Standard Disclaimer: This universe, and its characters are not owned by us. We are merely trotting them out for some happy fun in the sun in Acapulco. No! Seriously! Oh Heck, this is all owned by JK Rowling. We own nothing, and we weep and gnash our teeth because of it.


Harry Potter and the Spiritus Crystalus
Chapter 2

Party Plans…

With the capture of the animagus, the attacks on Harry had stopped. Harry's appetite returned, much to Molly's relief and he was finally recovering. It had been a bad week and Molly had been seriously worried for a while, Ginny as well.

With Harry feeling better, Molly kept an eye on her daughter. While she had all but given Ginny permission to have sex with her intended, she wasn't about to go out of her way to give her any opportunities! Molly and Arthur had discussed this extensively over the past few days. Both had been forced to admit they shared their daughter's fears for Harry's survival.

They also admitted that their daughter was a very determined young woman who would get what she wanted. Molly was surprised by Arthur's reaction when he learned that it had been Harry who had stymied their daughter on more than one occasion. Molly thought he'd be mad at Ginny, but instead he brushed that off and was actually pleased and proud of Harry! Molly was ready to strangle him when he said Ginny reminded him a lot of Molly when she was younger.

Arthur often surprised Molly. To the outside world, he often appeared as a henpecked husband. But he really wasn't as meek as he appeared. They had a true partnership in their marriage. He also offered her an insightful window into the male psyche that she lacked.

Arthur agreed that, sooner or later, Ginny would wear down Harry's resolve, but not until the young man was ready. In the meantime, he went on to explain that Harry was busy cementing their relationship in ways Ginny wasn't even aware of. Harry had increased his amount of publicly visible affection for Ginny, and it wasn't uncommon for them to take an afternoon nap out on that hammock behind the house. He was also involving Ginny in other aspects of his life.

When an owl had arrived from Remus two days earlier concerning a question about his portfolio, Harry took several hours to explain the issue to Ginny and then asked her opinion on it. Arthur explained that Ginny would eventually, through Harry, have a share of his fortune, and he was slowly showing her it meant more than just shopping sprees. Arthur made Molly feel a lot better. The both knew that Ginny had a good sense of responsibility. Harry, in trying to include her in some of the decisions he had to make, was reinforcing it. He probably didn't even know he was doing it. He merely wanted her to know that he valued her opinion.

Now it was just three days before Harry would come of age and gain full, unrestricted access to that fortune, and Molly was finding that, in one area, Harry was most unlike her children. Every one of her children, from Ginny to Charlie, would be dropping hints about birthday gifts and whom they wanted to invite to the party. But Harry never said a word about it. To Molly, it was one of the most frustrating things in the world! How could she plan for an event when the person they would be honoring seemed indifferent to it? This was a coming of age party! One of the most important events in a young wizard/witch's life! Finally, in desperation, she went to Ginny.

Molly found her in her room, reading a potions book Professor Snape had suggested during the school term.

"Ginny dear, can I have a word with you?"

"Sure Mum. What do you need?"

"Ginny, about Harry. Do you have any idea why he's not mentioned any sort of celebration of his birthday? He's not said a word to me about it, and it's only three days away."

Ginny thought about how best to explain what was happening. After a moment, she shrugged. There was no help for it, and no way to dance around the issue.

"He hasn't mentioned a party or presents because he doesn't expect any Mum. With the exception of a few people, like Ron and Hermione, he never gets birthday presents. His 'family' certainly never gave him any. He's always surprised when he does get a gift. In fact, he doesn't remember his one and only birthday party, and his parents were killed shortly afterwards. He's never had a party or a celebration since. The Dursley's never celebrated his birthday. Those bloody bastards sent him a single tissue for Christmas of his fourth year. A tissue!" She exclaimed hotly.

Molly was so busy digesting this new information that, for once, she ignored her daughters cursing. She wasn't happy to hear what Ginny said, but it explained a lot. Well, there was no help for it. This situation needed to be fixed!

Turning to her daughter, she smiled and said, "Well then Ginny, why don't we give your man a birthday party he'll never forget?"

"It will be a help when Hermione arrives tomorrow Mum. But you'll need to speak to Ron about it before he drags her off to some corner for hours at a time. As it stands, she may be in a state of shock anyway when she discovers Ron and Harry have both finished their schoolwork."

"I'll speak to Ron now, dear. You need to make up a list of people to invite. Let's keep it fairly small, some friends, family, perhaps Professor Dumbledore. Then I'll need to figure out a way of keeping Harry out of the Burrow the day of the party."

"That's easy, Mum. Invite Neville Longbottom and tell Harry he's coming over. He and Harry nearly share birthdays. I know Harry. He'll make arrangements to go to Diagon Alley to get him a gift."

The two shared a smug, conspiratorial look and continued planning.


A Hermione Homecoming…

The next afternoon, the Granger's car pulled up outside the Burrow. Hermione had barely stepped out of the car when she was grabbed and lifted high into the air by a red headed blur. Her eyes were saucers as Ron gently lowered her to the ground and hugged her tight to him.

Molly, Harry and Ginny stood in front of the house, letting the couple have a private moment. Dan and Emma Granger walked up to Molly. They had plans to stay a few days in a nearby inn, so they could spend more time with their daughter, her boyfriend and his family.

"Mione! I've missed you so much! Letters just couldn't tell you how much I've missed you."

Hermione laughed. "I've missed you too, Ron. I thought holiday with my parents would be great, but it wasn't much fun without you there."

Ron looked around and then he whispered, "'Mione, Mum and Ginny need your help. In two days we're going to have a surprise birthday party for Harry! Mum was hacked that Harry never said anything about his birthday, until Ginny set her straight. Ginny's got a plan to keep him out of the house until it's time for the party, but they've both been hoping you can help them with it."

Hermione's eyes lit up in excitement. "Of course I'll help. Let me get my trunk and Crookshanks, and we'll go inside. How is Harry by the way? You wrote about those bad attacks…"

"He's fine now. Professor Dumbledore figured out what the problem was. Turns out Harry had an animagus spying on him. Dumbledore, Remus and Tonks caught the animagus and turned him over to the Ministry. Since then, there haven't been any more attacks. But wait 'til you see his eyes now! Took me a while to get used to them. He and Dumbledore had a staring contest. It was the funniest thing. I think they would still be staring each other down if Ginny hadn't interrupted them."

Ron grabbed Hermione's trunk, while Hermione cradled Crookshanks in her arms. She was really curious to see what Ron was talking about. Once inside, she released Crookshanks, who, being a cat, immediately claimed the most comfortable chair in the living room as his own. Ron took her trunk up to Ginny's room while Hermione went into the kitchen.

"Hermione! How are you dear? My, what a wonderful tan you have!" Molly said, grabbing Hermione in one of her patented hugs.

Once Molly released her, Ginny gave her a hug, and finally she went over to Harry, but was stopped by his amused gaze. Harry had been expecting this. So far, everyone had displayed the same reaction to his eyes. But since this was Hermione, he took the extra steps to her and hugged her.

"Nice to see you sis," he breathed into her ear.

She pulled back to look at him closely, before turning to Ginny. "Oh my… Ginny you're going to need a very big stick next term. Although I suppose you could just keep him on a real short leash. That would work."

Harry scowled at her. "Do you mind? I'm not some slab of meat that Ginny has to protect from a pack of starving dogs, you know."

"I'm just protecting my future sister-in-laws interests, Harry. Where is the harm in that?" she asked with a grin.

Harry sat back down muttering.

"What was that Harry?" Hermione asked sweetly.

"Nothing. I'm just wondering where I can pick up a pair of sunglasses to wear next year."

At his glum sounding reply, Ginny went over and sat on his lap. His arms wrapped around her automatically.

"Weren't you supposed to help Ron, Harry?" asked Molly.

"Oh right. Sorry Gin, you can have the chair. Ron's been having a problem charming the paintbrushes to paint your dad's workshop. I promised I'd help him."

Ginny stood so he could get up and he gave her quick hug before heading out the door. Once he was out of earshot, Ginny and Molly filled Hermione in on the plan. Even Emma got involved offering suggestions.


A Trip to Gringots …

Two days later, when Harry came down to breakfast, Molly mentioned that Neville would be over around 3pm. Harry immediately asked if he could go see if Remus would take him to Diagon Alley. Molly and Ginny exchanged a smug look. Ginny asked if she could tag along and Harry said it was fine by him if Molly agreed.

Molly was a little upset. Harry hadn't mentioned to anyone that it was his birthday, and didn't seem overly upset when no one offered him any birthday wishes. She cursed the Dursleys for doing that to him. It might not bother Harry, but it bothered her a great deal.

Ginny and Harry apparated to Grimmauld Place around noon. Everyone thought Harry had plans of buying something, but Harry had an entirely different idea. He had spotted something in his vault inventory that he wanted. It was, in Harry's opinion, perfect for Neville.

Remus accompanied them as they apparated from Grimmauld Place to the Leaky Cauldron and from there into Diagon Alley.

Harry led Ginny and Remus straight to Gringots. Once inside, Harry stepped up to one of the goblins and asked to talk to Griphook. The goblin seemed to be surprised, but asked him to wait.

After a few minute wait a goblin came out to greet Harry with a big toothy grin. "Mr. Potter, what a pleasure it is to see you again. How can I be of service to you today?"

"Thank you, Griphook. It's good to see you as well. Might I ask that you escort my friends and I to my vault, please? Number 76."

"Certainly Mr. Potter, it would be my pleasure."

The goblin escorted Harry, Remus and Ginny to a cart. Remus was at a bit of loss as to why this particular vault. He knew of Harry's vaults, he'd even sent Harry a detailed inventory of them a couple months ago.

Harry looked at the two and saying, "It may take me a while to find what I'm looking for. Would either of you like to come in?"

Remus declined, but Ginny decided this time she was going to let curiosity win out. She followed Harry as he stepped up to the massive doors. The doors silently opened before them and Harry stepped inside with Ginny close behind.

Ginny stopped and gaped in shock. The room was bigger than a Hogwarts classroom and was about half full of galleons. Furniture and trunks took up the remaining room.

"Harry?"

"Hmmm?" he replied, rooting around in a trunk.

"Is this all of your money?" she asked timidly.

Harry looked around for a moment. "No most of this is overflow. This is supposed to be the heirloom vault. There are three others that have mostly money in them, plus a Black family heirloom vault."

"Harry you could have any girl in England…in the world, with this much money."

Harry frowned and stopped rooting around in the trunk so he could look at her. "Gin, I don't want just any girl, I want you. I'd give this all away in a flash before I'd let it come between us."

He walked over to her and gripped her gently by the shoulders and looked at her intently. "Understand me Ginevra Weasley, all of this is nothing, it's worthless compared to what you've given me. If this bothers you, tell me and I'll start giving it away to charities, to the poor, to anyone, until it's gone. This doesn't make me rich," he said waving his hand at the money. "Having you in my life does," he finished, softly.

She pulled him close and held him tightly to her. Finally she looked in his eyes. "The money isn't a problem, Harry. I knew it was there, it just wasn't real to me until I saw it."

He caressed her cheek softly. "It's going to be yours too someday. It may make our lives easier, but it's only money. Now, help me find what I need. I'm looking for a photo with my parents and Neville's parents, and a book."

They rooted around in the trunks for a while longer before Harry found the items he was looking for. Standing up, he looked at her and said softly, "Some day soon Gin, we'll come back here and pick out some nice jewelry for you to wear to our wedding. There's even some baby furniture in the back. But I have what I was looking for. Let's get going."

She linked her arm in his and they left the vault.


Happy Birthday, Harry…

Remus insisted on accompanying them back to the Burrow. While Harry thought that was strange, he didn't question it. However, when they apparated back to the Burrow and found it empty, his eyes narrowed. He was getting an itching feeling at the back of his neck. It felt like he was being watched, and it was making him very uneasy.

Before either Remus or Ginny could say anything, he hissed, "Stay here."

With a flick, his wand was out and his other hand was aglow. He cast a camouflage charm on himself and faded from view. The back door opened and closed.

Ginny ran outside after him yelling, "Harry! It's ok Harry! Don't do anything!"

Suddenly Ginny collided with an unseen object, bounced hard and fell on her butt. Harry appeared as his camouflage charm was dispelled. He looked sheepish as he re-holstered his wand.

The Weasley clan, minus Charlie, The Grangers, Tonks, Neville, Professor Dumbledore and Jack Parsons all eyed the young man warily. While he'd put his wand away, he still radiated enough magical energy to give many of them goose bumps!

After Remus helped Ginny to her feet, he placed a hand on Harry's shoulder. "Harry? Are you all right?"

"What's going on, Remus?" Harry asked.

"Listen to him!" shouted George.

"I know, he's totally hopeless," replied Fred.

"He has absolutely no clue…" George continued.

"…that this is HIS birthday party," finished Fred.

Harry stared at them. "My birthday party?"

"Are we sure…" Fred began.

"…he wasn't dropped on his head…" George continued.

"…as an infant?" Fred asked.

Ginny and Hermione both grabbed one of Harry's arms and, between them, dragged him forward to the table.

"Only you would use a camouflage charm and make it work even while you're moving Harry!" quipped Tonks.

Molly engulfed Harry in a huge hug. "Happy Birthday Harry dear!" She pushed him towards a chair and made him sit.

When Dumbledore stood and raised his glass, everyone fell silent. "There are a few special times in the life of a witch or wizard that are milestones. The birthday before going off to Hogwarts or one of the other magic schools is one such milestone. Another is what we are here today to celebrate. Harry's coming of age.

"Harry, by law and custom, you are now an adult wizard, entitled to all the rights and prerogatives of such. I'd ask all here to join me in wishing Harry a Happy Birthday!"

Everyone joined in singing the traditional birthday song and, for once, they were surprisingly on key. At the end of the song, George set off some of Weasley's Wizarding Wheezes premiere fireworks.

When Fred handed him a glass, Harry looked at him suspiciously. But when Ron, who was a few months older than Harry, held up a similar glass, he relaxed a bit. He sniffed the liquid in the glass carefully then, throwing caution to the wind, took a mouthful.

Harry's eyes started burning and steam blew from his ears. For a brief moment, his normally unruly hair went completely straight in shock. Choking he gasped, "What is this stuff? It tastes like something I drank when I was five!"

Fred pounded on his back for a bit and ignored the glares from the women in the crowd. "That, Harry old chap, was Mongos Super Charged Firewhiskey, a real man's drink! It'll put hair on your chest!"

Harry smiled weakly at Fred and replied hoarsely, "I think your sister likes the fact that I don't have any hair on my chest."

With a slightly trembling hand, he placed the glass down on the table and conjured a butterbeer to drink instead. Harry didn't know it, but he had just earned himself major brownie points from all the women at the table. Even Dumbledore nodded approvingly. Dumbledore knew with the level of magic Harry was capable of. Remaining sober was important.

They all sat around a long table in the sun for an hour or so, before the younger folks decided to head for the swimming hole. After a quick stop in the house to change, they were soon diving in and splashing each other, laughing and squealing.

Harry watched wistfully from the water's edge. Until they found a way to keep his scar dry, he wouldn't be able to swim. So engrossed in watching his girlfriend splash around in her one-piece bathing suit, Harry never noticed the twins sneak up behind him until it was too late.

The airborne Harry had just enough time to close his mouth before impact.


Somewhere in England, Location unknown…

Voldemort was in a foul mood. He had already dealt with Murphy a few days earlier, sending his head back to the cartel in a box. While that had made him feel a bit better, today was shaping up badly. With his bridge to the cartel burned, he had to find another way of spying on the brat. Unfortunately, no new ideas had come to him, making his temper more vicious than normal.

Voldemort had spent most of the day meditating on his link to Harry. He knew this was a special day and he wanted to give Mr. Potter a special gift on his coming of age.

There! The link sharpened into clarity. Like a viper he struck with all his power.


Back at the party…

Harry hit the water with a loud splash and most everyone laughed.

Ginny was the only one not laughing. She shrieked when she saw the twins throw Harry into the pond, but it was too late to stop them. She did, however, manage to alert the adults that something was wrong.

Harry, his limbs rigid and pain exploding through his skull, sunk like a stone. He tried to breath, but his lungs filled with fluid and spots danced before his eyes. He felt himself hit bottom before darkness engulfed him.

Ginny darted out of the swimming hole and ran for the house. Ron, who had climbed onto the small floating platform they had in the center of the swimming hole, spotted Harry and dove for him. The twins, not understanding what the fuss was about, stood at the edge of the swimming hole looking bewildered, while Molly and the other adults arrived.

Ron dragged Harry's stiff form from the water and laid him on the grass. Ginny came dashing back from the house carrying a towel and the pot of his salve. She wiped his forehead dry and applied the salve, causing his muscles to spasm several times before finally relaxing.

Ginny leaned back on her legs in relief. Looking him over quickly to make sure there were no injuries, she noticed he wasn't breathing. She panicked, and started shrieking at the adults to do something.

It was Dan Granger who stepped up and flipped him over on his belly. Straddling the young man, he pushed down on Harry's rib cage, helping to expel the water from his lungs. Repeating the process several times, he finally stopped when he heard the boy cough, sputter and cough harder.

Seeing that Harry was breathing again, Molly turned on the twins. "WHAT WERE YOU THINKING?" she screamed at them.

"Molly," came a weak voice behind her. Harry was sitting up, leaning against Ginny.

"Yes, dear?"

"Don't blame them. They didn't know about the salve. I should have stayed at the table while the rest of them went swimming."

Ginny helped him stand up. He swayed slightly and steadied himself against her. Molly still looked ready to kill both her sons, but Harry was right. They didn't know about the salve. It wasn't that it was a big secret; they just never bothered to tell anyone about it who didn't need to know.

Ginny helped Harry to the table, sitting him down in a lounge chair big enough for the two of them. He pulled her into his lap and breathed deeply. His lungs hurt a bit, but everything seemed to be working.

"You know," Harry said quietly, breathing gently in her ear. "That suit is driving me nuts, love. If your brothers knew what I was thinking now, I'd be dead!"

She smiled inwardly at that. The suit, then, had its intended effect. Wiggling off his lap, eliciting a groan from him in the process, she curled up next to him. Once she was settled, Harry summoned the gift he had gotten for Neville and waved him over.

"Neville, I found these from my vault and I thought you might like to have them. The first is a photo of our parents together. It was taken shortly after they graduated from the Auror Academy. The second is my father's Auror's handbook. I know it's old and out of date, but it should be nearly identical to the one your Dad used."

Neville's eyes grew wide as Harry handed him the precious heirlooms. "Harry… I…"

"It's all right, Neville, really…"

Neville smiled at Harry and Ginny. They talked for a bit before Remus stood up and waved for everyone's attention.

Remus conjured a table and placed a large object on it. "Folks, listen up. This is what they call a Presentation Pensieve. It's capable of displaying life size images. Now, while Pensieves normally have a serious use, it's not uncommon to use one at parties like this to share joyous or funny memories. As you all know, Harry doesn't have a lot of memories of his parents, so I'd like to start the ball rolling by adding a few memories to the Pensieve. Once they're done, if you'd like to add one of your own, just come up here and I'll help you extract it.

"The first memory is one that will always remain special to me, even though I was, at best, a mere observer."

An image shimmered above the pensieve and grew to enormous proportions. Harry gasped.

James Potter stood in his finest robe in front of a younger Dumbledore. Beside him stood Sirius. He was nearly identical to Harry, except for the eyes, and he had sharper features. On Harry, his features had softened somewhat. The scene swung around to an open door as Lily Evans stepped into the room.

She was beautiful.

Harry sniffled a little and wiped at his eyes angrily. Ginny reached out and grabbed his hand.

Lily was dressed in a wonderful white robe that fit her like a glove. Her auburn hair spilled down her back in a gentle cascade of ringlets. Her eyes were alight with a fire of their own and they were fixed solely on James.

James stared back at Lily, his heart in his eyes. He watched her every movement as she approached the table with the marriage cup.

Harry watched mesmerized by the image before him. Ginny was torn. She wanted to watch the Pensieve's images, but she also wanted to watch Harry's reaction to them.

After they exchanged their vows, the scene shifted to them dancing. They never made it through their first dance as a married couple. As if by mutual agreement, and much to the amusement of everyone present, they slowed their dancing until they had reached a complete standstill. James whispered something to Lily, and then bent over to kiss her. Slowly, their kiss deepened. They were oblivious of everyone else watching them! It was just the two of them in that place at that time.

Even Ginny shed a tear watching that. It reminded her of their first formal dance. When the scene collapsed back into the Pensieve, Harry shook himself slightly, and then looked up at Remus with a sad smile on his face.

Arthur Weasley shouted out, "Well that explains why he chose Ginny. She could have been Lily's sister!"

Everyone laughed.

Remus stood and moved to the Pensieve again. "Now Harry, that was the start of something big, but no one knew just how big it was. As a baby, you kept dropping clues that you had no intention of being an ordinary wizard. James was pleased as punch over it, but to be truthful, you sometimes drove your Mum and him to distraction. You were a happy baby Harry, but as this next memory shows, you were a handful."

The scene above the pensieve rapidly expanded again.

It was a typical living room and sitting on the floor was baby Harry. He wobbled a bit, a little unsteady as he gazed, almost cross-eyed, at Snuffles, his Godfather's animagus form.

Baby Harry reached out to touch Snuffles on the nose, and then he shouted, "WOOF!" at the dog.

Snuffles looked at the baby for a moment then he barked once at Harry, which caused him to roll on his back in a fit of giggles that only a baby can have.

Everyone laughed at this. Ginny was smiling broadly. The twins were rolling on the ground with laughter.

Even as a baby, he had that unruly black hair and his gorgeous green eyes, Ginny thought.

George shouted "OY! The-Boy-Who-Lived is also The-Boy-Who-Barked!"

Baby Harry struggled back to a sitting position and shouted "WOOF!" at Snuffles again, which started the whole process all over. Finally, Snuffles to turn away. Harry latched firmly onto his tail and was dragged, giggling, for several feet.

Suddenly, Lily appeared from a doorway and picked up Harry. "Honestly Sirius! I don't know who is worse, you or James! You dragging him and James giving him rides on prongs. Really!"

Lily cuddled Harry and blew against his belly, which caused him to shriek with laughter. She then placed him in a playpen, hoping he might nap and Snuffles curled up next it, keeping watch.

Harry spotted Snuffles and said softly, "Doggy!"

Snuffles looked startled as he was levitated into the playpen so Harry could have a soft pillow. Harry cuddled up with Snuffles and started to fall asleep when Lily came back into the room.

All the onlookers gasped at that. Most wizard children exhibited bouts of wild magic, but this was clearly intentional and wandless.

"SIRIUS!" she exclaimed, her hands on her hips.

Snuffles carefully stood up and leapt over the high railing. Before he could land, he was being levitated back into the playpen again. Snuffles gave the equivalent of dog shrug and curled up with Harry, who murmured "doggy" as he cuddled with the animagus.

Lily stood there for a long while, staring at the two of them. She couldn't help smiling at the pair. Harry slept, his head resting on the big dog. Snuffles eyed Lily warily and tried to pretend he was asleep.

James entered the room and approached her. "Lils? Something wrong? And why is Sirius in the playpen with Harry?"

"Harry levitated him into the playpen James. Although I sometimes think Sirius needs to be in a playpen all by himself anyway. But Harry! Merlin! James he's already doing wandless magic!"

"Lils, I've been telling you for months he's been doing magic. You just had to see it for yourself."

The scene faded at that point. Harry had a dreamy smile on his face, even Ginny was giggling at his antics.

"OY! Harry in his nappy! That's something we could have lived without!" shouted Fred.

"Ginny I should warn you right now. Harry's probably the most powerful wizard of this age and you're one of the strongest witches I know. Your kids could be far worse than he was," Remus shouted over the laughter.

Fred stepped up to the Pensieve and Remus helped him extract a memory of the time they turned the entire Slytherin Dungeon a shocking yellow.

Arthur shared the first time he had met Molly Prewett. Molly reached out and took her husband's hand during that memory.

Even Ron shared a memory of Harry's first game as a Gryffindor Seeker, with that outstanding high-speed catch he'd made while standing on his broom.

Hermione showed them all Ron and Harry taking on the Mountain Troll in their first year. The twins, of course, then teased the two younger men about the dangers of hanging out in the girl's bathroom.

There were several calls for Harry to share a memory with the group. Harry started to look worried. Ginny tried to reassure him, but he said to her in a low tone. "Gin, you don't understand. My best memories are of us, things we don't want to share, and the rest… aren't fun memories."

Dumbledore, sensing Harry's dilemma, stood up. "Harry, normally, at parties where a Pensieve is used, people do share happy or funny memories. I can see, however, that you truly have few of those to share. Something which I deeply regret. In such a case, people sometimes share a memory, which, while not happy, shows how a life-altering event took place. You have a memory of such an event. It's something which affected the entire Weasley family, and you were the only person conscious for most that event. If you're willing, and Ginevra is willing, why not share what really happened in the Chamber of Secrets that night?"

The twins, Bill, Ron and even Hermione looked excited at this prospect. Even Arthur seemed intrigued. Molly looked like she wanted to see it, but was afraid to. The Grangers and Jack had no idea what they were talking about, but seemed interested.

"Ginny?" Harry asked softly. When Dumbledore had mentioned the Chamber, she'd closed her eyes tightly and went rigid. "Are you alright with this? Say the word and I won't show it."

She opened her eyes to look at him. "I think I need to see you kill him Harry. My family as well."

Harry nodded and went over to Remus to extract the memory. Remus waited until Harry had returned to his seat and wrapped both arms about Ginny before he began the playback.

The scene expanded rapidly into view.

It was dark in the chamber. A long row of snake statues lined the center of the room as a 12yr old Harry stepped in. He made his way up to the center, towards the huge snake carved in the far wall. Spotting Ginny, he ran to her. In his fright at her condition he mistakenly dropped his wand.

"Ginny! Ginny! Please wake up!" he pleaded with her, nearly in tears.

Then a hand appeared and picked up Harry's wand.

Harry stood to face Tom Riddle, Voldemort, who was slowly transferring Ginny's life force to himself.

Riddle bragged about what he had done and how he was the greatest and most powerful sorcerer in the world. He spoke about how soon Ginny would be dead and that he'd be fully alive once more.

"Sorry to disappoint you and all that, but the greatest wizard in the world is Albus Dumbledore. Everyone says so…"

"Dumbledore's been driven out of this castle by the mere memory of me!"

He paused as an unearthly music filled the chamber and as it did, Harry seemed to stand taller, straighter. Suddenly, atop one of the stone statues, appeared Fawkes. The phoenix swooped low over Harry and dropped a ragged bundle. The Sorting Hat.

"This is what Dumbledore sends his defender! A songbird and an old hat! Do you feel brave, Harry Potter? Do you feel safe now?"

There was a great slithering noise behind Riddle as the basilisk exited its lair. Harry closed his eyes, spun around, and ran.

There was a shocked gasp as people realized the size of the monster.

"KILL HIM," Riddle hissed to the basilisk.

The basilisk gave chase. Fawkes screamed and dived for its eyes. In a moment, the great snake was blind in both eyes and the basilisk's gaze was no longer a danger to Harry.

"NO! LEAVE THE BIRD! LEAVE THE BIRD! THE BOY IS BEHIND YOU! YOU CAN STILL SMELL HIM! KILL HIM!"

"Help me, help me," Harry murmured, "someone…anyone…"

When the blind serpent's tail swished by, it swept the sorting hat into Harry's lap. In desperation he grabbed it, and jammed it on his head.

Harry flinched, reached up and pulled the hat from his head. Reaching into it, he pulled out a gleaming silver sword. Gaining his feet, Harry turned, ready to face the basilisk.

Everyone gasped again. Ginny clung to Harry, her body trembling slightly. He tightened his grip around her.

"It's only a memory Gin," he said softly to her.

"I know, it's just that…" She closed her eyes.

When the crowd murmured, Ginny looked up, spellbound, as Harry fought the basilisk.

He swung the sword inexpertly, but well enough to make the beast wary of him. Slowly the beast backed him up against the wall. The snake reared up to strike. Harry lunged as the snake struck. The blade sunk deep into the roof of the mouth of snake, piercing the brain, one of the snakes venomous fangs broke off, lodged deep into Harry's arm. The snake reared back, ripping the blade from his hand and fell over thrashing in its death throes.

When the dying serpent's fang was driven into Harry's arm, Ginny flinched violently.

Hermione was holding Ron. Both looked shocked at what they were seeing. Molly was sobbing in Arthur's arms, but she continued to watch as well.

Poisoned and in great pain, Harry looked up at Riddle. He wrenched the fang from his arm and dropped it.

"You're dead, Harry Potter…"

When Ginny let out a quiet sob, Harry made her look him in the eye. "It's all right, love. Fawkes healed me. Remember? It's over, Ginny," he murmured, calming her.

Then, in a rush of wings, Fawkes had soared back overhead and something fell into Harry's lap. The Diary!

Harry seized the basilisk fang from the floor and brought it stabbing down into the book. The book fountained ink, he stabbed it again twisting the fang in the book and Riddle screamed in pain.

Ginny leaned away from Harry at this point, her chest heaving. "DIE YOU BLOODY BASTARD!" she screamed at the image.

Harry grabbed her, holding her close. She strained against him for a moment before relaxing.

Great bursts of light appeared to spear through him. He screamed again and then suddenly he was gone and Harry's wand dropped to the floor.

With a moan, Ginny sat up. Seeing her, Harry rushed to her side.

A few moments later, the scene faded out and everyone was silent. Ginny, her eye's wet with tears, looked up at Harry with some kind of wonder.

"I never knew. I heard the story before, but I never knew it was like that," she whispered.

"That was long time ago Gin and we won that one," he told her gently.

They stood up from the chair they had shared. Harry looked at the crowd of people worriedly. Everyone was looking at them silently.

It took the twins to break the silence.

"OY! If he can do that at twelve!" shouted Fred.

"Quite! At seventeen he's going to turn Voldemort into dust!" answered George.

Suddenly Harry and Ginny were surrounded by everyone. Dumbledore waved for silence and people quieted down.

"Harry, I know you told me what happened down there, but I don't think you managed to convey the depth of danger or pain you were in. I don't think anyone here realized exactly how bad it was, myself included. I am deeply impressed Harry, and deeply grateful. Had it not been for your actions, Voldemort would have returned two years earlier than he did."

Hermione broke in, "But Professor! The sword?"

"Yes Hermione, he truly did summon the sword of Godric Gryffindor. Where it has been these past 1000 years, no one knows. It now lies in a case in my office and, as far as I know, Harry is the only one capable of wielding it. The sword will not allow any hand to wield it. Only the heir of Gryffindor, either in blood or in like spirit, may do so safely. I can touch it briefly to move it, but cannot use it."

Arthur stepped over to Harry. Ginny held onto him like she never intended to let him go. "Harry…" Arthur began, his voice husky with emotion, "you saved our little girl for us, and then you gave her your heart. I can think of no better person for her than you. I'm proud of you son, and very grateful for what you did."

He grabbed them both in a hug. When he released them, Arthur looked into Harry's eyes, nodded and returned to Molly, who was still weeping softly.

Harry looked down at Ginny. "Are you going to be all right Gin? This isn't going to dredge up any nightmares for you, is it?"

She smiled up at him. "You killed him. If I have a nightmare from that, I'll just sneak into your room so you can hold me."

Jack put a hand on Harry's shoulder. "You've got brass ones the size of bowling balls, Harry! I know veterans that would've had the Hershey squirts seeing that snake!"

Everyone except Harry looked at Jack curiously.

Harry replied, "I just did what had to be done, Jack."

"I hear ya kid, but I still say you've got brass ones. Good job there."

The party started to break up shortly after that. The Grangers left for their rooms at the inn, Neville returned home, and Bill, the twins and Jack left the Burrow.

Harry, worried that Ginny might still be upset, stayed particularly close to her for the remainder of the evening. Dumbledore, Remus and Tonks stuck around for while after everyone had moved indoors.

Dumbledore told Harry to plan on bringing himself and his friends to Hogwarts in the next day or two. He suggested they ask Remus to escort them, but Harry reminded him that they needn't apparate to Hogwarts, as he could flame travel them there as Wings.


The Fudge Family Mansion…

Cornelius Fudge was not a happy man. His few remaining contacts within the government were telling him that Director Shacklebolt was close to uncovering information he didn't want to see uncovered.

Fudge was frantically throwing things into trunks; bond issues, wads of muggle cash, and some clothes. With his loss of a job at the Ministry, some people, no, make that many people, wanted to talk to him.

Fudge was not a Death Eater, but he had been sympathetic to their cause. Lucius Malfoy had been his principle contact among them, and the single source of his greatest cash flow. Malfoy would couch things as suggestions, but Fudge knew they were really orders.

He was trying to close one of the trunks when the door to his bedroom blew off the hinges and flew into the room. Several Death Eaters rushed in, grabbed him by the arms and forced him to his knees.

A figure appeared in the doorway.

"Going somewhere, Cornelius?" Voldemort asked, softly.

"N-N-No my lord! I was just putting stuff into trunks for storage," Fudge stammered back.

"I am most disappointed in you Cornelius. First, you fail to keep my return secret. Then, you allow Dumbledore to remain in control of his school. And finally, you let Potter interfere with my plans again!"

"B-b-but my lord! I tried!"

Fudge could hear the screams now, coming from other rooms with the mansion. His family!

"There are consequences for trying and failing Cornelius. Let me show you," the Dark Lord said conversationally.


Back in the Burrow…

They were all still sitting around the table, talking. Dumbledore was starting to tell Hermione about the Headmaster's library when he paused.

Harry reached over to grab the small pot in front of Ginny. He took the pot and carefully applied more salve to his scar, his hands trembling slightly. After a moment, he applied a little more. Finally, he leaned back and breathed a sigh of relief.

"Harry? What is it?" the Headmaster asked.

"I'm not sure, Sir. Once the salve is on, it rarely bothers me. But tonight it was burning right through the salve. I think he's personally killing tonight. Slowly and taking a lot of joy from it."

"Remus, you and Tonks go alert the Order. I'll floo to the Ministry myself to see what's going on. I'm sorry we have to break up your birthday celebration like this Harry, but we must put things in motion to protect ourselves and you."

"I understand Sir, and thank you for coming today."


The Fudge Family Mansion…

The last Death Eater to leave the mansion spat on the door before he exited. Turning to face the building, he lifted his wand skyward and shouted, "MOSMORDE!"


Back at the Burrow…

It was late and Harry had trouble sleeping. His scar wasn't bothering him, but the reason behind it was. Tonight, somewhere beyond his window, Voldemort had killed. And here he was, lying in bed doing nothing about it.

Finally, he gave up trying to sleep and threw on some clothes. He crept from his room and headed downstairs. Leaving the house, he looked up at the night sky. It seemed so appealing to him right now, cloudless, the stars seemed so bright, so peaceful.

Without even thinking, he transformed into Wings and sprang aloft. He flew around the house a few times before he began to spiral upwards. As he started his upward climb, he began to sing a song of light and hope. The wards around the house started to shimmer in the night air, as the powerful phoenix magic lent them its strength.

Ginny and Hermione were awakened by the song and were standing by the window watching the wards when Molly came into the room.

"Ginny? Do you know what Harry's doing?"

"He's strengthening the wards, Mum. If I know Harry, the thought of people dying tonight kept him from sleeping, so he decided to do something useful. He feels grief for every death Mum, like he's personally responsible for them. Even for people he doesn't know. I remember him being upset about having to kill Pansy, but she left him no choice in the matter."

Harry continued to spiral upward, singing his song. After nearly an hour, he returned to the Burrow and resumed his normal shape. He climbed the stairs and headed into his bedroom. Ginny was standing by the window, still looking out at the shimmering wards.

"Ginny? I'm sorry, did I wake you?"

She went to him and led him over to his bed. Pushing him down, she followed and curled up next to him. He was stilly fully dressed, but she was in her nightshirt.

"But Gin? Your parents…"

"Hush Harry. You need your sleep and tonight I need to be held by you. Mum will understand, especially since you're fully dressed. Now sleep, love. You've done enough for tonight."


Headmaster's Office, Hogwarts…

It was a bemused Harry who brought Ron, Ginny and Hermione to the Headmaster's office one morning, three days after his birthday. Harry was confused because no one, not even Molly, had complained about Ginny sleeping in his bed. The fact that she had done it again the next night, and the night after, and still no one commented, was a shock to him. They had done nothing but sleep. Ginny said she needed to be held, and Harry was more than happy to oblige, but he really expected Molly or Arthur to pitch a fit.

Harry's control was sorely tested over those nights. He'd climbed into bed still wearing his pants and Ginny told him to get rid of them. Ginny wasn't making this any easier on him. Oh they'd kiss and snuggle, but Harry wouldn't let them go any further, to Ginny's disappointment.

Ginny, on the other hand, felt things were going according to her master plan. She was laying the groundwork so that she could occasionally slip into Harry's room at night, without the expected parental fight. She had been almost as shocked as her parents had been after witnessing what happened in the chamber. None of them knew it was that bad, and all of them realized that, had it not been for Fawkes deciding he was worthy of healing, she would have lived and he would have died that night.

It had affected her whole family in various degrees. It had only been a few days, but in that time, most of her family had come to realize that she was no longer the baby of the family. She had lived with Voldemort in her head for nearly a year, and had been saved by the man she wanted to marry. She was taking advantage of the new found respect from her family to make a few minor changes in the way things were done.

Spending the night with Harry was going to be one of those changes. She didn't intend to spend every night in his bed, just enough. She knew that in only a few days time, Harry was going to formally propose to her and she wanted her family to realize she was adult enough to handle at least some of the issues in her life.

And so it was a bemused Harry that flashed into the Headmaster's office, carrying his three friends.

Dumbledore looked up from his desk when the four of them appeared. Wings sang a song of greeting to Fawkes, who returned it. Then Harry transformed back into his normal self.

"Welcome. Please, have a seat. Would anyone care for a lemon drop?" the Headmaster asked jovially. When they all politely declined, Dumbledore turned directly to business.

"As I started to say the other day, the Headmaster's private library contains volumes which the Headmaster's have acquired over the years of their tenure. Ordinarily, those volumes go into the main library when the Headmaster dies. Occasionally however, they will find themselves with books too dangerous to be available to everyone. Those volumes end up in my private library, which you will be given access to."

Dumbledore rose to his feet and walked over to a bare wall. "Chocolate frogs," he said, eyes twinkling.

The wall shimmered and a corridor appeared. The group followed Dumbledore into a luxurious study, which opened into a large area, containing row upon row of bookshelves filled with books.

Hermione looked around in wonder. "Where do we even start?" she breathed.

"I've been thinking about that Hermione," Harry replied. "I think you three should concentrate on spells we can adapt for use in defending the castle. I'm going to be looking into bonds, charms and the hard sciences like crystals and alchemy."

They nodded in agreement and started moving among the books.

After many hours of looking, Hermione had a long scroll of spells that had possible uses and Harry had managed to find one book and had a very short scroll of notes he had taken. The four trudged back up the corridor to find Dumbledore still at his desk.

"Ah good! I was about to come and get you four. Dinner is about to be served in the Great Hall. You'll find it much different than during the school term. I've already sent a message to Molly, saying you'd be eating here before returning to the Burrow…"

Dumbledore was interrupted when the sorting hat suddenly spoke.

"Mr. Potter! Did I not tell you that you'd do well? I could see it then and I can see it even better now!"

Harry looked startled by the hat, then embarrassed. "Um… Thanks."

"Well Mr. Potter, are you ready?" asked the hat.

"Excuse me please, but ready for what?" asked Harry.

The hat suddenly broke into song, startling Dumbledore even more.

From Four to one,
It must be done.
The time to sort is near,
But that sort is unclear. Hogwarts students must unite,
Each must rally to the fight.
Never doubt the light,
While the mark guides it through the night.

All five of them stood there, stunned. Dumbledore quickly broke from his surprise and scribbled down what the hat had sung.

"Professor? What was that all about?" asked Hermione.

"I'm not entirely sure, Miss Granger. It is but one of several mysteries we seem to be collecting this holiday," Dumbledore said, standing and ushering them from the office. "But come, dinner awaits and many of the teachers are waiting to say hello to you all. We can discuss this then."

Entering the Great Hall, Harry could see what Dumbledore had meant. All of the house tables had been removed. In the center of the hall sat one large, comfortable table, around which sat most of their teachers and five empty chairs.

"Sorry we're late everyone, but the Sorting Hat and Harry decided to have a little last minute conversation."

That startled the teachers. Even those not directly involved in the research task Dumbledore had doled out had heard about the incident with the hat. And now it was talking to Harry?

Dumbledore would say no more about the hat in front of the students. He politely informed them that he'd explain everything in time, but for now, they would have to be patient. Besides, they had their own mysteries to deal with, without having to ponder others.

Harry agreed to that interpretation for now. He had enough to do as it was. He did, however, expect Dumbledore to eventually explain what was happening. He reminded Dumbledore that the only way they could work together was to do so openly. Dumbledore admitted he'd be happy to give Harry the information, but until he had something other than questions to share, there wasn't a point to it.

So they spent the rest of their time talking pleasantly with their teachers and among themselves. It was then that Hermione finally found out that Ron and Harry had completed all of their schoolwork.

Hermione rounded on Ron, furious. "What? You didn't tell me about this? Ronald, are you sure it's all correct? How do you know you did it right? You did all of it? Including all of the reading and the essays?"

Ron wore a pained expression. "But 'Mione…"

Harry put a hand on Hermione's shoulder. She turned and was about to lie into him for good measure but, before she could, he said, "Hermione, he didn't do it because he didn't need your help. He did it because he needed you. Doing his homework before you showed up reminded him of you, and it prompted him to work even harder so that you two would have more free time."

Having had the rug pulled from under her feet, Hermione suddenly realized she had vocalized her biggest fear in her relationship with Ron. She was afraid that he wouldn't need her after school.

Ron took her hand shyly. "I'll always need you 'Mione," he said simply, causing Hermione to blush.

The teachers had watched this little drama play out with great interest. Hermione was a favorite student for many of them. And Ron, well he was a nice boy, but not a real industrious student.

Minerva McGonagall broke the silence by adding, "I must say, Miss Granger, if you're able to so motivate Ronald Weasley into completing his homework assignments early, then perhaps I should turn you loose on several other students I know." She glanced in Harry's direction.

Harry grinned back at her. "But Professor, my homework is finished too. Besides, the other summers don't count. I wasn't allowed…" He trailed off suddenly and gripped the table edge. He had been about to tell them all that, during the previous summers, he had been locked in his room and his belongings locked in the cupboard.

Everyone knew this. All of his friends, all of his teachers, but he hadn't really spoken much about what happened between him and the Dursleys to anyone except Ginny.

"I wasn't allowed to do my schoolwork, Professor," he said softly.

Serena rescued both Harry and Minerva at that point. "We know Harry, and we're glad that problem no longer exists for you."

He nodded gratefully to her.

Dumbledore then picked up the conversation. "Harry, Professor Flitwick is on holiday, but he sent an owl this morning with a modification to the bubblehead charm that will allow you to wash or get your head wet without washing off the salve."

He passed a scroll across the table to Harry. He quickly scanned the charm and, without a wand, cast it a few times on his water glass. He then turned the glass on its side and watched the water pool behind the invisible barrier, never leaving the glass.

He grinned and said, "Now I'll be able to go swimming. Maybe even learn how now." He looked up from the glass and found them all gaping at him.

Finally Ron stammered out, "B-B-but Harry! What about the second Tri-Wizard challenge in the lake? You don't know how to swim?"

Harry shrugged. "No one's ever taken me anywhere where I could swim, Ron. You guys only built your swimming hole last summer and I wasn't there then. As to the Tri-Wizard challenge, I used Gilly Weed."

Ron just shook his head, but he wasn't the only one to do so.

"Well Harry, I pray that someday, when this is all over, you'll take a long holiday and enjoy some of the things you've missed," Dumbledore said.

"I hope so too, Sir."

After finishing their dinner, the four stood to leave. Ron, Hermione and Ginny linked hands as Harry transformed into Wings and sprang aloft. He circled the hall a couple times, singing.

"Show off," Ron muttered.

Ginny and Hermione giggled as Wings swooped down to them. Ron grabbed a tail feather and in a flash of flame all of them were gone.

Dumbledore turned to the other teachers and passed around the copy of the Sorting Hat's latest contribution.

After everyone had read it Dumbledore said, "I am beginning to see what the hat may be trying to say. If I'm correct, then I fear we have a problem on our hands."

Severus looked up sharply. "What do you mean, Albus?"

"For the past two years running, we have ignored the warning the hat has given us about uniting the houses. In fact, Harry has done more to unite them than any of us here, myself included. I fear the first stanza of this latest song suggests the hat may refuse to sort the incoming students this year."

"But Albus! How will we sort the students this year if that happens?" Minerva asked with a gasp.

"The students will be sorted Minerva, even if we resort to simply drawing lots."

"I must admit that this whole house business has always confused me, Albus. My school did well enough without segregating the students and setting them at odds against each other," Serena said with some confusion.

Dumbledore nodded. "Your Caribbean Institute of Magic is a fine school Serena, and you are right to be proud of them. But Hogwarts is the oldest school of Witchcraft and Wizardry in the world. As much as we may dislike them, there are certain customs which we cannot easily throw away."

"Don't misunderstand me Albus. I'm not suggesting we throw anything away. All I'm suggesting is that we work to reduce the differences between the Houses. Look at what Harry has accomplished. He has people from every house in his group, and he left Slytherins in charge of the castle during the fight at Hogsmeade. Harry trusted them with the safety of the school and the student body. I know they had orders to evacuate the students in case of attack. I just feel we would do well copying his example," Serena explained.

"I have to agree Albus. As much as I enjoy being the Head of my house, I was surprised and pleased that Harry would place such an important task in the hands of Slytherin. He showed a great deal of trust in giving them that task, and they rose to the challenge," Severus added.

Dumbledore turned a twinkled gaze at the two of them for a moment. "Severus, you have, in the service of this school, and the service of the light, done great things for us. But I can think of no greater thing you have done than bringing your wife to us. She has wisdom and wit, and was able to reach out to Harry when I could not. I think we are in your debt.

"But come now. There are other things we must discuss tonight; including the fact that soon we will be adding a new Professor to our ranks. One, I might add, who is not wizard nor witch…"


The Chang Family residence…

Cho paced her room angrily. She had made the necessary retraction to get Harry's charm deactivated, but she knew it was still there. The humiliation was complete. Most of her friends wouldn't talk to her. Several possible job opportunities had dried up! All because of Potter and his trollop!

Wan Chang watched her older sister warily. Cho had been on the rampage all summer. Wan was annoyed with her sister because her behavior was inappropriate. On the other hand, Harry Potter had shamed not only Cho, but the whole Chang family name as well. And shame was something every ethnic oriental understood.

Wan lay back on her bed and tried to block out Cho's raving. It was much more fun to think about that nice nineteen-year-old Danny Wong, who seemed so interested in her. The fifth year Hufflepuff tuned out her sister's ravings and daydreamed instead about a certain Mr. Wong…


The Burrow, two days before Ginny's Birthday…

Ginny had made her point with her parents. She spent three, sometimes four nights a week with Harry. Harry still wouldn't allow much to happen, but he did complain he was having trouble sleeping on the nights when she didn't visit him. Even with silencing charms, she didn't get much farther than some snogging and heavy petting. His complaints about sleeping made her sure his resolve was weakening.

Today, Ginny and Harry were sitting next to a tree not far from the swimming hole. Ginny had been giving Harry lessons and, once he got over his reaction to her in that swimsuit, he actually managed to pick up the basics fairly quickly. He wasn't very comfortable swimming yet, but he was getting there.

Ron and Hermione were still swimming.

They were taking a break from his lessons, but Ron and Hermione were still splashing around in the water, the sounds of their merriment floating on the slight breeze. Letting the laughter fade into the background, Harry checked Ginny's occulmency shields.

"They're pretty good Gin. I think you've mastered the art. Now, have you been using those meditation exercises I told you about? The ones to find your animagus form?"

"Yes. I am pretty sure I know my form, but my problem is getting it out of its cage. I just don't know how to do that."

"Try this. I want you to think of the most powerful spell you know. Close your eyes and allow the magic you need to cast the spell to build up within you, but don't release it."

She closed her eyes and her brows furrowed in concentration. A few moments later, she opened her eyes and looked at Harry.

"Do you feel it, Gin? The magic sitting there, straining to break out?"

She nodded. "I feel it. It's like this strange sensation in the pit of my belly."

"Good. Now, try to increase that feeling. Let the magic build up higher and higher. Concentrate on making the power surge within you. But again, don't release it. When you feel that it can't go any higher, try to push it back down. Push it all the way down to nothing again."

Ginny ran through these exercises several times until she could call the magic forth fairly quickly. "That's incredible Harry! Is that anything like what you feel?"

"No, but if you want, I'll let you feel what I feel another time. Right now, I'm trying to help you. However, before I go one step further, what is the very first thing you have to do if you succeed in your transformation?"

"I fight the instincts, examine the form, then I change back. Right?"

"Good! Now, the form is caged, just like my form was caged. What you need to do is build up the magic while concentrating on your caged form. To break through the cage, throw the magic you have built up at it. You may need to batter the cage a bunch of times before it breaks.

"Are you ready to try, Gin? You don't have to do this. I couldn't live with myself if you get trapped in the form."

Ginny looked in his eyes and saw the fear behind them, but she wanted to press on anyway.

"I won't mess up love. You went through this alone. I have you to help me."


Ginny…

She sat there for a moment, breathing deeply and centering herself like Harry taught her. Then she started building up the magic within her. She felt like she was going to explode, holding so much power. Bringing up the image of her form, she thought about what Harry had told her. Break the cage he said. But what if she opened a hole big enough for the form to escape? Wouldn't that serve the same purpose?

She channeled her magic into the cage at selected points. Within seconds one whole side of the cage dropped free and she felt herself transform.

To run, to climb, to hunt! I must hunt! She thought. Her preternaturally sharp hearing allowed her to zoom quickly in on prey. She twisted and tilted her ears and, zeroing in on the direction, stood and silently padded forward.


Harry…

Harry was surprised at how easy her transformation went. She hadn't had to work on breaking the cage for very long.

Hmmm, she's some kind of wildcat. Spotted, red-orange in color. And check out her ears! She's got tufted ears! He thought.

He watched the cat's ears twisted and twitched. He was suddenly overcome with a feeling of dread. Something was wrong! In his mind, he could see her letting the beast assume control.

He didn't know what to do. In desperation, he sent a single thought to the animal before him.

GINNY! NO!


Ginny…

GINNY! NO!

The cry pierced her mind. It was a scream of unspeakable loss and shocked her to the core. Frantically, Ginny looked at her form and concentrated, fighting the instincts she felt. Slowly, she mastered them, allowing her human intelligence to gain control of the beast.

She looked over at Harry; saw his body tremble, and the grief, guilt-ridden expression on his face. In that moment, she knew what had happened. She had let the beast assume control in the beginning, and only his cry had allowed her human self to regain control. But he didn't know that. He thought he'd lost her. Transforming quickly, she knelt down beside him.

"Harry, I'm so sorry. If it weren't for your cry, I would have lost myself!"

He flung his arms around her and crushed her to him. There was no mistaking his relief as his shudders slowly decreased. She held him, running her hand up and down his bare back.

"It's ok now, you pulled me back."

He looked at her carefully, then he kissed her. He put every ounce of love and his relief into that kiss. When they finally broke apart, both were breathing hard.

"Harry, will I go through that every time I change?" she asked softly, a little afraid.

"No love, just the first time. You know what you are, don't you?"

"Umm… some kind of cat. But not like Professor McGonagall."

"You're some sort of spotted wildcat Ginny, like a miniature Cheetah. Which means, you have a perfect Marauder name. I dub thee, SPOTS!"

Ginny giggled. "Spots. I like the sound of that. Wait 'til Ron and Hermione find out!"

Harry got a wicked gleam in his eye. "Want to have a little fun?"

Ginny nodded.

"When I tap you on the shoulder, go ahead and change. For now though, just follow my lead, all right?"

The two walked over to the swimming hole. Ron and Hermione were laying out on the center platform, holding hands.

"OY! Ron, 'Mione! Come over here a moment, will you?"

Ron and Hermione looked at the two. Standing, they dove off the platform, swum to shore and climbed out.

"What's up mate?" Ron asked.

"I've got a question for your girlfriend and it's important. Hermione, have you ever read a book about cats?"

"Cats? Of course I have, several in fact. But what does that have to do…" She trailed off as Ginny transformed.

Harry pointed to his girlfriend. "Good! What is she?"

Ron's jaw dropped.

Hermione sputtered, "S-S-She t-t-transformed! Oh, she's cute too! But what is she?"

She frowned and walked around Ginny's cat form, examining her from all angles.

"Harry, I think she's a Serval. Servals are sometimes called the 'poor man's Cheetah' because the appearance is so similar. It's pretty rare, about the size of a North American Bobcat or Lynx. In terms of speed and stealth, it can be really nasty. Add the claws and teeth, and it's a very formidable form."

Spots walked over to Harry and started to rub herself against his leg, purring loudly. Harry reached down and scratched behind her ears. She pushed her head back against his hand.

Harry was about to reach down to pick her up when she changed back to her human form. Ginny grinned at everyone.

"Ok, Ginny has her animagus down pat. Next, I work with you 'Mione on wandless magic. I know you're still having problems getting beyond the need for a wand. But it will have to wait 'til after Ginny's Birthday."

Hermione nodded gratefully.

"Harry, are you really going to propose to my little sister on her birthday? In front of everyone?" Ron asked.

"Yes, I'm going to propose on her birthday. But no, it will be done privately, Ron. Would you want an audience when you propose to Hermione?"

When Ron frowned, Harry and Ginny turned and headed for the house. Neither saw the evil glint in his eyes as he watched them walk away.

That night, two letters were sent from the Burrow…

Moony!
It is with extreme pleasure that Wings is able to report the successful completion of Little Red's apprenticeship. Little Red is hereby known as Spots! Please add Spots to the official Marauder's role.
Wings

And the second letter was more ominous.

Weasley Brothers!
It has come to my attention that our little sister will become engaged on her birthday ONLY if her intended manages to find some privacy to pop the question. Now, this strikes me as not quite a prank, but still a really effective way to annoy both her and Harry to pieces if enough of us are present to prevent the possibility of any privacy.
So, anyone up for a game of Annoy-the-Prospective-Groom?
Ron

The next morning, Harry received a note of congratulations from Remus.

Ron received four replies.


Diagon Alley…

Wan Chang sat with her boyfriend, Danny Wong, at Florean Fortescues ice cream parlor, enjoying the Double Chocolate Fudge Sundae he'd bought for her, while he talked about the shame that had been inflicted on her family. Shame inflicted by a half blood! She nodded, agreeing with his statements. He was just so handsome and so smart!

Yes, even she could see the shame of what happened to her family. She understood when Danny explained it. It seemed so easy now.

Slowly, the seed of anger and resentment was building in her towards one Harry Potter. A filthy half-blood who supported mudbloods!


Happy Birthday Ginny…

Ginny's birthday dawned bright and sunny. Harry got up early and took his shower. Taking extra care, he dressed in his best casual clothes. He had a present for Ginny that Remus had picked up for him. And for the tenth time before he left the room, he made sure he had the ring on him. He wasn't sure when he'd get the chance to be alone with Ginny though. Probably in the morning sometime, since the party wasn't scheduled until late afternoon.

He left his bedroom and went downstairs. Heading into the kitchen, he was shocked to discover Fred, George, Bill, Percy and Ron grinning at him.

Warily, he placed Ginny's present with the rest of her gifts just as Molly turned from the stove.

"Harry dear, sit and have some breakfast. Isn't this wonderful? Most of my boys came over early to spend time with their sister on her special day!"

With a sinking feeling, he wondered if he was going to get any time alone with Ginny at all today. Professor Trelawney would have been extremely proud of her student's precognitive abilities, for he turned out to be one hundred percent correct!

After breakfast, Ginny and Harry decided to go do some flying on their brooms. Suddenly all of the Weasley boys wanted to fly with them. When they started talking about getting up a scratch Quidditch game, both Harry and Ginny backed out, thinking they might go swimming instead. But the scratch Quidditch game was cancelled in favor of a swim.

By lunch, Harry was getting more than a little annoyed. Ginny could see it. Hermione watched this strange game of Follow-the-Couple-Around with mounting horror. By the time the party started, Harry and Ginny had been followed to nearly every corner of the Burrow, sometimes by one brother, sometimes by two, sometimes by all.

For the last two hours Harry was nearly shimmering with pent up magic. It was a clear warning sign and all the Weasley brothers were ignoring it. If that wasn't enough, Ginny had been on the verge of tears several times, and the only thing that had saved her brothers was the fact that her tears hadn't fallen.

Halfway through the party, Harry pulled Hermione outside of earshot and whispered, "Hermione, did you know about this?"

"No, Harry. I'm nearly as angry at Ron as you are."

"I'm sorry for what Ginny and I are going to be doing to you two this coming year. If you're lucky, you might get some private time with him, but I wouldn't count on it," Harry said angrily.

Hermione looked aghast at him. Then she realized just how important this time was supposed to be for them, and Ron had ruined it.

Her voice turned steely. "That's all right, Harry. I not only see your point, but I'll help you!"

When the two returned to the party, Ron went to Hermione, put his arm around her shoulder, and grinned at Harry. He stopped grinning however, when Hermione shrugged his arm off and started to keep a minimum of three feet between them the rest of the night.

As Molly cleared off the table and prepared for Ginny to open her presents, Harry stood up. He cast multiple sticking charms, then turned to Molly.

"Molly, will you please excuse me? I'd like a while alone with Ginny. We'll be back in less than an hour."

Molly glanced quickly to Ginny's hand and nodded agreeably to Harry. "Of course, dear. We'll have tea and some cake when you get back."

Harry took Ginny's hand in his and walked out the back door and into the cool night air.

Inside the house, five Weasley brothers struggled to get out of their chairs. The charm wore off a minute later and they ran for the door. Molly started yelling after them, while Hermione sat at the table, her arms crossed and looking furious at the departing brothers.

The five of them rushed outside just in time to see a flash of flame in the night sky.

Harry brought Ginny to the Hogwarts Astronomy tower. She flung her arms around him as soon as he reverted to his human form and cried, "How could they be so mean, Harry?"

"It was Ronald, Gin. I've already spoken to Hermione about it and told her she'll be lucky to have two minutes alone with him this year. Oh, I can assure you the others aren't getting away with this. Those clowns are going to pay for it. But not now. Now I have more important things to do."

He led her over to a bench and sat her down. He took both of her hands in his own. "Ginevra Weasley… will you marry me?"

Ginny smoothed the hair from his forehead. "Yes Harry Potter, you know I will."

Harry pulled the ring case from his pocket and removed the engagement ring. Then, taking her hand, he removed the promise ring and slipped it into the engagement insert. There was a brief flash of light in his hand as the two rings merged into one, with a single large solitaire diamond. The diamond pulsated, just like the promise ring did. Taking the now joined rings, he slipped it onto her finger and kissed her.


Headmaster's office, Hogwarts…

A smiling Albus Dumbledore looked out his window, having spotted the flash of light atop the astronomy tower. He figured out what was happening. More than one proposal had been made atop that particular landmark. Pulling out his wand, he mumbled an incantation under his breath and released the spell aimed at the tower, bathing it in thousands of fairy lights.

Still smiling, Dumbledore closed his window and returned to his work.


Atop the Astronomy Tower…

When Harry and Ginny finally broke their kiss, both of them gasped at the thousands of sparkling fairy lights that surrounded the top of the tower.

"Harry, did you do that?"

Harry had a bemused smile on his face. "No Gin. I think we've just gotten a present from our Headmaster, that sly old goat. He must have spotted us arriving and figured out why we were here."

Harry turned to kiss his fiancée under the dancing lights.


Back to the Burrow…

Forty-five minutes later, they returned to the Burrow and entered the kitchen through the back door, holding hands. Arthur, Molly and Hermione looked from Ginny's face, to the ring on her finger and beamed. Harry hadn't gone crazy with the stone, but it was a modest three carats.

The boys, however, were anything but happy. While the couple was gone, Hermione had explained to Molly and Arthur, in scathing detail, what they had done to Ginny and Harry. Molly's reaction was bad enough, but even the ever-complacent Arthur had been appalled.

While Molly, Arthur and Hermione were busy talking to Ginny and exclaiming over the ring, Harry looked at the five brothers and said in a dangerously low voice, "You five! Living Room! Now!"

The five of them slipped out of the kitchen followed by Harry.

"Sit," Harry growled.

Everyone scrambled for a seat. Harry's eye's were shining brightly, and the magic shimmered in waves around him. The five Weasley's were suddenly reminded that this was the man who'd killed a sixty-foot long basilisk. With a sinking feeling, they all realized that this wasn't just Harry, this was their future brother in law, and they'd managed to piss him off.

"You hurt Ginny. I find that unacceptable. If we weren't family, I'd be seriously angry with you. As it is, I think a lesson needs to be taught."

Harry walked past each of them, touching them with one glowing hand. At his touch, they each transformed.

Bill turned into a bald Buddhist monk.

Fred became a sad faced clown, holding a large bicycle horn.

George transformed into a female clown with a huge bust.

Percy changed into a Shakespearian actor, complete with period costume, including a grossly oversized codpiece.

Fred looked at the other four, then at the unchanged Ron and said, "But HONK, what about HONK, him!"

George looked like he was going to bust out laughing, until sparks started shooting out of the ends of his breasts and a pair of union jack flags popped out of his ears. His nose started blinking wildly.

Harry eyed Ron for a moment. "His girlfriend will be administering that punishment. Take this as a warning. I'll not tolerate anyone hurting my fiancée."

Bill nodded sagely. "If you do not tend to one another, then who is there to tend to you?" Horrified, he clamped his hand over his mouth.

Percy looked at them all sadly. "Present fears are less than horrible imaginings." His eyes widened fearfully.

Harry walked back into the kitchen and everyone eyed him carefully. He smiled, then, shrugging his shoulders, he took a seat and pulled Ginny into his lap with a smile.

Molly looked worried. "Harry, where are the boys?"

"They're in the living room, contemplating what they've done. Call them in if you wish."

Molly raised an eyebrow, but yelled, "BOYS! Get in here!"

Ron came in and took a seat next to Hermione, who immediately got up and sat next to Harry.

Percy stepped in next, and everyone gasped at his costume. He turned, looked at his brothers still in the living room and said, "Screw your courage to the sticking-place, and we'll not fail." He shrugged and took a seat muttering, "The attempt and not the deed confounds us."

Arthur was starting to smile from his chair. Molly looked at her two sons and her eyes narrowed. "GEORGE! GET IN HERE NOW!"

The door opened and George shuffled into the room. Ginny and Hermione collapsed in a fit of giggles. George's breasts were making a decidedly sloshing sound as he walked. His dress was too short, but it tinkled prettily. He was about to speak when more sparks shot from his breasts. Dejected, he sat down next to Percy.

Ginny was having trouble breathing. She had jammed a fist in her mouth to prevent her howls of laughter from escaping.

Fred walked in next. He had a floor length tie that kept stiffening and snapping up to smack him in the head. "Harry, HONK! This isn't HONK! funny HONK!"

Arthur was laughing so hard he had to hold onto Molly to stay upright. Molly was trying very hard not to smile and failing miserably.

Bill walked in last. His head was shaved, his feet were bare and his bright orange robe was quite becoming.

That was it. Ginny, Hermione, Arthur and Molly broke down in peals of laughter.

Bill looked scornfully at them before saying, "What is this laughter, what is this delight, forever burning as you are? Enveloped in darkness as you are, will you not look for a lamp?"

The three of them continued to laugh, even Ron joined in. Finally, Molly collected herself long enough to asked, "But Harry dear, what about Ronald?"

Harry grinned evilly. "Hermione is going to handle that particular chore personally."

Ron gulped and looked nervously at Hermione, who glared back at him.

"Harry how long will they remain like this?" Arthur asked, wiping tears from his face.

Harry suddenly looked sheepish. "You know Arthur, I was so annoyed by what they'd done that I don't remember if I used the two week or four week version of the spell!"

Percy looked at Harry, his eyes bugling. "What's done cannot be undone?"

Fred honked sadly and one of George's breasts suddenly deflated with a loud flatulent sound.

The rest of the family howled with laughter.


Authors Notes:

To those who don't buy the idea of the abuse, you are clearly missing what JK Rowling has placed in canon. In Harry's second year, he was locked up and being slowly starved. For his first ten years, he was locked in a cupboard. This is not a normal family life we're talking about here. What Harry did to Marge was a result of unrestrained, accidental magic. You'll note he did not use a wand in that episode.

This will be the last time the issue of abuse is mentioned in the Author's notes. We're not here to argue with what you believe. We're here to tell OUR story. Even if the abuse issue had not been raised in canon, as we've said in previous Author's notes, our story isn't to cannon. We follow it as closely as we can to tell our story, but if it gets in the way of our plot, it gets kicked to the curb. Now, on to other things…

Some of you people are too damn smart for us! Ok at least one of you is. But we're not saying who that was, or what they were talking about, so there!

We realize the first couple of chapters are going to be somewhat fluff filled. We're toning down some of the angst and bringing in some new problems for the coming year. Introducing some of the new elements will take time.

A few readers posted concerning a goof we made, so this is the correct version of the file. I hope these doesn't result in anyone getting new email noticifications. doesn't have the fiendliest system in the world for editing once a file is posted.

Our thanks, as always, to our Reviewers. You folks keep us motivated!

Enjoy!