Chapter 6: Back to Hogwarts and the Order of Merlin
The last few days of summer were wonderful at the Burrow. Since everyone had to go and get new keys and what not they made another trip to Diagon Alley where they all went to Gringots and took stock of their newly awarded fortunes. Harry was happy to see the piles of golden galleons in the Weasley's family vault, as well as the larger piles in the Twins, Fred, George, Ron, Hermione, and Ginny's vaults as well. When they came to Harry's vault, which was even deeper underground than before, everyone was extremely happy, but nothing could have prepared them for the surprise that awaited them. Harry's vault was stacked full of Galleons. From Corner to Corner, from floor to ceiling, there was not even any room to move the darned things. When Harry asked how he was to get money out of his vault, the goblin told him that any gringots goblin would be able to do it without much trouble, but no one else could probably do it. To demonstrate, the Goblin pulled a sack out of his pocket, and filled it with what had to be a thousand Galleons and handed the sack to Harry. What made Harry feel a bit queasy was the fact that that did not even put a dent in his vault. Sighing to himself, and resigning himself to the fact that even if he never worked a day in his life he would be totally provided for, and could afford all the luxuries in the wizarding world, Harry took the sack of galleons, and put it in a pocket of his robes. Then they all left, and went around shopping for any last minute things they needed. Ginny and, surprisingly, Hermione were both eyeing the Thunderbolt brooms hungrily, and Ron was doing the same for the Lighteningbolt as soon as the entered Quality Quidditch Supplies. Seeing the looks on their faces, Harry immediately made a decision, called an attendant over, and proceeded to order Ginny and Hermione Thunderbolts along with three extra, and Ron a Lighteningbolt. At the stunned expressions on all of the Weasley's faces, Harry grinned.
"I want our team to be the absolute best this year," he explained as he pulled out the sack of galleons and put down a 500 galleon down payment on the brooms. He filled out a form giving his signature and Gringots' vault number so that the amount could be taken to pay the enormous price he was casually shelling out. "It's not like one or two hundred thousand galleons is going to put a dent in my account or anything, so what's the harm?" he asked innocently. When he saw that they were about to refuse the brooms, Harry quickly said, "Consider this sixteen years of birthday and Christmas presents that I didn't get the chance to buy any of you. I mean… don't you guys WANT to see Malfoy's face when he sees our ENTIRE team outfitted with the whole Bolt line up?" This, of course, won the argument for everyone, even Mr. and Mrs. Weasley who both gave surprisingly impish grins when they thought of what Lucious Malfoy would say to them as well. The Weasley clan decided to go all the way and bought completely new guards, boots and anything else a Quidditch player needed for the entire team.
They then all flocked to Madame Malkin's and bought new school robes for everyone, and then went to the Magical Menagerie to reward the new members of the Order of Merlin. Mr. and Mrs. Weasley bought two new identical barn owls for the twins, who immediately named them Gred and Forge, a new screech owl for Ron who he named Rook before Ginny could say anything, and a beautiful jet black have kneezle kitten with beautiful green eyes for Ginny who named her Midnight. Pig would stay at the Burrow and help Errol out with the mail there. They also went to Flourish and Blots and returned all their used school books, and bought the group new ones. No one bought dress robes, since the ones the Council of Arch-mages had made for them were better than anything they could find in a store. While the Weasleys and Hermoine were in the Magical Menagerie picking out their new pets, Harry stole away to get Ginny a surprise for her birthday on September 21st. He got back just in time to not be missed, and everyone went to the Leaky Cauldron for dinner before flooing back to the Burrow.
When they arrived at King's Cross, on September the first, the entire Weasley clan along with Harry and Hermione brought a lot of attention to themselves. To make sure that Lily didn't make a scene, Harry had sent her to Platform 9 ¾ on her own and he took Hedwig with him. Unfortunately that meant that there were two owls and two cats in their group, which was extremely unusual. They finally all got across the barrier, and there were hugs all around as Mr. and Mrs. Weasley, Bill, Charlie, and the twins all promised to meet the teenagers at Hogwarts before the feast, then they all Apparated away.
Ron, Hermione, Harry, and Ginny all went looking for a compartment. When they were in the middle of the train, they saw Remus sitting in a compartment, so they quickly joined them. The new teacher was wearing new robes for once, and looking quite dignified and had a grin on his faces as he saw the four teenagers.
"Excited about tonight?" asked Remus as they all sat down, Hermione and Ron next to Remus and Harry and Ginny across from them. When they all nodded, Remus went on. "You should be. I still remember the night Sirius, James, and I were awarded the Order of Merlin."
"Both of you received the Order of Merlin?" asked Harry, surprised.
Remus grinned at him, nodded and said, "Yeah Sirius, James, and I all received the Order of Merlin First Class for saving some wizard's lives during the first Voldemort uprising. Lily and the girls were so proud of us then…"
"Girls?" asked Ron with a grin. "Do tell…"
Remus grinned and said, "But there have been so many…O.K. fine I'll spill. I was engaged to a beautiful girl who I had known all throughout school. James wasn't the only lucky Marauder… actually… Peter was the only unlucky one wasn't he?" asked Remus thinking back. "Sirius was married."
Harry frowned. "Where are those two girls now? What happened to them?" he asked. Feeling a bit annoyed that his Guardian was not happily married yet.
"Well Harry," said Remus. "You know one of them, The girl I was to Marry. Sirius and Arabella, who you do not know were happily married…but… she died soon after your parents," this with an look of saddness on his face that made Ginny and Hermione giggle, and Harry and Ron snort. "And Matilda and I have restarted our engagement after about a sixteen year break give or take," he said easily. "You'll love Matilda Harry, she loves Brooms and Quidditch even more than you do," he said with a wink.
Harry, Arch-mage that he was, quickly put two and two together. "Are you talking about Matilda Stormcloud? The witch who made my broom, and the entire Bolt line?" he asked.
"The one and the same," replied Remus with a grin. "You'll meet her tonight; she's coming for the ceremony."
Harry and the others were extremely pleased that Remus had found a woman who loved him so much that she would wait sixteen years to be together with them. The train ride was extremely pleasant, especially since they had no surprise visit from Malfoy, Crabb and Goyle. Ginny and Hermione both fell asleep cuddling against their boyfriends who were both still talking to Remus, now of course, they were talking about guy stuff, like Quidditch. Harry also proposed that Remus re-start the duelling club this year, because Voldemort had returned, and the students needed to learn how to defend themselves. He agreed to talk to Dumbledore about it as soon as possible. All too soon they felt the train begin to slow, and all four teenagers quickly changed into their school robes, and left going to a horseless carriage and climbing in. Soon they were all in Entrance Hall looking for the rest of the Weasleys when they heard a sneering voice behind them.
"Well if it isn't Weasel, the Mudblood, the Scarhead and little Weaselette."
They all turned around and Harry looked down at the pale blond boy calmly and said, "Where's your thugs Malfoy? Or did we capture them as well as their fathers in Diagon Alley a few days ago?"
At his words, Draco Malfoy's face coloured slightly, as he gazed up and a now muscular and manly Harry Potter, before spitting out a quick, "Get him!"
At his words Crabb and Goyle finally made their appearance, both coming at Harry from different sides, but Harry was too quick for them. Quickly stepping between Goyle and Ginny Harry's arm shot out faster than a bullet from a rifle, pushing Goyle with alarming force into Crabb, and the both of them away from Ron and Hermione, a second later Harry's wand was out pointed at the pair trying to untangle themselves from each other, as well as Ginny's wand in his other hand calmly pointed an inch from Draco's face. When he was sure that neither Malfoy nor his thugs were about to try anything, Harry lowered his wand and handed Ginny hers which she took and pocketed even as she was trying to figure out how Harry had gotten it as fast as he had in the first place.
"Twenty-Five Points from Slytherine EACH, for attacking Prefects in the Entrance Hall." said Harry, making Malfoy's eyes dart to the sliver prefect badges on the all four of them.
Malfoy grinned and pulled out a silver badge of his own and said, "A Slytherine prefect supersedes the authority of a Gryffindor prefect in matters of their own house, Potter. No points will be take from Slytherine, the two of them merely slipped and fell."
"Wrong Mr. Malfoy," came a voice from the side. They all turned to see Professor McGonnagall standing in the Entrance hall along with the rest of the Weasley family, Alicia Spinnit, and Angelina Johnson who were all glaring at Draco. "When a Professor is present, the PROFESSOR'S ruling supersedes prefects, regardless of their house. I believe Mr. Potter was a being a bit nice to you and Mr. Crabb and Mr. Goyle. Attacking a house Prefect is an extremely serious matter, and for ANOTHER prefect to egg them on is even worse. Fifty points will be taken from both Mr. Crabb and Mr. Goyle for the attack of four school prefects, as well as another hundred points from you Mr. Malfoy." At this pronouncement, Malfoy, Crabb and Goyle looked sick. "The three of you will also be serving a week of detentions. Mr. Malfoy, I will be informing Professor Snape of this, and you will be put on probation. If you step out of line one more time at any time during this year, and ANY student reports it to me, you will lose your prefect's status immediately," finished Professor McGonnagall. She then turned to Harry. "Mr. Potter, I'm impressed that you were able to think quickly enough to absolve this situation without anyone getting hurt. You will be rewarded fifty points for your quick thinking and actions in this incident."
Harry smiled at Professor McGonnagall and said, "Thank you professor, but I don't think that I deserve any points for this. I was just doing my job as a prefect, so I don't think that it would be fair to the other prefects if I was awarded house points for simple doing my job." At this McGonnagall seemed surprised, and Ron and Hermione looked at Harry as if he had gone insane. Ginny, Mr., and Mrs. Weasley however, all beamed at him with pride.
"Very well Mr. Potter, I've never had a student ever TURN DOWN house points, but if that is what you feel then you will not be awarded any points," said McGonnagall. Then she added, "I'm extremely pleased to see how much you have matured over the summer Mr. Potter. Congratulations on your appointment into the Order of Merlin." Then she walked off to see to the first years.
Harry, ignoring Malfoy, Crabb and Goyle, turned to the Weasleys and grinned at them. Then he gestured them all towards the Great Hall entrance, took Ginny's hand and led her into the Great Hall without saying a word.
The sight that they all saw made them all stop short. Somehow, the Great Hall had been expanded magically and now along with the usual four house tables, which already had all the rest of the students from second year to seventh there were also several other tables as well, which had several hundred adult witches and wizards. When Harry, Hermoine, and the Weasleys all entered, everyone stood to their feet and started clapping. Harry, after a moment, led Ginny and the rest of the Weasleys down the center of the room and up to the spots at the teacher's table that was clearly meant for them. He silently pulled out a chair for Ginny, and saw Ron and Mr. Weasley doing the same for Hermione and Mrs. Weasley. As soon as they all sat down, the doors to the Great Hall opened and a large group of scared first years walked up to the front of the room and stared and the old Hogwarts Sorting Hat nervously. After a moment, it began to sing.
A thousand years or so ago
When magic was new and fun,
Two witches and two wizards
Came and met each other on the run.
The each were very different
And on not much did they agree,
Except the fact that all did say
That schooling should come free!
For Gryffindor it was said
That Bravery was best.
He loved to charge into the fray
And eliminate the pest!
For Ravenclaw the prize was won
For those whose mind was great.
Facts and truths she love the most
And those she used to bait!
For Hufflepuff the ones who had
Great loyalty for each other.
Were know to her and all around
To not be a bother!
And Slytherine so serious
Did he see the school,
That only those who wished to excel
Die he count as cool.
So put me on, I'll not delay
To tell you where you lie,
Don't worry about all the fuss
I'm really a nice guy!
After this bizarre song, The Sorting Ceremony started, and Harry zoned out and looked around the Hall. He saw Remus sitting with a beautiful witch talking quietly with her. Harry studied the woman from the corner of his eyes. The one sitting next to Remus was obviously Matilda Stormcloud. She had black hair and sparkling blue eyes that at the moment were filled with mirth over something Remus said. As he watched, Harry saw Matilda playfully hit Remus' arm then, when he acted as if he were mortally wounded, she rolled her eyes, and leaned in to kiss him on the cheek, earning a grin from Harry's guardian. She smiled adoringly at Remus, and said something to him that made Remus snort, and Matilda whack him on the arm again.
By this time, the Sorting Ceremony had finished, and Professor Dumbledore stood up to speak. "Before our start of term notices, I have the privilege to hand out awards to a group of witches and wizards that I am proud to say have been my students. As many of you know a Death Eater attack was foiled by certain members of the Weasley family, Miss Hermione Granger, and Mr. Harry Potter. Because of their cool use of intellect, bravery, and knowledge, they were able to keep the Death Eaters from seriously harming anyone, and were able to apprehend nineteen Death Eaters. For this act we are here tonight to Honor them." At this Dumbledore turned to them and raised his glass to them. The entire hall, except a certain group of Slytherines of course, followed suite. After everyone had finished the toast, Dumbledore went on.
"Now then, as a member of the Order of Merlin First Class, I am allowed to present all of you with your awards. Please come to the center of the table here when your name is called."
"Mrs. Molly Weasley, Order of Merlin Third Class," at his announcement Mrs. Weasley walked up to the center of the table, where Dumbledore pinned a badge to her dress robes, and handed her a plaque and a rolled up sheet of parchment.
"Mr. Fred Weasley, Order of Merlin Third Class," again Dumbledore pinned a badge on Fred's school robes, next to his silver prefect's badge, and handed him a plaque and a rolled up sheet of parchment.
"Mr. George Weasley, Order of Merlin Third Class," and again Dumbledore did the same thing.
"Mr. Ronald Weasley, Order of Merlin Second Class," this time, Dumbledore pinned two pins on Ron, one on each side of his school robes, and handed Ron his plaque and rolled up parchment.
"Miss Hermione Granger, Order of Merlin Second Class," again Dumbledore pinned two pins on Hermione and gave her a plaque and her parchment.
"Miss Virginia Weasley, Order of Merlin Second Class and the only second fifth year Girls prefect for Hogwarts this year," Dumbledore said, as he pinned the two badges on Ginny and handed Ginny her plaque and parchment. Ginny blushed when he said this, but smiled when she went to stand beside Ron and Hermione in front of Fred, George, and Mrs. Weasley.
"And finally the last and certainly the opposite from being the least, Mr. Harry Potter, Order of Merlin First Class, the Boy Who Lived." Harry got up and walked over to where Dumbledore was standing. Dumbledore first pinned the two badges onto Harry's school robes like he did the others, but then he produced a chain with the same design that was on the two pins on it and put it around his head. He then produced a sword in a scabbard, and buckled it around Harry's waist. Finally, he handed Harry a large plaque and two pieces rolled up parchment. He then turned away from Harry to face the crowded hall. "I give you the newest members of the Order of Merlin!" declared Dumbledore in a loud voice. The clapping and cheering from the audience lasted several minutes after which, everyone sat down and began to eat.
"Who wants to bet how long it takes for me to get on the front page of the Daily Prophet?" asked Harry as he piled food onto his plate.
Ginny grinned at him. "What's the stakes?" she asked.
Harry thought about it for a second, and then said, "Whoever looses has to do whatever the other person says for a week."
"But Harry," said Ginny in a deceptively innocent voice, "You already do whatever I want, whenever I want."
Harry was about to say something that would probably get him into trouble with his girlfriend, but he had a better idea. "O.K. fine, how about this: Whoever wins gets one wish from the other, no questions asked, and NO retaliation received, no matter what."
Ginny thought about it for a second, then grinned impishly. "Deal," she said. "You have been on the front page of the Daily Prophet, AND the front cover of Witch Weekly ever since the attack!" she informed him. Harry stared at her dumbstruck, and then swore under his breath.
"Watch your language!" scolded Ginny playfully, "there ARE ladies present after all."
Harry, again tempted to say something that would probably get him into trouble, started attacking his plate with gusto. To the other people at the table it looked like Ron and Harry were having a competition: who could eat the most in the least amount of time before they threw up. Harry seemed to be losing because, even though he was eating large amounts of food very quickly, he was not making a mess of it, and was actually using good table manners. Ron on the other hand was wildly eating anything that came close to him. In fact, he almost ate Hermione's hand as she was reaching over to grab the potatoes. During Harry and Ron's competition, Ginny was conferring with Hermione about what would be the best wish that she could get Harry to do.
"Well that's easy," said Hermione with an impish grin. "Make him shag you senseless each night for the rest of the year!" Of course, at this statement, Ginny's face went several shades of red, obviously trying to find a new one that had never been discovered before.
"I'm serious Hermione!" said Ginny. "I've only got one wish; I need to make it count!"
"Well you COULD make him buy you something expensive, oh I don't know like golden silk dress robes… wait… he's already done that…. Oh! I know! You could get him to buy you the best broomstick on the market… wait… he's already done that too…" teased Hermione, making Ginny go even redder. "Face it Ginny," she said. "You're boyfriend's perfect. He's loving, attentive, rich, famous, good looking, AND doting."
"What and your boyfriend isn't?" Ginny retorted, still blushing slightly.
"Yes well, yours has table manners UNLIKE some stupid prats I could mention," stated Hermione, looking pointedly at Ron, who didn't notice because he concentrating so much on eating.
Ginny, looking from Ron to Harry, couldn't help but agree. Then Ginny thought about something. For the past few days, she and Harry had consistently fallen asleep on the couch in the Burrow. Frowning, Ginny thought about this. Harry, are you listening to me? she thought at him, making sure he wasn't spying on her thoughts, but Harry's thoughts were elsewhere at the moment, since he didn't answer. Harry had told her a little about his telepathic abilities, but not much. Harry hasn't had one nightmare since we started sleeping together. I wonder why that is?
It's because we're Soul Mates Ginny, answered Harry, making Ginny jump slightly from her seat, then glare at her boyfriend who simply stared calmly back.
After a moment, Ginny thought What? What do you mean Soul Mates?
I mean that we were meant to be together, to love each other, and to complete each other. When we sleep together, the connection that we have as Soul Mates somehow takes away the nightmares, came the calm, yet loving reply.
At this revelation, Ginny made a decision. Excusing herself from her seat for a moment, she went behind all the teachers and family to where her mother sat, leaned down and started whispering in her ear. Mrs. Weasley, listening intently to what her daughter was telling her, gasped a few times and gazed down the table at Harry, then nodded to her daughter, who then went to Professors Dumbledore and McGonagall and requested a meeting with them both after the feast with her family, Remus, Harry, Hermione, and herself. Intrigued, both professors gave their consent, telling her to lead Harry and the others up to Professor Dumbledore's office as soon as they were finished eating.
About a half hour later the entire Weasley family, Harry, Hermione and three curious professors were gathered in Dumbledore's office, all looking expectantly at Ginny. Not wasting any time, she started talking.
"Most of you do not know this, since Harry is extremely bad about sharing secrets with… well… anyone," this with a glare at her boyfriend, who grinned weakly in apology. "But Harry has been having extremely bad nightmares all summer long. APPARENTLY he only got at MOST three hours of sleep a night the entire time that he was with the Muggles."
At this, everyone looked surprised and then looked at Harry wondering if this was the truth. "Harry, asked Remus finally, "is this true?" Harry sighed and nodded not meeting anyone's eyes. Letting everyone digest this for a few seconds, Ginny continued.
"Once Harry came to the Burrow, his nightmares seemed to have gone away, but I am afraid that if something is not done soon, they will return, TONIGHT." At this Ginny looked at her mother, who nodded in encouragement, and continued. "While we were at the Burrow, Harry and I have been sleeping together." At this all of Ginny's brothers started glaring at Harry so hard Ginny knew that if looks could kill all of her brothers would have been sentenced to Azkaban. "Harry and I did NOT do anything, we just slept," this was to her six older brothers who, getting the point, stopped glaring at Harry.
"Miss Weasley," said Professor McGonnagall, "if I'm not mistaken, Am I to believe that you are asking for permission to SLEEP WITH Mr. Potter during the school year?"
"Yes Professor," declared Ginny calmly. "I know that this is a bizarre request, but I already talked to my Mum and she has agreed to give her consent to allow this. If Remus agrees, then both Harry and I would have our parent's or guardian's consent to this."
At this Ginny looked around, gauging the reactions of everyone present. Mr. and Mrs. Weasley were smiling supportive of their daughter and the young man they already considered a son. Bill, Charlie, and the twins were grinning like idiots, obviously tickled to death. Hermione was urgently talking to Ron who was frowning at what she was saying, but nodding his head. Professor McGonnagall was beside herself, clearly in shock that a student would come to the faculty with a request like this. Professor Dumbledore was hiding behind his twinkle, but was not surprised and seemed almost as much as her brothers. Remus was grinning like a mad man at Harry, obviously supportive of him, but just as obvious were the jokes he was planning on riding him with, probably for the rest of Harry's life. And Harry… Harry was gazing at her with such a loving, thankful expression on his face that just his gaze momentarily took her breath away.
"I have no problems with this at all Albus," said Remus, still grinning at Harry.
"That may be Remus, but I do have a few worries about this arrangement," replied Dumbledore, earning a worried look from Ginny.
"Professor," said Harry, looking at someone else other than Ginny for the first time. "I believe that I can alleviate your worries."
"Is that so, Mr. Potter?" asked Professor Dumbledore. When Harry nodded firmly to him, he motioned Harry to continue.
"Well first of all," Harry began counting off on his fingers. "You would be worried about the possibility of Ginny and I doing things that we are not ready for, and possibly impregnating Ginny." At this Ginny blushed from the top of her head to the tips of her toes. "Well I can tell you that Ginny and I do not plan on doing anything like that at all. I love her sir, and I have too much respect for her to allow myself to act that way in anything but a marriage arrangement." At his words, Harry could feel the respect of not only the Professors there, but every member of the Weasley family, Ron's protective nature towards his sister gone completely.
"Second," Harry continued, "you are probably worried about what would happen if Ginny and I were to ever break off out relationship." When Dumbledore nodded, Harry went on. "Well I can guarantee that that will not happen. We're Soul Mates sir, and I'm prepared to cast a Soul Bond Charm to prove it."
When Harry said this, Dumbledore looked at him sharply and asked, "And how do you know about the Soul Bound Charm Harry? If I am not mistaken, students only learn that charm in their seventh year, and only the theory at that."
Harry considered what to tell them. I could tell them the truth. he said, asking for the Council's advice. I trust each and every one of these people with my life.
*I've watched Dumbledore for years, and I would have to say that I agree with Harry.* said Gordic, with the other three founders echoing his statement. Godric went on *We knew that Harry would have to tell someone the truth, and it might as well be the headmaster, and deputy headmistress of OUR school and his family.*
After a few moments, Harry had the Council's blessing to tell everyone the truth.
"Professor, before answer your question, I must insist that you activate the shields around this room, and the privacy spells as well," demanded Harry, a new note of authority in his voice that wasn't there before, shocking everyone in the room, even Ginny. Dumbledore looked at Harry for a few moments, then pulled out his wand and locked all of the doors, shielded the room and activated the most powerful privacy spells that he knew. Harry, after probing with his senses, wandlessly and wordlessly added a few spells of his own, then said, "Thank you Professor."
"What I am about to tell all of you I am telling in the strictest confidence, because I know that I can trust all of you with my life, because that is what I am doing now," he looked at everyone in the eyes, making sure that they all knew how serious he was. When he was sure that everyone understood that he was being very serious, he told them. "On my birthday just over a month ago, I was made a part of the Council of Arch-Mages."
For a few moments no one spoke, and then McGonnagall in
disbelief said, "Potter, the Council of Arch-Mages is a myth. No one has ever found proof that such a
Council even exists."
"Actually, Professor, it's more accurate that no one has ever SUBMITTED proof that the Council exists," said Harry looking at her with a surprising amount of authority for a sixteen year old. Looking around he saw disbelief and incredulity on all the faces there, well almost all the faces, Ginny was looking at him with a mixture of love, wonder, and pride. Well at least there's one person who believes me. "O.K. I guess I'll have to prove it to you," he said. Harry then closed his eyes and relaxed his hold on his power, then opened his eyes again.
Immediately everyone else in the room saw the difference. Harry was surrounded by an aura of sheer power, and his eyes were all but glowing. Harry snapped his fingers and a magnificent Staff appeared in his right hand. The Staff was made out of cherry wood, and if anyone was hit by it, they would know that it was as hard as steel. On the foot of the Staff was a golden metal covering shaped into a point. On the head of the Staff was a magnificent phoenix with its wings spread in flight with a large red ruby that glowed with power clutched in its open beak and smaller rubies for eyes. To top it off, Harry's long hair was moving back and forth as if moved by an imaginary breeze. His stance was different, more confident, and his face held an expression of infinite knowledge and wisdom that most would not see on a face so young, even if he did look about five years older than he actually was.
"Does this prove to you what I am Albus? Minerva?" He asked, authority streaming out of him in his voice, and neither teacher could dispute the fact that he was allowed to speak to them so casually. No, in fact, they were both wondering if THEY should address HIM by some title. When they both nodded, Harry closed his eyes again and suddenly the aura of power was gone, his hair stopped moving, and when he opened his eyes, they were no longer glowing.
However, he was still holding his Staff. "Since I've already gotten this thing out, I might as well cast the Soul Bond Charm with it and get it over with," he said. Then, without any more warning, Harry pointed the head of his Staff at Ginny and a flash of light protruded from the gems on the head and suddenly everyone could see a wispy cloud of…something… between Harry and Ginny, connecting them both. Looking to Dumbledore, Harry was a bit surprised, to see him calm again and beaming at him then nodding his acceptance of the Soul Bond. After another flash of light, where the connection was made invisible again, Harry tapped the foot of his Staff on the ground, and it became the chain with the phoenix in flight with glowing ruby eyes that everyone remembered from Harry's dress robes. He calmly slipped it on his neck and put it under his robes.
"Well My Lord Arch-mage I must say this does clear up some questions that I have had for some time now," said Dumbledore, his twinkle back in his eyes. "If I am not mistaken, you could have easily killed twenty of those Death Eaters without any problem, and what's more probably before they could have even reacted, am I correct?" asked Dumbledore. When Harry nodded, and glanced around guiltily, he was not surprised, to see that Ron was the only person who seemed to have a problem with this. Everyone else was shocked, that was for sure, but Ron looked murderous.
"So! What? You just decided to play a little bit with us 'lesser mortals' is that it Potter?" snapped Ron. "What did you 'allow' us to get the Order of Merlin out of Pity? Is that it?"
"Ron!" said Ginny in a horrified, yet somewhat angry voice. "You know that Harry doesn't pity us, he loves us! Honestly! Use your brain for once. If Harry had used his true power, yes he could have taken care of all of them, but then Tom would know of his true power and be able to try to prepare for it." She was about to say something else, but was interrupted when Dumbledore of all people burst out laughing.
"What? Did I say something Funny!?" asked Ginny, forgetting herself in her anger.
"Actually Miss Weasley I believe you did," said Dumbledore, overlooking her behavior. "I was just picturing what Lord Voldemort's face would be like if you ever called him 'Tom' in his presence."
Despite herself, Ginny found her lips curving into an amused smile, and then suddenly Harry said, "She's right you know Ron. I could have probably taken out all of them, without even revealing my true power, but the Council and I have a few bets on what will happen when I unveil my true power in his presence." At this, Harry grinned at his best friend. "They say that his eyes will pop out, and I say that he'll wet himself."
It was humanly impossible for anyone to not laugh at the mental picture of Lord Voldemort, the greatest, most terrible Dark Lord to have ever lived, wetting himself. After the laughter had died down a bit, Ron looked at Harry.
"Sorry mate, don't know why I was complaining. Thanks to you, my family is happy, safe and rich. Actually I should probably say our family seeing as how you and my sister are going to be getting married sometime in the future," at this Harry and Ginny both blushed slightly.
"Well Professor, do you have any other problems with the idea of Ginny and I sleeping in the same room?" asked Harry, directing the conversation back to its original topic.
"No Harry, I suppose not, said Dumbledore, relenting finally. "Actually, this solves a problem we were having." At Harry's confused face, he went on. "You see Harry, while I awarded Miss Weasley here a prefect's status, I did not think of her sleeping arrangements. We only have a certain number of prefect rooms per house, and we were trying to decide on whether or not Miss Weasley would sleep with the rest of the fifth years, as a roommate to one of the Prefects, since she is entitled to the perks that come with the job. You have just answered that question for us." Again, Harry and Ginny both blushed slightly. "Miss Weasley will be sleeping in your room with you Harry, You will find that by the time you go to your rooms, both of your belongings will already be in your room. In addition, since you can obviously do extremely advanced magic My Lord Arch-mage, you have my permission to change your room around to both of your likings, including all the furniture. Miss Weasley, by the end of classes tomorrow, I will have a dresser, and desk moved into your room for you."
"You don't have to worry about that Albus," said Harry, again being more casual than a student should probably be with a teacher. "When we get to our room, I'll make Ginny a set of dressers and a desk" After that, the matter was closed, and everyone started asking Harry just what he could and could not do. In response, Harry informed them that he knew everything first year to seventh year, regardless of the class. He also informed them all about his telepathic abilities, and of the fact that he was a Shifter, which meant that he could assume any form, animal, magical creature, or human. To prove himself, he shifted into the spitting image of Professor Snape, and pretended to take points off from Gryffindor because they were breathing. After assuring all three professors that he would not use his abilities to cheat in his classes, everyone left Dumbledore's office and made their way to outside the Gryffindor Commons room, where the entire adult Weasleys said goodbye to Remus, Harry, Hermione, Ron, and Ginny.