Harry Potter and the Magnificent Seven
Chapter 27: A Press Conference, Night of Tears, and a Birthday CelebrationThe night after Arthur awoke from his coma saw the first major party at Rainbow Headquarters since the bar brawl several months ago. It was actually a triple celebration; they were celebrating Ron and Hermione's wedding, Arthur's recovery, and more importantly, the fact that despite how close the Marauders had come to death, Rainbow had been able to inflict heavy casualties on Voldemort's forces. When the final cleanup at the Burrow had been completed, no less than eight hundred enemy bodies (and parts of bodies) had been accounted for. More importantly, at least one hundred wounded prisoners had also been taken, and were currently being interrogated for information. Unfortunately most of the prisoners were low-level followers of Voldemort or low-level muggles, and therefore neither Harry nor the others were expecting much to be learned.
Harry smiled as he watched his fellow Rainbow troopers whooping it up in the main assembly hall. The party had been going on for almost four hours and a great many of them were approaching inebriation.
"Who are you kidding." Ginny said through the mind link. She had come up along side him. "Most of them ARE inebriated."
"True." Harry said grinning. He watched as several people struggled to move off the dance floor without falling down. Then he saw Julio Vega, Team-2's heavy weapons specialist, come over.
"Hey, Harry, Ginny." He said, smiling. "Great party don't you think?"
"Yeah Vega." Harry said. "Its about time we had something to celebrate."
"Don't you worry, mano." Vega replied. "There's gonna be plenty more where this came from. Rainbow ain't never taken on a mission it couldn't win."
Harry sighed as he sat down on the bed he and Ginny were sharing. He had left the party only a half hour ago, feeling pretty exhausted. Ginny was still at the party, though she had just told Harry through the mind link that she would be leaving soon. Harry heard his message parchment give a soft tone. Pulling it out of his pocket, he read the message. It was from Albus.
Harry,
I've been thinking about what to do concerning the Daily Prophet article that came out just before the attack on the Burrow. As much as I would like to, I don't think we're going to be able to keep denying it much longer. Its clear from the prisoners Rainbow has interrogated that Voldemort had already discovered the true identities of the Phoenix Team before the article in the prophet. Based on what I've heard, it's clear he has many spies in this school; one of them must have overheard the same conversation that Ms. Patil heard. But it is also clear that he does not know of the prophecy. That subject has never been discussed openly by any of us who know it.
Based on this, I believe that perhaps the time has come to confirm the report in the Prophet. Since the cat, as the muggles say, is already out of the bag, I do not see it hurting anything. All of your families are now residing at either Rainbow Headquarters (a place you would agree that is probably safer than anywhere else in the world) or here at Hogwarts. As are the families of the rest of Rainbow.
In fact, I believe that we may be able to use this too our advantage. Learning of the existence of Rainbow, as well as confirming that you, Msgrs. Weasley, Ms. Weasley, Ms. Granger and Mr. Longbottom are indeed the Phoenix Team, will probably have the positive effect of inspiring the people and giving them hope. No matter what the Ministry does, the people see you, Harry, as their greatest hope. I know that you do not like the attention, but perhaps it is time we put it to use.
With your permission, I will schedule a press conference tomorrow afternoon here at Hogwarts.
The next morning, Harry spoke with the rest of the Marauders, as well as John concerning Dumbledore's message. After a brief discussion, they decided that perhaps it was the best option at the moment. They then spent the next few hours discussing which information to reveal and which information to withhold. Around 2pm, they took a special portkey to Hogwarts. After arriving, they went to the Headmaster's office.
"Ah, how good to see you again." Dumbledore said, arising from his desk when they walked in. "I'm glad that you decided to agree to this. I truly believe it will do some good."
"You're welcome, Albus." Harry said. "Shall we get on with it?" Dumbledore nodded.
"I will go down to the Main Hall where the reporters are assembled. I will make the opening presentation and then signal for you to appear." Dumbledore said.
"Good afternoon, ladies and gentlemen." Dumbledore said, stepping up to the podium at the front of the Hall. All the tables that normally filled the hall had been removed, and a small stage set up at the front of the Hall. It was on this stage where Dumbledore and the podium now were. Several large rows of chairs filled about half the Hall. Sitting in these seats were representatives of every wizarding news outlet in the world, as well as some representatives from various other Ministries of Magic.
"I have called this press conference to address an article that appeared in the Daily Prophet over a week ago, the events related to the attack on Deputy Minister of Magic Arthur Weasley, and the rumors and speculation that have arisen as a result of both. I am sure you are all aware of the report that appeared in the Daily Prophet, in which a Hogwarts student provided information regarding the identity of the mysterious Phoenix Team' that has been credited with stopping several dozen attacks by forces associated with Lord Voldemort, as well as the disappearance of seven Hogwarts students from the school early in the school year, most notably Harry Potter. To refresh everyone's memories, this student reported that the identity of the Phoenix Team and the disappearance of Mr. Potter and his friends were tied together.
I have come here today to confirm that report."
Surprised conversation suddenly erupted among the assembled guests. Many had expected a ferverent denial of the stories that had appeared in the Prophet and other newspapers. Several began shouting questions. Dumbledore raised his hand to quiet the crowd down.
"Please hold your questions. You will have ample opportunity to ask your questions at the end." Dumbledore said. The crowd quieted down. "This past summer, in recognition of the fact that Mr. Potter has been and will continue to be, a target for Lord Voldemort, I decided to arrange for Mr. Potter and his friends to receive special training in defense. These young men and women are among the best students in Hogwarts and had already distinguished themselves on several occasions. But even I was astonished by the progress they made during the summer months. Upon further research, it was discovered that the increase in their powers were attributed to an extremely rare magical event, one that has not been recorded in over 1000 years, known as the Quickening. Simply put, the Quickening is an event that occurs with the very rare and specific alignment of the planets. No one knows why it happens, but when conditions are right, a witch or wizard who is affected by the Quickening will experience a major magical growth spurt, which not only affects their magical ability, but also their physical appearance, intellect, and emotional maturity, advancing all four at an accelerated rate. More astonishing, until last summer, the only known cases of the Quickening involved one or two wizards; never before has a group of seven individuals all experience the Quickening.
Upon their return to Hogwarts, it was decided by the staff at Hogwarts to place them in an advanced course of study. At this time they were also inducted into the prestigious Order of the Phoenix. By October the progress of these students was such that we allowed those who had not already done so to take their OWLs, with the expectation that all seven would be ready to take their NEWTs in December. Needless to say, Mr. Potter and his friends passed both examinations with flying colors. As you are further aware, they fought bravely and well at both the Battle of the Ministry and the Battle of Azkaban in October. After the disasters that night and my ascension as Minister of Magic, I further expanded their training to include Auror training. Again, this was completed in a matter of weeks.
Just prior to Christmas, Mr. Potter approached me with a proposal. He and his friends, having completed both their Hogwarts education and Auror training in record time, would leave Hogwarts and begin conducting special operations-style raids against Voldemort's followers as a means to disrupt their plans and give the Ministry time to rebuild. Given the changes in all seven students from the Quickening, I could see no reason to deny the request. As you all know, they left Hogwarts on Christmas Eve. Only myself, Deputy Minister Arthur Weasley and a select group knew of the true story behind their disappearance. For the next few months, the Phoenix Team as they were called, successfully intervened in several operations put into place by forces loyal to Lord Voldemort.
In March, Ministry intelligence began to receive disturbing information that Lord Voldemort, whose hatred for muggles is well known, had decided to seek out alliances with many of the worst muggles in the world. These were men and women associated with terrorist and criminal organizations. However this intelligence could not be confirmed. Until the attack on the East London Mall. This attack was conducted by a joint force of Deatheaters and allied muggle mercenaries. A muggle international anti-terrorist unit was dispatched within minutes to deal with the attack. This unit was known as Rainbow.
Predictably, Rainbow was unprepared for the size and type of attack they soon experienced. A short time later, the Phoenix Team responded to the scene and helped rescue Rainbow. In the after action review, it was shown that while Rainbow was outgunned, they did in fact managed to inflict significant casualties on the enemy force. At Mr. Potter's request, the Ministry of Magic opened negotiations with the governments who created Rainbow, with the ultimate goal of incorporating the Phoenix Team, as well as selected Aurors, into Rainbow, thereby creating a joint muggle-wizard commando unit to deal with Voldemort and his allies. It was this unit that aided in the evacuation of Beauxbatons, as interdicting several of Voldemort's attacks. It was also this unit that rescued Deputy Minister Weasley and his wife.
Now, ladies and gentlemen, allow me to introduce the Phoenix Team, and the commander of Rainbow." A moment later, the Marauders and John appeared on the stage.
Minister of Magic Confirms Identity of the Phoenix Team; Announces Existence of Joint Muggle/Ministry Strike Force
Harry put down his copy of the Daily Prophet and smiled. Dumbledore had skillfully confirmed the Prophet story, given enough additional detail to satisfy the media, and successfully kept much of the truth behind the Marauders ascension from Hogwarts students to the Phoenix Team, including the source of their incredible power. It had been a stroke of genius to blame their new powers on the Quickening, a phenomenon that was as mysterious today as it was over a thousand years ago.
The question and answer period that had followed Dumbledore's speech had been interesting, to say the lease. There were a lot of questions regarding the necessity and wisdom of allying with a muggle commando force, questions that were dealt with very expertly by Dumbledore and John.
Dubledore had been correct in his belief that the confirmation of the story would have a positive effect. Every wizarding news outlet in Britain was reporting a huge jump in morale among the general wizarding public and in the last twenty-four hours the Ministry had seen a 150% jump in the number of applicants to the Department of Magical Law Enforcement. Additionally, the Ministry was receiving an increase in the amount of tips from citizens regarding dark activity and from Harry's understanding, there were a large number of messages of support for the Phoenix Team, Rainbow and the Ministry.
"Well, it looks like it worked." Ginny said as she sat down in the chair across from Harry.
"Yeah." Harry replied, smiling at her. "I have to admit I didn't think it would."
"Do you mind if I sit here?" Erika said. Neville looked up from his book. Erika was standing by the table holding her tray of food.
"Not at all." He replied, smiling at her. She set her tray down and sat down. For the next few minutes neither of them said anything, Neville returning to his book and Erika eating her dinner. Several times Erika thought she saw Neville staring at her from behind his book.
"It's been awfully quiet lately, don't you think?" she asked finally. It had been four weeks since the press conference and aside from one or two minor attacks, and four pre-emptive raids on the part of Rainbow, very little had happened. In fact, it was so quiet that John and Harry had decided that the time had come for another base party, this time a dance. Neville put his book down.
"Yeah. I guess Voldemort is regrouping his troops." Neville said. "Unfortunately, I have the feeling that the next time we here from them it's going to be worse than before." Erika nodded. She couldn't help but look into his eyes.
God I could get lost in those eyes. She thought to herself.
"Listen, Neville. I was wondering – I mean if you don't want to its okay –" she said. Neville looked at her questioningly. "What I mean is, would you be my date for the dance tonight?" She looked down at her tray, blushing. Neville felt his own face color slightly as inside his stomach did a summersault.
"I'd love to." He said finally. Erika raised her eyes, smiling.
"Really?" she said.
"Really." He replied.
"Look's like Erika finally got her man." Vega said. He was standing off to the side with Ding and Harry. The dance had been going on for two hours now and so far, it looked like a success. Most of the married couples on base were in attendance, and most of the rest of Rainbow was also there. No one was in uniform; John and Harry had figured it would be nice for everyone to act as normal as possible given the circumstances. It was proving to be a nice diversion from the events of the last year.
Harry looked out onto the dance floor and saw Neville and Erika dancing very close to each other. Harry smiled. He knew that Neville had been attracted to Erika for some time, but had been hesitant about pursuing the relationship given their age differences. He also knew from his conversations with various Rainbow members that Erika had been attracted to Neville but had hesitated for the same reason. He wondered who had finally approached who. Not that it mattered. Whomever had asked who, it was clear that something was developing.
"Galleon for your thoughts." Ginny said as she came up behind Harry. Harry turned and pulled her to him, kissing her lightly on the lips.
"Just watching Neville and Erika." He said. Ginny looked over in that direction and smiled.
"I'm glad one of them finally made a move." She said. Harry, Vega, and Ding all nodded. A moment later the music stopped and Neville and Erika walked hand and hand off the dance floor and made their way over.
"Having fun?" Ding asked them.
"Definitely." Neville said, casting a smile at Erika, who blushed slightly. Harry opened his mouth to say something, but was cut off as the base alarm sounded.
"Why does this always happen at a dance?" Ginny said.
In the village of Middleton, Scotland, Senior Patrolman William Malone sat in his car at a red light. A ten-year veteran of the Middleton police force, he was filling in for a sick colleague. As he sat at the light, he noticed movement down the street. Several figures were moving about, though he couldn't really make them out. Then the light turned green and his began to accelerated down the road. He had gone no more than fifty feet when at flash registered in his peripheral vision and a second later, an anti-tank rocket slammed into his patrol car.
From a dozen feet away, Ernie Micklen smiled and turned to his companion, who was dressed in black cloak and wore a skeleton mask.
"That should be the only one on duty." He said. His companion nodded, raising his wand and sending red sparks into the air. A moment later, hell was unleashed on the sleeping residents of the small town.
Thirty miles away, in the village of Hamm, Ding Chavez and Team-2 had just portkeyed into the town square. All around them buildings burned and several green skulls were hanging over the town. The sounds of curses and gunfire could be heard further into the village. Ding signaled the team to move. Two by two, the members of Team-2, including Vega, Sirius, and Tonks, began moving towards the sounds. A few moments after they began moving, they made contact with the first of the enemy. Shots rang out as the two-muggle mercenaries the team came across attempted to fight them, only to be taken out. Then more shots were fired at them as several more mercenaries, as well as three Deatheaters, attacked.
Ding took out two targets with a quick burst from his submachine gun, while Sirius managed to hit one of the Deatheaters with a slashing curse. The firefight continued for several minutes, and ended in the deaths of the enemy raiding force and some minor injuries to two members of Team-2.
"Stupefy!" Harry shouted, knocking the last Deatheater several feet across the street and slamming him into the wall of a nearby building. He looked around and cursed. Everything had been going so well. It had been five weeks since the attack on the Burrow with relatively little activity and the entire unit was getting much needed rest, culminating in the base dance. That was until an hour ago when the base alarms sounded, breaking the revelry. When Harry and the others had reached the Situation Room, they were overwhelmed with what they saw.
Voldemort had obviously decided to go back to the tactics that had served him well in the last war. This time there were not one or two big attacks but five-dozen separate small raids. Rainbow had immediately leapt into action, but the sheer volume of attacks, along with the distance between the locations of the attacks (which ranged from Northern Scotland, to Southern England, to western Ireland to eastern France). The Ministries of all three countries also responded, dispatching Aurors to those areas where Rainbow could not go, but again, the sheer volume of the attacks had stretched their defenses to the limit.
The Marauders were currently on the island of Iona in western Scotland. Voldemort had dispatched a force of Deatheaters and mercenaries to attack the historic Anglican abbey that resided there and the many tourists who were currently on the island. This was the third attack that the Marauders had responded to that night. They had been successful in stopping the first two attacks very easily and before much damage had been done to those two towns. Unfortunately it was not so easy at Iona. For one, the force that Voldemort had dispatched was larger than most of the others. For another, the enemy had a critical twenty-five minute head-start before anyone could get to the island.
I think that's all of them. Ron said to Harry via the link. Harry nodded.
Where's Ginny and Hermione? Harry asked, looking around. He saw Neville, Fred, and George checking the wounded.
We're two blocks away. Ginny answered over the link. We found some kids.
Are they okay? Ron asked.
Just a little shaken up and very frightened. Hermione answered.
We'll bring all the survivors to the chapel. Reinforcements from the Ministry should be here shortly. Harry said. Then he and Ron began assisting the others in caring for the wounded and moving the survivors to the large chapel in the abbey.
Minister of Magic Albus Dumbledore rubbed his temples as he took a break from reading the reports from Rainbow and the Department of Magical Law Enforcement. It had been an exceeding long and difficult night for the Ministries of England, Ireland, and France. In nearly five-dozen attacks, nearly three hundred people had been killed and nearly twice the number had been injured. Those figures included about two-dozen Aurors.
"How bad was it?" Minerva asked, entering his office. Dumbledore looked up and she was shocked to see the age on his face.
"It was bad, Minerva." He replied. "I'm afraid Voldemort surprised us once again last night. Luckily Rainbow, along our Aurors, was able to respond quickly; nearly all of his attacking forces were either killed or captured. But there was a lot of damage."
"Were any of Rainbow hurt?" she asked. Dumbledore nodded.
"There were several minor and moderate injuries, but nothing serious." Dumbledore replied.
Voldemort Launches Counter-Strike; Hundreds Dead in Night of Tears
The relative calm that the wizarding world has experienced since the announcement of Minister Dumbledore four weeks ago was shattered last night as forces loyal to Lord Voldemort launched dozens of attacks throughout England, Ireland, and France. Official estimates are still being compiled, but unofficial estimates place the number of dead and injured near a thousand.
Aurors from all three Ministries, as well as Rainbow, the joint muggle/wizard commando unit, of which the Phoenix Team are members, responded immediately at the first signs of trouble and were able to take out all the raiding forces. Unfortunately, the sheer number of raids, combined with the distances between the attacks, they were not able to intervene fast enough to prevent a tremendous loss of life and property in many cases. Speaking on behalf of Rainbow, Harry Potter had this to say.
"Our hearts go out to those who lost loved ones in these attacks or who had loved ones injured. Rest assured that we will continue to track down and bring justice to those who have sided with the forces of darkness. Voldemort and his followers will pay."
In other news, the attacks of last evening have had a positive effect. In response to the attacks, the Ministers of Magic for Ireland, France and Minister Dumbledore met early this morning and worked out an agreement for joint cooperation in meeting this new threat. Speaking after the meeting, Irish MoM Kevin O'Connor had this said this:
"This solidifies what is already the case; our three nations shall work together to remove the stain of Voldemort and his followers from our lands. No one is safe while these monsters are free."
"Where's Harry?" Fred asked as he and George sat down at the Marauder's usual table in the base cafeteria. Already seated were Ginny, Ron, Hermione, and Neville, as well as Neville's girlfriend Erika.
"Where else?" Ron asked. "Him and John are still holed up in their office." It had been four weeks since the "Night of Tears" as the media had dubbed the attacks. Ever since then, Harry and John had become obsessed with learning why their intelligence network had not provided more warning. Additionally, several of the prisoners taken that night had made vague references to the fact that Voldemort now had a central base of operations outside the country. Harry and John had been spending about twelve hours a day pouring over intelligence reports from not only the Rainbow intelligence network, but also the intelligence services of the British, Irish, and French MoM and the muggle intelligence services of the nations that had originally sponsored Rainbow.
"Can't you get him to take a break?" Hermione asked Ginny.
"No. Believe me, I've tried." Ginny said. "He won't even talk about anything else. He's even forgotten his birthday is in a few days."
"Well, we can't have that." George said.
"Yeah, I guess we're going to have to throw him a party to remind him." Fred said.
"But how are we going to get him to put down the work for a night?" Neville asked. Ginny grinned.
"Let me handle it." She said, and then proceeded to tell the others her plan. The others grinned as they listened.
Harry set down the latest intelligence report he was reading and rubbed his eyes. He and John were still no closer to solving the mystery as to why their intelligence network had failed to provide warning of the attacks of five weeks ago; nor the mystery of Voldemort's hideout.
There has to be something we're missing. Harry thought to himself. John had retired to his quarters a half hour earlier, claiming a migraine. Harry looked at his watch and saw that it was 11pm. He should probably get going as well. Ginny had been rather upset the last few weeks with his work hours and he didn't want to anger her any further.
"You still here?" Ginny asked as she walked into the office. Harry looked up and smiled. She was still in the black jumpsuit uniform that Rainbow had taken to wearing around the base.
"I was just getting ready to leave." He said, rubbing the back of his neck. Ginny walked over and began to massage his neck. Harry groaned slightly.
"That feels really good." He said. After a few minutes, Ginny stopped massaging his neck and step around and sat in his lap, putting her arms around his neck.
"You're really tense tonight." Ginny said. Harry nodded.
"Yeah." He said. "Look, Ginny, I'm sorry for the way I've been acting the last few weeks. Its just really frustrating that we can't seem to make any progress."
"I understand." She said, leaning in and giving him a kiss. "By the way, Happy Birthday." Harry started. How could he have forgotten? It was his sixteenth birthday. More importantly, it meant that Ginny's fifteenth birthday was very close.
"I'd completely forgotten." He admitted.
"That's okay, you've been busy." Ginny said. "But you better not forget mine." Harry grinned. He wasn't planning on forgetting. Sitting in Neville's footlocker was the present he planned on giving her, assuming Molly and Arthur didn't object.
"I wouldn't dream of it." He replied. "So when do I get my present?" Ginny smiled slyly.
"Well, right now." She said, standing up and pulling him out of the chair. "Come with me."
"Ginny, why are we down here?" Harry asked. Ginny had led him through half the base, finally ending up in level 9, the location of a series of large rooms that Rainbow used for training purposes. Ginny turned and pulled him into a passionate kiss.
"I wanted to make sure we wouldn't be disturbed." She said huskily. Harry suddenly became very nervous. His heart was beating wildly. She couldn't mean what he thought she did. He tried to protest, but Ginny silenced him again. "For once in your life, Potter, shut up and don't look a gift horse in the mouth." Then she opened the door and steered him into the darkness. A second later he heard the door close and he was engulfed in darkness. Then the lights came on.
"SURPRISE!" the crowd, consisting of the members of Rainbow, their families, Dumbledore, and Arthur and Molly shouted. Ginny leaned into his ear.
"Sorry, Harry. I'm afraid you're going to have to wait until after the party for your present." She said. Harry blushed slightly. A moment later he was engulfed as his friends rushed forward to wish him a happy birthday. After they had moved away, Harry spotted John standing off to the side with his wife, grinning. Harry walked over.
"You were in on this." Harry said, pointing a finger at him.
"Absolutely." John said. "I never give up the chance for a good surprise party."
"Harry, can Molly and I talk to you in private?" Arthur said. They had just walked over to the corner of the room where Harry was standing, watching Ginny and Ron share a brother and sister dance. Harry nodded and led them out to the hall.
"What did you want to talk about?" Harry asked. Molly and Arthur glanced at each other, and then Arthur spoke.
"Well, you see Harry." He began, and then stopped. Harry could sense his nervousness. Arthur took a deep breath, and then continued. "Harry, Molly and I been trying to come up with a birthday present that accurately express how we feel about you. You know you've always been like a son to us."
"Arthur, Molly, you don't have to give me a thing." Harry said. "The fact that you've let me into your family these past few years is more than I could ask for." Molly smiled.
"Be that as it may Harry, we still feel we need to do this. Now, we both know how close you and Ginny have become. We know you love each other very deeply; anybody could see it just by looking at you. So since we can't really call you our son, we'd like to be able to call you our son-in-law." She said. Harry's eyes snapped up. Had he heard right?
"Ron spilled your secret." Arthur said smiling. "And I can't think of anything Molly and I would like more. You have our blessing and our permission. Assuming Ginny accepts of course." Harry launched himself at both Arthur and Molly, hugging them both.
"Thank you." He said.
"Did you have fun?" Ginny asked. She and Harry were currently in their quarters. The birthday party had broken up a half hour earlier.
"Yeah." He said. "Thanks for dragging me out of the office." He leaned over and kissed her. A moment later they broke apart.
"It's not over yet, Potter." She teased. "I still owe you a present." The next thing Harry knew Ginny had shoved him back onto the bed and was sitting on top of him. She leaned in and kissed him passionately, his lips parting to admit her tongue. The lay locked for several minutes, their tongues and hands exploring one another. The broke apart a moment later and began taking each other's clothes off. Soon they were lying side by side facing each other, their hands exploring one another much the same way they had been for the last several months. After a few minutes, Ginny rolled on top of him, and reached down to grasp him while at the same time whispering, "Happy Birthday." Realizing what she was about to do, it took all of Harry's willpower to roll her off him and he sat up.
"We have to stop, Ginny." He said, breathlessly. She gave him a scolding look.
"Don't you dare play the noble card on me Harry." She said. "I want this. And from the looks of things you want it too. We could be killed doing this job; you know, I know it, everyone knows it. Who knows how much time we have left? I don't want to waste another minute of it because of some stupid sense of chivilary."
"I know Ginny, I feel the same way." Harry said. "But its still not right; I mean, we're not even engaged." He reached over the bed and reached into the pocket of his jumpsuit, which was crumpled on the floor. "Luckily that's something I can rectify right now." He rolled back to facing Ginny, this time the holding the engagement ring he had bought for her several weeks back in his hands. Ginny gasped. "Ginny Weasley, I love you with all my heart. And I don't want to waste another minute without being yours in mind, soul, body and in the eyes of the law. Will you marry me?" Tears formed in Ginny's eyes.
"Yes, of course I will." She said. He slipped the ring on her finger and the two embraced in another kiss. Suddenly Ginny pulled back. "Harry, what about my parents? I'm still underage. We'll need their permission. Oh god, Mom is going to go ballistic." Harry just laughed. "And just what is so funny?"
"Because my dear, they've already given their blessing." Harry replied. Once again Ginny gave a small gasp.
"When did you ask them?" she asked.
"I didn't." Harry said. "They came to me tonight. Ron knew I was planning on asking them for their permission and let it slip." Then he leaned in and kissed her again.
A moment later the subject of her parents was forgotten as the two newly engaged teens completed yet another step in their journey towards being joined in every way possible.