Saturday – 5 October

Harry and Hermione got up the next day and went running at six. Then they went to the Three Broomsticks for breakfast. Rosmerta was visiting with a few of the other merchants. She had their breakfasts ready and waiting. Rosmerta and the merchants came over. An old man spoke. "We don't mean to disturb your breakfast Mr. Potter sir, or Miss. We just wanted to say thank you for saving our town. If there is ever anything that we could possibly do for you, just say the word. Thank you Sir, Miss."

Hermione said, "Wait. Would you have time to eat with us? Please."

The merchant looked surprised at their willingness to be friendly with commoners. "Of course, Sir, Miss."

"Harry, just Harry. This is my fiancé, Hermione."

"Please to make your acquaintance, Mr. Harry sir. Miss Hermione. My name is Duncan. Congratulations. A bit of breakfast wouldn't hurt. Thank you for the offer." The old merchant and the others sat at the long table with them. They had a fine breakfast together. Harry promised to send the other students back to town as soon as he could. He told them the story about Peter Pettigrew, trying to clear up any misconceptions regarding Sirius. Harry bought more butterbeers, and chocolates. The old merchant told him that after seeing all of those creatures, he was certain that everyone in the town was going to be killed that day. Everything was offered to him for free. Harry insisted on paying for everything. He asked that the Honeydukes person send little Ericka, Cho, Susan, Tonks and Remus a chocolate bar each as they had each been injured that day. Harry wrote down the names, and paid for the chocolates.

They went to visit Remus. After visiting for half an hour chatting about who was Okay and ordinary school stuff, Hermione started explaining their plan to destroy the remaining dementors. Remus listened very carefully as they individually and jointly explained their idea.

After a minute, Remus asked, "Why do you think they will fall for your trap?"

Harry answered. "I want them to think there will be a seven or eight minute window of time when they could attack before I could reach them. I have two secret possible solutions to reduce the response time. The first is to use the cellular telephone. The second idea is to be there the whole time. I think it is possible that there's a spy in either or both organizations. I plan to explain the possibility of the eight-minute response time both at the Order meeting and within the Auror organization. If there is a spy, I expect that they will pass the weakness in the plan along."

Remus nodded. "I understand how you could convince the Order. What about the Aurors? They would know if you weren't there doing the class."

"I was hoping to have my favorite professor substituting for me using Polyjuice potion. That way, I'll be able to be at the meeting, or be nearby, the Aurors will actually get the training that they need, and any onlookers would assume that it was me. You simply need to slip out of here for the day, unless you have your eye on any of the young healers, and have other plans?" Harry winked and smirked at Remus. They laughed together. Hermione shook her head, muttered something about one-track minds and then laughed with them.

Harry continued, "I'll be by next week with my pensive to show you the day from my perspective, so you can answer any questions that might come up."

It was time to leave. Harry and Hermione both hugged their friend. They apparated back to the station to talk with Dumbledore for a few minutes before lunch. Harry found Ron and Ginny. He wished both of them luck for the Quidditch game. Ginny hugged Harry. "I really wish that I would have had the opportunity to play on the team with you Harry." Her light brown eyes met his. "I understand that you have other things that need to be done, but I wanted to say that we miss having you hang around the common room. Ron won't say it, but he really misses you too." She kissed him on the cheek. "I suppose I could get detention sometime."

Harry smiled at her. "I suppose. Mad Eye handles all of the detentions. I could let him know you are interested. I'm certain that he would enjoy your company." She stuck her tongue out at him. They both laughed.

… - …

It was a beautiful day for a Quidditch match, blue sky and cool temperatures. The stands were full, and the signs and banners were friendlier than Harry could ever remember. By the luck of the draw this year, the first game was Ravenclaw against Gryffindor. Gone were the Weasley is our King banners that had marred previous games. Diane, Harry, Hermione, Minerva, and Tonks found seats in the Gryffindor section. Hermione sat between Diane and Harry, who was seated next to Tonks. Hermione was explaining the basics to Diane. She was mesmerized as the teams came out and flew their warm up laps. "That looks so fun," she said to Hermione, who had never thought of being in the air unsupported by anything less than an airbus as fun.

Madam Hooch had the captains shake hands. As it was Ron and Cho, there was none of the bone crushing hand gripping with threats muttered under the breath. Harry thought about that for a second, from his new perspective. It was only a game. It wasn't the great Gryffindor army going to war against the evil empire.

He watched the game from his new perspective. The Gryffindor chasers, Katie, Ginny, and Colin played well together. They had practiced their passes and formations allowing them to pass back and forth reliably. The beaters Kirke and Sloper from last year were still hopeless. They had little sense of where the key play would develop, and often as not hit the bludger towards the opposing chaser that had just passed the ball rather than try and distract the chaser who would be trying to catch it.

Dennis was doing a decent job as seeker. He had a light build and a keen eye. He was riding Ron's old Cleansweep 260 that Ron had either lent or sold to him. Ron was guarding the goal hoops riding the new Firebolt that Harry and Hermione had given him.

The Ravenclaw team had not changed much from the year before, and as such played better together. Their beaters did their best to distract the Gryffindor team. Both keepers were about evenly matched, blocking about half of the shots thrown to them. The score was 80 to 70, Ravenclaw leading. Each time a score was made three fourths of the students had cheered.

Harry had seen the snitch several times in the first hour. Unfortunately, Dennis and Cho were too busy trying to one up each other that they had not. As luck would have it, and it was luck, Dennis accidentally flew into the snitch about ten minutes later. He had the presence of mind to grab it, and Gryffindor won the game 220 to 100.

It was only a game. No one had gotten hurt. Players from both teams would have dinner with members of the other house that night. Student unity was at its highest point in Harry's memory. Ravenclaw or Slytherin weren't the enemy. Voldemort, his followers, and a hoard of soul sucking dark creatures were the enemy. He hoped that Dumbledore and Bones would seriously consider his plan.

Harry was brought back from his introspective thoughts by the four women that had accompanied him to the game. "Well Harry, how did you enjoy the game from this vantage point?" asked Hermione/

"No one got hurt, and I had the opportunity to spend a fantastic afternoon with the love of my life and three other beautiful women. How bad could that be? Ron blocked quite a few difficult shots, and the chasers played well together. Ravenclaw's beaters are very good. They kept the score as close as it was."

Diane said "What a great game! Does the team that catches the snitch always win?"

Tonks answered, "At this level, yes. In the professional ranks, it's fairly common that a team will be up or down by a hundred or two hundred points, so not so much there."

Minerva smiled. "It was lovely weather, the company was very enjoyable, Gryffindor won and no one got hurt. Thank you all for a fine day."

Diane nodded. "I enjoyed myself very much. Thank you all for accompanying me."

"Let's go into Hogsmeade. It is a nice day for a walk," said Tonks. "Harry, did you get a chance to read all of the papers that the students had written about the Hogsmeade attack?"

"Yes. If they're correct, there was only one Death Eater there. No one tried anything stupid. I'm really glad that we had the discussion about different ways to react to an attack in class. Ericka legitimized running away on the first day in class. Getting away turned out to be the best idea. As for the papers, I gave them to Diane to look over. What did you think?"

Diane replied, "Tactically, I agree with you. Emotionally it gave me a window to see which kids really needed talking with. They were the ones who needed reassurance that this sort of thing wouldn't happen everyday in their lives."

Harry said, "You may want to have a talk with Cho Chang. She absolutely believes that she failed that day. She didn't fail. She simply lacked the defensive tools to protect herself. In retrospect, she was set up to fail. No one could maintain themselves with that many creatures giving off dark energy."

Diane quietly said, "It doesn't always help to have other people try and rationalize guilt away."

Harry remembered the depths that he had sunk to last summer, and nodded, slightly embarrassed.

Hermione asked, "How is it that Ericka was in Hogsmeade that day anyway? She's a first year."

Harry replied, "Flitwick had let her go as a special treat. She had earned the most house points of any first year in September. She'll probably never want to go again."

Tonks poked Harry. "She probably would if her favorite professor kept an eye on her." For some reason, all three women found this to be highly amusing. Harry looked quite sunburned as they got to the Three Broomsticks.

Rosmerta greeted them warmly. The pub was not very crowded. Business was obviously down. After they had finished, Harry ordered three cases of butterbeer to go. He also went to Honeydukes and got another large supply of chocolate frogs, every flavor beans, licorice wands and sugar quills to give out in his classes. The merchants thanked him, both for his business, and also for his protection.

Lastly he went to Molly Malkin's. He ordered Dobby and Winky another set of gray miniature robes to be delivered on Monday.

He floated everything back until they got within sight of the castle. Harry thought about Dobby for a moment. Dobby appeared. "How can I help you Harry Potter sir?"

"Hi Dobby. Please bring these back to my room. Thank you very much."

Dobby bowed, and with a soft pop, disappeared.

Hermione looked at Harry. "How did you do that?"

"I just thought about Dobby and he came. That's all."

They went to the great hall for dinner. Luna, and Pansy joined them. Conversation at dinner was polite. Pansy had been in the Three Broomsticks the day of the attack to see Harry carry in Ericka, Remus and Cho. No one knew about Tonks. As they were getting up, Pansy asked Harry if she could talk with him privately some time next week. Harry made an appointment to have her come to his office at five on Monday.

Hermione went back to her dorm to get a few things. Diane had made arrangements to talk with one of the fourth year students that evening. Harry invited Tonks to come over. They sat down. Harry said, "Big sis, can we talk for a few minutes?"

"Sure lil, bro. What's up?"

Harry took a breath and said, "How do witches and wizards get married?"

Tonks squeezed his arm. "In most cases, they're not church weddings. Usually they are done in someone's back garden. For famous kick arse wizards like you, Hogwarts might be a wonderful place to have it. Not knowing how many people that Hermione's parents would invite, there would most likely be enough room. Some witches have two ceremonies, a wizarding one and a muggle one, depending on the circumstances. In some cases memory charms or illusions are used, to keep the more overtly wizarding things hidden. Has the subject come up yet, or are you just doing a bit of prep work?"

"Prep work. Who performs the ceremonies?"

"Any member of the Wizengamot is eligible to. It has more of a legal focus than the traditional church weddings like lady Diana had. How specific are your wedding plans at this time lil bro?"

"I don't know. Hermione hasn't said anything, but I'm certain that it will come up over the Christmas holidays. I've never been to a wedding."

"You may want to have a similar discussion with Molly sometime. Here's my best advice. You should smile and agree to everything Hermione suggests. Wizards get married. Witches have weddings. When the time comes, plan a month long honeymoon for the two of you. Go on a cruise, or to a tropical island. That can be your contribution to the planning process."

"Thanks sis."

Tonks sat silently for a moment then spoke. "Harry…Hermione isn't…?"

Harry's face turned red as if on cue. "No."

"I'm sorry I asked. You two know better. I'll see you tomorrow, lil bro." She gave him a friendly kiss on the cheek.

"Don't be sorry. Thanks sis."

… - …

That Sunday evening, the Order meeting was held in Harry's classroom. Dumbledore made that decision for several reasons. The stated reason was that the larger space would more comfortably accommodate the larger group. He was expecting between thirty and forty members that evening. The unstated reason was to begin the transition of raising Harry's status within the group into the leadership role.

When everyone had arrived, he began. "Last Saturday we faced the largest contingent of dark forces that has gathered in fifty years. It is my great pleasure to say that we prevailed. To best illustrate the situation, I will ask Harry to share his memory of that afternoon with us. Before he does, I wish to note that this was not a lucky reaction to an event, rather a carefully orchestrated proactive plan. Harry trained several students and staff to be able to cast a defensive spell against the dementors. He scouted the area for appropriate lookout points and escape routes. Our goal was to protect the 350 students that were visiting the shops of Hogsmeade that day. As you will see, our goals were exceeded.

Harry began the memory, Bang. Harry looked around one more time and flew into town. Out of the forest came a wave of Dementors. Harry used the Sonorus charm to magnify his voice. "Everyone get into one of the buildings." The streets cleared. Harry pulled the sword, and cried "Expecto Patronum." A huge stag emerged. He cast the charm over and over. … The heads of houses did a count as quickly as they could. All of the students were accounted for. All of the staff had been accounted for. Dumbledore looked around for a moment then asked, "Harry, where is Tonks?"

When at last the smoky images shrunk back into the bowl of the pensive, there was stunned silence. Even the few who had seen the memory before marveled at what they had witnessed, perhaps more so the second time. Mrs. Weasley commented that she had never seen such an orderly evacuation of a town. She added with a warm smile, "So which of my children did you save this time?" There were a few chuckles around the room.

"Harry smiled. "Ginny took care of herself quite well. I think Ron must have been in Honeydukes."

"Actually, he was in the Hog's Head," said Aberforth.

"After the part that he showed us, he went back to save Tonks," added Molly Malkin.

"Harry saved me all right. I was trying to leg it away from those monsters. Cor- blimey, I was a moment away from getting snogged by one of those beasts. Harry flew up and summoned me to his broom and saved me again."

Harry could see it coming and covered his face.

"Mind you, my bum was black and blue by the time that he got through with me." There were quite a few louder sniggers and chuckles this time.

Poppy came to Harry's aid. "Well Tonks, I've been teaching Harry some healing spells. Perhaps you would like to have him take a look at it." She winked at Harry.

"The story gets better with every telling," said Harry. Everyone laughed.

Arthur spoke. "Harry, without revealing anything that is too secret, how did you do those things, or more basically asked, what were those things?"

Harry looked around the table then spoke. "I have been taking lessons in Occlumency for a year now, so I can somewhat protect myself against their negative thought projections. I believe that the dementors are using a form of Legilimency to cause their victims to relive their worst memories. I also have been working a lot on strengthening my spell casting. That was the first time that my Patronus form destroyed a dementor rather than just chase it. One of the teachers has been helping me learn the basics of swordsmanship. That is about it."

Bill asked, "How did you know that man was Pettigrew?"

A grim frown flashed on Harry's face. "I've seen him several times in the past. I was certain that it was Pettigrew. I saw him receive his silver hand the night Voldemort came back." Most of the Order shuddered at the thought.

Victor asked, "Were you too quick to pass judgment on Wormtail?"

"You'll have to decide that. It is my belief that he directly or indirectly:

Aided in the murder of my parents

Killed thirteen people

Caused Order member Sirius Black to be falsely imprisoned for twelve years

Killed Cedric Diggory in front of my eyes

Attempted to murder Mundungus

Built the bomb that blew up the joke shop

Attempted to murder Remus Lupin

Harry concluded. "Pettigrew gave no more thought to killing our friend Cedric than we would about scratching our ear." Tears welled in Amos' eyes at the mention of how casually his son was murdered.

Dumbledore spoke. "This battle has been reviewed with Director Bones. She found no evidence of wrongdoing what so ever on Harry's part."

Victor spoke again. "I did not know that you knew him so well. I meant no disrespect by what I said earlier."

"No worries."

The second part of the meeting was more tactical than the first half. Dumbledore started the meeting again. "We are developing a plan to try and destroy the remaining dementors. It will involve some level of risk and will be on a volunteer-only basis. In short, we will try and create two or three situations that might tempt Voldemort to attack. It is our hope to reduce the very significant threat from these creatures without causing undo risk to our forces."

He continued. "The first item is to set up a situation where a large number of dementors make an attack on Hogsmeade village at a time when we are not distracted by our obligations to protect 350 students. Our forces would battle any Death Eaters while Harry focused on the dementors."

Bill asked, "Why would Voldemort attack the same village twice? Stated differently, how could he convince the dementors to stage another attack at a site where they just lost half of their number?"

Dumbledore replied, "We would set up a target that Voldemort would see as all but irresistible, and create the impression that Harry would be gone for the week end."

Moody asked, "What is the risk that the village would be attacked by a larger force than we may be envisioning?"

"It is an absolute certainty that he will not send what he believes an undersized attacking army. He may try warding the village against apparation or portkey. He would have to do that immediately preceding the attack, or it would be discovered. We think the key is to cause him to realize that there will be a relatively small number of people there."

Dumbledore continued. "It is unknown how Voldemort's recruiting efforts have progressed, or stalled. Battling a large number of dementors as well as a sufficiently distracting quantity of Death Eaters at the same time would be difficult indeed."

Molly asked "What is the risk of Voldemort personally taking part in the attack?"

Dumbledore admitted, "That is also a very real possibility. He has not taken an active part in the recent raids, instead sending a trusted lieutenant, such as Bellatrix or Peter in his place. Travers is the logical person that he would send if he did not go himself. If he does appear, it is all but certain that he will attempt to murder the entire village." There were a few more involuntary shudders among the group.

Hestia asked, "Are there other dark creatures that he could call to his side?"

"Certainly. He could call on the giants, but the destruction of the village by a handful of misguided giants would not win him many followers."

Amos asked, "What if he doesn't attack as expected?"

"Many of his followers have been taken from him. At least some of his funding has been stripped. He needs a victory to use as a recruiting tool. If the first plan does not entice him, we also have the option of dangling another prize in his face – the captured Death Eaters. For now they are out of his grasp. By the letter of wizarding law, they can remain where they are for another month. In reality, they are being held there indefinitely at the Queen's pleasure."

"What could we do to best help?" asked Amos.

"With respect to the first plan, Ms. Skeeter is in the best position to help us, as is Mr. Lovegood. Several stories will be placed about a new endeavor of Miss Granger's that will have received funding out of the pain of Tom's pocket. The group is called the Firstborn Society. It is a support group designed to assimilate muggleborn witches into wizarding culture. It is possible that Voldemort will see the elimination of such a group to be just the sort of target that would attract some mainstream support for his cause."

"Anything would be a better cause than SPEW," mumbled George to Fred.

Aberforth spoke. "It may not be a risk to 350 students, but it does place the villagers at risk, or at least the venue that hosts it."

"Yes it does, Aberforth. I would ask you to consider accepting such a risk."

"I will help you brother, as will the 900 villagers."

Dumbledore directed the conversation back to his protégé. "Harry, what are your thoughts?"

"The remaining dementors need to have a reason to try for a repeat attack. It would be their inclination to disburse among the countryside, and hunt in small groups. I believe that this represents our best opportunity to draw them out. Hermione and I have talked about this a lot. For us to have a secure future, we need to take this or a similar action. Reacting to reported attacks would be a very slow way to hunt them down. If anyone can think of a better alternative, or improve the idea that was presented, please say something." He used his wand to pass two trays of butterbeers, coffee and tea around to the group to give them time to think. When he had given them a few minutes to think, Harry asked, "Does anyone have an idea that might work better, or have less risk?"

No one came forward.

Harry continued. "I think the next issue comes back to Minister Diggory's question regarding what resources will we need, and what resources are available to us to use. The dementors will need a large area to stage from. Realistically the hills to the north and the forest to the east are their best choices, especially if the target is the Hogs Head. A key element of the success last week was having the flyers that gave us some warning. I believe that Rolanda Hooch sounded the alarm that everyone heard. We'll need an alternative of some sort. I don't see the flyers as an option this time, as it would be obvious that they were there to be sentries. They'll be expecting to attack a conference of twenty muggle born witches and their parents. If Voldemort sends all of the dementors, he would believe them to have a five to one advantage. If he only convinced half of them to go, he couldn't help but think that he had a superior force, even if he believed that a few could cast a Patronus.

Dumbledore spoke. "So the second part of the plan is that Harry is in Kent County conducting a seminar on creating a Patronus for self defense.

Victor asked, "How would Harry know that the village was under attack?"

Dumbledore started to speak, but Harry interrupted, "We will have to think that part through. If we staged a runner who could fly to an area that could be apparated from, I might be able to be notified within three to four minutes of the attack. So the people at the Hogs Head would need to be able to hold the attackers off for at least eight or nine minutes until the Aurors and I could get there. As a precaution, many of the attendees will have access to portkeys for escape. I have started the organization with 100,000 Galleons seed money that Hermione will be distributing that day." Harry looked at Hermione for the tiniest fraction of a second, urging her not to say anything.

Harry continued, "As we get a date formalized this week, and the articles published, we will be asking for your help again. Thank you for coming." Harry ended the meeting. He looked at Dumbledore for a moment, who nodded slightly. Harry found Hermione and walked her back to his room. Ten minutes later, Albus came in.

"Then you agree Harry?"

"Yes to both of them. There is no other way that he could have known the name."

Dumbledore nodded. "Miss Granger, are you certain that you are willing to place yourself at this level of risk?" Hermione answered without looking at Harry. "Yes Professor. If it will allow Harry and I to get on with our lives sooner, then the answer is yes."

"All right then. I do recommend that you leave all specific references to your parents out of the articles, to minimize the possibility that some other misguided witch or wizard would try something."

"On a different subject, Harry, I wish to amend our original agreement to allow you to come and go as you please. Miss Granger, you will be allowed to accompany Harry whenever you wish. Perhaps you two should have lunch in Paris next weekend. Is that agreeable?"

They both smiled and nodded, amazed at the co-incidence.

"Good night Professor."

Diane and Tonks found something else to do for the rest of the evening.

… - …

Harry met with Sir Nicolas Monday morning. Sir Nicolas spent the time showing Harry wandless casting and casting amplification techniques. Sir Nicolas used a staff, while Harry used his sword. As usual, he brought along a bundle of books and manuscripts for Harry to have. Harry thanked Sir Nicolas, who smiled and told Harry that it would be his responsibility to pass the information along to the appropriate witches and wizards of his time. They had a butterbeer together. Harry talked about how much Hermione had helped him. Sir Nicolas smiled. He asked Harry to read one of the books for the next week. Harry asked if Sir Nicolas might show him how to enchant a sword sometime. They walked outside and visited the lake for a moment, and then Sir Nicolas left.

Harry went back and carefully put the materials that Sir Nicolas had given him in his trunk. He met Diane for lunch. She had a full schedule talking with students for the week. His own classes went well. He conjured a bunch of balloons and set them loose at one end of the room. He asked the students to fire red sparks at them to improve their aim. By the end of the class he conjured a soft breeze so that the balloons were moving.

At five, he met Pansy in his office. She asked him what had happened at the Grangers. Harry told her. He told her that he had seen the interrogation documents and what they contained. She asked him about Narcissa. Harry told her what he had read in the Daily Prophet. He told her that he had last seen her at the trial for the bombing of the joke shop. She thought about what he had said for a moment. "I liked Draco, but I didn't agree with his politics or methods. We broke up late last winter after he had taken the Mark, and I wouldn't. She showed Harry her arms. They were clean. "I had heard that Mrs. Malfoy had been beaten and raped before he killed her. It was a crappy way to spend the last hour of your life. I don't want that for myself."

Harry fought back the bile that was collecting in his throat. That was a crappy way to spend the last hour of your life. Refocusing, he asked, "What do you want to do with your life, Pansy? You could do anything that you would like. You could be a healer, a solicitor, do potions research, or find a decent guy and raise great kids."

Pansy looked at Harry for a moment, knew that he was being sincere and smiled. "I like to write, and I like to visit with people. Maybe I could work at a newspaper."

Harry suggested, "I have an idea. Why don't you write a page or two about what it's like this year at school? I know some people at the Prophet and the Quibbler. I would show it to both of them, and maybe one or the other would publish it. Would that be Okay?"

Pansy looked shocked. "Would you really do that for me?"

"Yes. If either publisher likes your work, I would be happy to introduce you to them this or next Saturday. Okay?"

Pansy looked Harry in the eye. "Thank you Harry. I really mean it."

"You're very welcome. Enjoy your evening."

… - …

In his fourth and fifth year defense class, he asked Poppy to demonstrate healing of minor cuts. She had brought a few of the practice mannequins that Harry had worked with. By the end of the class, most of the students were able to heal a minor cut. They all thanked Harry and Poppy for helping them with the practice.

In the sixth and seventh year classes, he practiced defensive moves and blocks. They didn't know any exotic spells or moves, but everyone could perform the basics. The students who were also in the DA group could probably hold their own against, or beat at least some of the Death Eaters that they had met at the Department of Mysteries last June. Susan Bones shared the big box of chocolate bars that the villagers had sent her with the rest of the class.

His evening classes were going well. While Harry preferred to conjure an object to transfiguring something else, McGonagall told him that a transfigured object would be permanent. "Sometimes it isn't about making an object so much as getting rid of something else." Harry was reminded of Barty Crouch Jr.'s confession that he had transfigured the body of his father into a bone, and nodded darkly. After the lesson, Minerva was reminded of the two wooden chairs that Harry had conjured over the summer that she and Dumbledore had put away in one of the classrooms. Out of curiosity she went the room to see if they were still there. She found them where they had been left. Except for being dust covered, they looked new! She picked one up. It felt as solid as any chair. She cleaned the dust off and sat on it. The chair was absolutely solid. "Amazing." she muttered. "Perhaps one wizard in a few thousand could conjure permanent objects this well."

… - …

Harry and Hermione left early on Saturday and went to visit Remus at St. Mungo's. He was looking better. The Healers there had been giving him a lot of occupational therapy. They discussed the plans for the 26th. Harry said that he would deliver the needed materials next Saturday. Harry advised Remus not to say anything to anyone outside of the close circle, and to keep a close eye for unusual visitors or packages. Harry told him that if they sent anything to him it would have Hermione Potter listed as the sender.

They came back from visiting Remus and split up for an hour. Hermione went to see Professor McGonagall. Harry found Diane. "If you have some, time, I would be delighted to take you flying this morning." They put on jackets and walked out the door. Harry had Diane sit in front. He took her over the lake, up the hills over Hogsmeade on a slow and gentle ride flying at about 300 feet. From time to time, they would see someone on the ground who waved at them. Diane finally got to the comfort point where she would take one hand off, and kind of wave back. They flew back to the castle.

Diane got off the broom and hugged Harry. "Thanks for inviting me Harry. I was embarrassed to keep asking you."

He smiled at her. "Don't be embarrassed. I love to go flying with you."

"Thanks. I really mean it. It has meant a lot to me to get to know a bit about my heritage. I need to go visit a student now. Thanks again."

Harry put his broom away and met up with Hermione. She was wearing a skinny gray sweater and jeans. Harry changed into jeans and a sweater. He brought some cash along with him and met back with Hermione.

They went to the fireplace in Harry' office. Hermione said, "We can floo from here. You need to say Musee du Louvre. Let's practice. Musee du Louvre. Okay, I'll go first. Musee du Louvre." She was gone.

Harry threw a bit of floo powder in the fireplace and said "Musee du Louvre." Five seconds later he was on his arse on a stone hearth. Hermione helped him up.

The attendant suppressed a laugh and asked them their names. Hermione answered his questions speaking in perfect French. The smirk vanished from his face. She gave the attendant a small bill for the toll, and they were on their way.

"I hate traveling by floo," said Harry, his pride injured more than anything else. "Where to?"

"I've been here before. Let's just walk around and see the sights. When we get hungry, we can find someplace to eat. Next time, we will have both been here so we can just apparate." They walked out of the museum and along the river for an hour or so enjoying the sights and each other's company. They found a sidewalk café. Hermione ordered for them. Harry was not familiar with the food, but it was very good. After finishing their meal, they walked for another hour, or so. Hermione showed him where they were on the little map that she had brought with her. "I exchanged some galleons for French notes from Professor McGonagall. I never knew that she handled the business affairs for the school."

Harry nodded. "She's very good at the business side of the school. I like going to Paris for lunch with you Miss Granger. You think of everything."

"Have you ever been to France before Harry?"

"No. To be honest, before Hogwarts, I had only been out of Surrey County one time to go to London for an afternoon. I think I was six. This is the first time I have been out of Britain. For the most part, my life began the first time I took the Hogwarts express. That was the day I met you."

She kissed his cheek. "That's so sweet. Of course you didn't like me when you first met me."

"I didn't know you then. You were going on about Neville's toad or something. We're very different people today than we were then. You're the kindest person that I could ever meet. You are so beautiful. I have so much respect for you, your compassion, and your abilities. I feel like the luckiest man on Earth."

"Why thank you Mr. Potter. The years have been kind to you too. Is it Christmas yet?"

"Almost. I wish it was."

"It's getting dark. We should probably get back." They found a quiet street and vanished. They apparated back to the train station and walked back to the castle.

"Thank you for a great day, Hermione. I really had fun going with you. Paris is fantastic!"

They met Ron while walking back to the castle. "Where have you two been?"

Hermione said, "We just went for a walk. Why?"

"I had been looking for you, that's all."

Harry said, "Would you and Luna like to come over in an hour? Seamus and Susan are coming too."

"Sure. What about Ginny and Neville?"

"Fine. We will see you then."

Hermione went with Harry. They put away everything that was the least out of the ordinary. There was no inquisition this time. Everyone was a lot more respectful of Harry's teaching role. They had a nice visit. Harry made eleven pizzas. It was something of a contest between Seamus and Ron who would eat the most. In the end, the master won out. Susan asked why Harry had two trunks. Harry said that the other one had belonged to his parents, but that he had never opened it. They talked for a while about what they might want to do after school.

Neville wanted to be a herbologist. Everyone thought that he would be fantastic at it.

"Where would you work?" asked Hermione.

"Most likely either at the St. Mungo's research center, or at one of the apothecaries."

"How about you, Susan?" asked Hermione.

"I would like to do the same sort of work that your friend Diane does. She really helped me a lot, and the wizarding world has such a need for that sort of thing. Auntie is seeing about getting me admitted to Cambridge after school."

"How about you, Hermione?" asked Susan.

I'd like to do some volunteer work, transitioning muggle born witches into the wizarding world, and start what I hope is a very large family. The first-born witch is at such a disadvantage when they start school. This would be an opportunity to provide basic wizarding culture knowledge for their families. Maybe there could be some sort of prep class for the families, a two-week emersion class if you would. It is a two way shock for an incoming student, the loss of their technology and all of the wizarding world culture."

"Ron, have you talked with anyone at the Canons?" asked Harry.

The lanky redhead admitted, "I've written them, but haven't heard back yet. How about you?"

"I'd like to continue here, and find a way to help Susan's aunt from time to time. I'm also quite interested in helping Hermione achieve her goals. The women looked at each other, and started giggling. Ron looked clueless. "What about you Luna?" asked Harry.

"I think I'll help daddy at the newspaper. I am also quite interested in Arithmancy, particularly in spell modification research."

Harry asked, "What about you Ginny?"

"I'd like to start a witches fashion business."

"What would you need to start it?"

"Contacts, capital, and a lot more drawings."

Harry said, "When you are ready, I can help you with the first two. Just let me know what you need. Ron, there's more pizza if you would like." Luna and Hermione shook their heads in disbelief as he took another two pieces.

Neville asked, "Seamus, what about you?"

Their Irish friend scratched his head. "I don't rightly know. I kind of see things the way Hermione does only in reverse. I think it is the typical witch or wizard that's woefully unprepared to function in the muggle world. The muggle studies class here is a joke. No offense meant, Professor, but I think you know what I mean. PC, and DVD are just five letters to 90 percent of the students here."

Harry replied, "Talk to me a year from this spring."

For Harry, this had been one of the best days that he could remember. For a day, the weight of the wizarding world had been off his shoulders. He remembered Hermione's letter from last summer, and smiled. He was a very lucky man. As the others said their good nights, he realized what it meant to truly live. If the prophecy was correct, this is what he had to look forward to after he got rid of Voldemort.

… - …

On Sunday, Harry and Hermione portkeyed Diane back to her home. After they had hugged and said their goodbyes, Harry and Hermione apparated to Hermione's parents to have lunch. Dan and Emma were surprised, but delighted to see their daughter and Harry. Dan went out side to light the grill. Emma said, "This is so much better than getting a call. How has your first month gone?"

Hermione said, "Classes are going really well this year. We have a new potions professor, Dr. Chang. He's a much better teacher than Professor Snape ever was. He actually teaches the theory, not just the recipe. Astronomy is going well. Arithmancy and Ancient Runes are quite difficult, but we're really learning a lot. We'll begin the unit on conjuring objects in transfiguration after Christmas break in Transfiguration."

Emma replied, "That sounds good. How's your year going, Harry?"

"I've learned a lot in my different tutoring sessions. The finance classes that the goblins teach are really quite interesting. The other teachers, Professor Dumbledore, Healer Pomfrey, and the Aurors have gone way out of their way to help me."

He continued. "I like my job. I'm starting to learn how to teach. I've been reading quite a few books on education theory, and have a great opportunity to improve my teaching skills. The students have accepted my new role much better than I thought that they would. I think Hermione may have had something to do with that, but she hasn't said."

Emma said, "It sounds like a lot of the students had the opportunity to practice the lessons that you had taught."

Hermione was ready for this. "Mum, these horrible creatures showed up…"

Emma cut her off. "I'd like to hear it from Harry first."

Harry explained that they had taken precautions in the event of an attack during the first Hogsmede weekend. He talked about ensuring that a number of the students knew the defensive charm, and the posting of lookouts. He told her about the creation of the portkeys to provide a safe escape for the students.

Emma softened somewhat. "What was the result?"

"Of the 350 students that went, there were four injuries. Cho fell off of her broom while on lookout. Susan fell over another student using a portkey to get back to school. My friend Remus was attacked by a Death Eater and lost an arm, and one of the Aurors received a bad bruise. A lot of kids got pretty scared, but everyone did exactly what they were supposed to do."

Emma nodded. "What were you doing during all of this?"

"I helped a few kids to safety and performed first aid on Remus."

"Mum, what are you getting at?"

"Diane sent me the newspaper clippings. They made it sound like Harry saved the entire village."

Hermione looked at her mother and calmly said, "He did. First he made certain that I would be safe. He made certain that all of the students were safe. He saved Remus' life and he destroyed some of those creatures."

"Ninety six is not 'some' Hermione. Who was that man, Harry?"

"Peter Pettigrew was a wizard who had murdered many witches wizards and regular people. He betrayed my parents sixteen years ago, causing their deaths. He helped plan the attack on your home, the bombing of the joke shop, and a lot of really bad things in between."

Tears were welling in her eyes as she pleaded, "Harry and Hermione please don't make me drag information out of you both. Harry, I appreciate that you took Dan's words to heart, and made certain that everyone was safe. Please believe me when I say that I'm not prying into every detail of your life, but we just want to know what's going on."

Harry nodded, not sure what to say.

Hermione changed the subject. "Harry took me to Paris for lunch yesterday."

"Really. How did you get there? Did you use one of those portkey devices?"

"No. We used the floo network to get there and apparated back. Watch this." Hermione walked to the end of the living room. POP she was standing next to her mother. "I got my license a month ago. Harry taught me."

"Brilliant. That is truly amazing! You can go from one spot to anywhere?"

Hermione answered, "It helps if you have been there, or can visualize the place that you are trying to get to. I was reading about apparating to a map location, but that sounds pretty hard."

Emma was very impressed. "That's fantastic, dear. How long did it take to get there?"

Harry answered. "The floo takes about half a minute. Apparation is a lot faster. That really only takes a second or two. It takes a little longer if you are carrying another person."

Emma marveled at the light magic that they were describing. "That's amazing. Harry, did you really fly Diane around on your broomstick?"

Harry turned slightly red. "Yes. What did she say?"

"She said if you ever offer me a ride to take you up on it. She said it was the most fun that she had ever had doing anything, bar none."

"Oh. She did seem to enjoy it."

They finished their lunch, and went back to school. Dan hugged Hermione and Emma hugged Harry. Dan said, "Learn a lot of things, have fun, and stay safe. We love you both."

Harry and Hermione said, "We love you too. Bye." They waved. Dan looked again. The kids were gone.

… - …

Monday came. Harry got up and ran. After breakfast he went to his classroom. Sir Nicolas met him a few minutes later. "Harry might I use your pensive?" Harry went to get it, and returned a few minutes later.

Sir Nicolas gazed into Harry's eye. "I apologize for not being as prepared this morning as I might have been. I have a few memories that I would like to give you." He withdrew strand after strand and placed them into Harry's pensive. He handed Harry a large bundle of papers. "Harry, I regret to tell you that this is the last time that I will be able to come to see you. My time is getting quite short, and I have a number of affairs to get in order. I did leave you a number of manuscripts on topics that you may have an interest in. Please keep them safe."

He continued. "Harry, I do have a request to ask of you. I would like to spend a few minutes visiting with your friend, Hermione." Harry summoned Dobby, who went to get Hermione. She arrived in Harry's class within minutes.

"Hermione, I am Nicolas Flamel. Harry has said many nice things about you, and I wanted to meet you. I have a bit of perspective that I would like to share with you, and now seems to be the time to do it. Harry, if you could return in an hour, we will finish our lesson."

Harry walked outside. It was a sunny October day. Harry had a butterbeer on the front lawn, watching the birds and the leaves. The sun peeked through the clouds hinting at what could be a fine afternoon. After an hour he went back in.

Nicolas was finishing his conversation with Hermione as Harry returned. "My Parenelle was such a fine women. She has been waiting for me for a year now. She had a great intellect and a good heart like you. Take care of each other." Hermione gave Nicolas a hug and she left.

"Harry, there is a last lesson that I would like to show you myself". He demonstrated how to turn invisible. He reappeared a few moments later. "It really is a variation on apparation. The difference is that you separate the disapparation from the reapparation aspects. In between you have the ability to walk unnoticed. Read the manuscript, and I am certain that you will be able to do it with a few hours practice. If you would, I would like to borrow your pensive one more time." He withdrew a few more strands and placed them in Harry's bowl.

"If you would do me the kindness of walking me up to see Albus, I would appreciate it."

As they walked, Nicolas told Harry that he had enjoyed the opportunity to have a student who enjoyed learning, and wasn't already full of misconceptions. At the gargoyle, Nicolas took Harry's hand and said, "This is where we will part. I wish you as much success and happiness in your life as you desire. Fare well, Harry." He climbed the stairs and was gone. Harry went back to his classroom, gathered up the bundle of parchments and his pensive. He carefully sealed the pensive and carried both back to his room.

… - …

Harry's evening class that night was similar to the summer session that he had during the summer with the tennis balls. In this case, he was to transfigure the tennis ball into water before it hit him. Harry was much better at this wandlessly than with his wand. As a result, he was soaked at the end of the session. Minerva kidded him. "After you transfigured the ball, you might have considered ducking or getting out of the way. Seriously, well done, Harry." She waved her hand and dried him off. "Don't look at me so strange. I never said that I couldn't do wandless magics. I simply do not possess the power or dexterity with them that you do. I could float my tin of biscuits into the air easily enough, but getting them onto your palm is about my limit. I heard that you healed Remus without your wand and did it perfectly. I couldn't do that on my best day."

"Minerva, I want to thank you very much for taking the time each week to help me. Can we visit for a while?"

She realized immediately that this was not a normal comment from Harry. "Of course. What's on your mind?

Harry had a hard time with the words. "I expect to face Voldemort before the year is up. If things … don't work out, I'd like you to keep an eye on Hermione for me."

The anxiety was just flowing off him. Minerva wanted to give him an answer without minimizing what he had just tried to say. With a great amount of honest respect for the young man she said, "I would be honored to Harry, but there will be no need. I am certain that you will prevail." She looked him in the eye for a minute, with her thin lips almost vanishing. "Harry, I will give you a piece of advice. When the time comes, face him on your terms, not his."

Harry nodded. "I'll remember that. Thank you, Professor, for everything."

… - …

Potions Wednesday evening with Dr. Chang compared to Snape was a different as Hagrid's pet dogs Fang and Fluffy. Dr. Chang took the time to explain the background of a potion, the theory behind the combination of ingredients and gave advice on judging the quality of the finished product. He reviewed every potion that Harry had ever made, and explained the missing gaps in Harry's knowledge of the subject. After a month, they were ready to proceed to new material. Having understood the background, Harry progressed at remarkable speed. Dr. Chang told Harry that he was having similar results with most of the fifth, sixth and seventh year students. He gave Harry several books to read on the chemistry and biology behind the ingredients. It provided a lot of the "Why and How" answers to questions that Snape had never provided in his class. Harry thanked Dr. Chang, who said, "Harry, my family will always be in your debt. A few books are nothing compared to Cho's life. In the next lesson, we will take up training with the sword again. I see a mastery of that tool as helping you with your destiny."