A/N: This is a relatively short chapter, but it sets up the plot nicely for the rest of the story. Thanks to my beta and my wonderful reviewers.
Chapter 14. Spilling the Beans
Luna felt sorry for Harry. She understood what he was going through, but she knew it was best for him to deal with it on his own. She watched through the window as Harry sat there listening to the solicitor, Sirius, Professor McGonagall and the Headmaster. "Hullo, Luna," said a familiar voice.
Turning around, she was face to face with Neville. "Hi, Neville. How are your parents?"
"Much better, thanks. We get to bring them home tomorrow. I'm a little nervous, but my Gran says it will be alright. How about you? How are you doing?" asked Neville.
"Pretty good. Ginny invited me over for a few days, so I may be coming so that we can hang out. She said that you might be invited as well."
"Yeah. I think that once my parents get settled, I may try to come over. It would give them more time to adjust to the house," he added.
***
Hermione smiled. "Look at them! They look good together. I think that they would be happy, too," she added.
"Honestly, 'Mione, let them alone. If they want to get together then let them…if not then leave them alone," he laughed.
Ginny walked over. "I do hope that Harry is okay. He wasn't taking the news regarding his grandparents very well, now they have him encircled and are talking to him." She looked at Neville and Luna, laughing and making conversation. "Looks like my plan is working," she smiled.
***
Draco Malfoy wanted revenge. He could taste it. After the incident at the Ministry, he became more resolved then ever to make Harry Potter feel pain. He delved deep into his Father's library, searching for the right method needed to accomplish his means.
He was reaching the end of his patience when he saw it. All he needed were the right ingredients, then Harry Potter and his little circle of friends would pay…and then he, Draco, would be the most famous wizard of all. He went to his room to draw out his plan, laughing evilly to himself.
***
The next few weeks at the Burrow went by rapidly. Harry got to know more about his family, including his grandparents. He and Ginny went to visit his properties with Wen-Lee and met the employees that had been employed by the Potters for years. Preparations for moving into the house his parents had left him in London began with earnest. He had invited Neville to stay with him as it was very close to the Ministry.
Mrs. Weasley and Sirius had made their amends and now chatted amicably. Ron and Hermione were busy with Mrs. Granger making plans for the wedding. Harry, as Ron's best friend, had offered to cover all the expenses with his new-found wealth, but Ron refused. Mr. Weasley had talked to Wen-Lee about advising him with his money, and Harry heartily approved.
Mrs. Weasley came downstairs to find all new furniture one morning. She immediately looked at Harry, who denied everything. She hugged him and kissed him on the cheek. Harry just smiled and admitted his guilt. "How else was I going to repay you for all the warm sweaters you've given me?" he asked.
***
It was early July by the time things started slowing down. Harry had finally gotten used to calling his grandparents Albus and Minerva. The revelation that they were related almost sent Snape into St. Mungo's.
Luna and Neville had begun coming over fairly often. Snape had begun calling them the "six-pack", but none of them knew why. Luna had finally asked Neville out, and they were an item. They all went out together, and they grew closer.
Hermione and Ron had dragged everyone to Diagon Alley to be fitted for their wedding clothes. Ron and the groomsmen were going to wear dress robes resembling morning suits traditionally worn by Muggles. Hermione was wearing her mother's wedding dress, which had been magically cleaned and refitted. Almost everything was ready for their big day.
It was a warm Saturday afternoon. Ginny and Harry had been at Luna's and were walking along when they heard a cracking sound behind them. Harry pulled Ginny to one side and whipped his wand out from its holster and turned to face whoever had just apparated. Tonks stood there grinning. "Bloody good reflexes, Harry. Sorry you two, but Albus has sent me to collect you. He wants to speak to you at the Burrow immediately."
Tonks apparated back accompanied by Harry and Ginny. They found Albus looking very serious, deep in a discussion with Molly. "Now, Molly, they are not really children anymore. You can't help but see how close they are…or the fact that they are listening in the next room right now." Harry and Ginny walked in and they saw the calming twinkle in his eyes. "Harry, Ginny, I need the two of you to accompany me to Hogwarts. Sybill seems to want to speak to us. Also, Molly and Sirius are needed."
Harry looked apprehensively at his grandfather. "Do you know what this is about?"
Albus returned Harry's look. "I have suspicions, but with Sybill, alas, one can never be sure. We are to meet her in her quarters in 30 minutes. Are you ready?" Harry, Ginny and Molly nodded and agreed to apparate to outside of the gates of Hogwarts. As a group, they disappeared.
***
Firenze was not one to believe that Sybill Trelawney was gifted, even with Dumbledore's assurance. But what he had witnessed that morning had changed his mind. Usually careful to avoid contact with the other staff as much as possible, he had been surprised to find her outside his door. She looked shaken and questioned him about what he saw in the stars. He had explained that Mars was entering a high point, but that it appeared that Venus was catching quickly. Soon, Venus would catch up and eclipse Mars. Sybill had fainted at this and he had tried to wake her up. Suddenly, she sat up and with a blank look on her face, she began to speak. The voice that came out of her mouth was not the one she usually used, but a deeper, more ominous sounding voice that began "THE ONE WHO CONQUERED THE DARK LORD WILL WED…"
***
Harry and the others appeared at almost the same time. Harry grabbed Ginny's hand and they all followed Albus into the castle. Following the familiar path to Divination in the North Tower, they entered the room where the ladder leading to the trapdoor was. Albus passed this by and walked over to a painting of the constellations. He said a password "Universus totalus" and the portrait swung open to reveal a foul odor. Harry knew that smell at once…it was the smell of death.
