Chapter 4: Seventh Year Begins

Ginny and Jenna were already up and eating breakfast together at the Gryffindor table when Harry entered the Great Hall at six am the next morning, Gabrielle and Professor McGonagall's niece Demeter were sitting with them. Jenna was chatting with Gabrielle in rapid-fire French about Hogwarts, while Ginny and Dee appeared to be discussing Quidditch teams. Glancing over at the Hufflepuff table, he saw Neville and Megan deep in conversation with several of the seventh-years in the Advanced Herbology class.

"Morning, girls," said Harry, giving Ginny a peck on the cheek and sitting down beside her. "Sleep well?"

"Yes, love."

"Yes, Harry."

"Oui."

"As did I."

"Good." Harry eyed the spread in front of him, then opted to start with a bowl of porridge. He asked Ginny to pass it to him. "Dee, Gabby, are you ready for your first day of classes"

"Oui. I am particularly looking forward to…" said Gabrielle. "What is the English word for Breuvages?"

"Potions." Harry supplied. "I am looking forward to it myself. I didn't have a chance to meet Professor Yakovlev when I was here last week; he only arrived in England two days ago. Apparently some mix-up between the Russian МВКA and the DIMC. It's all been sorted out though. What about you, Dee?"

"I am also looking to the start of lessons," confessed Demeter. "Though I wish Aun-Professor McGonagall was teaching us, not this new professor."

"Marie Osterhagan is very good at her job," Harry assured her. "Actually she's a lot like Professor McGonagall or your mother. I think you'll like her."

Ron and Hermione joined them about half-an-hour later and Professor McGonagall handed around the timetables a few minutes later.

The two first-years had History of Magic first thing, followed by Charms in the afternoon. To Gabrielle's disappointment they didn't have Potions until Friday morning. Ginny had Care of Magical Creatures for her first lesson, then Muggle Studies, followed by Transfiguration in the afternoon. Harry and Hermione had Potions and Defence Against the Dark Arts in the morning and a free afternoon. Ron and Neville had only Defence Against the Dark Arts on their schedules as neither was taking Potions.

The bell rang about ten minutes later, and they hurried off to lessons. Ron offered to show the two first-years to class, and they accepted.

-

"Good morning class. My name is Professor Yakovlev. I will be your Potions professor for the remainder of your time here," said the Potion Master. "Today, you will begin most difficult part of your study of art of potions making. Do exactly what I tell you, then I tell you, how I tell you… you will pass. Do not, you vill fail. Understood?"

"Yes, Professor," chorused the class.

"Good. Then we may begin," he said. "Class this year will be divided into two halves. Theory lessons will continue as normal, however practical lessons will be devoted to individual research projects. You may work in pairs if you wish, however, no more than 'Acceptable' will be given for project if so. You have one week to prepare a research paper and submit it to me."

Most of the class nodded to show they understood. "Also, anyone completing project before end of third term will not be required to continue with practical sessions. Now, as I know that there is much to do, you are dismissed for rest of lesson."

Most of the class took this as a hint to leave as quickly as possible, one or two students including both Harry and Hermione hung back. "Mr Potter, what can I do for you?"

"I've been working on something for Haimric recently. Could that be used"

"Is it your own work?"

"It is."

"Then yes, it can be used and full marks may be given."

Harry nodded, then walked over to the door, Hermione conversed briefly with the professor, then joined Harry, looking rather pleased with herself. "Can we stop by the library? I want to check something."

"No problem."

-

"How was Care of Magical Creatures, ionúin?" Harry asked Ginny as she joined he, Jenna and Neville at the Gryffindor table for lunch on Thursday.

"Not bad, love. Hagrid had some Jarveys for us. Nasty, foul-mouthed beasts, but not exactly dangerous unless you're a gnome." Ginny replied. "Hang on, what did you call me?"

"Ionúin," Harry repeated. "It's Ealbhari. There's no exactly translation but 'beloved' or 'soulmate' is close. Do you mind"

"No, I like it. I just didn't know what it meant that's all. How was Transfiguration?"

"Not bad. We're looking into the theory of human-animal self-transformations. How to become an Animagi, that sort of thing."

"Do you think you could do that?" Ginny asked. "Become an Animagi."

Harry nodded. "Haimric has already probed me. I have three possible Animagus forms."

"Three? Isn't that supposed to be impossible?" asked Neville.

"Normally speaking it would be," Jenna confirmed. "However, bonding to the Amulet has increased the number of ciaric particles in Harry's cells to far above normal."

"Ciaric particles? What are they?" Ginny asked.

"They are the form of magic energy that those with the potential for shapeshifting, like Animagi and Metamorphmagi, have inside them." Jenna explained. "I've also heard of some cases of artificially generated ciaric fields being used to give Muggles limited magical powers, usually through some sort of talisman. Just out of interest, what are your potential forms?"

"Cobra, falcon and tiger," Harry admitted. "Haimric seems to think that the cobra is due to my two-fold connection - through Voldemort and the Amulet - to Slytherin, and apparently big cats aren't uncommon among dual or regular Animagi in the Gryffindor clan. He thinks the falcon is probably my 'main form'."

"That fits. You're an amazing flier."

"Thanks, Gin. Do you have anything after lunch?"

"No. And Hagrid didn't assign any homework either."

"Excellent" said Harry, a broad grin on his face. "Jenna, can you run interference for me this afternoon? I don't want to be disturbed unless something very urgent comes up."

"No problem."

-

"How was yer summer, Harry" Hagrid asked. Harry, Ginny and Jenna, along with the two first years, had come down to see him after classes on Friday. "How are Ron and Hermione? Haven' seen much o' them."

"Allegedly, they're busy writing up the weekly summary from the Prefects for the Headmaster, Professor McGonagall, and the Heads of House." Harry replied, sitting down in one of the large armchairs.

"Not sure how they're going to do that," Ginny said, joining Harry on his chair and snuggling up to him. "I haven't given them my report yet. And I'm pretty sure Simon hasn't done his yet either."

"Well, I suppose they could be making a start with the other reports," Harry suggested. Ginny looked at him oddly. "I guess not."

"Well tha's old news," Hagrid said dismissively. "How long 'ave you an' Ginny bin goin' out"

"Well, we're not going out exactly," Harry explained. "We decided to give it a go after we went to the theatre with Jenna and Tonks for Ginny's birthday. We're feeling our way around things at the moment."

"Well, if yeh ask me, I'd say yer there already, Harry."

"Hagrid's right about that you know, Harry," added Jenna. "To be honest I was rather surprised when you asked me if I wanted to come with you that night."

"The only way Molly would let me take Ginny was if we had a chaperone," Harry admitted. "I thought you'd be the most sensible choice, cuallach."

"Well, that is sort of what I'm here for," Jenna admitted. "How was your summer, Hagrid"

"It was fine, thanks fer askin'. Grawpy and me went over ter France ter stay wit' Olympe at her home. She rears them horses tha' pull th' carriages did yeh know tha'?"

Jenna nodded. "The Olympe family is well-known in horse-breeding circles."

"What did yeh do over yer summer, Harry?"

"This and that. Jenna and I spent some time in Venice and Rome in July, then came back through Paris in time for my birthday party. I stayed at the Burrow for a couple of weeks then went to Righlionn to bring back Professor McGonagall. I stayed at the McGonagalls' caisteal for a few days - that's when I met Dee here" he said nodding towards Demeter. "-Then went back to the Burrow in time to catch a ride to King's Cross."

They chatted with Hagrid for a while longer. Hagrid invited them to stay for tea, Demeter and Gabrielle looked interested, but Harry and Ginny - having experienced Hagrid's cooking before - politely declined for the group.

-

"What are we going to go about Quidditch this year, Harry?" Ron asked after a chess match on Sunday evening. "Has anyone asked to try out?"

"Unfortunately, no." Harry admitted. "But I've talked to Manuel and he's agreed to step and replace Katie. He plays better on the left though, so we might need to see if Ginny can play centre."

"I reckon she could." Ron said, after pondering it for a minute or two as he put away the pieces. "She's got the speed – thanks to that broom you made her – and she can manage the extra pushing too. Couldn't Paul stay up front though?"

Harry shook his head. "He's still even shorter than Ginny, and he doesn't have her stamina either. Plus with Manuel – or Alan – on the left they'd be out of balance."

"Let's keep it as an option though?"

"Good idea." Harry agreed. "Can you put the notice up in the common room? I've got some paperwork to finish up, then I'm going to get an early night."

"No problem," Ron said, taking the sheet of parchment from the desktop. "Is it okay if Ginny comes in to say goodnight?"

"If she's back by nine, yes."

"Okay, I'll tell her."

"Night, Harry."

"Night, Ron."

Ron rose to his feet and crossed to the door connecting Harry's quarters to the Gryffindor common room. He pulled the door and walked out.

-

As it turning out, they didn't need to worry. Ginny took the change to centre position in her stride and the first practice session of the new session flew by.By the time they'd hadtwo hours practice it was almost curfew, so Harry called a halt and the team quickly packed up their things. By the time he'd put away the balls and had a shower most of the team had left, including Ron who disappeared with Hermione to 'patrol'. Ginny however was waiting outside for him, for once neither of the first years nor Jenna was with her.

"Private time at last," Harry declared, slipping his arm around Ginny's waist. "Do you have any homework?" When Ginny shook her head, he grinned. "Then we'll have to find some other way to pass the time before you go to bed, won't we?"

"You're a clever guy, Harry," said Ginny, stretching up to kiss his cheek. "You'll figure something out."

Harry nodded. He had one or two ideas, though his thoughts were constrained by the 'rules' they had placed on their relationship after their visit with Hagrid. Despite those constraints, they had no trouble filling the time, in fact they fell asleep together on Harry's sofa, and didn't wake until the next morning when Jenna came in to leave some papers for Haimric's attention.

Harry untangled himself from Ginny and sat up, "Jenna, we-"

Jenna stopped him. "It's none of my business, Harry. Besides, I can see you didn't get up to anything. Would you like me to get some clean clothes and stuff for Ginny?"

"That would be great," Harry agreed. "Is there anything really important in that?" he asked, nodding to the pile of papers on his desk.

"Mostly routine stuff."

"Okay. I've got a free period tomorrow, I'll review it then."

"That should be fine." Jenna agreed, and then crossed to the door into Gryffindor Tower. "I'll just go and get those clothes for Ginny."

The noise of the door closing caused Ginny to stir, after a few seconds she blinked and opened her eyes.

Harry grinned. "Morning, Gin."

"Mmmm… Morning, Harry," said Ginny, and pulled Harry back down to her so she could snuggle against him. "I could get used to this."

"Don't get too comfortable, ionúin. We need to get down to breakfast soon." Harry warned her. "Jenna was here a minute ago, she's going to get you some fresh clothes. We didn't think you'd want to wear yesterday's after sleeping in them."

"You got that right," Ginny told him. "What time is it?"

"A little after seven."

"Can I use your shower?"

"Mi casa es su casa, Gin."

Ginny looked at him strangely, "That means yes, doesn't it?"

Harry nodded, "Sorry, I keep forgetting most people don't have my skill with languages."

"That's okay, love," Ginny assured him. She smiled slyly. "Do you want to come in and scrub my back?"

"I think that would fall under the heading of 'things we aren't going to do yet', Gin." Harry reminded her.

"Pity," mused Ginny, then walked into the bathroom.

Harry followed her path with his eyes and was just able to sneak a glimpse of her dropping her robes to the floor before the door swung shut.

You are too much of a gentleman sometimes, amici. Haimric commented.

"I've waited this long," Harry said. "I can wait until we're both ready. We only realised we loved each other about a month ago, and we've only been together for a fortnight."

That is true. Do whatever you feel best.

-

The rest of the first half-term passed quickly. The seventh years were being worked harder than ever, even Hermione was starting to feel the strain and it was only the support of Haimric, Ginny, Jenna and his other friends that kept Harry going. His huge workload - between his Potions coursework, his other lessons, his duties as Head and Quidditch Captain of Gryffindor and the need to keep up with the activities of L'Ordine meant that he had little time to relax – though he and Ginny did usually try and carve out at least an hour of 'private time' most nights and Ginny often fell asleep (fully clothed) on either Harry's sofa or bed.

Halloween was soon upon them, and Harry and Ginny – their weekend fortunately free of homework – happily joined the throng of - mostly younger - students, heading down to the village. They browsed round the usual shops, and Harry even managed to persuade Ginny to visit one of the jewellery emporiums and bought her a delicate gold necklace with a lucky cat charm on it and matching earrings.

After they had finished their shopping, Harry lead Ginny to a part of the village she'd never been to before, and ushered her into a small restaurant. The hostess - a tall, willowy woman who reminded Ginny a little of Remus' girlfriend Emmeline Vance - came over to greet them. "Hello sir, we've been expecting you. Table for two?"

"Please."

"Right this way."

Harry and Ginny were soon ensconced in one of the corner booths. The hostess – who turned out to be Emmeline's second cousin, Rachel Vincent – left a basket of bread and a bottle of Gillywater on the table then left them alone. "Harry?"

"It's okay, ionúin," Harry assured her. "Rachel works for the same people I do. She's one of your Hogsmeade spies. We're safe here."

Ginny shook her head, "Is this a date?"

"I think it is, yes. If you want it to be?"

"I do."

"Then it is."

After that they lapsed into a comfortable silence, broken only by the arrival of their meals, which turned out to be well-cooked and very tasty Italian cuisine, something that Ginny hadn't been exposed to a great deal, but found she liked. They finished the meal by sharing a large strawberry and chocolate ice-cream sundae. Once that was eaten, Harry paid the bill and they left.

When they returned to the village proper, they headed over to the Hog's Head. Harry caught Aberforth's eye as they entered to the pub and the younger Dumbledore – who was at his usual post behind the bar – indicated that Harry should go upstairs.

By the time they entered the upstairs parlour, most of those Harry was expecting – the older Gryffindor seventh years – minus Dean Thomas – and Jenna; the Creeveys, Ernie and Hannah, Susan Bones and Blaise Zabini and another thirty or so students from fourth year to seventh – had already arrived. The rest arrived within a few minutes of Harry's own arrival.

Once everyone was seated, Harry spoke. "I expect you're wondered why I asked you all to meet me here?"

"It's about the DA isn't it?"

"Yes Neville, it is," Harry admitted. "The DA – Dumbledore's Army – was a key to our survival over the last twelve, even twenty-four months. But times have changed, and I no longer feel that the DA is needed in its current form. Voldemort is gone for good, and the last remnants of his armies are well on the way to being destroyed. The chances of them launching an attack on the castle are slim to none and so a defence force is no longer necessary – nor as Zacharias pointed a year ago, is an extra-curricular Defence class.

"But, that said I do believe the DA has one role left to play…"

"What's that?" Zacharias asked.

"It's simple," Harry told him. "The DA brought us all together as one. Purebloods, half-bloods, Muggleborns… Gryffindors, Hufflepuffs, Ravenclaws and Slytherins. I don't what that to go away. Because that, my friends, is the only true way to prevent the rise of another evil despot like Lord Voldemort.

"To that end, the DA – which will now be known as the Unity Association – will continue to meet, though in a different location that I am in the process of finding, and its purpose will nothing more or less than unity of among all Hogwarts students. Are you with me?"

Ginny and Jenna were already sitting at his side, but at those words Ron, Hermione, Neville, Megan and Luna - followed by Seamus, the Creeveys, the Patils, Blaise Zabini and Harry's four most loyal Hufflepuff supporters - moved to his side as well. "We're with you, Harry," declared Hermione, speaking for the group.

-

A/N: Sorry about the long delay between chapters, but things have been a little weird lately for me and I just haven't been able to get my head down to writing. Hopefully I should be able to get the next one up a little quicker. As always feedback is welcome.