Standard Disclaimer: I AM NOT JK ROWLINGS. I'M BATMAN! No not him either. I don't own this stuff. I'm just playing with these characters.
Hogwarts, Start of the Holiday Break…
Harry Potter waited impatiently in the Gryffindor common room for the others to show up. The house elves had already come by to pick up the trunks of those students going home for the holiday.
Home. That word was about to take on a new meaning for him today. It had taken him sixteen years, but he was finally going to a place where there was a family that loved him and wanted him. He smiled weakly at that idea; it was still so new to him.
To say Harry was tired was an understatement. Last night he had performed a feat of magic that few could rival. He was exhausted from the effort. He heard a sound; the door to the common room was opening as Ron and the girls came down the stairs from their dorm rooms.
Professor Serena Snape and Professor McGonagall walked into the common room. Serena looked like she had spent most of her night crying. She looked like Harry felt, but then he was sure he didn't look much better either.
Serena embraced Harry, whispering a fierce, "Thank you" in his ear. Harry blushed at that. His friends watched silently. He had explained what happened earlier at breakfast.
Professor McGonagall spoke. "Mr. Potter, I have spoken to the Headmaster about what occurred and he's going to recommend to the Board of Governors that a special reward be issued for service to Hogwarts. I agree with him. What you did last night is worthy of a true Gryffindor and no mere house points are sufficient…"
He flinched slightly at that. Tom Riddle had once received a similar award. The parallels between Tom Riddle and himself were more than a little unnerving.
"I hope you find time to rest during this Holiday, Mr. Potter. You need it. The carriages to the train station will be here shortly. I suggest you and your friends make their way down to the Entrance Hall."
"Thank you Professors. And may you both enjoy the holiday," he said.
Hogwarts Headmaster's Office…
Albus Dumbledore leaned back in his chair and considered the events of the night before. It had gone almost entirely as Harry had predicted with one exception, the inclusion of that third voice. Albus considered the possibilities and was left with only one logical conclusion. That third voice was Voldemort. And if that were true, it just might be possible that Harry struck a heavy blow against the enemy last night.
Albus chuckled at the memory. To be sure, it had been painful and horrific for everyone involved. But, he was forced to admit; it would not have been possible at all had it not been for the fact that Harry had, in his own fashion, come to love his dreaded professor and his wife. He smiled broadly in anticipation of dropping that little bombshell on the perpetually sneering Professor. Severus was, at times, so much fun to play with!
Fawkes sat on his perch behind Dumbledore, sampling his friend's thoughts. From what he could gather from Albus, the fledging had struck a blow against the dark last night. He settled his feathers smugly and thought I always knew he would do well.
Hogwarts Express, later that day…
Harry, Ginny, Ron, Hermione, Neville and Luna shared a compartment on the train back to King's Crossing. Ginny had her arm around Harry and he leaned into her dozing peacefully. This was a far cry from the last time he was on this train.
An hour later, Harry had woken from his nap and was busy talking to the others and holding his Ginny when they had the expected visitor.
"So Potty, are you awake enough to fight your own fights this time instead of letting a bunch of weasels and mudbloods fight for you?" Malfoy said with a sneer as Crabbe and Goyle snickered behind him.
Ron started to rise when Harry stopped him by speaking.
"Malfoy, for five years now you've come here on every train trip, and for five years you've been scared away, cursed six ways from Sunday and sent stumbling off. What I'd like to know is; are you truly that stupid and incapable of learning? Are you so impaired that you've been unable to learn from the last five years of train trips? If so, how can you possibly expect your Dark Lord to accept you as a follower? Your damaged goods Malfoy, and even Voldemort doesn't want you."
Malfoy turned livid and started sputtering "When my father…"
Harry reared up out of his seat and cut him off. "Your father is an escaped convict Malfoy. When he's captured, he'll be sent to through the veil, not sent back to Azkaban. All of the Death Eaters are to be sent through the veil. Are you really sure you want to be one of them?"
"You can't talk about my father like that!" Malfoy fumbled in his robe for his wand.
Harry's hands blurred and his wand whipped out. In a motion nearly too fast to be seen; Malfoy found himself silenced, his head sprouting a forest of mushrooms and shoved from the compartment so hard, he bounced off the opposite wall. Unfortunately, when he rebounded, it was to slam against the door, which had been shut and locked on his rather rushed exit.
Harry's wand vanished as he sat back down, ignoring the banging on the glass. Crabbe and Goyle were yelling something. Malfoy was trying, but couldn't be heard. With a smirk, Ginny pulled the drapes, cutting off the sight.
Hermione turned to Harry, a quizzical look on her face. "Mushrooms Harry?"
"Yeah. Stupid git is prime fertilizer for them wouldn't you say?" He asked with a grin.
After a few minutes Harry unlocked and reopened the door, then said in a loud voice, "It's ok, Auntie Tonks. You can come in now!"
The others looked at Harry like he had driven off the deep end, when a disembodied voice hissed. "Damnit Harry, stop doing that! And don't call me AUNTIE!"
"Oh and Hermione, don't forget to bring your parents to the celebration on Monday. Please? Neville? Luna? Same goes for you."
The group nodded, not quite sure where Tonks was.
Kings Crossing Station…
The train was about to arrive at the station when suddenly an idea crossed Harry's mind. He leaned forward and tapped Ron on the knee. Ron leaned forward and Harry whispered something in Ron's ear that caused his eyes to widen. Then Harry repeated the same process with Neville. Neville gulped nervously and nodded.
The group of friend piled off the train and collected their luggage, placing trunks onto trolleys. Harry wandlessly shrunk Ginny and Ron's trunks before doing the same to his own. Leading the group to the waiting cluster of parents, Harry looked sternly at Ron and Neville. Both looked nervous but determined.
Arthur and Molly Weasley waited with Hermione's parents, Neville's Grandmother and Luna's father. Hermione's parents, being muggles, always enjoyed these brief forays into the Wizarding world. Everyone stood around talking for a bit. Just after the group finished wishing good holidays to each other, but before they could go their separate ways, it happened.
Ron grabbed Hermione and kissed her passionately. Her parents, Emma and Dan watched with shock. Neville did the same thing to Luna, which caused her father to break out into a broad grin. Harry grabbed Ginny and was kissing her as well.
Molly and Arthur were torn. Arthur kept looking back and forth between Ron and Harry, not quite sure what to say or do. Molly had a broad smile on her face and in her mind she had visions of both bushy headed freckled faced and red headed green-eyed grandchildren. Her eyes filled with tears.
Ron broke from the kiss first, leaving Hermione swaying slightly, her eyes still closed and a dreamy expression on her face.
Neville followed a moment later. Luna had a very pleased look and Neville looked like he had been caught with his hand in the cookie jar. His Grandmother looked on sternly for a moment longer before her look softened and she snorted in amusement.
Ron looked over at Harry. HE WAS STILL KISSING HIS LITTLE SISTER!
"Oy Potter, knock it off yer git! I can see why you made me and Neville do that, but you're going home with her for Merlin's sake!"
Harry broke from his kiss with Ginny, but kept one arm around her. Her eyes had a glassy look to them.
"Ron, I love you like a brother and think you're my best mate, but one of these days you are going to have to learn that there's more important things in life than Quidditch. Rule number one Ron, never pass up the opportunity to kiss the most beautiful witch in the world."
Dan Granger coughed and looked at Hermione. She blushed and murmured, "Ummm… I'll tell you all about it later. Or maybe I'll tell mum and she can tell you."
Harry snickered. "Chicken."
Harry gave Hermione a brief hug in farewell; Ginny joined them. The groups parted, each to go their own way.
Harry, Ginny and Ron walked over to Molly and Arthur. Arthur brightly announced their travel plains to get to the Burrow.
"We'll take some muggle taxis to the Leaky Cauldron and use the public floo from there to get home! This should be fun! Muggle Taxis, we might even be lucky enough to be inside one when it hits something!"
The trip from Kings Crossing to the Leaky Cauldron would have been uneventful, but Arthur kept shoving his arm in the driver's face and pointing at the dashboard asking questions. Arthur nearly got his wish several times before arriving, and the cab driver probably retired after that trip.
Welcome Home Harry…
Harry stepped through the floo and looked around uncertainly. He had been to the Burrow before and knew his way around, but this time was different. Now he was home and he was really very nervous. He wasn't sure what to do and seeing both Ron and Ginny head up to their rooms left him feeling just a little lost. Arthur muttered something about checking for the daily owl delivery. Molly nodded at him, then turned to Harry with a big smile.
"Harry dear, let me show you to your room."
He followed Molly as she led him up to the twins' old room. Seeing his expression, she smiled and told him that Arthur and her had checked the room most carefully for traps, charms and hexes.
She enlarged his trunk while he wandered around looking at the room. It was simple, it wasn't all that great, and the furniture looked old and had quite a few burn marks on it. But it was all his and it was the best room in the whole world! He had a table where he could work. Where the other bed had been, there was a bookshelf that he could put his books in.
"Harry, I'm going to be doing a laundry later. Let me just get out your dirty clothes for the wash."
Harry was too preoccupied surveying his new space to do more than nod at her.
Molly started rooting through his trunk. She found several photos of him and Ron, a photo of him and Ginny kissing at the dance. They looked so wonderful together, she thought. There was a photo of what had to be his parents and a young Sirius Black. She smiled and compared Harry to his father. His father really was quite handsome, but Harry had inherited his mother's striking green eyes. The three people looked so happy in the photo. There was a small photo album with a young Lily Potter holding Harry. She sighed for a moment, thinking he has so few things from them.
Rooting around deeper in his trunk, she pulled out school robes and some very fancy dress robes. Next came a couple of packages that were probably holiday presents. Finally she started finding some clothes. What's this? She thought. She pulled out a single pair of large pants ripped, torn, and stained ominously, a torn sweatshirt and some underwear. Several of the t-shirts were stained with blood. Her expression darkened. Damn those muggles to treat a child this way!
Hearing a noise behind her, she whirled around. Harry was staring at the blood stained shirt in her hand, looking to be on the verge of tears. She dropped the shirt and swept him into her arms holding him tight. Harry sobbed softly into her shoulder while she held him. Ginny bounced into the room, spotted the shirt on the floor and her mother. Ginny's expression matched her mother's. Molly shook her head slightly and Ginny grimaced back before leaving the room. Ginny understood.
Molly led Harry to the bed, sat him down, and then took a seat next to him. She waited for him to settle down before saying anything.
"Harry, do you have any other clothes?"
"No… No one ever took me shopping. Whenever my aunt and uncle went shopping, they'd lock me in the cupboard, or in my room. I've bought a few things when Hagrid first took me to Diagon Alley, and a few things at Gladrags in Hogsmeade, but that's about it. I have the money to buy clothes, but never got the chance. It's probably a good thing that my Uncle didn't know about my Gringots accounts. He would have taken that money just like he took my money from work this past summer."
Molly was furious, but did her best to hide that fact. He's taken far more than that from you Harry. How you managed to survive those people and remain a child of the light is nothing short of a miracle. Merlin himself must be watching over you!
"Harry, I'll tell you what we're going to do. How about tomorrow we go let you get some of that money and help you go shopping for clothes. Then when we get back, we'll have a little ceremony and burn these things?"
Harry took on a wistful look, and then asked Molly if it would be ok if he allowed Ron and Ginny to buy some things also? I'll have a talk with Ron about that she thought, he'll understand.
"Ok Harry, but nothing too expensive. I'll talk to them both in a bit about it. Now dear, you look so tired still. Professor Dumbledore floo'd us this morning explaining briefly what you did last night for Professor Snape. He suggested you should be allowed to rest as much as possible today. Why don't you lay down and I'll have someone wake you in a few hours."
Harry nodded and placed his glasses down on the night table. Molly hugged him again and whispered in his ear, "Welcome home Harry. Your family has missed you for so very long and we're glad you're back where you belong." Harry hugged her fiercely, as if he was trying to get sixteen years of motherly love in a single hug, before lying down. Molly smoothed his unruly locks for a bit as his breathing deepened.
Harry Potter was home at last.
Weasley Family Conference…
Molly gathered up Harry's clothing and closed the door before walking to Ginny's room.
"Ginny, be a dear and get your brother. I'd like to speak to both of you down in the kitchen with your father please."
Molly was descending the stairs when the floo erupted and Fred and George stepped out.
"We figured…"
"…we'd come welcome…"
"…our new brother to his…"
"…new home!"
Molly gave them one of those patented stares and motioned for them to join her in the kitchen. She entered the kitchen and placed Harry's old clothes in a bag. They would be dealt with later. She pointed at George and told him to go get his father from the shed and bring him back. Fred she told to sit down and behave himself, receiving an innocent look in return.
Ron and Ginny entered a moment later, looking at Molly curiously. Arthur and George came in shortly after that.
Molly turned to survey her family. They all wore a cautious look. They had each experienced Molly when she wore that "look" and they wondered who had done what and to whom.
"I just finished helping Harry unpack, thinking I'd grab his clothes for the wash. Other than what he had purchased for himself at Hogsmeade and Diagon Alley, most of what he owned was little better than this…"
She pulled a bloodstained shirt out from the bag, showed it to them, and then slammed the shirt back into the bag. Ginny's eyed brimmed with tears, while Molly continued in a softer tone.
"Harry may be one of the wealthiest wizards in the country, but he's never really had the opportunity to spend any of that money on himself, except for a few rare occasions. Tomorrow, we are all going out, as a family, to help him get some new clothes for himself. He's asked if it would be ok if he could let Ron and Ginny buy some things as well. I've told him that would be alright as long as he didn't spend too much…"
She stabbed a finger out at Ron.
"Ronald, if Harry wants to buy you something, let him!" Seeing his mutinous expression, she sighed. "Dear, he's not giving you charity, he's offering because he loves you like a brother and, for the first time in his life, he has the means to buy something for his family. I want you to think about this. For the first ten years of his life he lived locked up in a cupboard, forced to wear clothing that was stained in his own blood, without a penny to his name. According to Harry, his Uncle even took the money he earned this past summer. You will not give him a hard time about this Ronald. Harry just wants to share what he has with you, its not charity…"
Turning to Ginny and leaving Ron thinking very hard she continued in a softer tone.
"Ginny dear, I have no doubt how Harry feels about you and how you feel about him. While we're supposed to allow our men to spoil us once in a while, please remember he's not supposed to bankrupt himself doing it…Oh and dear, be sure you help him pick out some nice clothes to wear for himself."
Ginny's jaw dropped open, then she grinned at her mum. Molly turned to her twins with a pained look.
"As for you two. DO NOT PRANK HIM. I ask you to give Harry at least 'til summer break before you let your twisted minds run wild. Right now, he's going to need time to adjust and your pranks won't help him. I can't tell you all he's been through, but he needs time to feel like he belongs here…"
Finally Molly turned on Arthur and stared at him. "Well?"
"Um… nothing dear. I'll floo Remus and inform him of our plans for tomorrow."
She smiled at him and nodded. "Do that Arthur. I'm sure Remus won't mind and he can inform Professor Dumbledore so appropriate arrangements can be made. When we get home, we'll burn these clothes of his in a little ceremony."
Private Conversations at the Burrow…
Molly and Arthur sat at the kitchen table, watching the newest addition to their family wear a hold in the floor. Harry had asked them if he could have a private word with them, so Ginny and Ron had excused themselves.
Molly and Arthur had spoken earlier in the week about some of the things they thought Harry might want to talk about. Now, with the two of them sitting at the table, and Harry pacing nervously trying to figure out how to begin, the two watched him carefully.
Finally Harry sighed and started.
"I'm probably going to say a lot of stuff wrong here, so please, don't misunderstand me. If I'm not clear on something, please tell me… First I want to say that the Burrow is one of the few places I've been in our world where I've felt safe and at peace. I feel I should thank you for taking me in. The two of you mean the world to me and I would do anything for either of you…"
Molly stopped his pacing by grabbing him on his return trip to the other side of the kitchen and hugging him from her chair. Harry smiled down at her before continuing.
"There are some things which I'm going to need your help on. Not because I can't do them, but because I don't know how. I'm sure things would have been different if I weren't raised as a muggle, but I know so little about our world. I honestly don't understand why its so important that Hogwarts teaches what happened to Nastil the Noseless and his armies in 978ad but they don't teach the basics of our world…"
Arthur looked at Molly, and then asked Harry what he meant. Harry ran his hand through his hair in frustration.
"It's this wedding on Monday. Remus has asked me to stand with him, to be his second…" Now his tone turned appealing. "… I've never been to a muggle wedding let alone a wizard one! I don't know what I'm supposed to do!"
Molly and Arthur smiled at that and Arthur said. "I'll explain the process to you on Sunday Harry. It's not really a big deal, but I do see what you mean. I'll try to explain some of our traditions to you, but I want you to promise me something. If you're ever confronted with something you don't understand, you'll ask me. Alright?"
Harry looked relieved and nodded at Arthur. Taking a deep breath, he spoke again in a serious tone.
"I want you two to know, if you need anything, ever, you can come to me. Remus told me you two probably wouldn't allow me to give you some of my money. But your family to me, and families help each other. Whenever I can do anything for you, just tell me. Please? I know how much you're helping me. I just want to be able to help back when it's needed."
"Harry, Arthur and I talked about this before you came home," Molly replied. "And you're right, we probably would not have accepted your money. But you're also right that families help each other. In the event that it becomes necessary, we will allow you to help us. Is that acceptable Harry dear?"
Harry looked relieved at that. It wasn't quite what he wanted to do, but it was close enough.
Harry started pacing again. Now came the really hard part. Well, Gryffindors forward and all that… he thought.
Harry stopped suddenly and fidgeted, his carefully memorized speech forgotten.
"I'd also like to talk about um… Ginny…"
Arthur and Molly exchanged a knowing look. This was one topic they had talked about in considerable detail and had reached an agreement on several points. One of them was, they weren't going to make this easy for Harry. The twins, it seemed, weren't the only ones who enjoyed a good prank.
Molly asked in a concerned voice, "What about Ginny, dear? Is something wrong with her?"
Harry looked up startled. "No… no… there's nothing wrong with Ginny, she's great… she's super… no I mean she's very special to me…" he trailed off again.
Arthur spoke in a sterner tone. "Special? What are you talking about Harry?"
Damn this isn't going the way I thought it would, Harry thought. I thought it would be easier than this. Right now I'd rather be taking on a dozen Death Eaters than talk to my girlfriends parents!
"Well… we um… we love each other." he managed to gasp out.
Molly was fighting to keep a straight face. She was certain of what was coming, but she wanted to hear Harry say it. Arthur, on the other hand, decided that a little more torture was in order.
"That's nice Harry, but what has that got to do with whatever you're trying to say?" He asked.
Harry straightened up and blurted it out, "IwanttomarryyourdaughterandImaskingforyourpermission."
Molly looked at Arthur for a moment with a smug grin on her face thinking, that's five galleons you owe me. I told you he'd bring this up on the first night here.
Molly looked back at Harry and told him she hadn't quite understood what he'd just said.
Harry took another breath and said, "I want to marry your daughter and I'm asking for your permission."
Molly squeezed her husband's hand, but kept silent. As they had previously agreed, they wanted to hear Harry's plan before giving him an answer. Molly was barely able to contain herself however. What she really wanted to do was shriek "YES!" before hugging the stuffing out of the young man before her.
Harry looked at the two. Molly looked ready to explode, and Arthur looked at him like he was some kind of bug that may need to be squashed.
Harry groaned to himself. He's screwed this up. He just knew it. They would hate him now!
"Harry? Perhaps you should tell us your plans, first," Arthur said, trying to remain firm.
Harry nearly fainted in relief. He did sway a bit, actually.
"Well sir, I thought I would give Ginny a promise ring before Christmas, then replace that with an engagement ring at her next birthday. I thought we'd either get married after I graduate, or wait until she graduated. We'd both really like to get married after I graduate, but we're willing to wait if necessary. I'd like to teach at Hogwarts and Professor Dumbledore told me that if my grades stay as good as they are, he'd be willing to take me on as a Junior Professor for the Defense Against the Dark Arts class. He mentioned that the position would come with a nice apartment in the castle, and that would be suitable for a while. But I'd really like to build a home Ginny would like in Hogsmeade."
He held his breath. Arthur tipped back in his chair, staring at the ceiling for a long while. Molly still clutched his hand tightly, bone crushingly tight in fact.
Damn, it's a well thought out plan he has and I can't really fault it, Arthur thought. Ginny would be able to continue with school even if they did get married after he graduated. I know he has the means to see she's taken care of, and any children they might have. Being a teacher isn't the most glamorous thing in the world but he's picking something he'd enjoy doing, not something he'd be doing just to put food on the table. Besides, Molly and I did something similar since she was a year behind me.
Arthur looked back down at Harry and said, "I suppose if we didn't give you permission you'd just wait until she's of age and go ahead anyway?"
Harry looked him straight in the eye, speaking man to man now. "Arthur, I wouldn't like doing it that way. But if that's the only way to do it, that's exactly what we'd do."
Arthur nodded; he could hear the steel in Harry's voice. Harry stood there; his arms crossed now, no longer a boy, but a young man who would go to any lengths to reach his goal.
Arthur and Molly exchanged a glance, then turned back to Harry smiling. Molly spoke, "Harry, of course you have our blessing. We just wanted to be sure you had thought this through."
Harry swayed with relief and thought, make that two dozen death eaters…
He gave the both of them a weak and very relieved smile.
"However," Molly added, causing Harry to stiffen slightly. "I think it would be best if you waited until after Ginny graduated. Don't get me wrong, dear. Arthur and I are thrilled. But a young couple is not always as cautious as they should be."
At his puzzled expression, she explained in her blunt manner. "Do you really want Ginny taking her N.E.W.T's while pregnant?"
Harry gaped at her and his face went up in flames. Pregnant? That would mean Ginny and I would have to…and her parents know that we'd have too…Oh Merlin! No one should have to talk to their future in-laws about having sex with their daughter! Maybe the floor will open up and swallow me…maybe Death Eater's will attack the Burrow…This isn't happening…
"Harry? Harry, dear? Harry!"
Harry jerked back to reality and blinked furiously. "We'll wa…wait 'til she graduates," he croaked.
"Wonderful!" Molly said before leaping up and hugging him. Arthur stood and gave his arm a pat, saying "Good man."
The three of them left the kitchen a short time later to find Ron sitting on the couch, watching his sister pace back and forth nervously, wringing her hands. Ron didn't know what was bothering Ginny, but Ginny had a good idea what was coming when Harry had asked to speak privately with her parents.
Ginny stopped in her pacing and looked anxiously at the three of them. Harry beamed at her and she squealed, rushing over to hug him. Then she turned to her parents and hugged them both. The four of them started talking to each other, babbling really.
Ron watched in bewilderment for a few moments while the four jabbered before deciding to find out what is going on.
"Have you all gone barking mad or something? Someone tell me what's going on!"
Molly frowned at Ron's language, but said in a calm voice, "Ron dear, Harry here just asked for your sister's hand. They'll be formally engaged at her next birthday."
Ron's eye's bugged out of his head, and without giving much thought to what he was going to say, always a mistake for him, he replied, "I know he's been dating her, but why would he want to marry her?"
Molly bellowed, "RONALD WEASLEY!" She then chased him as he sprinted for his room.
Hermione and Her Parents…
Hermione was uneasy her first night home. She missed Ron desperately and she missed being able to spend some time with Ginny in the dorm. Something wasn't quite right here at home, but she couldn't figure out what it was. Her mother had grilled her on Ron; well, not really grilled. It was more like an uncomfortable girl-to-girl talk.
Emma wanted to know more about Ron. They had met Molly and Arthur Weasley before, both at Grimmauld Place and at Platform 9 and ¾, and liked them, even if Arthur did seemed a bit odd. Emma hinted around at some very intimate questions, and Hermione tried to answer honestly. She and her mum had always been close. But the conversation tonight had been one sided. Emma didn't even try to hide her evasions to Hermione's questions about her and Dan.
Trying to distract herself from the uneasy feeling, she reviewed a conversation she'd had with Ginny in the dorm one night not too long ago. They were sitting in Ginny's bed and Ginny was trying to braid Hermione's hair. It was an attempt that was best described as only partial successful.
"So, how are things with you and Ron 'Mione?" Ginny asked.
"Sometimes I'm walking on air Ginny, and sometimes I want to strangle that boy! He doesn't have a romantic bone in his body!"
"Ron can be bloody dense at times. Merlin knows you two would still be sitting at the table at the dance if Harry and I hadn't intervened on your part."
Hermione smiled at the memory of that. "How about you Ginny? Harry doesn't strike me as the really romantic type."
Ginny giggled and mumbled something.
Hermione turned around to face her. "Ginny? What aren't you telling me?"
Ginny told Hermione of the time Harry had given the DA the night off, and how she had found an invitation to a cozy romantic dinner served by Dobby. She mentioned the music playing, the dancing, and the long conversation on the couch.
Hermione ate this up eagerly. She never suspected that Harry could be so romantic. She looked at Ginny expectantly "And? Ginevra Weasley, don't tell me he ran away again!"
Ginny mumbled something that Hermione couldn't make out. "Ginny… I didn't quite hear that."
Ginny whispered "No, he didn't run away, but things…well… let's just say that things didn't quite progress as far as I would have liked… but still it was a breakthrough for us… Oh Merlin why did I pick a man with such a strong sense of honor?"
"Ginny that's one of the things you love about him isn't it?"
Ginny nodded.
Hermione slipped into a troubled sleep while still remembering that conversation. It led her to some…interesting dreams…involving Ron and the Room of Requirement.
Weasley's Wizarding Wheezes…
George and Fred returned to their shop in Diagon Alley. They had converted the loft above the shop into a combination potions lab and an apartment. Both men were starting to feel better. It had been days since they'd received the notice from the Marauders, and nothing had happened since that first notice had come in.
An hour or so after their return home, Angelina Johnson entered the lower shop and shouted for Fred. She and Fred had been dating since Hogwarts.
"Oy! Fred where are you?" She shouted.
"UP HERE! HELP!"
Angelina ran up the stairs, wand at the ready. At the top of the stairs, she stopped, confused.
Fred was standing in the middle of the room looking desperate. From the bathroom came another muffled voice, shouting for help. Floating around the room was a set of glowing letters that read:
MARAURDERS RULE, WEASLEY'S DROOL!
"Fred? What are you on about?"
"I can't move my feet. I'm stuck to the floor. It's obviously a prank," he said, pointing at the floating words. "And a timed one at that. I can't even take my shoe off!"
"And George is…"
"YES! He is stuck to the johnny!" He said, looking very sheepish.
Angelina snickered. At Fred's pleading expression, the snickers turned to chuckles. When he scowled at her in irritation, she collapsed on the floor laughing hysterically.
From the loo, barely heard over the sounds of laughter, came an indignant plea for help.
Back in the Burrow, Harry turned over on his bed, half asleep he murmured "Mischief Managed" before falling back asleep.
Diagon Alley and Muggle London…
Harry's day began early. Molly, Ron and Ginny would accompany him to Gringots first. Then he had 2 stops he needed to make in Diagon Alley before they'd proceed into muggle London. Tonks would meet them at the Leaky Cauldron and act as both an escort, as well as a guide.
Arriving at the Leaky Cauldron, Tonks was already there and, surprisingly for once, she was dressed in nearly normal muggle clothes. From the Leaky Cauldron they went to Gringots where Harry asked for Griphook.
The short goblin appeared. Spotting Harry he gave him a toothy grin.
"Mr. Potter, so nice to see you again! How can I be of service to you today?"
"Griphook, can you take my family and myself to the Potter Family vault?"
"Of course, Mr. Potter. If you would all follow me this way please?"
Griphook led the group to a small waiting cart. Harry told them it would be best if they all waited until he had opened the doors before they exited the cart, but that they were welcome to follow him into the vault if they wished. Ginny looked very curious, as did Ron, but both decided to stay in the cart. Molly was so busy grilling Tonks about her upcoming wedding that neither adult seemed interested.
After a short trip they arrived at the vault. Like his last visit, the vault doors opened as he approached them.
Harry vanished inside for a while. Molly glanced away from Tonks for a moment to look towards the vault, and then stared in amazement.
Tonks smirked at the older woman's surprise and leaned over to her to whisper, "This is only the Potter money vault. There are three others, including two from the Black family."
In a few moments, Harry exited the vault and watched as the doors swung closed before getting back into the cart for the return trip. Once back in Gringots, Harry exchanged most of the Galleons for pounds. From there, he went to Eeylops Owl Emporium to purchase a Tawny owl and a complete set of supplies. The owl he sent to the Burrow. Before leaving Diagon Alley, he had Molly distract Tonks long enough for him to duck into TerrorTours.
The rest of the day was spent running around Harrod's of London. Harry purchased a complete set of clothes and, based on Tonks' advice, two muggle dress suits. He made sure Ron and Ginny picked up a couple items as well. Ginny picked up several very pretty dresses and one or two items that made Harry blush eight shades of red. Once they left Harrod's, Harry had one more mission to accomplish. Finding a florist, he handed Ron some money and sent him inside with instructions to send Hermione flowers.
Back at the Burrow...
Exhausted from the day of shopping, the four thanked Tonks for her help, and then returned to the Burrow. Harry dropped to the couch heavily and said, "Man it's great to be home." Closing his eyes for a moment, he missed the smiles that lit both Molly and Ginny's faces.
After dinner, Harry helped Molly clean up the dishes and then excused himself, saying he had something he wanted to work on.
Molly looked at Arthur, who nodded at her. Listening to Ron and Ginny exclaim over their first real muggle-shopping trip for a few minutes longer, he finally stood and excused himself, heading for Harry's room.
Arthur knocked on Harry's door and entered. Harry was working at his table; he had parchments all over the place. When Harry looked up, he grabbed a chair, pulled it over to the desk. Sitting, he looked over Harry's drawings with great interest. He had heard from the school that Harry had shown a talent for drawing that he applied to his schoolwork, but this was a side of Harry that Arthur hadn't seen. Molly wanted him to check up on Harry, to see how he was doing, but this was interesting.
"My word Harry, these are quite good. But can I ask you what you're doing?"
"These are ring designs, Sir."
"Now Harry, call me Arthur, please. We did talk about this remember?"
Harry nodded then began discussing the parchments again.
"These are possible designs for Ginny's ring, Arthur. I can't seem to decide which one to use though. Should it be complex or simple, elegant, fancy or plain? I'm just not sure."
"Well, wouldn't the more complex design take longer for a jeweler to make, Harry? That's one of the things I have to admit to wondering about. If you're going to have the ring made it will never be done in time."
Harry looked embarrassed, but he replied, "Actually, I was planning on making the ring myself. But I do see where you're coming from. A simpler ring would allow for a more complex arrangement when it's merged with an engagement ring and a wedding ring."
Arthur seemed a bit taken aback by Harry's comments about making the ring himself. When Harry noticed his expression, he showed Arthur his Phoenix Ring and described how he had made it during class one day. Arthur was amazed at the depth of detail in it.
Amazing! Arthur thought. He could be one of the finest Wizarding jewelers in the world if he wanted to be, but he wants to teach children. And he's going to make Ginny's ring himself. Molly will want to see this. I'll tell her to ask him about it another day.
"I'm really impressed Harry. The level of detail you've put into this ring and these drawings is superb! I'm sure whatever design you decide, Ginny will love it, especially since you made it yourself. I really only came in here to see how you were settling in, and now I find myself amazed. I wish Ron had talent like this!"
"Arthur, Ron has plenty of talent. He's most likely going to be one of the greatest professional keepers of all time. But Ron has a lot more talent than just being able to fly a broom or catch a quaffle. He's loyal and brave, but more importantly, he has a mind made for thinking strategically. If you don't believe me, try playing Wizard's Chess with him. In six years, I've never been able to beat him."
Arthur suddenly felt ashamed. He hadn't meant to belittle Ron, but Harry had forced him to see his son in a whole new light.
"Yes, you're right Harry. And I thank you for pointing that out to me. Sometimes we parents only see what we want to see. Well, I'll leave you to your designing."
Arthur left the room and almost immediately Ginny entered. She didn't know what her dad had been talking to Harry about, or what the drawings on the table were for, but she didn't really care. All she knew was FINALLY she had Harry alone, even if it was only for a few minutes. She sat on his lap, wiggled a little to make sure she had his attention, and then wrapped her arms around him and kissed him soundly.
When they came up for air, she turned to look at the parchments Harry had been working on. She flipped through them one at a time while Harry held his breath. He didn't tell her what the images represented. Finally, she settled on a very simple design. It started as a single banded ring, which was then placed into a double-banded insert, and then ultimately, another insert.
"This one is really pretty Harry!"
Harry smiled at her broadly then distracted her by nibbling on her neck. Inwardly, he was very pleased; she had just solved his problem for him. Now he wouldn't stay up all night drawing designs. The two sat kissing and holding each other for a while before Ginny said goodnight.
Harry crawled into his bed a short while after Ginny left. His first full day at home had been a success.
Wedding bells…
Monday started with bright sunshine. Harry had had a wonderfully relaxing weekend, even getting more sleep than usual. He hadn't had a single nightmare since leaving school. And more importantly, his scar hadn't twinged even once since coming home.
Chaos reigned supreme that morning in the Burrow. Fred and George arrived just after breakfast, along with their dates. Everyone was rushing like mad around to get ready for the noon Ceremony.
Molly had laid out Harry's green robe for the service. Ginny would wear her matching robe as well. Harry was nervous; one of his duties involved a ceremonial lighting during the service; and of course to hold the rings for Remus. The ring holding he was ok with, but the lighting ceremony involved a long incantation that he kept repeating under his breath.
Finally everyone was ready. They had cut it close because Molly was convinced that she could do something with Harry's hair. But once again his hair won the day, against overwhelming odds.
With seconds to spare, everyone grabbed onto the rope portkey that Arthur held. Harry felt that familiar tug and away they went. Remus breathed a sigh of relief when they showed up, and for once Harry actually managed to stay on his feet. Although to be honest, he did stumble and probably would have fallen had Ginny not steadied him.
Ron smirked, saying, "To the world he's super wizard, but he can't ride a simple portkey!" Harry shot him a grin back.
They all trooped into the living room which had been magically transformed into a small chapel. Hermione rushed up to Ron and wrapped her arms around him, thanking him for the flowers. Ron got a goofy grin on his face and Harry winked at him. Harry waved to Neville and Luna, then spotted Jack and gave him a huge smile. He was glad that Remus had befriended the man after Harry had gone to school. Harry felt a little sad that Jack was alone.
Jack waved back at Harry. They'd get a chance to talk after the service.
Remus pressed a small box into Harry's hand and whispered, "The rings, don't lose them!" Harry nodded and pocketed the box. Dumbledore was up by the fireplace. He coughed politely and called everyone to attention. He would be the one officiating this ceremony.
"If I might have everyone's attention please? I would like to go over what will happen here for the benefit of our muggle friends attending. The ceremony you will see here has little parallel to weddings you are used to. Nymphadora has asked Molly Weasley to stand with her, and Remus has asked Harry Potter to stand with him. At the appropriate times, Molly will invoke an incantation of joining over the ceremonial cup and Harry will light the cup. The act of joining over the cup signifies the love and the bond the couple shares for each other. The lighting ceremony signifies the love the couple has for their friends and families present here today. Then the rings will be exchanged, completing the service. It is in many ways simpler than what many are used to, but far more profound as there is powerful magic that will be at work today."
Emma and Dan Granger's eyes lit up. They loved watching magic at work. Jack looked interested and had the amused look of a bachelor watching a friend go to his fate.
At some unknown signal, Dumbledore once again asked for everyone's attention and he announced that everything was ready to proceed. People quickly scurried to take their seats.
Harry stood off to the side of Remus with Dumbledore. The doors to the room swung silently open and Tonks walked in, dressed in a white robe. Music started to play in the background from some hidden source. As Molly followed Tonks up to stand in front of Dumbledore, the old wizard began to speak.
"Since the age of Merlin the joining of Witch and Wizard has been a celebration of life and love. Today, we join in celebrating the marriage of Nymphadora Tonks and Remus Lupin. Both have suffered through adversity to reach this point in their lives, where they may celebrate their love for all to see. We friends and family bear witness to this union and join with them in celebrating the joy they have found in each other. By tradition, the union is celebrated by the ringing of bells…"
Dumbledore signaled to Molly, who then cast an incantation over the cup. The music stopped and, from a distance, two ringing bells were heard. As everyone listened, the two bells slowly synchronized to become one clear, sweet sound.
"Also by tradition," Dumbledore continued, "the couple shares their love with their friend and family by the lighting of the cup…"
Harry moved forward to the cup and Dumbledore smiled encouragingly at him. He pulled his wand and concentrated as hard as he could on thoughts of Remus, Tonks and his new family.
Murmuring the incantation 'promeritum maritus blandior ignis', he released the magic into the cup. The cup glowed golden for a moment, then the liquid started to whirl within. Sparkles, almost like a host of fireflies, rose above the rim. The music altered from the popular wedding music it had been playing, to some angelic choir. The sparkles continued to rise, slowly filling the room with millions of tiny flashing lights as the music rose to a soaring crescendo.
Stepping back, Harry noted the stunned expressions of the onlookers and heard the murmurs of surprise. Thinking he'd messed up, he looked to Dumbledore. The old wizard smiled at him, his eyes twinkling merrily. With a wink, Dumbledore turned back to the crowd. Harry breathed a sigh of relief.
"My friends, I think we are truly fortunate today. This union has been blessed indeed. Now, might I have the rings?"
Harry fumbled in his pocket for a moment, nearly pulling out the wrong box. Handing the box to the Headmaster, he watched as Dumbledore removed the rings and placed them carefully on his wand.
Nymphadora and Remus pulled out their own wands and held them out towards Dumbledore's. When all three wands touched, the rings were transferred; the bride's ring on the groom's wand, the groom's ring on the bride's wand.
Remus removed the ring from his wand and took Nymphadora's hand. She trembled at his touch and her eyes became misty. Remus placed the ring onto her finger and said, "I bind myself to thee. Let this ring be a symbol of our union and our love. In front of these witnesses, I pledge thee my heart and soul."
Nymphadora smiled at Remus and removed the ring from her wand. Placing the ring on Remus's finger, she repeated his words back to him. "I bind myself to thee. Let this ring be a symbol of our union and our love. In front of these witnesses, I pledge thee my heart and soul."
The couple held hands and turned to face the crowd, in a room that still sparkled, as Dumbledore once again spoke.
"Friends and family allow me to introduce to you Mr. and Mrs. Remus Lupin, life mates and lovers; sealed by their bond and witnessed by our presence."
The room broke into applause and Remus leaned over and kissed Tonks on the cheek. Unlike muggle weddings, wizard weddings had no formal bride kissing tradition. Dumbledore announced that with the exception of the newlyweds, the Weasley's and Hermione Granger, everyone should move into the banquet hall next door.
Harry gulped nervously now. He knew her parents and Dumbledore should be present, but didn't expect Hermione and the twins, nor Remus and Tonks. In fact, most people seemed to be watching, reluctant to move! Only Dumbledore and the Weasley's knew what was going on. But the others sensed that the show wasn't over and didn't leave the room.
Dumbledore, and the others in the know, sensed Harry's discomfort. But there was little that could be done about it short of shoving people out.
Molly pushed Ginny forward to stand next to Harry. Ginny was one of those that didn't have clue what was about to happen. Dumbledore looked at Ginny with a slight smile, his eyes twinkling like mad.
"Ginny," Dumbledore said, "Harry has something he wishes to tell you."
Ginny turned to Harry, who at this point looked like he wanted to crawl under a rock. Hermione's eyes were bugging out of her head, her hands up to her mouth trying to hide a smile. She wasn't sure what was coming either, but she had a suspicion.
Harry straightened his shoulders and looked at Ginny, smiling. His mother's letter, safe in its locket around his neck radiated approving warmth.
He had studied this particular subject very closely before deciding on how he was going to proceed. Reaching into his pocket, he withdrew the box with the rings he had made. Then he began the ancient ritual of Coolar, the promise binding. Ginny's eyes widened as she saw the rings and their design. It was the design she'd picked as her favorite that night in Harry's room! Hermione gasped, her own eyes misting over. Both Remus and Tonks were gawking at the two of them.
"Ginevra Molly Weasely, with this ring I, Harry James Potter, pledge unto thee my love undying. I give thee this ring in promise that on the eve of thy sixteenth birthday, we shall be betrothed."
Harry removed the center ring from the two inserts and placed it on her finger.
"Take this ring and kept it as pledge for a life to come. Know that it is a promise of a future and a symbol of what I feel for thee."
The ring flared brightly for a moment. When the flame died, the center stone continued to pulse softly, beating in time with Harry's heartbeat.
Ginny, tears sliding down her cheeks, gave Harry a trembling smile before throwing herself into his embrace.
Molly sniffled and Arthur handed her a tissue.
Dumbledore placed a hand on the head of each of them, smiling broadly. Then he spoke to those assembled. "I have witnessed the ritual of Coolar many times in my duties of Headmaster, yet few are blessed with so powerful a bonding. Young love in these most troubled of times can is a beautiful thing. It represents hope, and dreams."
Turning slightly to Harry he said softly, "Once I told you that it does not do to dwell on dreams. But you have confused dreams with goals Harry. A dream is something impossible; a goal is possible. Today, you have proven me wrong by turning a dream into a goal."
Still holding Ginny, all he could do was nod at the Headmaster.
When they finally broke the embrace and looked around, they saw that the chapel was still full of people, and everyone was smiling at them. With Ginny in hand, Harry followed the newlyweds into the banquet hall.
Hermione approached Ginny while people were getting settled. The two hugged and Hermione said, "I can't believe you kept this from me!"
"'Mione, I would have told you, but to be honest, I wasn't sure when Harry was going to do this. He only asked my parents for permission a couple days ago. I thought he'd do it over Christmas or something. I never dreamed he'd be brave enough to do it today, right after the wedding with all these people present!"
Harry walked over and took Ginny's hand again. Hermione looked at Harry and said "I'm so happy for you two!"
Harry hugged her and told her not to worry, that her turn will come soon enough.
"Will it really Harry? I love Ron, but somehow I figure I'm not among Ron's top ten list."
"'Mione, would you be willing to listen to advice from your brother?"
She eyed Harry warily, and then eventually nodded in consent.
"Ron loves you to pieces 'Mione, but he feels he's not worthy of you. Heck, there are days I feel the same, that I'm not worthy of Ginny. Ron's problem is that he always feels that way. Tell you what, think about how you treat him, think hard about how you're always correcting him, and try to moderate that a little. In the meantime, I'll give him my crash course in how to treat you right. Who knows? You might even find yourself enjoying a pleasant evening in the Room of Requirement like I did with Ginny."
Ginny snorted into her drink, nearly spraying butterbeer all over the place. He didn't know about her conversation with Hermione or what she had divulged.
Harry, on the other hand, didn't understand why Hermione had turned almost scarlet. Hermione's eyes narrowed and she looked at Harry.
"You made him send me flowers, didn't you?"
"Let's just say I nudged him in the right direction. And I'm going to keep on nudging him until it becomes second nature to him."
Ginny sighed and said wistfully, "It must be nice to have someone give you flowers."
Harry grinned at her, and then looked around impishly before conjuring up a single white lily, which he placed behind her ear. Ginny, remembering what the lily meant to them, blushed again.
"Do you honestly think Ron will get the hint, Harry?" Hermione asked, drawing his attention once again.
"Honestly, I don't know 'Mione. But I'm going to pound it into Ron if I have to. You're too important to me to let this slide. I don't like what he's been doing to you of late. Or should I say not doing? Just think about what I said. You work on your end and I'll see if I can break through to Ron."
Seeing the newlyweds waiting to talk to Harry, Hermione hugged them both and went off in search of her parents.
Remus and Tonks came over and Harry hugged them. Then he had to ask the one question that had been bugging him all night.
"Remus, why did everyone seem surprised during the lighting ceremony?"
Remus blinked at him and Tonks blurted out, "Harry ,don't you know what you did?"
Ginny looked at Harry in surprise.
"Um… no? What did I do?"
Tonks rolled her eyes and said, "Harry, in most lighting ceremonies the cup glows gold and that's it. When you invoked the incantation, you didn't just make the cup glow, you invoked Merlin's Blessing. Remember the chorus singing and the room full of sparkling lights? It wasn't your magic that did it this time, but your feelings for Remus and myself. Legend has it that Merlin's Blessing can take two souls and join them as soul mates…"
With that last statement, she looked shyly at Remus and ran the back of her hand softly against his cheek before continuing.
"Even if we forget what legend says, Merlin's Blessing is extraordinarily powerful magic. It strengthens and seals our bond in ways that are hard to describe. You gave us a gift that cannot be measured in money or words."
Harry reached into his pocket, pulled out a parchment and said, "Oh then you won't be wanting this wedding present that Ginny and I have for you?"
Ginny looked startled and turned to stare at Harry.
Remus chuckled and Tonks looked sheepish. Harry handed her the parchment. Tonks read it, gasped, and then flung her arms around Harry.
Remus pried the parchment out of Tonks' hands. His eyes widened and he read aloud,
"A Thirty day wizards cruise, deluxe honeymoon accommodations."
Ginny joined Tonks in the hug while Remus looked on, simply smiling at the three of them. Once the three broke apart, Remus grabbed Harry, hugged him tight and expressed his gratitude for everything the young man had done.
As Remus and Tonks moved off to wander among their guests, Ginny sat down. Harry asked her to save him a seat, as he wanted to have a quick word with his friend Jack.
Harry didn't have much time to talk, but he made sure that Jack would indeed be coming to the Burrow with Remus and Tonks on Christmas day. A short time later, Harry returned to his seat to enjoy a fine meal in honor of Remus and Tonks.
Christmas Day…
Harry woke to the sound of pounding feet. It was Christmas! He fumbled for his glasses and put on a robe. He went to his trunk and wandlessly expanded the gifts he had made.
Picking up pile of gifts, he walked down the stairs. Not quite knowing what Christmas traditions his new family followed, he put the gifts under the tree with the others, leaving them in a single pile, and then joined everyone for a holiday breakfast.
After breakfast the gifts were opened. The best gift he received came when Ginny hid his eyes and steer him over to the family clock. When she released his eyes, he saw his name had been added to the clock. It was currently listed as 'AT HOME. SAFE!'
That caused quite a few tears from Harry, Molly, Ginny and even Arthur.
Harry's gift to Molly and Arthur was another cause for sensation and another round of tears. Harry had made a set of decorative plates for them. He done his research at the school library and found what the crest of the Weasley clan was. Using that information, he had decorated the edges of each plate with the Weasley crest. The interior of each plate contained a hand painted drawing of each of the children, including Percy. His own portrait had a slightly different edge decoration as he alternated the Weasley crest with the Potter crest.
When Molly realized that Harry had made each of these by hand, she choked up. With trembling hands she pulled out each plate and examined the portraits carefully. Finally reaching for the last plate, she saw it was one of himself. She carefully examined the detail of the alternating crests, and then put it down carefully with the others so she could pull Harry into a fierce hug.
Fawkes arrived when they finished with the gifts. Harry was prepared for this. He took the package from Fawkes and gave him another to take to Dumbledore.
He opened the package to find a note and a pensieve, smaller than the one Dumbledore used, but quite nice.
Harry,
This is the first pensieve I ever owned. Now, I
pass it to you. You will find the pensieve an excellent way of
ordering your thoughts and reviewing memories to see things you might
have missed. It's also quite fun at parties!
Enjoy your Holiday, Harry.
Albus Dumbledore
Since company wouldn't be arriving until late in the afternoon, the family spent a pleasant morning sitting in the living room. Harry sat on the couch in front of the fire, sandwiched between Ginny and Molly, reading.
Ginny was dozing already, leaning against Harry. The fire was making Harry drowsy. Without even realizing what he was doing, he closed his book and started to doze as well.
Molly, who had been knitting next to Harry, was somewhat surprised when Harry started leaning against her. She shifted slightly and placed an arm around him. Arthur, seeing this, could only smile.
Later that afternoon Remus, Tonks and Harry's friend Jack Parsons arrived at the Burrow for dinner. Harry gave Jack the tawny owl he had purchased from Eeylops, along with a complete set of supplies and a book, "OWLS; Care and Feeding for Muggles." Jack named his owl Hoots.
Harry watched with delight as Arthur and Jack seemed to become friends almost instantly. The two sat firing questions at each other about their own respective worlds. Then Arthur insisted on showing Jack his collection of Plugs, Combs and Batteries. Arthur also seemed quite interested in Jack's cane.
As Jack sat with Arthur and Molly at the kitchen table, Harry showed Remus and Tonks his room.
"Harry's a good kid. I really enjoyed the time we spent together this summer. I never could have gotten that house livable without his help. Did you know he helped me get my first chocolate frog in nearly forty years? It was wonderful." Jack exclaimed
Molly smiled. She'd been a nervous at first with this stranger. But she was coming to like this strange American with his funny accent. He broke the ice with Molly by bringing a dish of food to the dinner. Candied Yams he called them, and everyone agreed they were quite good.
Molly frowned for a moment then spoke. "Yes, I just don't understand how he turned out as well as he did, considering his home life."
"Just what was the deal with that anyway? I could see there was some kind of problem between Harry and his uncle, but I could never get him to open up about it."
Molly looked at Arthur. He placed a hand on her shoulder and said quietly, "His Uncle was abusing him. He showed up at school this year severely beaten. He very nearly died. We only found out a few days ago that his Uncle took all the money Harry earned from you and never gave him a single quid."
Jack's face darkened and his hands balled up into fists. He leaned forward towards the two adult Weasleys and hissed, "And what happened to the Dursley's? I know the house is up for sale."
"His Aunt died in prison and we believe his uncle also. The boy had his memory erased and was sent to live with his aunt. Not too long ago, dark forces attacked the prison and many prisoners escaped. The prison was largely destroyed and there were a number of unidentifiable bodies. It's thought that his uncle was among those unidentified," Arthur replied.
At that point, Harry entered the kitchen with Remus and Tonks in tow. Jack grabbed Harry by an arm and told him in a steely voice. "Harry, next time you're in trouble, you either talk to me or I'm going to kick your butt! OK?" Harry looked bewildered for a moment and then Jack grabbed Harry in a bone-crushing hug.
All in all, this Christmas was a success in Harry's book.
Hermione at Home, 2 days after Christmas…
Hermione stepped from the bathroom wearing a nightshirt and toweling her hair dry. Glancing down the stairs as she padded into her bedroom, she saw her parents on the couch, still watching the telly.
She walked over to the bed and sat down, still working on trying to dry her hair. It was at that point she noticed something out of the corner of her eye. The Dark Mark detector she had borrowed for some holiday research was blinking softly. Grabbing a robe, she snatched the crystal and her wand of the desk and bolted for the door.
"MUM! DAD!" She cried, pelting down the stairs. "We have to leave now!"
She grabbed her mother by the hand and started tugging her towards the library. Dan Granger stood up, looking around. Pushing and shoving them towards the library, ignoring their questions, she suddenly jerked to a stop as the house trembled.
"MOVE!" She barked at her gawking parents, giving them a mighty shove into the room as the wards around the house came crashing down.
Slamming the library door closed, she grabbed her parent's arms, yelling "Move! Come on, damn it. Get to the fireplace!" Hermione's work with the DA paid off. The training they'd gone through thus far allowed her to do what needed to be done, without panicking. That would come later.
There was a loud crash from the front of the house. The house shook, violently. The sound of fire could be easily heard, as could the sound of harsh voices barking commands.
"Find them!"
Hermione pushed her parents to the fireplace and handed her father the pot of floo powder.
"The Burrow, quick! There's no time!"
The library door burst open and Hermione turned, firing off a bludgeoning spell. The figure in the doorway jerked back out of sight.
Dan threw the floo powder into the fireplace and he and Emma stepped in. Hermione turned and sprinted to join them. As she ran, a cutting curse hit her mid back and she stumbled into her parents arms, gasping, "The Burrow!"
In a green flash they were gone. The living room quickly filled with Death Eaters. The leader looked at the rest and snarled, "Follow them!"
The Burrow…
Harry was sitting on the couch reading "Quidditch Through the Ages", when his locket gave a warning jerk against his chest and his phoenix ring went cold.
He sprang to his feet and whirled to Ron and Ginny. "Get your wands, now!"
Molly and Arthur looked concerned, but both pulled their own wands out. Ron and Ginny bolted for their rooms. Harry stood tense, every nerve, and every sense screaming a warning.
"Something bad is happening, and it's coming this way," he warned.
Ron and Ginny scrambled back down the stairs, wands at the ready. Everyone looked around nervous and tense.
The fireplace suddenly flared to life and Dan and Emma stumbled out. Emma was weeping and Dan was holding a limp Hermione in his arms.
Harry took in the sight before him and barked at the Granger's, "Get behind us, now!"
As the Granger's did as he ordered, Ron paled. "'Mione?" He asked in a trembling voice.
Grabbing his arm, Harry said, "Later Ron. Right now, we've got trouble coming!"
The fireplace flared again, growing to enormous proportions as five Death Eaters stepped out. Harry took two out with a spell cast from each hand. He wasn't taking any chances, so his spells were doing incredible damage to the Death Eaters.
Molly fired a stunner at one Death Eater, who dodged it.
Arthur cast a Reducto at another, hitting him square in the chest.
Ginny hit one with her improved bat bogey hex, and the man stumbled back. Dropping his wand, his hands rose to his face in horror as a turkey sized bat oozed out of each nostril and dripped down to his feet. Coughing, the man tried to reach for his wand, but the bogeys weren't done with him yet. Two more oozed out of his nose as the first two attacked.
The floo flared again and another five Death Eaters appeared. Harry started hurling spells at incredible speeds, dropping a man before he stepped out of the fireplace.
Arthur dodged an incoming Reducto curse, and the entire wall behind him exploded. Not even flinching, he dropped his opponent with a shouted, "Stupify!" Turning quickly, he fired off another curse, downing the man foolish enough to turn his backs on him.
Ron was hit with a bludgeoning spell that hurled him into the wall and knocked him out. Ginny took a minor hit from a cutting curse, before dropping her assailant.
Molly downed the last two Death Eaters. Hitting one man with the Incarcerous spell, she spun quickly and hit the last man with an Impediment jinx, stopping him in his tracks. She walked up to him, furious. Grabbing his wand, she double up her fist, hauled her arm back and hit him in the face. He fell, stiff as a board, and landed hard.
Ginny bound her bat bogey victim, and then kicked him.
Panting, Harry looked around. One wall of the Burrow was missing. The living room was a mass of bodies and the kitchen was on fire. As Molly rushed off to put it out, Arthur ran to the floo and called Dumbledore.
Ginny touched her bleeding arm gingerly and flinched. She moved over to Harry and wrapped her arms around him. Burying her face in his chest, she started to weep.
Ron sat, surrounded by a pile of cracked plaster, holding his arm tightly to his chest. He stared fixedly on Hermione's still body as her parents kneeled beside her
"'Mione?" He gasped again, the anguish clearly heard in his voice. Molly hurried over and tried to make him look elsewhere, but he couldn't turn away.
The floo flared again, causing everyone to whip his or her wand up. Dumbledore and Madam Pomfrey stepped out. It continued to flare as other Order members arrived. Remus, Tonks, Moody, the room was filling up quickly! The Order members started moving the unconscious Death Eaters out of the Burrow to the Ministry. Ginny's bat bogey victim was too busy gagging and ducking to protest.
Madam Pomfrey rushed over to Hermione and turned her over. She gasped as she saw the extent of the wound. She looked up at Dumbledore with an appeal in her eye. Dumbledore looked down at the still figure and shook his head as a tear ran down his cheek. Madam Pomfrey looked at Hermione's parents.
Poppy then turned a pleading look to Tonks. "Tonks, Fawkes won't help. If you know another phoenix… I can't help her… she's slipping away."
Emma sobbed on Dan's shoulder. Tonks looked anguished. Ginny looked up at Harry, the plea in her eye obvious. He smiled at her then released her.
"This is not meant to happen," Harry said, walking to where Hermione lay. "It can't be."
Harry could feel his magic flaring up to new heights. He never even noticed as he transformed into Wings. One moment he was Harry, walking, and the next moment he was Wings, gliding to his friend and singing a song of comfort.
He landed next to Hermione and looked at her. His sister. Next to Ginny, the one woman he loved the most. She looked so pale, her breath so slow. Harry felt his love welling up within him and the idea of her loss caused him to weep over her. His tears flowed freely into the wound. A few tears, just one or two would have been enough, but he kept crying. His sister. It. Must. Not. Be!
Finally stepping back, Wings cocked his head and looked at the stunned crowd. There was a flash of light and Fawkes glided to a landing on Dumbledore's shoulder. Hermione coughed weakly and opened her eyes, her wound closed and healed. Emma swept her daughter into her arms, tears streaming down her face while Hermione sobbed weakly in her arms.
"Well done Fledging! I had hoped you would realize what you must do," Fawkes said in his mind.
Wings scanned the crowd before turning to Fawkes. "Why does the man glow with a tinge of black? He is the only one to do so."
Fawkes answered sadly, "His life journey comes to a close Fledging. Soon he will depart this plane."
"Is there nothing that can be done, Fawkes?"
"You can interfere, but do you want to bind yourself to this man?"
"I am already bound to him Fawkes. His offspring is my family and I have just shared myself with her."
"Very well, but you must wound him in order to heal him. But remember, when his time finally comes, you will regret his passing. It is the nature of our bond."
The group of people watched as the two phoenixes seemed to be holding a conversation. Then Wings sprang aloft. He started flying in circles above Dan Granger.
Dumbledore looked interested and said, "Poppy, would you do a quick diagnostic of Doctor Granger?"
Madam Pomfrey ran a couple of quick checks, and then said, "How long have you been sick, Doctor Granger?"
Dan shrugged his shoulders saying, "A couple of months now. They say there isn't much they can do about it."
Hermione looked weakly up at her father and whispered "Daddy… no…"
Wings cried out furiously and dove for Dan's hand, talons extended. Dan stumbled back, jerking his bleeding hands away. Several people raised their wands.
Dumbledore thundered, "HOLD!"
Everyone froze.
"Doctor Granger, hold your hand out please," the old wizard, continued with a smile.
Fawkes launched himself from Dumbledore's shoulder and glided over to Dan, dropping a tear onto the wound. Wings followed immediately behind him dropping another tear. Then Wings went over to Ginny and dropped a healing tear onto her arm before settling on her other shoulder. Fawkes returned to Dumbledore.
Madam Pomfrey re-ran her scan on Dan, and then smiled at him. Stunned he stumbled over to his wife and daughter and who grabbed him.
Dumbledore looked at Wings and, with a merry smile, said "Harry, I think its time you return to your human form."
Fawkes laughed at Albus and launched himself into the air. "Well done Fledging, but don't let Albus worry you. He's always been a bit of a bore."
Wings left Ginny's shoulder to glide with Fawkes.
"Thank you for your help, Fawkes."
Fawkes vanished in a flash of flame as Harry returned to his normal form.
Madam Pomfrey looked at Harry and said in a wry voice. "I must say Mr. Potter, just when I think nothing you do can surprise me, you surprise me."
Dumbledore stood there looking at Harry, his eyes twinkling and said, "I think, Harry, that you and I need to sit down one day soon for a long conversation. There is much about you that I'd like to learn."
Harry nodded at that, and then turned to survey the damage. Molly and Madam Pomfrey were healing Ron's bruised ribs. Ron still hadn't taken his eyes off Hermione.
The Burrow was badly damaged. The kitchen was ruined, a whole wall was blasted out and other walls had door-sized holes in them from deflected spells.
Remus took in Harry's expression and stepped over to him.
"Harry, you know you own Grimmauld Place. There is more than enough room for everyone. Let's get everyone there for tonight and tomorrow we'll send someone back for whatever you need." When Harry didn't reply, he took charge.
Remus looked over to Molly and Arthur. "Molly, Arthur, let's get everyone over to Grimmauld for tonight. In the morning Arthur and I can come back and bring over what everyone needs and survey the damage in the light of day. It will be a little crowded, but we can fit everyone in."
Molly and Arthur nodded and began to gather up their family.
Author Notes:
WHEW! Talk about a chapter! Angst, Pranks, Fluff, DOUBLE FLUFF and Good Guys, Bad Guys. Everything you could ask for, and the price is right!
I've always felt sort of sorry for Remus. So the wife and I decided to put a little happiness in his life. He owes me big time if you ask me!
The breach between Dumbledore and Harry is slowly healing as it should. Basically in my opinion after OOTP Dumbledore needed a swift kick in the pants. Harry has every right to be angry with him, but even the diehard Dumbledore Haters out there have to admit Harry needs his help.
We saw Jack again and we'll see a little more of him via some OWLS, but I don't really expect him to exert a major influence until we get into the sequel.
Severus and Serena will be back next chapter. I had too many things going on in this one and including the Snapes would have made the chapter TOO BIG.
To all the kind people that have left nice reviews, my wife and I thank you. For those few who left a bad review…. CRUCIO! Just kidding. Oh wait… there really haven't been all that many bad reviews. So we'll settle for Ginny's infamous Bat Bogey Hex.
Please, Keep the reviews and comments coming!