CHAPTER 2
THE INTEROGATION
Harry's head swirled in a sea if colours and sparkles, as he zoomed towards the fireplace in the Burrow, it was almost eleven o'clock and Harry was rushing to the Burrow to pick up Ginny to take her back to the house that he shared with Lupin, Sirius and Destiny. He saw the correct opening, and flung his arms out just in time to stop and fall out of the fireplace in the Weasleys kitchen. Unfortunately, Harry had still not mastered the art of travelling by Floo powder, and he had to blink to remove the ashes from his eyes as he pulled himself up off the kitchen floor. The first thing he saw when he regained his vision was Molly Weasley running over to him brandishing her wand. Worrying that she didn't like the idea of him going out with Ginny he closed his eyes tightly preparing for the hit of the hex. But all he felt was a cool sensation sweeping over his body, like a cool breeze on a hot summers day.
''Removes the ash dear.'' Mrs Weasley said as she surveyed Harry fondly, sweeping a stray curl out of her face. ''My you've grown, I'm glad to hear you aren't back with those terrible muggles, you'll be much better off with Remus.'' Mrs Weasley said as she ushered Harry into a chair in the dining room and placed a large cup of pumpkin juice in front of him. He seized it, and drank it quickly in huge gulps, whether it was to dislodge some of the ash that was still stuck in his throat or to avoid being in Mrs Weasleys presence Harry didn't know, all he did know was that all of a sudden being with Mrs Weasley made him feel very uncomfortable, it must have showed on his face because a minute later Mrs Weasley placed a comforting hand on his shoulder and said.
''Don't worry love, I haven't got a problem with you seeing Ginny, I think you make a perfect couple.'' Relief washed over Harry as he heard these words, she didn't hate him or think that he was trying to take their daughter away from them.
''Thanks Mrs Weasley..um.......wheres Ginny?'' Harry asked awkwardly.
''Oh she's upstairs getting a few things ready with Hermione, you can wait for her in the living room if you want.'' Mrs Weasley said, giving Harry an apologetic look as he walked from the kitchen into the living room to be faced with a very formidable sight.
Every seat, apart from one chair placed in front of all the others, in the large living room of the Burrow was occupied by a male member of the Weasley family. Arthur Weasley sat with his arms crossed and looking upon Harry with a mixed expression on his face, he was torn between happiness at seeing that Harry was well, and a look that showed that he had an unpleasant task laying ahead of him. Bill Weasley also surveyed Harry through narrowed eyes, although he didn't look as though he didn't trust Harry, more that he was checking him over. Charlie Weasley, who was also present in the room of red heads, smiled at Harry and gestured for him to take a seat, the only empty seat that was placed in front of all the others, making Harry feel as though he were back in the courtroom he was tried in, during his fifth year. He glanced around and saw Fred and George sitting in identical poses, grinning madly at Harry, this eased Harry's mind until he looked over and saw that to Charlie's left, sat Ron looking very solemn, looking at Harry with a grim expression, Harry gulped, whatever he was expecting, this certainly wasn't it. He started to get visibly worried and extremely nervous until Ron caught his eye and winked at him mischeivously. Even in his state of unease, Harry couldn't help but notice that Percy was still missing from the large group of men sitting before him.
''Hello Harry.'' Mr Weasley said, trying to keep his voice even. ''I'll just try and get this over with as soon as possible, it'll be easier for us all that way.'' Mr Weasley said very formally, Harry would've laughed had he seen the Weasleys questionning someone were it not him, but sitting in that chair facing six Weasleys, known for their quick tempers, Harry couldn't find anything funny about the situation at all. ''Now as we all know you have been a fantastic friend to Ron, no-one can question that Harry, but we have recently discovered that you have started going out with Ginny, that is why we wanted to talk to you.'' Mr Weasley explained, dropping the formality and surveying Harry kindly, it seemed as though it were common practice to interrogate Ginny's boyfriends.
''Um.....ok then.'' Harry replied, unsure of what he was about to experience.
''How long have you been seeing Ginny for Harry?'' Charlie asked, not harshly, but interestedly.
''Almost a year now.''
''So you are quite serious about each other?''
''Yes, Well I'm serious about Ginny anyway, I hope she is serious about me too.'' Harry answered, hoping beyond hope that he was giving the correct answers.
''And what are your intentions Harry?'' Fred and George with stern expressions on their faces, betrayed by the laughter in their eyes.
''What.......What do you mean my intentions?'' Harry asked, confused.
''Oh........Not too clever this one.'' George said pretending to be disappointed.
''Yes, that'll count against him.'' Fred replied mischeivously.
''Alright that's enough you two.'' Bill said sternly. ''But it is a fair question, what are your intentions Harry?'' Bill repeated, then noticing the blank look on Harry's face he re-phrased. ''Why are you with her Harry?''
''I'm with Ginny, because I love her and she means the world to me.'' Harry answered confidently, it was the most obvious thing in the world to him, his love for Ginny was true. He couldn't believe anyone would doubt that.
''But how do we know that he is telling the truth.'' Ron asked, grinning at the incredulous look on Harry's face. ''What if he's just saying that so we'll let him see her.''
''I'm not lying.'' Harry half shouted at Ron, ''You know that I love her, and that I would do anything to make her happy.''
''Calm down mate, I was only joking.'' Ron said as he looked sheepishly at Harry.
''Harry, we need to be sure, we don't want Ginny getting hurt.'' Charlie said, explaining the reason that he was there, and Harry thought Ron was too over-protective, he hadn't seen the half of it. Here he was faced with all her older brothers, trying to convince them he genuinely cared for their youngest and only sister.
''Neither do I.'' Harry said truthfully, his voice full of compassion and love. ''I'd never want to hurt her.''
''Well then that's decided.'' Mr Weasley said, ''we all know that Harry is fiercly loyal, and that he loves her, that's all that matters isn't it.'' he finished, looking relieved that the whole thing was over.
''I agree.'' Bill and Charlie said in unison. ''But let us warn you Harry, if you ever hurt her, you'll have all of us to answer to.'' Charlie finished gravely.
''I won't hurt her, I promise.'' Harry answered confidently.
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''Oh God, I hope he's ok down there.'' Ginny said to Hermione as she paced back and forth her bedroom, while watching Hermione neatly fold all of her clothes.
''I'm sure he'll be fine.'' Hermione soothed her as she folded a pair of blue jeans, and packed them neatly into Ginny's small suitcase. ''I mean they all know and like Harry anyway, they won't be too hard on him.''
''I hope so.'' Ginny sighed, sometimes being the youngest and the only girl had it's drawbacks. ''Ron'll have to go through all this next week.'' Ginny said, smiling at the thought.
''Yes, he should be lucky I haven't got any older brothers.'' Hermione said thankfully. ''Although my father was bad enough when Viktor came to stay for a while.''
''Why, what did he do?'' Ginny asked curiously.
''Well he assumed that he was my boyfriend, and took him into his study.'' Hermione said as she temporarily abandoned packing for Ginny who was too nervous to even think about what to pack. ''From what Viktor told me, my father had placed a pair of old boxing gloves on the desk, and told Viktor that he used to be a boxing champion, and would beat him to a pulp if he hurt me.'' Hermione said, blushing at the memory, ''that was quite embarassing.''
''It must've been.'' Ginny sympathised, and was thankful he father didn't know what boxing was.
''Oh that's not all, oh no the embarassment continues. He even made up a nickname for himself.'' Hermione said cringing.
''What was it?'' Ginny asked as she started laughing.
''Frank 'fire fists' Granger'' Hermione said, laughing at the name.
''Oh God, that's bad.'' Ginny laughed.
''And his name isn't even Frank it's John.'' Hermione said laughing along with her friend. ''Do you think I should warn Ron?''
''Nah, it'll be funny to see his face when he comes out.'' Ginny answered wickedly.
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''Thanks you.'' Harry said as he walked back into the kitchen to wait for Ginny, with Ron.
''Hey, I was just looking out for my sister.'' Ron answered happily, as he took a homemade biscuit from the tin on the table, then offering the tin to Harry.
''Yeah, well you made it worse.'' Harry answered grumpily, although he was relieved that he had passed the inquesition.
''Oh come on Harry.'' Ron said. ''We all knew you were suitable for Ginny, that was just a formality, you know, it's kind of a tradition. To make sure.''
''So that was for nothing, I went through that for nothing?'' Harry asked unbelievingly, he was about to continue his rant, but he lost his train of thought the moment he saw Ginny walking down the stairs carrying her case.
Harry rushed forwards and took her heavy case of her and returned it to the bottom of the starirs, before turning around and taking both her hands into his own and pulling her into a loving embrace. It always amazed Harry that everytime he saw Ginny she looked more beautiful than the last time he saw her, today was no different, although she was wearing just a simple denim skirt and a plain white top, she looked breath taking to Harry.
Hermione smiled at Ron as they watched the two hug and whisper into each others ears, remembering the day that they were first saw each other after being apart, the scene that lay before them was almost identical to the scene that occured on the day they were reunited.
After a while Harry and Ginny finally broke apart, Ginny smiling more brightly than she had done in weeks, and Harry grinning just as madly. Harry ushered tham all out into the Wesaley's very large back garden and into a garage, that was situated very far away from the house. Telling them he had to talk to them all alone. They all entered the garage, shooting Harry questionning looks as he checked that no-one was around and shut the door. He took a seat on the workbench, that was littered with fuses, wires and plugs.
''I have some really great news to tell you all.'' Harry said in a whisper, although the happiness in his voice was still apparent.
''You get to live with Lupin forever?'' Ron guessed.
''Yeah, but thats only half of it.'' Harry said excitedly. ''Now if I tell you this, you must promise never to tell anyone, not even your parents.'' Harry warned. ''It is top secret, no-one knows.''
''Oh what have you done now Harry?'' Hermione said, exasperated.
''Nothing.'' Harry answered indignantly. ''Sirius is back.'' he stated simply, looking around at all of their confused faces, before launching into the whole story, and telling them that he had also found out that Destiny is his god-mother.
''That's great Harry.'' Ginny gushed, as Harry finished his story. ''I'm so happy for you.'' Harry grasped her hand and pulled her in for a kiss.
''Me too.'' Hermione said happily. ''You deserve it.''
''Yeah, We won't tell anyone.'' Ron promised, before watching Harry and Ginny walk back up to the house, so they could travel by Floo back to Harry's new home. With Hermione shouting after Harry not to forget his apparition test later in the holidays. Leaving Ron and Hermione alone in the garage, with only batteries, wires and engine parts to keep them company, not that they needed anyone but each other.
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''Mione I don't know.'' Ron whined as he stepped out of his fathers car with her.
''Oh come on, don't be a baby.'' shereplied firmly, taking him by his hand.
They walked slowly along a street that was lined with huge oak trees, the houses on each side of the road were very grand and located very far away from each other. They all looked neat and tidy, as though the owners were all very respectable and very rich. Ron looked down at his best blue jeans and his smartest black T-shirt, and yet he still felt scruffy. They turned up into a long winding drive-way, that lead up to the house that they had all stayed in, in the previous summer. Hermiones house.
''What if they hate me Mione?'' Ron asked nervously as Hermione rang the doorbell waiting for her mother or father to answer the door and let her in.
''They won't hate you Ron.'' Hermione said calmly, as she watched her mothers blurred appearance get closer and closer through the frosted glass. ''They've already met you remember.''
''Hermione.'' her mother said happily as she saw her daughter standing before her, and immedeately pulled her inrto a hug. ''And you must be Ron, gosh you've grown since I saw you last.'' Mrs Granger said as she surveyed Ron warmly, smiling at him. Ron smiled nervously back, thinking that he'd rather be anywhere else in the world right now than in this awkward situation. What if they thought he wasn't good enough to be with their daughter, he had to admit that he had, had that thought on several occasions.
''Where's Daddy?'' Hermione asked curiously, although she suspected she knew what the answer would be.
''He's in his study dear, he would like a word with Ron, if that's alright.'' Mrs Granger said as she turned to Ron who gulped and nodded nervously.
''Yes Mrs Granger.'' he replied weakly. Noticing that her eyes were exactly the same chocolate brown as Hermione's were.
''Oh don't be silly call me Mary.'' she said as she smiled at him. Hermione lead a very nervous and anxious Ron up the starirs and across the landing to her fathers study. Listening him mutter about knowing how Harry felt, and wishing he were invisible. She left Ron at the door to the study and went back downstairs to talk to her mother while she waited, but not before reassuring Ron that he would be fine. She actually thought he looked quite sweet when he was all panicky and scared.
Ron knocked firmly on the door to Hermione's father study and reluctantly entered when told to do so by a strict sounding voice from the other side of the door. Ron was beckoned to sit down, and he was extremely grateful, as his knees were about to give away at any minute.
''Cigar?'' Mr Granger offered, as he reached for a silver tin on the edge of his desk.
''No....No thanks sir, I........I don't smoke.'' Ron stuttered, looking apprehensively at Hermiones father, who was a tall, stocky man, with black hair that was flecked with grey, his eyes were a dark murky brown.
''Good, disgusting habit.'' Mr Granger said as he opened the tin and popped a mint into his mouth, Ron politely accepted a mint when he was offered. He nervously watched Hermione's father who had risen out of his seat and had walked over to a cabinet in the corner of the room, and pulled out a long thin black piece of material. ''Do you know what this is?'' He asked Ron sharply.
'No sir.'' Ron answered truthfully, thinking that whatever it was wasn't going to be good.
''This son, is a black belt in Karate.'' Mr Granger explained seriously. ''I was a champion in karate and judo, and if I ever hear that you have hurt my daughter I swear that I will chop you into small pieces with my bare hands.'' Ron gulped and his eyes widened in shock. ''Clear?'' Ron just nodded in response, his throat was dry and he couldn't find any words in his head. ''Yes, Steven 'The Slicer' Granger, was what they used to call me, because of how I could slice bricks in half so easily.'' Mr Granger continued, to emphasise his point, and although Ron was filled with a new found fear, he distinctly remembered Hermione telling him her fathers name was John.
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''How'd it go?'' Hermione questionned as Ron exited her fathers study, she had tried to listen through the oak door, but it was too thick and she could only hear muffled voices.
''Oh Fine. He just threatened to slice me into little pieces if I ever hurt you.'' Ron said, he looked pale and as Hermione reached for his hand she noticed that his palms were extremely sweaty. ''Why didn't you tell me your father was a karate and judo champion?'' Ron asked Hermione, who had turned away from him.
''Oh I don't know, I didn't think it was important.'' she answered innocently.
''Not important! Not important! Of course it's important.'' Ron said as he was lead out of Hermione's house and into her back garden.
''Why? He said he'd only hurt you if you hurt me, and seeing as you promised never to hurt me it shouldn't be a problem should it?'' Hermione asked dangerously, she knew her father was no karate champion, but it couldn't hurt to have Ron think he was, especially if it made him think twice about doing something to hurt her.
''No, it's not, it's just.....God he's scary.'' Ron finished as he sat down on a bench next to Hermione in her tidy back garden, with flower filled borders and freshly cut grass. He put his arm around Hermione's waist and pulled her close to him, while he tried to recover from his encounter with 'The Slicer.'
They sat out in the sunshine for most of the day and Ron's arm remained firmly placed around Hermione's waist, holding her close to him, so he could smell the flowery smell of her curly hair, and feel the warmth of her body next to his.
Ron looked back at Hermione's house, it really was a grand house, far too big for only three people Ron thought, he noticed a honeysuckle trailing up and around Hermione's bedroom window, and the red roses that grew underneath the kitchen window. The kitchen window where a face of a man suddenly appeared, a man that had dark hair, flecked with grey and murky brown eyes, the man appeared to be staring furiously at Ron. Ron gulped it was Hermione's father, he looked back and saw him do a karate chop, Ron pulled his arm away from Hermione so fast that it was a blur. Smiling John Granger left the kitchen satisfied that Ron had got the message loud and clear.
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Back at Lupin's Harry and Ginny had just arrived out of the fireplace that was in Lupin's living room. Ginny landing more gracefully than Harry, who had once again fallen out of the fireplace. She heard him cursing and muttering about not being able to wait to apparate, as she performed the ash removal spell she had learnt from her mother on both herself and Harry.
After Ginny had been properly introduced to all the adults that stayed at Lupin's, they both went upstairs to 'unpack' Ginny's things. Although Sirius wasn't fooled by their excuses, he knew they had gone upstairs to make up for all the kissing they had missed out on while they were seperated. He sympathised with them, he knew how it felt to be seperated from his loved one, only he had been seperated from her for almost fifteen years, but none of that mattered now that they were together again. He had Destiny back by his side, that was what his whole life was meant to be like, him and Destiny against the world, they were supposed to get married, have children, settle down, but that all went wrong after Peter Pettigrew betrayed them all to Voldemort. Sirius growled as he thought of the filthy rat, who had been responsible for ruining innocent people's lives. Harry's being one of the lives he ruined.
As Sirius sat down in an old armchair, Lupin entered the room, he looked less pale and tired than usual, the potions that he had been researching, obviously having a positive affect on him. He too sank down onto the patterned sofa, next to a pile of old newspapers, he sighed heavily as he pulled a new newspaper out from the inside of his robes and passed it over to Sirius who took one glance at the front page and groaned.
MINISTRY EMPLOYEE ATTACKED!!
Emmeline Vance and her husband Geoffory, were attacked last night at their home in Devon. The house was stormed by no less than five Death Eater's at midnight last night, who were intent on harming Mrs Vance and her husband, who is a healer at St Mungo's. They were found late last night by Muggle police, who were informed of a disturbance at the house.
No property was damaged which leads us to believe that this attack was not a ramdom terrorist attack but that Mrs Vance was targetted, for Ministry information. Both Mr and Mrs Vance are now in St Mungo's recovering from their horrific ordeal. Mr Vance is in a critical state, he was hit in the chest with five stunners, each sent by a very powerful witch or wizard, Mrs Vance however suffered several rounds of the Crucatius curse, which we believe was used to try and get Ministry information from her, and has also been hit with a mixture of jinxes and curses.
Emmeline Vance is also unconcious in St Mungo's and has only said four words since she was found. 'I told them nothing.' Nobody as of yet knows how Mr and Mrs Vance survived the attack, or why the Death Eaters didn't kill them when they received no information, all we know is that Mr and Mrs Vance are both extremely lucky.
Miranda Appleby (Daily Prophet)
''Oh God! It's started.'' Sirius said loudly as he threw the newspaper onto the floor angrily. ''Do you think it's coinceidence?''
''It can't be, look how many people work at the Ministry, why target Emmeline.'' Lupin sighed sadly. ''It has to be because they are order members, both of the Vances are extremely close to Dumbledore.''
''You know what this means?'' Sirius asked gravely. ''We are being watched, we have to be, how else would he know that they were in the order?''
''I don't know.'' Lupin admitted. ''But how did they both escape, I mean after several rounds of the Crucatius curse no-one would be able to fight off five Death Eaters.'' Lupin said, jumping as he heard a loud crack, and saw Tonks materialise in front of him. ''Tonks, what are you doing here?'' Lupin asked suddenly, shocked that a woman with short, spiky, bubblegum pink hair just appeared in front of him.
''Heard the news?'' she asked seriously, as she took a seat next to Lupin on the sofa.
''Yeah.'' Sirius answered. ''We were just talking about it.''
''Terrible isn't it. Lucky me and Kingsley were passing by.'' Tonks said, oblivious to the fact that Sirius and Lupin had no clue that she had been there at all.
''You were there, how?'' Sirius asked, confused.
''No we weren't there, but Kingsley wanted to go there to get Geoffory to look at a wound on his arm that he got the other day, so I agreed to go with him.'' Tonks said, stopping only as she was interrupted by Lupin.
''Why were you with him?''
''We'd been on duty all day together.'' she replied simply, not noticing the harsh tone in Lupin's voice. ''Anyway, we went by, even though I told Kingsley they'd be sleeping because it was almost midnight but he said he needed to get his wound checked out as he suspected it could be poisoned, so anyway we went there and we got suspicious when we saw the lights on downstairs. Then we heard this ear splitting scream, honestly it was terrible, the room flashed a bright shade of red, so me and Kingsley pulled out our wands and snuck up to the window to see how many Death Eaters we were facing. There were five of them, so we crept into the house and started jinxing them all, but that was when the Muggle Police turned up, so they all disapperated, leaving both of the Vance's laying on the floor.'' Tonks finished sadly.
''Why weren't you and Kingsley mentioned in the paper as their rescuers then?'' Sirius asked her, as he passed her the paper to look at.
''Well before the police approached, I rushed over to Emmeline who was barely concious but she told me to go, said it would give away the order if I stayed there, it would look suspicious for two fully trained aurors to be at her house at midnight. I tried to help but she insisted we leave, so just as the police burst in Kingsley and me disapperated.''
''Your lucky you weren't killed.'' Lupin said sternly, although his eyes were shining with admiration. ''Did you see any of the Death Eaters?''
''The usual culprits, Malfoy, Crabbe, Goyle, Nott and Macnair.'' Tonks said in a bored voice. ''They're the ones Voldemort always sends on his terrorist missions.''
''Does Dumbledore know about the attack?'' Sirius asked, breaking out of his momentary reverie.
''Yes, we told him as soon as we left the Vance's.'' Tonks said seriously. ''He's going to call a meeting soon, at Grimmauld Place. He thinks, as do I that the attack wasn't coincidental, that the Vances were targetted for being order members. We are under threat, we all are.'' Tonks finished gravely as she looked at Lupin, a quiet sadness reflected in her eyes.
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(A.N How was that chapter? I think it was a bit more interesting than the first, What do you think? Thanks for reveiwing the last chapter and I am so glad that you have come back to read this story, it means a lot to me that you like the story enough to read the sequel. More fluffiness next chapter, and possibly the order meeting, don't know yet. What did you think of Hermione's dad? I'd love to know. Thanks guys ice princess12. x x x x x x x x x x x x)
THE INTEROGATION
Harry's head swirled in a sea if colours and sparkles, as he zoomed towards the fireplace in the Burrow, it was almost eleven o'clock and Harry was rushing to the Burrow to pick up Ginny to take her back to the house that he shared with Lupin, Sirius and Destiny. He saw the correct opening, and flung his arms out just in time to stop and fall out of the fireplace in the Weasleys kitchen. Unfortunately, Harry had still not mastered the art of travelling by Floo powder, and he had to blink to remove the ashes from his eyes as he pulled himself up off the kitchen floor. The first thing he saw when he regained his vision was Molly Weasley running over to him brandishing her wand. Worrying that she didn't like the idea of him going out with Ginny he closed his eyes tightly preparing for the hit of the hex. But all he felt was a cool sensation sweeping over his body, like a cool breeze on a hot summers day.
''Removes the ash dear.'' Mrs Weasley said as she surveyed Harry fondly, sweeping a stray curl out of her face. ''My you've grown, I'm glad to hear you aren't back with those terrible muggles, you'll be much better off with Remus.'' Mrs Weasley said as she ushered Harry into a chair in the dining room and placed a large cup of pumpkin juice in front of him. He seized it, and drank it quickly in huge gulps, whether it was to dislodge some of the ash that was still stuck in his throat or to avoid being in Mrs Weasleys presence Harry didn't know, all he did know was that all of a sudden being with Mrs Weasley made him feel very uncomfortable, it must have showed on his face because a minute later Mrs Weasley placed a comforting hand on his shoulder and said.
''Don't worry love, I haven't got a problem with you seeing Ginny, I think you make a perfect couple.'' Relief washed over Harry as he heard these words, she didn't hate him or think that he was trying to take their daughter away from them.
''Thanks Mrs Weasley..um.......wheres Ginny?'' Harry asked awkwardly.
''Oh she's upstairs getting a few things ready with Hermione, you can wait for her in the living room if you want.'' Mrs Weasley said, giving Harry an apologetic look as he walked from the kitchen into the living room to be faced with a very formidable sight.
Every seat, apart from one chair placed in front of all the others, in the large living room of the Burrow was occupied by a male member of the Weasley family. Arthur Weasley sat with his arms crossed and looking upon Harry with a mixed expression on his face, he was torn between happiness at seeing that Harry was well, and a look that showed that he had an unpleasant task laying ahead of him. Bill Weasley also surveyed Harry through narrowed eyes, although he didn't look as though he didn't trust Harry, more that he was checking him over. Charlie Weasley, who was also present in the room of red heads, smiled at Harry and gestured for him to take a seat, the only empty seat that was placed in front of all the others, making Harry feel as though he were back in the courtroom he was tried in, during his fifth year. He glanced around and saw Fred and George sitting in identical poses, grinning madly at Harry, this eased Harry's mind until he looked over and saw that to Charlie's left, sat Ron looking very solemn, looking at Harry with a grim expression, Harry gulped, whatever he was expecting, this certainly wasn't it. He started to get visibly worried and extremely nervous until Ron caught his eye and winked at him mischeivously. Even in his state of unease, Harry couldn't help but notice that Percy was still missing from the large group of men sitting before him.
''Hello Harry.'' Mr Weasley said, trying to keep his voice even. ''I'll just try and get this over with as soon as possible, it'll be easier for us all that way.'' Mr Weasley said very formally, Harry would've laughed had he seen the Weasleys questionning someone were it not him, but sitting in that chair facing six Weasleys, known for their quick tempers, Harry couldn't find anything funny about the situation at all. ''Now as we all know you have been a fantastic friend to Ron, no-one can question that Harry, but we have recently discovered that you have started going out with Ginny, that is why we wanted to talk to you.'' Mr Weasley explained, dropping the formality and surveying Harry kindly, it seemed as though it were common practice to interrogate Ginny's boyfriends.
''Um.....ok then.'' Harry replied, unsure of what he was about to experience.
''How long have you been seeing Ginny for Harry?'' Charlie asked, not harshly, but interestedly.
''Almost a year now.''
''So you are quite serious about each other?''
''Yes, Well I'm serious about Ginny anyway, I hope she is serious about me too.'' Harry answered, hoping beyond hope that he was giving the correct answers.
''And what are your intentions Harry?'' Fred and George with stern expressions on their faces, betrayed by the laughter in their eyes.
''What.......What do you mean my intentions?'' Harry asked, confused.
''Oh........Not too clever this one.'' George said pretending to be disappointed.
''Yes, that'll count against him.'' Fred replied mischeivously.
''Alright that's enough you two.'' Bill said sternly. ''But it is a fair question, what are your intentions Harry?'' Bill repeated, then noticing the blank look on Harry's face he re-phrased. ''Why are you with her Harry?''
''I'm with Ginny, because I love her and she means the world to me.'' Harry answered confidently, it was the most obvious thing in the world to him, his love for Ginny was true. He couldn't believe anyone would doubt that.
''But how do we know that he is telling the truth.'' Ron asked, grinning at the incredulous look on Harry's face. ''What if he's just saying that so we'll let him see her.''
''I'm not lying.'' Harry half shouted at Ron, ''You know that I love her, and that I would do anything to make her happy.''
''Calm down mate, I was only joking.'' Ron said as he looked sheepishly at Harry.
''Harry, we need to be sure, we don't want Ginny getting hurt.'' Charlie said, explaining the reason that he was there, and Harry thought Ron was too over-protective, he hadn't seen the half of it. Here he was faced with all her older brothers, trying to convince them he genuinely cared for their youngest and only sister.
''Neither do I.'' Harry said truthfully, his voice full of compassion and love. ''I'd never want to hurt her.''
''Well then that's decided.'' Mr Weasley said, ''we all know that Harry is fiercly loyal, and that he loves her, that's all that matters isn't it.'' he finished, looking relieved that the whole thing was over.
''I agree.'' Bill and Charlie said in unison. ''But let us warn you Harry, if you ever hurt her, you'll have all of us to answer to.'' Charlie finished gravely.
''I won't hurt her, I promise.'' Harry answered confidently.
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''Oh God, I hope he's ok down there.'' Ginny said to Hermione as she paced back and forth her bedroom, while watching Hermione neatly fold all of her clothes.
''I'm sure he'll be fine.'' Hermione soothed her as she folded a pair of blue jeans, and packed them neatly into Ginny's small suitcase. ''I mean they all know and like Harry anyway, they won't be too hard on him.''
''I hope so.'' Ginny sighed, sometimes being the youngest and the only girl had it's drawbacks. ''Ron'll have to go through all this next week.'' Ginny said, smiling at the thought.
''Yes, he should be lucky I haven't got any older brothers.'' Hermione said thankfully. ''Although my father was bad enough when Viktor came to stay for a while.''
''Why, what did he do?'' Ginny asked curiously.
''Well he assumed that he was my boyfriend, and took him into his study.'' Hermione said as she temporarily abandoned packing for Ginny who was too nervous to even think about what to pack. ''From what Viktor told me, my father had placed a pair of old boxing gloves on the desk, and told Viktor that he used to be a boxing champion, and would beat him to a pulp if he hurt me.'' Hermione said, blushing at the memory, ''that was quite embarassing.''
''It must've been.'' Ginny sympathised, and was thankful he father didn't know what boxing was.
''Oh that's not all, oh no the embarassment continues. He even made up a nickname for himself.'' Hermione said cringing.
''What was it?'' Ginny asked as she started laughing.
''Frank 'fire fists' Granger'' Hermione said, laughing at the name.
''Oh God, that's bad.'' Ginny laughed.
''And his name isn't even Frank it's John.'' Hermione said laughing along with her friend. ''Do you think I should warn Ron?''
''Nah, it'll be funny to see his face when he comes out.'' Ginny answered wickedly.
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''Thanks you.'' Harry said as he walked back into the kitchen to wait for Ginny, with Ron.
''Hey, I was just looking out for my sister.'' Ron answered happily, as he took a homemade biscuit from the tin on the table, then offering the tin to Harry.
''Yeah, well you made it worse.'' Harry answered grumpily, although he was relieved that he had passed the inquesition.
''Oh come on Harry.'' Ron said. ''We all knew you were suitable for Ginny, that was just a formality, you know, it's kind of a tradition. To make sure.''
''So that was for nothing, I went through that for nothing?'' Harry asked unbelievingly, he was about to continue his rant, but he lost his train of thought the moment he saw Ginny walking down the stairs carrying her case.
Harry rushed forwards and took her heavy case of her and returned it to the bottom of the starirs, before turning around and taking both her hands into his own and pulling her into a loving embrace. It always amazed Harry that everytime he saw Ginny she looked more beautiful than the last time he saw her, today was no different, although she was wearing just a simple denim skirt and a plain white top, she looked breath taking to Harry.
Hermione smiled at Ron as they watched the two hug and whisper into each others ears, remembering the day that they were first saw each other after being apart, the scene that lay before them was almost identical to the scene that occured on the day they were reunited.
After a while Harry and Ginny finally broke apart, Ginny smiling more brightly than she had done in weeks, and Harry grinning just as madly. Harry ushered tham all out into the Wesaley's very large back garden and into a garage, that was situated very far away from the house. Telling them he had to talk to them all alone. They all entered the garage, shooting Harry questionning looks as he checked that no-one was around and shut the door. He took a seat on the workbench, that was littered with fuses, wires and plugs.
''I have some really great news to tell you all.'' Harry said in a whisper, although the happiness in his voice was still apparent.
''You get to live with Lupin forever?'' Ron guessed.
''Yeah, but thats only half of it.'' Harry said excitedly. ''Now if I tell you this, you must promise never to tell anyone, not even your parents.'' Harry warned. ''It is top secret, no-one knows.''
''Oh what have you done now Harry?'' Hermione said, exasperated.
''Nothing.'' Harry answered indignantly. ''Sirius is back.'' he stated simply, looking around at all of their confused faces, before launching into the whole story, and telling them that he had also found out that Destiny is his god-mother.
''That's great Harry.'' Ginny gushed, as Harry finished his story. ''I'm so happy for you.'' Harry grasped her hand and pulled her in for a kiss.
''Me too.'' Hermione said happily. ''You deserve it.''
''Yeah, We won't tell anyone.'' Ron promised, before watching Harry and Ginny walk back up to the house, so they could travel by Floo back to Harry's new home. With Hermione shouting after Harry not to forget his apparition test later in the holidays. Leaving Ron and Hermione alone in the garage, with only batteries, wires and engine parts to keep them company, not that they needed anyone but each other.
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''Mione I don't know.'' Ron whined as he stepped out of his fathers car with her.
''Oh come on, don't be a baby.'' shereplied firmly, taking him by his hand.
They walked slowly along a street that was lined with huge oak trees, the houses on each side of the road were very grand and located very far away from each other. They all looked neat and tidy, as though the owners were all very respectable and very rich. Ron looked down at his best blue jeans and his smartest black T-shirt, and yet he still felt scruffy. They turned up into a long winding drive-way, that lead up to the house that they had all stayed in, in the previous summer. Hermiones house.
''What if they hate me Mione?'' Ron asked nervously as Hermione rang the doorbell waiting for her mother or father to answer the door and let her in.
''They won't hate you Ron.'' Hermione said calmly, as she watched her mothers blurred appearance get closer and closer through the frosted glass. ''They've already met you remember.''
''Hermione.'' her mother said happily as she saw her daughter standing before her, and immedeately pulled her inrto a hug. ''And you must be Ron, gosh you've grown since I saw you last.'' Mrs Granger said as she surveyed Ron warmly, smiling at him. Ron smiled nervously back, thinking that he'd rather be anywhere else in the world right now than in this awkward situation. What if they thought he wasn't good enough to be with their daughter, he had to admit that he had, had that thought on several occasions.
''Where's Daddy?'' Hermione asked curiously, although she suspected she knew what the answer would be.
''He's in his study dear, he would like a word with Ron, if that's alright.'' Mrs Granger said as she turned to Ron who gulped and nodded nervously.
''Yes Mrs Granger.'' he replied weakly. Noticing that her eyes were exactly the same chocolate brown as Hermione's were.
''Oh don't be silly call me Mary.'' she said as she smiled at him. Hermione lead a very nervous and anxious Ron up the starirs and across the landing to her fathers study. Listening him mutter about knowing how Harry felt, and wishing he were invisible. She left Ron at the door to the study and went back downstairs to talk to her mother while she waited, but not before reassuring Ron that he would be fine. She actually thought he looked quite sweet when he was all panicky and scared.
Ron knocked firmly on the door to Hermione's father study and reluctantly entered when told to do so by a strict sounding voice from the other side of the door. Ron was beckoned to sit down, and he was extremely grateful, as his knees were about to give away at any minute.
''Cigar?'' Mr Granger offered, as he reached for a silver tin on the edge of his desk.
''No....No thanks sir, I........I don't smoke.'' Ron stuttered, looking apprehensively at Hermiones father, who was a tall, stocky man, with black hair that was flecked with grey, his eyes were a dark murky brown.
''Good, disgusting habit.'' Mr Granger said as he opened the tin and popped a mint into his mouth, Ron politely accepted a mint when he was offered. He nervously watched Hermione's father who had risen out of his seat and had walked over to a cabinet in the corner of the room, and pulled out a long thin black piece of material. ''Do you know what this is?'' He asked Ron sharply.
'No sir.'' Ron answered truthfully, thinking that whatever it was wasn't going to be good.
''This son, is a black belt in Karate.'' Mr Granger explained seriously. ''I was a champion in karate and judo, and if I ever hear that you have hurt my daughter I swear that I will chop you into small pieces with my bare hands.'' Ron gulped and his eyes widened in shock. ''Clear?'' Ron just nodded in response, his throat was dry and he couldn't find any words in his head. ''Yes, Steven 'The Slicer' Granger, was what they used to call me, because of how I could slice bricks in half so easily.'' Mr Granger continued, to emphasise his point, and although Ron was filled with a new found fear, he distinctly remembered Hermione telling him her fathers name was John.
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''How'd it go?'' Hermione questionned as Ron exited her fathers study, she had tried to listen through the oak door, but it was too thick and she could only hear muffled voices.
''Oh Fine. He just threatened to slice me into little pieces if I ever hurt you.'' Ron said, he looked pale and as Hermione reached for his hand she noticed that his palms were extremely sweaty. ''Why didn't you tell me your father was a karate and judo champion?'' Ron asked Hermione, who had turned away from him.
''Oh I don't know, I didn't think it was important.'' she answered innocently.
''Not important! Not important! Of course it's important.'' Ron said as he was lead out of Hermione's house and into her back garden.
''Why? He said he'd only hurt you if you hurt me, and seeing as you promised never to hurt me it shouldn't be a problem should it?'' Hermione asked dangerously, she knew her father was no karate champion, but it couldn't hurt to have Ron think he was, especially if it made him think twice about doing something to hurt her.
''No, it's not, it's just.....God he's scary.'' Ron finished as he sat down on a bench next to Hermione in her tidy back garden, with flower filled borders and freshly cut grass. He put his arm around Hermione's waist and pulled her close to him, while he tried to recover from his encounter with 'The Slicer.'
They sat out in the sunshine for most of the day and Ron's arm remained firmly placed around Hermione's waist, holding her close to him, so he could smell the flowery smell of her curly hair, and feel the warmth of her body next to his.
Ron looked back at Hermione's house, it really was a grand house, far too big for only three people Ron thought, he noticed a honeysuckle trailing up and around Hermione's bedroom window, and the red roses that grew underneath the kitchen window. The kitchen window where a face of a man suddenly appeared, a man that had dark hair, flecked with grey and murky brown eyes, the man appeared to be staring furiously at Ron. Ron gulped it was Hermione's father, he looked back and saw him do a karate chop, Ron pulled his arm away from Hermione so fast that it was a blur. Smiling John Granger left the kitchen satisfied that Ron had got the message loud and clear.
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Back at Lupin's Harry and Ginny had just arrived out of the fireplace that was in Lupin's living room. Ginny landing more gracefully than Harry, who had once again fallen out of the fireplace. She heard him cursing and muttering about not being able to wait to apparate, as she performed the ash removal spell she had learnt from her mother on both herself and Harry.
After Ginny had been properly introduced to all the adults that stayed at Lupin's, they both went upstairs to 'unpack' Ginny's things. Although Sirius wasn't fooled by their excuses, he knew they had gone upstairs to make up for all the kissing they had missed out on while they were seperated. He sympathised with them, he knew how it felt to be seperated from his loved one, only he had been seperated from her for almost fifteen years, but none of that mattered now that they were together again. He had Destiny back by his side, that was what his whole life was meant to be like, him and Destiny against the world, they were supposed to get married, have children, settle down, but that all went wrong after Peter Pettigrew betrayed them all to Voldemort. Sirius growled as he thought of the filthy rat, who had been responsible for ruining innocent people's lives. Harry's being one of the lives he ruined.
As Sirius sat down in an old armchair, Lupin entered the room, he looked less pale and tired than usual, the potions that he had been researching, obviously having a positive affect on him. He too sank down onto the patterned sofa, next to a pile of old newspapers, he sighed heavily as he pulled a new newspaper out from the inside of his robes and passed it over to Sirius who took one glance at the front page and groaned.
MINISTRY EMPLOYEE ATTACKED!!
Emmeline Vance and her husband Geoffory, were attacked last night at their home in Devon. The house was stormed by no less than five Death Eater's at midnight last night, who were intent on harming Mrs Vance and her husband, who is a healer at St Mungo's. They were found late last night by Muggle police, who were informed of a disturbance at the house.
No property was damaged which leads us to believe that this attack was not a ramdom terrorist attack but that Mrs Vance was targetted, for Ministry information. Both Mr and Mrs Vance are now in St Mungo's recovering from their horrific ordeal. Mr Vance is in a critical state, he was hit in the chest with five stunners, each sent by a very powerful witch or wizard, Mrs Vance however suffered several rounds of the Crucatius curse, which we believe was used to try and get Ministry information from her, and has also been hit with a mixture of jinxes and curses.
Emmeline Vance is also unconcious in St Mungo's and has only said four words since she was found. 'I told them nothing.' Nobody as of yet knows how Mr and Mrs Vance survived the attack, or why the Death Eaters didn't kill them when they received no information, all we know is that Mr and Mrs Vance are both extremely lucky.
Miranda Appleby (Daily Prophet)
''Oh God! It's started.'' Sirius said loudly as he threw the newspaper onto the floor angrily. ''Do you think it's coinceidence?''
''It can't be, look how many people work at the Ministry, why target Emmeline.'' Lupin sighed sadly. ''It has to be because they are order members, both of the Vances are extremely close to Dumbledore.''
''You know what this means?'' Sirius asked gravely. ''We are being watched, we have to be, how else would he know that they were in the order?''
''I don't know.'' Lupin admitted. ''But how did they both escape, I mean after several rounds of the Crucatius curse no-one would be able to fight off five Death Eaters.'' Lupin said, jumping as he heard a loud crack, and saw Tonks materialise in front of him. ''Tonks, what are you doing here?'' Lupin asked suddenly, shocked that a woman with short, spiky, bubblegum pink hair just appeared in front of him.
''Heard the news?'' she asked seriously, as she took a seat next to Lupin on the sofa.
''Yeah.'' Sirius answered. ''We were just talking about it.''
''Terrible isn't it. Lucky me and Kingsley were passing by.'' Tonks said, oblivious to the fact that Sirius and Lupin had no clue that she had been there at all.
''You were there, how?'' Sirius asked, confused.
''No we weren't there, but Kingsley wanted to go there to get Geoffory to look at a wound on his arm that he got the other day, so I agreed to go with him.'' Tonks said, stopping only as she was interrupted by Lupin.
''Why were you with him?''
''We'd been on duty all day together.'' she replied simply, not noticing the harsh tone in Lupin's voice. ''Anyway, we went by, even though I told Kingsley they'd be sleeping because it was almost midnight but he said he needed to get his wound checked out as he suspected it could be poisoned, so anyway we went there and we got suspicious when we saw the lights on downstairs. Then we heard this ear splitting scream, honestly it was terrible, the room flashed a bright shade of red, so me and Kingsley pulled out our wands and snuck up to the window to see how many Death Eaters we were facing. There were five of them, so we crept into the house and started jinxing them all, but that was when the Muggle Police turned up, so they all disapperated, leaving both of the Vance's laying on the floor.'' Tonks finished sadly.
''Why weren't you and Kingsley mentioned in the paper as their rescuers then?'' Sirius asked her, as he passed her the paper to look at.
''Well before the police approached, I rushed over to Emmeline who was barely concious but she told me to go, said it would give away the order if I stayed there, it would look suspicious for two fully trained aurors to be at her house at midnight. I tried to help but she insisted we leave, so just as the police burst in Kingsley and me disapperated.''
''Your lucky you weren't killed.'' Lupin said sternly, although his eyes were shining with admiration. ''Did you see any of the Death Eaters?''
''The usual culprits, Malfoy, Crabbe, Goyle, Nott and Macnair.'' Tonks said in a bored voice. ''They're the ones Voldemort always sends on his terrorist missions.''
''Does Dumbledore know about the attack?'' Sirius asked, breaking out of his momentary reverie.
''Yes, we told him as soon as we left the Vance's.'' Tonks said seriously. ''He's going to call a meeting soon, at Grimmauld Place. He thinks, as do I that the attack wasn't coincidental, that the Vances were targetted for being order members. We are under threat, we all are.'' Tonks finished gravely as she looked at Lupin, a quiet sadness reflected in her eyes.
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(A.N How was that chapter? I think it was a bit more interesting than the first, What do you think? Thanks for reveiwing the last chapter and I am so glad that you have come back to read this story, it means a lot to me that you like the story enough to read the sequel. More fluffiness next chapter, and possibly the order meeting, don't know yet. What did you think of Hermione's dad? I'd love to know. Thanks guys ice princess12. x x x x x x x x x x x x)