Standard Disclaimer: We don't own Harry Potter or Ginny Weasley. We don't own the Potterverse. We merely decided that it's fun to torment them from time to time.


Harry Potter and the Spiritus Crystalus
Chapter 3

The Burrow…

Life settled once again into a routine after Ginny's birthday. Molly enacted her own punishment on Ron by giving him a bulk of the chores to do. Ginny became accustomed to her new ring and her new status, at least among her family.

Ginny's OWL results and Hogwarts letter arrived the day after her birthday. The shakeup at the Ministry had extended all the way down into the Testing department, which resulted in a delay in getting the OWLs sent out. Ginny had managed a very respectable ten owls, including an outstanding in potions, charms, transfiguration and defense.

Ron, Hermione and Harry had also received their letters from Hogwarts. Ron had managed to retain good enough grades to keep his position as Captain of the Quidditch Team, Hermione had made Head Girl. Harry's letter was much longer than the others and quite a surprise even to him.

Harry,
As we are both aware of the coming troubles this year, and in keeping with your desire to expand and improve on your DA Group, the Board of Governors, in agreement with myself, have decided to formally add your training to the course load for the school under the Defense Against the Darks Arts subject. It will be called Advanced Defense and will be offered to all students, fourth years and up. Minister Bones is considering having this added to the roles of NEWTS as well.

Professors Snape and Professor Parsons will be the prime instructors for this class, while you will fill the role of Assistant Professor. You will hold all the rights and privileges of a full Professor, including assigning work, deducting house points or assigning detentions. You will, however, continue to remain with your classmates and stay in your house Dormitory.

In addition to the people you will be training, Professor Parsons has worked out a training schedule for Director Shacklebolt that should allow for 200 to 300 people to complete in time. That training will be accomplished at the Auror academy, although it is possible you may be asked to visit there from time to time to assist in their training.

As much as I would have liked to offer you the position, with these additional responsibilities I could not, in all fairness, offer you the position of Head Boy for your seventh year. For that, I am sorry.

Finally, if you will allow me, I would so like to help you with your own personal training this year. I think it might be best that you plan on arriving at Hogwarts, or at least visiting, two days prior to the start of term. Please bring a complete list of the existing DA Spells, as Professor Snape will need to look them over for the younger years.

Sincerely,
Albus Dumbledore, Headmaster, Hogwarts

Harry sat back in his chair. Assistant Professor?

Ginny looked up from her owl results. "Harry? What's wrong?"

Wordlessly, he handed her his letter while shaking his head. Her eyes widened as she read it, then passed it to Hermione.

"Professor Potter, is it?" Ginny asked with a smirk.

"Yeah, and if you're not careful, it means detention with your favorite Professor," He said with a grin.

"OH! Harry, this is such an honor!" Hermione breathed.

Harry winced at her reaction.

It was also a day of reconciliation for Harry and Ginny. One by one, the Weasley brothers had shown up to beg forgiveness of Ginny. Harry sat stonily, waiting until each one managed to convince their sister they were truly sorry for what they had done.

Fred and George were fairly easy, if a little crazy, in their apology. Percy's apology lasted for hours and, by the time he had finished, everyone was confused. Bill's apology was the shortest because no one understood anything he was saying. As Ginny relented, Harry changed them back with a warning that if they ever hurt her again, he wouldn't be so nice next time.

When it was all done, only Ron remained in the doghouse, despite his multiple apologies.

Two days after Ginny's birthday, she was sitting in the living room with Harry and Hermione. Harry was checking the notes he had made from the book he took from the Headmaster's Library. He frowned and started thumbing through the book again.

Hermione looked up from the scroll she and Ginny were reading through. Seeing his expression, she asked, "Harry, you're scowling like a thundercloud. What's bothering you?"

"It's this dang book 'Mione." He held up the volume, 'The Geologic Properties of Magic'.

"The book has a drawing, which looks like that crystal I saw in my vision, but it says next to nothing about it. It gives it a name, and says it was used in ancient rituals for the dead a long time ago. Something tells me this is very important, but I've reached a dead end over it!"

"What does the book call it Harry?" Hermione asked.

"It's called Spiritus Crystalus." Seeing she was taking notes, he spelt out the words for her.

"Hmm, are you sure about that last word Harry? Crystalus would be a crystal, but Crystallus would be a cup or container of some kind," she commented, taking notes.

"No, the book clearly shows it with only one 'l' at the end."

"Well, it's not much to go on. It's clearly Latin though. 'Spiritus Crystalus' means Spirit Crystal or Stone. I'll add it to my list of things to do and see what I can come up with. You know, we've never bothered checking the library at Grimmauld Place. That library is full of Dark Art books. We might find something of use there, as well."

Harry stood up and walked over to Hermione to look at her 'To do list'. It was quite long and, way down at the bottom of her list, was a notation about wandless magic. He smacked himself in the forehead.

"Oh damn, 'Mione! I'm sorry. I completely forgot about my promise to help you with that. Let's see if we can do something about it right now."

She looked puzzled. "Harry, what are you on about now?"

"Wandless Magic. I promised to try to help you with that, remember? Let's try a few things."

He pulled over a chair and sat down in front of her on the couch. As she eyed him, Ginny leaned back on the couch to watch.

"All right. Pull out your wand and give it a swish, no incantation, just your basic swish," he told her.

She swished her wand and it left a trail of sparkles. It was the standard test Mr. Ollivander used to see if the wand and witch were compatible.

"Now, close your eyes and give it another swish."

Again the wand left a trail of sparkles.

"You can open your eyes 'Mione. May I see your wand for a moment?"

She handed him her wand. With the exception of Hermione, all of Harry's friends had mastered some degree of wandless magic. Ron and Ginny were the strongest, capable of casting some powerful spells wandlessly. But Hermione had never gotten over the need to use a wand.

Harry made a show of examining Hermione's wand before turning his attention back to her again.

"'Mione, I want you to close your eyes and concentrate on the feeling you had when you swished your wand. Think about the magic flowing through you. Really concentrate on it."

Harry winked at Ginny and then he conjured a feather duster with the same grip as Hermione's wand. Placing the duster into Hermione's hand, he continued to talk to her.

"Concentrate on the feeling, remember how good it felt? Once you've got that feeling firmly locked in your mind, give your wand a few swishes and open your eyes."

Hermione swished her wand three times, nothing happened on the first swish, nothing happened on the second swish, on the third swish she felt the magic move through her again. She opened her eyes and looked at the trail of sparkles. Harry and Ginny were smiling broadly at her. Harry waved. Wait…

Harry waved her wand at her! But that would mean… She looked down at her hand and gasped. She was holding a feather duster!

"H-H-Harry what does this mean?" She stammered.

"It means, oh sister of mine, that you can do wandless magic. The problem is, sometimes you're too literal. You've allowed yourself to block the ability because every book you've read has said the wand is important. It's not really that important 'Mione. It acts as a focal point for your magic, but you can just as easily channel the magic through your hand without it. I told you to concentrate on feelings and that's what you need to work on.

"Sis, Ginny will tell you, I'm not so good with feelings. Either I feel some things way too much, or way too little, but it's feelings that help us channel the magic. Your learning makes you a powerful witch, probably the smartest one of the age, but sometimes you need to put the books and logic aside and go with your heart."

Harry waved a hand and suddenly Ginny was surrounded by butterflies. With another wave. all but one was gone and it landed on her shoulder. Ginny smiled back at him. He looked back over to the stunned Hermione.

"Hermione, what you did here just showed you that the wand isn't where your magic comes from. You may never get to be as powerful as Ron or Ginny, but I think, given time, you'll be able to do this. Just concentrate on your feelings."

When he handed her back the wand, she slid it into her holster and dropped the feather duster onto the table. Then she launched herself at Harry and hugged him tightly.

Harry chuckled inwardly. She's probably already putting together a training plan involving her wand and that feather duster, he thought. But now that she knows she can do it, she'll break the block.

"Thank you Harry. You have no idea how it felt to be the only one among us unable to do wandless magic," she said with a smile.

He smiled. "No, you're right about that. Now, not to change the topic or anything but about Ron…"

Hermione frowned at Harry.

"Look, I know what he did deserves punishment, but I've thought about it 'Mione. It's not fair to you. Maybe you should start easing up on him. I honestly don't think he and his brothers did it to be malicious, they just thought they were being funny. Don't get me wrong, I was seriously pissed at them and, to an extent, still am. But it's not fair to you. I see the looks you give Gin and I when we're holding each other and I can see this is hurting you. So do yourselves a favor and start easing off. Just make him understand that he hurt Ginny bad. I won't put up with that from anyone, not even him."

Ginny looked over at Harry. "Oh, so you're my protector now Mr. Potter?"

He looked thoughtful for a moment. "Gin, I pity any Death Eater that tries to take you on, but this was different. Ron's family, and because of that, he has ways of hurting you deep down where it really matters. I think you know what I mean, love. As much as I'd like to, I can't protect you from everything. And while I'm sure you have no problems handling your brothers, I just wanted them to understand that they now have both of us to deal with."

Ginny had to think about that. She didn't want Harry getting all protective over her, but what he said did make sense to her. Smiling to let him know she understood, she went back to studying the scroll Hermione and she had been working on.

A few minutes later, Hermione decided to floo to Grimmauld and check the library over there. Harry shrugged and went back to his notes.


Later that same day…

Ron was busy working on the old stone fence that surrounded the property. Molly had told him not to use magic, and had already caught him at it a few times. So here he was, under the hot sun, restacking the stones by hand.

He watched as Hermione, carrying a tray, left the house and walked towards him. He knew he was in for another tongue lashing, but he'd also figured out that, what had seemed funny at the time had actually been hurtful to both Ginny and Harry. He was sorry about it, but no one seemed interested in hearing his apologies. Least of all Hermione.

Hermione stopped a few feet away from him. "Ronald," she said softly.

He winced. "Are you here to yell at me again 'Mione? I said I was sorry."

"No Ron, I'm not here to yell at you. As long as you know how much you hurt your sister, I'm not going to harp on it anymore. I've brought you something cold to drink."

He looked up at the ice filled drink she offered him and eagerly accepted it. Downing more that half the glass, he handed it back to her. "Thanks 'Mione. It's been a scorcher out here today."

"Your Mum isn't going to be as forgiving as I am, but if you wouldn't mind the company, I'll sit out here with you while you work. I'll even make sure you have something cool to drink."

Realizing he wasn't completely out of the doghouse, he smiled at her gratefully. "I'd like that. I'd like that a lot."

She smiled back and cast a cooling charm on him to make the work a little easier.


Weasleys Wizarding Warbangers…

Fred and George looked proudly at the new building. They had the entire top floor of the new construction set up as a laboratory. There was plenty of space out back to make product tests, and it was pretty isolated.

The two Weasleys were ecstatic. Harry's offer had allowed them to expand enormously and they were experimenting with some truly dangerous substances. Not that they minded, of course. Boys being boys, the twins thought anything that went 'boom' was fun.

Fred had been tinkering with the portable swamp idea, trying to make throw-able quicksand, while George finished filling out the last of the Ministry forms they needed to send off. George was planning to look into the problem of delivering their products safely to their targets.

They had already delivered several prototype devices to Remus, who was showing them to Jack Parsons. Lack of feedback hadn't stopped the two from inventing, however. Besides, they were having a blast!


Grimmauld Place, a few days later…

Professor Dumbledore presided over a general meeting of the Order of the Phoenix. He had a lot of things on his mind, some of which he planned on sharing with the members tonight. Right now however, he needed to pay attention to what Remus was saying.

"… And that is about it for that particular topic. Now, I'd like to bring up a report we have from one of our field members. I find its implications disturbing, if true. This report comes from Charlie Weasley. He reports that there is a significant decrease in Dark Wizard activity in Romania. Attach this to his earlier report of two separate sightings of Pettigrew in Romania, and I think we can draw a conclusion that Wormtail may be out recruiting for Voldemort.

"We have similar reports from other field members and, if accurate, the numbers are truly disturbing. It's just a preliminary guess, but it suggests he may be able to call up double what he hit Hogsmeade with."

People around the room gasped at that.

"What about the Aurors?" asked Arthur Weasley.

Hestia Jones, who was sitting in on the meeting tonight at the request of Director Shacklebolt, replied, "Currently we have less than 100 fully effective Aurors. We have another 200 in training, which, I might add, has detracted from our list of effectives. In addition, we have some 300 volunteers for the Auror Battle group that Jack Parsons," she nodded to the squib warmly, "has helped us set up training for. Jack has brought in several muggles as 'consultants' I believe his term was, who are handling most of the physical aspects of the training. The magical aspects will be handled by Aurors, and overseen by Mr. Potter."

"Harry? But he's just a kid!" shouted another member. Several other Order members started shouting questions.

Dumbledore looked out over the table calmly, and then rapped his knuckles on the table. "Quiet, quiet please," he said.

As the room quieted, he continued. "You will note that Mr. Potter is not present with us tonight. I specifically did not invite him because Harry is not an Order member. However, I'm about to share with you information that you must know.

"The Order of the Phoenix is an old organization, far older than many suspect. In some ways, it predates even Hogwarts. While most of you felt the need to join the Order as a way of combating Voldemort, our original charter has always been to help guide the Wizarding World during dark times such as these. But we also work to keep our government aligned with the light. Many times in the Order's history we've brought down governments that were too oppressive on the Wizarding world, as well as our muggle counterpart.

"In the past year, our job has been done by one man. Yes, I will call him a man, despite his youth. Harry Potter is leading this fight. He is not a member of this organization and, to be honest, I'm not sure he wants to be. Many months ago he offered to ally himself with the Order, not join. And had not been for him and his companions, many of us would not be here today.

"Perhaps someday Harry will be a member of our Order. It would not surprise me to find he comes to lead it, eventually. But understand this. This is his fight and he's leading it, his way. Prophecy says that no one else but him can lead it. Our job is to support him in any way we can. Harry is quickly coming to a confrontation between himself and Voldemort. At that point, both will be equal or nearly equal in power. If Harry survives, his power will most likely continue to increase for a number of years.

"The rules are changing right under our feet. If the Order is to survive, we must make ourselves useful to Harry. To that end, Remus, I want you to begin giving Harry a weekly talk on what we think is going on. We must become Harry's eyes and ears, while he concentrates on the coming fight."

The room was silent as many of the members present considered Dumbledore's words carefully. Remus leaned back and hid a smile. The old man is finally getting the idea, he thought.

"Remus, do you have any more to report?" asked Dumbledore.

"We've picked up some whispers that Voldemort is planning something for September or October, but nothing more definitive than that. There's been some increased Death Eater sightings in Knockturn Alley. The problem is, we really have no clear idea how many Death Eaters Voldemort currently has in the country. His attack on Harry this past July suggested a switch from outright attacks to more stealthy plans. But that's clouded by the attack on the Fudge Family mansion, which was clearly a regular Death Eater attack. Other than that Professor, no I've nothing more to add."

"Very well then," Dumbledore said. "Unless there is more business to deal with, this meeting is adjourned,"


The Apparation test, the next morning…

Harry awoke and, gently prying his arm out from under Ginny, got up. She had come to his bedroom again last night and he was glad she had. They had snuggled and talked of plans for their future for a number of hours, before finally drifting off to sleep in each other's arms.

Today he had to get up early. Remus was coming to take him for his apparation license test. He kissed Ginny and headed out to take his morning shower. Ginny just snuggled under the blankets and smiled softly, not even waking up.

After he was showered and dressed, he went downstairs to find Remus already waiting for him with Molly.

"Remus, what are you doing here so early?"

"Well Harry, you're going up against the Ministry today. That means filling out lots of forms, and then sitting around waiting. If I know them, you'll fill out all your forms and end up having to wait 'til afternoon before they begin your test."

Harry grimaced at that idea, then sighed. "Molly, I guess Remus is right. We best be off."

He gave Molly a kiss on the cheek before following Remus out. They planned on apparating to Grimmauld Place. From there, they would take a muggle taxi to the Ministry.

Like his previous visits to the Ministry, he received a badge. This time it read: 'Harry Potter, APPARATION TEST'. Remus smirked as the security guard made a big deal over Harry's wand before finally allowing them in.

As Remus predicted, they entered a small office with a glass window, behind which sat some clerks. Harry went up to the counter and filled out several forms before seating himself next to his friend.

Above the glass window was a sign giving the room's coordinates and a warning to new testers to memorize them. Below the sign was another for Dimitri's Desplinching Clinic. Harry found that more than a little ominous.

The pair sat, watching people go into the testing room and coming out. Harry knew several of the people being tested, as they too were students at Hogwarts. Most of the people came out from their test very happy to have passed.

There was only one case of mild splinching that Harry saw. A middle-aged man stumbled out with his feet on backwards and was escorted to the Desplinching Clinic by a harried looking official. However, not everyone who entered the room came out, leaving Harry to wonder if some of the more serious splinches were sent directly to Dimitri.

He and Remus chatted about a number of topics while he waited for his name to be called. This was, in his opinion, bureaucracy at it's finest. After three hours of waiting, his name was called.

"Harry Potter. Next! Step up to the door and enter."

When his name was called, everyone in the waiting room turned to stare at him. Harry felt like he was on display. He walked over to the door and entered the test room.

"Welcome to your Apparation test. I'm Examiner Applebee and I'll be the one testing you today Mr. er…" He checked his list and looked up at Harry with a stunned expression.

"Mr. Potter! What a pleasure sir!"

Harry just rolled his eyes.

"If you'll follow me down the corridor Mr. Potter, we can begin once we get to the testing area."

He followed Applebee down the corridor into a huge room. It looked like it could have been a warehouse at one time, but the insides had been gutted. The room was painted off in large square regions and letters on the wall identified each square.

"Now then Mr. Potter, if you would be so kind as to join me in the square labeled M?" With that, Applebee apparated with a loud pop.

Harry looked around the room and spotted Applebee, waving at him from the far side of the room. Harry concentrated for a second and vanished with a soft pop.

"Quite good Mr. Potter. Now if you would apparate to J, please."

Harry looked around again and spotted the J. With another soft pop, he was gone. Applebee met up with him there.

"Astounding Mr. Potter. You make very little noise when you apparate. Excellent! Most excellent. Now, apparate to T, please."

When Applebee joined him once more, he handed Harry a slip of parchment, saying, "Mr. Potter, you've passed the first section of the test with excellent results. Now, we'll see how well you do with long distance apparation. The parchment I gave you has two coordinate pairs on it. I will meet you at the first set of coordinates. The second coordinate pair is for our emergency pickup room. If you splinch yourself, or you come out anywhere else and do not see me, apparate to the second coordinate pair. Wait two minutes after I apparate out before you begin."

Applebee gestured to a timer on the wall and it began a two-minute countdown and then he apparated out with a pop.

Harry looked at the coordinates. He hadn't done much coordinate apparating, but the process was easy enough for him. As the timer countdown hit zero, he vanished with a faint pop.

He arrived in a meadow. Applebee was standing only a few feet away.

He made a notation on his clipboard, and smiled, saying, "Excellent Mr. Potter! Now, if you check your parchment, you'll find our last coordinate point for your test. Follow me as soon as you've read it."

Applebee vanished with a loud pop. Harry checked his parchment. The first set of coordinates changed again to a new set. Harry read the numbers and vanished again with a soft pop.


The Burrow…

Molly, Ginny and Hermione were busy putting together lunch. Hermione wasn't a good cook and Molly used her time at the Burrow to instruct the girl in some of the finer points of life as a married witch. She loved Hermione like a daughter. Since Ron had given her a promise ring, Molly knew that, someday, she would truly be a daughter. As such, she wanted to make sure Hermione would be able to care for Ron and their children properly.

Suddenly an alarm started blaring. All three women froze at the sound, then paled and turned to the family clock. As all three women watched, Harry's hand went from "In Transit" to "MORTAL DANGER".

A few moments later the clock changed again, this time to "WOUNDED".


Attacked…

Harry appeared in the new apparation point and his right arm burst into flames. With a scream, he dove to the ground and rolled, smothering the flames just as three killing curses whizzed over his head.

Harry cast a shield and bit his lip against the pain in his right arm. Looking around, he saw Applebee down in the grass, maybe dead. He looked up as five Death Eaters exited the tree line and started walking towards him. He realized the Death Eaters must have thought he'd been hit otherwise they wouldn't be so casual in their approach.

Harry fired off a reducto spell, which hit the center Death Eater. His body arched backwards a good thirty feet before slamming up against a tree. Harry stood, his right arm too painful to use, and started exchanging spells with the other Death Eaters.

Many of their spells splashed harmlessly against his shield, but they were mixing Unforgiveables in their casting. Harry dodged another killing curse, then brought down two Death Eaters with his high powered bludgeoning spell. The remaining two tried to apparate away, but Harry had cast an anti-apparation hex on them. They weren't going anywhere.

He dove to the ground, rolling on his arm and screaming in pain as he dodged two well-placed killing hexes. When both men cast shields, Harry tried Hermione's new spell. Spear of fury, she called it.

A white lance of light shot out from his hand. It plowed into and through the shield of one man, knocking him to the ground. The remaining Death Eater, seeing his partner hit the dirt, did the smart thing and dropped his wand. Harry hit him with a Stupefy and then bound him in an Incarcerous spell.

Standing warily, he went to check on Applebee. The man was alive, but hurt badly. Summoning the wands from the Death Eaters, Harry knew he had limited time. He sealed the major bleeds on Applebee, then went to check on the Death Eaters. Only one was still alive, the one who surrendered by dropping his wand. Harry levitated the Death Eater over to Applebee.

Harry had to get Applebee to a healer! He had no choice but to attempt a multiple apparation with the two men as passengers. He conjured a rope between the two men and managed to tie them together by their ankles, despite the pain in his arm.

Looking around for the parchment with the coordinates for the Emergency Pickup room, he finally spotted it in the trampled grass. Picking it up, he cursed silently to himself. It was burned, the coordinates gone. He had no choice but to apparate to the waiting room.

Walking back to the two men and grabbing the rope, he pushed back the pain and concentrated. He was still for a moment, and then he and the two men vanished with a loud, cracking sound.


The Burrow…

The clock stayed at "WOUNDED" for a long time before it changed to "IN TRANSIT" again.

The three of them looked at each other. With Harry on the move, they could only pray for the best.


The Ministry, Apparation License Office…

He reappeared in the waiting room, totally exhausted and swaying. Someone screamed and there were shouts to get an Auror and a healer. Harry swayed dangerously and would have fallen over, but Remus caught him and helped him slide down to the floor, his back against a wall.

"Merlin Harry! What happened?"

"Death Eaters at the last point, Remus. Mr. Applebee needs a healer…" As the adrenalin ebbed from his system Harry started to tremble as the pain in his arm flared.

Remus looked at Harry's right arm. "You need a healer also, Harry!"

At that point an Auror stepped up. "We have healers on the way, but it would be a big help if Mr. Potter could provide a memory of what happened in a Pensieve."

When Remus snarled at the Auror to wait, Harry placed a hand on his friend's shoulder and told him it was all right. Wanting to argue, but knowing it would be useless, he helped Harry extract the memory and place it into a small Pensieve the Auror offered.

"I only brought back the Death Eater that surrendered. There are four more still back at that apparation point."

The Auror looked startled by this. "You left four Death Eaters behind?"

"Well they aren't going anywhere, are they? Unless someone can bring back the dead, that is," he said with a grimace.

Someone, presumably a healer, checked on Applebee, then they both portkeyed away. The Auror nodded grimly, then stepped aside so another healer could work on Harry's arm. The healer tore away his shirt and examined his arm. Harry breathed a sigh of relief as the healer spread a pain killing salve onto his wound.

"Its not as bad as I first thought it might be Mr. Potter," the healer said. "You've got mostly first degree burns and some second degree, mostly from your shoulder to your forearm. You should be fine in a day or two. Have your regular healer give you some salve for the pain for the next two days and you'll be as good as new."

Another man approached and handed Remus a slip of paper and a small card. Remus looked at both and said, "Apparently Examiner Applebee expected you to pass your test Harry. He'd already filled out the test results as passed, so you've gotten your license."

Harry looked at him with exhausted eyes. "That's good Remus, but can we floo home? I'm too tired to do anything else today."

Remus used the floo in a nearby office. He had to support Harry as he stepped into the floo with a shout of, "The Burrow!"


The Burrow…

The clock finally moved back to "AT HOME" and the alarm ceased. All three of them waited fearfully.

"MOLLY!" Remus shouted as he brought Harry home through the floo and helped him to the couch.

The young man was a mess. His shirt was torn away from his arm and shoulder. He had grass in his hair and dirt on his pants. Not that he cared. Once on the couch, he stretched out and was asleep within seconds.

Molly, Ginny and Hermione rushed to the living room from the kitchen and stopped just inside. Harry was laying on the couch, apparently asleep, one arm bandaged from his forearm to nearly his shoulder. Remus put a finger to his lips for silence.

Remus strode over to them and spoke in a hushed tone. "He's all right. Death Eaters attacked him during the last part of his apparation test. He's got a burn on his arm that's not too bad, but I think we'll call Poppy in to look at it. Right now, he's mostly exhausted. He apparated, carrying two other men."

Molly looked to Ginny and Hermione before speaking. "Hermione, use the floo to contact Professor Dumbledore. Tell him what Remus said and ask if Madam Pomfrey can come check him. Ginny, we'll need to conjure up some bandages. Remus, are you sure he'll be ok there?"

"Yes Molly. Right now he needs sleep more than anything else."

"Fine. Hermione, make that call, and then go tell Ron what's happening so he doesn't come barging in here, making a racket. When you're done with that, join us in the kitchen."

Hermione went over to the floo while Molly hustled the other two into the kitchen and put on a pot of tea.

The three sat silently for a while, lost in their individual thoughts. After what seemed like a long wait Professor Dumbledore entered the room and said, "Poppy is checking him over now Molly, but she didn't seem overly concerned. I have asked your wife to look into this Remus, to see what information she can find out."

Hermione came in from the back door. "Ron knows. He'll be quiet entering the house."

Molly nodded absently. A short while later Madam Pomfrey walked in and took a seat. She placed a small pot of salve on the table. Molly set a cup of tea before the medi-witch as Poppy started to speak.

"He's going to be fine Molly. The burn isn't bad. It will hurt him a lot today and tonight, but the salve will take care of it. By the day after tomorrow, he'll never even know he was burned. He's exhausted and sleeping, but I suspect he'll wake in a few hours when the pain relieving effects of the salve wears off. He might want to go back to sleep. If he does, let him, it won't hurt him. This salve will get him through tonight and tomorrow. He shouldn't need it by tomorrow afternoon."

Molly reached out to take the salve when Ginny snatched from the table. She gave her Mum a defiant look, but softened it when Molly smiled at her. At that moment, there was a noise from the living room and Tonks came tip toeing into the kitchen.

"Hey, did you know Harry's asleep on the couch?" Tonks asked. "He never even stirred when I tripped over the coffee table."

While Tonks took a seat next to Ginny, she and Hermione rolled their eyes. Tonk's clumsiness had become legendary.

Dumbledore leaned forward. "Well? What have you found out, Tonks?"

"Oh, right! Well, the four dead ones had no identification on them, so we're sort of stuck on them for the moment. The live one isn't English, he's French. When I left headquarters, he wasn't talking. They're planning on giving him veritaserum in a bit. St. Mungos says Harry probably saved the life of that Examiner. Right now, the general thinking is that Harry was set up. Someone on the inside alerted the Death Eaters to his presence today and found out his apparation coordinates."

Tonks looked around at everyone. She had, in a few breathless sentences, summed up a life and death situation like she was talking about a Quidditch match. Her eyes bulged when she looked at the ring on Ginny's hand.

"Cor! Look at that rock! Ginny, that's gorgeous! Did he get down on his knees? Was it romantic?" she asked.

Ginny proceed to tell the tale. She loved reliving that moment and was more than willing to share it with Tonks. When she got to the part about the fairy lights, she looked at Dumbledore suspiciously.

Dumbledore twinkled at her, then said. "Yes, Miss Weasley, I did see you arrive. The astronomy tower has been used as a proposal spot for nearly a thousand years. Although I daresay there have been more babies conceived up there than proposals."

He glanced at Molly and she turned beat red. Ginny looked startled at her mum's reaction, then she started to giggle. Hermione looked shocked.

Dumbledore and Poppy left shortly afterwards. Remus and Tonks were invited to stay for dinner.

Arthur arrived home at his usual time and, over dinner, he told the family that the Ministry was in an uproar over what had happened. Aurors were investigating and interrogating people, trying to find the person that leaked the information.

Half way through dinner, Harry stumbled into the kitchen. Molly jumped to her feet and led him over to a chair.

"How are you feeling, Harry?" she asked.

"It's not to bad now Molly. Thanks for asking."

Ginny got up from her chair and took a long look in his eyes. "Love, it's ok to tell people when you're hurting. I can see you're in pain just by looking at you. Now sit still and I'll change the bandage and salve for you."

The burns on his arm looked like a severe sunburn now, with only a few blisters remaining. When she was done he let out a sigh of relief and his body relaxed. Before she could turn away, he grabbed her hand and kissed it. She looked into his eyes and saw his gratitude.

"Harry, can I get you something to eat?" Molly asked.

Harry nodded vigorously, and let go of Ginny's hand. He'd had nothing to eat all day. Noticing Remus and Tonks eyeing him, he grinned.

"I thought I heard Auntie Tonks tripping on her way in," he said, innocently.

Tonks frowned at him, but decided to let him live, this time.

Remus leaned forward at the table. "Harry, how much do you remember?"

His brow furrowed. "Pretty much all of it, Remus. I remember being attacked as soon as I apparated in. When I rolled to put out the flames, a couple of killing curses flew over my head. After that, it was your standard fight. They got arrogant, then stupid, then they lost. Had they stayed in the tree line they would have had a better chance, but all five of them waltzed out. They must have thought I was hit by one of their curses."

"That reminds me," he said, turning to Hermione. "If the other side ever gets our shields, we'll be in a tight bind. I want something that can either circumvent our own shields, or force them down early."

She summoned her To Do list and jotted that down. "I think I may have an answer for that already, Harry. I have several candidate spells taken from the Headmaster's office that may do the trick. Oh, I forgot to tell you. I've been over to Grimmauld Place, checking out the library. I found one volume you might be interested in, and an old journal by Phineas Black, who mentioned moving some of the more interesting, but dangerous books to the Black family heirloom vault. I know Ginny would kill me if I gave you that book tonight, so I'll give it to her instead and you can get it from her later."

Harry looked up from shoveling the stew Molly had giving him into his mouth. "Well the heirloom vault is no problem, we'll check that this weekend." Looking over to Molly. "We're still going to Diagon Alley this weekend, right?"

"Yes, dear. Madam Pomfrey tells me you should be all healed by the day after tomorrow. She said that tonight will be painful, but we'll be able to put new salve on the burn every four hours. By tomorrow afternoon the pain should be gone."

Later that night, Ginny stepped into Harry's room while he was getting undressed. He looked at her and grinned. "Are you here to help me get undressed love?"

"No, your hands are fine. But in about an hour you're going to be wanting another application of the salve."

"A whole hour, eh? How do you suggest we spend that time?" he asked suggestively, as he slipped under the blankets.

She dropped her robe, revealing a rather attractive nightshirt that buttoned up the front, and slid under the blankets on the side away from his hurt arm. She laid her head on his shoulder and draped an arm across his chest. He leaned over and kissed her.

Thirty minutes later, Harry leaned back and looked down at her. A single ever-lasting candle lit the room, bathing her in soft light. She had released several buttons on her nightshirt, hoping to give him greater access. With a soft smile, he kissed the tip of her nose.

"Don't think I don't know what you're up to Ginevra," he whispered, huskily.

"Oh? And what would that be," She whispered back to him, a smile playing on her face.

"You've bewitched me, and you've been wearing me down all summer, especially these last few weeks."

"Oh really, Mr. Potter?"

He leaned down to kiss her cheek before saying softly, "Yes Gin, and if it weren't for this damn burn, I'd give you want you've been wanting tonight."

His eyes sparkled at her as she hitched in her breath. "Really Harry? Don't fool with me on this. Do you really mean it?"

"I mean it Gin. You know how badly I want you, and this past summer has been hard on me." He winced slightly at his own pun before adding, "I wanted to wait until I had proposed. There's so much of my life that's been put on hold because of what I have to do, but I'm not willing to put this part on hold any longer." His voice dropped to a husky whisper. "I want you Gin, I need you. Does that make me selfish? I don't know, but I don't want to wait any longer."

"No love, it doesn't make you selfish. I've been trying to get you to stop waiting all year. I want you, I've wanted you all year."

"Well, the next time you crawl into my bed I intend to surprise you. Although, I might suggest you wait 'til we've hit Diagon Alley. I read that the first time might hurt for you and I don't want you hurting on our day out."

She reached up and gently touched his cheek. Then she noticed him starting to tense.

"Harry, sit up and let me change out that bandage. It's time for it to be changed anyway."

Once done, they curled up together and slept. Ginny seemed to know, instinctively, when it was time to change the bandage. She had new bandages and the salve ready when he woke up four hours later.


The Chang Family Residence…

Cho Chang was in a rage once again. She'd gotten another rejection on a job application. If she didn't find work or a husband soon, she would have little choice but to go to work in the family business, something that she didn't want to do.

Wan listened to her big sister impassively, but she considered the injustice brought down on her family by Harry Potter. Danny was right! That good for nothing half blood was responsible for doing this to her sister and her family. The shame of this dishonor!

As usual, the thought of Danny drove her to other, less pure thoughts. Danny was an attentive and caring person. They'd recently become lovers, and she was thrilled by that prospect. He was so handsome and so kind. Wan wasn't nearly as pretty as Cho and she was extremely flattered when the handsome Danny started to court her.

At first she couldn't understand it, but now she accepted him as an integral part of her life. And he was so smart! He knew all about full bloods, half bloods and mud bloods! He pointed out the many slights that Harry Potter had done to her family and to Cho. Some of which even Cho had missed. Deep down inside her, anger and deep resentment flowered for Harry Potter and his friends.

She'd do anything for Danny. Her Danny! Just two more years and she'd be of age and they would get married. He'd promised her that, the first time they'd made love.


Somewhere in England, location unknown…

Voldemort was weary, but elated. He had just finished marking another batch of foreign recruits that Wormtail had sent him. He must think of a suitable reward for him. For once, Wormtail had performed superbly.

Several of his servants stood nearby, waiting to give their own reports. He raised a gaunt finger at one.

The man scurried forward and knelt at his feet.

"Report," he said in a deceptively soft tone.

"My position in the Ministry enabled me to pass along the information about Potter's test. Also, I have been able to release a number of cursed objects into the muggle community. My position in the Office of Misuse of Muggle Artifacts makes such releases extremely easy. Finally my lord, I've seen the permit applications for a new business that I think should not be allowed to continue. With your permission, I will take a few servants to see to that," said the Death Eater.

"And your other project?" asked Voldemort.

"It is going even better than I expected my lord. I have reason to believe I will not even need to use an Imperio curse on my subject."

Voldemort cackled evilly before reply, "Well done my servant. I am pleased. Take what servants you need and see to this business you talked about."

The man scurried back to his position. Voldemort turned to another figure who moved forward and groveled in front of him.

"Report," said Voldemort.

"As ordered my lord, we sent five servants to intercept Potter during his test. None of the servants have returned. I fear they may have been captured or killed."

Voldemort raised his cadaverous hand and pointed his wand. "CRUCIO!" he snarled.

The screams went on for a long time.


Diagon Alley…

The four friends took the floo to the Leaky Cauldron where Remus and Tonks were waiting for them. Molly went on to Grimmauld Place to do some work for the Order while Remus and Tonks rode herd on the four of them.

Their first stop was Gringots, to check out the Black Family Heirloom vault. Like the last time, he asked for Griphook.

Griphook appeared a short while later and gave Harry a big toothy grin. "Mr. Potter, how can I be of service to you today?"

"Hello Griphook. I hope all is well with you. If possible, can you take myself and my friends to vault 47 please?"

"Certainly Mr. Potter. It's always doing a pleasure assisting you!"

This vault was close enough that no cart was needed. They walked down two flights of stairs and down a corridor. Upon reaching the vault, the doors quivered for a moment before opening. Harry was not related to the Black family by blood, but he was the legal heir and it took a moment for the doors to recognize him as such.

The vault was filled with all sorts of furniture and literally hundreds of books. Everyone expressed dismay upon seeing stack after stack of tomes.

It was Remus who saved the day by finding a nearly empty trunk. Unloading its contents, Remus and Harry shrunk the books as people passed them over. Half full of hundreds of volumes, Remus then reduced the trunk to the size of a small book and handed it to Hermione. She'd be able to go through them at her leisure.

As they were getting ready to leave the vault Griphook spoke said, "Mr. Potter, if your schedule permits, Director Ragnot has asked to have a word with you before you leave."

Harry looked at Remus, who could only shrug in bewilderment. The director of Gringots almost never met with any of the wizards.

"We'd be honored to meet with him, Griphook," replied Harry.

Griphook led them up a different staircase and into a plush office. "Please, be seated. Director Ragnot will be with you shortly."

After a brief wait, Ragnot stepped into the room. Goblins didn't shake hands as a customary greeting, so he didn't offer. He merely went to his desk and took his seat.

"Mr. Potter, it is a pleasure to finally meet with you."

Remus and Sirius had schooled Harry in Goblin etiquette, so he knew not to call the director by his title.

"The pleasure is all mine Ragnot. I've always been most impressed with Gringots."

Ragnot smiled toothily at him.

"Mr. Potter, we are well aware of your involvement in the incident at Hogsmeade. And, more importantly, we have reviewed our records of all your transactions and interactions with our establishment. This is why I wished to meet with you today.

"From your first dealings with Gringots, to your dealings with us today, you have treated us as equals and with respect. Few wizards seem to be so inclined to do so.

"We know your stand against the Dark Lord. This is why we'd like you to know that his minions have approached us for support, which we have declined. To be frank, we see little value in supporting him. It is our wish that, should you win against the Dark Lord, you may see fit to publicly set an example to the Wizarding community at large about treating us with more respect than they currently do."

Harry thought about that for a moment. "Ragnot, I have to be honest with you. I do not know how much value people will put into what I do. But I have never understood the reasons for treating the other magical races the way they do. I'll make you this promise though. If I'm able to, I'll do all I can to help you, as will my friends. The Wizarding Community owes Gringots a debt, as do I. Your help and assistance while I learned to manage my estate was invaluable."

Ragnot grinned widely. "Thank you, Mr. Potter. It is refreshing to hear a Wizard say those words. We cannot promise you much in the way of support, but we will do what we can. Please feel free to call on me if you need anything."

A moment later Griphook opened a door and started to escort them out.

Before Harry could leave the room, Ragnot called to him softly. "Mr. Potter, might I have one more word with you, in private?"

Remus and Tonks paused and looked at Ragnot. Harry shrugged, "It's ok Remus, Tonks. I trust him. I'll join you shortly."

The group filed from the room and the door closed again. Harry turned to Ragnot.

Tonks let out with an explosive breath when they exited the bank. "Cor! I never heard of such a thing. Remus, did what I think happen, just happen?"

Harry appeared behind them outside the building.

Remus nodded thoughtfully, watching Harry approach them. "I think so, dear. The goblins just offered their support to Harry. With them controlling the money, they could slow Voldemort's recruitment methods, or at least make it harder to get…"

Harry interrupted him. "It's more than you think Remus. I need to speak to Dumbledore and Minister Bones as soon as possible. Ragnot's offered us a golden egg, but it's not without a price." He turned to his friends "I know we were supposed to have a fun day of shopping, but this is too important to pass up. Why don't you guys go ahead and I'll try to get back here in an hour or two. I'll meet up with you at the ice cream parlor. Remus, would you stay with them please?"

When Remus, a bit bewildered by the sudden turn of events, nodded, Harry turned to Tonks and ginned.

"Come on Auntie. We need to pay a visit to our Minister."

Harry vanished with a soft pop. A second later, a startled Tonks followed him.


The Ministry of Magic…

He appeared in the central apparation point for the Ministry of Magic. Moving over to Security, he had them examine and record his wand before getting his badge.

'HARRY POTTER, SECRET MISSION', he read before rolling his eyes.

"Harry you just can't barge in on the Minister! She's a very busy woman," Tonks exclaimed, hurrying after him.

Harry turned to her, his eyes glowing intensely in his excitement. "She needs to hear this Tonks. Trust me, you'll know all about it in a moment."

Harry walked down the corridor to the Minister's offices. His magic continued to build until he appeared to shimmer. Opening the door, he stepped in the outer office of the Minister, a room full of secretaries and flunkies. He walked over to a desk, where a pretty young witch sat.

In a very soft voice he said, "Would you please tell Minister Bones that Mr. Harry Potter is here to see her and that it's very important?"

The witch didn't even look up. She was busy changing the color of her nails with her wand.

"The Minister is a very important person. You have to make an appointment. And if I had a dime for every time some guy claimed to be Harry Potter…" Her voice trailed off as she finally looked up at him. Harry's eyes glowed with a thousand sparkling green lights. His magic radiated off him in waves and his lightening bolt scar was clearly visible. He smiled at her.

She gave a squeak and rushed from her desk, making her way to the inner office. A moment later, she came back out and, in a loud voice, said, "The Minister will see you now, Mr. Potter."

Every head in the room turned to stare at him.

He glared at her for that and she squeaked again before ushering them into the room. While Tonks took up position just inside the room, the secretary fled.

Amelia Bones sat at her desk waiting for Harry. She was startled by his appearance, "Harry! What a surprise! Please come in. I've been meaning to get out to see you, but this job you forced me into has left me little free time."

Harry grinned and pushed down his magic mentally. In seconds, he was back to his normal self. "I'm sorry about the little show out there Minister, but I thought I might have to do something dramatic to get their attention."

Amelia waved that issue aside. "What brings you here today, Harry?"

"Minister, I've just come from a very interesting meeting between myself and Director Ragnot of Gringots. He has asked me to pass along a message, largely because he feels he can trust me with it."

Amelia Bones was a bit shocked to hear that. The Director of Gringots almost never met with any witch or wizard. He hadn't even met with her, despite her attempts to arrange a meeting!

"The goblins of Gringots have apparently been compiling a list of dark wizards for years, all on their own. Originally, this list was much bigger, but it decreased significantly after the battle at Hogsmeade. Ragnot tells me there are still roughly 130 to 150 English wizards allied to the Dark Lord. He instructs me to tell you that Gringots would be willing to turn this list over to the Ministry, but they ask that when you go to seize assets in Gringots Vaults, they be allowed fifteen percent of the vault value."

Amelia rocked back in her chair as if she had been slapped. The Goblins were coming down off their fence at last? Even Tonks hitched in her breath as she realized the magnitude of what Harry had just said.

Both of the women turned their attention back to Harry.

"This is outside of my realm of understanding, Minister. I think you should probably discuss this issue with Professor Dumbledore in his position as High Magistrate for the Wizengamot."

Amelia nodded thoughtfully at that. "Harry, why did Ragnot approach you?"

Harry looked down at his shoes in embarrassment. Tonks coughed behind him.

Amelia looked at her, "Do you have something to say, Auror Tonks?"

"Yes Ma'am. I think the Goblins approached Harry because of how he's always treated them. He didn't grow up in the Wizarding world and he lacks certain prejudices. As a result, he has always treated the Goblins, and every other magical non-human race that he's met, with respect and trust. Before he was asked to give you this message, he was told that the Goblins would not support Voldemort simply because of how Harry had treated them.

"Regardless of why the Goblins made their offer Minister, and I think we both know who we have to thank for that, the offer is incredible! I think we'd be crazy not to give it serious consideration," the young woman finished.

Amelia turned back to Harry. "Are you the only one Ragnot will deal with, or can we assign another person?" she asked, softly.

"Oh, no. Director Ragnot said he'd understand the need to allow for negotiations. He suggested that Remus Lupin and his wife act as intermediaries between the Ministry and the Goblins. He's aware of the close, personal relationship I have with the both of them."

Amelia and Harry talked for nearly an hour, but the important part had been said and the wheels of change were already rolling in Amelia's head. Harry left, feeling like he had done his part. The business of Government could handle it from there.


The Ministry of Magic, Ministers Office…

Amelia Bones watched Harry's retreating back, shaking her head in wonder. He moves through life sucking us all along in his own personal vortex, she thought.

She pressed a button on her desk. In a moment, a secretary popped her head into the office.

"Ask Arthur Weasley and Director Shacklebolt to join me in my office. And place a call to Albus Dumbledore. I need to see him immediately, as well."

Arthur came in a few minutes later and took a seat. Shacklebolt followed, taking a seat next to the redhead.

"I'm hoping we can track down Dumbledore. This way I only have to go through this once." Amelia said, seeing their puzzled looks.

The floo flared to life a moment later and Dumbledore stepped into the office.

"That was quick! Professor, it's nice of you to join us. Please, have a seat." She said warmly.

"I know you're wondering why I asked you three here today. Well, I just finished a talk with Harry Potter, who had a very interesting message to pass along to me. It seems that the Director of Gringots asked for a meeting with Harry, during which he passed along a very important message for us."

The men looked as startled as she had when she first heard about the meeting. She went on to describe what the Goblins were offering, and what they were asking. The thought of having a list of known dark wizards, and the possible arrests that could follow, was astonishing, but if they could seize bank accounts? The added money would certainly help the war effort, even if they couldn't take the wizard in question into custody!

When she finally finished, she looked expectantly at the three men.

Dumbledore broke the silence. "Under your current charter Minister, you lack the authority to seize vaults. However, should you ask the Wizengamot to approve a state of emergency, covering the present crisis, your expanded powers under the emergency powers act will give you that authority."

The Minister agreed with that assessment. It was something she'd already figured out.

"I'm concerned that we lack the Auror force necessary to sweep up so many people in a single night's worth of raids, Minister. But if we went for some of the bigger fish and just seized the assets of the littler ones?" Shacklebolt suggested.

"The idea does have merit, Amelia," added Dumbledore.

"Hmmm. Yes well, with Azkaban being rebuilt, we wouldn't have enough cells for them all. Tell me Kingsley, do you think we could handle sweeping up twenty or thirty?" the Minister asked.

"Yes I believe so. But Azkaban won't be all that secure a place to keep them, Minister."

"Perhaps, but maybe the goblins are open to more negotiations than just a list of names. Arthur, I'd like to see if we could set up some sort of permanent liaison between the goblins and the government. Perhaps if we're increase the percentage they receive from the seizures, we can buy ourselves a secure guard force for Azkaban."

The three men blinked in surprise, then smiled. A goblin guard force for Azkaban would make the prison far more secure than Dementors ever had. And if Voldemort attacked, it would invoke the wrath of the entire goblin nation!

They were broken from their reverie by the chuckling of the Minister. "It's ironic. Harry Potter walks through life, and everywhere he goes, he invokes sweeping changes. But he isn't even aware he's doing it. I've been trying to meet with the Goblins since I took office. He goes to visit his vault and they ask to meet with him!" she exclaimed, smiling.

"All right, gentlemen," she said, turning serious once more. "We all have things to do. Arthur, meet with Mr. Lupin and let's get this ball rolling. Albus stay a moment so we can talk about that Emergency declaration…"


Meanwhile in Diagon Alley…

Remus sat two tables away from the three teens, giving them some privacy. Ron, Ginny and Hermione were eating ice cream and waiting for Harry to return. He'd said two hours, so they still had time to kill.

Ginny wasn't happy. Harry had run off to the Ministry and suddenly the trip to Diagon Alley wasn't as much fun as it should have been. She felt somewhat on the outside, watching Ron and Hermione.

A small group of students approached the three teens.

"Weasley's," someone sniffed. "I fail to understand why such an upstanding, pure blood family like yours would be willing to have anything to do with half bloods and mudbloods. Ronald, you should know better. Do you want to soil your bloodline?"

Ron whipped his head around and glared at the girl speaking. He couldn't place her at first. Chang something or other, Cho's sister.

Ginny looked furious but Hermione looked hurt. Her muggle born status was often used to insult her.

Ginny stood up and shouted, "Wan Chang, you lumpy Hufflepuff! So you think purebloods are so great? Tell that to Voldemort! He'd love to mark you, I'd bet."

Remus debated whether he should get involved or not.

"Oh yes, we know all about you Ginevra Weasley. Rumor has it you intend to marry a half blood. You're no better than your brother, sullying your family blood line," Wan spat.

There was a very soft pop from behind them.

"I have news for you mudblood and halfblood lovers," Wan continued tauntingly. "Things are going to change this year! Your mudbloods and halfbloods are going to learn their place. BEHIND us purebloods!"

"Wan Chang," came a soft voice behind the group. They whirled to face Harry.

"You might do well to show a little more respect, Wan. For one thing, that's your new Head Girl you are insulting. If that isn't enough, it's my family you're insulting as well. Wasn't Cho sufficient lesson for you?" he asked softly.

"You leave Cho out of this, Potter. She was blinded by lust. This is more important. We're purebloods and will get the respect we deserve from you and your ilk. You half breeds are corrupting and ruining our blood lines…"

"You and your friends have foul mouths Wan, and are in serious need of a washing," Harry interrupted her.

Wan suddenly looked dumbfounded. Her friends mirrored her expression. They looked at each other, wide-eyed, as they each began to foam around the mouth.

"Didn't your parents ever wash your mouth out with soap, Wan? Just what is it with the Chang family anyway? They can't really be as dense as the Malfoy's, can they? If that's the kind of stupidity that comes from inbreeding, I'll pass, thanks," he said, scornfully.

Harry pushed through the group of students as they fled the scene, looking for water. Remus and Tonks moved to join them.

Harry took Ginny's hand in his own, then looked over to Hermione. "You ok?" he asked his chosen sister.

Ron had wrapped his arms around Hermione. She looked up from his shoulder and nodded, saying, "I know I should ignore them Harry, but it still hurts sometimes."

"I know Sis. I still can't get over this whole blood thing. I don't honestly see how they can think blood is so important. Ginny and Ron are purebloods, and very powerful. But you're more powerful than both of them. I'm not a pureblood, and even Dumbledore says I have more power than he does. I mean, even Voldemort isn't a pureblood! Why is blood so important?"

Remus leaned forward. "Harry, it's status. It's a way of saying; I'm better than someone else. I went through something similar for years as a werewolf. I'm a decent wizard, but people looked down on me because I was infected with lycanthropy."

Harry shrugged. "I guess I just don't get it Remus. It all seems so trivial and stupid to me. Ginny doesn't care what kind of blood I have. Ron doesn't care what blood 'Mione has."

"It's not your blood I'm interested in Harry," Ginny added in a wicked tone. Harry smiled at her.

"The purebloods seem to think they are better, it's always been that way," Tonks said. "They place great value in keeping the lines pure. They think they can keep the magic strong that way, Harry."

"But that's stupid!" protested Hermione. "I've read research that clearly says the purebloods are getting weaker, not stronger, by keeping their lines pure!"

"Yes, it certainly seems that way, doesn't it Hermione? You also need to remember that logic has never been one of our strong suites," admitted Remus.

"I guess it was inevitable," Harry said to no one in particular.

"What's inevitable?" Ginny asked curiously.

"We'd manage to get rid of Draco and the Death Eaters and someone steps forward to fill their shoes," he said, watching Wan and her friends round a corner. "So, did you get your shopping done?" he asked, turning back to the group.

Ginny told him that Remus had picked up his stuff, but that they still needed to go to Madam Malkin's for their dress robes. Harry sighed. Clothing shopping. He hated clothing shopping!

The four of them entered the shop with the two adults close behind. Ginny turned to Harry before he went off to look over the robes.

"Harry, try to pick out something other than black this time? You wear too much black as it is."

He grinned at her and told her he wouldn't pick out anything black.

Hermione and Ginny went into the back room to be fitted, while Harry and Ron went off to find their own robes. Harry, following Ginny's advice, quickly picked out two robes which were quickly fitted. Ron was right behind him with his selection.

A short time later, the two men, having paid for their purchases, stood patiently by the door with their bags. Ron told Harry about the new Firebolt 100 on display at Quality Quidditch supplies while they waited on the girls.

Eventually, the girls came out and paid for their purchases. Hermione checked Ron robe to make sure he had picked the right color. Hermione had told Ron exactly what colors he could pick from and his selection met with her approval. Ginny turned to Harry, asking to see his robes.

He had picked out a midnight blue and a deep forest green. Both robes weren't technically black, but they were close. Ginny wanted to say something, but really couldn't. After all, she'd told him not to buy black, and that's exactly what he did. She sighed and shook her head.


Later that night, back in the Burrow…

Hermione, in the room she shared with Ginny, was working her way through the books they had retrieved from the vault. Most seemed like they wouldn't be of much use, but she'd already found one that Harry might be interested in.

She snuck occasional glances at Ginny, who seemed to be taking an extraordinarily long time preparing for bed tonight. Ginny wore her robe, under which was what looked like one of Harry's shirts. She was amused by how the younger girl had managed to slip into Harry's room and stay the night. To be honest, she was also a little jealous.

They had talked about it on the nights she stayed in her own room. Ginny tried to tell her that, as long as they were discrete about it, she and Ron could probably do the same thing. Maybe she couldn't spend the night, but she could have a few hours. Hermione wanted to, desperately, but she was terrified that Mrs. Weasley might catch them and throw her out of the house.

Ginny was sitting in front of her mirror brushing her hair. She then applied some perfume and picked up her wand. Hermione couldn't make out the entire incantation, but she clearly heard her mutter, "Contraho." She was casting the contraception charm!

"Ginny!" she hissed. "Have you been doing what I think you've been doing?"

Ginny looked at Hermione in the mirror and blushed. "No, Hermione. If he'll allow it, tonight will be our first time."

Seeing the other girl's shocked look, Ginny went to her. Taking Hermione's hands in her own, she said, "'Mione, I love you like a sister, but you can be so dense. Go to Ron. You want to, you know it, and even I can see it."

"Do you really think I should, Ginny?" she asked in a small voice.

"Do it now 'Mione. How much time do you think we'll have when we get back to school?"

"I'm scared Ginny. What if I do something wrong? What if I do something and Ron laughs at me?"

"He loves you. He's not going to force himself on you. He'll accept whatever you're willing to give and won't push for anything more. And he's not going to laugh at you. I know he's read that book of Harry's, but he won't laugh at you. Come, let's make you pretty and we'll both have an adventure tonight."

She led Hermione over to the table with the mirror and began brushing her hair.

The two talked while they waited for the senior Weasley's to go to bed. When the house fell silent an hour later, the two left their room and crept softly to the boy's rooms. Ginny waited until Hermione had entered Ron's room before she slipped into Harry's.


Harry…

Harry was reading in bed when the door opened, admitting Ginny. He put the book on the night table and watched as she closed the door and cast a silencing charm on the room. His breath caught in his throat as he looked at her. Her hair glowed from its recent brushing and he thought she looked like an angel.

Ginny padded up to the bed, dropped her robe and removed her shirt. She smiled softly at Harry as he reached out with a trembling hand to take hers.

He climbed out of the bed and slid his boxers off, and then he embraced her. She could feel his body tremble against her. Her own body trembled in response. Together they climbed back into the bed and held each other tightly. Harry kissed her, trying in a kiss to convey all his feelings to her. He rolled her so that he was lightly resting his weight on her.

He propped himself up on his arms and she could feel his arousal pressing against her. She strained to move under him, to bring him closer.

"Gin are you sure this is what you want?" he asked softly, stopping her.

"Love, it's what we both want. You and I both know we won't have much time to ourselves once school starts. Let's make the best of what time we have now."

His green eyes glowed a moment longer before he slowly lowered himself back down to her.

Later Harry slept, his arm wrapped possessively around her, his face buried in her hair. Ginny lay drifting. It had been a strange experience for her. The first time it just felt weird, but it felt better the second time. The third time, she finally understood. She grinned, knowing she'd left scratches on his back. She hadn't meant to, but…

With a sigh, she cuddled close to Harry, stealing his warmth, and drifted off to sleep.


Ron…

Ron was dreaming. He was the keeper for the Chudley Cannons and their most valuable player. He was about to give a speech, thanking them for an award, when he felt a hand cover his mouth. He tried shaking it off, but all that did was wake him up. His eyes widened and, in the darkened room, he could barely make out a form standing above him. The hand was removed from his mouth.

A soft voice said, "Ron?"

He recognized that voice! He broke into a shy smile. "'Mione? What's wrong? Why are you here?"

"Move over Ron, I want to be with you for a while."

He quickly moved to one side of the bed and Hermione, after slipping off her robe, slid between the blankets. He rolled to his side to look at her. She took one his hands in her own and pulled him close to her. They kissed in the darkness, and the careful restraint they had tried to maintain since that day at the lake vanished.

The two held onto each other and kissed for a long while before Hermione pulled away enough to ask, "Did you really read that book of Harry's?"

Ron's voice sounded embarrassed and definitely sheepish. "Well, yeah I did, 'Mione…"

"Will you show me a little of what you've learned, Ron? Just a little?"

"Are you sure?"

He could see her nod in the darkness. He quickly cast a silencing charm on the door, and then leaned over to kiss her.

Hermione tensed a little as she felt his hand reach up to softly cradle her breast. He held her like that until she relaxed into his embrace. She tensed again as his hand slid lower and gently touched places no one had ever touched before. But the pleasure was enough to cause her to crush him against her while his fingers danced.

Afterwards, she shyly touched him in return. She was surprised by both his reactions and the strength she felt in her hands. She cried out in surprise when he held her, trembling as she gave him his own release. He pulled her up to him and kissed her hard. It was a kiss unlike any he had given her before. His response made her feel powerful, beautiful and loved.

Ron set his alarm for 4am and they settled down to sleep before she had to return to her room.


Weasley's Wizarding Warbangers…

The building was aflame from top to bottom. The three members of the night staff were dead. Ten Death Eaters stood in a circle outside the building, torturing another member of the staff.

When they were done, they left the lifeless body in front of the burning structure as a warning, cast the Death Mark above the building, and then all ten apparated away.


Welcome to Hogwarts…

Jack Parsons limped up the road from Hogsmeade. For the first time in his life, he set his eyes on Hogwarts. And what he saw did not please him. While Hogwarts was a castle in every sense of the word, the last major renovations had taken place at a time when Castles were no longer built for defense. As a result, the place was wide open.

Jack and Hestia Jones made their way to the main entrance were two figures were waiting for them. Although he would be meeting with Professor Dumbledore later in the day, it had been decided that Professor McGonagall and Professor Serena Snape would meet him first. It was felt that Serena's experience growing up as a muggle born would be of help. Her coming from the Americas might also be of a help in interpreting some of Jack's more eccentric dialogue.

Professor McGonagall stepped forward and offered her hand. "Welcome Professor Parsons. I am Minerva McGonagall, Professor of transfiguration and also the Deputy Headmistress of Hogwarts. This is Professor Serena Snape, our potions mistress. You will be working closely with her husband, our Defense against the Dark Arts Professor. In a few moments, we'll show you to your quarters."

McGonagall's immediate impressions of Jack were, to her surprise, quite favorable. Despite his handicap, he was a tall, very fit man with closely cropped hair just now beginning to tinge with gray along the fringes. He had a warm smile and when spoken too, he made and held eye contact. When he wasn't being spoken to, his eyes seemed to roam, cataloging everything around him.

"Pleased to meet ya! I wouldn't mind finding out where I'm bunking and stowing my gear."

McGonagall blinked, but Serena laughed. She turned to Minerva and said, "He means he wouldn't mind seeing his quarters and putting his things away."

Minerva nodded. It was going to be an interesting year.


Authors Notes:

First, baby Harry using wandless magic, yet ten year old Harry didn't protect himself. It seems we won't be able to leave this issue behind as we'd hoped. Let's see if we can explain. Baby Harry, once placed with the Dursley's, would have been punished for any use of magic. A freak, being allowed to do freaky things in their home? No way! At a very young age, our little Harry would have learned "acceptable" behavior, and magic would not be accepted in that house. In time, Harry would have forgotten that part of himself. Remember how surprised he was when Hagrid told him he was a wizard?

So, anyway, on to other things. Typos. Okay, the glaring typo in chapter two has been fixed. Funny things, typos. No matter how many times we read the chapter before we post it, we still miss them. We know what's supposed to be there, so that's what we see. We know it's annoying…sorry about that!

Irish animagus? We could be mean and tell you to go back and read the chapter. But that's too much like asking a teacher how to spell something, and having said teacher tell you to look it up in the dictionary. It can be done, but it's annoying as hell. So, what was his form? The hummingbird, of course!

Virginia, Ginevra? Well, according to JKR, it's Ginerva. I suppose we could argue with her over it, but as it's her character, we've decided to save our breath and just accept it. It gives us more time to write.

A few other things. Ron got off lightly, we know. We have so much to do yet, that we figured we let him off just this once with a warning. However, if he messes up again, we'll do twisted and grotesque things to him! We promise!

Sex. Yes, there is a hint of sex in this chapter, but it was nothing obvious or in your face. Some readers like near-pornographic sex scenes; some would rather have them implied, or non-existent. Since we couldn't please everyone, we decided to please ourselves. Hmm…that doesn't sound right. Okay, you know what we mean! Get those minds out of the gutter, people! (Bob's comment. Personally a little porn isn't bad, but this isn't a porn story, there are other places on the net for that kind of thing.)

If you're bragging up this, or Dumbledore's Army somewhere online, let us know. To be honest we've looked at a variety Harry Potter Fan Fic sites and have come away in disgust from most of them. may not be perfect, but its one of the better fan fic sites that we've seen.

Enjoy, folks!

Bob & Alyx