Standard Disclaimer: We don't own this. We did ask politely of JK Rowling via email, but she wasn't willing to give us rights to this. Doesn't matter, we also wrote the United Nations asking to be made Emperor of the World and they turned us down to. Alas. Soo many disapointments in life.

This file has been delayed for posting by several days due to a mess up with the servers. Personally I think it must be owl season where they keep the servers because none of the owls we sent this file in with have returned.


Harry Potter and the Spiritus Crystalus
Chapter 13


Somewhere in England, Location Unknown…

Dietmar Eberstark cowered before Voldemort. As head of the Bulgarian Death Eaters, he had been responsible for Viktor Krum and his failed plan to attack Hermione Granger.

"FOOL! OAF! IMBECILE!" roared Voldemort, enraged. "Not only did you fail me, but your plan resulted in the destruction of my ancestral home!"

"M-M-My lord! O-O-Our plan would have worked! It was…"

"ENOUGH! I TIRE OF YOUR EXCUSES AND YOUR EXISTANCE," yelled Voldemort. He was seething. While he really held no great affection for his ancestral home, there was a certain matter of principle involved.

"Summon Wormtail," he snapped to a nearby Death Eater, who ran from the room in response to the command.

A few minutes later Wormtail rushed into the room, kneeling next to the quivering Eberstark. "I am yours to command, Master," he said, bowing his head.

"Wormtail, this… thing," Voldemort pushed against Eberstark with his foot, "has displeased me for the last time. What do you know about it? I wish for him to suffer greatly."

"He has two sons my lord…," stammered Wormtail.

Voldemort's red eyes glowed malevolently. "Excellent, Wormtail. I think we can do something with this."


A State of Unease …

Things settled into an uneasy state in the school after the last Hogsmeade visit, in which Hermione and Ron were attacked. Most of the students had no clue that their incoming and outgoing owl mail was being intercepted and checked by the staff. Harry and Jack Parsons had impressed the need on Dumbledore to take such drastic action to reduce the chance of anyone outside of the school finding out what was going on.

The Phoenix Brigade assembled every evening after dinner in the Room of Requirement. Once there, they used portkeys to travel to a Ministry constructed mockup of Hogwarts in the extreme of Northern Scotland to run through drills, sometimes solo, but often with Ministry Defense Forces. The only real glitch in the works was that, while the Goblins were still insisting they would send a Goblin Brigade to assist in the defense of the castle, they were reluctant to join in any 'joint training' exercises.

The Weasley twins had managed to perfect their cannon and were deep into development of various types of munitions for it. Crusher nets and Expanding Cluster Shots were two of the more promising munitions they had developed. With the perfection of the cannon, several were already being installed and Phoenix Brigade Grenadier Squads were being trained in their use.

Harry had reluctantly decided that he needed to drop his remaining classes. As he explained to Dumbledore, he could repeat them next year if necessary. Dumbledore tried to talk him out of it, but even he had to admit that between meeting with the Ministry, overseeing the brigade and his own personal training, things were getting too intense. Serena Snape was quite upset when she learned of his decision. Fortunately for Harry, Dumbledore backed his decision and the Potion Mistress, though not happy about the situation, held her tongue.


Durmstrang Institute, Somewhere in Northern Europe…

Nestled in the Scandinavian mountain range, Durmstrang was a small school compared to Hogwarts, or the American Institute of Magic in Salem. With mountains on three sides, the small castle was safe behind its anti-muggle wards. Being in one of the remotest areas of a national park helped keep the school hidden from prying eyes as well.

Durmstrang had long been known for being the only European school that openly taught the Dark Arts. The new Headmaster of Durmstrang had not changed that policy when the old Headmaster, Igor Karkaroff, vanished from sight several years earlier. Durmstrang was most noted for supplying training for many of the known Death Eaters. Unfortunately for Durmstrang, most of them had been, in Lord Voldemort's opinion, inadequately trained.

Unlike Hogwarts, or even Beauxbatons, Durmstrang was notorious for maintaining its location secret. Former students and staff took a blood oath to keep its exact location private. Regrettably for the students and staff, blood oaths can be broken.

The operation began around midnight. More than four hundred Death Eaters, Wormtail, and Voldemort himself, surrounded the castle. After disarming the staff, students were rounded up and brought to the central auditorium, where they were also disarmed. The castle's occupants were then herded into the dining hall, where a small stage had been conjured.

Many gasps were heard throughout the hall as Voldemort took the stage, followed closely by two Death Eaters dragging a limp body between them.

Voldemort looked out upon the crowd and smiled. "Wormtail, find me Eberstark's brats," he hissed.

Wormtail bowed low and backed off to issue orders. Soon, dozens of Death Eaters were searching among the student body, looking for two boys. Within five minutes a tall blond haired boy, perhaps seventeen years old, was dragged forward. His eyes burned with hatred as he saw his father's crumpled form. He glared at Voldemort and revenge burned in his heart.

Seeing the boy's expression, Voldemort laughed. Oh yes, this was entertaining!

Several minutes later, the second lad was found. He was much younger than his brother and visibly frightened. The small boy started to cry when he saw his father's form on the floor.

Wormtail nodded to several men and they proceeded to turn Eberstark over on his back. He was lifted and placed against a wall, held there by a sticking charm, unable to move.

"Eberstark," snarled Voldemort. "This is the price of failure."

Eight Death Eaters stepped onto the stage and took aim at his sons.

"My lord, I beg of you," sobbed the man brokenly.

"CRUCIO," the eight Death Eaters shouted in unison.

Both boys collapsed to the floor under the onslaught, screaming in pain. The student body stood mesmerized by the scene unfolding before them. They were completely oblivious to the fact that other Death Eaters were walking among the staff, systematically killing them.

"Watch your children, Eberstark. Watch them driven to insanity! This is the price of your failure," sneered the Dark Lord.

"Wormtail," snapped Voldemort. "When the brats are done, kill the rest of the students. We will then destroy the castle. In the meantime, Mr. Eberstark and I are going to have some fun."


The Great Hall…

Dumbledore joined Harry and his friends at his table for breakfast. Harry had already finished his meal and was keeping an eye on Hermione. Since the attack, she had shown an uncharacteristic lack of confidence and her eyes held a haunted, pained look.

She was haunted by what she had done to Ron while under an Imperious curse. It was time, Harry felt, to nip this in the bud before it got out of hand.

"Miss Granger," Harry said in his best teacher voice. "Since you have second period free, I want to see you in my office behind the DADA classroom. Mr. Weasley, you can pick her up in time for third period."

Everyone at the table looked startled. Hermione nearly squeaked in fright until she realized that it was Harry who was talking to her. She peered over at him. He gave her a slight smile, but the smile never reached his eyes and she realized that point that she was dealing with Professor Potter, not her best friend, the man she loved like a brother. Meekly, she nodded at him.

When Ginny tugged at his shoulder, he turned to look at her. "What are you doing?" She sent him.

Harry had taken over her Legilimency lessons when Dumbledore had finally stopped them and they had been using that method to talk to each other more and more often. It still required eye-to-eye contact for most things, however.

"I have to nip this in the bud Gin, before she does something stupid," he sent back.

"Are you sure? Why does it have to be you? Can't she and Ron work this out?" She asked pointedly.

"Maybe, but there isn't time and I'm the only one that knows what she's feeling," he replied. "I'm just going to show her what she's doing to herself and Ron by feeling this way, love. If I don't, she's going to lose all confidence in herself."

Ginny smiled and reached up to caress his cheek before turning back to her breakfast. Harry looked back at the table and noticed Dumbledore watching him over his half moon glasses.

"Legilimency is quite useful at times, is it not Professor Potter?" He asked, his eyes twinkling knowingly. "I've noticed that Miss Weasley has become quite skilled at it."

Harry smiled. "Yes Headmaster, she has. But she also recognizes its inherent dangers. For myself, I believe that, while it's not a Dark Art, its possibilities for abuse place it in a gray area. I dislike most of its uses."

"As well you should, Professor. Although, I will say that the use you've put it to is rather original. Most people prefer to wait for a soul bonding before achieving that level of communication. Be that as it may, I do have two things I would like to discuss with you. Firstly, I would like to meet with you in the entrance hall after you are done with Miss Granger. You and I have an appointment with Hagrid."

Harry smiled. "I would be honored to join you for that meeting, Headmaster. And the other issue you wanted to discuss?"

"Your clue about dual allegiances, Harry. Were you referring, perhaps, to Remus Lupin?" Asked Dumbledore smugly. He was sure he had him now!

Harry smirked back at his Headmaster. "Actually no, Headmaster. You made one mistake when you sent Hogwarts House Elves to help out at Grimmauld Place. You forgot that I own it. While that didn't bother most of the Elves, Dobby has been there 'helping' many times. And Dobby's allegiance is well known.

"And speaking of Grimmauld," Harry continued with a frown. "I suppose I should just give the place to Remus, once I meet with Voldemort. He's going to need a place to raise his family. Merlin knows I don't need it.

"However, back to the topic at hand. I must say, Headmaster, the first year students will probably enjoy your company for the next week. If you bring them some lemon drops, I'm sure they'll welcome you to the table," he concluded, smiling at Dumbledore.

Dumbledore's only reply was a pained expression.

"No offense Headmaster, but I think it would do you good to get closer to the students. Most of them look at you in awe, and a little fear. I understand your duties prevent you from teaching like you'd like to, but eating with them is an equally effective way of getting to know them," Harry said softly, without any hint of apology or reproach in his tone.

"Yes Professor, I have come to a similar conclusion myself only recently. My office is somewhat rarified and daunting. Perhaps I shall encourage the other faculty to do the same," Dumbledore replied thoughtfully.


Harry and Hermione…

One of the things Harry never expected as a teacher was the amount of paperwork he had to deal with. Writing up lesson plans and grading homework and tests was tedious at best, boring at worst. Standing in front of the students, teaching them, now that was where the real reward was!

Harry looked up from the desk he shared with Severus and Jack when Hermione knocked at the door and slipped into the room. He motioned her to the chair in front of the desk.

Hermione sat down and looked at Harry curiously. She was a little worried. His attitude that morning had been cold, and it wasn't something she was used to in her dealings with him.

"Tell me Hermione, do you blame me because your parents are now living in hiding?" he asked in an even tone.

"Of course not, Harry! I'd never blame…"

"Do you blame me because I led you and four others to the Department of Mysteries and ended up getting you severely injured and my godfather killed?" he asked her pointedly.

"No, I…"

"Do you blame me for letting you get paralyzed by the Basilisk in our second year? Do you blame me for the hundreds of muggles that have been kissed by Dementors in the last year? Or the dozens of students who have become orphans?"

"No…"

"THEN WHY ARE YOU BLAMING YOURSELF FOR SOMETHING A DEATH EATER DID?" he shouted at her, standing up.

Hermione reeled in her chair. His last comment was like a physical blow to her.

Walking around his desk, he knelt by her chair and grabbed one of her hands. "'Mione, I know exactly what you're feeling, and I know where it will take you. You look outside on a sunny day and it might as well be midnight. Everything seems drab and dark. This guilt will tear away at your soul until it hollows you out and leaves you empty. It will tear you apart, hurting Ron and everyone else who loves you in the process.

"Sooner or later, you'll figure life is too hard to live. That's why you have to stop it now, today. You have a man who loves you with all his heart. He hasn't forgiven you, because he knows there's nothing to forgive. You weren't in control of your actions that day. You didn't hurt Ron. Krum did.

"You don't want to walk down this path, Hermione. I've been down it and I'm telling you, if you continue, it will destroy everything and everyone you love," he concluded softly.

Hermione looked away, staring at the floor. She bit her bottom lip, trying to stop its trembling. "I know I wasn't in control Harry, but I can't help feeling responsible for it," she whispered, trying to hold back her tears.

"'Mione, look at me," he urged. "Can you shake off an Imperious curse?"

She shook her head. "N-N-No, but you can."

Harry blinked in surprise. "Just because I can do something doesn't mean you can, or should, Hermione. Be honest with me please. Does it bother you that I have abilities and power greater than yours?" he asked her, wondering what her answer would be.

When she nodded again, refusing to look at him, he leaned back on his heels and released her hand. "Don't be envious, 'Mione. My life hasn't been a picnic and it's probably going to end next month! Merlin, I thought you were smarter than this!" he said angrily, getting to his feet. Hermione looked up at him, shocked.

"I can't believe this! 'Mione, there are only a handful of people capable of shaking off that curse, all extremely powerful wizards and witches. Your strength isn't your power; it's your mind! Yeah, I can fight it off. Yeah, I've got a lot more power than you. Big bloody deal! I'd trade it all, in an instant, for the chance at a normal, full life.

"Don't compare yourself to me, 'Mione. You can't and you really should be grateful for that. What you need to worry about right now is yourself and your man. He's hurting because he thinks he failed to protect you. And you're so busy wallowing in guilt you never even noticed it!" he stated emphatically.

Harry moved to his desk and sat down. He took off his glasses and wiped his face tiredly with one hand before putting them back on. "Ron needs you and you need him. Let him help you. Talk to him, cry on his shoulder, or just hold him and let him talk to you. If you shut out the ones who love you, it kills you inside. I know what it's like."

Hermione's expression ran a gamut of emotions before she broke down, crying in her chair. Harry opened a drawer and extracted a box of tissues, which he slid across the desk to her. Through her tears, she smiled gratefully at him and pulled the box closer. After a few minutes, she regained her composure and dried her tears.

"Ron will be here in a little while," Harry said quietly. "Why don't you wait for him? I have a few more papers to finish grading, and then I have to go meet Dumbledore. You can use the office to talk, if you want." he offered.

When Harry went back to grading, Hermione watched him for a moment, her mind whirling with everything he had said.

Ron's hurting because he failed to protect me? That bloody loveable fool, she thought angrily. If he hadn't used his ring, he'd be dead and I'd be before Voldemort now. How can he be so stupid!

Then it dawned on her. Both she and Ron were hurting over this incident, for different reasons perhaps, but they were both hurting nonetheless.

She decided that today, even if it meant skipping a class, she and Ron where going to find time to talk. And what of Harry? She wondered. Does he really expect to die in a months' time? She watched him and, as much as he claimed to hate grading papers, he seemed to enjoy doing it anyway.

Then Hermione noticed his hand was trembling as he reached for another parchment. The color seemed to drain from his face. He froze for a moment, and then fumbled in one of the desk drawers. Reaching in, he pulled out a small pot, which Hermione recognized as his salve. He scooped out a large dollop and rubbed it into his scar.

It took a moment for the additional salve to take effect. Once it had, he closed his eyes in relief and sagged backwards in his chair.

Hermione got up and walked over to him. "Harry," she asked, placing a hand on his shoulder. "Are you alright?"

He opened up his eyes and looked up at her. "I'm fine. I think Voldemort is playing at the moment. Normally it doesn't bother me, but this time it's burning right through the salve."

"We're here for you, Harry. Never forget that," she said sympathetically.

"I know, 'Mione. But in the end it will still be just him and me, alone. Listen, Ron should be here soon. I need to meet with Dumbledore. We're going to talk to Hagrid today," he replied.

She nodded and watched him with a worried expression as he left the office.
Hagrid Goes to School…

Harry met up with Dumbledore in the Entrance Hall. Dumbledore's eyebrows rose in question when he noticed the large amount of salve on Harry's scar.

"Problems, Harry?" he asked, the concern evident in his voice.

"Voldemort's up to something, Headmaster. Something big, I think. This is the first time since the summer that he's taken a personal hand in it. And whatever he's doing, he's enjoying it greatly," he replied.

"In that case, I suggest we cancel our meeting with Hagrid so I can go alert the Order. We must find out what he's doing," said Dumbledore gravely.

"Headmaster, give me the paperwork and I'll go talk to Hagrid. I think I could use the distraction anyway. Since I have some free time, I may even take him to Ollivanders."

"Would you like me to make a portkey for you?" asked Dumbledore.

Harry looked at him sheepishly and Dumbledore laughed.

"So, you've learned how to create them yourself. Am I correct?" asked Dumbledore.

Harry nodded. "Yes, Headmaster. I had the book and Hermione made the first successful one, but I don't have any problems with them now."

Dumbledore shook his head and smiled while handing Harry a sheaf of parchments. "Very well, Harry. Give my regards to Hagrid."

"I will, Headmaster."

Harry turned and left the castle, heading for the main gates. Hagrid's hut was outside the castle walls and that was something Harry was going to have to fix.

He smiled as he passed students returning from their Care of Magical Creatures class.

Hagrid met Harry at the door to his hut. "Harry! How are yeh?" asked the half giant.

"I'm fine Hagrid," he replied with a grin. "The Headmaster was going to come with me, but he's been detained on Order business. So I'll handle this myself."

"Handle what, Harry?"

Harry rummaged through the sheaf of papers that Dumbledore had given him before finding the correct ones. He handed the first parchment to Hagrid.

"This is an official revocation of your expulsion, Hagrid. It's been signed by the Headmaster, endorsed by the Board of Governors and approved by the Ministry. It's an official acknowledgement that you were not involved in the opening of the Chamber Secrets all those years ago."

Hagrid sat heavily in his chair, causing many of the items on his shelves to rattle. His hands trembled as he read the paper.

"Now Hagrid, before I give you the next two parchments, I want a promise from you," Harry began. "As you are aware, we're expecting the castle to be attacked soon. For that reason, I want you to move inside the castle for the month, starting April first."

"Bu' Harry, this 'ere is my home," he protested.

"I know Hagrid and it still will be. I just want to make sure you're safe. You won't be if you're outside the walls," Harry replied.

Hagrid looked at Harry, seeing the concern written on his face.

"It's only for a month Hagrid," Harry said gently.

Hagrid finally relented, nodding in agreement to the request. Harry smiled. Knowing Hagrid would be on the inside of the walls once the battle started was a relief.

"Alright then, the next two items," he said handing them over to Hagrid. "One is a pledge from the teachers to tutor you up to at least OWL proficiency. The second is a letter from the Headmaster, co-signed by the Minister of Magic, telling Ollivander that it's all right to sell you a new wand. If you'd like, I'd be honored to take you to Diagon Alley today to make that purchase," he offered.

This was the moment Harry was dreading. Hagrid's eyes filled with tears and, with two massive hands, he pulled Harry into an embrace that had him seeing spots from lack of oxygen.

"Me own wand? I kin 'ave me own wand?" the big man blubbered.

Harry tried to reply but, since Hagrid hadn't released him, he was more concerned with breathing than talking. A moment later Hagrid released him so he could blow his nose. Harry staggered back and gulped in air.

Gasping, Harry looked at his friend and tried to smile. "Yes Hagrid, we're going to get you a wand at Ollivander's. Since your old wand was broken when you were unfairly expelled, it's only right that it be replaced, now that the Ministry acknowledges it made a mistake. Besides, wouldn't it be better to have a whole wand, rather than broken pieces hidden in an umbrella?" he asked, grinning slyly.

Hagrid looked shocked, then sheepish as he realized that everyone probably knew about his umbrella.

Harry looked around and found a small piece of firewood. He grabbed the wood and murmured "Portus" over the piece, then looked at Hagrid. "Ready to go get your wand?" he asked with a silly grin. This was something Harry was going to enjoy, taking Hagrid to Diagon Alley, like Hagrid once took him.

"Ready? I bin ready for nearly forty years!" replied Hagrid.


Hermione and Ron…

Ron opened the door to the office Harry shared with Professors Snape and Parsons and poked his head inside.

"'Mione?" he called softly. Harry might have developed a good relationship with Snape, but Ron was still suffering from five years of Snape intimidation. A pair of hands grabbed Ron by his head and pulled him inside, then pushed him up against the door forcing it shut.

Ron leaned back against the wood in surprise, his arms hanging limply at his sides. Hermione had him pinned with one hand, shaking a finger under his nose with the other.

"Ronald Bilius Weasley! How stupid can you be? You saved both of us by using your ring that day. Oh, you stupid man. You bloody idiot. If it weren't for your actions, you would be dead and I would have ended up in front of Voldemort!"

With that last statement, her anger collapsed and she leaned against him, her head on his shoulders. "You saved us, Ron," she whispered before pulling him down for a kiss.

Once they came up for air, Ron asked, "So, what did Harry want?"

"He had a lot of things to say to me. I didn't like hearing some of what he said, but I know it was necessary, Ron," she said in a soft trembling voice.

"He didn't make you cry, did he?" asked Ron outraged.

Hermione nodded.

"I'LL KILL THAT BLOODY WANKER!" Ron shouted.

Hermione grabbed him by both shoulders and shook him. "You will do no such thing, Ronald! He said exactly what needed to be said. He made me see what I doing to myself, and us. Yes I cried, not because he insulted me, but because he made me see how I was hurting myself and you!

"Oh Ron, I'm sorry I wasn't there to help you. I was so busy wallowing in my own guilt that I never thought of what you must be feeling," she said in a low voice.

Ron, his anger forgotten, leaned against her. "I'm sorry I didn't stop him, 'Mione. I'm so sorry…"

She stopped his speech by kissing him again.

"We need to move beyond this, Ron," she said a few moments later. "We can't change what happened, but in the end, you saved both of us."


Diagon Alley…

Harry and Hagrid landed in front of Gringots. Diagon Alley was crowded, but there were plenty of Aurors and Auror trainees present. It had become one of the Ministry's training areas for Aurors. Given the security that Diagon Alley was seeing these days, people were more willing to come out and shop.

It was only a short walk from Gringots to Ollivander's, but it was more than long enough for people to recognize Harry. Coupled with Hagrid, a half-breed, the whispering was running rampant.

"Does this happen to yeh of'en, Harry?" asked Hagrid.

"You have no idea Hagrid, no idea. When this is all done, I'm probably going to turn into a hermit just to avoid this," replied Harry looking very annoyed.

Hagrid placed a large, meaty hand on Harry's shoulders and nodded in understanding as they entered Ollivander's.

Like his last visit, the shop hadn't changed much. The many floor to ceiling shelves were filled with small rectangular boxes. Mr. Ollivander came bustling out of a back room and shuffled towards them.

"Mr. Potter and Hagrid! My word! I never expected to see you in here at this time of year, Hagrid." Turning to Harry, he asked, "So Mr. Potter, is there something wrong with your wand? A chip, or crack perhaps?"

"Ah, no Mr. Ollivander. I'm not your customer today. Hagrid, show Mr. Ollivander the note please," Harry replied with a small smile.

Ollivander took the note, put on a pair of reading glasses and moved closer to the window where the lighting was better. His lips moved as he read.

"My word! In all my years, I never would have thought to see such a thing," he exclaimed. Turning, he peered at the large man. "So Hagrid, a new wand! Yes. Yes. I think you will be almost as difficult to place as our young Mr. Potter here. But no matter, I do love a challenge. Hmmm, if I remember rightly, you had a wand with a unicorn hair core. Wonderful wand, marvelous for charm work! Such a shame to see it broken. No matter, let's start by trying unicorn hair cores again."

Ollivander went and pulled down several boxes and laid them out on the counter. Hagrid took a wand that Ollivander offered him. He looked like he was holding a twig, as the wand was barely nine inches long. He gave it a wave, causing the door to the back room to blow off its hinges.

"No, not that one," Ollivander said, taking the wand back from Hagrid. They continued testing a variety of wands, wreaking all sorts of havoc in the shop.

"Mr. Ollivander, do you perhaps have something bigger for Hagrid? Most of those wands look like toothpicks in his hand," asked Harry, ducking as several wand boxes flew off the shelf to his right.

Ollivander looked thoughtful for a moment, then his eyes lit up. "Yes! Perhaps it might work. I was only planning on using it for our new sign, but…yes, it might work at that."

Ollivander shuffled off to the back room, stepping carefully over the door on the floor. In a moment he returned with a wand nearly three feet in length.

"I made this wand to hang under our new shop sign, but it's a perfectly real wand. Made of Willow, with a Unicorn stallion hair core. This just might do the trick," he exclaimed. He handed the large wand to Hagrid who immediately smiled at the comfortable feel of the larger wand as it glowed softly in his hand. Giving it a wave, it left a trail of sparkles in its wake.

"YES!" cried Ollivander. "The wand chooses. It knows every time!"

When Ollivander put the wand to the side on the counter, Hagrid started to fumble with his money pouch until Harry stopped him by placing a hand on his arm. The half giant looked curiously at Harry.

"I'll cover it, Hagrid. Besides, we're not quite done here." Turning back to Ollivander, he said, "Now for the real challenge, Mr. Ollivander. Hagrid will need a wrist holster and, given his size, it will need to be custom made. It should be summon proof, as well. Can you handle that?" he asked politely.

Ollivander nodded and took some measurements of Hagrid's wand arm. "Yes, we can do this. It will take a few weeks to have it made. I'll send it to you via owl when it's finished, shall I?"

"That would be great, Mr. Ollivander," replied Harry. "Charge all of this to my Gringots account, if you please."

"Bu' Harry, I kin…" protested Hagrid.

"I know Hagrid, but I insist. You bought Hedwig for me. I can never repay you for that, or the friendship you offered the scared young boy I was back then. Please, let me do this for you," he said quietly.

Hagrid pulled out a large handkerchief and blew his nose noisily. Stuffing it back into his pocket, he reached out and slapped Harry on the back gently, sending the young man staggering forward. "Alrigh' Harry," he said simply.

The two spent a few more minutes conversing with Mr. Ollivander before returning to Hogwarts.


Hogwarts Staff Meeting, later that evening…

Harry took his place in the back of the room. He never felt comfortable attending these meetings, but he was slowly getting used the idea. Things had gotten a little frosty between him and his teachers after he dropped his three remaining classes, but that was changing for the better again. Serena however, was still a bit put out with him. He kicked himself mentally and reminded himself to speak with her soon.

Seeing Dumbledore come in, most of the other teachers took their seats. No one was sure why this meeting had been called. Usually they met once per month, but this meeting was something special.

Harry was shocked to see how haggard and worn the man had become. When had this happened?

The Headmaster looked around to make sure everyone was paying attention before he began to speak.

"Early this morning, Voldemort and his forces destroyed the Durmstrang Institute," Dumbledore began, his voice heavy. "The staff and students were all killed and the castle was razed to the ground.

"Next week, a delegation from Beauxbatons, and a group from the Board of Governors of Durmstrang will be visiting Hogwarts to determine what shall be done with those students who were slated to begin attending Durmstrang this coming fall.

"The Durmstrang Board is unsure whether or not the castle will be rebuilt. In my opinion, it is quite likely that Durmstrang, as a school, will cease to exist.

"Our own Board of Governors will be here as well, to help with the process. They may or may not decide to drop in on some classes to see how well we are teaching our students," Dumbledore concluded.

"Albus, Durmstrang students here? Durmstrang is known for teaching followers of the Dark Arts," breathed McGonagall.

"I don't think that will be a problem, Minerva. If nothing else, think of it as a challenge turning these new students away from that path," he replied.

"Excuse me sir…" started Harry.

"Harry, in these meetings, we are all friends and equals. Albus will do just fine," Dumbledore said tiredly.

When Harry hesitated, the other teachers smiled. Most of them were Hogwarts graduates and had gone through the school with Dumbledore as Headmaster. They knew how strange it was to make the transition.

"Alright then Albus, how long with the Durmstrang people be here? I'm not casting suspicion on anyone, but for the sake of our own security, I think I'll want to stand down the Brigade while they are here," Harry said as Jack and Severus nodded in agreement.

"They will arrive on Monday and should depart either Friday evening or Saturday morning, Harry," replied Dumbledore.

"Thank you, Albus. I'll pass the word along to the Brigade. Everyone will enjoy some time off, I think."

"I hope so. I just pray they don't have another party. Last time, I found a whole squad trying to run races in the corridor, while wearing lampshades. I still say they got the fire whiskey from the Weasley twins," Jack said with a chuckle.

"That's nothing! Ten times that night I was awoken by the alarms going off as some boy tried to sneak into a girl's dorm," exclaimed McGonagall.

"I think you need to lighten up a bit, Minerva," Jack said. "I think we all need to remember what's coming, and the fact that some of these kids may not make it. We're asking students, some of them still kids, to do the work of adults. I'd say at this point anyone sixth year and up should be granted a little more leeway in what they're doing."

"I never thought I would say this, but I have to agree with Professor Parsons," Poppy said with a scowl. "The number of girls who have come to me asking to learn a contraceptive charm has tripled over past years. And for every one girl who asks, there are probably twenty others who are too embarrassed to do so."

Harry remained silent. He and Ginny were sharing a bed at least four nights a week, although they rarely made love. It wasn't that they didn't want to. They did, but both felt slightly guilty over the pleasures they were indulging in when others couldn't. Harry was certain that Dumbledore, and perhaps McGonagall, knew of Ginny's sleeping arrangements and had opted to say nothing. But they tried very hard to be discrete about it.

Dumbledore nodded. "I think that both Minerva and Jack have valid points. Let us allow the sixth and seventh years a little more freedom for now. We can reevaluate that situation at the end of April, if need be.

"The important thing is, we will have visitors in and around the castle come next Monday, and some of them may drop in to your classes. They will be observing only, but please grant them every courtesy if they do visit your class," Dumbledore said, looking at each teacher in turn.

The meeting broke up shortly after. Harry stood and stepped over to Serena, asking if he might have a word with her before she left. Severus stood nearby watching the two curiously.

"Professor, about my dropping potions. I know your upset, but please don't be. It wasn't any reflection on you or your teaching. I did it so I would have more time to prepare," Harry said, the plea evident in his voice.

Serena sighed and looked at Harry intently. "I know, Harry. It was just that you were showing so much promise in the class. It's not often that a teacher has a student who's earning an outstanding grade, then suddenly drops the class," she said.

"I promise I'll either retake the course over the summer or repeat it next year, Professor. I didn't drop it to insult you, and I value the support you and your husband have shown me over the past two years. I'd hate to think dropping your class would hurt that," he replied quietly, his gaze skimming over the obviously eavesdropping Severus.

Serena reflected on her behavior towards Harry since he had dropped the class. She had been somewhat cold and, how did the British put it? Stroppy, Shirty. Oh hell, she had been bitchy towards him. Damn the British for ruining the English Language, she thought.

"I'm sorry about the way I've treated you since you dropped the class, Harry. It was wrong of me. I should've realized why you were doing it," she offered.

Harry smiled at her, accepting her apology. He bid them both a good evening. Returning to the common room, he informed the Brigade that, come Monday, they would have a week off.


The Library, two nights later…

Frank Littleton was a sixth year student. For months now, his friends have been trying to get him to see the error of his ways. They often met in secret, in little used places in the castle, to talk. He didn't mind, it was fun sneaking around and, to be quite honest, some of what his friends had been telling him made sense to him.

Tonight was an accident. He was working on a potions essay when he saw some of his friends accost a second year student. Catherine Marigold was a half blood. Her father was a muggle. Her mother was a witch and a prominent Wizarding healer at St. Mungos.

He peer out from behind the shelve to watch, but one of his friends spotted him.

"Frankie!" hissed one boy, grinning. "Come play!"

There were eight of them, six boys and two girls, and they had Catherine surrounded. She was being pushed back and forth between them as she wept. Frank walked around the shelve to join them. One of the boys grabbed the girl and tore at her clothing, opening her blouse and causing her skirt to tear away.

"Come on Frankie, feel up the baby half blood! We'll use a memory charm on her when you're done so no one will know!" said one of the girls with a giggle.

Two boys grabbed Catherine and pinned her by her arms. Frank had to admit, she was pretty, if not well developed yet. He stepped closer to the girl and she kicked him solidly in the thigh. She had aimed for his groin but missed by a few inches.

Frank winced in pain, his face contorted in anger. He grabbed her by the throat with one hand and roughly pawed between her legs with the other.

"Go Frankie!" hooted one of the girls.

Frank staggered back from Catherine suddenly. His Phoenix ring burned white hot on his finger. He screamed as the finger vaporized and the ring dropped to the floor.

As Frank bent over, trying not to vomit, a wave of magic rushed through the room with an eerie, howling noise. Bypassing the other students, the power, seeming to have a sentience of its own, surrounded Frank, bathing him in a sickly green light.

The light seemed to flow through the boy, almost as if being absorbed. When the glow subsided, he straightened, and then stiffened. As pain exploded throughout his body, he tipped his head back to scream but, rather than sound, light erupted from his mouth and his body nearly bent itself backwards as his magic was ripped from his essence.

When it was over, he fell to the floor, limply. Looking up, his gaze followed that of the other students. Floating above them was a red orb. Within the orb were flickers of black, almost like lightning.

As the other students cringed back, the orb exploded with a tremendous force, sending those standing flying away from the epicenter of the explosion and knocking them unconscious.


The Common Room…

"Professor Harry, show me that movement for Protego again. Please, please, please," asked Erika Lupin.

Harry smiled and showed her. Although a first year, and too young to be learning combat magic, Harry decided to teach the first years some of the basics of dueling, especially shielding.

Suddenly his ring throbbed painfully and grew hot around his finger. The castle trembled slightly. He looked over at Ginny with concern. She was unconsciously rubbing her hand, as if her ring was bothering her. So was Ron. Hermione paled and gasped, turning an appealing face to Harry.

"Harry," said Blaise, coming up from behind him. "What's going on with the rings?"

"Blaise, call out everyone. Search the castle. I'll explain later," he said grimly.

Blaise nodded and went to round up people. Harry turned to Hermione. "I know it's your curse that went into effect, but it's not your fault. Someone violated his or her blood oath," he told her gently.

"You two better head up to bed," he said, turning back to the Lupin twins. "It's getting late."

Eric looked like he wanted to stay, but Erika simply nodded and headed for her dorm stairway.

Roughly thirty minutes later, Blaise came back into the Common Room, looking grim. Harry turned from his friends and waited for Blaise to report.

"The library, Harry. I can't explain, you'll have to see it." Blaise said softly. At Harry's nod, Blaise spun and led him, Ron, Hermione and Ginny from the common room.

Minutes later, they entered the library and skidded to a stop, in shock. The section of the library where Frank Littleton lay with his friends was a total wreck. Books were torn and strewn all over. Several tables had been reduced to splintered wrecks and more than one shelf had toppled over. On the floor lay ten people. One with only nine fingers, one girl, who's clothing had been torn from her body, and eight others. Five of them were on the list of names Wan had provided Blaise.

Harry looked at the unconscious people and immediately bound all but Catherine with Incarcerous spells.

"Blaise, summon Madam Pomfrey and the Headmaster," Harry said. Then he peeled off his shirt and covered the unconscious second year with it. "Ron, collect the wands," he said, straightening up.

Harry stared down at Frank Littleton, Phoenix Brigade member and oath breaker, and his anger swelled along with his magic. His body exploded in a glowing nimbus of energy and the room groaned in response. His hands trembled with the power surging through him. He quickly spun away from the sight and walked to a window a few feet away and looked towards the Quidditch pitch, trying to calm himself.

Ron, Ginny and Hermione shared a look and, with a nod of understanding, Ginny left them and joined Harry.

Madam Pomfrey and Dumbledore arrived a few moments later. Dumbledore looked startled seeing Harry, his eyes fixed on a in the distance and Ginny whispering to him.

Madam Pomfrey rushed over to check the unconscious students. Dumbledore started towards Harry, but Ron stopped him with a wave of his hand. Dumbledore looked at Ron curiously.

"I wouldn't sir," he said softly. "He's in a right angry state at the moment. We apparently caught not only the people on our list, but a few others as well, including one Brigade member."

"I see, and how did they become unconscious?" asked Dumbledore.

"It was Mr. Littleton, Headmaster," began Hermione. "He violated his blood oath. That rendered him and everyone near him unconscious."

Dumbledore's eyes widened. "And what did the blood oath do to him, Miss Granger?"

"It collapsed his magical core, Sir. He's no more than a squib now," she replied in a hard tone. "We all took that oath at the start of the year. The oath he swore was to never go against the light."

Dumbledore sat down heavily on an unbroken chair. "A squib? You took away his magic?"

"No sir, I didn't take away his magic. He did that to himself," replied Hermione with conviction. "Everyone taking that oath knew the consequences of violating it."

Dumbledore squeezed the bridge of his nose for a long moment, his eyes closed. "Can it be restored?" he asked finally.

"No," Hermione replied simply, her voice tinged with steel.

"Headmaster, the first draft of that oath would have killed someone violating it. We choose the second version because it left them alive," Ron said softly. "Alive and in no position to aid our enemy or hurt another of our world. He can still live a long life as a squib or a muggle."

Dumbledore nodded in acceptance. He didn't like it, but there was little he could do. An oath was binding and it was an oath that had been broken.

Hermione turned to assist Madam Pomfrey in moving Catherine to a conjured stretcher. Several other teachers had arrived and were helping as well.

Dumbledore looked at Harry and Ginny. She was still talking to him, and he had finally turned away from the window to look at her. His glow hadn't diminished much and Dumbledore could see that his hands still trembling.

Dumbledore stood up and approached them.

"… I don't know Gin. I used to think I couldn't get angry, or at least stay angry. But I'm not so sure any more. I was enraged after the attack on Ron and Hermione. And now," Harry sighed heavily and rested his head atop hers, "When I came in here and saw what happened, I wanted to lash out, I wanted treat them like I would any other Death Eater. The only thing that stopped me from doing so was the fact that they were unconscious and what they'd done wasn't as bad as what a Death Eater would have done… It shames me and scares me more than I want to admit," he concluded quietly.

"Love, you're not like them. Look at yourself. You got angry, but instead of doing something to them, you walked away until you could control it. You didn't let your anger get the best of you this time. And there have been plenty of other times in the past when you didn't let your anger get control," Ginny replied. "You're too good for that, love."

Dumbledore stepped up and placed a hand on Harry's shoulder, causing him to look up. "It's called righteous anger, Harry. I know you've heard the term before. Anger is a powerful emotion, and even when you responded to the attacks on Miss Granger and Mr. Weasley, you did so in a controlled manner.

"There is nothing wrong with allowing yourself to get angry. In fact, you need to allow it. You cannot bottle up your emotions like that without harming yourself. Controlling your anger, recognizing the danger of giving in to it, that has been a key lesson you have both learned in the last two years."

Harry looked over at the bound figures, his magic still blazing. "Albus, about those 'students'," he started, saying the word sarcastically. "We need to get them out of the school. Now that they've been revealed, they aren't safe from the other students. Or me…" he said, trailing off to a whisper.

Dumbledore nodded. "Yes, I suspect you are correct. I will deal with them," he said, turning to walk back to where the other students still lay on the floor.

Harry looked down at the woman in his arms. The look she returned was full of confidence, understanding and support. "Where would I be without you?" he asked her quietly.


Somewhere in England, location unknown…

Destroying Durmstrang had been fun, but it wasn't satisfying, the Dark Lord thought to himself. It had been a nice spot of revenge against one of his people. And while certainly necessary as an example to the others, it wasn't the source of his anger.

"POTTER," he snarled. Yes, it was that brat's fault! He hid in Hogwarts with that other muggle lover and only came out to ruin his plans before retreating to his hidey-hole. It was Potter who had destroyed his home! Something must be done, he thought.

"Wormtail," he snapped, "I want you to arrange something for me."


Hogwarts, on the Battlements…

It was the sound of the explosions that first attracted Dumbledore to the battlements that now surrounded the castle. They came in intervals, roughly thirty seconds apart. Every so often there would be a burst of explosions four to five seconds apart. Between the explosions the sound of laughter could be heard.

Dumbledore walked up the stairway to the source of the laughter. On top of the battlements, he found the Weasley twins and Jack Parsons. Jack had what appeared to be a cross between a crossbow and stovepipe. He watched as Jack fiddled with the bottom of the device, and then placed it against his shoulder. He took aim and there was a small puff of smoke. Two hundred yards away from the battlements, there was an explosion.

The twins burst out laughing again and Jack snickered. Dumbledore coughed politely and the three men turned to look at him.

"Might I enquire as to what is so funny?" asked Dumbledore mildly.

Jack reluctantly handed the weapon back to Fred. "Good evening, Headmaster. I was just helping our resident geniuses here test one of their newest toys. It's similar to the old M-79 Grenade launcher used by the US forces in Southeast Asia back in the late 60's." Seeing Dumbledore's confused looked, he amended, "It's a way of launching the Weasley Grenade further. Nothing our Grenadier squads can use, but I can use the launcher."

Dumbledore nodded. "But I still fail to see the humor. The device does appear to be useful, and the noise is most intimidating…" He trailed off.

Jack shook his head. "It's those two, Headmaster," he said, pointing at the twins. "Apparently they've been experimenting with a magical version of the muggle laughing gas and their one test canister leaked."

The two Weasley twins grabbed each other and started howling with laughter.

Dumbledore looked at the two men with an amused twinkle in his eye. "Yes, I do recall that several of their pranks backfired on them in the past. It's nice to see that some things have not changed." Turning back to Jack he continued. "So I understand that, with this device, you'll be able to join in the fight?"

Jack nodded. "If you'll let me, of course. I don't have your advantages, but I do have the experience many are sorely lacking."

"We would be honored to have your help, Mr. Parsons." With another amused look at the twins, he bid them all goodnight.


First Year DADA Class, mid March…

The delegates from the two other school boards had arrived and, as predicted, were snooping around the castle. The first two days of meetings had been productive. Today everyone was taking a break, walking about the castle and relaxing.

Amelia Bones, in her role as Vice-Chairwoman of the Hogwarts Board of Governors, wanted to look in on some of the classes. She and Kingsley Shacklebolt were being shown around by Minerva McGonagall.

The three entered the Defense Against the Dark Arts Class for first year students. Severus was in the office that day, so Harry was running the class.

Instead of the normal class, all of the desks were pushed over to the side of the room and everyone was sitting on rugs Harry had conjured. Harry noted the arrivals and waved them forward.

"Class, we have some visitors today," started Harry. "I'd like you all to meet our Minister of Magic, Amelia Bones, and the Director of Magical Law Enforcement, Kingsley Shacklebolt. Someday, some of you may end up working for Mr. Shacklebolt."

The three moved to the front of the class where Harry was standing.

"I must say Professor Potter, you certainly do things differently. Rugs instead of desks?" asked McGonagall.

"We only do this occasionally, Professor. It makes them comfortable and allows them to move easier." Harry whipped out his wand and fired a stinging hex at Angelo Assanti.

The small boy cried, "Protego!" and the hex splashed harmlessly against the shield.

All three visitors shot Harry looks of amazement as the class, in one voice, cried, "CONSTANT VIGILIANCE!" and broke into a fit of giggles. All three of the visitors, having dealt with Mad-Eye Moody one time or another, laughed out loud.

"I know they aren't supposed to know shielding yet, but I've been moving them beyond what's normal for a first year to know, considering our circumstances," Harry murmured to the three of them. McGonagall looked skeptical, but both Amelia and Kingsley nodded in approval.

"Let me show you some of what they've been taught so far," Harry said before turning back to the students. "Class, what are the three rules of action for a first year student?"

"Run if you see a Death Eater! Find help!" said the whole class.

"And if you can't run?" asked Harry.

"Hide and wait for help to find you," replied the class.

"And if you can't hide?" asked Harry again.

"Evade and escape," they replied.

Amelia looked at Harry, curious about the last answer. Harry grinned at her, then turned back to the students. "Erika Lupin, show the Minister how we evade and escape."

Erika bounced up from her rug and pulled out her wand. "Fomeus maximus," she cried, pointing her wand at herself. Suddenly, dense clouds of smoke started pouring off her, obscuring everyone. Kingsley barked in gruff laughter as he spotted her crawling under the smoke, using a camouflage charm.

Harry banished the smoke and thanked Erika for her help in the demonstration for the Minister and Mr. Shacklebolt.

"We don't teach the first year students to fight here, although every one of them has been taught proper aiming techniques," he started to tell Amelia.

He jumped suddenly and spun to look at his class. Eric Lupin had hit him with a stinging hex. As one, the class yelled at him, "CONSTANT VIGILIANCE!" Then they broke up into another fit of giggles. It was a rare day when they managed to catch Professor Harry unaware.

"Alright, I want you all to read chapter twelve in your textbooks and prepare a one foot essay on the use of household charms to distract your opponent. Class dismissed," Harry said with a grin.

Watching the class warily as they filed out, he continued with his explanation. "Most of what they learn is still the basics that we all learned. But I try build upon that, using some simple charms and some basic shields. Every one of them can cast a Protego, and as much as I hate to say it, that may someday safe a life."

"And you think it's all right for a student to hit a Professor with stinging hex during class, Professor?" asked McGonagall.

"For your class? Of course not, Professor McGonagall. But these kids have permission to take shots at me when the rugs are out. They also know I'll be doing the same to them. It's a matter of learning to anticipate and to expect the unexpected."

Shacklebolt nodded approvingly. "Actually Minerva, it's not a bad technique. Did you see that little kid cast the shield? Merlin, I couldn't shield at his age! They've learned a few extra spells and have been taught to run from a fight. That's the proper thing to do for an eleven year old," he said.

"I must say Harry, I am quite impressed, not only with what your class has learned, but in your ability to teach them. Now, I don't mean to be a prying old bitty, but tell me what you know about this Slytherin, Zabini. The one my niece is so interested in?" said Amelia, her tone turning hard.

Harry looked at McGonagall, who could only shrug in reply. Even Shacklebolt looked uncomfortable at this sudden turn.

He heaved a sigh and ran a hand through his hair. "Madam Minister, Blaise is not a Slytherin. He's a student and the head of the Brigade Security. I would trust him with my life. I have, as a matter of fact. He's smart, he's dedicated. He comes across as sour and stiff, but he's really a caring individual if you spend the time needed to get to know him. He doesn't trust easily, but once you've earned it, he'll cover your back, no matter what the odds.

"He's as far from being like Susan as fire is to ice. But that's the attraction for them. He treats her with the utmost respect and love. I have no doubt in my mind that he loves her and she loves him."

Amelia stared long and hard at Harry before nodding. "If he's good enough for you Harry, then he's alright in my book," she said, then led Shacklebolt and McGonagall from the room.


Girls Dorm, after curfew…

Ginny was passing Hermione's bed when a hand snaked out from behind the curtain and pulled her in. For a moment Ginny couldn't see but, gradually, in the darkness, she could make out the older girl's form.

"Just what do you think you're doing, Ginny?" hissed Hermione. "I've seen you sneak out of here for the past two weeks and you've not been casting the contraceptive charm. Now spill it, witch!"

Ginny's eyes grew wet with unshed tears. "Y-Y-You're not going to tell anyone, are you 'Mione?"

"That will depend on the reason Ginny. Are you trying to get yourself preg…?" Hermione trailed off as she realized what Ginny was doing. "Oh Ginny, I'm sorry," she said quietly.

"It doesn't matter. Harry knew what I was trying to do. He told me he wouldn't allow me to dishonor myself like that. I begged him and he refused. Somehow he can detect the presence of the charm," she whispered back, her emotions barely held in check.

Hermione sat back on her bed, leaning up against the pillows. No, he wouldn't allow her to end up in that position, she thought. Ginny wants a child, just in case, and he turned her down. Would Ron do the same for me? Probably.

Harry loved Ginny deeply. But he also knew an unwed, pregnant witch was subject to scorn and ridicule from the rest of the Wizarding world.

"Ginny, you need to understand. He's not denying you because he doesn't love you. He knows what you'd go through if he didn't survive and you were pregnant. More importantly Ginny, it's probably shaken his confidence a little that you'd even ask it of him. He needs to know that you're certain he'll win. You want something from Harry? Make him believe with all his heart that, once this fight is over, he'll have a lifetime with you."

"I'm trying 'Mione, but I get so scared at times. Merlin's beard! I wish we didn't know when this bloody fight was! That's what's making me crazy," Ginny said.

"Me too," confided the older witch. "And I have to admit, I've thought about 'forgetting' the contraceptive charm myself a few times."

"You know," said Ginny softly, "there's only one real solution to this."

Hermione peered at the other girl in the gloom of the curtained off bed.

"Get all of us through this fight, then convince our parents we're not too young to get married," Ginny said with a steely tone.

Hermione shuddered. She didn't know which scared her more, fighting Voldemort or being within five hundred miles of a fight between Molly and Ginevra Weasley.


Meanwhile outside of the Room of Requirement…

Harry had just finished a late night training session. He only trained a few nights a week. Normally, he merged his training as much as he could with the Brigade's. But with the Brigade on stand down while the school delegates were here, he felt a little extra training wouldn't hurt. Tonight's had been especially brutal. Dumbledore was controlling multiple combat simulations and, just to add fun to the mix, Jack Parsons was standing behind Dumbledore, lighting off Weasley Wizarding Wheezes firecrackers to, as Jack put it, "Simulate the confusion of war."

Harry was tired and his ears were still ringing from a couple close explosive hexes. Consequently, he didn't hear the sound of footsteps following him as he walked along the seventh floor corridor.

He saw a motion out of the corner of his eye and, instinctively, he ducked. The blow would have landed with killing force but, by ducking, the morningstar struck a glancing blow. Harry crumpled to the floor, his head bleeding heavily.

The assailant stepped over the limp body, leaned down and placed a finger along the unconscious form's neck. Finding a strong pulse, she straightened up and was preparing to deliver a killing blow to the head when she paused. There was a sound behind her, like nails scratching on stone.

She whirled to face the new opponent.

In terms of natural chemical weapons, the Northern American Spotted Skunk, sometimes mistakenly classed as a Civet Cat, has one of the most potent chemical weapons of all the weasel families. The small animal facing the assailant simply turned around, raised her tail, and let loose.

The assailant screamed as the chemical cloud hit her eyes. More painful than muggle mace or pepper spray, the assailant staggered backwards as the skunk transformed itself back into the form of Susan Bones.

"INCARCEROUS," Susan yelled, effectively binding the assailant.

The assailant, still shrieking from the chemical assault to her eyes, tripped over Harry and fell to the floor. The sounds drew the attention of one of the nightly Brigade patrols.

Susan looked at the couple down near the end of the corridor. "Get Blaise and the others! MOVE and get Madam Pomfrey," she shouted as she bent over Harry. "Hang on Harry, help is coming."

Turning to the screaming assailant she cast a silencing charm on her.


The Seventh Year Dorms…

Ron was having a wonderful dream! There he was, famous Quidditch player, with Hermione, wearing a little see through number, hanging on his arm. Every so often, she'd jump up and down, causing some wonderful parts of her anatomy to jiggle enticingly, driving him wild. Then she started tugging on his shirt. The tug became more insistent as he slowly woke up. Finally, he couldn't take it anymore.

"'Mione! Bloody hell, you're insatiable! We'll shag later. I'm about to get the award," he murmured.

It was the snickers that brought him fully awake as he realized he had said that out loud. Opening his eyes, he was just in time to see Neville roll off his own bed, laughing. Blaise, who was standing over him, was trying very hard not to laugh.

"Oy Ron, come on and get up. We've got a problem on the seventh floor. I'm not sure what the problem is yet. Susan was there and, before they could see what was happening, she told them to get help," Blaise said.

"Where's Harry?" asked Ron, now starting to worry.

"I don't know. I sent someone to check on Ginny, hoping that he's with her," Blaise replied tensely.

Ron quickly threw on a pair of pants and a t-shirt, then he slipped his feet into some slippers before following Blaise from the room. Down in the common room, they met up with Hermione and Ginny. It only took one glance for all of them to notice the absence of Harry. With Blaise leading the way, they bolted from the room.


The Seventh Floor Corridor…

Blaise led the group up towards the Room of Requirement. When they turned the corridor, they could see Susan at the far end, making motions with her wand. A strange, pungent smell wafted up the corridor to assail their senses. Closing with Susan, Ginny recognized Harry, lying motionless on the floor.

With a startled cry, she rushed forward, the others hot on her heels. Harry lay in a slowly expanding pool of blood. Looking him over, it seemed as though a piece of his scalp had nearly been torn from his head.

"He's got a good pulse, Ginny. It was a glancing blow. Somehow, Harry sensed it coming and ducked at the last minute," Susan said quietly.

"Blaise, we're going to need the Headmaster and some Aurors," started Hermione, but a voice interrupted her.

"I am here, Miss Granger, and Madam Pomfrey will be here in a moment," Dumbledore stated. "How is Harry?" he asked.

"Unconscious, Sir," replied Susan. "I was following one of the Durmstrang delegates when she pulled a weapon from one of the suits of armor. She snuck up on Harry and hit him from behind."

Susan was interrupted as Madam Pomfrey arrived and started to work on Harry. Dumbledore watched her for a moment as she ran diagnostic spells and healed the scalp wound. She sealed up the wound, stopping the blood loss, and then conjured a stretcher to carry him on.

Dumbledore turned back to Susan knowing that Madam Pomfrey would see to Harry's needs. "Continue your story, Miss Bones," he said gently.

"Well Sir, once she hit Harry, I incapacitated her, then bound her up," Susan replied. Dumbledore felt she was deliberately leaving something out.

"Tell me Miss Bones, just how did you incapacitate the assailant?" Dumbledore asked, his eyes twinkling merrily.

Susan blushed prettily and looked at her feet. Then she squared her shoulders and looked Dumbledore firmly in the eye. "My animagus form is a skunk, Sir."

Dumbledore's lips twitched like he wanted to smile, but he managed to contain it. "Yes, that explains the lingering odor I smell. A most potent weapon, Susan." Placing a hand on the girl's shoulder, the turned to Madam Pomfrey. "How is he, Poppy?"

"He's got a concussion, Headmaster, but he'll survive. The blow wasn't dead on. He'll need to spend a day or two in hospital, but he'll be fine," she replied wearily.

"Thank you, Poppy."

He watched a moment longer as Madam Pomfrey levitated the stretcher and moved it down the corridor, heading to the infirmary, followed by several others. Then he turned back to Susan. "Miss Bones, I know that you probably aren't that pleased with your animagus form, but there are advantages to every form, if you just look for them. Tonight, you saved Mr. Potter's life. You did very well, very well indeed." Turning to Blaise, he said, "Mr. Zabini, if you would bring our assailant to my office, we shall contact the authorities."

Blaise nodded and signaled two of his security people to levitate the assassin.


Hogwarts Infirmary…

Harry blinked his eyes a few times and his vision finally cleared somewhat, but things were fuzzier than normal. It took a moment for the headache to register. When it did, it was enough to make him moan in pain. He closed his eyes again.

"Harry," said a voice he knew very well.

"Ginny?"

"Yes, love. Now that you're awake, we can give you something for the pain. Don't try to sit up. You have a concussion. I'm going to put a straw in your mouth. Remember to drink all of it."

If it were possible for his face to screw up in more pain, then the taste of the potion would have done it. Normally, he gulped potions to avoid tasting them, but it wasn't possible to gulp using a straw. Finishing the potion, he started to reach for his glasses but Ginny stopped him.

"Gin?"

"You don't need your glasses for a while. Your vision's going to be a little extra blurry, and the glasses would only contribute to the headache."

"What happened? Last thing I remember was leaving the Room of Requirement a few minutes after Jack and the Headmaster."

"You were attacked from behind. I don't know the details, but Susan Bones was following one of the Durmstrang Delegates and saw her attack you."

Harry reached up to caress Ginny's cheek. From her tone, he could tell she was upset. Unfortunately, without his glasses, he ended up bumping her nose, causing her to blink in surprise before she realized what he was trying to do.

"Is everyone else alright, Gin?"

"Yes, we're all fine. You were the only one attacked."

"Awake are we?" asked Madam Pomfrey in her usual gruff tone.

Harry instinctively turned towards the sound of her voice and lifted himself on his elbows. The room spun wildly and he fought the urge to throw up the potion. Two sets of hands pushed him back onto the bed.

"I told you not to try sitting up, Harry," Ginny said with a note of authority in her voice.

Harry's face was pale as he waited for the vertigo to settle down. Closing his eyes, he didn't notice Madam Pomfrey running a few diagnostic spells on him.

"Mr. Potter, I'm not going to bother trying to send Miss Weasley to her dorm. Since she's had the medical training, she'll take care of you this evening. I expect we'll be able to release you some time tomorrow. Meanwhile, she has a potion, which you are to take every four hours. You should find the dizziness gone by morning," Madam Pomfrey said.

Ginny shot Madam Pomfrey a grateful look. Afraid to even nod, Harry murmured his thanks as he drifted off to sleep.


Headmaster's office…

Dumbledore sat behind his desk as Kingsley Shacklebolt and two Aurors listened once more to Susan's tale. The would-be assassin had already been transported to a Ministry holding cell. There, it was discovered that the Durmstrang Delegate was really a man, using a Polyjuice potion.

"As I understand it, Headmaster," said Kingsley, "Madam Armata was supposed to be part of the delegation, but has, according to the Norwegian Ministry of Magic, gone missing. We have alerted the other Ministries and are looking for her, but I believe it's probably safe to say she was killed so the assassin could take her place.

"Now, as to the assassin, he's a hit wizard for hire out of Germany. His name is Guntvig Hoosbrau. He's been implicated in over thirty assassinations. He does not carry the Dark Mark, however. Personally, I think this may be a direct attack on Mr. Potter in response to Mr. Potter's attack on Voldemort earlier this month," Kingsley concluded.

Dumbledore nodded. "I suspected that might be the case, Kingsley. Fortunately, Miss Bones was able to thwart it." Looking at Susan for a moment, he continued. "I would appreciate it if you were to keep her animagus abilities out of the official record for now. I expect she will register her form in a month or two."

Kingsley frowned and looked at Susan, who nodded eagerly. He shrugged and smiled at her. "I'm sure we can manage something. But I'd suggest she register with me, tonight, and I will conveniently forget to file the paperwork properly. This way, if it comes out during the trial, it can be blamed on a Ministry paperwork muck up."

Dumbledore nodded and handed Susan the paperwork to fill out.


Hogwarts Infirmary, late night…

Ginny shook Harry's shoulder. It was time for him to take another dose of the potion.

He stirred. "You know Mrs. Potter, sometimes you can be bloody annoying," he mumbled, half asleep. He then turned away from her and tried to go back to sleep.

Ginny nearly dropped the potion bottle in shock. "Harry, what did you just call me?" She could barely describe the thrill of excitement that coursed through her.

"Huh? What?"

"Harry," she said, shaking him harder. "What did you call me?"

Harry blinked and tried to clear the fog of sleep from his brain. "I'm sorry Gin, what's that?"

"What. Did. You. Call. Me." she ground the words out. She wanted to scream in frustration.

He blinked again and looked at her fuzzy outline in the dim torchlight. "I'm not sure," he replied hesitantly.

"You called me Mrs. Potter!" she exclaimed softly.

"Oh." Harry looked sheepish. "I'm sorry, I didn't mean to upset…"

She stopped him by putting a finger on his lips. "You didn't upset me. It's just the first time you've even talked about me being Mrs. Potter. We've never even discussed the wedding, except to say that it will happen someday," she said softly.

"It's going to happen, Gin," he murmured. "I promise you that. And it will be as grand or as simple as you want. And all the Weasley family will be there, along with our friends. I'm afraid I'll be the only Potter present, though."

She grinned and placed the straw in his mouth for his potion dose. She knew he couldn't see well, but she'd fix that in a moment.

He drank the potion, trying not to gag at the taste. The headache and concussion induced sleepiness was already lessening. When he was done, he felt her move from the chair and lift his blanket. He moved over on the bed and she climbed in with him.

He smiled as her face swam into focus. He could see objects up close, it was distance where his problem lay. She lay on her side, one hand draped across his stomach. She propped her head up on her hand and looked at him.

"So, what do you envision our wedding to be like?" she asked gently.

"I'm not sure, Gin. I've only been to one wizard wedding and I don't know what options we have. To be honest, I sort of expected you tell me what you wanted in that regard. The only thing I do know is that I'm not allowing your parents to pay for it. This is our wedding and I won't burden them with the cost of it," he replied.

"Well, don't think I'm going to let you get away with calling me Mrs. Potter until we're married," she said teasingly, smiling at him.

Harry looked sheepishly at her. "N-N-No, I won't," he stammered.

"Good, but I have to admit, it's such a lovely name," she said before pulling him into an embrace.

She held him close and felt him relax against her. When his breathing evened out, she knew he'd fallen asleep once again. "Mrs. Potter," she murmured quietly. Yes, I do like the sound of that name, she thought.


The Common Room, the next evening…

Hermione sat on a couch, working on homework with Ron when she heard a noise. She looked up, startled to see all of the first year students standing around her. In front of the group were Dobby, Eric and Erika Lupin. The two metamorphs had made great strides in controlling their abilities, but still hadn't mastered that strange link between them. As a result, Eric, who was currently trying to give himself ears like Dobby, was also doing the same to his sister, much to her displeasure.

Erika stepped forward. "Is it true that Professor Harry is coming back tonight?" she asked. Since their adoption by the Lupins, they had settled down into two of the finest first year students Hogwarts had seen in a long time.

"Yes Erika, Harry will be released from hospital tonight," replied Hermione with a smile. She knew that the first years loved Harry. He was their friend, as well as their favorite Professor.

"Then we need to give him a party like he did for us," proclaimed Eric. Then he blushed for being so forward. His shyness was slowly falling away, but occasionally it still manifested itself.

Dobby stared at Hermione, his tennis ball size eyes wide and nodded solemnly.

Hermione looked at Ron and grinned. He shrugged and grinned back. A party would do much to relieve tension.

Suddenly her eye's narrowed. In the back of the first year crowd was a pair of red heads. "Fred, George! Stand up," she said with some asperity.

The two twins got up off their knees and looked at her sheepishly.

"Aw Come on Hermy…" started Fred.

"…a party is just what…" continued George.

"…all of us need," finished Fred.

Her eyes narrowed further at the use of the hated nickname the twins had given her. Ron was openly laughing now. "Oh, very well. But! Fred, George, I better not find a single drop of Fire Whiskey!" she stated emphatically.

The first years cheered, while the twins nodded. They'd find a way to sneak in some fire whiskey without Hermione knowing about it. Dobby returned to the kitchens to organize the food for the party.

An hour later, when Harry and Ginny entered the Common Room, Harry was surprised to find the entire student body lined up behind the first years. Everyone had black, unruly hair in honor of Harry's return.

An hour later, the staff started entering the common room. In a normal year, the teachers would have never joined a student held party. But this year was far from normal. And it was, after all, a party.


Author's Notes:

We didn't have Harry use a fake spell because (a) we didn't think of it and (b) no one knew Voldemort would spend the time needed to catch Harry during the few brief minutes when he would be without any salve on.

Actually there will be a resolution to the lemon drop issue. Be patient, grasshoppers.

To tell the truth, I cried when I wrote the section about Hedwig also. And to answer another question, no these chapters haven't been prewritten. They are being posted here on fan fic dot net as soon as we complete them.

Molly isn't totally clueless as to what's going on. She's just resigned to the fact that her babies are growing up faster than she would like.

Harry's reaction to killing Death Eaters? Simple. Harry is a warrior on the side of the light. If you are a good guy, he'll be upset about your passing. If you're a bad guy, you get what you deserve. But this chapter more clearly illustrates what he feels when you get to those people that fit into a gray area between the light and the dark.

Some chapters come very easy and are written in a day or two. Others, like this one, take as much as four to five days to write. Each chapter is roughly thirty pages long in MS Word, using a Times New Roman, 12 point font. I write most of the chapter, with my wife adding a few scenes for some specific characters. Then she (my wife) reads the chapter, corrects grammar, punctuation and any other obvious mistakes and adds additional content and fleshes out scenes to make them better.

Harry did not use his phoenix form to move Hermione because her clothing was too ruined to allow for it. Imagine, he gets twenty feet in the air and she slips out of her ragged clothing? OOPS! Grin

Harry didn't get a power up in the infirmary. He did however get a new ability. It will be needed next chapter.

How many nukes do I have? Sorry, that's a state secret. More than enough to invade Canada.

It's looking like the story's almost done. If we're correct, and none of the characters start screaming at us for more page time, there are two chapters left, the final battle and the epilogue.

And no matter what my wife thinks, book-Snape is NOT Alan Rickman! (Wife: "Mmmmm…Alan Rickman!") So all those people out there writing Hermione/Severus shippers… ugh!

Ok onto the pet peeves.

Author's Peeves:

ORPHANS! I HATE, NO I LOATHE UNFINISHED STORIES! I can't tell you how many times I have read a story complete to the end only to find it wasn't completed! GRRRRRRRRRRRRRRR!

There are several great stories out there that haven't seen a new chapter in months! MONTHS! Look folks, if you're taking your story to a new location, indicate that in your profile and delete the damn story from the system!