Chapter 13: A Final Ordeal
Ginny, Hermione and Sirius returned to Hogwarts by Floo the next morning. Ginny trudged alone up to her bedroom on the sixth floor of Gryffindor Tower. She dumped her stuff in her room, and called Dobby to unpack it. "Is the password to upstairs still the same?" she asked him, as she was about to leave.
"Yes Ginny Wheezey, miss." replied Dobby, nodding vigorously. "Miss Peter, she is going to change it tomorrow, miss. But it is still the same today." Ginny nodded her thanks and headed upstairs. She muttered the password ('Strigidae.'), and the door into the Gryffindor Suite sung open. Tom, Peter, Roger and Sonja were all there. Tom and Peter were engaged in a game of wizard chess, Roger was flicking idly through a much thumbed copy of Ancient Antidotes of Antiquity and Sonja was sitting on the sofa beside Tom, half watching the game, half reading the new issue of Which? Broomstick.
Roger looked up and nodded a greeting to her as she sank down onto the other sofa, and curled up. He grinned, as something on Ginny's left hand glinted in the flickering firelight. "Do I see a token, indicative of matrimonial proposal and acceptance, on your finger, my friend?" he asked.
The other three looked up and regarded Ginny. She nodded and held up her hand so that the others could see it. "Yep. I'm engaged all right. Harry proposed to me yesterday afternoon."
"Now all you need is for that clueless git of a youngest brother of yours to get his act together and you can have a double wedding." said Sonja. "'Cause that would be amazing."
"Have you decided on a date yet?" Peter wanted to know.
Ginny shook her head. "Harry wants King Nedreth to officiate and it'll take a while to sort that out." The others nodded in agreement. "So how have you guys been?"
"Fine." Peter assured her. "I put in an application for that Reserve Chaser post that Harry told you about with the Cannons, and a job as a Hunter for the DRCMC."
"No academic or research posts?" Ginny asked.
"No. I mean, do not get me wrong. I do like learning and knowledge, but I am not like Hermione, I need to be psychically active too." Ginny nodded, she could understand that.
"I've got that potions research job that I was after." confessed Roger. "Mr. Mundelein owled me yesterday to tell me."
"That's great news!" Ginny told him. "Without even an interview?"
Roger nodded. "Madame Pomfrey and Sirius gave me some good references. Besides, I think Sirius included my exam results." Ginny agreed with him, it was common knowledge that the O.W.L. and N.E.W.T. papers were actually graded about a week before the results were handed out.
"I, of course, will taking up residence at the Merpeople Office." Tom said evenly. "I did manage to persuade Father to let me stay in England for this year though." He glanced at Sonja when he said this.
Ginny smiled inwardly to herself. She knew what that meant. "Yeah, I'm sorry about that. I'm sure your talents could be better used elsewhere."
"Of course they could. But I dare not go against my father's orders." Tom told her, frowning sadly. "So there I go." he sighed. "But enough of this tomfoolery, lamenting over things I can't change. Let's go get some lunch." Ginny, Roger and Sonja rose and started to head out the door.
Peter tried to stop them, "But. you can't leave, we're in the middle of a."
"Game? Oh, nearly forget. Silly me." said Tom, he reached down and moved his queen along the back rank. "Checkmate."
Peter growled and gathered up her chess pieces. "Let's go then." she said and hurried out the door. "Are you coming?"
Tom shook his head. "Sometimes, I wonder about her."
"That is indeed a worthy occupation, but one better done on a fully stomach." Roger told him, "So shall we adjourn to the dining hall below?" They nodded and followed Peter down the stairs.
----
The exam results came out a few days later, and Ginny was pleasantly surprised at her own results, she got two top-grade N.E.W.Ts, in Care of Magical Creatures and Potions; and two mid-range N.E.W.Ts in DADA and Charms. "Well that's a surprise!" she exclaimed.
"What is?"
"I got seventy percent for DADA. I was expecting a fail."
"See, I told you hadn't done that badly." said Peter.
"So how did you do, cousin?" asked Tom.
"Ninety-five for Potions, ninety-two each for Charms and Transfiguration, ninety-eight for Defence Against the Dark Arts and one-hundred for Potions." replied Peter matter-of-factly.
"That must be one of the best results in years?!" exclaimed Ginny.
"In point of fact, it is the second best result that any student has acquired since 1861." reported Roger. "The best result was Hermione's ninety-five for Arithmancy, ninety-six for Charms, ninety-nine for Potions and a hundred each for Transfiguration and Defence Against the Dark Arts." he told her.
"Do you know who beat Hermione?" asked Peter.
Roger nodded. "You should probably be able to deduce their identity for yourself. He would know be 154 years old, possibly 155, I am uncertain as to the date of his birthday. He is currently working at the Ministry in a senior position."
Ginny thought about it for a moment or two, then hit on the obvious answer, "It wouldn't be Dumbledore would it?"
"You are indeed correct, my friend. Our esteemed Minister and former Headmaster did indeed achieve a greater score in his, aptly named, Nastily Exhausting Wizard Tests. In point of fact he achieved ninety-eight and ninety-nine for two of his subjects, Charms and Muggle Studies I believe, and perfect grades for Defence Against the Dark Arts, Potions and Transfiguration."
"How did you do?"
"Adequately. A 'Perfect', two in the nineties, and an eighty-four, that one was for Charms. Not my best subject. What about you my friend?"
"Ninety-six, ninety-three, eighty-eight, seventy-five." said Tom carelessly. "Potions and I don't really get on. So what was your overall score then Gin?"
"Pretty poor, only 339. My DADA mark pulled me down."
"Don't worry, mine's only 352 and Roger only got 370."
"Considering the average pass mark for the N.E.W.Ts is only 300, none of you have anything to be ashamed of." pointed out Peter.
"All very well for you to say." Ginny told her, slightly annoyed. "You've got the best result in the year and the third best in nearly one-and-a-half centuries."
"Why don't you send Harry and Ron an owl, I'm sure they'll want to know?" suggested Tom. "You'll feel better then."
"Good idea. I'm going to check in with Hermione afterwards, see you at dinner."
"Yeah. See you then." said Tom as she ducked out of the secret door into the Tower.
----
The last few days of term flew by quickly, and before Ginny knew it, it was the day before the Leaving Feast. Harry had just sent her a good-luck message telling her that he and Ron would meet her at King's Cross; he also suggested that she ask Hermione about the letter Ron had sent her the day before.
I wonder what he means by that? Ginny wondered, trying to remember if she had seen Hermione open it. Then she remembered she had, Hermione had blushed and taken something small and gold from the envelope. "Dobby, I'm just going to nip down to see Hermione okay? Can you finish up here?" she asked the House-Elf, who was busy packed up her trunk.
Dobby nodded and she rushed out of the room, apologising as she bumped into second year Marcus Ward. "Hi Marcus. Sorry I can't stop, I'm in a bit of a hurry." she said, reaching to steady him.
"That's okay Ginny. See you at dinner."
Ginny hurried down the stairs, quickly but carefully, and out of the Portrait hole. She sensed that Hermione was in her office, sorting out a few last minute things so she quickly made her way there, ducking down one of the secret passages to avoid Peeves. When she arrived in the Transfiguration corridor she crossed to Hermione's door and knocked briskly. "Who is it?"
"It's Ginny, Hermione."
"Come on in." Ginny opened the door and walked in, Odin hooted a welcome from his perch and Crookshanks came up to Ginny and purred loudly. Accepting the invitation, she picked him up and stroking his thick fur, she sat down in one of the chairs in front of her friend's desk. "What's up Ginny?" asked Hermione.
"Oh. Nothing. Just something that Harry mentioned in his letter that I got this afternoon." Ginny told her, absent-mindedly continuing to stroke Crookshanks.
"Oh what?"
"Just that there was something in Ron's letter from yesterday that I should ask you about. Any idea what it is?"
"Yep." admitted Hermione. She smiled to herself. "Ron proposed to me."
"By letter?"
Hermione shrugged and sighed, "This is Ron we're talking about, remember. I accepted of course."
"Naturally. Congratulations. Have you thought at all about the wedding?"
"I thought you might have some ideas?"
"As it happens, I do."
It was a long time before Ginny left the office.
----
At the same time, Harry was talking to Sirius through the fire in his office. "Is everything alright for the end-of-term feast tomorrow?" Harry asked.
Sirius nodded. "We've decided on whose going to get the awards this year, Gringotts delivered them by owl yesterday morning."
"Who's getting them?"
"I can't tell you that Harry, privileged information."
"Not even a clue? A little clue?"
"Okay." Sirius decided, giving in. "The awards will be going to two Gryffindors and a Hufflepuff. And that's all I'm going to tell you, so don't try and get any more out of me about it."
"Okay, I won't."
"How're things in London?"
"Fine. Neville, Molly and I have been working hard on the renovations to the Sanctuary. Bagman put me in touch with the firm that built the World Cup Stadium and they've got about fifty people working on it, they'll be finished the construction work in two days and then Bill, Lauren and Jake Grimm are going to start rebuilding the wards next week."
"You've got an Auror helping you?" Sirius asked, surprise evident on his voice.
Harry nodded. "A whole squad in fact. Arthur signed the authorisation yesterday, his little contribution to the project. Madame Frost wasn't too happy but there wasn't she could do about it, after all it's not as if anyone's that busy. Mad-Eye volunteered to come over and help with one of his teams too."
"Did you agree?"
"Mmmm, hmm. They're coming after Grimm leaves. I figure someone as paranoid about safety as Mad-Eye must know something about protection wards. I'm going to put a couple of sentinel charms around the perimeter too. There are a few nice ones in the Codex."
Sirius whistled. "I was going to ask if you needed a hand, but I guess you don't."
"Nope. But you're welcome to come down and have a look."
"I was planning to when I come down."
Harry grinned, "When are you coming?"
"Some time next week. I need to finish up a few things." Sirius told him. "Would it be okay if Remus joined us?"
"Sure, as long as he doesn't mind sharing with you for a couple of days. Arthur and Percy are out of town for until the end of the week on Council business. Penelope and Boric have gone with them, so the House is shut down until they get back. Molly is staying in the caretaker's quarters at the Sanctuary while they're away."
"That sounds like Molly alright. She certainly puts her heart into things when she does them."
His godson nodded in agreement, "I'll see you soon then. Bye Sirius."
"Bye Harry. I love you."
"I love you too." replied Harry, as his face faded from the fire. Sirius smiled and picked up a roll of parchment and began to mark the first of seven Gryffindor sixth year Potions essays.
----
The Great Hall was decorated with drapes of red and gold as Ginny and her friends entered it for the Leaving Feast. Once they were are seated in their places along with the rest of the students, Professor McGonagall rose to her feet to address the hall. "Another year gone. Before you can begin the feast, the House Cup must be awarded. In the House Championship, the points stand thus. Slytherin: 310 points; Hufflepuff: 367 points; Ravenclaw: 422 points; Gryffindor: 508 points. Therefore, it is my pleasure to announce that, for the fourth year running, the House Cup goes to. Gryffindor!"
She paused to allow the cheers to subside. "In addition, the Founder Awards also require awarding."
"It is sometimes said that bravery brings notoriety. Last year, the receipt of the Gryffindor Award was someone well known to you all, and it is true again this year. Lord Voldemort was someone whom we all feared, but she had more reason than many to fear him, as he took her innocence from her in one of his early schemes. But she had the bravery, the courage, to push on, and played a vital part in the war in its final days." McGonagall paused and then continued, "So it is with great pride that I ask my colleague Sirius Black to present the second Gryffindor Award for Outstanding Bravery to. Virginia Weasley." Again, the Gryffindor Table erupted in cheers, joined seconds later by most of the rest of Hall, as Ginny walked up to get her medal from Sirius and then returned to her seat.
The applause continued for a moment or two and then died down. "The next award is for academic achievement. But that academic achievement isn't only about what you accomplish in the classroom, it is about doing it while balancing it with other things too. Therefore, the second Rowena Ravenclaw Award for Academic Excellence goes to. Petunia Falco."
There was another roar of approval. In fact the Hall exploded with cheers, from the Gryffindors, Hufflepuffs and even a few Slytherins cheered as Peter strode confidently up to the Staff Table to receive her Ravenclaw eagle from Professor Hooch. Peter shook Hooch's hand and returned to her seat between her cousin and Roger.
"It takes a lot to keep going in the face of loss and grief, and this year's recipient has achieved this with great skill. Therefore, this year the Hufflepuff Award goes to. Sharon Bones."
The Hufflepuffs, as well as Ginny, her friends and a few of the other Gryffindors applauded as Sharon Bones walked, blushing hard, up to the top table and received her award from Professor Sprout, shook the professor's hand, then returned to her seat.
McGonagall regarded them for a moment or two after the cheers and applause died down, and then lowered herself into her seat. "You may begin." McGonagall told them and the tables were immediately filled with food.
"What are you doing over the summer?" Ginny asked her friends.
"I've got a job to got too." said Roger. "They're expecting me at St Mungo's on Monday. Peter?"
"I am. uncertain. I have an interview with Mr Cygnus tomorrow." she told her friends, she inclined her head towards her cousin. "Tom's going to be staying with my family and I until Sonja finishes here."
"I've got a temporary post with the English Merpeople Liaison Office for a year. I start on Monday too."
"What about you Sonja? How are you going to spend your summer?"
"I'll be staying at Peter's." Sonja told her, "What about you?"
"I'll be staying at Harry and Ron's flat in the Eyrie. I'll be giving Harry a hand with the painting at his new building; we could do with a few extra hands too. Can I put you down?"
"Sure. I'll have quite a bit of free time, the other's will be at work."
After the meal, they lead the senior Gryffindors to the horseless carriages, the four seventh years squeezed into one and Sonja joined Emma Dobbs, Natalie MacDonald and Eric Doyle in another. When they arrived at Hogsmeade station, she joined the others in their compartment on the train.
The journey to Hogwarts was enjoyable but quiet. The five friends joked, talked and played games as the train wound its way through the green fields towards London. When the snack trolley arrived, Ginny and Tom bought some sweets, cakes and drinks from the old witch and brought them back to the compartment, where they and their friends devoured them, Roger as usual managing to snag the lion's share. "I will miss this." he confessed, biting deep into a pumpkin pasty. "This will probably be the last time we're all together for a long time. Once we all go our separate ways."
Ginny considered this for a moment. "Maybe. So let's make the most of it." she said firmly. "Last game of Exploding Snap?"
----
When Ginny jumped off the Hogwarts Express, Harry and Ron were on the platform for her. Ron took Ginny's trunk from Roger and placed it on a trolley. Harry swept Ginny up in a firm embrace and they just stood there, hugging each other for several minutes before they separated, each keeping one arm around the other's waist. "I've missed so much Harry. I can't wait to get home to the flat." said Ginny, smiling warmly up at her boyfriend and future husband. She looked over to where her other friends were being greeted by Sonja and Peter's parents. "Bye guys."
"Goodbye Ginny." said Roger. "Despite my earlier comment, I hope we see each other again. It was nice to see you again Harry, Ron."
"You too Roger." said Harry. "I'm sure we'll see you again. We've got the wedding in a couple of weeks remember, I'll send you an invite."
"I look forward to it. Stay safe my friend."
"I'll try." agreed Harry, as he guided Ginny towards the portal out into King's Cross with Ron not far behind.
An hour later, the three friends walked into Harry's flat at the Eyrie. Ginny sank down into one of sofas in the living room. She smiled up at Harry and Ron as they followed her in and found their own seats. "It's good to be back."
"It's good to have you back." Harry told her, as Ginny snuggled in next to him. "It's good to have you home."
Ginny, Hermione and Sirius returned to Hogwarts by Floo the next morning. Ginny trudged alone up to her bedroom on the sixth floor of Gryffindor Tower. She dumped her stuff in her room, and called Dobby to unpack it. "Is the password to upstairs still the same?" she asked him, as she was about to leave.
"Yes Ginny Wheezey, miss." replied Dobby, nodding vigorously. "Miss Peter, she is going to change it tomorrow, miss. But it is still the same today." Ginny nodded her thanks and headed upstairs. She muttered the password ('Strigidae.'), and the door into the Gryffindor Suite sung open. Tom, Peter, Roger and Sonja were all there. Tom and Peter were engaged in a game of wizard chess, Roger was flicking idly through a much thumbed copy of Ancient Antidotes of Antiquity and Sonja was sitting on the sofa beside Tom, half watching the game, half reading the new issue of Which? Broomstick.
Roger looked up and nodded a greeting to her as she sank down onto the other sofa, and curled up. He grinned, as something on Ginny's left hand glinted in the flickering firelight. "Do I see a token, indicative of matrimonial proposal and acceptance, on your finger, my friend?" he asked.
The other three looked up and regarded Ginny. She nodded and held up her hand so that the others could see it. "Yep. I'm engaged all right. Harry proposed to me yesterday afternoon."
"Now all you need is for that clueless git of a youngest brother of yours to get his act together and you can have a double wedding." said Sonja. "'Cause that would be amazing."
"Have you decided on a date yet?" Peter wanted to know.
Ginny shook her head. "Harry wants King Nedreth to officiate and it'll take a while to sort that out." The others nodded in agreement. "So how have you guys been?"
"Fine." Peter assured her. "I put in an application for that Reserve Chaser post that Harry told you about with the Cannons, and a job as a Hunter for the DRCMC."
"No academic or research posts?" Ginny asked.
"No. I mean, do not get me wrong. I do like learning and knowledge, but I am not like Hermione, I need to be psychically active too." Ginny nodded, she could understand that.
"I've got that potions research job that I was after." confessed Roger. "Mr. Mundelein owled me yesterday to tell me."
"That's great news!" Ginny told him. "Without even an interview?"
Roger nodded. "Madame Pomfrey and Sirius gave me some good references. Besides, I think Sirius included my exam results." Ginny agreed with him, it was common knowledge that the O.W.L. and N.E.W.T. papers were actually graded about a week before the results were handed out.
"I, of course, will taking up residence at the Merpeople Office." Tom said evenly. "I did manage to persuade Father to let me stay in England for this year though." He glanced at Sonja when he said this.
Ginny smiled inwardly to herself. She knew what that meant. "Yeah, I'm sorry about that. I'm sure your talents could be better used elsewhere."
"Of course they could. But I dare not go against my father's orders." Tom told her, frowning sadly. "So there I go." he sighed. "But enough of this tomfoolery, lamenting over things I can't change. Let's go get some lunch." Ginny, Roger and Sonja rose and started to head out the door.
Peter tried to stop them, "But. you can't leave, we're in the middle of a."
"Game? Oh, nearly forget. Silly me." said Tom, he reached down and moved his queen along the back rank. "Checkmate."
Peter growled and gathered up her chess pieces. "Let's go then." she said and hurried out the door. "Are you coming?"
Tom shook his head. "Sometimes, I wonder about her."
"That is indeed a worthy occupation, but one better done on a fully stomach." Roger told him, "So shall we adjourn to the dining hall below?" They nodded and followed Peter down the stairs.
----
The exam results came out a few days later, and Ginny was pleasantly surprised at her own results, she got two top-grade N.E.W.Ts, in Care of Magical Creatures and Potions; and two mid-range N.E.W.Ts in DADA and Charms. "Well that's a surprise!" she exclaimed.
"What is?"
"I got seventy percent for DADA. I was expecting a fail."
"See, I told you hadn't done that badly." said Peter.
"So how did you do, cousin?" asked Tom.
"Ninety-five for Potions, ninety-two each for Charms and Transfiguration, ninety-eight for Defence Against the Dark Arts and one-hundred for Potions." replied Peter matter-of-factly.
"That must be one of the best results in years?!" exclaimed Ginny.
"In point of fact, it is the second best result that any student has acquired since 1861." reported Roger. "The best result was Hermione's ninety-five for Arithmancy, ninety-six for Charms, ninety-nine for Potions and a hundred each for Transfiguration and Defence Against the Dark Arts." he told her.
"Do you know who beat Hermione?" asked Peter.
Roger nodded. "You should probably be able to deduce their identity for yourself. He would know be 154 years old, possibly 155, I am uncertain as to the date of his birthday. He is currently working at the Ministry in a senior position."
Ginny thought about it for a moment or two, then hit on the obvious answer, "It wouldn't be Dumbledore would it?"
"You are indeed correct, my friend. Our esteemed Minister and former Headmaster did indeed achieve a greater score in his, aptly named, Nastily Exhausting Wizard Tests. In point of fact he achieved ninety-eight and ninety-nine for two of his subjects, Charms and Muggle Studies I believe, and perfect grades for Defence Against the Dark Arts, Potions and Transfiguration."
"How did you do?"
"Adequately. A 'Perfect', two in the nineties, and an eighty-four, that one was for Charms. Not my best subject. What about you my friend?"
"Ninety-six, ninety-three, eighty-eight, seventy-five." said Tom carelessly. "Potions and I don't really get on. So what was your overall score then Gin?"
"Pretty poor, only 339. My DADA mark pulled me down."
"Don't worry, mine's only 352 and Roger only got 370."
"Considering the average pass mark for the N.E.W.Ts is only 300, none of you have anything to be ashamed of." pointed out Peter.
"All very well for you to say." Ginny told her, slightly annoyed. "You've got the best result in the year and the third best in nearly one-and-a-half centuries."
"Why don't you send Harry and Ron an owl, I'm sure they'll want to know?" suggested Tom. "You'll feel better then."
"Good idea. I'm going to check in with Hermione afterwards, see you at dinner."
"Yeah. See you then." said Tom as she ducked out of the secret door into the Tower.
----
The last few days of term flew by quickly, and before Ginny knew it, it was the day before the Leaving Feast. Harry had just sent her a good-luck message telling her that he and Ron would meet her at King's Cross; he also suggested that she ask Hermione about the letter Ron had sent her the day before.
I wonder what he means by that? Ginny wondered, trying to remember if she had seen Hermione open it. Then she remembered she had, Hermione had blushed and taken something small and gold from the envelope. "Dobby, I'm just going to nip down to see Hermione okay? Can you finish up here?" she asked the House-Elf, who was busy packed up her trunk.
Dobby nodded and she rushed out of the room, apologising as she bumped into second year Marcus Ward. "Hi Marcus. Sorry I can't stop, I'm in a bit of a hurry." she said, reaching to steady him.
"That's okay Ginny. See you at dinner."
Ginny hurried down the stairs, quickly but carefully, and out of the Portrait hole. She sensed that Hermione was in her office, sorting out a few last minute things so she quickly made her way there, ducking down one of the secret passages to avoid Peeves. When she arrived in the Transfiguration corridor she crossed to Hermione's door and knocked briskly. "Who is it?"
"It's Ginny, Hermione."
"Come on in." Ginny opened the door and walked in, Odin hooted a welcome from his perch and Crookshanks came up to Ginny and purred loudly. Accepting the invitation, she picked him up and stroking his thick fur, she sat down in one of the chairs in front of her friend's desk. "What's up Ginny?" asked Hermione.
"Oh. Nothing. Just something that Harry mentioned in his letter that I got this afternoon." Ginny told her, absent-mindedly continuing to stroke Crookshanks.
"Oh what?"
"Just that there was something in Ron's letter from yesterday that I should ask you about. Any idea what it is?"
"Yep." admitted Hermione. She smiled to herself. "Ron proposed to me."
"By letter?"
Hermione shrugged and sighed, "This is Ron we're talking about, remember. I accepted of course."
"Naturally. Congratulations. Have you thought at all about the wedding?"
"I thought you might have some ideas?"
"As it happens, I do."
It was a long time before Ginny left the office.
----
At the same time, Harry was talking to Sirius through the fire in his office. "Is everything alright for the end-of-term feast tomorrow?" Harry asked.
Sirius nodded. "We've decided on whose going to get the awards this year, Gringotts delivered them by owl yesterday morning."
"Who's getting them?"
"I can't tell you that Harry, privileged information."
"Not even a clue? A little clue?"
"Okay." Sirius decided, giving in. "The awards will be going to two Gryffindors and a Hufflepuff. And that's all I'm going to tell you, so don't try and get any more out of me about it."
"Okay, I won't."
"How're things in London?"
"Fine. Neville, Molly and I have been working hard on the renovations to the Sanctuary. Bagman put me in touch with the firm that built the World Cup Stadium and they've got about fifty people working on it, they'll be finished the construction work in two days and then Bill, Lauren and Jake Grimm are going to start rebuilding the wards next week."
"You've got an Auror helping you?" Sirius asked, surprise evident on his voice.
Harry nodded. "A whole squad in fact. Arthur signed the authorisation yesterday, his little contribution to the project. Madame Frost wasn't too happy but there wasn't she could do about it, after all it's not as if anyone's that busy. Mad-Eye volunteered to come over and help with one of his teams too."
"Did you agree?"
"Mmmm, hmm. They're coming after Grimm leaves. I figure someone as paranoid about safety as Mad-Eye must know something about protection wards. I'm going to put a couple of sentinel charms around the perimeter too. There are a few nice ones in the Codex."
Sirius whistled. "I was going to ask if you needed a hand, but I guess you don't."
"Nope. But you're welcome to come down and have a look."
"I was planning to when I come down."
Harry grinned, "When are you coming?"
"Some time next week. I need to finish up a few things." Sirius told him. "Would it be okay if Remus joined us?"
"Sure, as long as he doesn't mind sharing with you for a couple of days. Arthur and Percy are out of town for until the end of the week on Council business. Penelope and Boric have gone with them, so the House is shut down until they get back. Molly is staying in the caretaker's quarters at the Sanctuary while they're away."
"That sounds like Molly alright. She certainly puts her heart into things when she does them."
His godson nodded in agreement, "I'll see you soon then. Bye Sirius."
"Bye Harry. I love you."
"I love you too." replied Harry, as his face faded from the fire. Sirius smiled and picked up a roll of parchment and began to mark the first of seven Gryffindor sixth year Potions essays.
----
The Great Hall was decorated with drapes of red and gold as Ginny and her friends entered it for the Leaving Feast. Once they were are seated in their places along with the rest of the students, Professor McGonagall rose to her feet to address the hall. "Another year gone. Before you can begin the feast, the House Cup must be awarded. In the House Championship, the points stand thus. Slytherin: 310 points; Hufflepuff: 367 points; Ravenclaw: 422 points; Gryffindor: 508 points. Therefore, it is my pleasure to announce that, for the fourth year running, the House Cup goes to. Gryffindor!"
She paused to allow the cheers to subside. "In addition, the Founder Awards also require awarding."
"It is sometimes said that bravery brings notoriety. Last year, the receipt of the Gryffindor Award was someone well known to you all, and it is true again this year. Lord Voldemort was someone whom we all feared, but she had more reason than many to fear him, as he took her innocence from her in one of his early schemes. But she had the bravery, the courage, to push on, and played a vital part in the war in its final days." McGonagall paused and then continued, "So it is with great pride that I ask my colleague Sirius Black to present the second Gryffindor Award for Outstanding Bravery to. Virginia Weasley." Again, the Gryffindor Table erupted in cheers, joined seconds later by most of the rest of Hall, as Ginny walked up to get her medal from Sirius and then returned to her seat.
The applause continued for a moment or two and then died down. "The next award is for academic achievement. But that academic achievement isn't only about what you accomplish in the classroom, it is about doing it while balancing it with other things too. Therefore, the second Rowena Ravenclaw Award for Academic Excellence goes to. Petunia Falco."
There was another roar of approval. In fact the Hall exploded with cheers, from the Gryffindors, Hufflepuffs and even a few Slytherins cheered as Peter strode confidently up to the Staff Table to receive her Ravenclaw eagle from Professor Hooch. Peter shook Hooch's hand and returned to her seat between her cousin and Roger.
"It takes a lot to keep going in the face of loss and grief, and this year's recipient has achieved this with great skill. Therefore, this year the Hufflepuff Award goes to. Sharon Bones."
The Hufflepuffs, as well as Ginny, her friends and a few of the other Gryffindors applauded as Sharon Bones walked, blushing hard, up to the top table and received her award from Professor Sprout, shook the professor's hand, then returned to her seat.
McGonagall regarded them for a moment or two after the cheers and applause died down, and then lowered herself into her seat. "You may begin." McGonagall told them and the tables were immediately filled with food.
"What are you doing over the summer?" Ginny asked her friends.
"I've got a job to got too." said Roger. "They're expecting me at St Mungo's on Monday. Peter?"
"I am. uncertain. I have an interview with Mr Cygnus tomorrow." she told her friends, she inclined her head towards her cousin. "Tom's going to be staying with my family and I until Sonja finishes here."
"I've got a temporary post with the English Merpeople Liaison Office for a year. I start on Monday too."
"What about you Sonja? How are you going to spend your summer?"
"I'll be staying at Peter's." Sonja told her, "What about you?"
"I'll be staying at Harry and Ron's flat in the Eyrie. I'll be giving Harry a hand with the painting at his new building; we could do with a few extra hands too. Can I put you down?"
"Sure. I'll have quite a bit of free time, the other's will be at work."
After the meal, they lead the senior Gryffindors to the horseless carriages, the four seventh years squeezed into one and Sonja joined Emma Dobbs, Natalie MacDonald and Eric Doyle in another. When they arrived at Hogsmeade station, she joined the others in their compartment on the train.
The journey to Hogwarts was enjoyable but quiet. The five friends joked, talked and played games as the train wound its way through the green fields towards London. When the snack trolley arrived, Ginny and Tom bought some sweets, cakes and drinks from the old witch and brought them back to the compartment, where they and their friends devoured them, Roger as usual managing to snag the lion's share. "I will miss this." he confessed, biting deep into a pumpkin pasty. "This will probably be the last time we're all together for a long time. Once we all go our separate ways."
Ginny considered this for a moment. "Maybe. So let's make the most of it." she said firmly. "Last game of Exploding Snap?"
----
When Ginny jumped off the Hogwarts Express, Harry and Ron were on the platform for her. Ron took Ginny's trunk from Roger and placed it on a trolley. Harry swept Ginny up in a firm embrace and they just stood there, hugging each other for several minutes before they separated, each keeping one arm around the other's waist. "I've missed so much Harry. I can't wait to get home to the flat." said Ginny, smiling warmly up at her boyfriend and future husband. She looked over to where her other friends were being greeted by Sonja and Peter's parents. "Bye guys."
"Goodbye Ginny." said Roger. "Despite my earlier comment, I hope we see each other again. It was nice to see you again Harry, Ron."
"You too Roger." said Harry. "I'm sure we'll see you again. We've got the wedding in a couple of weeks remember, I'll send you an invite."
"I look forward to it. Stay safe my friend."
"I'll try." agreed Harry, as he guided Ginny towards the portal out into King's Cross with Ron not far behind.
An hour later, the three friends walked into Harry's flat at the Eyrie. Ginny sank down into one of sofas in the living room. She smiled up at Harry and Ron as they followed her in and found their own seats. "It's good to be back."
"It's good to have you back." Harry told her, as Ginny snuggled in next to him. "It's good to have you home."