Okay, folks, I give you fair warning, this chapter has some rather corny scenes – so don't flame me on it. It's the way it came out, so I can only assume it's as it should be.

Besides, it works.

Also, I must humbly apologise – one of my reviewers were kind enough to point out that, in canon, Harry went to the fourth year Yule Ball with PARVATI Patil, while Ron escorted her sister from Ravenclaw, Padma. As it is now a detail of my story that has been expanded upon, let's just pretend it's another one of those details that were reported wrong in the first place, shall we? I know – I'm playing with canon, and JKR is my goddess who will eventually punish me severely for being so presumptious as to CHANGE details of her work, but... shoot me later. Preferably after this story is finished?

CQ

Chapter Seven: The Blood Oath

"They must always be in the care of one bound to them by blood," Snape explained in the kitchen. "And each guardian must take the oath."

"Oath? But my aunt didn't..." Harry was confused. Was Snape using some different type of spell?

"She took the oath, Harry," Snape said shortly.

"She what?"

"She took the guardian oath. To die for your protection."

"She never!" Harry breathed. There was no way...

"Yes, she did," Snape stated. "I was there. Whether or not she took it seriously... well, it was done."

"But my mother... she knew? About my father... about...?" Harry was shocked. He'd always believed that his mother was oblivious to the magical world, that his father had kept it from her for her safety.

"Lily and James chose to live as muggles, Harry, but that doesn't mean that Lily was unaware of our world."

"I always thought he might have kept it from her," Harry mused.

"No. James..." Snape took a breath. "Well, he chose to live that way for your protection."

"So my mother made an actual magical oath?"

"Yes. As did your aunt, and your father."

"My uncle?"

"The blood must be shared," Snape said simply.

Harry nodded and turned to Ginny. "You understand what it is that we're about to do?"

Ginny nodded gravely. "Of course I do, Harry."

"The kids... they must be with you or I at all times, until they come of age, or until the danger is past."

"Or me," Molly said. "I'll be taking the oath as well, Harry."

"Molly..." Harry began. "There are risks..."

"Harry James Potter! Do you think that I wouldn't take that risk? Happily?"

"It's a lot of blood, Molly."

"I don't care," she said firmly. "A cup of tea and a kip afterwards, and I'll be fine."

Harry pulled her into his arms and hugged her tightly. "Thank you."

"Arthur, as well," Molly held out her hand to her husband, who took it with a smile.

"I'm in, as well, Harry," Ron was rolling up his sleeve, looking at the evil-looking knife Snape was preparing.

"Ron?" Harry looked at him.

"You really expect me to not?" Ron asked.

"I don't..."

"Every blood Weasley in the room has agreed, Harry, so shut up," Charlie said. "We're all taking it."

"And I am, too," Hermione said, stepping forward and picking up Snape's knife.

"Mione..."

"I helped bring them into this world, Harry. If a little blood is all that's keeping me out, well..."

With this, she used the knife to slice open the palm of her hand. Without flinching or losing eye contact with Harry, she held the knife out to him.

"Am I your sister? Or are you just chicken?"

Harry glanced at Severus, who was watching him carefully. At the old Potion Master's nod, Harry turned back to Hermione and smiled, his unasked question answered. He silently drew the knife across his own palm, then held it out to her. She clasped it as they stared into each others eyes. To his surprise, Harry felt Snape's hands on theirs, as he muttered a short incantation. Harry felt a moment of tingling warmth which disappeared when Snape let go.

"Hermione discussed this with me earlier, when I approached her to assist with the potion," Snape explained. "It's an ancient tribal spell. It was used when girls of the tribe were married off to neighboring tribes. They were made true siblings with their mates siblings with this, the exchange of blood, thus ensuring their loyalty to their new family. You're now siblings, as though born of the same mother."

Ginny stepped forward and performed a quick healing spell. The cuts healed over, leaving red welts that would heal in time.

"Are we ready?" Snape inquired, brandishing his knife.

"Ready," Ginny said, holding out her arm.

It took longer than they had expected, as so many had chosen to take part. First, Harry and Ginny, then Ron, and Hermione, and then Molly and Arthur. After that, each of the four remaining Weasley men stepped forward, sleeves rolled up. They each swore the oath as the blood flowed from the cuts Snape made.

Amelia and Janie handed out cups of hot, sweet tea and biscuits while Anna and David Jennings watched curiously.

When Snape had the required amount of blood from each of them, he added it to the cauldron containing the other potion ingredients and mixed it well. Within minutes, it bubbled and turned clear. He decanted it into three bottles and corked them.

"The children must be bathed in water containing this for the next three days. Use one bottle each day in lukewarm bathwater," he said as he gathered up his things, packing them away into his potions bag. "Bathe them together. They must be kept in the treated water for at least twenty minutes each day."

"And then?" Ginny asked quietly.

"And then, so long as they are in the care of one who took the oath, they are safe."

"Severus?" Harry held out his hand to shake. "Thank you."

Snape, looking uncomfortable, nodded and picked up his bag, disapparating with a pop.

"I've never seen him like this. In the two years..." Hermione shook her head as she paced in her small room. "And I don't remember him being like this... before."

"Because he wasn't," Ron stated, laying back on the bed, his eyes closed.

"Never?" she asked, pausing to look over at him.

"Never. He's... different."

"Different? Different how?"

"Different different," Ron opened his eyes to look at her. "I mean, he's always been pretty intense, but this..."

"Ron," Hermione said. "Do you think it's because..."

"Because what?" he asked when she hesitated.

"Well... because..." Hermione swallowed. "Because it's Malfoy... because of Lucius?"

"You mean because he was the one who killed Harry's parents?"

"Yes."

"I don't know, Mione. Harry's always been... well, I wouldn't say unaffected, but..." Ron shrugged. "I think it's got more to do with... well, you know... Draco, and..."

"Dumbledore?"

"And you," Ron agreed. "Harry's always been really protective of you. When you were in the hospital wing at the school, after the final battle, we had to hold Dean and Seamus back from tearing Malfoy to shreds. Harry was really quiet, but after we got those two calmed down... well, I tried talking to Harry, and he just... he just stood up and walked out. Bill and the twins and I followed him. It... well, it was a good thing we did. He almost took on three aurors to get to Draco while they were getting him ready to go to Azkaban. I... he looked over at me, and I've... I've never seen so much hatred in someone's eyes. He was literally glowing with it."

"What happened?"

"Just before they apparated with Draco, he said something to Harry. Something like, 'next time Potter', or something. You know Draco. And Harry..." Ron paused, looking blankly at the ceiling.

"What?"

Ron closed his eyes for a moment. He remembered the scene vividly, the twins, Bill and himself all doing their damnedest to hold Harry back while he spoke in that low, dangerous voice...

I'll dance on your grave, Malfoy. Someday, somehow, I swear to all that is holy, I'll see you dead and dance on your grave...

Ron shook himself from the memory and told Hermione.

"Ever since," Ron said quietly as she took in what he had said. "Ever since, he's been... Malfoy is more than just a thorn in his side. But now... Mione, I'm scared."

"Scared?"

"Scared of what will happen when Harry finds him. Voldemort was pure evil, Mione, but Harry didn't have a history with him like he does with Malfoy. It's difficult to hate someone you've barely met with enough passion to kill them, but..."

"And does Harry hate Malfoy that much?"

"That's what scares me," Ron admitted. "That Harry has that much hatred stored up. You remember how it was when he faced Voldemort the final time, the power... I'm not sure I want to be there when he lets loose on Malfoy. It's going to be... unbelievable."

The following morning, Harry slipped quietly from their room and made his way down to the kitchen.

"Harry?"

"Oh," he looked up from the kitchen counter to see Hermione slip into the room. "Good morning. I was just making Ginny tea. Would you...?"

"I would love a cup," she smiled. Harry seemed different, again, this morning. "You okay?"

"Fine," Harry nodded, pushing a cup towards her.

"Harry..."

"Hmm?" he looked up at her. His green eyes seemed... flat, somehow.

"I'm worried."

"About what, exactly?" he smiled ruefully. "And you have to choose just one."

She smiled back, then took a breath. "Okay. You."

"Me?" he looked genuinely surprised.

"Yes, you."

"Why?"

"Why?" she laughed. "Oh, let's see... you're the Minister in a time of war, the wanna-be Dark Lord has targeted you, your parent's graves have been desecrated, your children have been threatened, you're committing political suicide to protect us, you're more concerned about everyone else's welfare than your own... shall I go on?"

Harry sighed, sitting down in a kitchen chair and waiting for her to take the one across from him.

"Mione, I appreciate your concern, but really, I'm fine. Things are seriously screwed up right now, but... I'll deal with it."

"That's the worst part, Harry. You always 'deal with it'. You're not alone, and I..."

"What?"

Hermione turned tear-filled eyes to him, which startled him. She didn't often cry.

"Harry, when we fought Mahood, it was different. You called on resources and got the job done. This time... you're more like you were in seventh year, Harry. Before the final battle."

"How so?"

"Like when you were expecting to die," she stated bluntly.

He flinched.

"It's true, Harry! You had lost faith then in your ability to survive. It think you've lost faith now in our ability to survive."

"Not yours," Harry said tiredly. "Mine. I'm tired, Mione. Tired of fighting, tired of being the one. I just wanted a life... with Ginny, and our children. All I ever wanted was a family, and to grow old in peace. I'm not going to get that."

"How can you say that?"

Harry stared at her for a long minute, then sighed again.

"Swear to me," he said quietly. "That this goes no further, Hermione. I mean it.... no further, ever."

Hermione, concerned, nodded. "Of course, Harry. What is it?"

Harry glanced at the door and cast a swift privacy charm, then, looking back at her, he swallowed.

"The prophecy, the one about Draco. I didn't reveal it all."

Hermione's eyes rounded, but she said nothing.

"It goes after the line about the one who went before sacrificing all...

And fall they will, for this man, this serpent of green, shall rule,

unless one who has gone before, sacrifices all to defeat him.

And if this new power rising is defeated, WITH STUDENT JOINING MASTER IN DEATH,

Only then will the world rejoice in peace and prosperity.

"Hermione, this time, it's not an either/or thing. This time, it's not 'neither shall live while the other survives'. This time, it's clearly stated that we both must die. And I've got to make sure it's done right, or our children will go through exactly what we went through."

"Who else knows?" she asked, stunned.

"Snape," Harry said.

"Snape?"

"He speaks parseltongue. I couldn't keep it from him."

"Ginny?"

"God, no!" Harry said, a catch in his voice. "I... I don't want..."

"Harry..."

"Hermione, if I have to give my life to this, fine... but I can't... I can't stand the thought of my remaining time with Ginny... and everyone else... to be colored by this. I couldn't take it, Hermione!"

She nodded, "Of course, Harry. But you shouldn't have to carry this burden alone!"

"I'm not," he smiled sadly. "I've told you, now."

Hermione smiled, her eyes tearing up. "Harry..."

"Hermione, if I seem... moody... it's just because..."

"I know why you're distant, Harry!" she said shortly. "But understand that you don't need to be!"

"I'm trying, Mione. I really am."

Harry reentered their bedroom ten minutes later with a cup of tea for his wife. He found her awake, staring at the wall.

"Gin?"

"Good morning, love," she said, her voice tired.

Harry sat down on the bed next to her, placing the tea on her bedside table.

"Ginny, are you okay?" He asked quietly. She hadn't been herself in days.

"I'm fine, Harry, really."

"I know I haven't been around much lately..." Damn this war, damn everything that keeps me away from those that I want to spend my remaining time with...

"Oh, Harry, it's not that!" she cried out.

"Then what is it, Gin? You're... you're sad all the time, and..."

"Harry?"

He looked into her Ginny-brown eyes and saw... something... there.

"What, love?"

"I'm pregnant."

Harry's world turned upside down and right side up again. Ginny was... Well, yes. Now it certainly made sense.

"Really?" he asked, the beginning of a smile on his face.

"Really," she nodded. "I mean, I haven't been to see anyone yet, but... I've been through this four times. I kind of know the signs."

"Are you..." Harry couldn't help but notice that she didn't seem very happy about it. "Are you not pleased?"

"I..." Ginny's eyes filled with tears. "Oh, Harry! I do want another baby, but..."

"But what, love?"

"I can't stand the thought of putting even more pressure on you! Especially right now!"

"Pressure?" Harry laughed, pulling her up and into his arms. "This isn't pressure, Gin. Dear Merlin, is that what you thought? This is the reward! I get to... another baby...with you? I couldn't be happier!"

She hiccoughed into his chest.

"Ginny," he said gently. "My only concern about this is you. So long as you're okay with it, I'm thrilled!"

"Really?"

"Absolutely," he confirmed, unable to hold back the grin. "So, when can we tell people?"

To my reviewers – You're all great, you know that? I got more reviews on the last chapter than I think I have for ANY chapter written, even in Power of Truth!

Shotgunn: You're just determined to make SOMEONE into a spy, aren't you? Well, we'll see where it goes...

Merlindamage: Understatement, my friend! I would imagine that over the years, Malfoy has been called many, many names, and not all in the HP world! I think my personal favorite is "Mal-ferret"... it's just got a lovely ring to it, doesn't it?

James Milamber: Sorry to hear you're not feeling well! Must have really messed up your vacation – yuck! As to Harry's "parental" tendancies, I just KNEW he'd get all protective of "his" girls the minute he saw any of them in physical contact with a young male!

Kaylee Smith: As to Draco dying hard, well, we'll see where the story takes us, shall we? Harry is in for a surprise or two yet.

Larna Mandrea: To me, the anniversary is VERY important to canon. The very fact that it is on Halloween is a detail that JKR pays little OBVIOUS attention to, except in passing, and that intrigues me.

Saerry Snape: Yes – evil little ferret.... we'll see when Harry catches up with him...

DkandMax: I'm not sure that Marietta will play that large a role... basically I think Harry's character needed to show some maturity to balance off the situation with the girls and their dates. Julie may, however, play a role.... you never know. And the issue may well crop up again before the end of the story... my muse still plays mind games with me! As to Malfoy knowing about the twins – who knows (evil grin)?

Whimsical Firefly: I stand corrected and I humbly apologise! I was writing that part of that chapter at about three in the morning... forgive me!

Lalaluu: I think Harry needed to see that "his" girls were growing up – it was essential that he relate their ages back to when he and Ginny were in school, so that he can be better prepared for... well. As to the other... we'll see where that goes, shall we?

Serpentia: Harry doesn't want to be a hero. Being a hero might just get him killed, and for the first time in a long time, he's got something he wants to live for. That kind of pressure must be extremely difficult to deal with.

Elise: Glad you're enjoying it. I'm having a hoot writing it!

CQ