adjunct to Potion making yes. Knowing the properties of plants and how they interact can help one develop a far better ability to brew potions that are effective."

"Our friend Neville will be happy about that." She said smiling.

"Ah yes he of the exploding cauldrons. I have a feeling the classes where rather slipshod if that sort of result was permitted to occur more than once."

"Professor Snape was not very effective sir."

Flitwick chuckled, "Severus was not exactly a good choice for teacher material."

Minerva nodded her agreement, "Yes I don't think there was a one of us that really cried at seeing the back of him."

The other teachers agreed with her totally. None of them seemed to find it odd that the Grangers were muggles and sitting at their table. Which gave Harry a good feeling. All the way until Ms Bones and Moody came walking into the room.

Minerva looked up and scowled, "Ms Bones, Auror Moody what do we owe the pleasure of this meeting."

"I'm Sorry headmistress but this is not a pleasure trip. I need to speak with Mr Potter and may need to have him come to the Ministry."

"He's not in trouble is he?" Minerva was scowling even worse and her voice had taken a tone that even had Moody stood a bit straighter for a moment.

Ms Bones managed a chuckle, "No he's not in trouble. I just need his help dealing with a matter of the situation I'm investigating still." And she nodded slightly at Ginny.

"Ahh I see. Will it be Mr Potter only you require or the entire set."

"Well if his wife will let me it would be easier with just him. Otherwise of course I'll need the pair."

"Can we talk about this with Hermione and then see if we both need to go to the ministry?"

"The young lad is already learning how to walk the line with the missus." Moody chuckled. Getting grins from Daniel and a couple other professors as well as the taciturn Greenleaf.

"Very well Mr, Mrs Potter if we may?" She gestured over to a corner of the hall and the two of them followed her. Moody talking to the other professors but still watching every direction at once like he was expecting ninja house elves to suddenly appear out of nowhere.

Speaking low after casting a privacy charm around them with her back turned to the other professors Ms Bones told Harry, "We looked in the Department of Mysteries about prophecies involving you. There is one on file. Due to the magics involved only the people who it is about may retrieve it without severe bodily harm."

"This could tell us why both Voldemort and Dumbledore are so interested in you Harry."

"Yeah. So what would I have to do?"

"Well I would have to take you to the Ministry and we go to the Department of Mysteries. You get your prophecy and listen to it. Then we try to interpret the da..ng thing."

Hermione giggled slightly and Harry looked like he was smirking.

"alright I hate prophecies they are usually so stupidly worded and muddled that they could be interpreted in any of a dozen ways. Yet the way magic works a true prophecy is always recorded at the DOM. They hear them, mark who they think its about, who gave it and when and any pertinent notes then file them and obliviate themselves so they cannot reveal the details."

"That seems excessively complicated and inefficient."

"It was established by Merlin himself over a thousand years ago so of course it is regarded as holy dogma to never be altered for the good of all humanity. You have to understand the Department of Mysteries technically predates the Ministry itself so they have a bit more freedom than the rest of us from regulations and common sense sometimes..."

"Ahh I see." Hermione simply nodded. Having heard about some of the ways the traditions at Dad's gold club predated the dawn of civilization he said and no amount of common sense could change them.

"Yes so will I be taking the set, the pair or the single?"

"If its alright with you Harry I'll stay here and work with Ginny on some final preparations for tomorrow. Don't forget to tell Ms. Bones about what we talked about." She kissed harry on the cheek and then went back to the table.

"Tell me what Harry?"

he related the theory that Ron was being paid to help prevent him from getting his studies done or good grades. That perhaps the headmaster hadn't wanted him to be too good at being able to do things magically.

"Interesting theory Harry. Although I think you may be spending too much time around Moody and his paranoia is rubbing off on you. Sometimes a cigar is just a cigar."

"Hunh?"

"Ask Hermione or her mother about that."

Dropping her spell she took Harry back to the table to inform Minerva officially she would be needing the assistance of just Harry and would have him returned as soon as possible, hopefully by lunch but if not she would see to it he was fed. Hugging Ginny and Hermione he went with Moody and Ms Bones to the headmistress' office to use her floo to go to the Ministry.

Arriving there they went down to a section of the building that was old and strange. It had bricks that seemed to be made out of solid smoke with pale green torches burning providing light. Arriving at a small solid black door Ms Bones sharply rapped three times barely making any noise at all. The door soon dissolved and she rolled her eyes and walked through.

"Ahh Madam Bones, Auror Moody. Pleasure to see you again. And the illustrious Harry Potter." A very very tall man in a silvery white robe trimmed with blue greeted them. His suit under the robe was a charcoal gray Saville row it looked like.

"hello yes sir. I'm Harry Potter." He said holding his hand out.

The tall man took it in a massive paw.. Harry wondered if this man was related to Hagrid. "Good. I'm William Mayhew, you may call me William. Or perhaps as my friends call me Oak."

"Uh yes sir."

Ms Bones cleared her throat, "Mr Mayhew we are here about the prophecy involving young Mr Potter."

"Ahh yes please come with me." He turned and went through a set of doors. Before he could follow Ms Bones bent over and in a stage whisper, "I should have warned you most of the people who work in the DOM are a bit odd."

Harry just nodded then followed her through the doors Mr Mayhew had entered. The next room had a dozen doors in a circle. Mayhew had walked over to another door and was waiting on them. "The security field is turned off otherwise you would have quite the dizzy trip here. One of my associates compared it to a muggle amusement fair ride called the Gravitron."

They entered a dimly lit warehouse or cathedral it seemed like. The air was cold enough that harry could see his breath. The lighting was dim enough that the ends of the room where barely visible ghostly gray vagueness. All sound died out after leaving them as they walked through aisle after aisle of small glowing spheres about the size of a small baseball. The sphere had little plaques on their bases giving initials and dates but nothing else, some of them glowed with a pale liquid white glow while others where dead and smokey black. Eventually they arrived at a row and the tall man pointed at one of the shelves. "4th shelf up. The one with your name on it."

Harry looked up and saw a sphere with several initials under it but his name clearly written. He swallowed hard but heard himself ask as if from a long distance, "What can you tell me about this?"

"Well it was made by a Sybil Trelawny to Albus Dumbledore in June of 1980 in Hogsmeade. At least that's what the file says. Beyond that well its a mystery." he then laughed at his own joke.

"So what do I do to listen to it?"

"Well simply take out your wand and tap the top of the sphere. When you're done tap it again."

Harry did so and a watery reedy voice started playing.

"Born at the close of the seventh month a boy comes,

sired by a warrior of the light and his lady fair,

together defied the dark lord thrice,

he shall be marked by the dark lord as his equal

but he shall be the champion of the light

for he shall have the power to vanquish the dark lord.

One must slay the other,

for neither may die while the other lives"

Harry felt his mouth go dry, the blood draining from his face. This was why Voldemort had come to try to kill him. This was why his life was so messed up.

It had started to repeat so he tapped it again. He looked at Ms Bones whose face while still impassive was a bit drained as well. Moody if anything looked even more grim than usual. Mayhew looked curious but cheerful still.

"Well that's interesting. Looks like you have a big situation to deal with Mr Potter. I wish you plenty of luck. So anything else?"

"NO I do believe this should be sufficient. This is the ONLY prophecy dealing with MR Potter?" Ms Bones voice was strained a bit but otherwise she remained taciturn and controlled tightly.

"Oh yes. We searched our records quite thoroughly. This is the only one we have available. Why where you hoping for more?"

"NO. One is quite enough." Harry hadn't meant to shout but his nerves where rather tightly wound at the moment.

"Alright then if you'll excuse me. He drew his wand pointed it at his forehead between his eyes and said "Memoria expurgis" as his eyes crossed and he swayed for a few moments.

"Oh hello. Here to listen to a prophecy? Just take and tap the top of it to start it and tap it again to stop it."

Ms Bones furrowed her brow and shook her head, "No we just finished listening to it."

"Oh well then shall we head out. You remember the way right?"

"yes don't you?"

"Of course I do. I was just testing you." He then started heading out the way they had come. Slightly weaving and skipping.

"Barmy as a sailor three sheets to the wind." Moody muttered.

"Indeed." Ms Bones agreed.

Harry didn't know what to think. His mind was swirling with thoughts and ideas and vision. Was this why he was at the Dursleys? Was this why Dumbledore had paid Ron to sabotage his life? How was he supposed to slay the most powerful and scary Dark Lord the magical world had ever seen. From everything Harry had ever heard or read Voldemort was supposed to be so powerful he made Gellert Grindelwald look like a first year. Harry thought he might be able to take out a first year but definitely not a full fledged dark lord.

He had been walking automatically. Following Ms Bones and Moody through the building when he realized he was sitting down in an office with a glass of butterbeer in his hand. Moody was looking sympathetically at him while Ms Bones was looking at a piece of paper carefully.

"Bah I hate Prophecies. Usually they are pretty vague and open to interpretation. This one though. My god this thing reads like someone specifically wrote this for Harry himself."

"Neville. It could have been Neville." Harry heard himself say.

"Excuse me?"

"Neville's birthday is the day before mine. His parents fought Voldemort too."

"The Longbottoms where a great pair of Aurors. Frank and Alice where prodigies. The guy looked like a nebbish accountant until you pissed him off. Then he became death on earth. The Terrible terrier. Alice right by his side through it all"

"It's always the quiet ones Al." Ms Bones nodded. "James and Lily where not exactly pushovers either."

"Yeah that was so. The Lions trembled in their dens for that Gryffindor duo. So that first few lines could have been Harry or Neville. The mark though that is pretty clear."

Harry's hand went to his forehead. Rubbing the inch long jagged lightning bolt scar over his right eyebrow.

"Yep that thing was given to you by the beast himself. The only details we have of that night come from Dumbledore so in other words we don't know much."

"Since he's gone maybe I vanquished him back then?" Harry hopefully expressed.

"Son I know you've got something special going on with you but you where a toddler. Barely off your mom's teats and no amount of accidental magic in the world could have wiped that creature out. Not even if you're the second coming of Merlin. So that means your mum, dear sweet Lily, the firebrand herself, must have done something. Done something strong and old to get rid of him." Moody glumly observed.

"A blood ritual? Something involving herself as a sacrifice?" Ms Bones asked.

Moody nodded, "Makes as much sense as anything else it could be. That girl could have invented something too. She was brilliant in charms work. Her and Alice would sit and dream up new ways to do things that could get scary. Throw James and Frank in there. Who knows what they could have come up with."

"True."

"So that means the rest of it that I'll have to slay him or he has to slay me?"

"That part makes sense. Its the last line that has got me quizzing the wheels."

Ms Bones frowned, "What do you mean Al?"

"Neither can die while the other lives. No offense to you Potter but if that is taken literally that means that the best way Voldemort can live is to keep harry nice and safe and protected. It would be in his best interests. Yet conversely it would be in the best interests of Dumbledore for Harry to die. Why he didn't kill him as a baby back then doesn't make sense. Unless he wants him to die at the right time."

Harry was looking worried at Moody. "Uh that's a disturbing thought."

"Isn't it now. The alternative is that only Voldemort could kill you. And no one else can. That could be a bit hard to test though."
"Yeah it could." Harry was past worried right up into highly concerned.

"Al you're not considering testing that theory are you?" Ms Bones was quietly observing her slightly grumpy and unstable auror friend.

"No don't worry Amie I'm going to do my best to keep the boy alive and healthy. I'd rather not get skinned by his wife and daughter. Got too many artificial parts already as it is."

Harry chuckled nervously. Knowing that Moody was not far wrong about Hermione's reaction. "So what happens now?"

"Well we keep an eye out. Dumbledore has got to know why the dark lord didn't go away. Which is probably in your girl's head under that new psyche she has built. He doesn't know we can't get to it without killing her so he is going to act like we know or can find out. There might even be some other stuff under there. Stuff he might want to try and get. You girl has become key to all this."

"Yeah but its all buried in her mind you said. Literally. If we dig it up she'll die." Harry was not going to let that happen and his voice was as hard as he could make it.

"Easy there kid. Don't blow your wand up. I'm not advocating for any of that. I like her. She's a nice kid. I just have to think like our adversary to try and understand them. To see which way they are going to jump so I can be there when they land and smack em."

Harry tried to calm down a bit, "Oh I see. I think."
"Look you're going to need to be trained up a bit in fighting. Not that fancy dueling club stuff or the pansy waist everyone deserves to be redeemed codswallop Dumbeldore pushed. I mean real honest be the last one standing at the end of it fighting. So who did Minerva get for this year?"

"Well Dumbledore had made arrangements for Remus Lupin to teach this year."

"Really? We down checked him right."
"Yeah. Minerva went with Malachi Hobart."

Moody actually grinned. "Good he'll whip em into shape or die trying. He and I go way back. Only he went freelance and I stayed official."

"What was wrong with Remus Lupin? He was one of my dad's friends."

Ms Bones nodded, "Yes he was one of your father's friends. However aside from his lycanthropy ,which can be controlled by the expensive and difficult to brew Wolfsbane potion he is also far too loyal to Dumbledore. He failed my background check on that cause alone."

"Oh."

Moody patted him on the arm, "I know you'd have liked to chat with another one of yer dad's old chums. All I gotta say though is where was he for the last decade? Black has an excuse. Longbottoms have an excuse. Hell even the Browns didn't come to see you because they where not overly close to your parents. Out of everyone that was close to your parents they where all killed, imprisoned or hospitalized except for two. One was the bastard that turned them over to the dark one and the other was Lupin."

Harry felt a surge of anger at Moody for being so blunt but he realized that he was right. A lot of the things the Browns had told him where stories from school that where second hand or epic school rumors. Moody knew his parents but he had no loyalty to Harry before the case with Ginny landed in his lap. He realized the two adults in the room were looking at him carefully. Waiting to see how he reacted. He sighed and slumped in his chair letting go of the anger as best he could. "You're right. He should have tried to contact me earlier. He could have found a way I suppose."

"I'm sure he feels he has been doing the right thing by listening to Dumbledore but we cannot be sure of his future loyalty or motivations. As a Lycan he is resistant to compulsions and the imperious. Which makes him a lot more problematic because that means he has willingly been following Dumbledore's wishes." Ms Bones sadly explained.

"Yeah but didn't Dumbledore have to file reports on my upkeep and stuff like we did Ginny?"

"He falsified them. We spoke with the various inspectors that where supposedly checking on you and not a single one of them ever had any contact with you except Daedelus Diggle who goes to the same Gentleman's club Dumbledore does and is quite loyal to him. But that man is so flighty I'm surprised he needs to use a broom." Ms Bones distastefully declared.

"Could be worse Doge has been crawled in a bottle ever since Dumbledore went on the run. It broke his cold stone heart to find out his beloved Albie had done those things."

"Don't judge Remus Lupin too badly Harry. Under the right conditions I'm sure he could be quite a nice person, however right now he is a liability. Albus has and has had the ability to manipulate people and make them feel good about it. We have to remember that."

"I thought I knew him myself but that man pulled the wool over everyone."

"I see. I think. So to recap everything and see if I understand it. Unless you can catch Dumbledore and convince him to tell you what his reasons are we have to protect Ginny because she may have learned things from the mind of Tom Riddle aka Voldemort when he was possessing her. Dumbledore wants to know what she knows because he might be afraid she has told others or has information that he doesn't have. And he doesn't care what happens to her or anyone else that gets in the way. Right?"

Moody chewed his cheek for a moment then nodded, "Succinct and accurate. You've got a good head on your shoulders. Let's try and keep it there."

"I'd like that."

"Alright you two now Harry do you have anything else you need? Things are going well at Hogwarts so far?"

"yes ma'am the Grangers are settling in quite well. I think Dan has made friends with just about everyone. Hermione is looking forward to this year as is Ginny. Emma seems to have even gotten along with everyone."

"Alright. Well unless you have any other questions I suppose we are done for today. Al cacn you take him back up to Hogwarts so he can have lunch and decompress from this."

"Yeah no problem. I'll talk to Minerva about the DADA class. Maybe make sure Harry here and his wife get some extra training. They'll be on the front line of all this."

"Definately I agree. Don't you Harry?"

"Yeah if it lets me protect Ginny sure. I know Hermione will go for it too. I doubt I'd get her to sit home and knit or something."

"Not very likely no. One of the risks of loving a powerful woman, one of the rewards too." Moody actually sounded wistful for a moment.

"Alright Al get out of here before you get too emotional and sappy.."

Laughing Moody took Harry back to the atrium and the floos. They arrived back at Hogwarts where Moody went to talk to the Headmistress and Harry sought out his family. Little surprise he found them in the library.

"Mione I need to talk to you."

Looking up she saw his face and sighed, "So what new horror are we facing."
Smiling at how perceptive his Mione was he sat down, "Uh yeah you where right there was a prophecy. Not a good one." He then related to her the wording of the prophecy, the discussion they had afterwards. Also the discussion about Remus Lupin and his loyalty to Dumbledore.

"Well first I have to agree with their assessment of Mr Lupin. He does not sound like someone I want to trust around Ginny. I don't know what he would do to her, or if he would obey Dumbledore blindly and hand her over."

"Yeah me either. I just kinda wish he had been more trustworthy. It would be nice to know some more people who knew my parents."

"I know harry but we can't trust him."

"So what do you think of the prophecy?"

"Well I have to agree with their assessment. Although that neither can die doesn't make much sense. I mean that implies that you could jump off the astronomy tower and live. It doesn't make any sense."

"I hadn't thought about that. It would be rather bad to try and test that though?"

"I don't think we need to test it. You've been injured very horribly multiple times by now."

"Yeah but I haven't been killed yet."
"That does not mean you can't be killed Harry. I'd rather not have you die."

"Yeah I'd rather not die either."

"I'd rather you not die either dad." Ginny said. She had been listening to everything and shaking her head. "I don't understand though. If there is something that big in my head why don't I know it?"

"Because the doctors said you buried it under the personality so you could heal. If you remembered that it could be bad for you. Sweetie. And we don't want you to get hurt or hurt yourself."

"I just wish I could remember more. There is so much I don't know. Like I don't remember anything about anyone before I woke up at home. I've known no other parents. And I know you told me about these Weasleys but I don't know any of them. I'm kinda worried about the other kids when school starts tomorrow. You said some of them may remember me from before. But aside from Luna I don't remember anyone else. I only know Lavender from knowing you."

"Well don't worry about it. It just means you can just make new friends."

"Yeah as a first year again."

"Maybe not. I was talking to Professor McGonnegal and if you can show everyone that you know, or remember your first year practicals and coursework they may let you take second year classes like normal."

"Really?"

"Yeah so since we're already here in the castle tomorrow before the rest of the students get here they will give you a test. Each of the professors. And don't feel bad I think Professor Greenleaf was going to be retesting everyone thanks to Snape's lack of teaching skills."

"Wow Mione. I've known you four years and it only took Dumbledore trying to kill our daughter to get you to stop calling them professor..." He teased

"Yes well that is a rather strong reason don't you think?"

"yeah. I know."

Ginny looked back and forth before chuckling. Hermione sighed, "Its not polite to refer to a professor by just their name under most circumstances. Some people though do not deserve the respect for their title by their actions. Its not a one size fits all solution."

"Its a learning situation isn't mom?"

"Yes sweetie."

The rest of the evening they discussed possible threats, possible alternative interpretations of the prophecy and what the next year would be for classes and such. Hermione also wanted to make sure there was plenty of study time for Ginny. Dinner with the Grangers was nice again but funny as Dan was having stage fright as he had never taught anyone anything before. Ginny managed to calm him down by reminding him she was going to be in his class and she believed in him. Harry also pointed out he had to be better than a ghost.

The next day dawned early and Hermione and Ginny had a small disagreement as Hermione was pushing for more revision and study and Ginny felt she knew all she was going to know.

Throwing her hands up Hermione gave up and fretted about the tests. Harry was more concerned about how people where going to react. Fred and George would be around but they had forgotten her and it seemed they would not be able to be cured without going insane, at least worse than normal.

They where already seated in the great hall when the students arrived. The ebb and flow of people who had just ridden a train together continuing their conversations while finding their spots in the hall rising and falling like a tide. Most of them ignored the Potters although a few did come over and say hello or express their congratulations or sympathy at the loss of their friend Ron. Lavender came in and hugged all three of them in her usual display of exuberance. Luna saying hello to them all in her inimitable way, holding Neville's hand. Not because they where dating she said but to prevent him from hurting the Weasley twins as they had been rather rude to some people.

At that moment the twin terrors arrived in person. "Harry my friend. So you took the plunge and got married eh?"

"What a shame for all the girls of the school you could have had quite the buffet before settling down you know."

"Now is this the one everyone is claiming is our own sister?" Fred said poking Ginny on the shoulder.

"Yes." Harry was beginning to feel a bit angry and could see why Neville was having to be , gently, restrained by Luna.

"George I do not think this girl was one of us. She looks absolutely nothing like one of the clan."

"You are quite correct my dear brother. This is an impostor. Though had potential to grow up and be a bit attractive I suppose."

"In a plain sort of way."

"Guys back off. You are talking about my daughter." Harry stood up finished with the way they where talking. "I think its time to go take your seats anyhow."

"Ohhh." One of them said drawing it out. "Well we don't exactly like people claiming to be something they're not. And We. Do. Not. Have. A sister."

"Never had. Never will. So step on that rumor that she's our sister."
"You're right. You guys never had a sister. You know. I'm kinda glad you didn't As arrogant self-centered jerks you guys are I'd feel very sad for her."

"Aww check it out brother dear. The puppy has learned to bark."

"I'll show you bark." Neville said trying to pull his wand out but only to have Luna swing him around and knock him onto the bench so she could sit in his lap. Surprising everyone at her smooth graceful movement that Neville lost his balance and dragged them both off onto the floor with her sitting astride him in a rather compromising position.

This did serve the purpose to distract everyone from continuing the fight as the twins applauded and congratulated Neville then ignored harry and moved up the table to their seats.

Luna smiled down at Neville, "I'm sorry Neville. Thank you for the grope on my breast it wasn't bad. I hope I'm not hurting you by sitting astride your groin. Your erection is quite nice. Puberty is being very kind to you."

"No I'm fine." Neville squeaked.

Lavender and Parvati helped Luna up laughing. Harry was still standing there glaring at the twins. Hermione was unsure what happened to them but she was not happy either. Ginny just sat staring at the table ignoring everything.

A tall swarthy looking man in a expensive looking muggle suit with a long black opera cape came over. "Ah Mr Potter. Is there any trouble here?"

"No." Then Harry noticed Hermione gesturing towards the head table which meant this man must eb a teacher, "Sir. We had a bit of disagreement with the Weasley twins."

"Ah yes I am sorry about that. I was given a full briefing by the headmistress and Ms Bones. If there is any further difficulty with them please do not hesitate to let me know. Oh and Mr Longbottom. When a girl sits in your lap its at least polite to thank her for it."

"Yes sir. Um Thanks Luna."

She purred, "No thank you. It was my pleasure. Later everyone." And then she skipped off to the Ravenclaw table. The gentleman nodded then went to take his seat at the head table.

Lavender shook her head, "Neville I'd be careful I think you have an admirer."
Neville just sat down and groaned with his head in his hands.

"What's wrong uncle Nev? Did Luna hurt you when she landed on you?"

"No but if he doesn't take a shower before bed he might be hurting." Lavender giggled.

Ginny squinted at lavender, "Is that what she meant by puberty had been kind to him?"

"Yeah I think it mean he has a big..." Hermione coughed and interrupted Lavender. "Personality she finished."

Ginny giggled, "Oh that means he has a big boy wand... I get it."

Hermione rolled her eyes.

Professor McGonnegal came in with the first years and they where sorted after the song by the hat. Nothing new or unusual about that all. The Professor then stepped up to a simple wooden podium. Harry noticed that the golden throne Dumbledore sat on was gone replaced with a rather plain and common high-backed Victorian wood chair.

"Good evening students. I want to welcome you back to another year. As you may have noticed there are a great many changes. Not all of them you will enjoy, some you may enjoy entirely too much."

"First Professor Dumbledore is no longer headmaster and any loyalty you may or may not have had for him is misplaced. He has allowed this school to fall far from grace and we shall work to restore its place among the premiere magical school in the world. As such there will be no more bullying, derogatory words being used or other displays of intolerance and bigotry. Any such will not only result in loss of house points but personal detentions and other punishments."

"Further as Albus Dumbledore is a wanted criminal if you should happen to see him in the school, on the grounds or in Hogsmeade you are to immediately report this to a teacher so that the authorities are contacted."

"Now as you may have already noticed we have four new teachers. Stephen Greenleaf replaces Severus Snape as Potions and Head of Slytherin House." She had to speak loudly the last few words as the hall broke out in cheering and applause. This was stopped by a loud crashing boom.

"That will be sufficient. We shall have decorum and proper behavior ladies and gentlemen. You are not animals hooting for your dinner. You are the best of the magical community and you will represent that."

Now to continue our introductions Malachi Hobart will be your new Defense Instructor, Daniel Granger will be the new Muggle Studies professor. He has a great deal of experience in these matter so please trust and believe him. His wife Emma will be assisting Madam Pomfrey and will be available for girls to consult with for specific issues." A lot of the male students either cringed or blushed at the mention of that.

"As I am not the Headmaster I shall not make the same mistake my predecessor did and spread myself too thin. There fore I shall be concentrating on ensuring the smooth running of this school. I will not remain hidden in my office either. So please feel free to speak with me about anything. Your prefects and heads of house are there as well to assist you as well as the head boy and girl. Which reminds me that Professor Hobart will be taking over as head of Gryffindor house. And Alice Kingsleigh will be taking over as Transfiguration. I would appreciate it if you would all make them welcome." She turned and applauded as the five persons she named stood and waved at everyone.

Once the applause settled down. "Very well then let the feast commence." And she returned to her seat while the podium slid over to the wall.

Conversation instantly broke out in speculation of the various professors. Professor Kingsleigh was an attractive looking young woman in her thirties the general consensus agreed. Long blonde hair braided in a ponytail down her back with bright blue eyes in an agreeable looking face as Lavender described her. Given some of the crass comments the Weasley twins were making she was definitely more than agreeable looking.

Many of the girls seemed to think that the new Defense professor exuded a certain degree of sexiness as well. Tall, swarthy and moving with the grace of a cat he drew the eyes of many of the girls. Harry was happy to see that either Hermione was better able to conceal her glances or did not care. Lavender was practically drooling as was Parvati. When the feast was over and he came over to their table, "Ah MR, Mrs Potter please a moment of your time."
Harry and Hermione paused as did Ginny to see what he wanted.

"Please see me tomorrow first thing in my office. I would like to speak with you concerning this year's curriculum. And please bring your daughter along as well."

"yes sir. Just after breakfast or should we come before?"

"After will be sufficient, the professors have a meeting before to discus the day's plans."

"Ok. We'll be there right after breakfast before any classes."

"Good now if you'll excuse me I have a dorm check to perform and make sure my prefects are aware of the requirements and security standards." With that he gave a small salute to Lavender and left.

"Oh my he can check my dorm all he wants." Lavender sighed to Hermione's disgust and Ginny's amusement.

Parvati acted like Ginny had always been Ginny Potter but did say she was sorry about Ron to harry and hermione.

Waiting for them outside the great hall leaning against the wall was Draco and his entourage. Harry sighed and tried to walk past them but Draco called out, "Hey Potter. How's it feel to have the beacon of the light betray you like that ha?" He sneered.

"Ignore him harry."

"Oh yeah better listen to the little lady or you'll be eating mud." Draco was laughing so hard at his own humor he did not notice the tall head of Slytherin house come up behind him. His thugs had tried to warn him but found themselves shoved to the side with a small flick of the professors hand.

"Mr Malfoy. How disappointing. Your father tried to make me believe you where the prototypical Slytherin and quite the role model for your other students. How sad to see that he was lying."

Draco spun around the words of defense on his lips when he saw who it was. "Professor Greenleaf sir."

"Yes. Head of Slytherin House. The house of the cunning. The ambitious. The future leaders. Hmmm. You are none of those things. 25 points from Slytherin and you will have detention with me tomorrow evening. Further you will get on your knees and apologize to Mrs Potter for using that disgusting term."

"But sir she is a.."

Greenleaf held his hand up with the fingers in an arcane symbol. Draco felt his throat closing and his breath fading. Stars where starting to appear before his eyes when he was suddenly released. "You may wish to reconsider your stance on things young Malfoy. I am NOT a follower of the blood bigotry and ignorance. There are many reasons to hate someone, disrespect them but their blood origins are never one of them. From what the records show Mrs Potter has consistently outscored every pure-blood in this school in every class. Yet she has not bragged about it. She has married very well a hero of our world and is well respected. You would do well to remember that." Greenleaf hissed in Draco's face. "Now kneel before her and apologize and should you ever use that filthy word again I shall see to it that you are truly humiliated in front of your peers."

Draco swallowed and turned in fear. He dropped to one knee only to feel a boot shove him prostrate. "Forgive me Mrs Potter for impugning your blood. I was wrong to do so and shall not do it again."

Hermione was speechless for a moment but managed to stammer out, "Apology accepted Draco. Thank you for apologizing."

"Professor Greenleaf! Could you please explain what is going on?" Headmistress McGonnegal was standing in the great hall wide eyed and working her mouth while pointing at the current scene. Every student nearby had backed off into a circle. Except Draco who held himself very still.

"I was merely teaching young Malfoy about how it feels to be bullied. How demeaning someone hurts them. Hopefully he shall learn his lesson and refrain from such negative behavior again. You where correct Slytherin house has been allowed to become corrupt and debased. The firm hand of discipline shall be needed to restore its greatness."

"Yes well I am not entirely certain this was within the bounds."

"I assure you I have done nothing outside the rules as set forth in the professor's ordinances that I was given."

"I feel that you may have been creative in your interpretation of those ordinances."

"Yes well I am a Slytherin after all." he said with a smile.

"Yes you are." Minerva admitted after a moment of staring at the coldly smiling professor. "Very well I do suppose you should get Draco off the floor before someone mistakes him for a throw rug."

"Good evening Professor McGonnegal. I shall see to it personally."

"Good evening Professor Greenleaf."

"Come young mister Malfoy we have much to discus." And he started walking, not even bothering to check if Draco was following his boots clicking on the stones and fading fast towards the dungeons. Draco rushed to follow him while Crabbe and Goyle looked like they had just been through a whirlwind and rushed to follow Draco.

Turning to the students still lingering about McGonnegal said, "Well good night all. Don't you have dormitories to be within?"

Reaching their the Potters were still in shock. "Oh my god. This is going to be a strange new year." Hermione gasped.

"Yeah. I think I'm going to like this year."