Disclaimer: You should know by now that I did not create the world of Harry Potter and it all belongs to the wonderful, the g

Disclaimer: You should know by now that I did not create the world of Harry Potter and it all belongs to the wonderful, the glorious, the perfect Joanne Rowling. Azar is the only character that came from my little mind. And Azar's line of not being able to hold your breath belongs to the '80s sitcom "The Golden Girls". (funny stuff. ^_^)

Chapter 19: The Moon and Stars

"B-Bill?!" Harry said, almost with a laugh, "You're the new Minister of Magic?"

"In the flesh," Bill Weasley smiled, spreading his arms out as if to say 'ta-da!'.

"So that explains the robes. But…how? I mean, you didn't even work the for the Ministry last thing I knew. I would have thought your dad…"

"Oh, dad was penciled in as Minister, actually," George said, "but he thought his place was elsewhere."

"Nah, he just loves that muggle stuff too much, right Dad?" Fred said, calling the last part to Mr. Weasley.

"Sure thing, Fred," he answered, though he hadn't heard a word of the conversation.

"So instead of Dad, they chose the next best thing," Charlie smiled.

"Far from it!" Bill laughed, "I tell you Harry, I was last on the list. The only reason they even thought of me was 'cause Dad suggested it."

"How'd you get the job if you were last on the list?"

" 'Cause everyone ahead of me was afraid they'd be given Fudge's fate. Either that or they were too in love with their current position to accept it. Plus it was decided I'd inspire the younger generation or something of that sort."

"Percy would be turning in his grave if he knew you got the job instead of him," Fred grinned.

"Well, he knows better than any of us that you must be in the country to get the position."

Harry felt a little awkward. He hadn't even heard the Weasleys talk of Percy since last year and for them to speak about his with such ease seemed a little…strange. Charlie seemed to realize his apprehension and placed his hand gently on Harry's shoulder.

"Seems a little weird, doesn't it?" he said quietly as the other three Weasley boys continued talking, "Talking about Percy in such a way, I mean."

Harry nodded, a little more solemnly than he had intended.

"Make no mistake, Harry. We still miss him sorely," the pain was evident in Charlie's eyes as he went on, "He was my little brother… No, he is my little brother. Death isn't an end, Harry; it's a change. Percy's moved away for a bit, but we'll meet him again someday. And he'll be in our hearts until we do…"

Charlie's eyes glazed over after a few seconds, shining brightly, and he said with a small smile, "Some nights I lay awake and I can almost hear him studying…muttering the words as he reads intently… He's still here, Harry…"

Harry could feel his mind drifting; no it wasn't drifting. More like something between drifting and concentrating. A wave of silence seemed to sweep over him and he could hear nothing…nothing but two voices singing, soft and sweet…singing a lullaby…

"Harry!" called a voice, jolting both Harry and Charlie from their memories.

Harry looked over to see Sirius gesturing for him to come over.

"I'd better go," he said, "Bye Fred, George, Bill, and Charlie."

They all called 'bye' and Harry walked over to Sirius.

"Time for you to go, Harry," Sirius said, "The meeting is about to start. I'd walk you to your tower, but…"

Sirius glanced back to where Remus and Connerly were talking. Harry smiled.

"No problem, Sirius. I know my way."

He headed through the door and down the stairs but was stopped when someone appeared at the gargoyle's entrance.

"Mrs. Figg! Er…Arabella!"

"Hello, Harry," she smiled, "Not staying for the meeting?"

"Oh. No," Harry said, the thought having never crossed his mind.

"Another time then," she said, patting his arm as she headed up the stairs.

Harry watched her. He had this strange feeling that she knew a lot more than she let on, and knew more than even Dumbledore suspected. With a shrug, he left the stairwell and went back to his world of homework, essays, and studying.

****

"And that's all I really know about them," Harry said with a sad smile, shifting a bit on the shingles.

He and Azar sat on the roof of the North Tower, looking at the stars and exchanging family histories, ignoring the potions books in front of them. Harry knew that it was against the rules to be up there, but he didn't really care. It was definitely the most secluded place to talk. Plus, he had the invisibility cloak along and it would be a cold day in Hades before he left it up there…again.

"So, what about your family?"

"Pretty dull, I'm afraid," she answered, giving a small laugh, "A dad, a mom, and two children. My dad's pretty passive. He owns an old-fashioned soda shop. You know, the kind you only find in the most secluded small towns? He's really the sweetest guy around. I can't even remember him ever yelling at me, and with the pranks I pull, that's pretty amazing. Mom definitely wears the pants in the family. She's a district attorney, but hasn't had any really extreme cases. Small towns aren't known for their high crime rates. Everyone says my personality is a spitting image of hers."

"I can see why, and I haven't even met her. Who do you look like the most?"

"My dad, I guess, though everyone always comments on how much I look like both. Both of them have brown hair like me, but I have my dad's blue eyes. And his nose, thank goodness. No offense to my mom, but I'm glad she didn't bestow that trait on me. My sister, however, doesn't look like anyone. She's got hazel eyes and blond hair. Apparently my mom was blond when she was younger, but it faded with age or something. Jackie can be a real pain in the butt. I love her, though. No idea why. You know, my life's so perfect, even I can't believe my luck. I keep thinking, 'so, what's the catch?'"

"You know what?" Harry said softly, smiling at her, "Sometimes I wonder the same thing."

Azar smiled back saying, "To increase the potency of the Booming Brew, add how much of what ingredient?"

"Twelve milligrams of grinded Krathler claw," he answered, the dreamy expression on his face not changing a bit.

"I'm impressed, Harry legs. You didn't even falter with a surprise question. I think that is enough studying, don't you?"

"Oh, we were supposed to be studying?"

"You are a funny boy, Mr. Potter," she said, standing up.

"I learn from the best, Professor Zundel."

"When's your birthday, Harry?" Azar asked, halting before they headed back down, "I was just thinking about that."

"July 31st. How about yours?"

"January 1st."

"Really?"

"No, I'm lying," she grinned, "No, I'm a New Year's baby all right."

They slipped under the invisibility cloak and started down the tower stairs. They tried to stay silent most of the time, but pure silence was impossible for Azar.

"Whoa-oh!"

"What is it, Harry?"

"I think your hands are wandering."

"Oh, you mean that was your butt? I thought it was mine."

"No, this is yours."

"Ha! I didn't expect that from you!"

"Oh, I'm full of sur-"

"Sh!" she warned, putting her hand to his mouth.

They were silent, listening carefully. It sounded as though someone was yelling from far off, each shout echoing in an unnatural way.

"What do you make of it?"

"I don't know, but we can sure find out."

They crept along the halls, following the yells. It seemed that the shouter was growing quieter, yet every once in a while a bellow would come again. Their search ended in front of a boys' bathroom. Each froze as they finally recognized the voice.

"What is Draco doing out here at night?" Azar hissed, "And who's he screaming at?"

"That's what I want to know."

Slinking to the door, they gently leaned on it, listening to the strange one-sided conversation.

"-not the answer! It is cowardice, and you know it! Oh, don't give me that look. And what about those stairs, huh? You had a chance staring you right in the face, and you spat at it! Could you for once be honest? Could you for once forget your stupid pride? It's killing you… It's killing you from the inside…"

And then, to Harry and Azar's great surprise, sobbing began to ring from the room. It lasted for a while, gradually dying down. Then Draco's strained voice came once more.

"I can't take it anymore. Please…please change…"

Suddenly, the door was pulled open, causing both of the eavesdroppers to jump. Thinking quickly, Azar leapt out of the way, pulling Harry with her. They leaned against the wall, watching Draco come out. He wiped his eyes and looked around before pulling on the invisibility cloak that Dumbledore had allowed him to keep for the moment. When his footsteps had faded away, Harry and Azar waited with baited breath for another person to come out. However, the minutes passed and not so much as a sound came from the bathroom. Tentatively, the two entered, taking off the cloak.

"There's no one here…" Azar said quietly.

"Do you see any possible exit other than the door?"

"Yes," she called from a stall, "but I don't think they could have held their breath."

She came out, looking at Harry. "If there's no one here, who was he yelling at?"

Harry looked around slowly and found himself staring back at him. He turned fully, walking closer to the mirror, letting it dawn on him.

"Himself…"

****

"Rise and shine, Ron and Harry!"

The sound of Hermione's voice pierced through the boys' sleep in a way the sun failed to. Hermione flung open Harry's curtains, then did the same to Ron's and hopped on top of him.

"Wake up, wake up!" she beamed.

"Ur…" Ron groaned, "Why are you up so early?"

"Remember? We're going to practice quidditch."

"Hermione?! What are you doing in here?" Dean exclaimed, his head popping through his bed curtains, "Get out! I sleep in the nude, you know!"

"That's a lie, Dean Thomas!" she laughed.

Dean looked down back through his curtains and then back up at Hermione saying, "Why, I guess it is." With a sly grin, he added, "Would you prefer it if I slept in the nude?"

Ron stood up with such swiftness that it made Harry dizzy. "Dean! She's my girlfriend, you know!"

"Yeah, I know," Dean smiled, "I just wish that I had girls flocking in here to see me for once."

"Awww… Poor Dean," Hermione smiled, "Well you two better hurry on out. Azar and I have been waiting ages."

She tugged Harry to his feet, watching both boys stretch away the sleep.

"Er, you want to go so we can dress, Hermione?" Ron asked.

"No, not really," she grinned.

"Ah, get going, girl," Ron said, ushering her out.

Harry and Ron pulled on their robes as the three other boys flopped back onto their beds to sleep away the Saturday.

"Do you remember agreeing to play quidditch so early in the morning?"

"Remotely," Harry yawned.

"Hey Harry," Ron smiled, "I've got something I want to give to Hermione. Here, I'll get it, and you can tell me what you think."

He rummaged through his bedside table a moment and then brandished a necklace. Ron handed it to Harry, who looked at it approvingly. It had a thin silver chain, at the end of which was a delicate glass charm in the shape of a teardrop.

"It's very nice, Ron. I'm sure she'll love it."

"But that's not all," Ron said, looking proud of himself, "It's a Dream Weaver. If you hold the charm in your hands and make a wish, that night you'll have a dream in which your wish comes true."

"Excellent. Who knew you had such good taste in gifts," Harry said, reaching to hand it back.

"Oh, har har."

Harry dropped the necklace toward Ron's outstretched palm, but apparently Ron wasn't ready for it, for it slipped through his fingers. He was able to reach out for it again, but only managed to knock it. He and Harry watched in horror as it flew across the room, the glass charm streaming for the ground like a bomb. With a soft plumph, it landed in Harry's schoolbag.

"Nice shot," Harry grinned.

"Lucky shot," Ron corrected, looking a bit pale.

Harry pulled the necklace out, handing it carefully to a very relieved Ron.

"Hey, what's this?" Harry asked, pulling from his bag a sheet of parchment that had broken the necklace's fall.

"There's writing on this side," Ron pointed out.

Harry turned it over, and then his jaw dropped. "I don't remember filling the Prefect Quill with ink… Man, look at all the points that were supposed to be taken off."

Ron peered over his shoulder and gave a low whistle. "Half the names are yours, Harry. And look at all of Azar's. 'out after curfew' 'entering restricted area' What's that about?"

"Er…studying."

"Yeah, sure. Lucky thing you're the prefect so you don't need to take points from yourself."

With a serious face, Harry said, "Now you know I can't play favorites, Ron."

"You mean you're going to take off all of those points?" Ron gaped.

"What points?" Harry said nonchalantly, tearing the paper in half.

Ron laughed. "For a moment there, I thought you were Percy incarnate."

Smiling, the boys headed out to meet Hermione and Azar on the quidditch pitch.

"I don't like the looks of this," Ron told Harry, watching Hermione and Azar whispering about twenty feet up and to the right of them.

"Well, if we hurry and find their flag, we won't have to worry."

"Harry, this is game five, and we're four down. I think their strategy is working better than ours of look-around-as-you-hide."

"Got a better idea?"

"Actually, yeah. Just wait here. I'm gonna grab my omniculars. I'll be back in a second."

He flew down to the door and rushed through. Harry hovered around the corner of the castle, trying to keep the girls in sight while staying out of view himself. They disappeared for a while, but Hermione came into view once again. She was closer this time, with her back to him. With a grin, Harry realized this would be a good time to tag her, making her land for five minutes. He gripped his broom preparing to zoom toward her and then… he felt a shove at his back.

"You're gone, Harry legs!" Azar cheered.

"Yeah, yeah, yeah," he muttered, going to the ground, "I can't believe you guys convinced me into missing a Hogsmeade visit."

"This is more fun, isn't it?"

"Yeah, but I still can't believe it."

After a few minutes of watching the girls search for Ron and the flag, Harry decided that he'd better see what was taking Ron so long. When Harry walked through the portrait hole, he found an unusual scene. The few Gryffindors that were in there were gathered around two figures. Ron was holding a crying Sarah Thomas, rocking her gently.

"What's going on?" he asked.

"Harry!" Sarah sobbed, flinging herself on the boy.

"What is it?" he said softly, trying to comfort the girl.

"She just got word," Ron said softly, "Her aunt was…was killed. Dean hasn't gotten back from Hogsmeade yet."

"It'll be okay, Sarah. It's okay," Harry comforted.

"Why did it have to happen to her, Harry? Why?" the girl whispered.

"She's still alive, Sarah. The memory of her lives in you, and those we love can never really die."

She smiled slightly, though the tears didn't stop. Sarah hugged him tighter.

"Thank you, Harry. Oh, I knew you'd understand."

When Dean returned, Sarah had calmed enough to be his support and they spent much of the rest of the day talking quietly with one another. Harry and Ron had a time explaining why they hadn't been there when Hermione and Azar had captured their flag for the fifth time, but the girls understood. Harry noticed, however, that the news seemed to be affecting Ron strangely. He seemed standoffish and even a bit sulky. But he dismissed it, realizing that it wasn't the most inviting of subjects.

****

That night, Ron snuck from the Gryffindor tower and onto Hogwarts' grounds. The night was clear and the sound of crickets echoed from the Forbidden Forest. He stayed right next to the castle wall, not wanting to be seen. He stopped, leaning against the wall and thinking. He slowly slid down until he was sitting and starred at his hands.

"Hello there, stranger."

Ron looked up to see Hermione standing over him.

"Hermione? What are you doing out here?"

"I was stretching my wings when I saw you come out," she smiled, sitting next to him, "What about you?"

"Oh, nothing."

"Oh, I know you better than that. You've been a little moody all day. Tell me."

"It's just…" he sighed, "Oh, I don't know. Sometimes I feel so helpless, so daft. So insignificant."

"I think you're wonderful."

Ron gave a disbelieving laugh. "But I'm no Harry Potter."

"Is that what this is about? Ron, I thought you were over that."

"So did I… But it still hurts. Harry's the wonderful prefect. Harry's the one who does well in class. Why bring your problems to Ron when you can ask the wonderful Harry Potter?" he sighed, looking upward.

If he was expecting comforting words, Ron got the surprise of a lifetime.

"Ronald Weasley! I'm sick and tired of you beating down on yourself!" Hermione exclaimed, standing up, "Come here!"

She grabbed him by the arm and pulled him up, stomping toward the lake in a fury. Ron had no choice but to go along. When they reached the shoreline, Hermione came to a short stop and pointed up at the round, silver moon.

"What do you see?" she demanded.

"Th-the moon," Ron said, looking up.

"Now look in the lake and what do you see?"

"Water."

Hermione gave him a glare that caused Ron to rethink his answer.

"Er…the…the moon's reflection?"

"Exactly. Now look at them," she said, voice softening, "Both are beautiful and bright, but the moon is more awe-inspiring. Why? Because it is itself, while the reflection just mirrors its magnificence. The reflection can never be the moon, no matter how hard it tries."

Ron looked at the reflection sadly, letting the words sink in.

"Now look straight up…" Hermione whispered.

Slowly, Ron looked, seeing the shining specks of silver in the blanket of deep blue.

"The stars…" he said quietly.

"Yes, the stars," she answered, "Now, they may not have the brilliance of the moon, yet each one is gloriously beautiful, so much more so than the moon's reflection, for they are what they are and don't try to be anything else. Ron, you must stop trying to reflect the moon and start being a star. And if you try, I know your glow shall outshine everything in the sky."

Ron smiled at her, his eyes more loving than ever. He took her hand in his and they walked back to the castle in silence. In the shadow of the Forbidden Forest, near where they had just been, Draco removed the hood of his cloak so he could breathe easily. He sat on the grass, looking up at the sky, at the stars.

~*~*~

A/N: Make of that what you will. I don't feel like writing much here…(I just wrote the last chapter of fic year 7…and the last word is 'scar', too. I wasn't expecting that ending at all…) Well, there you go.

Now I'm going to say my thank yous for chs. 17 and 18. I LOVE YOU GUYS!!!

Jewels: Thanks, but that didn't help me decide who should be Minister! ^-^

Abbey: Yeah, I can't believe you did that to poor Sirius. But you made Sasha, so I forgive you. ^-^ Thanks!

Vmr: Thanks!

Jona: Ah, thanks. But no nasty rumors, 'cause you make me suffer enough when you don't post! Oh, good, I want to make Malfoy complicated.

Kelly: Thanks!

Searing Fire: I say 'be excellent to each other' because my last memory of history class last year was watching Bill and Ted's Excellent Adventure, which has that line. ^_^ Snape as Minister… hehe. Now THAT would be interesting. Too bad it wasn't voted for. Thanks for the review!

Jeanne: Thanks! It would have been Percy if I hadn't 86-ed him. ^-^

Raven of Death: 'When will the story end?' I have no idea. Maybe soon, but then again I could go onto 43 chapters like Jona. ^-^ Thanks!

Sophie W.: More chapters, coming your way!

Herm: 'herm&draco fic'?!?! Er…well, you'll see what comes of Draco's 'crush' in fic 7. ^-^

Berkeley Halperin: Draco plays a big(ger) part later on, so you'll get your wish! Thanks for the review.

Lin-z: Thanks! ^-^

Harry Potter: Hermione was an animagus (I assume that's the chapter you're talking about, but am not sure). Thanks!

Nicole: One of my points there is she's becoming a LOT looser on rules. Er…yeah, I'm not really good on knowing accents. But we'll just pretend Mr. Martin doesn't know either. ^-^ Yeah, the Ministry would get suspicious, but Harry, being in Ireland, was out of their country. Thus, the chances of them looking for him there are lessened. But thank you for the wonderful review. I really appreciate people analyzing my work like that, and questioning things that don't seem right.

xXHermioneXx: Thanks!

Rachy: Nah, I decided Harry should 'come home', as it were. And be prepared for more Draco! ^-^ Thanks!

Daydreamer: Wow, thanks, Franny. And don't apologize for not reviewing; I know what having no time is like. And yeah, I like imagining the twins as different. ^-^

Potter fan: Sorry, you were outnumbered on that one.

Sweets: Thanks!

Katrina Skyfrost: 'just do somebody good!' My favorite advice. ^-^ Thanks for the review!

Rogue15: It was between Bill and Arthur there for a while, but Bill won out. Thanks for the review!

Allison: Thanks a bunch for that whole overview of who could be Minister! I found it helpful in making the final decision. (and duh your stuff inspires me! Good writing always inspires me.) Ah, Sirius. I have tons of plans for him in year 7…but am not sure what to do with him now. ^-^

Lucky Woods: Thanks! Yeah, I think Remus would make the best Minister, but as you said, not gonna happen.

Dilandra: So many people said Percy; too bad he wasn't in the running. ^-^ Thanks!

Princess: Thanks!

1: You got it!

Lady Grizabella: Hehe…now THAT would be strange. Thanks!

Lukie Robinson: *hugs Lukie until her face turns blue* Not that I'm worthy of such a compliment, but THANK YOU!!!

***StarliteStarbrite***: Yeah, well this chapter should answer your question. ^-^ Thanks for the review!

Julia: *smiles* Well, you didn't have to wait too long, so consider yourself lucky. Thanks, Julia!

Oh, one last thing. Don't feel sheepish if you voted for Percy. It's very understandable not to remember that he's dead. Heck, even I almost posted a chapter that had a scene with Ginny in it, but that can't happen either. ^_^

Thanks so much! Love y'all!!!!

Be excellent to each other!

-Ady