Standard Disclaimer: We own nothing. This story is written because we love bleeding fingers and bloody keyboards and empty stomachs. It all belongs to JKR. Bow down to her! Hey! You in the back! I SAID BOW DOWN TO HER! IMPERIO! YOU WILL BOW!


Harry Potter and the Spiritus Crystalus
Chapter 5


Hogwarts Chaos…

Harry and his friends trudged up to the entrance to their common room. Before Harry had left, the Headmaster had given him his schedule for the coming year. It was very busy, almost as bad as the one Dumbledore tried to put him on last year. This year, at least, he had weekends and holidays off. During the week however, there was barely room to breath.

It was with no small feeling of dread that Harry approached the regular entrance to the Gryffindor common room. If the common rooms have merged like Dumbledore had said, then there were probably more surprises waiting inside.

Harry led his friends in through the Gryffindor passage way. At least the password still worked. He stopped just inside the common room, causing Ginny to bump into him, and Ron to bump into her. Stepping aside so the others could get by him, he just stood there gawking at the sight.

What had been the nice cozy common room was now huge! Fireplaces and couches lined the walls. There were a generous supply of comfortable armchairs and tables for doing homework. Entrances to the dorms lined the walls. Next to each entrance was a parchment stating who was in which room.

Around the room several loud arguments were breaking out. People reading the parchments of room assignments were definitely not happy.

Harry started scanning the parchment closest to him. He was surprised to see the names were clearly mixing houses. He saw Slytherins housed with Hufflepuffs and Gryffindors and Ravenclaws. That explained why people were fighting and shouting. He felt a tug on his robe. He looked down to see Erika and Eric.

"Where do we go?" Erika whispered. Eric was clutching her hand, looking around wide-eyed at the students.

Harry could see that the commotion among the other students had frightened not just these first years, but the other first years as well, who were all huddled together for safety. He motioned for Ginny and Hermione.

"Gin, 'Mione, the older years are scaring the daylights out of the first years. Let's snag some DA members and get them sorted out first."

Ginny bent down to Erika saying, "Would you like me to help you find your room?"

Erika glanced at Eric fearfully, but Harry interrupted her train of thought. "Don't worry Erika, I'll help Eric find him room."

Harry took Eric's hand and they went in search of the parchment with his name on it. Harry was relieved after checking a few staircases to find his name, and Eric's name on the same parchment. He took Eric up to his dorm room and showed him where he'd be sleeping. The house elves had already unpacked his stuff for him. The room was empty for a while, and then another boy came in with a hearty greeting.

"Hiya! I'm Angelo, Angelo Assanti! Boy this is so neat!"

Harry could only grin as Eric opened up to the new boy. He told Eric that his room was only a few flights above his, and if he needed anything, to look for him or Hermione. He left, still smiling. Angelo was busy teaching Eric how to play Exploding Snap.

Returning to the common room, he could see most of the first years were gone. DA members, in search of their own dorm rooms, were escorting the few who remained.

What was more disturbing to him was the sound of fighting coming from several areas in the common room and from the dorms. He walked over to one particularly loud argument, taking place in front of one of the staircases. It was a group of fourth year students from mixed houses and they were arguing over the fact that they were all sharing a dorm room.

"What's the problem guys?" he asked.

"THEM!" One of the forth years said, pointing at two of the students. "We don't dorm with Slytherins!"

"Oh really? What says they're Slytherins? No Slytherin colors, no signs saying they're Slytherins. In fact, all I see is two students."

"But…but Harry! They are Slytherins!" Said one of the other students.

"They are students," he snapped back. "And you will treat them with respect until they do something to deserve taking that respect away. Am I clear on this?" Harry's eyes flared threateningly, it was the only sign he was getting annoyed.

"Yes, quite clear Harry!"

The five students scrambled up the stair case.

Harry could hear the sounds of more fighting coming from various staircases. He spotted Hermione running down one staircase only to turn and run up another. Ginny came dashing down the stairs and, spotting Harry, she ran over to him.

"Did you get Erika bedded down ok, Gin?"

She nodded. "I did, but the rest of the dorms are in near riot. The first years are terrified to come out of their rooms."

"This is stupid. I'm going to see Dumbledore. The teachers should be here, not cowering in their rooms. If the fights continue and you don't see me back within an hour, have the DA stun any one still fighting. And if any one starts using magic, take them down fast."

"Harry, are you sure?"

He nodded his head and strode out an exit.

Harry walked the corridors of Hogwarts, heading to the Headmasters office. He wasn't angry, but he was very irritated. The problem with the first years was bad enough. The prefects were simply swamped. And without teacher support, the situation could turn ugly.

He arrived at the entrance to the Headmaster's office. The gargoyle blocked his path. He gave it one glance and the gargoyle sprang to life, raising up the staircase. As he rode the staircase, he could hear the sound of arguing coming from Dumbledore's office.

He didn't bother to knock. He simply collapsed the locking charm on the door and entered.

Inside the room were Professor Flitwick, Professor McGonagall, Professor Snape and his wife, Professor Sprout and Dumbledore, who had a pained expression on his face.

Other than Serena Snape and Dumbledore, no one seemed to notice his entrance.

"I'M NOT GIVING UP MY HOUSE!" McGonagall yelled.

"OH SO IT'S OK FOR ME TO LOSE MY HOUSE BUT NOT YOU MINERVA?" Severus shot back.

Harry looked at the Professors and decided he needed to do something to get their attention. He waited until there was a pause in the shouting and then he said in a very quiet voice, "Well isn't this enlightening? Teachers acting like first years fighting over a sweet."

The scorn in his voice was enough to make them all turn to stare at him.

"While you four are busy acting like eight year olds, and I might add, doing a wonderful job of it, there are at least a dozen fights raging in the dorms. The first years are scared out of their minds. The prefects are swamped trying to calm everyone down and it just isn't working for them. And what do I find when I come here looking for help? The same kind of fighting. Well, I see we students have things under better control than you do, so I'll just go back to the dorms. Our fights will be over in about," Harry checked the wall clock, "30 minutes."

He turned to leave when the Dumbledore spoke, his eyes twinkling. "A moment please, Harry. How is it you know the fighting in the dorms will be over at that precise time?"

"Easy, Sir. I told the DA to start stunning the students who were fighting if no teachers showed up within that time frame."

When everyone looked aghast, he added quietly, "Professors, your duty isn't to some house. It's to your students."

All four Heads of House suddenly looked very sheepish. Almost as one they ran to use Dumbledore's floo to get to the common room.

Dumbledore did something very out of character then. He laughed. Not a chuckle, but a deep, from the gut belly laugh. When he finally calmed down, he waved Harry and Serena to take a seat.

"Oh my. Sometimes laughter is the best magic. I have been sitting here, listening to those four since dinner ended. Did you really instruct the DA to start stunning students Harry?"

"Actually Sir, I told Ginny to start stunning in a hour if no teachers showed up by then. I didn't really want to stun anyone, but this seemed the simplest way of catching the Professor's attention," he replied.

"Well, you got their attention," murmured Serena. "I was starting to consider stunning the four of them myself if it went on much longer."

"Sir, now that I'm here, I think it's a good time to talk about a concern I have."

Dumbledore motioned for him to continue.

"I've been looking over my schedule for the coming year and, quite frankly, there isn't ten minutes free time in it. To be honest, I'm seriously considering dropping my NEWT courses."

Serena hitched in her breath. "But Harry…"

He shrugged. "Professor, if Voldemort wins, then all the work is for nothing. If he loses, I can either repeat the year or hire tutors to get me through the NEWTS. Honestly, I could ignore the NEWTS entirely. Sirius and my parents left me enough money that I could never work a day in my life and still leave money to my great-great grandchildren. I want to take my NEWTS Professor, but I don't have any free time with this schedule. You've even got me helping in the regular DADA classes.

"I have less than eight months before Voldemort and I have to fight. I'd like to be able to spend some of that time with my fiancée Headmaster," he finished quietly.

Serena made a move to speak, but Dumbledore waved her to be silent. "Harry, your charms, transfiguration and DADA Professors tell me you were already performing at levels far in excess of the NEWTS at the end of last year. Might I suggest that, instead of dropping the classes, you take those NEWTS early? That would open considerable time in your schedule. If you, for example, took those exams in two weeks, or even three weeks, you would have them out of the way, leaving you only to worry about Potions and Herbology."

"Yes, that would work Professor. I didn't really want to drop those courses and forgo my NEWTS, but I didn't see any way around them." With that Harry sighed, then stood. "I best get back to the dorms, Sir. Good night Professor, Headmaster."

Harry turned and left the office.

"He still seems to doubt himself Albus. He has more confidence, but there's still some doubt there," Serena said softly.

"I'm afraid you are quite correct Serena. He has a lot more confidence than he used to, but he's also preparing for the possibility that he may lose. Only three days ago, he sent me a copy of his will, and letters to hand out in the eventuality of his death," Dumbledore said gravely, the twinkle gone from his eye.

"Is there nothing we can do Albus?" asked Serena. "It tears at me to see him thinking these next months are all he has left."

"We help him as best we can, Serena. Beyond that, it's all in his hands," replied Dumbledore. "I think I'll call a teachers meeting for tomorrow. We have much to discuss, not the least of which is what Harry did this night."

When Harry returned to the common room, he found order had been restored. Thankfully, it hadn't resulted in any students being stunned. He sat down on one of the couches in front of a fire and closed his eyes briefly. Seconds later, his eyes snapped open as his girlfriend bounced into his lap. With a grunt, he wrapped his arms around her and buried his face in her hair. He would have stayed that way all night but Hermione and Ron joined them.

"Harry, I don't know how you got the teachers here, but thank you! I couldn't believe the fighting going on," said Hermione.

"It was simple, Hermione. I told the teachers that, if they didn't show up, the DA would start stunning students in 30 minutes."

"You didn't!"

"Actually, I did. It was the only thing I could think of doing to get the teachers to stop fighting among themselves. Anyway, after the teachers left Dumbledore's office, I told him I was considering dropping all my NEWT courses."

"HARRY!" Ginny and Hermione both exclaimed.

"Oh, it gets worse. We compromised. I'll be taking my NEWT exams in DADA, Charms and Transfiguration in two or three weeks."

Hermione didn't know whether to be shocked or impressed. Taking even some of your NEWTS early? It was almost never done!

"You're taking your NEWT exams early?" Hermione asked with a thoughtful look.

"Uh oh, 'Mione is thinking about talking to the Headmaster," Harry said with a grin. "Oh, have you guys found out who you're sharing a dorm with?"

Ron grinned. "You're not going to believe this Harry! It's like the castle wanted us all together. Most of the DA are sleeping with other DA members. You and I are sharing with Neville, Blaise and one of his Slytherins. Ginny, Luna, Hermione are together with Susan Bones and Hannah Abbot."

Hermione huffed at him. "I am most put out with you Mr. Potter. I am Head Girl. I was supposed to get a private apartment this year. That is, until you rebuilt the castle."

Harry chuckled then said, "Well Hermione I guess we'll all have to go back to sneaking around to each others beds. However, that did occur to me, so I've had Remus make a few purchases for me. Should be here in a day or so. In the meantime, I'm going to hold my fiancée and kiss her good night. I'm tired and it's been a long day. And Ron, if you make gagging sounds, I swear I'll bash you!"


Somewhere in England Location unknown…

The Death Eater ran into the dimly lit chamber and bowed at the feet of Voldemort.

"Report," hissed Voldemort.

"My lord, the Death squads are in place and are awaiting your orders. Each has been told of their targets."

"Very good! Very good! We will begin the attacks soon," Voldemort cackled, his evil laughter filled the room.


Ministry of Magic, Department of Magical Law Enforcement…

Kingsley Shacklebolt paced the receiving room. With just over 65 Aurors now on his ready list, he could ill afford to lose any tonight. He had broken his Aurors into teams of ten, each team had been sent out to capture one known Death Eater. With luck, they would be able to snare twelve tonight, maybe more.

Earlier that day, the Ministry had quietly seized the Gringots vaults of 143 Death Eaters. Now they were going to try to sweep as many up as they could, but they could realistically only do so many in a night. He had carefully picked the names from the list, the wealthiest, and the most influential.

These captures tonight wouldn't be sent to the veil. They would be sent to Azkaban. He grinned. He had been at Azkaban when the new Goblin Guard force had arrived. One hundred Goblins and ten dragons to be exact! Even with Azkaban still under construction, the force was something to be reckoned with. Early on in their negotiations, the Goblins had asked to help re-build the facility. As a result, the three cellblocks above ground would house 100 or so prisoners. The rest of the prison cells would be under ground, built by Goblin tunnelers.

Kingsley stopped pacing when the first group of Aurors apparated in with a manacled man in his pajamas. The prisoner seemed to be in a state of shock. One Auror carried the Death Eater costume and mask. Ministry healers rushed to the Aurors to check for any injuries. Kingsley breathed a prayer of thanks when he saw there were no injuries.

Minister Bones walked in a moment later.

"Well?" she asked Kingsley.

"The first team just returned Minister. One capture, no injuries," he replied.

"Very good. I'll be in my office. Keep me informed, Kingsley."

He nodded and watched her leave the room. At least she isn't breathing down my neck tonight, he thought as another group of Aurors apparated in.

Kingsley turned from his pacing and watched as they processed another prisoner.


Hogwarts Teachers Meeting…

Dumbledore waited until all of the teachers filed into his office before he began to speak.

"Good morning everyone, I trust you slept well?" he asked, eying the four former head of houses.

Surprisingly Professor McGonagall and Professor Severus Snape seemed to have had better nights than their counterparts. Professor Sprout and Professor Flitwick were less than enthusiastic about being there this morning.

"Now, I've called you all here to talk about what has happened to Hogwarts. First off, I do not believe that our Professor Potter did that intentionally last night. You'll note I did not invite him to this meeting. That's not because I mean to slight him. I just thought we'd talk about what has happened here and how it affects Hogwarts."

"Headmaster, have you been outside this morning?" asked Serena.

"Indeed I have. I suppose you are referring to the walls, which now surround the castle? I dare say our Professor Parsons will be most pleased with them, as well as the other alterations."

"Several of Professor Parsons' concerns have been addressed with this change," Severus said. "The classrooms with windows have either been moved to interior locations or the windows greatly reduced in size."

"Yes, it does seem that Hogwarts has reverted to its original design. As Professor Parsons pointed out Severus, castles were originally built as fortresses," replied Dumbledore.

"But how Albus?" breathed McGonagall.

"There is more magic in a single stone of Hogwarts than there is in any of us, Minerva. I suspect those headmasters that considered the sorting hat as the voice of Hogwarts were most likely correct. Did you not listen to its song last night? It clearly commanded Harry to do what needed to be done. I think Harry acted merely as a focus for all that magic last night. He was merely doing what he was told to do.

"I admit that I was concerned at first. But I was greatly comforted when Fawkes appeared. And when the other phoenixes appeared? I cannot recall ever seeing so many phoenixes in one place before. But clearly, what happened last night was powerful light magic, the strongest I have ever seen.

"Teachers, the bickering over houses must end. Harry was right last night when he reminded you that your duty to your students should take precedence over your loyalty to the Houses, which no longer exist. We must focus on the students and their needs. We must work together. As part of that, I am disbanding the House Quidditch teams.

All four former Head of Houses gasped at that.

"Madam Hooch, you will hold tryouts to build four new teams. Each team will be assigned a facility advisor. No team will consist of players all from one of the old houses. If you want, take the four old captains and make them captains of the new teams. Then let them hold the tryouts. Once the teams are formed, they will vote on their names. Matches will be held for the fun of it, not because of some obscure reason to beat another House in a race for the House Cup, which also no longer exists.

"Will we ever have the houses back? No one can say. The sorting hat has warned us for several years now that we must unify. Now, that's been taken out of our hands. We are unified, like it or not, and we will work together." Dumbledore paused to let that sink in.

"Albus, I know we discussed this last night, but I'm still concerned about Harry's confidence issues," said Serena.

"I know Serena, as am I," replied Dumbledore.

Dumbledore went on to explain how Harry had visited him last night and told him of his plans to drop his NEWT courses, and why. He explained that he had convinced Harry to compromise by taking some of his NEWT exams early. He also told them that Harry wanted the free time in his schedule so he'd be able to concentrate on his task, and be able to spend some of that free time with his fiancée. Most of the teachers were shocked until he explained that Harry still felt like he didn't have a good chance at winning the fight.

Into the silence that followed, Flitwick asked, "What are we going to do, Albus?"

"Harry will be taking his NEWTS in DADA, Transfiguration and Charms, as all three of you expressed the opinion at the end of last year that he was performing far beyond the NEWT levels. I told him we could not possibly schedule them any sooner than three weeks."

They all smiled at that, knowing that they could hold those exams anytime they wanted. All that was needed for these tests was alerting the Ministry that they were taking place.

"What I'd like you teachers to do, especially in DADA, Transfiguration and Charms, is to excuse him from homework until the tests. Allow him to use the class time to study for them, either in the classroom itself or in the library.

"Severus, I know I asked him to assist you in your regular DADA classes but I want him thinking about a future as a teacher. I understand he shows great promise. The problem, as I see it, is to keep him busy in productive pursuits so he doesn't have the time dwell too much on his upcoming fight."

"He's a natural born teacher Albus," Serena said. "I watched him walk young Ronald Weasley through the process of making a promise ring for his girlfriend last year. By the time he was done, Mr. Weasley could have made a fortune in making rings for his friends."

"Quite so Serena. I've seen other examples of what he's done for students. Mr. Longbottom was quite inept, until Harry started helping him. He seems to instill a spirit of wanting to learn in others," replied Dumbledore.

"Very well, Professors. Make sure the prefects know how to find your classrooms if they have been moved," said Dumbledore.

Dismissed, the teachers filed from the room.


Hogwarts Infirmary, first day of real classes…

It was early morning and, having finished his run, Harry decided to look in on Jack before he went to breakfast. He didn't know why his friend was in the infirmary, but considering Hogwarts, and Jack's inexperience with magic, anything was possible.

Cautiously opening the infirmary doors, he peeked in.

"Harry! Over here kid!" shouted Jack from a bed.

Harry grinned at him and walked over. "Jack, what kind of trouble did you get into? You were fine the other day!" he said.

"Trouble? I didn't get into trouble, Harry. Seems this old castle of yours decided it didn't like me having only one leg."

Harry's eyes widened and he sat down on the chair next to Jack. "You're growing a new leg?"

Jack looked very pleased. "Yup! Oh, it's pretty painful, but Madam Pomfrey has me pumped up on Happy Juice, so I don't notice it much. I'm working on the foot right now, so I should be out of this body and fender joint in another day or two."

"Well, that's good Jack, because your survey of the castle got ruined the other night." Harry replied with a grin.

"Yeah, Madam Pomfrey told me about it. Said you had something to do with it also. So what did you do?"

"Well, we have an outer wall now. I haven't been out to it, but I noticed it when I went out to do my morning run on the Quidditch pitch. And the castle looks different."

Jack shook his head ruefully, "I tell ya kid, when you hose a plan, you really HOSE a plan! Just as well that I'll have two feet again. Hey! Did ya see this morning's paper? Check this out! Looks like your Ministry's finally getting its act together."

Jack handed Harry a copy of the daily prophet.

Ministry announces lightening raids capture 15 Death Eaters,
Goblins to Guard Azkaban Prison!
By Rita Skeeter

A spokesperson for the Ministry's Department of Magical Law Enforcement announced that, in a series of lightening raids, fifteen Death Eaters were arrested last night. The spokesperson went on to say that no Aurors were injured in the raids. If convicted, the fifteen will be sentenced to ten years in prison. Azkaban prison, which was destroyed last year, is being rebuilt and currently has capacity for 100 prisoners. This paper has also learned that the Ministry has negotiated for a Goblin guard force. The guard force will include an unknown number of Goblins and Dragons. The Ministry spokesperson declined to comment on this, and the office of the Minister for Magic was unavailable at press time…

"Well, that's good news. And for once they left me out of the headline!" exclaimed Harry.

"Why would they have put you in the headline… wait a sec, Harry… How were you involved in this?" asked Jack.

Harry told him about the message he had passed from the Goblin Government to the Wizard Government. Jack sat, shaking his head and chuckling. "Harry, one of these days you're going to find out what it's like to be a normal kid. But right now it sounds like you're the mover and the shaker in this dive."

They talked for a while longer until Madam Pomfrey chased Harry out of the infirmary, saying she didn't want to see him when he's healthy. He left chuckling, heading down to the Great Hall for breakfast.

Once there, he was shocked to discover all of the house tables were gone, along with the head table. They'd been replaced with smaller round tables seating about ten people each. The teachers were forced to sit among the students.

Ginny waved at him from one table. His other friends were there, along with Professor McGonagall. He kissed Ginny on the head as he sat next to her.

"Good morning everyone, Professor," Harry said.

"Where were you Harry? I checked the pitch to see if we could run together, but you weren't there," Ginny asked.

"I got up early, Gin. After my run, I went to visit Jack in the infirmary. He's doing great," he replied.

Professor McGonagall cleared her throat and looked sternly at Harry.

"Mr. Potter, the Headmaster has informed me of your desire to test early for NEWTS in DADA, Charms and Transfiguration. I can't say I was pleased about this until he explained what the other alternatives were. I have spoken to your instructors in Charms and DADA. They have agreed that you will still come to class, but you will use that time to study for the exams. The earliest we can schedule them will be in three weeks."

"Thank you Professor, I really didn't want to drop those courses," he said.

"Hermione, I think we'll wait until all of the advanced Defense classes have met before we schedule a meeting for the full DA. Pass the word that we won't meet until next week," Harry said.

He glanced over at a table full of first year students and frowned.

"Harry, what's wrong?" Ginny asked.

He pointed at the table with the first years and everyone turned to look at them.

"I don't see anything wrong Harry," said Hermione.

"It's those Stonesmith twins, Eric and Erika. Yesterday, they had hair as brown as yours Hermione. Now it's lighter, almost a red. How do you suppose they managed that?"

Now McGonagall eyed the two first years, her brow furrowed in concentration. "Are you certain about the hair color change?"

"Yes, Professor. It was dark brown yesterday. Like Hermione's hair color."

"Interesting. I'll keep an eye on them, Mr. Potter."

"What's your schedule like today, Harry?" ask Hermione.

Harry frowned. "Well, for some reason the Headmaster wants me to assist Professor Snape in his first year DADA class. Then I have transfiguration and charms before lunch. After lunch, DADA for myself, and herbology. Tomorrow we start off with seventh year advanced defense. Speaking of which, have you come up with that security measure we talked about for the DA, Hermione?"

Hermione nodded but, before she could speak, Professor McGonagall interrupted. "Mr. Potter, it should be obvious to you why the Headmaster is having you assist Professor Snape. He didn't fill out that schedule to make your life more difficult. He is aware of your desire to teach after leaving school and he wanted to give you as much exposure to teaching situations as possible."

Harry leaned forward, looking very thoughtful. "That never occurred to me, Professor. Yes, now it makes sense."

McGonagall smiled ever so slightly. "I think you will find, Professor Potter, that the Headmaster usually has valid reasons for what he does. Although, I will admit that some times, even he needs a kick in the pants. Now, I suggest you get off to your first class. It's not good for a teacher to be late to his first class."

Harry quickly grabbed one last bite, kissed Ginny and left the Great Hall in a rush.

McGonagall watched the young man leave then turned to Ginny. "That man may look like his father Miss Weasley, but he has his mother's sense of responsibility about him. Every time I see the two of you together, I cannot help but be reminded of his parents when they were here in school."

When the young woman blushed, McGonagall turned her attention back to the first year tables.


First Year Defense Against the Dark Arts Class…

Harry arrived just a few minutes before the students. Professor Snape told him to take a seat in the back of the class, were he could study for his exams until the students began working on practical aspects of the class, at which point he was expected to walk the class and help those students who were having problems.

Once the students filed in, Professor Snape waited for them to take seats. Harry noticed both Eric and Erika trying to wave to him from their seats.

Professor Snape began his lecture. "This is first year Defense against the Darks Arts class. In this class we will teach you how to defend yourself from evil wizards and witches, as well as how to defend yourself against some of the magical creatures you might encounter…"

Harry opened his seventh year DADA textbook and tuned out Professor Snape's lecture. Most of the material was pretty easy for him. Some of it simply didn't apply to him at all, but he read it anyway. When the class pulled out their wands, he set his book aside.

This was simple stuff. The students were at the point of learning how to properly hold their wands. Harry walked around the class, correcting grips here and there. He stopped near Erika, but she didn't seem to be having any problems with how she held her wand.

Eric, on the other hand, wasn't having as much luck.

"Eric, can I show you how to hold it?" Harry asked softly.

"I guess. I never thought I'd have to learn how to hold a stick," the small boy replied.

"Eric, it's not just a stick." Harry said, trying to hide his smile. "The magical core in your wand helps focus your magic. Now, hold your wand like this, then give it a little twirl and say the word 'Lumos'."

Eric carefully watched how Harry held and twirled the wand. He repeated the words and his wand's tip flared up brightly.

"Excellent Eric! That's a simple spell for when you need light in the dark. You can turn it off by saying 'Nox'."

Eric turned off the light and looked up at Harry with gratitude. "I guess it's not a stick after all."

Harry patted him on the back. Turning to see if anyone else was having problems, Harry discovered half the class was trying the spell he had just shown Eric.

Professor Snape sat at his desk, a hand covering his mouth. Was that a smile he was trying to hide? Harry shook his head and went about showing the others how to cast Lumos.


Hermione and Blaise Zabini…

Later that day Hermione caught up to Blaise in the library. Although Blaise was now officially part of what Harry called his core team, Blaise knew that Hermione was higher up in authority within the DA.

"Blaise," said Hermione, "can we talk for a moment?"

"Sure Hermione, what can I do for you?" Blaise asked.

"I'm worried about Harry and Ginny. If something happens to Ginny, it would kill Harry. It's his weakest link, Blaise and I think we need to make sure she's protected."

Blaise's eyes narrowed. "We can do that Hermione. I take it you don't want her to know we have someone watching her?"

"It would really be best if she didn't know about it," replied Hermione.

"All right, I'll get some of my guys on it."


Advanced Defense Class…

Harry watched as the group of seventh years filed in. There were over forty, twenty of them from the original DA. Professor Snape and Professor Parsons were sitting in chairs off to one side, watching.

Harry stood up and went to the center of the raised stage in front of the class.

"Welcome to the first class of Advanced Defense. Some of you are DA members, others are new and want to join the DA. The purpose here is to give you the chance to learn some of what you'll need to know.

"We'll meet in this class, then spend at least one hour every night in regular DA meetings. Your squad leaders will also have you out running every morning. If any of you have a problem with this, now is the time to leave.

"This is not going to be fun. It's going to be painful, and in the end some of you may get hurt, or killed. You all know what we did last term, and we're going to be doing it again this year. In this class you'll learn some of the spells you need to know.

"When you attend DA meetings…and you will attend them…you'll learn how to cooperate with your fellow members. I'll tell you this now. If you have no intention of joining the DA, then you need to leave. This class is for DA members only!"

Harry stood back and waited, watching the class. Finally Blaise stood up.

"Harry, I think most of us here are with you without question. But I also think it's time we had an official name change. Everyone but you calls us Potter's Companions. I think we should make that the official name."

There were murmurs of agreement from within the class, Harry looked stunned.

"B-B-But…" he stammered.

Jack Parsons stood up and stopped Harry before he could go any farther. "Harry, I agree that we need a name change. But I understand why you don't want them to be called Potter's Companions. I've given this a lot of thought because my own military is rife with units informally named after their commander. So, here's a suggestion, and it's in keeping with the magical aspects of your unit. Why not call yourselves the Phoenix Brigade?"

The students all looked around at each other. The name Jack suggested obviously appealed to them. Ron, Hermione and Neville were bobbing their heads in agreement.

Harry was torn. It was true that the name really didn't apply, and he certainly didn't want his name attached to the unit name. But to change the name? Now? Harry mentally shrugged, Phoenix Brigade was far better than Potter's Companions. And it did make sense, considering the dress uniforms. Harry couldn't help feeling unhappy about the name change, but maybe at the meeting he could talk them out of it.

With a sigh, he said, "All right, we'll vote on a name change to the Phoenix Brigade at the first DA meeting next week. Today, we are going to work on aiming accuracy. The regular DA members here will assist you as you learn to hit your target accurately."

Harry conjured targets for the class to use, then called up the new students to take firing positions. The DA spread out, helping their new members when needed.


Professor McGonagall and the Lupins…

Remus and Tonks walked to Professor McGonagall's office and knocked on the door. They'd received a note from Minerva a few days ago, asking for them to come see her. Remus thought it was related to Harry in some way, but Tonks told him McGonagall would have contacted Molly, not them.

Entering the office at Minerva's invitation, Remus looked around a moment before saying, "You know, the only other times I've been in this office, I was in trouble. Now, nearly twenty years later, I can still feel the apprehension entering this place."

McGonagall smiled. "Well Remus, you were in here a fair number of times, although I daresay not as often as you deserved. I always suspected you were the brains behind your little band of pranksters."

Remus looked sheepish and scuffed the floor with his shoe. Tonks laughed, grabbing her husband's arm. "So Professor, unless you intend on giving my husband detention, I assume there is another reason for us being here?"

"Yes Nymphadora, actually there is. You see I need your help," said McGonagall.

Tonks winced at the sound of her first name. McGonagall was one of the few people who got away with using it. Both of them looked surprised that McGonagall would need help.

"My help, Professor?" asked Tonks.

"Yes Nymphadora. You will remember the difficulty I had in helping you train your metamorph abilities? Well, as the only living metamorph, I need your help in training."

Tonks gasped. "You've discovered a new metamorph?"

"Actually, I didn't discover a new metamorph. Your Mr. Potter discovered two of them and brought them to my attention. Eric and Erika Stonesmith, muggle born, but both pass the tests for basic Metamorphmagus capabilities. Strangely enough, they seemed to be almost linked. Rarely will you find one looking different than the other. I would like to introduce you to them and perhaps ask for your help in training them in their abilities."

Tonks looked downright eager to meet the twins. Remus watched his wife with amusement.

Professor McGonagall went to another door and spoke softly for a moment before two small children entered. Eric was holding Erika's hand. He looked at the three adults fearfully.

Something in Tonks stirred. She knelt in front of them. "Hello Eric, Erika, you can call me Tonks. This is my husband, Remus. Professor McGonagall asked me to meet you both. She thinks I might be able to help you."

Erika's eyes widened and Eric tried to hide behind her. "Really? Help us how?" Erika asked.

"Can you do this, Erika?" asked Tonks as she turned her hair blue.

Eric and Erika collectively hitched in their breaths. Both closed their eyes tight. As the adults watched, the children's hair began to lighten slowly. After a moment, their brown hair was streaked with red and they were both gasping with the effort. Tonks smiled.

"That was really good for a first try! I think I can help you learn to do that better, so much so you'll be able to do things like this."

In an instant Tonks changed her hair to brown and gave herself big floppy ears like a basset hound.

Eric and Erika giggled.

"Do you really think we can do that?" whispered Eric from behind his sister. Then, realizing what he had done, he ducked behind her again. Tonks changed herself back to her regular form.

"I'm sure of it Eric. Someday you'll be able to change your appearance any time you wish," replied Tonks.

"I'd like to be able to do that," Erika said shyly.

"Me too," whispered Eric from behind his sister.

"Well I'll be happy to help teach you both," said Tonks warmly, smiling at the pair. These kids are so damn cute! She thought. She stood and Professor McGonagall ushered the pair off to their next class with notes explaining why they were late.

"Minerva, I've never had much of a maternal instinct, but those are the most adorable kids I have ever seen!" Tonks exclaimed after the children had left the room.

"Quite so, and they are so polite. It's taking them a while to adjust to being here. As you can probably tell, the sister is the more dominant of the two, but Eric has started to overcome his shyness somewhat. Harry's been working with him in his defense class and he's turning out to be one of the better first year students, so far. So Nymphadora, can I say it's safe to assume you'll be willing to help train them?" asked McGonagall.

"How can I refuse, Minerva? As you said, I'm the only living metamorph and those are the two cutest kids I've ever seen. I have to help them. Let's say two hours a week, after dinner to start? Mondays and Fridays?" asked Tonks.

"Excellent Nymphadora! And thank you,"


Hogwarts, 15 minutes before curfew, a few nights later…

The attack was swift and sudden. The third year student had left the library, heading to the common room when he was grabbed from behind. A hand was clamped over his mouth and someone pinned his arms to his sides.

A dark figured stepped up before the small boy and punched him a couple times in the stomach before one of the others hissed, "Someone's coming!"

They pushed the boy to the ground and someone said in a low tone, "You got off lucky this time, half-blood!"

Choking back a sob, the boy climbed to his feet. He calmed himself for a moment and angrily wiped the tears from his eyes. Men don't cry, he thought. Squaring his shoulders, he walked to the common room, pretending that nothing had happened.


Passing Time…

For Harry, the first three weeks of school were brutal. Ginny would occasionally slip into his room late at night using Harry's invisibility cloak. Most nights he was happy to just curl up with her in his arms and sleep. Between studying and his classes, he had little energy for anything more. Harry had Remus pick up two additional invisibility cloaks which he gave to Luna and Hermione. He figured if Ginny could use one, why shouldn't Luna and Hermione?

The first meeting of the DA was spirited to say the least. When Hermione pulled out the blood oath and asked that everyone sign it, there were quite a few protests, even from the old DA members. Harry quickly quelled them by reminding them exactly what they were fighting for. When the grumbling finally died down and the oaths were signed, they got to the important stuff.

A nearly unanimous vote, 151 for, 1 against, officially changed the name of the DA to the Phoenix Brigade. Unsurprisingly, Harry felt that somehow the name was a reference to his animagus form, even though that information wasn't generally known.

Helping out in Professor Snape's DADA classes turned out to be more fun than Harry had thought it'd be. Watching and helping the kids go through their paces was quite rewarding for him.

Hermione had managed to talk Dumbledore into allowing Ron, Neville and herself to take the DADA NEWT early as well. She had pointed out that, as part of Harry's core team, they could use the time it freed up in their schedules to assist Harry in his Advanced Defense course. Dumbledore probably regretted allowing her to talk him into that. Once the word got out, over twenty seventh year DA members made the same request, which Dumbledore reluctantly granted.

The school was relatively quiet during those three weeks, but there was one disturbing rumor going around that no one had been able to prove or disprove. It was said that two students had been beaten up, not enough to land in the infirmary, or if they had, not for long enough for anyone to notice their absence.


Somewhere in England Location unknown…

"Report," hissed Voldemort from his seat.

"All stands in readiness Master. We await your permission to begin," whispered the cowering Death Eater.

"And what of the Granger house?" asked Voldemort.

"The house is heavily guarded and warded, Master. It would take many squads and there would be no assurance that we could catch them before they escaped," said the cringing man. Voldemort hated to be told no.

Voldemort sat in silence for a moment before making his decision. "Permission is granted," the Dark Lord snapped.

"Yes Master!" The Death Eater ran from the chamber to send the signal.

Voldemort leaned back in his chair, his perpetual scowl deepened even further. The Aurors had rounded up less than forty of his servants. That was bad enough, but they had managed to cut off access to funds of nearly a hundred others. The loss of funds was a big problem for him. He had an army which he must keep fed and equipped.

Damn those fools at the ministry! He snarled to himself. How dare they move his servants to the new prison at Azkaban! I'm not strong enough yet to take on the Goblin Nation!

Perhaps a new set of atrocities would scare the Ministry into minding its own business.


Newcastle-Upon-Tyne…

The house looked ordinary enough. Set back a ways from the street, the home was dark.

The team of ten Death Eaters surrounded the house and sealed all the possible exits. Then, as one, they raised their wands and set the house ablaze. They stood there for a while as the people screamed and burned. Before leaving, one turned and cast the Death Mark, setting it afloat above the raging inferno.

The same scene was repeated in Sheffield, Reading, Exeter, Kirkwall and five other cities across England.


Hogwarts…

As the first house burst into flame, Harry Potter awoke with a gasp. He was filled with a sense of loss and dread the likes of which he had never felt before. Not understanding why he felt this way, he crept carefully from his bed so as not to wake Ginny.

He pulled on his robe and stumbled down to the common room where he curled up on a couch, his knees tucked close to his chest. He gazed out at the fire as the sense of loss mounted in him. In minutes, the sense of loss mounted. He never knew when the tears started, or when they turned to deep, shuddering sobs that racked his body.

Ginny woke up a few minutes later when she reached for Harry and found him gone. Throwing on a robe, she went looking for him. She expected that she'd have to go to the Room of Requirement, where she'd find him training again. She was surprised upon entering the common room to hear him crying in front of one of the fireplaces.

After spending several minutes trying and failing to even get Harry's attention she ran to get Hermione from the dorm. Once back, they pulled Harry up into a sitting position. Ginny wrapped her arms around him, but Harry was still beyond their reach. Hermione looked at two for a moment longer, then she made her decision.

"Ginny, I'm going to go get Madam Pomfrey. This isn't normal, he needs help."

Ginny could only nod at as she tried to comfort Harry.

Hermione hadn't taken three steps when a door opened, admitting Professor Dumbledore and Madam Pomfrey, both wearing sleeping robes.

"Professor! I was… Harry…"

"Be at ease, Miss Granger. Madam Pomfrey should be able to help Harry."

"But Professor, what's wrong with him? He's not responding to us at all."

"Alas, Miss Granger, young Harry is a true child of the light. He feels any diminishing of the light most keenly. When I sensed Harry's grief, I awoke Madam Pomfrey. I do not know what has happened, and I dare say that Harry himself does not know. All he knows is that tonight, something dreadful has diminished the light and he grieves for its loss."

The two watched as Madam Pomfrey and Ginny tried to calm him. It took nearly twenty minutes before Harry started to come around enough to drink the calming draught Madam Pomfrey had brought with her. They watched as the draught took effect and the tension in Harry eased.

"Harry," asked Dumbledore in a gentle voice, "do you know what's happened tonight? Can you tell us anything?"

"I don't know Headmaster. Something terrible has happened. Many good people are gone, but I don't know how or why," he whispered in reply.

"Sleep is the best medicine for him now, Headmaster," Poppy said softly.

"Ah yes. Thank you Poppy. I shall see him to his bed," replied Dumbledore.

She nodded and turned to leave. Dumbledore waited until the medi-witch was gone before turning back to the others. Harry was sleeping in Ginny's arms.

"Miss Weasley, Miss Granger," he said softly, with a twinkle in his eye. "I am not unaware of your unusual sleeping arrangements this year. Officially, I cannot allow it to continue. Therefore I trust you will be discrete enough to make sure I never learn of this officially?"

Both witches looked at him in shock and nodded their heads dumbly.

"Very well then. I will leave you with the task of returning Harry to his bed. I daresay he would appreciate the comfort of someone he loves holding him tonight," he said with a smile, looking pointedly at Ginny.

With that, he turned and left the room, leaving the two girls gaping at his retreating back. Ginny and Hermione looked at each other for a long moment before Ginny levitated Harry. Moving him to his bed, she climbed in after him and held him tight.

The next morning Ginny awoke to a very pleasant sensation. Harry held her in both arms and every so often he'd lean over her and kiss her softly. There was no passion, no lust in the kiss. She blinked her eyes and looked at him.

"Thank you, Gin. You have no idea how much I needed you last night," he whispered.

That morning Harry and Ginny made their way to what was quickly becoming "their" table, and were surprised to see that Dumbledore had joined them. The Headmaster smiled sadly at the pair as they sat down. Neither questioned the pain they saw in the old wizard's eyes.

Harry saw enough of the Daily Prophet headlines on his way to breakfast to make him shudder. He watched as Professor Sprout and Professor Flitwick each approached a student. Both were third years that Harry had never met.

As the Professors led their charges from the Great Hall, the Headmaster stood. Watching them leave, Harry suddenly realized what had just happened. He closed his eyes tightly for a moment, and then spun to face Hermione.

"Get them out of there, Hermione. They aren't safe! Get them out of there today. Send them to the Burrow, or Grimmauld, or out of the country!"

Hermione looked startled by Harry's intense reaction. His eyes glowed with power as he stared at her. Ginny gripped his hand hard, unsure of what was happening.

Dumbledore sighed. "I'm afraid I have to agree with Harry, Miss Granger. Last night's attacks are probably just the first, and they were directed exclusively against the families of muggleborn witches and wizards. Although your parents house is well protected, it is not totally safe. They would do well to move to another location, at least for a while."

The blood drained from Hermione's face as understanding dawned on her.

"Since your parents are probably still home at this hour, if you like, I will make you a portkey that will take you to your home, and from there to Grimmauld Place. Since Harry owns the house, I am sure he would not have a problem with them staying there. And from what I understand, the move would not extend their commute to work by a significant amount of time. Remus could pick up their automobile and bring it to Grimmauld Place."

Hermione looked around. Every one of her friend's faces was urging her to do this. She could only nod her acceptance of the Professor's offer. Dumbledore stood up and headed to his office, Hermione in tow.


Hogwarts Great Hall, at a nearby table…

Wan Chang sat with her friends watching the Headmaster and the Head Girl leave the Great Hall. She and her friends were busy laughing at the headlines and chortling about how the mudbloods and half-bloods were finally getting what they deserved.

She was interrupted by the arrival of an owl carrying a letter. A letter from Danny! She missed him so much! She missed the feel of his arms around her, the gentle strength he used when making love to her.

Eagerly, she opened the letter. It was flowerily and romantic. He missed her too, and his heart was breaking without her. It was only when she got to the second page that the last paragraph turned to important matters.

Attached to the second page was a small envelope containing a white powder. She quickly pocketed the powder and glanced around guiltily. No one was paying any attention to her.

Her eyes scanned the room and came to rest on Harry Potter. He was hugging that full blood traitor Weasley. Her eyes narrowed. You'll get what's coming to you, filthy half-blood, she thought.


Advanced Defense Class with Professor Parsons…

Jack Parsons was running the class today. Harry and Professor Snape were up in the castle, while Jack took the class out for what he called a mild jog. With the return of his leg, he exercised himself and the class mercilessly. He had taken to collecting all their wands before taking them outside. Then he'd run them around the lake. He ran with an old riding crop he'd found somewhere. He sometimes called it his 'motivator' and sometimes just a plain old fashioned 'butt whacker'.

The older members from the days of the DA had little trouble during his run. The newer members, however, found themselves highly motivated to keep up after more than a few encounters with his motivator. He also taught them songs to sing as they ran around the lake, which were creating quite a stir among the other Professors. Songs like;

I don't know, but I've been told.
Voldie's balls are made of mold!
I don't know but it's been said.
Hogwarts kids are best in bed!
Sound off
one two
Sound again
three four
Cadence count
one two three four!

This was the least offensive of the songs he was teaching them. The students, however, came to enjoy these dirty little ditties and started making songs up for themselves.

The only problem Jack had was when he pushed Harry to join them on their run around the lake. He had refused, and wouldn't explain why to Jack. It was only after Ron pulled him aside and explained what had happened to Harry last year on that run that he stopped pushing about it.


Early NEWTS…

The day of his early NEWT testing had finally arrived. Harry had crammed in as much studying as possible. He had to admit that he was rather gratified to discover that he wasn't the only one taking the NEWTS early, but he was the only one taking Charms and Transfiguration NEWTS.

Both the practical and written portions of the Charms and Transfiguration tests turned out to be ridiculously easy for him. DADA was easy in the written, but for some strange reason the teachers decided to torture him on the practical.

It started out with a duel between him and Professor Snape, which he won, simply by using Expelliarmus, blowing through Professor Snape's shields and ripping his wand from his hand. That duel lasted ten seconds.

Next, they brought in Professor Flitwick. He was a little tougher, but in less than a minute, Harry had his favorite teacher bound and floating upside down, a good four feet off the floor.

"Bravo!" the diminutive Professor shouted, grinning hugely as he was lowered gently to the floor and unbound.

Since Tonks was visiting that day, she took Flitwick's place. Unfortunately, Harry understood her greatest weakness, her own body. He conjured thousands of ball bearings at her feet, then fired a bludgeoning spell at her. In her attempt to dodge, she slipped and her wand went flying out of her hand.

With this third defeat, the teachers conferred for a moment, while the other DA members who'd taken their exam watched. When Dumbledore walked in, every head turned in his direction.

"Did someone need me?" the Headmaster asked.

"Yes Headmaster," Snape said, "we do. We've tried three opponents against Mr. Potter and have been unable to make the test last the regulation five minutes required. The longest duel lasted just under a minute."

Dumbledore arched an eyebrow at Severus, then glanced at Harry with a twinkle. "Perhaps I can give us the five minutes he requires."

Harry gulped nervously. He had fought simulations controlled by Dumbledore and won, but this would be the real thing. A duel with Dumbledore, without any delay coming from controlling a simulation.

Dumbledore moved to the opponents position and almost immediately he cast a shield.

Harry tried firing off some of the standard spells. Stupefies, Expelliarmus and bludgeoning spells shot forth. Dumbledore blocked or dodged these spells with ease.

Then Dumbledore fired off a rapid volley of spells in return. Harry was forced to concentrate on blocking and dodging these. Dumbledore continued firing spells until one finally clipped Harry in his side, sending him spinning.

Harry's side hurt. He knew it was probably badly bruised. But even more importantly, so was his ego. Harry turned to look at Dumbledore and his eyes narrowed. So that's how he wants to play it, eh? He thought.

With one hand, he cast a Sun Fire spell, normally used for Stadium night lighting. The other hand cast a series of bludgeoning spells. The Sun Fire spell arced out over Dumbledore. He ignored it because it wasn't aimed to hit him; then it flared into life. The intense white light blasted down at Dumbledore and he staggered, blind and unable to see the bludgeoning spells boring down on him. Most missed, but one hit him squarely in the shoulder, dislocating it. Dumbledore reeled backwards and fell to the ground.

Dumbledore slowly regained his feet and switched wand hands. He quickly cast a pain relieving charm on the wounded shoulder. The two then continued to exchange spells, neither able to gain a clear advantage over the other.

Harry slowly inched his way forward, closing the distance between them. He had a plan, but it was dangerous. Closing the distance meant the spells had a much shorter travel time. When he thought he was close enough, Dumbledore fired off a nasty flame spell and Harry micro-apparated the distance. Dumbledore lost sight of Harry for a moment because of his flame spell.

Suddenly the Headmaster froze. Harry was standing on his left side, his wand pressed up against Dumbledore's neck. The two men stood still as they both watched the magical timer count down the last sixty seconds.

When the timer hit zero, Dumbledore said with a grin, "I yield my boy! Excellently done! Now, perhaps you and I should go visit Madam Pomfrey?"

Harry lowered his wand, his side really hurting. "Yes Sir, I do believe that would be a good idea."

With Harry holding his side and Dumbledore favoring his shoulder, they both walked out of the room discussing the duel, leaving two teachers, one Auror and twenty three students staring at them like they were out of their minds.

Dumbledore and Harry arriving at the same time, injured, was enough to send Madam Pomfrey into a tizzy. When she learned they had done it dueling, she started treating Dumbledore like another student, berating and bullying him for injuring himself and another student.

Both Dumbledore and Harry took the scolding with bemused looks. They weren't about to voice any complaints to the person who was going to take the pain away.

Harry was grateful. Had Dumbledore not intervened, the testing may have gone on for hours before hitting the mandatory five-minute dueling mark. He knew this was one story that few people would learn about. The students had been told that, if they divulge that they had been allowed to take a NEWT exam early, they would lose the score and be forced to take it again at the end of the year.

Dumbledore assured Harry and the other students that, at a minimum, they would know their scores by the end of the week. In the meantime, they would continue their regular classes as if nothing had changed.


Ginny…

As the month of September wound down, Ginny started noticing something odd going on. She couldn't put her finger on it, but she had the distinct impression that she was being watched.

It took her a while to notice that she always seemed to be in a room with at least two Brigade members. At first, she shrugged it off as just being scheduled in the same classes. But then she started noticing that, even when going between classes, there was someone using an illusion charm following her. The more she thought about it, the angrier she got.

It finally came to a head late one night. Harry and Ginny were walking alone back to the common room from a DA meeting and Ginny noticed the illusioned students trailing behind them.

When Harry went to put his arm around her shoulder, she shrugged him off and pulled him into an empty classroom. Once they were both inside, she cast a locking charm and a silencing charm on the door. Then she turned to glare at Harry, her hands on her hips.

Harry was confused, he could see she was angry, but didn't know why.

"Gin?" he asked.

"Don't you Gin me, Harry! I want to know what the hell you think you're doing!"

"Wha…"

"What? Do you think I'm some sort of child who needs your protection, Harry? Is that how you see me? Don't you think I'm capable of taking care of myself? WHAT IN THE NINE HELLS IS WRONG WITH YOU, POTTER!"

"Gin I…"

"CALL OFF YOUR GOONS, POTTER! I DON'T NEED YOUR PROTECTION! I GOT ENOUGH OF THAT FROM MY FAMILY. ARGH! HOW COULD YOU DO THAT DO ME?"

"Gin, I don't know what you're talking about…"

She stiffened. She pulled her engagement ring off her finger and threw it at his feet. "I don't believe you, Potter," she hissed at him. "And I can't love a liar."

With that she unlocked the door and left the room.

Harry bent down and picked up the ring, tears streaming down his face. Harry stood there for what seemed an eternity, before finally transforming into Wings and vanishing.

Ginny spent the next three days avoiding everyone. She had stopped going to the Brigade meetings. She noticed that Harry wasn't teaching the advanced defense class, but she didn't care. She took her meals either in the kitchen or sitting at a different table and refused to speak to anyone. She was too busy wallowing in her own anger and misery. Every time she thought her heart was going to break, she'd notice her shadows were still there and she'd get angry again. She felt Harry had betrayed her by not treating her as an equal, despite his words to the contrary.

She was eating breakfast in the Great Hall on the morning of the forth day when a shadow fell across her. She looked up to see Professor Dumbledore.

"Miss Weasley, if you would be so kind as to follow me please?"

She nodded and stood up to follow Dumbledore to his office. When they arrived, she found that Professors Snape, Professor McGonagall, Hermione and Ron were already there.

When Dumbledore waved her to the couch, she sat down, waiting for the other shoe to drop. Wasn't enough that she'd lost her fiancé?

"Tell me Miss Weasley, do you know where Harry Potter has gone?" asked Dumbledore gently. His eyes, however, lacked their usual warm twinkle.

"No, Sir. I've not seen him for the last few days."

"Might I ask where your engagement ring is, Miss Weasley?"

Ginny tried to hide her pain, then shrugged, "I suppose he has it. I threw it at his feet a couple nights back."

Ron's eyes bulged. Hermione looked aghast.

"But why, Ginny?" cried Hermione.

"He's set a watch over me by Brigade members, 'Mione, and when I confronted him about it, he lied to me. He promised he'd never lie to me. He promised he'd treat me as an equal and then he didn't," she spat.

"Oh Ginny! I'm so sorry. This is all my fault," Hermione cried. She turned to Ron and started sobbing on his shoulder. He put one arm around her and shot Ginny a venomous glare.

"You stupid girl!" Ron snapped. "It wasn't Harry that set the guard on you, he didn't know anything about it!"

"What! But why?"

"Hermione was convinced that if anything bad happened to you, Harry would lose his will to fight, maybe even to live. He's been missing now for three days because you didn't ask. You just assumed you knew the answers! And you've taken away from Harry the one thing he needed the most!" Ron raged back at her.

"Enough, please!" Dumbledore broke in. Ginny had turned white as a sheet as she realized the magnitude of the disaster she'd created.

"Right now it's imperative that we find Harry and bring him back. If he's gone after Voldemort before the appointed time, he will surely lose. Now, where could he possibly have gone?"

Ron looked up from trying to comfort Hermione. "He couldn't have gone to the Burrow, or to Grimmauld. You would have been sent a message on his arrival. That leaves the Leaky Cauldron, Diagon Alley or someplace in Hogsmeade. Harry can apparate, but he doesn't know too many places to go. I don't think he'd hide here at Hogwarts, unless he entered the Chamber of Secrets. In which case, there's no way to reach him down there."

"Severus, you check Diagon Ally. Serena, check the Leaky Cauldron, see if he may have rented a room there. I will contact the Order and get them searching Hogsmeade and the surrounding areas."

Serena and Severus immediately went to the Headmaster's floo and vanished. A moment later, the Headmaster placed a call to Grimmauld Place.

Finally Dumbledore pulled his head from the fireplace and returned to his desk. He looked at the three young people and sighed.

"Miss Weasley, this started as a misunderstanding between yourself and Harry. If we can find him, I believe we can fix this. But I should tell you, Harry is emotionally fragile. He may be unwilling to listen to anyone, should we find him."

"He'll listen to me," Ginny said, confidently.

"Why would he listen to you, Miss Weasley? You made your feelings plain when you threw the symbol of his love at his feet and stomped off like an immature child in a snit. Love requires trust, something you obviously have yet to learn."

Ginny's face flushed with anger. "What happens between Harry and I is none of your business!"

"You foolish girl! None of my business, is it? A student is missing! While I may have personal reasons for involving myself in this situation, as Headmaster of this school, it is also my responsibility, as is the reason behind it."

When Ginny leapt to her feet, enraged, Dumbledore barked, "Sit!"

"Now," Dumbledore continued coldly as she took her seat, "I have one question to ask you, Miss Weasley. Do you want him back in your life or not? If not, then you are excused back to the common room."

Ginny stared at the floor. "Please, I don't want to lose him, Headmaster," she whispered.

"You should have thought about that before ripping his heart out, young woman!" At her devastated look, Dumbledore sighed and relented slightly. "I don't think you have Ginevra," he said more kindly. "But it will take time to heal this breech, if it can be healed at all.

"You must learn to control yourself, my dear. I was under the obviously mistaken impression that your brother, Ronald, was the only Weasley to routinely stick his foot in his mouth and speak without thinking. I would suggest that, the next time you feel the need to act like a child, you conjure yourself a doll. You've just seen a graphic example of how much harm you can do with carelessly spoken words. If you can do something like this to the person you say you love, what are you capable of doing to others?" Dumbledore finished, softly.

Hermione had finally stopped crying. She looked over at Ginny with pleading eyes. "Ginny, I'm so sorry," she whispered.

She looked at Hermione, still pale as a ghost, and nodded her head shakily. What have I done? She asked herself. The Headmaster's right. Why didn't I believe Harry? He's never lied to me! Why would he suddenly start? Gods, there has to be a way of fixing this, please! I'll do anything…

They sat in silence, fearing the worst for what seemed like hours. Then the floo flared and Serena stepped out.

"He hasn't been to the Leaky Cauldron, Headmaster," she said.

After another long wait, the floo flared again. This time, Remus led Harry out of the fireplace. His robes were ripped and torn, he was filthy and looked like he hadn't eaten or slept in days. His shoulders were slumped, his eyes dull and lifeless. Ron and Hermione looked ready to jump up and embrace him, but Remus waved them off. Ginny stared at the floor.

Remus steered Harry to the couch and pushed him down next to Ginny.

Remus looked at everyone present. "Will someone tell me what the hell is going on? I found him in Sirius' old cave. He won't talk to me, and he looks like hell," the man raged.

Dumbledore waved him to silence. "Harry," he said, speaking softly, "Harry, Ginny still loves you. She was just confused by something someone else had done. Do you understand that, Harry?"

Harry looked at him. No he looked through him. His gaze was fixed elsewhere.

Ginny choked back a sob when he didn't respond. Dumbledore sighed and got up from his desk. He placed a hand on each of their heads and muttered an incantation. Both stiffened as the temporary bond Dumbledore had just created tightened around them, allowing each to feel the love, and the pain the other was feeling.

Hermione and Ron sat wide-eyed, not really knowing what was going on. When Harry reached out for Ginny's hand, those in the room sighed. It was something.

When Dumbledore finally released them, he staggered backwards. Remus leapt to his feet and grabbed the old wizard, helping him back to his chair. Ginny and Harry were holding each other, sobbing softly.

"Thank you. That is a most draining spell. Remus, take them to the guest quarters on this level, the password is 'Exploding Snap', then return here. I daresay they will both sleep for a while."

Remus helped the couple up and led them out of the room.

When the door closed, Minerva turned to Dumbledore. "Headmaster, what did you do? He was practically catatonic when they brought him in."

"I know Minerva. That is exactly why I did what I did. I created a bond between them, allowing each to feel the emotions of the other, the love, the hurt and the fear. Having experienced the other's feelings, they automatically reached out for each other. Had they not, I would have sent Harry to the infirmary and Miss Weasley to her dorm, or perhaps away from the school entirely. Their love for each other is stronger than the pain they are feeling. The bond will only last a few days but they will become stronger for it. However, I think I shall keep an eye on them for the next few days."


Guest quarters with Harry and Ginny…

Ginny awoke in a strange bed. It took a moment to remember how she had gotten there. She looked across the room where another lay on a bed, still sleeping. She didn't know what Dumbledore had done to them, but she now knew the pain and hurt she was feeling wasn't just hers. She climbed out of bed and went over to Harry. She hadn't had the courage to look at him in Dumbledore's office.

He looked dreadful. Even asleep he looked exhausted, his face covered with nearly four days growth of beard. His clothing was torn and dirty. She sat on the bed facing him, wanting to touch him, to hold him, but she was afraid.

Harry was sound asleep, but something impinged on his consciousness. He could feel Ginny nearby and her desperate need. He clawed his way awake and slowly cracked an eye open to peer up at her. Ginny sat beside him, but she wasn't seeing him. She was focused inward, concentrating on what she was feeling through the link.

Merlin, she's so beautiful, he thought. He couldn't help it, whenever he looked at her that same thought popped into his mind. He longed to reach out and hold her.

Ginny blinked as the link between them suddenly changed. Before, there was a terrible sense of loss and hurt, now the feelings diminished and she could feel the link flare with a wonder and a longing. She was reeled under the impact of understanding how he felt for her, the hurt was still there, but the love was stronger. Her own feelings flooded back to Harry. Her love and a crushing pain from how she had hurt him, a doubt in herself that she was unworthy of his love.

Neither said a word. They simply looked at each other and exchanged emotions via the link Dumbledore had put in place. She couldn't get past her fear that she had damaged the relationship beyond repair. Then Harry reached out and touched her. Both gasped as the bond opened wide, passing a thousand emotions in a split second.

They would have sat like that forever, but were interrupted when Dumbledore entered the room. He looked at the two for a long moment before smiling at them and inviting them to sit at a table with him.

Harry groaned as he climbed out of bed. Every bone in his body ached. He was so tired still! Ginny stepped over to him and helped him to the table as Dumbledore conjured a meal for the both of them. Harry took one look at the food in front of him and immediately started eating. He hadn't eaten in four days and he was famished. Ginny picked at her food.

Dumbledore watched them for a moment before speaking. "I must apologize to you both. You were both hurting so much that I'm afraid I took a rather hasty action. I invoked a bond between you two that is normally used only by couples that have been married a long time. In your case, the bond is temporary and should fade in a day or two. What you are both feeling are the emotions of the other person. It was, in my opinion, the only way to get you both to see how you each felt about the other, and to get you to understand that you both have a great capacity to hurt the other, in ways that exceed physical pain."

Harry spoke for the first time in days, his voice hoarse. "It's temporary?" Then he muttered, "I wouldn't mind if it were permanent…" He shot a shy glance at Ginny who was blushing at his comment.

Dumbledore smiled at his comment. This may be easier than I thought it would be, he thought.

"Harry, when the times comes and you both agree to it, I will be happy to help you with the soul binding. Done properly, you'll be able to exchange thoughts as well as emotions. It does allow for a more harmonious household. In fact Miss Weasley, I helped bind your parents shortly after you were born."

Ginny looked up sharply at that. That explained a lot of things! Ginny felt a tug on her sleeve. As soon as her attention turned back to Harry, she felt the flood of emotions come back through the link. She looked down to see Harry had her ring in his hand.

He was offering it back to her! She looked back up at him and could feel his love, this time tinged with hope and a fear that she would refuse it. She reached out and took the ring. It was still pulsating softly and it flared brightly when she put it back onto her finger.

Dumbledore smiled at the two. "I will leave you alone today. I suggest you both rest and talk. I think you have a lot to discuss." He stood and cast a cleansing charm on Harry. It wasn't as good as a shower, but it served. Dumbledore turned and left the room.

"Ginny," Harry said softly, "what have I ever done that would give you reason to mistrust me?"

"I'm sorry, Harry. I was so used to my family treating me like a little girl and not trusting me. I automatically assumed you were doing the same thing," she said.

"I'm sorry you felt that way, but I'm not your family. You need to learn to trust me. You didn't even give me the chance to explain."

She leaned over and touched his hand and the link flared, flooding Harry with her anguish and it tore at his heart. With a strangled cry, he pulled her completely out of her seat and into his arms, holding her tight. They stayed locked together for a time before Ginny finally pulled back and looked at him closely.

"Love, you need to sleep. You're exhausted. When you get up, you definitely need to shave. You're all scratchy."

He smiled at her, replying, "That'll have to wait. I don't have my razor here."

She rolled her eyes at him and grinned. Casting a charm on her hand, she caressed his face for a few moments before removing her hand.

Harry reached up and touched his now smooth cheeks. "What was that?" he asked.

"A shaving charm. My Dad used to let me watch him shave when I was little. He taught me the charm. Now come on Harry, let's get you into bed."

He let her lead him over to the bed. He quickly pulled off most of his clothes before climbing in. Ginny shrugged out of most of her clothing, and joined him. He took her in his arms, kissed her on the forehead and was asleep within seconds.

Ginny lay awake for a long time, feeling his emotions flow through her. Peace, contentment and an overwhelming sense of this is where he belonged. Privately, she admitted to herself that this link wasn't such a bad thing.

Curling close to him, she slipped into sleep.


Authors Notes:

We have only a few authors notes this time around. I think the last chapter either left people in a state of shock, or they were too awed by our mighty word processor to question us.

For those that did not read the prequel to this story. Draco Malfoy is pushing up daisies. Yep, he's a stiffy, Deader 'n doornail. If you want to learn how he died, then check my profile for a link to the earlier story. And we wish him well. Not really. We actually hate Draco with a passion.

We appreciate those that have pointed out that our story is quite unlike TMW. In writing a fan fic based on previously created characters and coming into this late in the day, it's not always possible to be 100 percent original. I'm surprised no one has pointed out that our story is like (Insert story name here) because our main character name is Harry. For the record, yes we blatantly stole the name Harry. I was in favor of calling him Ingrid, but my wife beat me mercilessly over that. Does anyone have a bandaid?

Now on to other issues. You can sit and wonder about where we're going, you can post your ideas about what we're doing. But only we know where this ride is going to end. You've all paid the price of the admission and we hope the ride doesn't make you lose your lunch. So just sit back and enjoy the scenery. Keep your hands inside the car at all times.

Now, this is a question I've been wondering about. The reviews are nice and all that, but should we join an existing Yahoo group so people could perhaps contact us easier? Or create another?