*Ginny*

After our fight, I gave Harry another couple days but Hermione had just about worn me down. It had been another trying day with Snape not teaching us anything except how much he still hated James Potter. At supper that night however, Dumbledore interrupted us.

The headmaster rose and waited for everyone's attention. "Normally we would have held a Hogsmeade weekend by now. That is still not possible, but I was offered a suggested compromise by the owner of the Hog's Head.

"On Saturday after next, we will open up this hall for a few vendors to set up shop for the afternoon. Honeydukes, the Hog's Head, and a few other proprietors have already agreed to participate."

There were a few muted claps at that. It wasn't exactly the same, but it was something, at least for those of us with spare Galleons.

Dumbledore added, "To prevent overcrowding, each year will be given an hour-long slot, starting with the third-years at noon, fourths at one, and so on and so forth. If you wish to attend with other students outside your year, see your head of house."

After the excitement from the announcement had died down, we headed back to the tower. I smiled at Harry and took his hand. "Will you go with me, dear?"

"I'd love to, Gin. Even if it's just for an hour."

Then I added, "Harry, Hermione and I have something to ask…" That got Ron's attention.

I let Hermione speak. "Harry, Snape isn't teaching us anything."

"Never really did," he said.

She rolled her eyes. "It's worse now. And much more important." She paused for a moment and then said, "We need a better teacher. One that knows what it's like to face V-V-Voldemort."

"Sirius?"

"You."

"Hermione, I can't. I don't really know that much and I don't think I'd be a good teacher. Plus, I'm not sure why anyone would listen to me."

Ron said, "Mate, there's humility and all but you need to have some sense too. You spent every free moment last year practicing for the tournament. Some of that has to spill over into real life."

I added, "And you've been helping me and Ron with our aim and helping us practice the last two summers. I've learned a lot from you, luv, even if you weren't formally tutoring us."

Hermione finished. "And you don't know why anyone would listen? We were all there last May. We saw what happened."

"I couldn't save Viktor or Cedric," he said with his eyes looking at the ground."

I had to disagree. "But you fought back and survived. If you help, you'll be giving all of us a better chance of living."

When he hesitated I added in jest, "Don't make me bat my eyes."

"Or me," Hermione added.

Harry looked at Ron, expectantly. Ron shrugged his shoulders. "Eh, we had a good run."

Harry laughed. "All right, fine. I guess it's my turn to get ganged up on. But you're helping me plan the lessons, Hermione."

"Sounds splendid. We can work on it tomorrow and Ginny and Ron can spend the evening spreading the word."

It was difficult to find a way to talk to members of the other houses individually. I also didn't want to just approach the entire table at dinner. Most of the older students were working on midterm projects and revising for exams, so we decided to try the library. The next night after supper, we bumped into Seamus and Susan Bones at a table. They looked like they were maybe going to study at some point that evening, but it was doubtful. "Is this Irish layabout bothering you, Susan?" Ron teased.

Seamus defended himself. "You wound me, mate. I'll have you know that I have finally worn Susan down with my quick wit and dashing looks."

She slapped him in the shoulder flirtatiously. "I think I'm just the only one left who'll put up with your blarney."

I rolled my eyes. "Uh, congrats then, I think. Anyway, Harry is going to start a club in the evenings to practice defense and dueling, all houses welcome. I thought you could let the other Hufflepuffs know, Susan."

"Sounds brilliant. My aunt told me… between Snape's potions lessons and the Defense classes… a lot of auror applicants have needed remedial training and not many of them have the patience for that. Most students aren't leaving Hogwarts prepared to fight."

I spotted Luna and Cho a few tables down and decided to check Ravenclaw off the list. "Hi Luna. Hey, Cho." I paused, realizing I hadn't really talked to her since last year. I gently asked, "How are you? We're sorry about Cedric, I should have said something sooner."

She tried to smile. "It's not your fault. No one really has wanted to talk about that evening."

"Yeah, I had to really push Harry to not close off. He has that tendency." I sat down next to them. Ron was still interrupting Seamus's date. I sighed and thought of my talks with Harry over the summer.

"Nargles?" Luna asked me.

I snapped back to the present. "No… sorry. We are starting an informal club. Harry will be helping us practice defensive spells and dueling. We'd like you two to come and to invite the other Ravenclaws."

Cho looked a little concerned but they both agreed to attend. The first meeting would be in a couple weeks on the Wednesday before Hallowe'en.

We caught a few other people and then we decided that we'd let them spread the word from there. Ron and I headed back towards our tower.

The Common Room was fairly empty by this point in the evening but I saw the twins and Lee Jordan off to one side. Jordan reluctantly popped a cream puff into his mouth and he disappeared in a cloud of yellow. A few seconds later, the cloud dissipated and he was now sporting yellow feathers.

We ran over, alarmed. Fortunately, Jordan molted and was back to his usual self soon enough. He and the twins had a great laugh. George finally noticed us. "Ginny, Ron. Want to try a canary cream?"

"I think I'm full still," said Ron. "Jordan, are you ok?"

"Yeah, no worries. Felt a bit… feathery?"

"I'll try," I said.

"Great," Fred said as he passed me the confection, "we haven't tried on a girl yet. They can be different."

"So we've heard," added George.

I grinned and quickly swallowed. I felt a ticklish shimmer through my skin. I looked at my arms and they were indeed very feathered. It seemed to last longer for me, but that could have just been my perception. Finally I was back to my normal self, freckles and all.

Fred and George celebrated with a handclap. "Two for two!" they said in unison.

"So are you really going to try for your joke shop after Hogwarts?" I asked.

George shrugged, trying to seem unconcerned. "Would love to and Aberforth said we could even set up with his booth next week, but funds for ingredients are almost out. We made several wagers last year and won… but it was with Ludo and the goblins took every last knut he had. Didn't even get back our deposit."

"Could you try for a loan?" Ron asked.

Fred shook his head. "Gringotts only gives money to people who already have it. We're just a couple kids, too big of a risk."

The twins were normally unstoppable and always cheerful. They must really have been at loose ends to be feeling this way and especially to admit it.

"What about a personal loan from friend or family?"

They looked at each other. It was obvious who I meant. "Ginny, we couldn't ask Harry."

"I think he'd be hurt if you knew he could help you and you didn't ask. Just consider." I changed topics. "Are you two joining the Defense Club?"

"Should be great! Much more exciting than class and less chances of getting greasy."

They showed Ron and I a few of their other inventions. One that I knew would be a big seller was the puking pastilles. They were sweets where one half would give you a bloody nose, uncontrollable sneezing and the like, to get you excused from class, while the other had the antidote after you had escaped. It was a bit childish, but so was class sometimes. My brothers were going to make a fortune if they could get started.

Harry and Hermione dragged themselves back after ten. My boyfriend was bleary-eyed and noticeably tired as he slipped down next to me. I leaned against him and let him play with my hair. "Tough night?"

Harry chuckled. "A bit. Hermione the star student has nothing on Hermione the aspiring teacher."

"Teaching assistant and lesson planner, Harry. You're going to be the main attraction," she said.

"Wonderful," he said sarcastically.

"Well, dear, at least it's something positive and your choice instead of something you're being forced into that makes you miserable."

He nodded and then kissed me on the cheek softly. "Yes, ma'am. I'll try to stop pouting."

"Good, it's not becoming. Makes it hard for me to see your eyes properly."

Fred cleared his throat. "Harry, could we have a word alone?"

He looked concerned, but then George added, "it's nothing bad. You can go snogging our sister afters."

"Sure, then." He grinned.

Fred motioned with his hand to a quiet corner. "Let's move to our office."

Before I knew it, Ron and Hermione had gone off together. I was tired enough to go to bed, but I wanted to hear what was happening from Harry and we always tried to say goodnight.

A few minutes later Harry was back and the twins were headed up to their dorm. "Hey, Gin."

"Mmmh…" I said with a smile as he rubbed the back of my neck. "Talking business?"

"How did you… yeah. They asked if I could loan them fifty galleons so they could owl-order supplies for their joke products."

"Oh?"

"Yeah, but I said I couldn't do that. I tried to give them five hundred, as a gift, but they talked me down to two hundred. If they are successful, we will talk later about me setting them up to start an actual business, maybe even on Diagon Alley, for a silent partnership. So I guess you're probably stuck with me."

I hopped him on the nose. "Pity. I was about to see about having a go at Dean," I said with a wink and a smile.

Before I knew it, I was in his lap and he was tickling my ribs without mercy. I was uncontrollably giggling. "Harry…. please…"

"Nope! Not with jokes like that…"

"I bet… I bet I can make you stop."

"I'd like to see you try…"

So I grabbed his hands and pressed my nose to his. I felt his arms pull me in closer. "I love you, Harry Potter. Just you."

"I love you too, Ginny Weasley."

"Good night."

"I'll miss you, all night."

I whispered in his ear, "Someday." I meant it.

*Arthur*

The weather was unseasonably warm for October, so I spent a few minutes taking care of some things I had been neglecting around the yard. I had been working late most evenings. The ministry was barely hanging on with all the Death Eater activity.

The previous week I had to help clean up after a dementor was loosed in a small village in Wales. I still saw that small girl, slumped over with the vacant look in her eyes whenever I closed mine.

After I finished up with the chores, I took a quick wash, kissed Molly, and headed into work.

A little bit of happiness was headed my way. Shortly before luncheon, I saw a tuft of pink and purple hair come invading my office. "Tonks, something wrong? Can I help you with anything?" Remus was holding her hand and Sirius was right behind them.

"No, Arthur, nothing like that. We just wanted to say hi. I took the day off."

"Then why are you in this place, with these two characters?"

"Well, not sure about Sirius, but Remus was necessary since we were applying for a marriage license."

"Wow! Congratulations to both of you. Come in and take a seat." Once they did, the door closed. "Really, really happy for both of you. Have an idea for a date?"

Remus almost blushed. "Today, about ten minutes ago."

I tried to not have a terribly stunned look on my face. "Oh, my. That was quick."

Sirius said, "Well, strike when the iron's hot, I say."

Tonks slapped him in the shoulder. "We never were planning on a large ceremony — not something I wanted and not something either of us wanted to pay for. Plus, I can just imagine what Bellatrix would try to do if she knew someone from her bloodline was…"

"Marrying a werewolf," Remus quietly answered. "I still am worried…"

Tonks nuzzled into his side for a moment. "I don't care about any of that. I'm an auror and Dad's a muggle, so I wasn't expecting a housewarming gift from Bellatrix regardless. And you're already stuck with me, love."

Remus smiled and nodded. "At any rate, one of the officiants was in this morning and Sirius was already there as a witness."

He interjected, "I wanted to know where the office was, just in case I ever decide to disappoint most of the witches in Britain and settle down."

Tonks rolled her eyes and Remus continued. "We figured, why wait?"

She said, "I think I waited bloody long enough already and didn't fancy waiting any more. Remus is too traditional for his own good." I chuckled as I saw him squirm under the implication.

"Well, I'm glad she finally wore you down. Molly will want to make a spread and host a reception for you sometime. Maybe over the holidays so the kids can be there? They all loved you as a professor."

"I did my best."

"You cared. That's too rare today."

There was an awkward moment of silence. Sirius broke it by saying, "Any problems from our last brush with Voldemort?"

"No, I've been fine, thank you."

Remus asked, "Do you mind if I try a charm on you? It reveals certain information about powerful spells performed on you, such as unforgivables."

'Sure, go ahead."

Remus stood up and muttered an incantation. A kaleidoscope of colors appeared before me and then slowly dwindled to a small constellation. "Here we are," he said. "Curious…" He flicked his wand and the lights disappeared. "The power of that spell was significantly less than I expected."

Sirius said, "I wouldn't chalk that up to his not having his heart into it."

"No, of course not. I talked with Dumbledore a little once I had learned about the horcruxes, whether or not Voldemort would know what we were doing." Remus stowed his wand and put his hands in his pockets. "Our magic comes from within, from our very souls. The wands we carry are merely used to focus the magic for a purpose."

Tonks exhaled slowly. "And he's lost a big chunk of his."

Sirius ticked it off, "The diary, locket, and the cup. Close to half of his soul."

"Can… can that grow back?" I asked suddenly.

"I don't see how a soul could ever regrow," Sirius said.

"Actually, Sirius… it does all the time. Souls regenerate. When a couple conceives a child, where does that soul come from other than a piece of his parents? Obviously, that would have to grow back or poor Arthur here would be badly off, and he seems fit as a fiddle after siring seven children."

I said, "Very funny, Remus. That's a different circumstance, though. I don't think he'd grow his back just over time."

"No, I don't either. Maybe if he felt remorse… grief… some form of love in the shadow of all that he's done. But I don't see that happening."

Tonks cut in. "No, not bloody likely. But if that's all true… we may actually have a chance!"

Sirius said, "He still has his Death Eaters, and more each day as long as they believe."

My heart skipped a beat. "Then we need to shake that."

"Exactly…" Sirius said and then stopped. "I'll have some plans ready to discuss soon. For now, I think my cousin has better ideas on how to spend her afternoon."

She winked and Remus didn't need any more encouragement to leave.

"And what about yourself, Sirius?"

"Heh. Well, James probably would roll over in his grave if I was ever hitched. Lily would probably win a few bets. With everything, I don't think it's the right time for me. Maybe after all this is over," he shrugged. "You still helping Dumbledore stake out the Department of Mysteries?"

I nodded.

"I wish you wouldn't. A little bird told me that they are going to be making a move sometime soon."

"All the more reason I need to help keep watch. I'll make sure to sound the alarm and get help if anything comes of it."

I could tell he didn't want to argue more. Instead, he said, "Well, I'll let you get back to your work. Please take care of yourself."

"You too, Sirius."

*Ginny*

Harry stood at a doorway most of the students had never noticed. He explained, "This is called the Room of Requirement. Hogwarts shapes it to the needs of those who ask. We thought it would be a good training area."

He led the way. It was not as large of a group as he had feared, maybe thirty altogether. Most of our year in Gryffindor was there as well as some from other years, including the twins, Luna, Cho, and a few other Ravenclaws. Harry had recruited Zacharias Smith, and he brought along a few of his fellow Hufflepuffs. No Slytherins showed. Either they were all following Malfoy or they didn't want to be seen as going against him.

I stepped through the door and thought I heard a whisper while crossing the threshold. After the door was shut, the noise stopped. The room was just large enough for us all. There were several dueling dummies set up, pillows to summon and banish, and some lanes set up for dueling. There was plenty of muttering and gasps from students who had never used the room.

Harry looked around. "I didn't ask the room for the dummies…"

Neville sheepishly spoke up, "I was thinking they would be helpful. I need to practice my aim."

"No worries. The room must really like you, usually it doesn't seem to take orders from multiple people."

Harry took center stage while Hermione stood to his left. I stood towards the front next to Luna, Lavender, Parvati and her sister. My boyfriend began speaking.

"Thanks all for coming. I'm not one for giving speeches, but Hermione insisted I should say a few words. I hope we are all here for the same reason, to practice and learn from each other. There's a war going on and any of us, all of us, may be forced to play a part... I know that's rather terrifying to consider."

Michael called out, "I'm not sure we will ever be good enough."

Harry replied. "Maybe, maybe not. Definitely not if you think like that. But all of you, remember that Dumbledore, McGonagall, every auror… they all started as students. If they were what we are, we can get better. We sure as hell will be better off than accepting what we've been getting."

Hermione added "One other thing. We will be concentrating on skills and spells that can be useful in a fight. This is not an OWL study group."

Harry smiled. "Right. If you want one of those, see Hermione afterwards for a revising schedule," he half joked. "Not saying those aren't important, but we have to focus on the business of surviving. Now, let's start! First up, disarming spells and shields."

Ron had drawn the short stick apparently. He stood up and tried to disarm Harry, who blocked several attempts with a shield. Then they switched. My brother survived the first two attempts and then was shoved backwards as his wand came loose and flew to another corner of the room.

After they demonstrated a few more times, we paired up into groups while Harry walked around, making corrections as needed.

I ended up with Parvati. She had some raw strength but thanks to my dad, being able to practice during the last few summers really made a difference.

Harry took Cho's hand to help correct her aim. She smiled and suddenly, my wand was gone. "Damn!" I muttered.

Parvati smiled and summoned it for me. With all the wands flying around, it was a wonder no one had a poked eyeball. "Jealous, Ginny?"

I grit my teeth, cursing myself out for being distracted so easily. "Just try me again." I had to be ready for much worse things. I wasn't going to let a single spell get through again.

Before I knew it, the hour had passed. Harry had us practice stunners and some other basics, just to get an idea where everyone was. Everything present realized performing a spell on a test was nothing compared to doing it when it mattered. We were called to the centre of the room. "Thanks, all. Any questions or comments?"

Fred said, "Thanks for putting this together, mate. You're already the best Defense teacher we've had except for Lupin."

Dean said, "But… didn't Professor Snape say he was a werewolf?"

I saw the training dummy close to Harry suddenly break off its stand and fly ten feet, finally landing on the floor. His deep emerald eyes were almost burning. I was afraid he was going to yell, but he calmed down and instead he spoke low and soft, his voice with a slight tremble. "Professor Lupin was a fine teacher. He's a good man and, yes, a werewolf. He was also one of my father's best friends. Once a month he transforms involuntarily but he takes a potion; he's perfectly safe. He also just married a knockout several degrees above your league and I won't take comments like that about him or anyone else."

Dean quietly apologized.

Harry said, "Blood doesn't matter. Raw talent can get you started but it's not enough. I have decided just now to give one bit of homework."

I heard a few grumbles. "Don't worry, this'll be easy. First, practice as much as you can. And second, I need you to all memorize this fact. Voldemort…" A few gasps. "Ok.. one and a half is say his bloody name. Number two is know that Voldemort's real name is Tom Riddle, junior. Tom Riddle senior was a muggle."

He paused and then said, "And let all that that implies sink in. You are your choices, not your parents or your past. Defense club adjourned. Hermione will let you know the next meeting time and date."

We had enough time to not have to hurry back to the tower. Harry and I held hands with Hermione and Ron next to Hermione. She said, "You maybe came down on Dean a little rough."

Harry replied, "Yeah, maybe. I'm still mad at Snape for outing him like that. Not really any of their business."

I stuck up for him. "But it's like Sirius said. Tom isn't the problem. It's everyone who follows him outright or quietly supports his beliefs. If he was the only one who felt that way, a lot of people would still be here."

Ron added, "Dad's fought for what's right every day without a lot of help. I'm not sure what I'm going to do once I'm out of here, but it can't just end with Voldemort. First it was Grindelwald, then him… how many others before the problem is fixed? You are so smart, Hermione. You shouldn't have to worry about your choices of jobs just because of your parents. Not that there's anything wrong with them."

She smiled, "Thank you, Ron. Having friends like you and your family make it all work it."

We reached our tower and it was time for bed. We found a secluded corner, Harry drew me close, and kiss me softly for several seconds. As I pulled away, I saw Hermione give Ron a quick peck on the cheek when she thought we were distracted. He turned a few shades that matched my hair and then quickly shuffled off to bed.

"What?" Harry asked, seeing me distracted.

"Nothing…" I whispered. "I'm really proud of you, dear. See you tomorrow."

When I went upstairs, I slipped out of my school robes and into my nightwear. "So," I said looking at Hermione and whispering, "decided to frazzle my brother a bit?"

"Excuse me?"

"Your lips. Ron's cheek?"

She smiled. "Oh… well, I've been hinting all week that I wouldn't mind some company at the substitute Hogsmeade weekend, such as it is. He finally got the message to ask. I do enjoy flustering him sometimes, it's so cute… and sexy."

"Eww… that is my brother you are describing.. "

"Wow… hypocrite much? I've had to watch you and Harry snog for over a year now."

I grinned. "Just wait until you move beyond the cheek. His head'll explode." I got comfortable and found a book. "Now I have to stay up to get that picture out of my head."

Our turn to shop the next morning wasn't until two, so we had some time after breakfast Saturday morning. Homework was already done. Harry, Ron, and Neville were playing exploding snap for the third time that morning. Hermione was staying in the library and I was having a hard time doing anything but lusting after my Firebolt that I hadn't been able to use since summer.

I grabbed Harry's invisibility cloak out of his chest and decided to see what Luna was doing. The Ravenclaws were different, their password was a riddle and anyone willing to figure it out could come in. Not many people had bothered learning that, which was a shame. I had learned that interesting bit from Tom, who prided himself on knowing everything about the school.

This time the riddle took only two guesses. The doors creaked open. I was greeted by the statue of Rowena Ravenclaw wearing a replica of her lost diadem. Luna and her dad has been trying to make a replica for as long as I could remember without success.

I found Luna behind mountainous stacks of papers — blank sheets that were being transformed into prints. I looked closer and I saw the title of one as Luna performed another duplication charm which she was becoming very adept at… "The Quibbler, Hogwarts edition," I read aloud.

"Oh, hello, Ginny," she said in her sing-song voice.

"Hi, Luna. Making these up for the afternoon?"

"Oh, yes. Your beau contributed to this edition, actually. I think your friend Hermione helped him, but she insisted on not getting a writer's credit for some reason. It's a little more practical than our usual articles, but it should be helpful."

She handed me a copy from the top of the pile. The left column was titled, "Helpful Habits to Help keep your friends and family safe and well." It was a list of suggested practices. A few were standard such as having security questions to make sure no one was impostering using Polyjuice and not traveling by yourself. Some of the others were unique. Make more friends. Don't leave someone when one of you was mad. Help others in need. Things that I had learned from my dad and mum but that we could always be reminded of.

"That's really good," I said. I knew he had been thinking about writing up something for the next Defense Club meeting, but this was somewhat a surprise.

"Yes, I think so. It did bump my investigation regarding the vampire takeover in Finland to the back page, but I can always post an update later. Fred and George said they'd give away a copy with each sale they make today."

"How are you making money if you're giving it away?"

"Harry bought all of them at our bulk rate," she said matter-of-factly.

Wow. I wasn't sure what the rate for a short student edition was, but that large pile had to have been a handful of galleons. Harry was keeping himself busy. I smiled thinking about him. "Well, I'll leave you to finishing your work."

"Here, I'll help you out until you're ready to head to lunch."

"Thanks, Ginny."

A while later, towards the end of the lunch hour, we were walking towards our meal and each of us carrying a large stack of prints. The twins were on one end of the Gryffindor table and we dropped the papers next to their plates. "Thanks, Luna," said Fred.

"Where's Harry?" George asked. "I've seen a lot of you two apart lately… anything we need to know about?"

I shook my head. "No, we're fine. We've just been trying to catch up with our other friends. Maybe slow down a little. I'm still completely in love with him."

"Talking about anyone I know?" I heard his voice behind me.

"Just you," I said with a smile and a hug.

"I'm very much in love with you Miss Weasley."

I couldn't help blushing. Then I thought of something. "Would you two want some help today? Harry and I could help draw a crowd."

George looked at Fred and then said, "Sure, brilliant. Aberforth may not be quite so happy, but it'll work."

So after we set up their little booth. George put on the finishing touch, a sign with a disclaimer declaring that the products were only intended for good-natured pranking and fun and not at all for avoiding classes or homework.

Harry and I spent most of the afternoon demonstrating some of the products on each other. Weasley's Wizard Wheezes, they called it. I saw Harry's carefree smile, which had been missing for a few weeks. Then I saw my youngest brother walking next to Hermione, his fingers brushing hers every so often, not sure what to do. When he wasn't looking, she smiled in my direction.

Harry whispered to me, "Are we helping out so we have an excuse to be around but give them their space?"

"Maybe… just trying to help a friend, dear… look sharp!"

Dumbledore approached his brothers' booth. "Aberforth," he greeted him.

"'Lo, Albus."

"Interesting assortment of sweets you have, Mr. Weasleys," he smiled to himself. "Canary cream? I've heard rumours of what you two have been up to… how long does the transformation last?"

"Just a few seconds, headmaster."

"Couldn't keep it stable otherwise."

"I see… may I suggest a pinch of squid ink? It may also improve shelf life."

The twins grinned at each other. "Excellent, we'll try it."

"And it appears I will need to warn Madam Pomfrey regarding a potential spike in nosebleeds and flatulence. Hopefully it won't get too distracting or we will have to confiscate whatever the cause reveals itself to be."

"Of course, sir."

"Carry on. And good show of initiative and creativity. Five points to each of you and another five for Harry and your sister for helping their family."

The rest of the term went by quickly. The weekly club meetings took up a lot of our time but I could see the confidence and skill increasing in everyone who attended, especially myself. Harry was coming into his own as a leader and I couldn't wait to share my pride at Christmas with Mum and Dad.