Disclaimer: Don't own Harry Potter… or any affiliated characters, ideas, etc. with the only exception being this storyline.

A/N: Very sorry for the delay in updating… busy time of year and all.  Read/ Review. I will try to post subsequent chapters in a more timely fashion ^_-

Chapter 18: The Calm before the Storm

Harry rolled over slowly.  He pulled his warm covers over his head in a feeble attempt to fall back asleep.  After several moments he got up in defeat.  He hadn't been out of bed much since Madam Pomfrey had released him from the hospital wing.  Upon being released from the hospital wing most of his days had been spent catching up on extra sleep or venturing down to the common room to sit with Ron and Ginny.

Hermione, honest to her word, had left the morning after, very relieved that he was alright.  She had still been rather reluctant to leave, but Harry at long last, convinced her to leave.  They would, after all, see her at the Burrow on Christmas day.    

Harry was actually surprised when he had learned that a good amount of students had actually stayed for the break.  Many younger students, as well as Dean and Seamus had decided to stay.  He figured it made sense as there weren't many places that were as safe as Hogwarts. 

As he walked to the nightstand to put on his glasses, he realized that he was the only one who was in the dormitory.  This slightly perplexed him as most of his roommates had taken to sleeping in over the vacation.  And then he realized what the reason was… it was Christmas! 

He rushed past the other beds and quickly made for the door.  After plunging down the stairs he entered the warm common room.  Ginny and Ron were sitting on the sofa, a pile of unopened gifts at their feet.  Many younger Gryffindors occupied several pockets of the common room, pouring over the piles of newly opened gifts.  He noted that Seamus and Dean were occupying the window seat, reading what appeared to be Quidditch magazines.

Before he turned around someone had already grabbed his arm and was dragging him across the room. 

"Ron… let me go!"  Harry pulled his arm away, and sat himself in his favorite armchair. 

"Sorry Harry, but Ginny wouldn't let me wake you up… We have to go home in a couple of hours… I can't wait any longer!"  Ron jumped back down into his seat on the couch.    Ginny shook her head at her brother and swatted his arm, "Ron… honestly! Have some self control… we have only been waiting for half an hour!"

Ron ignored her and at once began ripping open packages. 

"Harry" Ginny said "those are your gifts next to the chair."

Harry looked to the side and saw for himself the not so modest sized pile of gifts. 

All in all Harry could not have been happier with the gifts.  From Ron he had received How to Play your Best Game of Quidditch and Win every time.  Hermione had left him with yet another book, this one about learning the great art of Occlumency.  Harry had to fight back a laugh; subtlety had never been Hermione's forte.  From Mrs. Weasley he had been given his annual Weasley jumper and many sweets to boot. 

Harry had to admit he had been slightly surprised when he had opened his joint present from Luna and Neville.  Even more surprising was that it was one of the best presents that he had received.  In a small black frame was a picture of his parents; his father with his arm draped across his mother's back.  Harry watched as Lily turned to James and smiled adoringly, his father smirked and placed a kiss on her forehead.  From the look on both of their faces Harry had no doubts that they were in love.  He loved watching them in that context, rather than the one that he had seen in Snape's pensieve.  Neville had included a small note inside.  On it, he had explained that he had been looking through an old box of his Gran's pictures.  He ended up finding some pictures of people he didn't recognize.  After asking his Gran he had discovered that they were the members of the original Order of the Phoenix.  He figured that the picture would be more meaningful to Harry. 

The last present that he had opened was from Ginny.  It was a small gold pendant attached to a long chain.  Upon closer inspection he noticed the outline of a lion on the front with the letter H and P right below the lion.  He flipped it over and noticed a small and simple inscription:  You make your own destiny.  

Harry was astounded that such a gift could have such an effect on him.  It made his heart lighter to think that perhaps he could believe the inscription.  That his life was not just some prophesy that had yet to be played out.  Perhaps he had some control over his future; at least that was an endearing hope.

His eyes immediately searched to where Ginny had been sitting.  Her chair was empty but Harry was immediately distracted as he saw Ron's eyes transfixed on the new broom before him.

"Harry you shouldn't have gotten me this!  It is way too expensive!"  Ron breathed slowly.

Harry shrugged, "You want me to take it back?"

Ron screwed up his face as if an inner battle was being waged.  Finally his head shook lightly and a ghost of a smile played across his lips.  "But seriously Harry if anyone should have a broom like this is ought to be you."

Harry looked at the broom, "You know I am too attached to my old Firebolt to replace it."

"As if the Firebolt could be considered old" Ron laughed. 

Out of the corner of his eye Harry noticed and turned his head to see a fiery pair of brown eyes meet his own.  Harry looked past her to see Dean eyeing him wearily before he quickly dashed out of the portrait hole.

"Ron" Ginny asked tightly, "Do you mind if I speak to Harry for a moment?"  She paused and gazed at her brother.

Ron, who had been perusing a small booklet on broom-care instructions, waved his hand.  Ginny placed her hands on her hips and glared at her youngest brother, "Alone preferably."

Ron looked up as if he was about to protest but immediately jumped upon seeing the look on his sister's face.  He glanced quickly at Harry and then back to Ginny.

"Erm, well I guess my broom could use a quick try out around the pitch."  Ron quickly grabbed his broom and made for the portrait hole.

When the portrait hole closed once again Ginny looked at Harry expectantly.  He shifted uncomfortably under her gaze. 

Harry searched his mind for anything to say, "Did you like your Christmas gift?"

"And which gift would that be, Harry?"

"The owl, of course."

She shook her head and seated herself across from him.

"What about the Excelsior?"

Harry feigned innocence, "Oh yea, Dean told me that he had gotten that for you… very nice of him if you ask me."

Ginny interrupted before he could continue, "Don't lie Harry, you aren't very good at it.  Besides the moment I thanked Dean for the broom he practically fell apart from guilt… He told me that you were the one that paid for most of it."

When he said nothing she continued, "Why did you do that Harry?  You already got me a great gift.  I mean, I have been waiting for the day that I could finally have my own owl.  But a broom Harry?  It's too much and you know that I can't accept it."

Harry shrugged, "Ginny why is money such a big deal?  Can't I spend it on whomever I wish?"  He paused slightly before murmuring, "It's not like I have family to spend it on."

Ginny immediately responded, "Harry you know that is not true… we are your family… it's just that, well, we feel horrible when you get us these expensive gifts when you know we can't give them in return."

Harry looked at her incredulously, "And how much was pendant that you got me?  It didn't look cheap."

For the first time in a long time Harry watched as a red blush tinted Ginny's face. 

Her gaze fell to the floor.  Harry immediately regretted making the statement, "Look Ginny, I really love the pendant… and I appreciate what it must have cost you. But you don't understand and neither does Ron, I learned first hand that money is not what is important in this world.  What your family gives me is so much more valuable and I have nothing to give back, except marking X's on all of your backs as targets.  So why don't we just call it even this once?"

Ginny nodded slowly and smiled.  "That sounds great, Harry."  Her smile faltered and her brow knotted in thought.

"Harry, why did you ask Dean to buy the broom for me?"

Harry leaned back into his chair, "Well, I know the bloke likes you, and I know you really wanted that broom.  I had already gotten you the owl, so I figured Dean wouldn't mind getting you something… extra."

"What are you playing at Harry?"  Ginny replied.

Harry was slightly taken aback, "Well… I dunno… I just thought…er."

Before he could continue his pitiful tirade Ginny interceded, "Did you ever stop and think about what his girlfriend might say if he was buying extra gifts for other girls?"

"Well… no but," Harry faltered, "… hold on, did you say girlfriend?"

Ginny nodded her head in reply, "That is what Parvati would refer to be called I believe."

Harry's jaw dropped, "Parvati and… Dean?"

"Honestly Harry do you pay attention at all?"  Ginny chuckled quietly.  "They have been together since after the Halloween Ball… I told you Harry, Dean and I are just friends… that's all."

Harry nodded dumbly.  Sometimes he couldn't believe how oblivious he was to the outside world.  When he noticed that they had been silent for several minutes he stood up rather quickly, "Well I guess I'm going to go shower… we're leaving soon anyhow… Do you know how we are leaving?"

Ginny nodded, "McGonagall stopped by before you came down and told us that Aberforth was going to meet us here and walk us to Hogsmeade.  Fred and George had their shop hooked up to the Floo Network so we will be going to the Burrow from there."

Ginny stood up as well and walked toward him, enveloping him in a hug.  "Thanks for the presents Harry, I love them."  She planted a quick kiss on his cheek before she shuffled past him and dashed up the stairs to the girl's dormitory. 

                   ~~~***~~~***~~~

Midday found Harry falling out of the fireplace and into the familiar Weasley living room.  He felt a slight push behind him as Ron emerged from the fireplace as well. 

Harry laughed at the disheveled appearance of his best friend.  After arriving back in the common room earlier that morning, Harry had found Ron to be a bundle of nerves.  He was extremely nervous about seeing Hermione that day and giving her his gift.  He had struggled over what to get his girlfriend, wanting his gift to be extra special. 

He told Harry that he had contemplated getting her perfume again, but had at last settled on a gold pendant on a thin chain.  The pendant was that of the Welsh goddess Cerridwen.  Harry doubted that Ron even knew who she was.  But he had told Harry that after describing Hermione to the old woman in the shop in Hogsmeade, she insisted it was the perfect gift.

Harry watched as Ron attempted to smooth his hair one last time before he entered the kitchen.  Harry followed after him, not bothering to wait for Ginny.  She had volunteered to stay a little while to help the twins and Angelina clean the shop before they all arrived later on. 

As Harry entered the kitchen Mrs. Weasley immediately encased him in her arms in an all encompassing hug.  Harry breathed a sigh of relief when she let go and his ribs were dislodged from his lungs.  Hermione, who had already arrived moved around Mrs. Weasley and gave Harry a hug as well. 

"It's so good to see you up and around Harry!  And thank you for my wonderful gift.  I read it twice already!"

Harry looked at her in astonishment.  He remembered not being able to hold the book too long after he had bought it, for fear of his arms falling off. 
Mrs. Weasley once again turned to Harry, "Please, sit down, you must be starving."  Harry couldn't help but notice that his stomach was indeed grumbling loud enough for everyone to hear.  By the time he had finished eating, the rest of the company had arrived.  George and Ginny had entered, followed shortly thereafter by Fred and Angelina.  Bill and Fleur arrived, bringing the sad news that Charlie would once again not be able to join them.  Mr. Weasley, who had been putting in extra time at the Ministry, was the last to arrive. 

Harry couldn't help but notice the absence of Percy.  No one mentioned his name but as Harry watched Mr. and Mrs. Weasley he could tell the toll that it had been taking on them.  Mrs. Weasley looked more worried than he had ever seen her.  She looked like she hadn't slept in days.  Harry surmised that even if they weren't getting along, Percy was still their son; a son that had been kidnapped. 

A chill went down Harry's spine as he thought of the numerous fates for the third eldest.  Despite feelings of guilt that overwhelmed him, Harry was happy to be spending Christmas at the Burrow.  In many ways he was relieved that he didn't have to go to Grimmauld Place where he would be all too reminded of Sirius. 

                    ~~~***~~~***~~~

 Christmas dinner had turned out to be a wild affair.  Fred and George had taken the opportunity of using the meal as a trial for several of their latest products.  After a fuming Mrs. Weasley had finally collected the fake rubber cutlery, which had ultimately started attacking its user upon touching it, the family had disassembled from the table.   Ron, who was still nursing a wound from a spoon that had jabbed him in the ribs, had challenged Harry to a game of Wizard's chess.

The game proceeded on as usual, with Harry losing horribly.  Ginny and Hermione watched on silently.  Several times Harry noticed Hermione clutching the pendant around her neck and smiling at Ron.  Harry gathered that she had become rather fond of her gift.  Ginny, who had noticed also, shot Harry a couple of glances whilst trying to suppress some giggles.  After several more hopeless matches Harry had given up.  Hermione and Ron decided to take a walk outside, as it was beginning to snow. 

Harry and Ginny sat in amiable silence until Bill had entered from the kitchen.  Fleur had only been able to stay for a short while as she was expecting her sister to visit.  She had explained earlier to Harry that Gabrielle had started her first year at Beauxbaton.  She had not seen her sister since the summer and was very much looking forward to the visit. 

Bill took a seat on the sofa opposite Harry and Ginny.  He looked straight at Harry, "So everything going well this year?"

Harry nodded before shifting slightly so that he was leaning back into his seat.

"Harry I know you haven't been kept up to date on many things… but I thought you should know that Tonks is fine.  I don't know when the last time was that you talked to anyone from the Order.  Since…"  Bill paused, "well since Percy's kidnapping there have only been a few remote death eater attacks.  For some reason people believe that the death eaters had a specific motive in taking Percy.  Everyone suspects that he knew something important… how ironic, who would have though he would be as important as he thought he actually was."

"Bill!"  Ginny snapped.  Bill looked immediately remorseful for making the comments but he had said them nonetheless.  Harry knew that everyone was thinking them. 

An awkward silence had settled between the three.  Harry searched for anything to say but ended up with nothing.  He did not have to worry however, as Bill had started to speak.

"So how are things with the two of you?"  Bill asked with a smirk on his face. 

Harry looked at Ginny, his confusion mirrored in the expression on her face.  Harry took it upon himself to answer, "Err… we are fine thanks."

Bill smiled, "Just remember Harry, she is our little sister and as much as we like you…"  Bill was not allowed to finish as Ginny had practically jumped from her seat.

"Bill!"  Ginny's face was beat red, whether from embarrassment or anger, Harry couldn't tell.  "Harry and I aren't… well… we are just friends!"

Bill's eyes widened, "Sorry… I just thought well, I heard mum say that some bloke asked to date you… and well, I see that you two have gotten very close… I just assumed it was you, Harry, sorry mate."

Harry nodded his head slowly in acceptance as he turned his head toward Ginny.  Bill apparently had the same idea as he spoke to his sister.

"Ginny, if it isn't Harry than whom are you dating?"

Harry noticed that she had averted her eyes to the arm of the sofa.  "I'm not dating anyone," she answered quietly. 

Bill persisted, "But I know mum said that there was a boy who said he liked you and asked you to Hogsmeade… who was it?"

Harry found his voice, "Yea Gin, who was it?"

Her eyes met Harry and her voice was no louder than a whisper as she replied inaudibly. 

"Sorry" her older brother taunted, "I didn't quite catch that."

"COLIN CREEVEY!"  Ginny had practically shouted it.  She crossed her arms over her chest, looking particularly out of sorts. 

Harry stared at her in shock.  He replied slightly more maliciously than he had intended "You are dating Colin… Creevey?"

"You don't listen very well," she replied shortly, "I said I wasn't dating anyone… Colin asked me and I declined."

Bill chuckled softly and his sister turned to him, "What is so funny?"

Bill shook his head, getting up from his seat, "Never mind…"

Ginny looked at Harry, confusion evident on her face, but Harry shrugged his shoulders in response.  He didn't understand either. 

However Harry did not have long to ponder it either as he heard a commotion come from the kitchen.  Bill, who was already walking that way, ran in.  Harry looked at Ginny and both of them followed in turn.  They entered to find Ron and Hermione with Mad-eye Moody.  He was already talking quickly to Bill. 

"Poor girl… never saw it coming… got there just in time."

Harry who had come up to one side of Bill, facing the others interrupted, "What girl?"

Ron cleared his throat rather loudly and drew Harry's attention.  Ron parted slightly from Hermione to reveal another person who was standing behind them… Penelope Clearwater.  Harry was slightly surprised that he had even recognized her.  She still had her long black curly hair but her face looked drawn and tired.  She looked a great deal older than she was. 

"Five death eaters," Moody continued, "we were alerted straight away.  Miss Clearwater must've hidden quite well.  I don't reckon they would have left her behind."

Harry turned his head as he heard people coming down the stairs.  Mr. and Mrs. Weasley stopped talking immediately upon entering the room.  When she saw Penelope, Molly hesitated momentarily before hurriedly making her way over to the young girl. 

"Oh dear! Alastor what happened?"  She put her hand on Penelope's shoulder and ushered her into a chair. 

Moody took one beside her, "She was alone in her flat in Hogsmeade.  Five death eaters ransacked the place.  Nothing left unturned.  They escaped before we could get all of them.  We did get three into custody however.  No one is releasing names though and even we weren't allowed to know who they were."

Penelope spoke for the first time, "Ever since they took Percy I have been extra cautious.  But tonight I heard someone whispering a spell.  I knew I had no other option but to hide so I did.  I would've been caught if the alarm hadn't been triggered and the Aurors had not come."

Mrs. Weasley looked up in alarm, "You have been staying there by yourself?  Why didn't you return home?"

Penelope looked awkward before replying, "My parents are somewhat old fashioned and didn't appreciate that I was living with Percy.  They haven't talked to me since the day I moved in.  I doubt they know about anything that has happened."  She paused momentarily before continuing, her voice wavering, "I just… I don't know what to do…"

Mrs. Weasley put her arms around her to comfort her, "Now don't you worry, you will stay here… I will have no arguments."

Penelope looked up at Mrs. Weasley, "I know that you all don't hold Percy in the highest regard… but he loved you… all of you… and I can tell you that there were things he wished he had done differently… don't give up on him… He's just stubborn, but I know him… he's changed."

Molly looked at Penelope with an unreadable expression before smiling lightly, "No worries dear, now why don't I cook you up something to eat."

Harry thought Molly looked content, having someone to fuss over, glad that it was not him for once.  Penelope looked overwhelmed and in awe of everything going on around her.  Mr. Weasley was busy talking to Bill and Alastor about contacting the order.  Hermione and Ron had left to make up Percy's room so that Penelope could stay in it.  Ginny was helping Mrs. Weasley to make food. 

Harry knew how Penelope felt at that moment.  The Weasley's were like an oasis in the desert, when life seems dismal they were always there with an open house and heart.  The Weasley's hadn't spoken to Percy in over a year, and yet there they were, fussing over his fiancée as if she was one of their own.  Putting his own animosity toward Percy aside Harry thought, and who knows maybe one day she would be. 

                   ~~~***~~~***~~~

Because of the sudden attack on Percy's flat, Dumbledore had placed extra wards around the Burrow and recommended that the four of them stay there for the remainder of the holiday.  They had still not been able to find out who the death eaters were except that one must've managed to escape because there were only 2 in custody.  This greatly baffled the Ministry as only one person had been allowed to interrogate them, and that had been Dumbledore.  Harry was extremely happy that Dumbledore had finally managed to make Fudge follow his orders.  But even Dumbledore would not answer any questions as to who the death eaters were. 

The Aurors had taken care of retrieving their belongings from the school.  Hermione's parents had stopped off with her things.  Dumbledore had once again recommended that they take an extended holiday, just to be extra safe.  At least spending the day at the Burrow allowed them one more day with their daughter until they would see her in the summer. 

Penelope was still too shaken up to go back to her flat.  The Aurors had gone over it many times, making sure that it was safe.  Dumbledore had insisted that they touch nothing, so that the Order could more properly ascertain information concerning what the death eaters had been after. 

Mr. Weasley at long last suggested that he would go to the flat and pick up her desired belongings.  Molly had adamantly forbid Ginny to go upon her request.  Hermione had agreed to stay as well.  It appeared that the girls had been getting along rather well with Penelope.  Harry mused that none of them were used to being around so much female company. 

After many disagreements, Mr. Weasley had finally convinced Mrs. Weasley to allow Ron and Harry to accompany him to the flat.  He reasoned that he couldn't carry everything by himself and he assured her that it was safe.  Members of the Order had been there the previous morning, checking for magical devices or remnants of spells cast that could inflict harm. 

Harry, Ron, and Mr. Weasley walked down the road toward the flat.  They had taken the Floo Network to Fred and George's shop.  Penelope's flat had been taken off of the network because of obvious security reasons.  They arrived at the flat only to find it completely torn apart.  The floor was covered in papers, and furniture had been overturned. 

Harry saw Mr. Weasley flinch slightly as he picked up a picture of the Weasley family.  It was one of the few things that hadn't been thrown around.  It remained, the only thing left standing, on the table. 

Mr. Weasley entered one of the bedrooms, his list of what to pack in hand.  Harry entered a room across the hall, Ron following behind him.  Inside it looked like something that had once resembled an office.  Bookshelves were overturned and papers carpeted the floor.  Harry couldn't help but be interested by searching throughout the room.  His desire to be an Auror, one day, fueled his curiosity.  He longed to be able to solve problems and hunt down death eaters. 

Ron moved to one side of the room, pushing books over.  He reached up to the top of one of the bookshelves that remained right side up.  He turned one of the books to read the cover. 

Harry turned to Ron as he laughed, "See even the death eaters don't want Percy's old books on cauldron bottoms… though I have no idea why… they are so useful."

Harry chuckled along within him until Mr. Weasley popped his head in.  After helping Arthur find the rest of Penelope's things, they left the flat and returned home. 

                   ~~~***~~~***~~~

Later that night Harry walked around outside of the Burrow by himself.  He found that with the constant noise in the house a little peace and quiet was more than welcome.  Bundled up in many layers of clothing, the winter chill nipped at his nose.  Hermione had been walking with him earlier, but she had been called inside by Mrs. Weasley.  Harry heard the snow crunch under his feet.  Soft padding alerted him of someone else's presence.  He turned around to see Penelope smiling at him.

"Hey Harry, thought you could use some company."

Harry smiled, "No, you just wanted a break from the smothering."

Penelope smiled, "Yes… but they are great aren't they?"

Harry nodded.  "They are basically my only family."

They continued walking and finally Penelope broke the silence, "I hoped they would be mine someday… you know, family. My parents have practically given up on me."

"They don't approve of Percy?"

Penelope shook her head, "It's not just Percy, they are very traditional and didn't approve of me living with him."

"But," Harry interrupted, "don't they you know you wer…are engaged?"

"We weren't engaged when we moved in together… that didn't happen for a little while after," Penelope answered. 

Harry nodded but didn't add anything else.

"Look Harry, I've wanted to talk to you."  She paused as if not sure how to go on.  "I know about the letter that Percy wrote to Ron.  He told me about it… And I know he said some pretty cruel things.  I just want you to understand that he doesn't mean them, at least now."

When Harry didn't respond she went on, "I think he was jealous of you Harry, I mean he always felt like he was the outcast of his family… he never really got along with his brothers.  And then you came, and you became one of them… maybe even more so than he was.  I think it just hurt him.  Not that I am defending what he wrote… I wholeheartedly disagreed with it and made a point to tell him so.  I'm not pretending that Percy is something he isn't.  He is an arrogant and stubborn prat sometimes.  And he is goal oriented to a fault.  He wants to be in control Harry, he wants to be distinguished.  But you have to understand I love him because of all of these things.  If he would just refocus his priorities he could be so loyal."

Harry interceded, "Yes but that is Percy's choice, not mine."

Penelope nodded her head, "It is… all I am saying is give him a chance to make that choice… don't be so quick to write my fiancée off as an enemy.  Of all the things he is, he is not a death eater."

Harry didn't get a chance to respond.  Penelope was already walking back to the Burrow.

Harry stood looking back at the house.  He could see figures moving, passing by the numerous windows.  He imagined the delightful chaos that was most likely ensuing behind the windows.  He closed his eyes and listened closely to the wind, the only thing disturbing the calmness that had momentarily veiled his life; the unmistakable calm before the storm.

Thanks once again to my beta Junglejim ^_^H