Author's Note: This is one of my favorite chapters. From the emotions to the plot points and everything in between. I hope you enjoy it equally as well. Dedicated to Bumlewis for her unfailing cheerleading and support, and to Tim2604 who has been a joy to talk to about this story and who just had a birthday. ;)

Chapter 58: Dumbledore's Library


A few weeks later, Harry, Ron, and Hermione were practicing their defensive skills in one of the flat's empty bedrooms. With just a few short flicks of her wand, Hermione had miniaturized the furniture and pushed it against the wall. Harry had to shake his head at his friend; all these years later, and she still impressed him.

They had worked up quite a sweat and were now resting on a couple of giant, orange bean-bag type chairs that Ron had conjured.

"You know, that variation of the Knock-Back Jinx you're casting is really getting quite…hearty," Hermione said to Ron, rubbing her back and wincing. Ron let the ghost of a smirk cross his face before making a sympathetic noise and then started to rub his girlfriend's back. Harry bit back a laugh as he knew that George had been helping Ron with that particular jinx quite a bit. Just to get back at Hermione for hitting him with the old favorite – the Slug Vomiting charm, making him cough up quite a few of the buggers before admitting she knew the counter-spell to make him stop.

"What are Brogan and Ginny up to?" Hermione asked, looking at Harry now.

"Reading. Mrs Weasley still wants Ginny to er, take it easy after everything."

An awkward silence filled the room, and Ron looked at Harry, frowning.

"But she's all right, though, isn't she?"

Harry nodded. "She's brilliant. No lingering issues as far as we can tell, those healing potions did their magic. I think your Mum is just making her be extra careful, really."

Hermione nudged Ron, who made a face at her. Harry shook his head. "It's okay, mate. I know. And we're good, no worries. Can't say either of us wanted to be parents, right now."

Ron's cheeks flushed. "Yeah, you know, things happen, but er, um, be more um, responsible next time, Harry." He said it all very quickly, as though in a rush, and Harry and Hermione both raised their eyebrows at him. Ron blushed again.

"I just felt I had to say that as Ginny's brother. Sorry, mate. As a fellow man who also doesn't want children right now, I can also say what I really want to say… bloody hell, Harry. Close call."

Hermione tsked at Ron, rolling her eyes. "Oh, brilliant, Ron. I think he forgot to say that we're here for you if you want to talk about it. Or anything else."

Hermione gave him a prodding look, but Harry decided to ignore it. If she thought he would use this opportunity to tell Ron about Brogan and their unconventional relationship, she was barmy.

"Brogan's helping a bit, I reckon," Ron said now, bringing Harry back to the conversation. Harry blinked at his friend, trying to figure out what he meant. "With the emotional stuff, that is."

"Oh, you mean as an Empath. Yeah. It does help. Well, are you two finished for the day, or do you have another round in you? I feel the need to smash a few more things, myself," Harry said, standing up and wanting to put the awkwardness behind them. Everyone had been treating him and Ginny as though they might break, and Harry was getting a bit tired of it, to be honest. Everyone was just so.. adult about the whole thing. He didn't need his two best friends to join in on it as well.

"I'm done, I think," Hermione said, standing up. "I want a nice warm bath and for someone to give me a proper back rub." She looked pointedly at Ron.

Harry interrupted his friend before he could reply. "But Hermione, Ron is right here; won't he get suspicious if I join you in that bath? I mean, I know you said my hands were magical…" Harry waggled his eyebrows at Hermione, who laughed.

"Ha, ha, Harry," Ron said, making a face at him. "Hilarious. I'll be the one rubbing her back, thank you. You go find your own girl. But actually don't, as your girl is my sister and…" Ron paused and shuddered. "I don't need to know. I'm sure she got pregnant by immaculate conception or something. You've never touched her, I sure."

Harry smirked and watched as his friends left the room, already starting to argue about whether or not Hermione should first bathe or get the massage. He shook his head as the door shut behind them and closed his eyes, concentrating on the spell that would make the different statues appear so he could practice fighting them off.

He put his wand on the floor off to the side, and took a deep breath. It was strange now, how aware he was of his magic. The wandless magic he'd been practicing had become second nature to him, finally. Feeling the familiar tug, Harry kept his eyes closed and moved his hand. Five statues appeared around him, and as he gave his silent command, they started their attack. The first two, Harry was proud to say he took care of fairly quickly. When the third one zapped him rather nastily, he opened his eyes and focused on defending himself. His personal goal was to demolish all five without opening his eyes, but he hadn't quite got there yet. He kept losing concentration the longer he kept his eyes closed.

He was just destroying the final statue when the door opened, and Ginny came into the room. She watched him for a moment and then smiled.

"Nice one, love. But what did that poor statue of…who was that again?"

"Matilda the Malodorous," Harry said as he used his wand to clean up the debris he'd made.

"Oh, well, okay, perhaps she was a bit smelly, after all." Ginny plopped down on one of the bean-bag chairs, and Harry smirked as she used her wand to change the color from orange to blue. She smiled when she saw him watching her.

"I look better in blue."

"Of course."

"How were Ron and Hermione?" Ginny asked as he joined her.

"Good. For the most part. Until Ron told me not to get you up the duff again."

Ginny made a face. "He didn't, did he?"

"Not in so many words," Harry said, smiling. Ginny shook her head. She stretched out her arm, and he took her hand, rubbing the inside of her thumb with his finger. The glint of her ring caught the light, and Harry entwined his fingers with hers as he took her hand. "How are you doing?"

Ginny smiled. "Okay, I reckon. Tonks came to say hello while we were reading. I get the feeling everyone thinks they should walk on eggshells around me."

"I know," Harry mused. "It's driving me crazy."

"And poor Brogan, he can't even…" Ginny shook her head. "He's the one they should be supporting, really."

"He seemed okay the other day," Harry said. "And I haven't felt him…hating himself. As much." Harry frowned. "What are we going to do with him?"

Ginny shrugged. "Give him time. I mean, I'm physically okay, but I'll be doing something and just…think about it again and feel strangely…saddened. It's mostly because he told me how the O'Corra line is supposed to die with him. Aine's gift…or their gift of being an Empath ends when he dies."

"Do you think it would have been a girl?" Harry asked after a moment. Ginny glanced at him.

"He certainly thinks so."

"I would like to have a little girl someday, I think," Harry said, smiling. "Someone with your spirit and my good looks would be hard to beat. And the best thing would be that all the boys would fear her. She'd be Fierce with a capital F."

Ginny snorted. "What makes you think she wouldn't have my good looks and your stubborn spirit?"

Harry shrugged. "Potter blood has to get in there somewhere, and since I take after my parents so well…"

"Very scientific, Harry," Ginny giggled.

He shrugged and smiled at her. He moved closer to her, using his wand to make the chair less bulky and more comfortable. He wrapped his arm around her as she rested her head on his shoulder.

"I love you," Ginny said after a few moments, their hands still linked. He watched as she ran a finger across her ring. He kissed the top of her head.

"And I love you."

"I'm sorry, Harry," she said, her voice sounding small. He looked down at her.

"For what? Loving me?"

"No, just…the whole…thing. Getting 'up the duff' as you say. By another man."

Harry snorted. "It's not like you were cheating on me. I'm sure if males could get pregnant, I'd have twenty kids by now, what with my loose moral fiber and poor judgment. Also, my love of Brogan's –"

"Okay," Ginny chuckled. "Point made."

"Besides, it's like you said, Gin. It's nature, it's the cycle of life or whatever. We want to keep having sex like crazy bunnies, then we have to take responsibility. We could go back to being celibate, I reckon, but I really don't want to. The sex is too great. We owe it to life to keep at it."

Ginny burst out laughing and looked up at him. "We owe it to life to keep having sex?"

"Yeah, maybe that is pushing it," Harry said, smiling at her.

"Professor Lupin is looking for you," Ginny said after they settled down. "He said he had a package for you."

"It's Remus now, and I wish you would call him that," Harry gently chided her.

"I just can't get used to calling him Remus," Ginny said, frowning. "He will always be Professor Lupin in my eyes."

"Well, if we do ever get to have kids, I want him to be a godfather. So, you'd better get used to it, or our child will wonder why in the blazes you're calling him Professor all the time."

"I think he may have a similar question for you, actually. He and Tonks have really…grown close."

"Oh, so you finally noticed that?" Harry said, helping her out of the chair. He used his wand to put the room back to rights.

"I think they might even be thinking of marriage or performing the bonding ceremony soon."

"What? Really?" Harry asked, wondering how he'd missed that.

Ginny nodded. "The closer it gets to all-out war, the more people want to stand up and be recognized as belonging to each other. That's what my Dad says, anyway. He said it was the same the last time."

"I can understand that," Harry said softly, pulling her to him. He lifted her hand up closer and looked at her ring. He met her gaze.

"Whenever you want, I will do the final part of our joining, Gin. The whole world should know I belong to you, and you belong to me. If they didn't know it already, that is. Nothing has changed since I gave you this ring. You are still my future."

Ginny's eyes filled with emotion, and she kissed his hand. "And you are mine."

"Well, I should go see what this package is, although now that I think of it, Remus did mention that Aberforth had sent me something," Harry said as they left the room.

"He sent you something before he died?"

Harry nodded. "Yeah, weird, isn't it? The man acted like he couldn't stand me, most times."

"Hmm," Ginny said, looking lost in thought. They parted ways at the stairs.

"I'm going to go back to the bedroom. See you later?"

Harry smirked. "Where else am I going to be?"

"Fair point," Ginny admitted. She grabbed his arm and pulled him back up one of the steps, standing on the one above his so that she stood over him. "Hmm, I like this perspective, being taller than you for a change."

She pulled him in for a kiss, and Harry sighed into it – feeling her pulse speed up as he held her wrist with his fingers and let himself get lost in her lovely, flowery scent. She nipped at his bottom lip with her teeth, smiling down at him.

"Maybe we should try having sex this way. I think I could really enjoy it."

"Sounds fun," Harry said, moving his mouth to her neck automatically. She chuckled and then pushed him away.

"Go get your mysterious package."

"Spoilsport."

Harry watched her walk away and then quickly turned to head downstairs. He wondered what Aberforth could have possibly sent him.

o-o-o-o-o

"Ginny?"

"Hmm?" Ginny replied absentmindedly, still reading. Brogan touched her arm, and she glanced at him. She closed the book when she saw that he wanted to talk. "What's up?"

"Tell me…what was it like growing up with so many…siblings? I was just sitting here thinking about it and realized I don't have a clue what it was like to grow up like you did. Tell me about your brothers. Like Harry often does, I find that you lot are fascinating to me."

Ginny shifted so that she could lay down and put her head in his lap. His hand immediately went to her hair, starting to massage her scalp in gentle, comforting ways. He looked at her expectantly.

"Well, to be fair, Brogan, it is the only way I have ever known, so I am not sure I can give you too many insights. But…it was good fun, really, for the most part. My family is loud and boisterous and very… male. To say I take after them in that way sometimes is an understatement."

"Yes, you do seem to be less girly than most. What with the Quidditch and the taking the piss out of me on a daily basis and then storming off into danger when the occasion allows," Brogan said with a smirk.

Ginny rolled her eyes. "Bill is the oldest, and he's the adventure seeker. Some people think he got involved with the Goblins because he wanted to make quick money, but honestly? He just loves figuring things out, and curse-breaking has that level of excitement he craves. Charlie…" Ginny paused, swallowing roughly as she thought of her brother. Of course, the ache was still there, but she could now think of her brother and remember him as he had been in life. Brogan kissed the top of her head, sensing her emotions.

"Charlie…Charlie was also into doing different things for the hell of it. He'd always been interested in dragons, but he liked being by himself most of the time. He was…he was a great brother. I miss him a lot, actually."

"I'm sorry I never got to know him," Brogan murmured.

Ginny quickly kept talking to keep herself from getting upset. "Percy…well, I know Fred and George think Percy is a git, but…you know what? He always protected me from them when we were kids. Not that they were out to get me all the time or anything, but…you know how they are. Percy would fight for me when I was too young to handle myself."

"So, you were still in the womb then?"

Ginny laughed. "Yeah, well, at least until I was five or six or so. The twins, god, I love those two idiots. They're very clever, probably the most brilliant out of all of us, but they hide it so well that you forget. Fred and George taught me that anything is possible."

"And Ron?" Brogan asked, looking at her.

Ginny sighed. "Ron and I are…too close in age. We love each other but…well, actually, he's been better this year, come to think of it. He used to get very big brother on me, and I really wanted to hex him sometimes. Actually, all the time, before we told him about Aine's power protecting me. He just couldn't seem to get it through his thick skull that I am a capable witch and not just his little sister. Like I said, we're too close in age. He thinks he needs to do the big brother act because he's the youngest boy. I was always trying to explain to him that I had five other idiots to do that for him. Ron hates feeling like he's not…special enough, so he overcompensates."

Ginny glanced up at Brogan. "But having a large family meant I always knew…there would be people who accepted me. No matter what. When I had that trouble in my first year with Riddle's diary, it was hard to return to school the next year. Facing people. And some people were mean. But Fred and George set them straight. And Ron would walk me to class when he could. Percy, too. And Harry…" Ginny paused and smiled. "If Harry saw me alone in the common room, he would play Gobstones with me or sit by me and read. It was…the greatest act of kindness I had ever seen. He probably doesn't even remember doing it, to be honest. But it's what probably took my crush on the Boy Who Lived into just a crush on Harry, the person."

"It's the small actions that mean the most, sometimes," Brogan murmured, still rubbing her head. Ginny closed her eyes and relaxed into it. Brogan lowered his mouth to hers and kissed her, gently. She smiled at him.

"You're feeling very snuggly today, aren't you?"

He shrugged. "Reckon so. I'm feeling…introspective. And thinking about what family means."

Ginny sat up and looked at him, studying him. "Are you going to try to get to know your dad?"

Brogan frowned. "I don't know. I can't help it, Ginny, he…aggravates me. I can't even be in the same room as him for very long. I think that might put a damper on our relationship eventually."

"But he's your father, and yeah, I get it. I really do, Brogan. But think of Harry, without any parents at all. Your father is here, alive, and …I reckon he is attempting to be closer to you. Maybe we should stop being so suspicious and just take his actions at face value."

Brogan snorted and shook his head. "I'm not sure that's wise to do with Solace Ward."

"Then do it for Solace Caley, the man who lost the woman he loved and the son he wanted to raise. I think he's in there somewhere still."

"Why do you say that?"

Ginny shrugged and settled in against him, pulling his arm around her. "Because you are a good man, Brogan, and it had to come from somewhere, and I'm not sure you can just keep saying it's all from your Mum. It doesn't work like that. We are a combination of our parents, after all."

They stayed silent for a moment, each thinking about the combination of them that had been inside her. Ginny felt a tinge of bittersweet sadness move through her and squeezed his hand. But she knew it wasn't all his emotion that she was feeling.

Brogan eventually made a soft noise at the back of his throat, and he met her eyes. "For the record, I think, had, you know, what happened ever actually…happened, then she would have had all of your good bits in droves. And you can't convince me otherwise."

Ginny touched his face, not saying anything. Their flare of connection opened wide, and she let him know how she felt without using any words. Sometimes, as they both knew, the heart was better at communicating.

o-o-o-o-o

Sitting at the kitchen table, Remus handed Harry a plain, brown box that bore his name and 12 Grimmauld Place address. Lupin shrugged at him.

"I reckon Aberforth thought we'd still be there."

"Yeah, I'm certain he didn't see Snape being his killer and that we'd have to move," Harry muttered. He stared at the box for a moment, feeling odd.

"The only way to know what's inside, Harry, is to open it," Remus said, an amused look on his face. "We had Bill make sure it wasn't cursed or that there was anything wrong with it."

"No, it's not that," Harry said, frowning at the box. "I just don't know what to expect from it. Aberforth didn't like me."

Remus shook his head at Harry as he sat down in front of him. "To be fair, Aberforth didn't know you, and he didn't hate you. You two were just…unfamiliar to each other."

"That's diplomatic of you," Harry said, shaking his head. "You and Brogan must have gone to the same school of thought. He's constantly making me reevaluate things that way."

Remus merely raised his eyebrow at him and didn't say anything. Harry felt his skin heat and then grabbed his wand, using it to cut a small line down the box's seam to open it. Inside there was an envelope and three smaller boxes. Harry read the letter first.

Potter –

I came across these in my research. Hopefully, I will tell you in person about these, but if not, I wanted to make sure you had them in your care. They are ancient, and I am not sure of their magical value (yet), but my brother seemed to think they would eventually come in handy. There are three of them, as you can see. I will assume you will understand the significance of that. They have been referred to as the Ophidian Armilla, and they have been fashioned to be worn by the three of your choosing.

There is something about the Veil Room at the Ministry that is or will be, very detrimental to Riddle, in the end. My brother seemed to believe that Riddle has made himself immortal – and until you figure out how to make him human again, he will continue to terrorize our world.

I believe that Riddle has fashioned himself into an Ouroboros – a snake representing life, death, and rebirth. How he has done this, I do not know. But if he dies while in his current state, he is merely reborn and grows stronger with each new renewal. That is about the gist of it as far as I have been able to learn. My brother went to his death keeping some of his more profound thoughts to himself, unfortunately.

I know you're probably wondering what the hell this means for you and how it's supposed to help you get rid of him, and quite frankly, I do not know. There are a series of books that I think you should read – I've included the list here, and perhaps you can even understand some of it. The more…esoteric of these books will have to come from my brother's personal library. Remus Lupin should know how to get you in there.

Good luck.

Aberforth Dumbledore

Harry re-read the letter and then handed it to Remus. He picked up the first small box and opened it, finding a worn, silver bracelet inside. He pulled it up to the light and realized it was a bracelet of a snake, rounding in on itself as it ate its own tail. The one he was holding had green, emerald eyes, and Harry blinked in recognition. The next bracelet was the same, except its eyes were a dark amber color, almost matching the brown of Ginny's eyes. They seemed to grow warmer the longer Harry looked at them. Feeling an odd sensation in his stomach, he suddenly knew without a doubt that the next bracelet would have blue eyes – bright, sky-blue ones to be exact. Harry sighed when he saw them and looked at Remus, who was watching him.

"Those are…interesting," Remus said, looking at them. He frowned at the green-eyed bracelet. "It matches your eyes perfectly, Harry. It's rather…unnerving. And the brown could be Ginny's eyes and the blue…" Lupin's voice trailed off, and he gazed at Harry, giving him a calculated look.

Harry put the bracelets back into their individual boxes and placed the bigger box on the table. He ran his hand down his face and looked at his father's oldest friend, suddenly overcome with a need to just…tell someone older than him…everything. For better or worse, Harry felt as though if anyone could help him sort things out, it would be Remus.

"Can we talk about something…that is…private and possibly er, shocking?" Harry finally asked, feeling his skin heat again. Remus nodded, and he looked to the side door that would lead them into another room. After locking the door behind them and then casting a few Silencing and Privacy Charms, Remus glanced at him and nodded at the small collection of alcohol Brogan's father had sitting on the side table.

"Do we need to drink for this conversation?"

Harry chuckled despite his nerves and sat down on the settee, running his hand through his hair. Yes, he felt as though he could use a drink for this. He nodded his head, and Remus poured them two glasses of what Harry could only assume was whiskey or scotch. It burned as it went down his throat. He blinked his eyes rapidly as they watered, but he did feel his head clear a bit. And he could always blame any blushing that might occur to the alcohol's intensity.

Remus gave him a kind smile. "You looked like your father just then, Harry. He didn't like scotch either."

"It's fine," Harry said, wincing as his throat burned. He took another drink, which scalded less and felt smoother on the way down.

The two men sat in companionable silence for a few moments. Harry sighed and put his glass down. "I er, need you to know something. Or, not need, but… I'd like someone to know. In case anything happens to me or to us – no, I'm not melodramatic, Remus, just realistic." Lupin closed his mouth and then sat back, indicating that Harry should continue.

"Ginny's…pregnancy was…unplanned, obviously, and…er, it wasn't mine. I mean, I would have gladly taken care of it and her, and not care either way…but it was…Brogan's. At least, we're fairly sure it was. I'm on the potion and have been for a long time." Harry watched the different emotions flicker across his friend's face. Remus's grey-blue eyes finally rested on his.

"Ginny and Brogan are-"

"We all are," Harry said, not wanting there to be a misunderstanding. "Together. The three of us."

Remus nodded but didn't say anything. Okay, in for a Knut… Harry took a deep breath and continued.

"It started at Thorn Rose Cottage, but I think, well, I don't know when things changed exactly, but…look, I don't know how much Dumbledore ever told you, but Brogan has been able to sense Ginny and me almost from the start. As an Empath, he…felt…feels, us. When we're together. It created an awkward situation in the beginning. But, we eventually came to really like him." Harry paused and then laughed. "That feels like such an understatement, now."

Harry took another drink of his scotch, not noticing it barely burned at all this time. He glanced at Remus as he continued.

"Basically, Brogan developed feelings for Ginny almost immediately, since she was Aine's heir, and it was…an issue for a while. But then when he helped me find her when she was taken and Dumbledore explained what an Empath could do…we naturally all became closer. He and I became actual friends. And I reckon that his feelings eventually grew to include me, too. I never knew this until later. Of course, he kept a lot of his emotions locked up inside him.

"I never thought I would ever be interested in another man. I mean, not really. But…there's something about him," Harry said, knowing how daft he probably sounded. "When we're all together, we…really feel each other. It's come to the point where I know what they're feeling all the time now. They're a part of me, Remus. Like I know right now, I feel a bit hungry, but I also know that Ginny is feeling very content and Brogan is feeling…" Harry stopped and then smiled. "He's feeling cozy and peaceful."

Harry shook his head to clear it. "But it's like that - we all just know each other. What the other person wants or needs. There's this…flare of connection and power that comes over us when we're…together. It's compelling, Remus, and it's…it's love, I think. I love Ginny more than anything, but I also really care about him. And it makes sense in my heart, I reckon, but I don't expect you to understand it, but…the more I think about it, the more I think that Ginny and Brogan both are supposed to help me defeat him. Ginny because she can protect me and keep my head clear and Brogan because he links us even closer."

Harry gazed at his old professor when he was finished and then looked away, suddenly feeling daft again. Maybe he shouldn't have said anything, but there was a part of Harry that felt better for having said it. No matter what the consequences would be. He wasn't ashamed of what they did – far from it, in fact, but he also wasn't an idiot (at least at this) and knew that not everyone would understand the situation. But out of all of the adults he cared about – out of all the adults that had taken on the role of mentor for him - he realized he trusted Lupin the most. Eventually, Remus cleared his throat, pulling Harry's attention back to the conversation.

"Thank you for confiding in me, Harry. I'm…well, it means a lot that you felt safe enough to tell me all of that. I admit I had noticed a certain closeness between the three of you, but I never really thought…you know, it's something that doesn't get talked about very much in wizarding society; we're all a bit…stilted, really. It's all very British, of course, but…unconventional relationships are more common than you'd think. Also, I came of age in the 1970s. You can rest assured I've seen and experienced my share of…encounters. Especially with having a friend like Sirius, who never met a sex he didn't like."

Harry looked at Remus in disbelief. "Really? Sirius? And other men?"

"And women. I know for a fact he had both at the same time, at least once. It was a tumultuous time, Harry. We were at war, we were young, our bodies were changing, and now I sound like a pamphlet for the history of sex," Remus chuckled, shaking his head. "Your father always said the heart wants what the heart wants. If, right now, your heart wants to be with Ginny and Brogan, then…that is what it should experience. I'm not going to judge you. I'm a werewolf who's going to marry a woman thirteen years younger than him. So who am I to cast stones?"

Harry suddenly grinned at Remus as his words sunk in. "So it's true then? You finally asked her?"

Remus gave him a small smile. "I did. She said yes."

"That's brilliant!" Harry exclaimed, forgetting his anxieties for a moment. "Did she really have to wear you down finally?"

Remus laughed. "She did, indeed. I tried to put her off for a while, but…she's irrepressible."

"You deserve happiness," Harry said, and he meant it. "You really do, Remus. You both do. I think Tonks is fantastic."

Remus smiled at him, looking very happy. He eventually sobered and sat back against the back of the settee. "How is Brogan handling Ginny's miscarriage? It must be difficult for him to grieve, especially."

Harry sighed. "As well as can be expected, I guess. None of us wanted a child right now, so we're not too upset, but Brogan seems to think his family is cursed. His mother basically told him he is the end of the family line. I think it hit him hardest of all. Ginny and I…well, we've er, been down this road once or twice. Before I committed to using the potion, of course."

"You know, you were a surprise to your parents. When Lily first got pregnant, she actually fretted telling your father. Things had turned so bleak, so quickly, once we were out of school. But James was ecstatic. His parents tried to have a child for a long time before they had him. And I've always assumed that I would be the last of my family line, as well. It was one of the reasons I refused to get involved with Dora at first. If she wants children, I don't know what the chances are of their survival. Or if they do survive, they might be…cursed with my affliction. I couldn't do that to an innocent child."

Harry frowned, knowing he should argue with Remus but not knowing how. The other man gave him a slight smile.

"It's okay, you don't have to say anything, Harry. And besides, we are talking about you. Do you think this is why the bracelets have the same eye colors as the three of you?"

Harry shrugged. "I don't know. I reckon we'll have to go to Dumbledore's library. Where is it, by the way? I assumed it was in his office at Hogwarts."

Remus shook his head. "Albus had a place outside of school. It was…his own private residence. You had to be invited there by him to visit. But now, since he's gone…I suppose it has now been passed to me. Albus set it up so only the leader of Order could access it. I will take you and whoever you want to help you find the books you need. Some of the books may have to stay there, but…we'll see. I'll have to figure out how to get all of you there. I'm assuming you want Brogan and Ginny to go with you?"

"Yeah, and probably Hermione. Let's be honest, she's our best researcher. And then, of course, Ron will want to come. You know, maybe I'll stay behind."

Remus chuckled. "No, I don't think you're getting out of it that easily."

"Damn."

The two men shared a laugh, and Harry felt a lightness – as though something had been removed from his shoulders. He looked at Remus, suddenly knowing what he needed to say.

"I think you and Tonks should try to have kids, Remus. I think…well, no, I know, actually, but I think you will make the most amazing father. Between you and Mr Weasley I've had the best examples of what it means to be a good one. I think that any child would be lucky to have you as their father, no matter what the circumstances. I know I feel that way."

Remus's eyes widened, and then he blinked at Harry rather rapidly, appearing overcome. But Harry meant what he had said and did not look away from his friend. Remus gripped his hand and squeezed it, giving him a watery smile.

"Being a part of your life and helping you, Harry, has been one of my greatest blessings. You have really grown into a fine man, and it has been an honor to help with that in any way possible. You've…well, you've made me feel quite emotional, really."

"I only spoke the truth," Harry said, standing up and giving Remus a moment. He grabbed the box and envelope with the names of the books they would need to read. A strange sensation came to him then. It was almost a feeling of premonition if Harry believed in such things. "I think we should try to start figuring things out and soon. Something tells me Voldemort won't stay quiet for much longer."

They made their way back to the kitchen, and Harry decided to make the three of them some sandwiches. Remus said he would work on getting them to the library as soon as he could. Harry paused as he floated the food in front of him before heading upstairs. He smiled as he felt a faint echo of need from Ginny and Brogan. Apparently, they were both missing him.

o-o-o-o-o

Except that when Harry reached the bedroom, he found that Brogan had scarpered. He frowned at Ginny as he handed her the plate of food. "Where's he run off to then?"

Ginny smiled as she took a bite of her sandwich. "He said he was going to try to talk to his dad if you can believe it."

Harry chewed his food thoughtfully. "What? Seriously? What did you guys talk about up here?"

"We had a nice talk about family. I think maybe I got through to him. He's trying, at any rate. He also said that you and I should be Harry and Ginny for awhile. Without him."

"Git," Harry said affectionately. "As if we could be anything but."

They both finished eating, and Ginny tapped her wand on the third sandwich so it would stay fresh for their friend. She moved over and spread her arms on the bed, indicating Harry should join her. He grinned and scooted closer to her until he could wrap his arms around her waist.

"Hi," Harry said, kissing the end of her nose.

"Hmm," Ginny said, moving her mouth to his neck. They snogged for quite a bit, and Harry realized Brogan may have had a point; it did seem as though he and Ginny hadn't just…enjoyed each other for a while. They eventually broke apart, the tell-tale flush of Ginny's skin enticing him, and he rubbed against her. She brought her mouth up to his ear to whisper to him, which caused goose pimples to break out across his neck and shoulders.

"Remember when you said next time we do it, you were going to be utterly commanding?" She pulled back and looked eagerly at him. Harry tightened his hold on her.

"That was before," he said playfully. He wasn't in the mood to be commanding; he just wanted to kiss her all over and love her.

Ginny frowned and pulled further away. "Before what? My miscarriage? I'm physically fine, Harry. Mum said after two weeks and it's been three. And I'm more than eager for it. For you. Or are you using it as an excuse not to go there with me yet again?"

Harry swore and frowned at her, his mood suddenly changing and not for the better. "Bloody hell, Gin. You said you can tell when I want to be loving and tender, and I can't help that right now, that's what I feel like. I want to treat you like the precious, amazing person you are. Only you would call me out on that."

"What if I want you to do it rough?" she raised an eyebrow at him. "Maybe I'm sick of being treated like the world's most precious piece of china. You and Brogan have both been doing it. And I love you for it, but…damn it, Harry. I will not break."

Harry sighed and rolled on his back, not looking at her because he honestly didn't want to have a row about this. She eventually propped herself on her arms and looked down at him, biting her lip.

"Sorry," she said after a moment. "I'm acting like a git. And ruining the mood."

"A bit, yeah," Harry said, taking a deep breath. He reached up and touched her hair as it fell over her shoulder. "You're right. This is a thing I need to work through with regard to you. To us. I do not want to hurt you, Ginny. Even in the heat of the moment. Especially in the heat of the moment."

"You won't," she whispered, lowering her head down to his. "Us Weasley females are made of strong stuff, don't you know that? That's why there are so few of us."

"You think?" Harry said, smirking as she started kissing him. "I just thought it was because you were too bloody stubborn for us mere mortals to deal with daily."

Ginny didn't say anything and just continued kissing her way around his neck. Harry closed his eyes, and she settled on top of him, her body light. He eventually gave in to her touches and looked up at her as she removed her shirt. She tugged at his and he let her remove it, yanking it over his head, his glasses getting tangled within it. She snorted at him as he settled them back on his face, shaking his head at her.

She slipped her fingers under the rim of his jeans, her eyes sparkling at his. Harry allowed her to think she was doing what she wanted for a moment and then grabbed ahold of her, abruptly flipping them over. Ginny squealed in surprise and giggled as he glared down at her.

"My, my, Commander Potter is in the room. Finally," she laughed. Harry shook his head.

"More like hacked off Potter," Harry murmured, and Ginny started helping him remove her jeans.

"Whatever gets you there, love," she said playfully, and Harry snorted at her despite himself. Soon they were both undressed, and Harry let his eyes wander down her body, making note of each curve and soft spot that he adored. He placed a kiss at the hollow of her throat and looked up at her. Her eyes were warm and so beautiful to him. She lifted her head and kissed the side of his face, her breath hot against his skin.

"You've never taken me back there, Harry. I think we should rectify that. What do you say?"

She kissed him again and then turned over, pushing her backside towards him. Harry licked his lips despite himself and reached out to touch her, cupping his hand over her arse. "Are you sure?"

"Well, I won't get pregnant that way, that's for sure," Ginny said, winking at him. Harry couldn't help it, he burst out laughing. He sat back and shook his head at her.

"I can't believe you just said that."

Ginny shrugged and nervously pulled on a strand of her hair before flipping it over her shoulder. But when she got on her hands and knees and looked at him again, her gaze was fierce. Harry searched his feelings and decided something. He leaned forward and ran his hand down her back, pausing to kiss her shoulder. He met her gaze with one of his own.

"Why don't we compromise? I don't need to "take" you in any sort of way to feel closer to you, Gin. Is this because of what happened between Brogan and me? And tell me the truth. Do you think being rough is something I need now?"

Ginny frowned and then sighed, turning and sitting down in front of him. He joined her, pulling her into his arms. She looked deep in thought, and Harry didn't want to hurry her, so he waited. He kissed the side of her head and took a deep breath. He felt as though this was the real crux of their issue- not that he thought they had an issue exactly, but he knew whatever they said now could possibly change them – change whatever they were – together.

"I just want to be everything to you," she said, so soft that Harry almost didn't hear her. He frowned but had a feeling she wasn't done. "I said it before. I know you hold back with me and, and…I reckon I thought it would be the same with Brogan, but you didn't hold back with him, and that apparently has made me sort of…mental. In my head. On the outside, I'm still the non-barmy girl you see before you." Ginny gave him a little smirk, but her eyes were serious. Harry touched her chin and pulled her face to his.

"You are my everything," he said simply. Because she was. No matter what happened in the future with all of them, Harry knew he would be nothing without her by his side.

"But you won't let yourself be…you…with me, I know. Not truly."

Harry sighed, feeling frustrated. "Honestly, you are mental, if you really believe that. But you know what? I can't…Gin, God, I love you so much. Please tell me you at least know that."

Ginny smiled, even though her eyes were wet. "I do."

"Then what is this really about?"

Ginny shrugged. "I don't know, I reckon, I thought, if we…did that, you'd feel more inclined to let go and give into…things. Be forceful. Not treat me like a favorite tea cup or something. Like I said, I've gone a bit mental."

"I'm not even going to mention that when and if we do ever do it that way that being gentle is probably the first priority I should have," he murmured. "So just think about that for a while, love of my life."

Harry linked his hands with hers and shook his head. He was suddenly done with talking. He stood up from the bed and tugged on her hand to make her stand up, too. Harry kissed her when she joined him and held her face in his hands, putting everything he felt for her into it. She finally pulled away, her eyes a bit soft, and Harry smirked. He turned and looked around the room. Concentrating rather intensely, he transformed one of the pillows from one of the other beds into a flat, long cushion. He set it and stuck it to the wall and then transfigured a couple of steps leading up to it. Ginny looked perplexed as she gazed at him.

"I think we should try your suggestion from earlier," Harry said, winking at her. She grinned after a moment and joined him.

Harry smirked at her and pointed at the steps. "Well, up you go. I know how much you love being in a position of power over me. Good thing I'm okay with it."

Ginny tsked at him but stepped onto the small set of stairs he'd made and rubbed her back against the wall, testing out the cushion. Harry stepped forward and looked up at her as she rested her hands on his shoulders.

"Well? Like the view from up there, Ginny?"

She nodded, her expression turning playful. She lifted her legs and wrapped them around his waist, and Harry sucked in a breath as their bodies touched. His own body responded to Ginny's softness before he could even think about it, and she smiled as her nails played with the back of his hair.

"Eager?"

"Can't help it. This is the perfect height," Harry mumbled, capturing her lips in a kiss. Ginny moaned and melted into his arms even more, and Harry felt her warmth and wetness just teasingly out of reach. Her hand moved down his body as she lowered herself down, and he sucked in a breath as she gripped him. Up, and then down, her hand moved, and Harry watched her as she gazed back at him, biting her lip. Her warm brown eyes – eyes that were like the lightest shade of the most delicious chocolate – blazed at him with desire.

"I'm glad you put the cushion up," Ginny said, shifting and removing her hand from his body. She moved her mouth to his neck, pulling his earlobe in between her teeth. "Something tells me I'm going to need it. Are you going to pound me into this wall, Harry Potter? Oh, please say you will."

Her voice had gone all low and husky, and Harry felt something open up inside of him, and he pushed forward only just and barely slipped inside of her, his hands moving to cup her bottom. Her legs tightened around him, expecting him to start moving, but Harry shook his head at her.

"Wait," he said roughly, his fingers digging into her flesh as a warning. "We'll start when I say so."

Ginny's eyes widened, and she grinned at him, dipping her head down to kiss him. She trembled in his arms, unable to contain her excitement. Harry shook his head at her and pushed forward slightly, still only halfway inside her.

"Ginny," he whispered rather sternly, and for the first time, Harry recognized what he knew Brogan and Ginny considered his "commanding" voice and marveled at it for a moment. She stopped writhing in his arms immediately, and he felt a bit breathless at the feeling that created. "That means you don't move either, got it? In fact, don't move at all. Let me do it all."

Ginny's skin flushed red, and she oohed happily, but she stilled, her eyes going wide as she looked at him. She nodded her head. "Yes, Harry."

Harry shifted and pulled her closer to him and nodded at her. "Put your hands behind you, yeah, like that."

Ginny grubbed the cushion behind her and leaned back, body going taut. Harry pulled her legs closer to him and then finally started thrusting forward. They gazed at each other as he moved, and Ginny's expression was full of need. Harry shifted and brought her legs into his arms to better position her and she moaned as his body hit that spot inside of her. He thrust again, and she threw her head back, her eyes closing as she moved her body with his.

"No moving," Harry reiterated firmly, and she met his gaze, biting her lip.

"Sorry, love, couldn't be helped."

"Also, keep your bloody eyes open, since you love my commanding face so fucking much," Harry said a bit testily. Then he blinked at her to let her know he wasn't really cross and started moving in earnest.

It felt amazing like this, and Ginny completely let him do what he wanted, her eyes watching him – so full of hunger and love for him. He pushed into her, feeling himself begin to let go – if she wanted him to embrace this side of himself, then who was he to question it? He pumped up into her, their bodies slamming together, and she whimpered, but he knew she wasn't in pain. In fact, judging by the low moan she'd just let out, she was very close indeed. Her body was already flushing pink, and he knew what that meant.

Harry moved faster, pushing into her and holding her aloft, and he watched her body shake beneath his. He watched her breasts move and smirked, looking up at her and saw a look of pure concentration on her face as she watched him move in and out of her. He shifted and rotated his hips, and she grunted, her eyes flying to his. He let go of one of her legs and moved his hand to her – to touch her - to make her come completely undone. Harry nodded at her.

"You can move now," he murmured, and she smiled, suddenly falling forward and writhing against him. He flicked his thumb against her clit in time with his thrusts, and soon he felt the contractions of her body around him and the breathy, throaty sound of her voice calling his name. He pulled her from the wall suddenly, and she shrieked a bit, unprepared, but Harry knew what he needed. He placed her at the edge of the bed, pulling out of her, and ordered her to turn over. Ginny nodded, and before she could even look back at him, he entered her again from behind, and then he really gave himself over to it.

Ginny grunted out his name and keened, sounding wholly done in. Harry grabbed her by the hips and roughly pushed into her. He closed his eyes, and little white lights exploded behind his lids as he took her. He knew he wouldn't last much longer and opened his eyes to watch their bodies join. Ginny gazed at him from over her shoulder, and it was an utterly ferocious look of want and need and, yes, pleasure. Not just for her own but for his, as well. He brought his hand up to slap her arse, and she bucked, moaning his name. Harry curved forward, over her, his feet coming off the ground, and Ginny took his weight, moaning out the word 'yes.' With a final push, Harry felt himself go off deep inside her, shoving forward with all his strength until they were both falling into a tangled mess onto the bed.

Neither of them moved for quite a while, and when finally his heart had slowed to a more normal pace, he moved and lifted himself off of her. Ginny murmured and curled herself into his arms. Her hair was plastered onto her face, and Harry knew his must be doing much the same. She opened her eyes and looked at him, touching his cheek.

"You did it," she whispered. "You…I…oh, Merlin help me, Harry. That was incredible."

"I didn't…" Harry paused, frowning as he checked her over.

Ginny gazed at him. "You didn't. And I loved it. Don't even begin to think that I didn't, you git. From you ordering me not to move to just completely all out…bloody hell, Harry. You're amazing."

She buried her head under his, her hand grasping his and squeezing in reassurance. Harry kissed her head and sighed. He knew somewhere in the flat, Brogan was probably smiling to himself. The feeling of 'told you so' was rapidly coursing through him, and Harry shook his head. Ginny chuckled and pulled her head up to look at him.

"Someone is full of themselves, I can feel it."

"Hmm. He's allowed, I guess. He was right, after all."

"That I would adore you all take-charge like? Bloody empaths, the nerve."

Harry laughed and kissed her, resting his lips on her forehead. "I love you, Ginny."

"I know. I'm pretty great, after all."

Harry snorted. "Modest too, that's my favorite bit."

"Of course it is," Ginny said cleverly, sticking her tongue out. She sobered after a moment. "I feel like this was a breakthrough point for us. Was it?"

Harry thought about it and then shrugged. "Reckon so. I didn't once worry about hurting you, so that is a good thing, right?"

Ginny nodded. "I also think we should role-play more."

Harry scoffed at her. "We have enough in our bed. Let's not add to it. Just yet. Maybe when we're 25 and bored with sex."

Ginny snorted. "We'll never be bored with sex."

Harry nodded. "Yeah, you're probably right."

"I have to say, you telling me what to do was…sort of sexy. Did it feel sexy to you?"

"Hmm, it was mostly the whole you actually obeying me part that was sexy to me."

"Harry!" Ginny said, laughing. She hit him with a pillow. "Ponce."

They settled into the bed again, and Harry sighed as she wrapped herself around him. "Hey, Gin?"

Ginny startled, and he realized she had been drifting off. She blinked at him. "Yeah?"

"Can I call you Ginevra? You know, during it. It's…sort of sexy, your name. I think I'd quite like to order you around that way."

Ginny rolled her eyes. "Maybe. If you're a good sort of bloke. Merlin, I've created a monster now, haven't I? One little detail about enjoying your dominant side, and suddenly full names are being brought into it. Honestly."

Harry laughed, and soon Ginny joined him, and that was how Brogan found them later, still laughing. He took one look at the room and raised his eyebrow at them.

"You two have a good afternoon then?"

Ginny nodded happily. "Quite."

Brogan smiled at her and caught Harry's eye with a knowing look. "I can see that. Do I want to know why there's a long cushion stuck to the wall?"

"Use your imagination, Caley," Harry said blandly, and Ginny giggled. Harry gave the other man a piercing look. "But I was thinking of keeping it there. It gave me a few ideas to try."

Brogan's face turned pink, and he shook his head at them, wisely not saying anything to that clear challenge. And Harry did keep the cushion there, for at least the rest of the evening.

o-o-o-o-o

"Are you three almost ready?" Hermione said as she barged into the room again. Harry and Ginny shared a glance while Brogan scrambled to finish getting dressed, making a soft noise of dismay at Hermione's lack of proprietary. Harry bit back a laugh as Hermione barely glanced at him and just turned her glare to them.

"Professor Lupin said we're to be down there at half-past, and it's twenty minutes till, now."

"Yeah, Hermione, we know," Harry said, holding up his wrist, which he had already put his watch on. Hermione shook her head and stomped out of the room again. Brogan released a deep sigh, and Ginny giggled as she waved her wand at the door, locking it.

"It'll take her a bit to work out that one," Ginny said, smiling. "I forced Bill to teach it to me when I caught him using it at home."

"Why was he using such a strong locking spell at home?" Harry asked, absentmindedly as he tried to smooth his hair down. He was standing in front of the mirror, and as always, he realized it was hopeless. In all honesty, Harry had a hard time figuring out why Ginny loved the way he looked, let alone Brogan.

"Why do you think?" Ginny said, raising her eyebrow as she stood in front of him, partially blocking his view. When she still saw Harry's blank look, she rolled her eyes. "He used it when he was in the loo…for some personal time?"

Harry suddenly got the point. "Oh. Oh, well. That's handy, I reckon. Er, did you get a lot of use out of it?"

Brogan laughed from behind, shaking his head at them as he finished putting his shoes on. He stood up and looked at Harry. "Surely, our Ginny was too pure and innocent for that."

Harry snickered as Ginny stuck her tongue out at both of them. "I didn't need to, actually. Once I was old enough, no one came into my room except Mum. And I always made sure she was someplace else. Not that I was ever just completely overcome with the need like you blokes are. When a girl does it, she really enjoys it. She's just not doing it as quickly as possible, you know. Well, not always."

Harry and Brogan shared a similar look as Harry suddenly had more than a few compelling images going through his mind.

"So um, all this time you got to enjoy…"

"Harry."

"Yeah?"

"So not the point at 6am in the morning before I've had my tea."

"Right."

Brogan chuckled and took his turn at the mirror, combing his hair. Harry sighed, watching the other man's hair just fall into place, wishing he could get his to obey him like that. Ginny laughed as she pulled him over to the bed and ran her hands through his hair.

"Hey!" Harry exclaimed, pulling away.

"It was too neat," Ginny said, smiling. Brogan came over and looked at Harry's head, nodding in agreement. He, too, reached out and tousled it.

"Would you two stop?" Harry said, crying out as he pushed Brogan's hand away.

"I just had to fix the bit she missed," Brogan said, a smile threatening to break out across his face.

"Brilliant. Come on, before Hermione huffs and puffs and breaks the door down again."

They followed him and headed downstairs after Ginny showed them how to release the locking spell and then reset it. They decided to keep it locked. She laughed as they reached the bottom.

"Well, you have to admit, spending a day in a library with rare books and tomes profound is definitely Hermione's idea of the perfect day. Add in that it was Dumbledore's secret stash, and she gets to research; you may have made her the happiest woman on earth. After me, of course."

Harry agreed and was glad to see Mrs Weasley had left breakfast waiting for them. He let Ginny get to the kettle and grabbed some toast and eggs from the stove. Brogan grabbed the coffee as always and sighed as he closed his eyes, savoring the taste.

"Would you mind pouring me a cup?" Harry asked, thinking he might need the extra energy later.

"Er, sure. Um, how do you take it?"

"Hmm. Milk, I think for me. Maybe some sugar."

"Oh, definitely sugar. And lots of it for this one," Ginny said, moving past them for the eggs. Harry frowned at her.

"What does that mean?"

"It means your favorite dessert is treacle, Harry. You have a massive sweet tooth, even if you won't admit it."

Harry grunted and accepted the cup from Brogan as he headed for the table. He took a sip of the coffee and then made a face. But he remained silent as Ginny held the sugar bowl out to him as she sat down next to him. Brogan grinned behind his cup as he grabbed a piece of toast and sat down across from them. Ron and Hermione entered through the door just then, with Ron looking as though the kitchen was the last place he wanted to be.

"Oh! Good, you're already here," Hermione said, heading over to the kettle. "I couldn't get into your room for some reason."

"Imagine that," Ginny said dryly. She frowned at her bother. "Ron, are you all right?"

"Ssjusttired," Ron murmured, resting his head on the table. Hermione tsked at him as she put a glass of pumpkin juice next to him.

"He stayed up too late," she said, shaking her head at him.

"Doing what?" Ginny asked.

Hermione's cheeks heated, and Harry bit back a laugh and shared a glance with Brogan, who was also trying not to laugh.

"But you don't seem tired at all, Hermione," Harry offered innocently.

"I can exist on very little sleep, as well you know, Harry," Hermione said primly.

"Now, how does Harry know that?" Brogan said, playing along.

Ron, who at this point had been ignoring everyone, lifted his head and growled at them. "Would you all just stop being so dead funny and let a man wake up in peace?"

They finished eating in silence as Ron groaned, still with his head on the table. Hermione finally tsked at her boyfriend. "Do you want to stay behind while we all go off and read?"

Ron blinked at her as though not understanding the question. He finally opened his eyes wide and looked around at everyone. "Was that actually a choice? No one told me I could do that. Bloody hell, I'm going back to bed then. Sorry, Harry. Have fun."

"Ron!" Hermione exclaimed. "You know we have to help Harry!"

Ron rolled his eyes. "Don't get shirty, love, I was just kidding. I wouldn't miss reading all day with you for all the world. I think I need some food though, are there still eggs left?" He got up and went to the stove as Hermione shook her head at him and muttered something that sounded like 'honestly' under her breath to Harry. He shared a grin with Ginny and Brogan.

At half-past, Remus came into the kitchen. He smiled at them. "Ah good, you're all here. Are we ready?"

Ron quickly finished eating and nodded as the rest of them stood up. Remus smirked at Ron. "Don't worry, Ron, we'll be able to eat an early lunch there, if need be."

"Told you," Hermione mumbled. Ginny flashed a grin at Harry.

"Okay, thanks to a friend in the Portkey Office, we are taking this," Remus held up a small, white chipped teacup. "It's set to take us to a small garden that is protected from Muggles and right next to a cafe, where, yes, Ron, that's where we can get food later. Then we walk down the steps to Dumbledore's residence. Everyone got jackets? Good, it's probably going to be a bit er, wet. You'll see why in a moment. And Harry, you might want to cast an Impervious Spell at your glasses, just in case."

After they were all ready, Lupin held out the teacup and looked at his pocket watch. "It'll be just a moment."

"Where does it take us?" Hermione asked, clearly dying to know.

"Caithness, specifically, Whaligoe."

Harry had never heard of it, and judging by everyone else's blank looks, neither had anyone else. Remus gave them a small smile.

"You're all in for a treat. Right, here we go."

They all reached forward towards the cup simultaneously, and then Harry felt the familiar tug on his navel as the Portkey whisked them away.

They landed with a soft oomph, with Hermione and Ginny landing rather more gracefully than the men. Harry and Brogan dusted themselves off as Remus pulled Ron up off the ground. He looked to make sure they were all okay. Harry noticed two things, one – Remus had been right, it was wet and cold, and two – they were covered under so much greenery that Harry almost couldn't make out where the sky was.

"It's just this way," Remus said, leading them through a small gated passageway. Hermione gasped as she took in the view. They were on a vast expanse of empty land, and just ahead of them were two small cottages off to the right and a larger, nondescript building to the left. In front of them was the ocean – Harry heard the call of a seagull as it flew past them and then dove over the cliffs. There was a fine mist in the air, and he could already feel it seeping under his clothes. He turned behind him to make out what looked like a small hut behind the garden, but it was already fading from whatever spell had been put on it to keep it unseen.

"The Whaligoe Steps are a bit famous – Muggle fisher wives used them to carry down heavy buckets of salt and then gut the fish, salt the fish and then carry the fish back up every day and then carry them into Wick for selling, which is about 8 miles away. But the steps have been known to wizards much longer than that."

"So, we're in Scotland?" Hermione asked excitedly.

Remus nodded. He led them past the nondescript building on the left, which Harry now saw was the café mentioned earlier. It didn't look as though it were open yet, which is probably why they had come so early. He led them down a narrow, grass-laid path with a short wall of stones placed alongside it. They left the café behind them and then headed downward for a bit. Lupin finally stopped and then smiled at them.

"Now, I do apologize for this, but…this is how Albus wanted it. Any new visitor to his library must walk the steps down. There is no other way around it. None of you suffer from a fear of heights, I hope?"

Hermione, who had been about to ask something, shut her mouth and took a rough gulp. She looked over the edge closest to her and then looked back at Remus.

"We have to walk? Down there?"

A smirk of amusement twitched on their old professor's face. "Yes. It's perfectly safe. Use your wand and tap the first step there and say, "Salvus Mea." It is a clever little spell that will keep you from plummeting to your deaths."

Hermione's eyes widened, and Harry glanced at Ginny, who was frowning at Remus. Brogan merely raised his eyebrow at the other man. Ron gave Harry a worried look, and Harry asked what was on all their minds.

"Er, how many of these steps are there, exactly?"

"Hmm, the Muggles say 330. It's actually 372. I'll see you lot down there in a bit. I'll have some warm tea and coffee ready for you."

And before any of them could stop him, Remus Disapparated on the spot.

o-o-o-o-o