Chapter 25
Hearth and Home
"Hurry we must get Harry to the hospital wing," Dumbledore commanded.
Raising his wand, Dumbledore levitated Harry and the group made their way to the hospital wing. Ron ran ahead getting Madame Pomfrey into action. Poppy was ready when they arrived.
"Put him over here Albus" she commanded, waving at a bed in front of her.
Dumbledore gently laid Harry in the bed and Madame Pomfrey came over and immediately started waving her wand over his unconscious form. Muttering to herself about reckless teenagers.
After making several passes with her wand she nodded in satisfaction and announced, "He is fine just asleep at the moment. What happened?"
Arthur filled her in on the nights events and poppy softened, "He always seems to be the one to get hurt. One of these days he will not try to take on the worlds evil on his own."
Dumbledore spoke up in Harrys defense, "Now, now poppy Mr. Potter did what he thought best at the time I'm sure. Can you wake him for a few minutes so we c an find out what happened after everyone got out of the Burrow?"
Madame Pomfrey just nodded and woke Harry. Harry looked around blearily for a moment then suddenly cried out, "The Burrow!"
Arthur and molly suddenly looked at him in angst and molly asked," What about the Burrow Harry? What happened?"
Harry looked at his family and replied as tears ran down his face, "I'm so sorry, they destroyed it. Those bloody, filthy animals destroyed your home,"
Arthur looked shocked and molly and Ginny began to cry. "Our home, molly sobbed, gone, all of it."
Arthur suddenly looked old and wearily replied, "Now molly all the children are safe. Our home is replaceable, but they are not. We have to be thankful that all of us got out alive."
Harry was about to speak when Ginny placed her hand over his mouth to silence him. "Don't you dare blame yourself for this Harry she commanded. Father is the Minister of magic and our family with few exception has always been know to support muggle borns and always sided with the light."
Ginny softened and continued, "It would have happened eventually with you around or not. Like Dad said at least we are all safe, and together."
Molly looking at her daughter and Harry finally spoke, "Harry dear, they are right. You saved our lives tonight. We will get over this in time." She finished by taking his hand and placing it in Ginny's saying, "We have love and nothing can EVER take that from us. Not even Voldemort."
Harry nodded still looking sad over their loss and Dumbledore interjected, "I believe that we have had enough excitement for tonight. I think it best if for the moment you all take some guest quarters here in the castle and get what sleep you can. We will look into new housing for you tomorrow."
Dumbledore looking at Harry asked, "Do you wish to stay here tonight or do you feel well enough to return to your chambers?"
Harry replied, "I will return to my own bed Albus, I think I will rest better there."
Dumbledore just nodded and led molly and Arthur to guest quarters. Hermione led the saddened Ron out to their rooms by the arm. Harry climbed out of bed and taking Ginny's arm, they left the hospital wing heading to the Gryffindor tower to drop off Ginny.
As they were walking Ginny asked, "Where are we going Harry?"
Harry replied, "I'm walking you to your dorm."
Ginny just smiled shyly and said, "Not tonight Harry. I'm not leaving your side."
Harry looked surprised and asked her, "Are you sure Gin?
Ginny nodded and said, "I don't care what happens Harry, I love you and I will ALWYS be there for you no matter what happens."
Harry just smiled down at her and replied, "Come on love, lets go to bed."
Harry and Ginny went to sleep with troubled expressions on their faces, concerned about uncertain futures.
Harry stumbled out of bed the next morning trying not to wake Ginny as he got out of bed. Stopping in front of the portrait of Godric, he bid his grandfather good morning.
Godric took in Harry appearance and said, "Mornin lad. Rough night with your lass?"
Harry just blushed and Godric continued, "Now, now laddie, no need to get embarrassed with me. I was the same way at your age." Godric winked and laughed at Harry.
"Harry who are you talking to...." Ginny came stumbling behind Harry wearing nothing but a bed sheet. "Oops sorry Harry I forgot your gramps is here."
Godric let out a laugh and said in a piercing whisper that everyone could hear, "Don't worry about it lass it will be our little secret. Besides I can tell you two belong together. Red heads seem to run in our family. For some reason all Gryffindor men like fiery tempered women."
Ginny and Harry blushed even more and left to get dressed. After returning to the main audience chamber, they made ready to go meet the rest of the family for breakfast in the Great Hall. As they were about to go Godric said, "Stay a moment Harry."
Harry just nodded and told Ginny to ahead without him. Ginny nodded and left. Turning to Godric Harry asked, "What is it gramps?"
Godric replied, "Harry I can tell you really care for this woman. When the time is right give her this." As he spoke, a black box appeared in Harry's hand. Harry opened it and found a ring with the Gryffindor family crest on it. It was a match for his but made for a woman's hand.
Harry took the ring and put it away and said, "Thanks gramps. When the time is right that is what I'll do."
Godric nodded and replied, "Any time my boy, after SOMEONE has got to continue our line. Oh Harry could you send that idiot Fawkes back to me. He might be irritable most of the time but at least we get on fairly well."
Harry smiled and said, "I'll see what I can do gramps. I'll see you later"
Godric just grinned and said, "Go get her tiger. Rarrrrrrrrrrr"
Harry made hi way to breakfast and found a forlorn looking bunch. Harry suddenly remembered that the Weasleys no longer had a home. Harry suddenly was struck with an idea.
Harry made his way over to Albus and said to him in a whisper, "Albus, sometime today can you go to my vault and withdraw enough for the Weasleys to rebuild their home with?"
Dumbledore looked at Harry in surprise "That's very generous of you Harry but you know molly will never accept it."
Harry replied, "I know but can you do it anyway? I'll sweet-talk her into it. Besides, I'm not sure how much my inheritance from the Gryffindor coffers will be but I'm sure I can afford it on my own if need be."
Dumbledore just smiled and said, "Rest assured Harry your assets are more than you could probably spend even in your now extended lifetime."
Harry just grinned and asked, "Could you get my accounts status from Gringotts while your there?"
Albus nodded and gestured for him to take the seat next to him. Then speaking more loudly, he said to Harry, "You will be pleased to know that you are scheduled to take your N.E.W.T.'s from Monday through Thursday."
Harry just smiled as Hermione spoke up, "Harry you didn't tell us you were taking your N.E.W.T.'s! You haven't studied at all!"
Harry looked at his friend and said, "Sorry Mione, I guess with everything else going on I forgot to tell you. My class loads have become to big, so Albus wants me to become a full Professor and teach regularly. The subject is too important not to have it taught."
Ron looked over at his friend and said, "Does that mean we have to call you Professor now? Oh the twins are gonna have a field day with you."
Everyone laughed at that and Dumbledore spoke, "It is my opinion that Harry is ready for the testing and is the most qualified person we have had in many, many years apart from Remus Lupin to instruct either DADA or Magical Combat. Though he still has much to learn it can no longer be taught to him from a class so much anymore."
Professor Snape looked up at this and said with all sincerity, "Welcome to the staff Harry"
Harry just looked sheepish and said, "C'mon you guys I'm not a professor yet. I may not qualify you know."
Ron just snorted and said, "Yeah, and I'm the king of England"
Everyone laughed at this, even Snape. Harry excused himself with his friends to have them help him prep for the next days testing. Albus too excused himself saying he had Order business to attend in Diagon Alley.
The foursome made their way to Harry's chambers and Hermione looked thrilled to be studying on a Sunday. Sitting down on the chairs Hermione asked, "O.K. Harry what subject shall we start with first?"
Harry just laughed and replied, "Sorry Mione, I wasn't really going to study. I just wanted to spend time together with you guys. Besides, I'll tell you a secret, I actually asked Dumbledore to go to Gringotts to get money from my vault to rebuild the Burrow."
Ron, looking shocked said, "You did what! Harry you didn't have to do that, we would have gotten it rebuilt!"
Harry just shook his head and replied, "Ron, put aside your pride for a damned second and let me help my family. You are all the family I have left and if I can't help my family what would I do with it? Buy a lifetimes supply of chocolate Frogs?"
Ron looked chagrinned and replied, "Sorry Harry, I didn't mean it like that"
Ginny broke the tension saying, "Lets have some fun guys!"
The four of them spent the rest of the day talking and having fun.
Meanwhile in Voldemort's chamber, Draco Malfoy was rolling on the floor in agony.
"You have failed in your mission Malfoy. In addition you have cost me a servant, bumbling though he was, he was loyal to me."
Draco looked up speaking through the haze of pain, "Master I did not know, I tried to kill Snape as you ordered. I did not know of the use of Polyjuice to switch Snape and Wormtail. I saw my chance in the chaos and took it."
Voldemort just snarled at him, "FOOL! You still managed to get yourself caught! You of no use to me even as a spy in that mud-blood lovers school!"
Voldemort released another Crucio onto the boy and held it, "Very well boy. Though the mission was fouled up you HAVE proven yourself loyal to me."
Voldemort released the spell and said, "Rise young Malfoy."
Draco hurriedly got to his feet keeping his eyes on the floor. Voldemort continued, "Perhaps your failure was a lack of experience and knowledge. I will make you my apprentice and teach you properly what it means to be a Death Eater. One day you will sit at my right hand."
Voldemort looked at Draco again and said, "Hold out your arm and receive my mark of ownership"
Draco Malfoy held out his left arm and Voldemort burned the Dark Mark into his flesh. Draco hissed against the pain but dared not move. Finally, Voldemort was finished and withdrew his wand.
Looking at Draco Voldemort said, "Now apprentice, you will go to your fathers old quarters and await my summons. You have much to learn and a short time to do so. I will not tolerate further failure from you apprentice."
Voldemort dismissed Draco and Draco hurriedly bowed his way out grinning to himself, "You will get yours Potter, oh yes."
A/N Thanks to all for your reviews. Pleas keep em coming. Even flames. I can't learn from my mistakes if no one tells me. Or if ya like it tell me what ya like. Thanks Ben
Hearth and Home
"Hurry we must get Harry to the hospital wing," Dumbledore commanded.
Raising his wand, Dumbledore levitated Harry and the group made their way to the hospital wing. Ron ran ahead getting Madame Pomfrey into action. Poppy was ready when they arrived.
"Put him over here Albus" she commanded, waving at a bed in front of her.
Dumbledore gently laid Harry in the bed and Madame Pomfrey came over and immediately started waving her wand over his unconscious form. Muttering to herself about reckless teenagers.
After making several passes with her wand she nodded in satisfaction and announced, "He is fine just asleep at the moment. What happened?"
Arthur filled her in on the nights events and poppy softened, "He always seems to be the one to get hurt. One of these days he will not try to take on the worlds evil on his own."
Dumbledore spoke up in Harrys defense, "Now, now poppy Mr. Potter did what he thought best at the time I'm sure. Can you wake him for a few minutes so we c an find out what happened after everyone got out of the Burrow?"
Madame Pomfrey just nodded and woke Harry. Harry looked around blearily for a moment then suddenly cried out, "The Burrow!"
Arthur and molly suddenly looked at him in angst and molly asked," What about the Burrow Harry? What happened?"
Harry looked at his family and replied as tears ran down his face, "I'm so sorry, they destroyed it. Those bloody, filthy animals destroyed your home,"
Arthur looked shocked and molly and Ginny began to cry. "Our home, molly sobbed, gone, all of it."
Arthur suddenly looked old and wearily replied, "Now molly all the children are safe. Our home is replaceable, but they are not. We have to be thankful that all of us got out alive."
Harry was about to speak when Ginny placed her hand over his mouth to silence him. "Don't you dare blame yourself for this Harry she commanded. Father is the Minister of magic and our family with few exception has always been know to support muggle borns and always sided with the light."
Ginny softened and continued, "It would have happened eventually with you around or not. Like Dad said at least we are all safe, and together."
Molly looking at her daughter and Harry finally spoke, "Harry dear, they are right. You saved our lives tonight. We will get over this in time." She finished by taking his hand and placing it in Ginny's saying, "We have love and nothing can EVER take that from us. Not even Voldemort."
Harry nodded still looking sad over their loss and Dumbledore interjected, "I believe that we have had enough excitement for tonight. I think it best if for the moment you all take some guest quarters here in the castle and get what sleep you can. We will look into new housing for you tomorrow."
Dumbledore looking at Harry asked, "Do you wish to stay here tonight or do you feel well enough to return to your chambers?"
Harry replied, "I will return to my own bed Albus, I think I will rest better there."
Dumbledore just nodded and led molly and Arthur to guest quarters. Hermione led the saddened Ron out to their rooms by the arm. Harry climbed out of bed and taking Ginny's arm, they left the hospital wing heading to the Gryffindor tower to drop off Ginny.
As they were walking Ginny asked, "Where are we going Harry?"
Harry replied, "I'm walking you to your dorm."
Ginny just smiled shyly and said, "Not tonight Harry. I'm not leaving your side."
Harry looked surprised and asked her, "Are you sure Gin?
Ginny nodded and said, "I don't care what happens Harry, I love you and I will ALWYS be there for you no matter what happens."
Harry just smiled down at her and replied, "Come on love, lets go to bed."
Harry and Ginny went to sleep with troubled expressions on their faces, concerned about uncertain futures.
Harry stumbled out of bed the next morning trying not to wake Ginny as he got out of bed. Stopping in front of the portrait of Godric, he bid his grandfather good morning.
Godric took in Harry appearance and said, "Mornin lad. Rough night with your lass?"
Harry just blushed and Godric continued, "Now, now laddie, no need to get embarrassed with me. I was the same way at your age." Godric winked and laughed at Harry.
"Harry who are you talking to...." Ginny came stumbling behind Harry wearing nothing but a bed sheet. "Oops sorry Harry I forgot your gramps is here."
Godric let out a laugh and said in a piercing whisper that everyone could hear, "Don't worry about it lass it will be our little secret. Besides I can tell you two belong together. Red heads seem to run in our family. For some reason all Gryffindor men like fiery tempered women."
Ginny and Harry blushed even more and left to get dressed. After returning to the main audience chamber, they made ready to go meet the rest of the family for breakfast in the Great Hall. As they were about to go Godric said, "Stay a moment Harry."
Harry just nodded and told Ginny to ahead without him. Ginny nodded and left. Turning to Godric Harry asked, "What is it gramps?"
Godric replied, "Harry I can tell you really care for this woman. When the time is right give her this." As he spoke, a black box appeared in Harry's hand. Harry opened it and found a ring with the Gryffindor family crest on it. It was a match for his but made for a woman's hand.
Harry took the ring and put it away and said, "Thanks gramps. When the time is right that is what I'll do."
Godric nodded and replied, "Any time my boy, after SOMEONE has got to continue our line. Oh Harry could you send that idiot Fawkes back to me. He might be irritable most of the time but at least we get on fairly well."
Harry smiled and said, "I'll see what I can do gramps. I'll see you later"
Godric just grinned and said, "Go get her tiger. Rarrrrrrrrrrr"
Harry made hi way to breakfast and found a forlorn looking bunch. Harry suddenly remembered that the Weasleys no longer had a home. Harry suddenly was struck with an idea.
Harry made his way over to Albus and said to him in a whisper, "Albus, sometime today can you go to my vault and withdraw enough for the Weasleys to rebuild their home with?"
Dumbledore looked at Harry in surprise "That's very generous of you Harry but you know molly will never accept it."
Harry replied, "I know but can you do it anyway? I'll sweet-talk her into it. Besides, I'm not sure how much my inheritance from the Gryffindor coffers will be but I'm sure I can afford it on my own if need be."
Dumbledore just smiled and said, "Rest assured Harry your assets are more than you could probably spend even in your now extended lifetime."
Harry just grinned and asked, "Could you get my accounts status from Gringotts while your there?"
Albus nodded and gestured for him to take the seat next to him. Then speaking more loudly, he said to Harry, "You will be pleased to know that you are scheduled to take your N.E.W.T.'s from Monday through Thursday."
Harry just smiled as Hermione spoke up, "Harry you didn't tell us you were taking your N.E.W.T.'s! You haven't studied at all!"
Harry looked at his friend and said, "Sorry Mione, I guess with everything else going on I forgot to tell you. My class loads have become to big, so Albus wants me to become a full Professor and teach regularly. The subject is too important not to have it taught."
Ron looked over at his friend and said, "Does that mean we have to call you Professor now? Oh the twins are gonna have a field day with you."
Everyone laughed at that and Dumbledore spoke, "It is my opinion that Harry is ready for the testing and is the most qualified person we have had in many, many years apart from Remus Lupin to instruct either DADA or Magical Combat. Though he still has much to learn it can no longer be taught to him from a class so much anymore."
Professor Snape looked up at this and said with all sincerity, "Welcome to the staff Harry"
Harry just looked sheepish and said, "C'mon you guys I'm not a professor yet. I may not qualify you know."
Ron just snorted and said, "Yeah, and I'm the king of England"
Everyone laughed at this, even Snape. Harry excused himself with his friends to have them help him prep for the next days testing. Albus too excused himself saying he had Order business to attend in Diagon Alley.
The foursome made their way to Harry's chambers and Hermione looked thrilled to be studying on a Sunday. Sitting down on the chairs Hermione asked, "O.K. Harry what subject shall we start with first?"
Harry just laughed and replied, "Sorry Mione, I wasn't really going to study. I just wanted to spend time together with you guys. Besides, I'll tell you a secret, I actually asked Dumbledore to go to Gringotts to get money from my vault to rebuild the Burrow."
Ron, looking shocked said, "You did what! Harry you didn't have to do that, we would have gotten it rebuilt!"
Harry just shook his head and replied, "Ron, put aside your pride for a damned second and let me help my family. You are all the family I have left and if I can't help my family what would I do with it? Buy a lifetimes supply of chocolate Frogs?"
Ron looked chagrinned and replied, "Sorry Harry, I didn't mean it like that"
Ginny broke the tension saying, "Lets have some fun guys!"
The four of them spent the rest of the day talking and having fun.
Meanwhile in Voldemort's chamber, Draco Malfoy was rolling on the floor in agony.
"You have failed in your mission Malfoy. In addition you have cost me a servant, bumbling though he was, he was loyal to me."
Draco looked up speaking through the haze of pain, "Master I did not know, I tried to kill Snape as you ordered. I did not know of the use of Polyjuice to switch Snape and Wormtail. I saw my chance in the chaos and took it."
Voldemort just snarled at him, "FOOL! You still managed to get yourself caught! You of no use to me even as a spy in that mud-blood lovers school!"
Voldemort released another Crucio onto the boy and held it, "Very well boy. Though the mission was fouled up you HAVE proven yourself loyal to me."
Voldemort released the spell and said, "Rise young Malfoy."
Draco hurriedly got to his feet keeping his eyes on the floor. Voldemort continued, "Perhaps your failure was a lack of experience and knowledge. I will make you my apprentice and teach you properly what it means to be a Death Eater. One day you will sit at my right hand."
Voldemort looked at Draco again and said, "Hold out your arm and receive my mark of ownership"
Draco Malfoy held out his left arm and Voldemort burned the Dark Mark into his flesh. Draco hissed against the pain but dared not move. Finally, Voldemort was finished and withdrew his wand.
Looking at Draco Voldemort said, "Now apprentice, you will go to your fathers old quarters and await my summons. You have much to learn and a short time to do so. I will not tolerate further failure from you apprentice."
Voldemort dismissed Draco and Draco hurriedly bowed his way out grinning to himself, "You will get yours Potter, oh yes."
A/N Thanks to all for your reviews. Pleas keep em coming. Even flames. I can't learn from my mistakes if no one tells me. Or if ya like it tell me what ya like. Thanks Ben
