A WIZARD IN STARS HOLLOW

CHAPTER EIGHT: WHEN RORY WORRIES ABOUT HARRY

Rory helped Molly Weasley around the house while Harry was out doing whatever it was he needed to do at his relatives' house. She got to help Molly prepare stuff for her son Bill's wedding and decided to try and get along with Ginny, though she knew that would take a lot of effort. As of right now, Rory was sitting at the kitchen table putting together some decorations by hand since she didn't have magic. As Rory worked, she saw Ginny walking toward her. She didn't look angry like earlier, but she still had a bit of a cold expresion. "Can we talk?" Ginny asked. Rory nodded and the redhead sat down. "I apologize for my behavior toward you earlier. I was just jealous that Harry found someone after he dumped me. I felt like I was betrayed."

"I'm sorry, too," said Rory. "I tried to tell Harry not to bring me, but he wanted me to come and meet all of you."

"It's okay," said Ginny with a small smile. "I can tell you fancy him a lot." Rory nodded. "How did you two meet?"

Rory laughed and said, "Surprisingly, we met in a diner in my town." She told Ginny the story of how she met Harry when he first got to town and helped him settle in and get to know the area. She left out the part where Harry helped her with tuition for Chilton but told her that he was now attending Chilton as well. "He asked me out a couple of weeks ago."

"That's sweet." Ginny said. "He really cares about you." It wasn't a qustion, but a statement. "Even in his letters to me, you're all he talks about...you and your mum."

Rory smiled. "Yeah, Harry and my mom get along great. As a matter of fact, it was my grandpa that thought it was a good idea for Harry and me to date. Grandpa saw how we acted around each other and said we'd make a great couple." Ginny looked at her in amusement. "Yeah, I know! At first I was embarrassed because not too many people know about our relationship besides my mom and my friend Lane. Although there is one boy in school named Tristan that hates Harry because we're together."

Ginny laughed. "I expected that." Rory described Tristan as best as she could which made Ginny shiver a little. "Soun"ds like Draco Malfoy only Muggle version." Rory nodded. "Did Harry ever tell you about the Blood Status thing?" Rory shook her head. "Well, it's a bit complicated, but we wizards are pretty much categorized by our blood. My family as well as the Malfoys and a few other old families, are pure-bloods, which mean that all of our family have magic and no Muggle ancestry. Then you have the half-bloods which means one Muggle parent and a wizard parent, and then there's Muggleborns which means no magical parents but a distant magical ancestry that nobody knew about, and finally there are the Squibs which means they come from a wizard family but have no magical abilities at all."

"Huh." Rory said. "That's not too complicated." Ginny grinned and complimented her on understanding what she was talking about. "What's Hogwarts like?"

"Oh, it's great. Hogwarts is a huge castle with seven floors and dungeons and stuff." Ginny explained. "There are ghosts that live there, too and house-elves. I'll talk about them later." Rory nodded again and let her continue. "We go to different classes. The core classes are Transfiguration, Charms, Potions, Herbology, Defense Against the Dark Arts and History of Magic. At Hogwarts, you can take elective classes in third year. They are Arithmancy, Care of Magical Creatures, Divination, Muggle Studies and the Study of Ancient Runes."

"That's a lot of classes to take," said Rory. "At Chilton, we only do normal classes like math, English Literature, science and stuff. Harry told me about Hogwarts' grading system, which I think is a little weird, but he told me about it when I first got a bad grade a few days ago." Ginny raised an eyebrow. "We were doing a report on Shakespeare and, apparently, our teacher didn't like my report so he gave me a D. I was devastated. Then Harry explained that it wasn't that big of a deal and all I needed to do was concentrate and study hard."

"Yeah, that's pretty much any school." Ginny said. "I mean, some of the classes at Hogwarts are difficult after third year. For example, last year, I got to take my O.W.L.s, which are..."

"Ordinary Wizarding Level exams," said Rory automatically. "Harry told me." Ginny huffed and waited for her to stop talking. "Sorry, go on."

"I studied so hard last year that I thought my brain would explode." Ginny said. "The worst of the exams were Transfiguration, History of Magic and Potions. Charms and Defense Against the Dark Arts were pretty easy considering that Harry taught me and a bunch of other students some spells a couple years back. One of the questions on the exam was to explain the effects of the Cruciatus Curse." She stopped when she saw Rory flinch at the name of the curse. "What's wrong?"

Rory looked away from her. "I was kidnapped by one of the Malfoys a few weeks ago. He used the Cruciatus Curse on me." Ginny gasped. "Harry came in and saved me, but I honestly think we haven't seen the last of him. I thought he went to prison for being a Death Eater and breaking into your Ministry a couple years ago?"

"There was a mass breakout in Azkaban the summer before last year." Ginny explained. "Lucius Malfoy and a bunch of others started attacking London and kidnapped Mr. Ollivander, the wandmaker. It was all over the Daily Prophet." Rory frowned and shivered as she remembered the room she was once in when Lucius tortured her. "How did he find you?"

"We're not sure. Harry thought that when he moved to Stars Hollow, nobody would find him because it's such a small community." Rory said. "About two days after he moved in, Lucius found him somehow and captured me."

"Well, you're not the only one who's been through weird times." Ginny said. "A few years ago, in my first year, I was possessed by a diary."

"Tom Riddle's diary," said Rory nodding. "Harry showed me the memory. I'm really glad he saved you, though." Ginny gave her a strange look. "I mean, I think Harry would have probably went mad if you died."

Ginny snorted sadly and said, "Doesn't seem that way to me. Seems like he could care less if anything happened to me."

Rory's anger returned at the redhead's words. "You think Harry would cease to care about you just because he broke up with you?" she snapped. "You're wrong! Harry cares about everyone!" She calmed down a little and said in a much quieter tone, "He talks about you all the time. He really does care."

Ginny fell silent and said in a small voice. "I...I didn't know..."

"There's a lot of things you don't know about Harry." Rory said proudly. "I know this isn't true, but in my opinion, you only had a crush on Harry because he's famous." Ginny's eyes burned with rage and Rory smirked, knowing she struck a nerve. "Oh, did I strike a nerve? I'm sorry."

"SHUT UP!" Ginny yelled pulling out her wand and pointing at Rory. "THAT'S NOT TRUE!"

"Then why did you like Harry so much?" Rory asked. "I mean, there has to be more reason than because he survived an attempted murder at the age of one."

"He's smart," said Ginny angrily, "funny and...he's a great Seeker!"

"Okay, you named three." Rory said with a grin. "I can probably name more than that." She held up a hand and ticked off her reasons with a finger. "Like you said, he's smart, funny and great at flying, but Harry is really a gentleman and shows a lot of compassion for others. I don't know how many times he put his own problems aside to help me with my own."

Ginny relaxed again and decided that arguing about why she liked Harry wasn't such a good idea. "Lupin and George should be back by now," she said changing the subject. "I hope nothing happened." There was a strange sound outside making the girls jump up and run to the yard. "BLOODY HELL!" she cried as a large object fell out of the sky and into the pond. "Rory...that's Harry and Hagrid!"

"Oh, God!" Rory gasped and ran toward her boyfriend and wrapped her arms around his soaked body in a hug. "I'm glad you're okay!"

"We got attacked by Death Eaters right as soon as we left." Harry said as he walked a little toward the Burrow with the girls. Mrs. Weasley was running toward him. "Someone tipped the Death Eaters off that we were leaving tonight, but I don't think it's anyone from the Order." He looked at Ginny and said, "Is anyone else back?"

"No," said Ginny shaking her head. "Remus and George should have come first, then you and Hagrid, and then Hermione and Kingsley." She pointed to an old tin can lying on the ground. "That was Remus and George's Portkey. It came moments before you two did."

"I just hope..." he turned as another sound went off. George and Lupin appeared, but something didn't look right. Lupin was supporting George on his shoulder and George's left ear was bleeding a lot. "What happened?"

"Get him inside!" Lupin yelled to Mrs. Weasley. "He's lost an ear!"

"Lost an ear?" Harry repeated as he followed them inside. "What...HEY!" Lupin grabbed Harry's shirt and pushed him hard against the wall with his wand pointed at his face.

"What creature was in the corner of my office when Harry Potter first visited my ofice?" Lupin said.

"I don't..." Harry said.

"WHAT CREATURE!?" Lupin shouted making Rory jump.

"A GRINDYLOW!" Harry shouted back and Lupin released his grasp. "What're you on about?"

"As I'm sure you're aware, You-Know-Who knew you were leaving tonight and someone told him." Lupin explained.

After a while, everyone that was supposed to be in the room was there except for Bill and Fleur. Harry stood next to Rory and Fred as they looked at George laying on the sofa. "It looks terrible," said Rory as she examined the large hole in George's head where his ear was. Harry nodded and she looked up at Lupin. "How did it happen? Can it be fixed?"

"It's very difficult...almost impossible...to repair an ear that's been cursed off." Lupin said making everyone stare at him. "As we were flying, one of the Death Eaters shot a curse that hit George. It was Snape. He must have used that Sectumsempra curse he invented."

"Snape?" Harry said instantly. "You never said..." His words were cut off by a sharp squeeze on his arm from Rory. Just then, the front door opened and Bill stepped in looking quite sad. "Bill?"

"Mad-Eye's dead." Bill said flatly. "Voldemort came after him. Mundungus saw Voldemort and Disapparated and Mad-Eye took a Killing Curse to the face. We haven't found his body."

Everyone hung their heads in defeat and Harry strode to the yard. Rory followed him and gripped his arm. "I never met this 'Mad-Eye' guy," she said. "What was he like?"

"He used to be an Auror," said Harry. "He was captured around my fourth year at Hogwarts and imprisoned in a trunk for nine months by the impostor who masqueraded as him for the entire school year. I finally got to meet the real Moody before my fifth year. The year that..."

"I know." Rory said resting her head on his arm. "I remember the memory." It was hard to forget the memory of Harry's godfather being killed in the Ministry of Magic building right in front of him. "You told me what he did for a living, but what was he like?"

Harry sighed. "He was a great wizard. One of the best duelists out there and one hell of a strategist. Everyone thought he was mad because he was paranoid all the time, but he was right on most things. He always told me 'constant vigilance'."

Rory thought about those words. Constant vigilance. "That means to keep your eyes peeled at all times, right?" she said. Harry nodded. "Okay, now, I know this is hard for you to talk about, but can you tell me a little about your godfather?"

Harry smiled a little. "Sirius was one of my dad's best friends when he was in school." Rory smiled. "If I tell you about Sirius, I may as well tell you about my parents as well. Let's go inside and I'll tell you a few stories." They went inside the Burrow once more and up to Ron's attic bedroom. Ron and Hermione were in the room and smiled when they came up. "You guys okay if I tell Rory a couple of stories?"

"Yeah!" Ron said happily. "Go ahead, mate." Hermione gave a nod and Harry smiled. "What are you going to talk about, Harry?"

"Sirius and my parents." Harry said and Ron frowned. "It's okay, Ron. I'm not as depressed as I was last year." Ron nodded and he continued. "Like I said, Sirius and my dad were great friends as well as Lupin and one other...Peter Pettigrew. You know that Lupin is a werewolf, right?"

"Yes." Rory said remembering the entire memory of his third year at Hogwarts. "I remember."

"Okay. Well, my dad, Sirius and Peter knew," said Harry, "and they accepted him no matter what he was. They even became Animagi to help him feel better about his condition."

Hermione, seeing Rory's confused expression, said, "An Animagus is a wizard or witch that can transform into an animal at will."

"Oh." Rory said catching on. "Okay. Go on." Harry told her about how his dad and friends used a secret passageway to the Shrieking Shack once a month on the full moon. "Isn't that the same shack that you met Sirius in for the first time?" Harry nodded and went on with his story. "Have I ever told you how interesting your life is?" she said rubbing his arm. "I mean, you went through all of this awesome stuff over the years, and you get to tell me all of this. I find it intriguing."

"Oh, yeah," said Ron. "Ever since we became friends, our lives have changed. I mean, at first, Hermione and I never got along. During our first year, I called her a horror to be around because of how bossy she was."

"Yes, but look at us now." Hermione said. "We're like family." She looked at Rory and smiled. "Is it true that you got Harry into a Muggle private school?"

Rory shrugged. "Harry helped pay for some of my tuition, which is pretty expensive, and he decided to try it and see how he likes it. Thankfully, the school year's over."

"So, how do you like staying here so far?" Ron asked her. "I know it's not much, but Mum's great and we have a lot of stuff to do."

"I like it," said Rory. "I mean, Ginny and I didn't get along at first, but I think we came to an understanding on things." She gave Harry a smug smile. "So, how long do we have until you guys leave to go on your adventure?"

"We're leaving after my brother's wedding." Ron explained. "It's tomorrow and...well, I thought we could all use a happy occasion for a change instead of all this depression and fear."

Harry nodded. "You're right, Ron. I bought some dress robes a while back, so I can wear them for the wedding. Do you have a dress, Rory?"

"I packed a few before we left." Rory said. "You'll have to teach me more about the Wizarding World sometime. I'd like to know more." Harry promised that he would teach her more when he returned from his hunt. "I'll miss you, Harry. You know that."

"I'll miss you, too," he said calmly. "Just stay strong. If you need to go home, you're more than welcome to use the Floo Network to get home."

Mr. Weasley, who overheard their conversation, spoke up. "Actually, the Floo Network is being monitored and we know that You-Know-Who is running the Ministry from behind the scenes. He's got some officials under the Imperius Curse, so they will report to him on whatever goes on on our end." Harry sighed. "I'm sorry, Rory, but you may be stuck here for a while."

"It's fine," she said. "Mom wanted me to travel sometimes, anyway. I'll just find a way to contact her and let her know what's going on. I know you guys don't have a telephone here, and I'm pretty sure an owl would make the trip from here to Connecticut right away. That's hundreds of miles away."

Harry cleared his throat. "Did you forget about that enchanted mirror I gave you?" he asked. "Remember what I told you? All you have to do is say your mum's name and you'll be able to talk to her."

Rory almost smacked herself for forgetting. "Man, I really need to start listening better." Harry laughed.

Mrs. Weasley cleared her throat. "Harry, can you help Arthur and the others get the shelter ready? All you need to do is help levitate it."

Harry nodded and led Rory outside. "Looks like you get to see some of us lift a shelter for hte wedding," he said. He joined Ron and the other Weasleys and used the Levitation Charm on the shelter. He heard a crack and looked at the front of the lawn to see a tall man with long brown hair which made him look like a lion. "Who's that?" he asked.

"The Minister for Magic," said Fred. "I wonder what he's here for."

The Minister walked up to everyone and greeted Mr. Weasley. "Arthur," he said, "I was wondering if I could talk to Harry, Ronald and Hermione for a few moments."

"Yes, sir," said Mr. Weasley. "You can use the sitting room if you'd like."

Harry, Ron and Hermione went into the sitting room with the Minister and Rory followed. "Is it okay if my girlfriend stays with us, sir?" Harry asked. "She's still learning about the Wizarding World."

The Minister raised his eyebrows. "You told a Muggle about the Wizarding World?" he said in an accusing tone. "You do realize that you are breaking the Statue of Secrecy?"

Harry sighed. "I know, sir, but you can trust her. She wouldn't tell a single soul. I mean, her mother knows, but she's the only other person besides Rory who knows." The Minister wasn't happy.

"I should have you arrested right now, Mr. Potter," he said in a low voice, "but I won't." He turned to Rory and said, "Is Mr. Potter correct about you keeping this secret?" Rory nodded. "Very well, you may stay." She sat down in one of the chairs and listened. "For those of you who do not know me, my name is Rufus Scrimgeour, and I have with me the will of Albus Dumbledore." He pulled out a sheet of parchment which floated in mid-air, which he read. "The Last Will and Testament of Albus Percival Wulfric Brian Dumbledore. To Ronald Bilius Weasley, I leave my Deluminator, a device of my own creation in hopes that he knows when things are most dark, he can see the light." Scrimgeour pulled what looked like a silver cigarette lighter from a small pouch and handed it to Ron. "To Miss Hermione Jean Granger, I leave my copy of The Tales of Beedle the Bard in hopes that she will find it enjoyable and instructive." He handed her a book which she stared at for a moment. "And, to Mr. Harry James Potter, I leave the Golden Snitch he caught in his first Quidditch match in hopes that he will remember the importance of perserverance and skill."

"Is that all?" Harry asked.

"Dumbledore did leave one more item for you, Mr. Potter," said Scrimgeour, "which is the Sword of Godric Gryffindor, but it is not his to give away. It is a very historical object. Therefore it belongs to..."

"Harry!" Rory said abruptly. "It belongs to Harry. If I remember correctly, the sword presented itself when Harry needed it."

"The sword can present itself to any worthy Gryffindor when in need, my dear," said Scrimgeour, "but as I said, it is a historical object that has been around for nearly two thousand years." He slipped the will in his pocket again. "I have one more thing to say. I don't know what it is you're going to do, Mr. Potter, but I can tell you that you have no possible way of defeating the Dark Lord. He will kill you, or he will try to at the very least."

"Then, I'll have to kill him first." Harry said simply. "I've gotten out of sticky situations before." Scrimgeour nodded and left. "Well, that was odd, wasn't it? I wonder why Dumbledore would give us all of this? I mean, this is all...odd, right?"

"Yes," said Hermione, "but we have to trust him, don't we? After all, he was practically a father figure to you, Harry." Harry nodded. "Let's go. We have a wedding to prepare for." Harry, Ron, Hermione and Rory all went back outside to help everyone else for the rest of the day.