CHAPTER 24

SURPRISES

*Dear Diary

It's coming up to the end of the year and I really am dreading going home this year, I'll miss Ron so badly, I've gotten used to him being there when I close my eyes at night and when I open them every morning. I hope he invites me to stay at his for the summer, or maybe he could come to my house again. It'll be our last year next year, it's really depressing, Hogwarts has been like a home to me for the past six years, and next year I'll be leaving and having to find a job and a house. I'll bet Harry is really excited about leaving because he'll finally be able to leave the horrible Dursleys for good.

I wonder what will happen to me and Ron in the future, I think that he'll always be in my life, I hope we end up staying together forever, he has promised me that he'll always love me and only me.

With all that's happened this year, I think I'll be quite glad to go back to normal at home, although I know as soon as I've gone from here, I'll miss all the adventures we have and the excitement, I don't think I'll miss the worrying though, I mean we can't een be sure that Harry will be safe throughout the holiday.

Anyway I have to go, I'm meeting Ginny for a quick chat, while Harry and Ron are off doing whatever it is they do when they are together, I'll have to remember to ask Ron about that.

Mione (yes it's Mione again, I just can't stay mad at him, especially when he does his adorable puppy dog eyes.)*

''Hey Gin, so another year completed.'' Hermione said as she walked through the passage into Ginny's room to find Ginny looking at the picture Colin took of her and Harry kissing.

''What, oh yeah.'' Ginny said distractedly.

''What are you looking at?'' Hermione asked curiously as she sat down next to Ginny.

''A picture Colin took of me and Harry.'' Ginny replied as she handed the picture to Hermione, for her to see.

''Oh it's the Masquerade night. Wow Harry looks so into you, he really loves you Gin.'' Hermione gushed as she stared at the picture of her two friends. ''He's smiling as he's kissing you, that's the happiest I've ever seen him.'' Hermione admitted. ''You too Gin, you look really happy.''

''I am when I'm with him, I love him so much.'' Ginny said. ''You and Snugglebunny seem to be getting along very well too.'' Ginny added, dodging Hermione's hand as she reached out to lightly hit Ginny.

''I don't know, how you found out about those nicknames but I swear I'll find out somehow. And yes we are getting along very well indeed.'' Hermione answered firmly. ''He can be so sweet sometimes, and so caring. I love him too.''

''Well it looks like our plan worked Herm, we both have the boy of our dreams and they are both besotted with us.'' Ginny said happily.

''Yeah, we should team up more often. We work well together.'' Hermione added laughing, as she handed the picture back to Ginny.

''Yeah, you can count on it.''

''Count on what?'' Harry asked as he walked over to where Ginny and Hermione were sitting.

''Nothing.'' Ginny said as she moved closer to Harry, who had taken a seat next to her. ''You shouldn't be listening to other peoples conversations anyway.'' she teased.

''I can't help but listen when the words are coming out of your pretty mouth, angel.'' Harry said smoothly, smiling at Ginny who just rolled her eyes.

''What do you two do when you go off together all the time?'' Hermione asked suspiciously as she looked Ron up and down, as though some part of his body would give her the answer.

''We are not gay if that's what you're thinking.'' Ron answered as he smiled happily at Hermione, remembering the time she caught him and Harry in a less than manly situation.

''Well what do you do then?'' Hermione repeated.

''That you'll never know my love.'' Ron said as he kissed Hermione lightly on her head, distracting her so she stopped asking where they went. In truth they didn't really go anywhere, they just wandered about the castle talking about things that they couldn't talk about in front of Hermione or Ginny. But Ron thought it would be good for Hermione not to know everything about him, maintain a little mystery, even though Harry knew it was to annoy her. Ron just loved getting Hermione worked up and angry just to see the look in her eyes.

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''Snugglebunny?'' Hermione asked one evening, when her and Ron were alone in bed together.

''Yes my love.'' he answered wearily, Hermione was using the tone of voice that she used when she wanted something from him.

''What are we going to do in the holidays?'' she asked as she turned in bed to face him.

''I don't know same as usual probably, we'll just stay around the Burrow. Why?'' He asked suspiciously, almost every year they had stayed at the Burrow for some part of the holidays, he didn't see what was so different about this year.

''Because I'll have to meet your parents.'' she anwered simply, as though it was really obvious.

''But Mione, you've already met them. Loads of times.'' Ron argued back.

''Yes but that was as your friend, you'll have to introduce me as your girlfriend now.'' she replied. ''And you'll have to meet my parents, and I'll tell them all about us.'' Hermione said happily getting more and more excited. ''My mother will be so excited, she's always said we'd make a nice couple.''

''Really?''

''Yeah, ever since I first told her about you and she met you.'' Hermione said as she smiled at Ron.

''Well then, I shall introduce you to all of my family in the holidays, and I'll come and meet yours.'' Ron said trying to sound happy, although he was slightly nervous about meeting Hermione's family, and about telling Fred and George that he had a girlfriend, he could hear their teasing now. But it was worth it for Hermione, he'd put up with anything if it meant they were together. Hermione kissed him happily and turned around so her back was pressed tightly into his chest, and he wrapped his arms around her and buried his face in her curly hair, that always smelt of fresh flowers.

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''You are not coming!'' Lupin shouted firmly at a tall man, that had raised to his full height to try and intimidate him.

''He's right you know, it's too risky.'' Destiny said, trying to diffuse the argument that was surely about to errupt between the two men.

''I'll go with Tonks and Moody.'' Lupin said calming down and falling into a tattered armchair. ''We're just lucky Dumbledore's granted us permission for this. We don't need you to risk exposing the truth too early.'' Lupin added as he conjured a steaming cup of coffee in his hand, and looked wearily into the swirling liquid inside the cup.

''No-one would have to know, it'd be our secret.'' the tall man pleaded, his voice sounded gruff as though he hadn't used it for a long time. ''Please.''

''No.'' This time it was Destiny who answered firmly and determindely, she had a look in her eyes, reminiscent of Proffessor Mcgonagall, one that made the tall man back down and sink into the only other armchair in the small but comfortable room. ''Not after what you've been through. Lupin, Mad-eye and Tonks, will be fine, it's not exactly a deadly mission is it?''

''No, I....I...just wanted to be there.'' the man said sulkily, although he knew it would be too dangerous for him to go with Lupin. ''Alright I'll stay here.'' he said resigned to the fact that no amount of pleading and begging was going to make them let him go.

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*Dear Diary

It is coming up to the end of the year, I can't wait to get back home and see mum and everyone, Bill and Charlie are even coming back over for the summer. Even though they'll be on order business most of the time, it'll still be nice to have them around.

I'm going to miss Harry so much in the holidays, but I don't imagine the Dursleys will let me come and visist him. He told me Lupin was going to rescue him earlier this year so hopefully he can come to the Burrow for a while in the holidays, If not it's going to be longest six weeks of my life. The day he got taken, felt like a million years, just not knowing where he was or what was happening to him, or even if he was alive or not. That was terrible, I thought I'd lost him forever. I couldn't bear it if that happened, I know we've only been together a short time,but I can't even remember how I got by without him in my life.

It'll be Harry, Hermione and Ron's last year next year, then it'll be just me and Colin. I'll miss them all when they are gone, Harry has promised me that he's going to try and persuade Dumbledore to let him come and see me, every week. He said he'll miss me so much, he won't even to be able to think about anything else. He is so sweet, I love him so much. Speak of the Devil, he's just walked in. Bye

Ginny*

''Hey babe, what are you doing?'' Harry asked seeing Ginny stuff the diary under the mattress.

''Writing in my diary.'' Ginny answered simply.

''When are you going to let me read that thing?'' Harry asked good naturedly. ''I've been waiting ages Gin.'' he said looking at her with puppy dog eyes pleadingly.

''Maybe when we are older, I'll show you and you can see what I thought about when I was a young girl in Hogwarts.'' Ginny said playfully. ''You can read about all the other boys that caught my attention while I was with you.''

''What?'' Harry shouted.

''I was joking babe, I only have eyes for you.'' Ginny said as she kissed Harry softly.

''Good, so is it a promise?'' Harry asked hopefully.

''Yes, you can read my diary when we are older.'' Ginny said laughing.

''I won't forget mind you, I'll hold you to it.'' Harry said as he swept Ginny up into his arms and kissed her passionately.

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The last few weeks at Hogwarts were spent enjoyably for all the students, and although the lessons all continued as normal, apart from Magical Maintenence, that still had no replacement teacher, everyone found that the homework was much easier and also less frequent.

Even Mcgonagall, was less strict, letting her students pack up ten minutes from the end of lesson and talk quietly amongst themselves, although her lessons were still as tough as ever because there is no easy Transfiguration.

Care of magical Creatures was also going a lot better, with Hagrid finally taking Hermione's subtle hint and letting them have a lesson going over the properties of Unicorns and the seven ways to distinguish faeries. Harry found that the last few weeks of his sixth year were some of his most normal weeks at Hogwarts, there were no more attempts on his life, no more mysteries to solve, no more nothing, he could just relax and be like any other boy his age, for the time being. But there was one thought that weighed him down, and try as he might he just couldn't get it out of his head, who were Proffessor Golding and Lupin talking about and where did Proffessor Golding keep disappearing off to. Maybe Ginny was right, maybe she did have a boyfriend, maybe it was Lupin but that still didn't explain the mystery man they kept whispering about, maybe they had single handedly captured a Death Eater and were trying to get information on him for the order, maybe it was Peter, and Lupin was avenging his friends Death's.

'' 'Arry, the lessons over.'' Hagrid called as Harry stood, staring off into space in one Care of Magical Creatures class.

''Oh sorry, Hagrid. I was miles away.'' Harry replied sheepishly, as he picked up his rucksack and headed up to the castle, to meet Ginny outside her Muggle Studies class.

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''So, are you going to tell us how you did it yet?'' Lupin asked, as he paced the small room, furnished with two armchairs, and a sofa. There was a huge bookcase in the corner, piled high with books that were threatening to topple at any second. ''It's been months now.''

''I've already told you, I'm not telling until he gets here.'' The tall man replied determindely, his eyes set, and his face expressionless.

''You know he won't believe any of this. Hell I didn't een believe it, when you showed up, and collapsed on the doorstep. It took you almost four months to come around.'' Lupin shouted angrily at the man, who didn't cower under the intense glare Lupin was gining him or the harsh words from his mouth. Instead he walked over and placed his hand on Lupin's arm in a way that an old friend would've done.

''But you did believe, and so will he, as soon as I explain everything.'' The tall man said, the look in his eyes resmbling compassion. ''Only a few days to go, and I will reveal all.''

''Yeah, well you better, for his sake.'' Lupin growled as he threw himself into his favourite chair and picked up the book that lay open on it's arm. The tall, dark man, just smiled to himself, as he looked down at Lupin who was furiously staring at the book, his eyes never moving and the page never turning.

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The day of the end of year feast came, and the whole day was spent in a flurry of make up, hair products and accessories for Hermione and Ginny, who once again spent the day getting ready in the sixth year girls dormitories, with Lavender and Parvati.

Harry and Ron spent most of the day lounging around the common room with the rest of the Gryffindor boys, who were all dreading the time when they all had to go and change into their dress robes.

''Honestly, I don't know why we are bothering to dress up.'' Ron complained loudly to Harry, Dean, Seamus and Neville. ''I mean all the attention is on the girls anyway, no-one even notices what we are wearing.''

''So that's what it is boys.'' Harry said wickedly. ''Ronnie doesn't like to dress up, because no-one appreciates him. Now all make a fuss when we see him in his robes, that'll cheer him up.'' Harry said as he recieved a slap to the back of the head that knocked his glasses off his face, from Ron who was frowning as all the sixth year boys laughed at him.

''Very funny Harry.'' Ron said sarcastically.

The time came for all the boys to go and change into their dress robes, and half an hour later, Harry and Ron returned to the common room as all the other boys went off to the Great Hall.

''They've been getting ready all day.'' Ron complained as he checked the clock above the fireplace. ''And we're still left waiting for them.''

''Aren't we worth it Ron.'' Ginny called as she walked gracefully down the girls staircase, dressed in a long, flowing dress that shimmered in the light. It was a pale blue, and it emphasised her flawless, creamy skin and showed off her stunning figure.

''Wow, you look amazing angel.'' Harry breathed as he stared at his girlfriend in awe.

''Thank you, so do you.'' Ginny replied and gladly took Harry's outstretched arm, and they both headed off to the Great Hall. A minute later Hermione walked down the same staircase, dressed in a long, deep red dress, with silver earings hanging delicately from her ears, and a silver necklace hanging around her neck. She smiled to herelf as she saw Ron leaning againt the mantelpiece, facing away from the staircase.

''My my.'' she said outloud, as Ron turned around. ''Who is this handsome man, I hope my boyfriend doesn't see me staring at him.''

''Your boyfriend is a very lucky man, to be with someone as beautiful as yourself.'' Ron said grinning as he took Hermione's hand in his own. ''You look beautiful Mione.''

''Thanks Ron, but I thought you said you'd try and use a new chat up line.'' Hermione teased as she moved in closer to Ron.

''I'm sorry Mione, but that one sums up everything about you.'' Ron answered as they left the common room. ''I love you.''

''I love you too. By the way you look really sexy.'' Hermione whispered into his ear as the entered the Great Hall and sat down at the Gryffindor table with Harry, Ginny and the rest of the sixth year Gryffindors.

''Here he is.'' Dean shouted as Ron sat down. ''Doesn't he look handsome.''

''Oh yes.'' Seamus agreed. ''Have you been working out?''

''Those robes really emphasise your eyes Ron.'' Harry said softly as he placed his hand on Ron's knee. ''What are you doing later?'' he whispered.

''Oh very funny boys.'' Ron said blushing as everyone laughed at him. ''You all better watch it, people will start to think your all gay, and then you'll be lucky if a girl will go out with you.'' Ron said sulkily, but he soon cheered up as the food appeared, and not even Dean and Seamus's attempts to chat him up upset him when the desert appeared.

The feast ended and everyone walked away to their rooms, to pack their stuff away ready to catch the train back home the next day. And to get a good nights sleep ready for the long train ride back to London. It was with a heavy heart that Harry packed away all of his wizarding things for another summer holiday, knowing that he was to return to the horrible Dursley's the next day and wouldn't see Ginny for a very long time.

The train ride home passed relatively quickly, and Harry, Ginny, Ron and Hermione shared a compartment in the train with Neville Longbottom and Luna Lovegood, who had recently become a couple. Harry was pleased for Neville, he couldn't think of anyone who deserved a bit of happiness more than Neville whose parents had been tortured to insanity by one of Voldemort Death Eaters, that was still free today.

The train slowly pulled to a stop as they entered Kings cross station and Harry could just picture the Dursleys waiting for him the other side of the Magical barrier. Ron and Hermione got off the train together after sharing a long passionate kiss, and Ron walked over to Mrs Weasley who had come to meet him with his older brother Charlie, and Hermione walked through the barrier waving to Ron, Harry and Ginny as she ran over to her parents, throwing herself into her mothers arms, tears of happiness rolling down her face.

Ginny was just about to get off the train when Harry pulled her back into a passionate embrace, with tears filling his eyes.

''Listen Gin, I know it'll be ages before I see you again, I just wanted to tell you that I love you loads andI 'll miss you loads and I'll write to you all the time.'' Harry said as he held her close to him, trying to memorise the scent of her shiny hair.

''I'll miss you too Harry, I love you and I'll beg my parents to get you out of there.'' Ginny said as the tears forming in her eyes, trickled slowly down her face.

''Love you angel.'' Harry said as he slowly got off the train.

''Love you too.'' Ginny said sadly as she watched Harry walk through the barrier back to the muggle world, and she walked over to her parents to be met by her brother scooping her up in his arms and hugging her tightly.

''Why the long face Gin?'' Charlie asked as he turned to where Ginny was looking.

''Harry's just gone.'' she said quietly.

''Are you with Harry Potter?'' Charlie asked amazed. ''Wow, I never knew, Did you know mum?''

''Know what Charlie?'' Mrs Weasley asked irratably, she was just listening to Ron who said he had something important to tell her. Not noticing his mothers tone Charlie continued.

''Ginny's got a new boyfriend.''

''Oh, who is he Gin.'' Mrs Weasley said happily. ''I hope he is better than that Micheal boy.''

''It's Harry mum.'' Ginny replied.

''Aww Harry. Good choice Gin.'' Mrs Weasley said a she turned back to Ron who was making huffing noises as his mother wan't listening to him. ''What is it Ron?'' Mrs Weasley said sharply, angry at not being able to talk to Ginny properly about Harry.

''I have a girlfriend.'' Ron said proudly.

''What? Who is she?'' Mrs Weasley asked quickly. ''I thought you liked Hermione.''

''I do like Hermione mum.'' Ron said obviously.

''Then you shouldn't have a girlfriend, if you have feelings for Hermione.'' Mrs Weasley scolded. 'It's not fair.''

''Mum, Mione is my girlfriend.'' Ron said happily, before his mother rushed forward to hug him, and Charlie clapped him proudly on the back.

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Harry walked alone through the magical barrier between platform nine and ten and back into the Muggle wolrld, he looked around for Uncle Vernon's surly face and Aunt Petunia's thin bony frame, along with his boxing 'champion' cousin Dudley, but they were nowhere to be found, he looked around anxiously for them but he still couldn't find them, he was just starting to panic when his eyes fell on a familiar pretty face, that belonged to Tonks, and a tall thin man that he immedeately recognised as Proffessor Lupin, a closer look told him that they were accompanied by Mad-eye Moody. Harry ran over to them as they stood patiently waiting for him.

''Harry.'' Lupin called as he saw Harry running towards them. He gave Harry a friendly hug as Tonk and Moody greeted him by patting him on the back and shaking his hand.

''Where are the Dursley's?'' Harry asked as he was finished being greeted by the few members of the order who had been assigned to collect him.

''You aren't going back there this year Harry.'' Lupin told him, smiling at the look of relief that had started to spread across Harry's face. ''Dumbledore has given you permission to come and stay at my house this year.'' Lupin informed him as Harry hugged him happily again.

''Does this mean I never have to go back to the Dursleys?'' Harry asked hopefully.

''Not if you don't want to.'' Lupin answered, knowing full well that Harry would never want to see them again in his life.

''Can I see Ginny in the holidays too?'' Harry asked hopefully.

''Of course I'd never dream of trying to keep a Potter away from his girl, I remember when I tried to stop James from seeing Lily, that's something I'd never want to repeat again.'' Lupin replied good naturedly.

''Well Remus, we'll leave you now.'' Tonks said as she and Moody turned and walked away.

''Thanks.'' Lupin called after them as he ushered Harry out into the car park, to find the car that Lupin had conjured, to take them back to Lupins' house. The car ride was short and most of it was spent with Lupin telling Harry stories of his days at school, and the adventures that the Marauders had. After a while the car pulled up in front of a small home that looked quite old. The garden was wild and unruly, full of overgrown country flowers and grasses.

''It's not much but it's home.'' Lupin said as he gestured for Harry to walk up the set of steps leading to the front door. As Harry reached the front door, it was opened by a woman with raven black hair and piercing purple eyes.

''Proffessor Golding.'' Harry said shocked. Maybe Ginny was right about her having a boyfriend, maybe she was with Lupin.

''Hello Harry, come in. And I've told you call me Destiny.'' Harry walked silently into the small house and walked into the front room, as Lupin dropped his school trunk in the hallway and placed Hedwigs cage on the ground next to it. As Harry entered the front room, a tall, dark man raised himself out of the arm chair and turned to face Harry, Harry gasped in shock as he took in the man's chiselled features and mop of dark hair.

''Sirius?!''

(A.N - And that's the end of that story, sorry to leave you on a cliffie but hey, I had to keep you all interested. I promise that the next story will be up on the 1st or 2nd of September. It will be called 'CRUEL TO BE KIND' and I think it'll be great. It will be a sequel to this one and will start off exactly where this one finished. To answer a few questions, no Ron and Hermione have not had sex, niether have Harry and Ginny. Thank you for reviewing this story and I'm glad that most of you have loved it just as much as I do. I hope you'll all read 'CRUEL TO BE KIND'. Please review and let me know what you think. Just to let you all know that I know how Sirius has returned already, so if any story comes out while I'm away that has Sirius returning I can't be accused of plot stealing. I didn't copy the plot!!! Thanx ice princess12 x x x x x x x x)

(hahero01 - bet you're glad to be going back, although I don't know why you're going back so early, what part of the world do you live in? I don't go back untill September.)