In the quiet of the night, Harry laid awake in his four poster bed in the 2nd year boy's dormitory in Gryffindor tower. Harry had been tossing and turning all night, barely getting any sleep at all. His lackluster sleep wasn't caused by Ron's obnoxious snoring, however, it was caused by a longing to be with someone. Harry felt a tugging and pulling inside of him that could only be from Ginny. He felt her unease and he could feel that she was experiencing the same troubles that he had with falling asleep.

Feeling like it was the right thing to do, Harry slowly swung his legs over his bed, stood up, and made for his trunk. He gently lifted the top and there on top was his invisibility cloak. Harry pulled it over himself and slowly made his way towards the door of the dormitory. He paused for a moment when Ron drew a breath and rolled over in his bed. Once Ron started snoring again, Harry slowly pushed the door open, slipped through the crease, and gently closed it behind him.

As he quietly made his way down the stairs, Harry felt the pulling sensation grow stronger. He also felt a sadness wash over him, though he wasn't quite sure from where. Harry got his answer as the Gryffindor common room came into view.

A small figure with flaming red hair sat on the sofa at the back of the room. She was sniffing back sobs and trying to remain calm. She looked up in Harry's direction and a soft smile creased her lips as she wiped away the tears from her eyes.

"Ginny?", Harry called softly from the bottom of the stairs. He slowly walked forward, forgetting that he still has his cloak on. As he approached Ginny, she giggled and rolled her eyes at him, "You can take your cloak off now."

Harry blushed slightly and pulled his cloak off before taking a seat next to her. The two were smiling softly at each other, and Harry reached his hand out and tucked a lock of Ginny's hair behind her ear. He then cupped his hand on her cheek and wiped a tear away from her cheek with his thumb.

She blushed slightly at his touch and found his bright emerald eyes. The feeling of his touch radiated inside of her, causing the sadness to flee her almost immediately. Harry felt the sadness flee as well. Ginny reached up and took his hand, and she wrapped in her own without taking her eyes off of his. They could stare into each others eyes forever. Their surroundings seemed to vanish while they were locked into each other's gaze. They felt something within them, something strengthening with every passing moment. An overwhelming feeling taking over the two of them, pulling them closer.

Then their lips met in an explosion of fire and love, a feeling unlike anything they had ever felt before. Though it was nothing more than lips to lips, the warmth overflowed within them, and they were lost in each other for what felt like centuries. Eventually, they pulled away from each other with great reluctance. They smiled sheepishly at each other, and their cheeks had both turned a deep red. Why were they here again? What was wrong? Neither knew, and neither really cared.

Harry then swung his legs over on the sofa, and Ginny laid on top of him, holding his hand close to her heart. The flowery fragrance from her hair filling Harry's nostrils, and bringing a calmness over him that he had never felt before. Holding Ginny close to him without a care of being seen. Ginny was asleep within minutes, and Harry drifted away not long after, but not before covering her with his invisibility cloak.

"Oi!" Yelled a voice from above him. Harry started with jump and his eyes shot open. He saw a tall but blurry figure standing above him with flaming red hair.

Harry didn't have his glasses on, and he moved suddenly to look for them and accidentally rolled Ginny off of him and onto the floor.

"Ow!" Ginny exclaimed sleepily, "What was that for?"

Before he could even attempt to look for his glasses, Harry saw the blurry red head move towards him.

"Ron! Stop!" Ginny said as she quickly stood up to prevent her brother from attacking Harry.

"What are you doing sleeping with him?" Ron yelled at his sister

"It's none of your business what I do with my boyfriend!" Ginny yelled back at him as she shoved him away and crossed her arms.

She bent down to pick something up and handed whatever it was to Harry, "Here Harry".

Harry took the object from her and realized that it was his glasses. He slid them on his face and saw a red faced and angry Ron Weasley in a shouting match with his little sister, while other people were from the stairs leading up to the dormitories. Harry had sat up and took watch as the two kept yelling at each other.

"IT IS MY BUSINESS! IM TRYING TO PROTECT!" Ron yelled at the top of his lungs.

"OH REALLY?! BECAUSE YOU DID SUCH A GREAT JOB AT DOING THAT THIS YEAR!" Ginny yelled back "I DON'T SEE YOU THANKING HARRY FOR SAVING MY LIFE!"

Ron took an aggressive step towards Ginny, which was a bad move. "LOCOMOTOR WIBBLY!" Harry called from behind Ginny and Ron tumbled and fell face forward at Ginny's feet.

Harry had had enough. There was fire in his eyes that nobody had ever seen before. A fire that was scared those at first, because the group of people in the room were now staring at him. Harry was breathing heavy and he had the angriest look on his face that nobody thought was possible on a 12 year old.

Everyone was dead quiet for a few moments, all staring at the scene in front of them, but particularly Harry.

Ginny had turned around and sat next to him on the couch, feeling his anger rising far beyond that she had ever felt before. She was rubbing his back and pulled his wand arm down that was still clutching tightly around his wand, like he was still expecting someone to attack him.

"Harry, it's okay', Ginny sent to him while trying to calm him "Thank you for protecting me, but you shouldn't have done that."

"He was going to hurt you", Harry sent back sternly "I don't care who it is, Im going to protect you."

Ginny smiled softly at him and took his wand out of his hand, which he was reluctant to let go of, and she wove her fingers in him.

The common room was still. The twins, Lee Jordan, the 2nd year boys, Parvati Patil, Lavender Brown, and Hermione all sat in silence watching them while Ron still struggled on the floor.

Hermione then scoffed and made her way over to Ron and performed the counter curse to free Ron. Ron didn't thank her, he just stood up, brushed himself off, and made his way to the portrait hole. When it swung open however, there stood Professor McGonagall.

Ron made to pass her, but she stopped him. "Not so fast Mr. Weasley, you can stay for a moment."

Ron scoffed and made his way back into the common room and sat in the furthest chair away from Harry and Ginny. Hermione still in the middle of the room, with everyone else watching as their head of house slowly made her way inside.

"Professor", Hermione called softly

"Save it Miss Granger", McGonagall shut her down before she could explain

Hermione went over to the seat next to Ron, a little upset by the tone McGonnagal had used.

McGonagall was now standing in the middle of the room. Taking in the many onlookers, the young couple on the couch, and the other two sitting by the fire place. She had to do a double take as she noticed how upset Harry appeared to be.

"Alright", McGonagall called to the people watching, "You all may go about the rest of your business". The people watching all quietly made their way down the stairs, and trooped through the portrait hole. Once the only people remaining were them, she turned to Harry.

"Explain Mr. Potter", said Professor McGonnagal

Harry looked from McGonagall to Ginny, and then back to McGonnagal before speaking. He had calmed down a little, his breathing was under control, but he was still angry.

He took a deep breath before explaining, "Ginny and I had fallen asleep on the sofa Ron found us and had lost his temper, and him and Ginny started yelling at each other, and then" his words tailed off.

"Then you cursed me!" Ron yelled across the room

"Thank you Mr. Weasley", McGonagall said less than appreciatively. She then turned back to Harry, but before saying anything, she noticed a fire in Harry's eyes that she had never seen before. He was staring at Ron, and McGonagall became a little afraid that Harry might have another outburst.

"Harry", McGonagall called softly to grab his attention. Harry looked up and met her eyes, and he realized it would be best if he calmed down. Ginny was still rubbing his back in an attempt to keep him calm.

Harry took another deep breath before answering, "Ron made a move towards Ginny, and I hit him with a jelly leg jinx to stop him.

"Silently", Hermione muttered across the room.

Harry, Ginny, and McGonagall then looked over at her, "What was that Miss Granger?"

"Harry jinxed Ron without using the incantation". Hermione explained quietly, slightly shook by what had happened.

"I said an incantation", Harry said disbelievingly "I yelled it".

"No-" Hermione started but Ginny interrupted

"I heard him Professor," she spoke softly

Hermione and Ron looked at Ginny in bewilderment. McGonagall had her eyebrows raised, and Harry looked at Ginny, puzzled by what she said.

"You said it using Mind Speak", Ginny sent to Harry

Harry then looked up at Professor McGonnagal who still had her eyebrows raised. He only hoped that she'd let him off easy, but this was his second outburst in two days. There's no way she was going to let this slide. 'Ron should be the one being punished', Harry thought angrily to himself. Ron was the one who had attacked him, then made to do the same to Ginny. He then turned his gaze to McGonagall, and she appeared to have reached her verdict.

"Mr. Weasley, Miss Granger", McGonagall called to the other two, "You may go".

"But what about-" Ron began with a raised tone but McGonagall silenced him.

"I will handle this, thank you Mr. Weasley" McGonnagal spoke sternly. Thankfully, instead of arguing, Ron stood up defiantly, and made his way towards the portrait hole with Hermione right behind him.

"You two get dressed and come down to my office", McGonagall directed evenly towards Harry and Ginny.

Harry and Ginny stood up and hugged each other.

"Thanks", Harry sent to her "I'm such an idiot"

Ginny smiled at him and sent, "You did the right thing Harry. It'll be alright".

Harry squeezed her and smiled and let go of her. They both made their way up their respective stair cases and made to get ready for the day. Leaving McGonnagal by herself in the common room.

McGonagall gave a deep sigh and relaxed her shoulders, "Merlin help me", she muttered to no one in particular. She then left the common room and set out for her office.

A half hour later, McGonnagal was sorting through some pieces of old parchment on her desk when she heard a knock on the door.

"Come in", she called to the source of the knock. The door was pushed open slowly, and in came Harry and Ginny, hand in hand.

McGonagall looked up at the two as they approached her and took their seats. She looked at the two kids in front of her, and they looked to be in a gentle conversation. They were staring and smiling gently at one another. McGonagall wanted to smile at the two, but she needed to get things started. There were more important things to discuss. She cleared her throat to get their attention. Once she had their full attention, she began.

"Quite the morning you two seemed to have had", Minerva stated airily

Harry was looking down at his feet, and after neither responded, she continued.

"While I don't permit the cursing of your fellow classmates, I also don't believe that you were in the wrong." McGonagall added with a slight smirk.

Harry's head shot up and he looked at her with a puzzled expression, "But Professor" He began

"Please Harry", McGonagall interrupted, "Refer to me as Minerva when we are in private."

Harry smiled sheepishly at her, "Minerva"

"Harry, you're not in trouble", McGonagall clarified, "You were trying to protect Ginny, which is to be expected since you two are in fact bonded". She added with a genuine smile.

Harry and Ginny's face lit up and looked from McGonagall to each other. They were absolutely beaming at the news, but Harry's smile dropped as he became thoughtful.

"Prof- Sorry, Minerva" He corrected himself, "What exactly does that mean?"

"Well", McGonagall went to answer before taking a deep breath, "You two are now seen as married in the eyes of the Ministry. Although you two are not fully bonded, you are a betrothed couple who will possess many of the same powers and magic of a fully bonded couple."

Harry and Ginny were both stunned by this news. They stared at each other disbelievingly, "Married?" Harry sent to Ginny.

"I know!", Ginny sent back. She seemed to have taken more of a liking to this fact above the rest. They were both extremely happy, but were still experiencing the shock and disbelief of it all. They were so young. Too young to be married actually, and now they had different powers?

"What does she mean by the powers and different magic?" Harry sent back to her curiously

"I don't know", Ginny sent back in confusion.

McGonagall looked at the two and couldn't help but to keep smiling. She knew the two of them would be thrilled, and that wasn't even the best news to come. That's when Harry turned back to her with a curious look on his face.

"Minerva", Harry said, "What do you mean by other powers and magic?"

Minerva smiled, "You both will be have the ability to mind speak, the ability to sense each other's presence and emotions, but I'm not exactly sure of all the other things that will come with it". Minerva took a moment to relax a little before continuing, "You two will also have a hard time being separated from each other. Evidence from this morning points to that. You two will hardly be able to sleep without each other's presence or touch".

Harry and Ginny sat quietly for a few moments, taking in everything their professor was telling them. That would explain a lot actually. Ever since that night in the Chamber, Harry had felt Ginny calling him from afar. He also knew that her touch was always so comforting to him, and that he seemed to feel everything that she did. Ginny also seemed to be able to sense his presence, even when he was under his cloak. Then they weren't able to sleep last night, but when they were in each other's arms, they fell asleep immediately. Were there other things that they'll learn or gain later on?

"Professor," Ginny started, not really sure of what to call her. "What will happen over the holiday when we have to be apart?"

McGonagall had a smug grin on her face, "Well Ginny, first of all, you can also call me Minerva. Second, that is the second thing I was wanting to talk about".

The two looked at her very expectantly. Ginny was on the edge of her seat in excitement, but Harry sat there and tensed up. Anxiously awaiting what Minerva had to say.

"Harry", Minerva called softly "You really need to learn to control your temper, especially around Ron. It won't be ideal if you two start cursing each other while living together." She ended with a smirk

"What?" Harry asked in disbelief as Ginny looked at him, barely able to contain her excitement.

"You will be living with the Weasley's this summer. Arthur, Molly, and myself are your new guardians". Minerva replied with a wide smile.

Ginny beamed at him and went over and jumped into his lap. Harry was still at a lost for words and emotions. He didn't know what to think or how to feel. McGonagall chuckled at Ginny's outburst of excitement.

Ginny wrapped him up in a tight embrace, "Can you believe it Harry?" She asked him out loud "You're coming to live with us!"

Harry looked at McGonagall in disbelief, then he felt the overwhelming joy coming from Ginny through the bond. He couldn't help himself. A tear started to trickle down the side of his face, and he smiled and wrapped around Ginny tightly, just as she had done him.

"Thank you", he whispered to Ginny, then he sniffed and looked up at Minerva who also had a tear trickling down her face. "Thank you", he said to Minerva

"There's no need to thank me, Harry," Minerva said softly "I owe it to your mother and father. This is what they would've wanted".

"When will I go?", He asked wiping away his tears

Minerva smiled, "They will be picking you up from King's Cross" She looked at him a bit more seriously before adding, "Best not to mention it to anyone just yet".

"Why's that?" Harry asked, puzzled.

Minerva gave a sigh before continuing, "Dumbledore is unaware of the situation, and it is best if he finds out on his own after you have settled into the Weasley's".

Harry looked at her with a puzzled look, but thought better of asking more, so he simply nodded and held Ginny. Dumbledore was the reason he was still living at the Dursley's, and he knew that Dumbledore would keep it that way, regardless at whatever bond he had with Ginny.

"I will be working through the details later tonight with Mr. and Mrs. Weasley", Minerva explained breaking Harry out of his musing, "There shouldn't be an issue, but our number one priority is ensuring your safety and freedom".

"Minerva", Ginny began "Why does it have to be a secret?"

Minerva let out another sigh, but it was Harry who answered.

"Professor Dumbledore believes I'm safest when I'm with the Dursley's", he said softly "It doesn't matter to him how they treat me. My mother's blood protection lives on through my aunt".

"But that's ridiculous", Ginny protested, "I'm sure there are other ways to protect you just as well as that".

"Unfortunately", Minerva began heavily, "The blood protection is probably the strongest for him, but the threat that it directly protects against isn't a factor at the moment. I understood why Dumbledore did it, but I've hated myself for letting it stay that way since you arrived here last year."

Harry nodded somberly. He knew that he probably was the safest at the Dursley's, but he could be just as safe anywhere else, right? Voldemort is gone, sure he could return, but he doesn't pose a direct threat to him at the moment. It's more his crazy followers, but they have all gone into hiding like Voldemort.

"There are a few more things I wish to discuss", Minerva continued, "Harry, you've got to learn to control yourself a little better", She stated firmly, "Especially when it comes to Ginny".

Harry looked up ready to protest, but Ginny squeezed him and said, "You better listen."

Harry looked at Ginny and opened and closed his mouth before turning to Minerva and nodding in compliance.

"I understand, given the circumstance, that you are very protective over her, as you should be.", McGonagall explained knowingly, "But you can not curse any and everyone who says something about her, especially at school". Minerva added sternly, emphasizing the part about school.

Harry went to open his mouth to agree actually, but Ginny slapped him on the back of the head, "You better agree. I also can handle things by myself, you know", She said evenly

"Ow!" Harry said playfully, she didn't really hit him that hard. "I was going to agree" He chuckled.

Minerva chuckled at the two. She knew that Ginny would be extremely helpful at keeping Harry in line, just like Lily was for James. Lily and James… She quickly shook herself away from that train of thought and continued with a smile.

"Thank you Ginny" Minerva said, "We also don't need people speculating about your relationship to it's fullest extent. You living at the Weasley's is one thing Harry, but the bond between you and Ginny needs to be an even more heavily guarded secret".

Ginny looked a little puzzled at this, but Harry understood. Ginny noticed that Harry had nodded and understood which prompted her to send, "Why does it have to be even more of a secret?"

"Because people will try to use anyone and anything to try to get to me, and if they know about the soul bond, then you will be their number one target", he sent back to her.

Ginny then quickly realized the gravity of the situation. She held onto Harry a little tighter, because at that moment, she remembered something… Tom Riddle was infatuated with Harry. At the mention of his name, he wanted nothing more than to meet Harry. He even asked her to introduce him to her, and that's how he knew to take me into the Chamber.

Harry could feel her unease and he felt her become a little frightened. He squeezed her back and sent, "What's the matter?"

"Oh Harry", she sent back as she squeezed him tighter and took a deep breath tears starting to well up in her eyes, "Tom used me to try to get to you".

"It's okay Ginny", he sent back with calm, "He's gone and he messed up. By getting me to go down in that chamber, he allowed me to defeat him, and he allowed for the bond to be formed between us".

Ginny let out a shuddering breath and kissed him on his cheek. "I'm so glad you're okay, and strong, and brave, and" she was sending while kissing his cheek and crying

Harry started to laugh. He felt amazing at Ginny's kisses. They were filling him with all kinds of warmth and he felt she was being a little much, so he couldn't help but to laugh. Then he realized Minerva was intently watching the scene before her, and he started turning the same color as Ginny's hair"

"Ah hem", Harry made a noise to stop Ginny from doing what she was doing, and she whipped around to see Minerva smiling at them. Then it was her turn for her cheeks to go bright red.

Minerva couldn't help but to laugh at the two innocent children in front of her. They reacted as if they were caught doing something far worse than they were. She knew that this would be a moment that she would remember for some time to come. All other worries seemed to disappear in moments like these.

Minerva then turned her attention to an old book on her desk and a couple of pieces of parchment.

"One last thing before you two miss breakfast," She said with a smile. She picked up the book and held it out to Harry, "Your aunt thought you might want to have this".

Harry took the book from her and was bewildered at what she had said. He placed it on his and Ginny's lap and scanned the cover which read 'Evan's Family Photos', then he opened the cover and found a family picture.

He saw a short, greying man with bright emerald eyes standing next to his tall and skinny blonde wife. Seated in front of them was a thin horse faced looking teenage girl with blonde hair, and next to her sat a slightly younger and pretty girl with long red hair and bright emerald eyes like her father. Harry knew almost immediately who he was looking at.

"My mum" Harry said softly, then he looked up at Minerva and she was smiling down at him. He stared down at the picture from the side of Ginny's shoulder. For the very first time, he saw his grand parents on his Mum's side, and he saw an innocent and happy version of his dreadful Aunt Petunia. He also saw what his mum looked when she was around his age.

He turned the page and found a picture of a baby girl with bright emerald eyes being held by her father, and the two were smiling brightly at the camera. He turned another page and found the same girl on her 6th birthday blowing out the candles on her birthday cake. He turned another page and saw her holding her Hogwarts' acceptance letter. She was positively beaming. He turned page after page until he fell on one near the end.

He held up the book, so that he could have a better look. It had a collage of photos, one was a picture of his mother at her Hogwarts' graduation, another was a muggle photo from her wedding with just her in her wedding dress, and she looked stunning. Then, in the bottom right of the page, was a photo of her holding a baby with messy black hair and the same eyes that she had. She was absolutely beaming, and the baby looked like he was laughing. Harry stared at this photo for a few moments, then a single tear fell down next to it.

Ginny looked over at Harry and realized that he was crying, something that she had seen him do before, but only now did she realize just how quietly he cried. He stared at the photo until the tears blurred his vision, then he hastily wiped them away before staring at the photo again, only to have the same thing happen.

In what had already been a very emotional day on top of an emotional week, Harry couldn't help but to let it all out. The family he never knew, along with the mother who loved him dearly, which he also never knew. The family that he never had, and the memories that he never got to make. He let the book fall to the floor and he held onto Ginny tightly as he sobbed quietly into a shoulder.

Ginny was now crying too and she held him back and tried soothing him by rubbing his back. She couldn't fathom a world in which she didn't grow up without any of her family, and she always wondered how Harry managed to live without his. She knew now that he didn't. His lack of knowledge of his parents made it nearly impossible for him to imagine a life with them instead of without them.

Minerva had tears falling down her cheeks cheeks as well. She knew that him having the book with his mother's family would probably be hard on him at first, but he would love the fact that he had it. After all, he had nothing, to her knowledge, of anything of his mother's. Minerva also missed Lily and James very much. There wasn't a day that went by since Harry arrived at Hogwarts that she didn't think of them. Seeing him here and happy for the first time, brought back all the memories she had of Lily and James. She also wondered how happy and proud they would've been for Harry. Instead of those bastardly relatives that he was forced to live with. She wasn't just doing what she did for Harry for Harry's sake, but she was doing it to honor Lily and James and the sacrifice the paid for him.

After a few minutes that felt like hours, Harry had cried all he could cry and he wiped his eyes for the final time. He prompted Ginny to stand up and he followed suit. Ginny picked up the book and held it for him, then he walked over to Professor McGonagall who was now standing up, and he hugged her. She hugged him back while trying to blink back more tears from falling.

"Thank you", Harry whispered, "For everything".

"You're welcome Harry", she replied softly

Harry let her go and he walked back to Ginny and took her hand, "I guess we'll be seeing you again before we leave?" He asked Minerva

"I'm sure of it", Minerva replied with a smile.

Harry and Ginny smiled softly back at her, then they turned and exited her office hand in hand. If they were lucky, they might be able to get to the Great Hall before breakfast had ended.

Transition

Minerva was getting ready for her evening dinner at the Weasley's. She was putting away the remainder of her things when the floo roared into life, and out walked Madam Pomfrey. Poppy was dressed casually, a form of attire unknown to the students that she treated in the hospital wing.

"Good evening Minerva," Poppy said with a smile. She had an air of nervous excitement

Minerva looked her up and down and smiled, "I'm so glad you could make it. I have to floo Molly before we go barging into her home."

Poppy nodded and made herself at home while Minerva walked over to the floo and grabbed a pinch of floo powder. "The Burrow", she said clearly. When the flames roared into life, she stuck her head inside.

At the burrow, Molly was hard at work, adding the finishing touches to the scrumptious dinner she was preparing. Arthur already set the table, and he was coming back into the room holding a bottle of special elf made wine for the occasion. He was smiling down at the bottle as he sat it down on the table when the floo came to life.

"Molly? Arthur?" Called the voice of Minerva McGonagall from the flames.

"Good Evening Minerva", Arthur greeted the witch "Molly is finishing up with the dinner now, you can come on through if you'd like".

"Thank you Arthur", Minerva replied with a nod, "I hate to be a bother on such short notice, but do you two mind if I bring a guest with me? It's Poppy Pomfrey".

Arthur Weasley looked curiously at Minerva's head in the flame. Why on earth would she be bring the school healer along with her for tonight? He decided to not think too hard into it, so he just nodded and smiled, "That should fine"

Minerva nodded and pulled her head from the flames. A few moments later, Minerva stepped through the floo, and following behind her was Poppy Pomfrey.

Arthur greeted both of the women with a kiss on both cheeks and a soft handshake.

"Welcome to the Burrow!", He beamed at the two old witches

"Thank you", Minerva nodded, "What better way celebrate our new guardianship", she finished with a smile.

Minerva and Poppy followed Arthur into the kitchen. Molly turned around and started beaming, "Hello! It's so good to see you", she said as she hurried her way over to give Minerva a welcoming hug. "I see you've brought a guest", Molly pointed out with a hint of curiosity.

"Sorry I couldn't let you know sooner", Minerva said apologetically, "Poppy is a good friend of mine, and I'm sure she will come in handy for us as an ally".

Molly beamed and wiped away all curiosity, "The more the merrier!" She then went over to hug and greet the healer.

"Well you two are right on time", Molly said as she started walking towards the kitchen, "Let me just get another place set for Poppy".

Molly summoned a plate and some cutlery for Poppy, then Arthur brought over a glass and started pouring the wine for everyone. They all took their seats and went through the motions of cordial niceties while fixing their plates of food. Once they all settled in and began eating, Molly was the first to start the conversation, "So Minerva, how is everything at school?"

Minerva was washing down her first bite of kidney pie with her wine before she answered, "Things are going well", she answered as she sat down her glass "Harry got into a bit of trouble, but it was nothing too severe. Just a slap on the wrist."

Molly, Arthur, and Poppy looked at Minerva curiously, then Arthur shook his head while chuckling, "That boy always finds some sort of trouble"

"More like trouble seems to always find him", Minerva replied back with a chuckle of her own.

The people around the table all gave a small laugh before Molly continued, "If you don't mind, what exactly happened"?

"Well", Minerva began with a sigh, "Lucius' son was shouting things across the hall, and when Harry stood up for himself, Draco reached for his wand, but Harry disarmed him". She explained with a satisfied smile before taking another sip of wine.

"Like father, like son", Arthur sighed and shook his head.

"The same could be said for Harry", Minerva replied with a smirk.

Everyone else around the table got the same satisfied look on their faces to match that of Minerva's.

Poppy piped up for the first time, "Hopefully Harry doesn't favor James too terribly much".

"What were they like in school, Minerva?" Arthur asked curiously

Minerva gave a sigh. She didn't necessarily want to go down memory lane discussing James and Lily, but she figured if it was to stay on the happy memories side, then it shouldn't be too much of an issue. She smiled genially at Arthur, "James and his group of friends practically ran the school back in their day." She said before taking another sip of wine, as she sat it down, she continued, "You think your twins are bad, James and his group gave all of us plenty of preparation for them".

Everyone shared a laugh at this, once they had calmed down, Minerva went on, "Lily was the kindest and most brilliant witch you could've ever met, and if you ask me, Harry has a great mix of both of them".

Everyone smiled at this and Molly carried it on, "You know, Arthur and I never got the chance to meet them, but I hear from everyone that Harry is practically identical to James, except for-"

"Lily's eyes", Minerva interrupted softly and sighed, "He has her eyes". She smiled and took another bite.

Everyone now bore that same soft smile, and the conversation was threatening to turn somber. Luckily, Arthur sought to bring it back to the happier side. "I hear Harry got his flying genes from his James though", he added enthusiastically

Minerva smiled at him, "Yes well, James would've wished to have flown as well as Harry can." She added with a chuckle

"Although I don't remember ever seeing James in the hospital wing as much as Harry", Poppy piped up with a chuckle of her own

The light hearted conversation carried on into the desert. Minerva and Poppy were able to share more happy memories of Lily and James, while Arthur and Molly were able to discuss how their children reacted to Harry and how he was sorted into Gryffindor. The women fell into a fit of giggles when they turned to some of the more embarrassing stories that pertained to Ginny's crush on Harry as a little girl. Then, after the remainder of the pudding was gone, and all that was left was the wine, they turned to more serious matters.

"Im all finished with Harry's room", Molly added with a smile as Arthur refilled her glass of wine, "He will be in Bill's old room across the hall from Ginny".

"I'm sure Ginny will like that", Arthur added with a little cheek.

Minerva gave a light hearted sigh, "I think she'll really like that", She finished with a cheeky grin of her own.

Molly and Arthur turned to her with curious grins, "Is there something we should know about, Minerva?" Molly asked teasingly.

Minerva mustered a smile and hesitantly said, "The two seemed to have grown a lot closer these past few days."

"Really?" Arthur asked delightedly. Molly was beaming at Minerva. Poppy had a smile but it looked to be a bit restrained.

Minerva realized now that the time had come. It was that time of the night when the most important things needed to be discussed. It came all too soon for her liking.

She took a sip of wine and drew and couple of deep breaths before looking at Molly and Arthur quite seriously. Molly and Arthur dropped their smile and were now listening intently.

"Is there anything in the world that would make you change your mind on taking in Harry?" Minerva asked hesitantly

Molly and Arthur surveyed her for a moment, puzzled by her question. They turned to look at each other, trying to find if the other had something in mind. Arthur then shook his head and replied softly, "No. No I don't think so".

"Are you sure?", Minerva pressed on, "I could easily arrange for him to come live with me at McGonagall Manor".

Molly and Arthur were thoughtful for another moment, then Arthur shook his head again. Now was the time to ask the hardest question Minerva has had to ask in a long while.

"What if Harry and Ginny have formed a soul bond?" Minerva asked hesitantly, nearly quaking in anxiety

Molly and Arthur's eyes went wide. The entire burrow was silent for what felt like hours.

"What do you mean?" Asked Molly, even though she knew perfectly well what Minerva meant.

Minerva sighed heavily, "When Harry saved Ginny that night in the Chamber", she began slowly, "The two of them became magically bonded".

"But how could that be?" Molly asked in disbelief, "They only twelve and eleven".

Poppy decided to speak up for Minerva, "I know. Soul bonds are exceedingly rare, especially at such an age, but the full bonding hasn't taken place yet".

"But what does that mean", asked Molly a little exasperatedly

"It means that they are only a betrothed couple until Harry turns of age", Poppy replied calmly "They are still considered married in the magical world, and they will experience the same changes and effects of a normal bonded couple".

Molly, who was astounded, turned to her husband. He looked to be trying exceedingly hard to grasp the information that he had just been told. They sat in silence for a few moments before Arthur turned to his wife and took her hand. He gave her an assuring smile before saying, "Well, this isn't how I imagined it going", he sighed but kept his smile, "But we're committed to Harry, and if Him and Ginny are bonded, then I'm fortunate that is was him."

Minerva and Poppy both smiled at his words, Minerva seemed to have exhaled a breath she was unaware of holding, and after a few moments, Molly smiled too and petted Arthur's hand.

"Well", Molly started softly, "Like Arthur said, it's not ideal, but we'll be happy all the same."

Minerva nodded and smiled, "I'm glad to hear it. They were most excited when I told them about it."

Arthur and Molly smiled and rubbed each other soothingly in their embrace.

"There are certain things about the bond that need to be discussed", Poppy decided to interrupt to press the seriousness of the matter.

Arthur and Molly turned to her and examined the healer curiously.

"The bond itself has very powerful magic surrounding it. They can speak mind to mind, they can sense each other's presence and location, they can feel each other's emotions, and they can reach out to the other when in distress". Poppy explained to them softly

Arthur and Molly took on a more serious look and prompted the witch to continue, which she did carefully.

"Some of the magic will develop and grow stronger over time, but there's not much available to explain how fast or to what extent", she took a deep breath before continuing, "They will struggle being apart from one another, because each other's presence and physical touch gives them comfort. They are, in a sense, the perfect couple, but with all of the imperfections of being human."

Arthur and Molly sat there and were thoughtful for a moment, then Molly decided to ask, "Is there anything that we should be preparing for, something out of the ordinary?" The way Molly asked this question may have come across as innocent, but it was riddled with the air of her motherly protection.

Poppy seemed to have sense this. She looked from Minerva to the husband and wife, took another deep breath, and explained more, "They share emotions. They always know what the other is feeling. When they are separated and are unaware of the other's surroundings, if one of them was to sense any sort of negative emotion or feeling, it'll drive the other crazy until they're together again. They always feel the best when they are with each other, regardless of how the other is feeling."

Poppy took another sip of wine before continuing, Arthur and Molly's eyes were practically glue to her. Waiting for any information she had to tell. "Because of this, it's practically torture to keep them apart, because without their other half, they feel dreadfully alone. There are powerful enchantments that do protect each of them from being assaulted, particularly sexually assaulted. The consequences from even attempting such an act would be gruesome for the attacker."

Molly breathed a sigh of relief, "Well, it doesn't sound all that bad. I mean, most of it's great, but it's definitely unusual." Molly clarified before grasping onto her husband's shoulder tightly and smiling at him, which Arthur returned the gesture.

Poppy smiled gently, "There is one more thing you should know", she began softly, "This is as far as my knowledge goes. I struggle to believe there's anymore information that could be found due to the rarity. It'll be a learning experience for all of us to observe them. But, it won't be long, if it hasn't started already, before they will no longer be able to sleep in separate bedrooms".

Poppy spoke that last sentence very carefully, but that still didn't stop Arthur and Molly from jerking to attention, then turning and looking from each other to Poppy and then to Minerva. Before they were able to speak in protest, Poppy was able to explain further.

"There's no need to worry yourselves", Poppy assured evenly, "One of the magical enchantments on the bond prevents them from seeking that level of intimacy until the full bonding takes place once Harry becomes of age. Until then, they will keep their innocence, and have no desire to break it until that day comes."

Arthur opened and closed his mouth a few times, struggling to find the right words. Molly looked to burst in outrage.

"But they're just kids!" Molly protested exasperatedly, "Surely they won't be needing to sleep with one another."

"Like I said", Poppy replied calmly, "There is no desire for either to cross physical boundaries, other than the fact that physical touch is their greatest source of comfort".

Molly open and closed her mouth to argue, but instead, took a deep breath to calm down a bit, but she was still skeptical. It was one thing for them to be bond mates and for them to be inseparable, but for them to sleep together, and at such a young age, that's preposterous. Then Arthur wrapped his arm around his wife and gave her a gentle squeeze, "Well, hopefully we won't have to worry about that for a while", he told his wife reassuringly. Poppy smiled in relief, but McGonagall gave a deep sigh.

"We may already be there," Minerva said quietly and hesitantly

Molly and Arthur took in the witch for the first time in a while. She looked like she was desperately wishing that they would just accept what she had to say, but Molly asked softly, "What do you mean?"

Minerva took another sip of wine, took a couple of deep breaths, then she exhaled greatly.

"Last night", she began quietly "Harry and Ginny both had difficulties falling asleep. Harry explained that he felt drawn to Ginny, and that they peacefully fell asleep together on the sofa in the common". Minerva took another sip while Molly was piercing her with her gaze, then she continued, "Ron had found them when he went down for breakfast".

"What did Ron do?", asked Mr. Weasley genuinely curious. He would hate to have some sort of incident here at home over the summer.

Minerva gave a sigh and answered, "He tried to attack Harry, but Ginny stepped between them. They had a big argument, Ron took a rather aggressive step towards Ginny, but Harry used to jelly leg jinx to protect Ginny. I came in after the fact, and I had a talk with the four of them. They have since made up". Minerva's last sentence was a lie, but it was one that she hoped would go a long way. Things were already so complex and fragile as is, she couldn't afford to have anything negatively impact her efforts.

"Well", Arthur began softly, "At least they made up. I know that Ron and Harry are really great friends. I guess we will just have to have that conversation early on with the boys to explain the nature of Harry and Ginny's relationship". He finished reassuringly. Molly was still unsure of the whole Harry and Ginny situation, but she felt her husband's confidence, and that was all that she needed.

"Harry cast a leg-locker curse?", asked Poppy suddenly in bewilderment.

The other three were shook from their reverie. They had forgotten this small detail of McGonagall's story. It was very unusual for a twelve year old to be able to cast a dark curse flawlessly.

"Yes", Minerva answered with a nod, "He also seemed to have casted it without incantation, though Ginny claimed that he said the incantation using mind speak".

"Remarkable", Poppy breathed

"Quite", Minerva said, just as surprised at his abilities, "Harry is also extremely protective over Ginny, but I have issued a stern warning to him about his temper and over protectiveness".

They all smiled at this statement. The tension around the room seemed to dissipate tremendously. They finished with their wine and Molly busied herself with making some tea. When she had settled herself back down after giving out everyone's tea, she asked Minerva, "So I assume that Harry and Ginny's bond is a secret to Dumbledore as well?"

Minerva finished her sip and nodded, "Yes. That intends to be kept well hidden overall. Albus will find out sooner rather than later, but for now, it is a secret." Molly and Arthur nodded in understanding.

The four then settled down to discussed more on how they were planning to keep both issues a secret, particularly when word gets back to Dumbledore that Harry is no longer at the Dursley's. They discussed how they were planning on getting Harry off of the platform without drawing too much attention from everyone else. Then they finished with Minerva explaining how she plans to assist the Weasley's with taking care of Harry. She was going to be Harry's financial support, assisting the Weasley's with the financial burden of having another mouth to feed. Arthur and Molly accepted rather begrudgingly, but they were appreciative all the same.

After a few kettle's of tea, plans set in place to safely retrieve Harry from the platform, and how they planned on dealing with Harry and Ginny's bond, they all rose to say their final goodbyes. It took them forever to get to the floo, and even more time to get into the floo to travel back to Hogwarts. With final goodbyes and happy gestures, the two witches floo'd back to Hogwarts, leaving Molly and Arthur to happily embrace each other as they now how everything they needed taken care of. It was going to be difficult, but it was all worth it. How much so, they couldn't really tell, but they knew they would one day see.