Disclaimer: J.K. Rowling, Warner Brothers and its various publishers own Harry Potter. No money is being made and no copyright infringement is intended.
A/N: Notes to reviewers are at the end of the chapter. Thanks for taking the time to read and review. I enjoy reading them!
As a big distraction from writing, a mother raccoon and her litter have settled in the crawlspace under our house. The little ones are cute, but the mother is wild and scary.
This Chapter has a Fluff Alert!
Chapter 22
Christmas at the Burrow
Down by the riverbank, a thick accumulation of freshly fallen snow coated the stark branches of a grove of trees. Further downstream, more snow lightened a stand of firs. Leaning over the railing on the bridge, Harry could hear the muted rush of running water under the icy covering of the river. Against the pink and blue of the early morning sky, he watched a flight of birds stretch their wings.
Tonks' voice broke the calm. "We should get moving. There's quite a ways to go," she said, stomping her booted feet to warm them.
"Stillit is quite a sight," Harry said, smiling at her.
"Never took you for the sunrise type, Harry," Tonks said. "Next it will be long walks on beaches and"
Silencing her with a glare that said, "Don't be ridiculous," Harry popped up the kickstand and threw his leg over the motorcycle. The loud roar of the engine blared out over the wintery scene. Zipping up his leather jacket, he invited Tonks to join him. He gestured with his hand and said, "Let's go then." She sat behind him on the wide seat and the two of them rode through the snow briefly before taking to the sky in a spray of fresh white powder.
In the days after the Diagon Alley attack, Harry had spent his time learning how to drive Sirius' flying motorcycle. The vehicle had all sorts of special charms on it to make it operate, but its most important function was to give Harry a chance for some fun. The werewolf wasn't really keen on flying so Tonks had been recruited to be Harry's tutor. She taught him basic bike safety and how to fly in inclement weather. She was the one who insisted on him wearing a leather jacket. "For protection," she said. Harry took to flying the motorcycle like he'd done it all of his life.
Two days before Christmas, they went their separate ways, Remus to Wolfhaven Inn and Harry to the Burrow. The time spent with his guardian at Order Headquarters had changed Harry's perspective on a few things, but he was looking forward to spending time with the Weasleys. Which brought Harry and Tonks to their early morning ride through the Devon countryside toward Ottery St. Catchpole. Before dawn, they took a Portkey away from Grimmauld Place, planning to ride the bike the rest of the way.
Arriving at the front door of the Burrow, they were freezing cold. Harry recast the warming charms on them both as Tonks danced around to try to warm up. She knocked and called out for someone to let them in.
"All right, all right. Keep your knickers on," called an unfamiliar voice. The door opened to reveal Charlie Weasley. "Hello Harry. Who's your friend?" he asked, giving Tonks an admiring look.
Harry introduced them quickly, looking anxiously over Charlie's shoulder into the kitchen. Tonks changed her looks to shoulder length soft brown hair and clear blue eyes and gave Charlie a quick hug. "Nymphadora! I should have known," he said enthusiastically.
At Harry's surprised look, Tonks said, "We went to school together although I was a Ravenclaw." She gave Charlie a superior look.
Harry looked her up and down. "I'm sorry to stare. Iit's just. Is this what you really look like? I mean yournatural appearance."
"Oh, no. I really look like this." She changed herself into a miniature troll with lots of warts on her nose, then changed back. "But the boys all like this look better so what can a girl do?"
Charlie laughed at her. "Same old Tonks. Quit trying to scare Potter. People inside are dying to see him. Go straight on through to the lounge." He stepped aside to let them in.
The Burrow's kitchen was just the same. Dishes were washing themselves in the sink. Knitting needles were hard at work. The clock hands were crowded around the lounge setting so Harry headed for the next room.
Ron and George were playing Exploding Snap by the fire. Ginny was sitting in a chair with her legs tucked under her, leaning over her sketchbook. Bill was stretched out on the sofa. A cheerful cry of greeting went up as Harry entered the room. Dropping his bag, he leaned against the back of a chair and smiled widely.
Smoothing her apron as she came down the stairs, Mrs. Weasley said cheerfully, "Hello, Harry. And Tonks, dear! Please sit down. Ginny, run get those biscuits you made, dear." Briefly smiling as she passed him, Ginny left the room.
Mrs. Weasley forced Harry into a cushy chair and thrust a mug of spiced cider into his hand. Tonks and Charlie settled near the fire and began to speak animatedly, but they were too far away for Harry to hear. Ginny came back with a plate of chocolate biscuits. Finally meeting his gaze, she arched an eyebrow and asked, "Care for something sweet, Harry?"
Fred appeared at his elbow. "Ahhhow can anyone say no to that?" he asked, grabbing a biscuit off the plate in Ginny's hand.
Holding a biscuit in his hand, Harry gave Fred's shirt a closer inspection. It was a brightly colored short sleeved shirt covered with enchanted palm trees waving in an imaginary breeze. Every so often a bikini clad beauty would run from one tree to the next as though she was trying not to be seen.
"Next time we'll hire a model who isn't so shy," Fred said in answer to Harry's stare. Pulling on the sleeve, he continued, "Available for three galleons. Great for your next vacation in Spain."
The game of Snap exploded with its usual smoky warning, showering Ron with ashes. His face slightly sooty, he moved over near Harry and took a biscuit.
Over Ron's head, Harry gave Ginny a questioning look. She answered with a shake of her head. Apparently these weren't made with the Cheering Charm recipe. Ginny moved toward Bill who was motioning to her to pass the plate around. Ron followed.
As she reached the sofa, Bill sat up and ruffled Ginny's hair. "You make the best biscuits, little one," he said, taking a handful. She didn't seem to mind Bill calling her little' although Harry suspected the twins wouldn't get away with it. He wished he could ruffle her hair.
George walked over wearing his green dragon's hide jacket. Without preamble, he pulled Harry out of his seat and over to the window. Once there he said, "Harry, my man, might I have a word?"
Shrugging and looking around him, Harry said, "Yes, George. You have my full attention." Fred appeared at his side again, making Harry worry for a moment that the twins had finally noticed he couldn't take his eyes off their sister. He soon found out they had other business on their mind.
"Ronniekins mentioned that you've been getting more female attention than you desire," George began.
Fred said, "In fact, Ron says you've been having to beat them off with a stick. Is this true?"
Exasperated at this subject, Harry said, "Of course it's not true. What're you on about, Ron?"
Chewing his biscuit, Ron piped up. "Susannah Martin, Hannah Abbott, all of the third year Gryffindor girls and that little tart from Slytherin who keeps her shirt unbuttoned." He looked to see Ginny's reaction, but she seemed unconcerned.
"We'll get right to the point," said George.
"Too late for that," muttered Harry.
Fred smiled, "We have a new product called Repel Gel. You comb it through your hair."
"And there are no side effects," George said.
"At least none that we've discovered yet," Fred added.
George nodded solemnly, "I know what you're thinking, Harry. You're wondering if it's anything like that Truth Taffy. But I'm sure you just got a bad batch."
Fred interrupted. "We've taken it off the market, pending further tests." Both twins nodded sincerely.
Harry looked at one and then the other incredulously. "So you want me to wear some gunk in my hair in the hopes that it will repel the opposite sexFrankly, I don't see the marketing possibilities here. And if I wanted to repel women, wouldn't it be easier to just borrow your jacket, George?" He smiled charmingly to take the sting away. His comment set off a wave of snickering throughout the room.
George feigned a pained expression. "That was cold, Harry. And I'm standing here trying to help you with your little problem."
"I don't see it as much of a problem, George, but thanks, I guess. I really have no interest in repelling women." Harry grinned.
"Good to know," said Fred.
"Final word?" asked George. As Harry nodded, George turned to his sister, "Ginny! Have I mentioned that you're my favorite sister? We have a new product."
"You want a taste of the bat bogey hex?" she asked.
"Point taken." He turned to Fred and said, "I think we have to admit defeat on this one."
Fred nodded solemnly. "Harry's right. Women Repellant would have a very limited market. I'm afraid it's back to the laboratory on our line of hair products."
Harry settled into a chair across from Ginny by the fire hoping for a quiet talk. Instead she asked, "When do I get to see this flying motorcycle you're so happy about?" She was loud enough to set off a rash of questions from the Weasley men. All of them wanted a turn as soon as possible. Throwing on scarves and coats, they headed outside.
Everyone took turns two at a time riding the motorbike through the huge fluffy snowdrifts around the Burrow. The motorcycle was good on any terrain and charmed for safety so it didn't matter much that the twins' delight in spraying snow at people with a sharp turn usually resulted in one or both of them flying off the bike. If it was a Muggle motorcycle, one of them would probably have been killed, but Sirius' bike was charmed for more than just flying.
Harry threw his head back laughing at their last crash. "That better not have hurt the bike," he shouted. Offering George his hand to pull him out of the snow, Harry said, "I think we've tested the Crash Cushion Charm feature quite enough for one dayMaybe it's just as well, I haven't shown you two how this thing flies."
"We haven't even seen it fly," said Ron pointedly.
"Would you like to take it up with me?" asked Harry, dusting the snow off the seat. "It's loads more comfortable than a broom."
Glancing at Ginny not too subtly, Ron said, "Ummaybe someone else should be first."
Without responding to his comment, Harry said, "C'mon, Ron." He thought maybe now would be a good time to tell Ron about Ginny without the twins and her grown up brothers around. They sped down the lane and took to the air with a blast of snow and a roar from the engine.
"There's something I've been wanting to tell you!" shouted Harry as they flew toward the meadow hidden by the apple orchard. It was difficult to be heard over the enchanted motorcycle.
Ron was confused. He thought Harry said, "Ears sing eyes smell you." He knew that couldn't be right so he shouted in reply, "Can't hear you, mate."
The only word Harry really caught was "mate" which he took to be a prompt for him to continue. "I think you should know that Ginny and I have started going out," said Harry loudly, then waited for the explosion.
Still unable to hear properly, Ron stopped trying. He reasoned that if Harry had anything important to say, he would tell him on the ground. So Ron just shouted, "This is bloody brilliant!" as the two of them turned around to fly back to the Burrow.
Thinking Ron had just said he thought it was brilliant that Ginny and he were dating, Harry relaxed. Weeks of worry melted away as he marveled at his friend's ability to understand and accept him. After a few more minutes in the air, they landed. Harry turned to Ron with a warm smile.
Ron jumped off the bike and shouted enthusiastically, "Thanks. This is turning out to be a great holiday." Grabbing Ginny's arm unceremoniously, he led her toward the bike and said, "It's her turn."
Harry turned the bike around and helped Ginny climb on behind him. To Ron he said, "Thanks, Ron. You'rejust thanks." Feeling exhilarated, he sped off with Ginny. The worst was over. If he had Ron's support, then he could win over the rest of the family. Ginny bit her lip to keep from squealing at his sudden acceleration of speed. She grabbed Harry tightly to keep from flying off the back of the bike as they suddenly took flight.
Ron watched the two of them take off looking like they were having a thrilling time. He shook his head as he turned to the twins and said, "Those twowe can all see how happy they are when they're together."
Fred threw his arm around Ron and said, "Couldn't agree more, Ronniekins. We have some ideas that might help."
"Some products that are new to the market," George said, sounding business like.
"One of a kind."
"Perfectly legal."
Realizing that the twins' ideas might be his best chance, Ron gave a determined nod.
Tonks left after lunch to go back to Grimmauld Place. In the afternoon, they played Quidditch. Charlie and Harry played opposing Seekers and they became very competitive chasing around after the Snitch. Harry had brought a real Snitch with him. He'd found it in his parent's vault. In the end Harry caught the Snitch and Charlie spent the evening good naturedly trying to convince everyone that Harry had somehow enchanted it. He demanded a rematch.
As Harry closed his eyes that night, he reflected on the day. Everything had gone well, although Harry never found a chance to talk to Ron or Ginny alone. The Weasley household was warm and fun. Like the beautiful layer of frosty, fluffy snow that covered the stream he'd watched in the morning, the time spent relaxing in this caring family made the world seem beautiful. But underneath, the water was still flowing; events were still rushing forward to an unknown conclusion. Tomorrow would be time enough to think about that. He fell into a dreamless sleep.
The following morning, Harry woke early and realized that he could go for a run now that he was at the Burrow. He dressed quietly and let himself outside wearing a Disillusionment Charm. The whole house was asleep and if anyone had made it through the wards to watch the house, they wouldn't see anything except the door opening and closing. He stuck to the bare spots on the road so there wouldn't be any snowy footprints. Moody's training had taught him to try to think of every possibility.
The air was clear and crisp as Harry ran along. Low clouds along the horizon looked gray and a fog rolled off a small stream as he ran over a stone bridge. The sky was just lightening. It was still too early for sunrise. He followed the road toward the sleepy village, his feet breaking through the ice on the top of a puddle every now and then with a mild splash.
He returned to the Burrow the same way he came. As he ran up the road toward the house, the sun rose bathing the higgledy-piggledy style house in a golden light. Harry stopped and stretched, admiring the view. The Burrow was more like a home than anything Harry had ever known. It was just the right size and filled with warm and caring people.
In some ways he was more prepared to face the fight against Voldemort than he was to face the Weasleys. He still had to figure out a way to tell the rest of them that Ginny and he were dating. Ron had seemed all right with it when he'd told him as they flew, but he never brought the subject up again for the rest of the day.
Harry hoped Ron's reluctance to talk to him about it was due to the owl he'd received from Hermione in the late afternoon. Ron seemed happy to hear from her, but he became really quiet after reading her letter. He refused to reveal what she'd said and seemed preoccupied the rest of the day. If Ron, who was one of his best friends, didn't want him at the Burrow after finding out, how would the rest of the Weasleys feel after they heard Harry and Ginny's news?
There was really only one way to find out. Harry finished stretching and moved toward the house. The moment he went back through the door, Mrs. Weasley welcomed him. That is, after she got over the shock of the door seeming to open and close by itself. She refused his offer to help with breakfast so Harry went upstairs to shower and change.
He stopped on the landing and looked at the lounge. A tree had been set up for them to decorate. The house seemed very quiet. The twins had gone back to their flat in London to sleep, but Charlie and Bill were bunking in Percy's old room.
None of them were awake yet so Harry was the first to shower. He didn't know if the hot water would last. The Dursleys always yelled at him for using too much hot water. So he hurried to clean himself and get dressed. As he stepped out of the steam, he went to the mirror and performed a shaving charm.
He was standing there, wrapped in only a towel when he heard a commotion in the hall and a squeal that could only be Ginny's. The door opened and slammed shut, but she still hadn't noticed him. She shut her eyes and leaned on the door. "I win, Bill!" she said, although she looked like she could fall asleep easily.
Bill pounded on the door. "Just let me in for a moment, Ginny. Please. I only need a minute, then you can have the first shower."
She relented and reached for the doorknob only to find that the door was locked. She rattled the knob gently and began, "Bill" before Harry silenced her.
She probably didn't need the silencing charm as she looked at Harry in his towel. Still wet from the shower, beads of water dripping from his hair and working their way down his bare chest, he folded his arms and grinned at her. Although still slim, training with Rhys had filled out his upper body muscles. She looked at him sleepily and smiled. Harry reached over the sink and pulled her close enough for a steamy kiss.
Bill was rattling the doorknob now, yelling, "Ginny? What's going on? Say something!"
Releasing her, Harry quickly grabbed his clothes. He removed the silencing charm and Apparated back to Ron's room. Thankfully Ron was still sleeping. Harry quickly finished dressing and walked downstairs.
Ginny was leaning on the wall outside of the bathroom. The door opened as Harry walked by. "Good morning, Ginny. Bill." he said, nodding to them on his way downstairs.
"Morning, Harry," said, Bill while Ginny just stared at him drowsily.
A short while later, as Ginny was heading down for breakfast, Ron pulled her into his room. He knew that she was probably still too sleepy for a real conversation, but he took a chance and said, "WaitI have something for you."
"I have something for you, too, Ron. Only I was going to put it downstairs under the Christmas tree." She smiled at him affectionately.
Ron reached in his pocket and pulled out some mistletoe. "Here it is. I had the twins personalize this for Harry. The rest is up to you."
Shocked, she said, "You did what?" Her tone of voice rose dangerously. She was awake now.
"WellI just thought it might be time to try something drastic. I mean, you might not want to hear this, but it's the truth. This mistletoe gag worked for Cho Chang last year." Ron nodded knowingly as he finished this statement.
"EwI did not need to know that. You mean Harry kissed Cho Chang under some mistletoe? Did he charm it to follow her around?" Ginny seemed a little upset.
Ron was at a loss, as always, when it came to an upset female. "Noit wasn't like that. I meanit was just the once, I'm pretty sure. He doesn't like her now. Of that I'm certain. In factI think you have a pretty good shot if you know what I mean."
She rounded on him angrily, "Ron, I always know what you mean. I justdidn't really think about Cho andmistletoe." She was trying to hide her anger. Thinking about that steamy kiss in the bathroom this morning with Harry all wet and half naked, then thinking about him kissing Cho Chang. She just didn't like the thought of it.
Knocking some of the leaves of the mistletoe as she threw it at Ron's mirror, she said, "I'm not in the kissing mood right now. But thanks for the thought, Ron." She stormed out of his room, past the twins standing in the hallway and down to breakfast.
"How did it go?" asked one of the twins. Ron couldn't tell which one.
"Terribly pear-shaped. I think she's actually gone mental. And she definitely seems over that old crush on Harry." Looking at the mistletoe laying next to Hermione's letter on his wardrobe, Ron was suddenly struck with a terrible thought. "Do you think all woman are essentially mental? Except Mum of courseIt would explain so much."
Breakfast was kind of quiet with everyone lost in their own thoughts and the twins kind of sleepy. Harry talked quietly with Mrs. Weasley and shot Ginny surreptitious looks which she studiously ignored.
Figuring that she was mad about the kiss, Harry was sorry that he'd done it. Of course she didn't want him to kiss her when he was half-naked and wet. It showed a lack of respect. She'd just looked so precious in her white nightie and blue dressing gown. He'd been swept away. Now he'd have to figure out a way to apologize to Ginny before announcing to the rest of her family that they were going out. Maybe they weren't anymore and he just didn't know it. Ginny still wouldn't look at him even though by now he was openly staring.
Harry didn't think he could count on Ron for support any more. Instead of his usual cheerful attitude, Ron came to breakfast and shot a worried glance at Ginny and then Harry. Since then, he was avoiding eye contact with everyone and eating his second helping of beans on toast. Harry interpreted Ron's behavior to mean that he didn't like the idea of them going out together. If only he could talk to Ginny alone.
The family moved to the lounge after breakfast. Some decorated the tree while others watched and gave advice. The tree filled up with ornaments and enchanted fairy lights. Soon there were so many presents underneath that they spilled all over the floor.
The twins' enchanted mistletoe, somewhat crushed, started following Harry pathetically around the room. Not amused since Ginny was obviously upset with him, he batted it away a few times, but it kept working its way back like a Mylar balloon. Finally he zapped it. Everyone stopped at the small explosion, but they politely went back to decorating without commenting on the cause.
They spent most of the afternoon outdoors, playing the grudge rematch Quidditch game. Despite their good intentions from the previous day, the game kept degenerating into a snow fight until all parties abandoned any pretense of playing an official game and just started throwing snow at each other.
Although they had no time alone, Harry managed to find a moment to whisper an apology to Ginny. She told him he didn't need to apologize for kissing her. She realized it was silly to be mad about a kiss that happened a year ago. Anyway, she couldn't stay mad at Harry after he stopped Charlie's enchanted snow dog from chasing her around the back garden. Charlie admitted defeat and asked if he and Bill could borrow the motorcycle to go into town.
When they left, Harry and Ginny ended up ganging up on Ron for a while, then the three of them went after the twins who had holed up in a tree near the frozen pond. Harry felt a sense of relief. The tension at breakfast seemed to have disappeared. Maybe Ron was warming to the idea of Harry being with Ginny.
Late in the afternoon, they sat around the Christmas tree, warming up and eating all sorts of goodies. The little house once again overflowed with laughter and good feelings. The Weasley family minus Percy was a tight knit group. Harry felt blessed that they had included him in their holiday.
An ordinary brown owl flew in carrying a newspaper. Odd since the wards prohibited any unknown owls. Bill put a coin in the pouch tied to its leg and unwrapped the thin newspaper that was attached. "It's a special edition of the Daily Prophet," he said, spreading it out on the coffee table.
Across the top a banner headline read, "The War Begins." Underneath it said, "Death Eaters attack in Ireland and Wales." There were photos of the Dark Mark in the sky over what looked like a bombed out houses.
"Are there any names?" Harry asked, his voice sounding fearful. His eyes met Ginny's.
She asked what they were all wondering. "Is it anyone we know?"
Bill remarked, "It doesn't seem to say. They must have wanted to get the word out as soon as possible -- alert people to the danger."
"Here it says, the names have been withheld until they can contact the relatives." Charlie looked at the cloudy sky out the window. No more owls were headed toward the Burrow. "It can't be Aunt Rosie or we would have further word." One of their favorite aunts had married an Irish wizard.
Arthur Weasley looked at the paper carefully, examining the photos. "They make no mention of the towns either. At least the Prophet sent out this edition. Better than waiting for tomorrow morning. By then there could be more attacksI don't think any of these could be Aunt Rosie's house or we'd see Toadstool Hill in the distance. You can see it from her back garden. She's probably fine."
The photos were evidence that other people were most definitely not fine. Voldemort had showed his hand, firing a warning shot to those who did not want to follow him.
"Maybe we should check the wards, Dad," Bill said. Mr. Weasley nodded and the two of them went to the door.
Harry followed. Putting on his cloak, he said quietly, "I'll help." He'd spent months working on wards, both on Hogwarts and the dragon enclosure.
If they were surprised by Harry's offer, they didn't show it. The three of them walked outside. Although no fresh snow had fallen, the gray sky looked threatening. They were all business as they checked the wards on the house and the outer perimeter. Harry was surprised at the number of wards that covered the small house. It was really a fortress.
"What happened last summer, Bill? How did those Death Eaters get past all of these defenses?" Harry asked.
"The Fidelius Charm failed. I mean the charm itself didn't fail. II just trusted the wrong person." He cleared his throat. "But it's fine now. Most of the wards worked which prevented those Death Eaters from hurting anyone but themselves. We recast the Fidelius Charm. I'm not the Secret Keeper any more. And we're being more careful this time."
"Who is the Secret Keeper?" Harry asked. Then he laughed and answered, "Ohit has to be Tonks. Or I would never have found the Burrow."
"That's right," Mr. Weasley said, curiously adding, "And she's been instructed to never put our address in writing."
The wards looked good. As they returned to the house, Mr. Weasley announced that he'd be in his study. Most everyone else settled into playing games and talking around the fire in the lounge. Mrs. Weasley went to work in the kitchen. After Fred and Ron whined about being hungry, Ginny left to get them a snack. Watching her retreating back, Harry suddenly jumped up and offered to help. He followed her into the kitchen.
"There's a plate of sandwiches for the boys if they're hungry, Ginny dear," Mrs. Weasley said. She had her face stuck in the pantry cupboard looking for a jar of treacle to make some tarts. Taking the plate of sandwiches from Ginny, Harry snuck a soft kiss before going back into the lounge. She smiled sweetly at him. He was relieved that she was over whatever had bothered her this morning.
Harry walked back in the lounge and set the plate on a table near the sofa. When he looked up, all of Ginny's brothers had their wands trained on him. Not sure why he was facing the business end of five Weasley wands, Harry said, "I surrender!" and put up his hands.
Her brothers all spoke at once. Harry could only make out a few of their comments, but he could tell they all centered on the theme of Harry and Ginny. Finally Bill said, "What's going on between you and our sister?"
Fred added, "Better come clean, Harry. Or the boy who lived is about to become the boy who lived without."
"Whwhat you mean?" Harry asked shakily. He was trying not to think about what Fred might have meant by that.
George looked from Harry's eyes to his forehead meaningfully a couple of times in rapid succession. Harry just looked back at him dumbly.
"Your hair, Harry," Ron said, nodding his head knowingly.
Pulling a piece of his hair into view, Harry said, "You turned my hair blue. Whywhy did you do that?" He was sputtering now.
"Correction — we didn't turn your hair blue," Fred began.
George continued, "But our dear sister is wearing a very special lip gloss, a Weasley Wheezes product."
"One you might remember from last summer," Fred said.
"Oh," said Harry. He remembered Ginny tripping over him as the twins chased her down the stairs after turning her hair blue. They'd kissed her cheek wearing a special lip gloss. So they must mean that she was wearing that same product today.
"Yes, Harry, oh," echoed Bill. "Now the question remains what are we going to do about it."
"Now that we know," said George.
"what we know," finished Fred.
"We'll want to know what your intentions are," said Bill.
"We know what boys your age think about," said Charlie smugly. Everyone at Hogwarts had heard stories about Bill and Charlie Weasley's exploits. Both of them were real ladies men. "And you're not allowed to think like that about Ginny."
"It's not what you're thinking" Harry began although he knew that is was a little bit like what they were thinking.
"It's not?" asked Bill, sounding surprised.
"Ginny and I are friends, really good friends and over time it turned into something more." He searched their faces for sympathy. Finding none, he stuck his chin out defiantly, "I'm going to go out with Ginny for as long as she wants me. You can't stop us. She has a right to make her own choices."
Turning to Ron with a worried expression, Harry said, "Ronyou're one of my best friends and I know you don't want Ginny dating, but"
Ron face was all red and contorted like he was going to explode. The twins shuffled their feet and looked at the floor, anywhere but at each other. Bill and Charlie were the only ones who looked composed.
Harry shouted at all of them, "Just do your worst. Hex me into tomorrow. Do what you have to do. It won't change how Ginny and I feel!"
The room was silent after these words. Then Ron dropped his wand on the couch. He burst out laughing and clapped Harry's back. The twins laughed, too, and started punching one of his arms. Charlie and Bill punched his other arm. They all put their wands away.
Ron drew back and punched Harry's arm like the others had done. "I've been trying to get you and Ginny together for months. You're such a stupid git sometimes, Harry."
"Ron told us his efforts were getting nowhere," said Fred.
"But Bill told us that he suspected you already had something going on with Ginny," said George.
"That's why we switched her lip gloss this morning. I'll tell youit wasn't an easy thing to do either. We had to get here at the crack of dawn."
"And wait until she took a shower. A very paranoid girlour Ginny," Fred finished fondly.
Charlie shook Harry's hand and said, "We hope we didn't scare you too badly."
"That was never our intention," said Bill.
Rubbing his arms where they'd all punched him, Harry felt relieved. "II don't know what to say except thanks. I've been trying to tell Ron about it. I guess you couldn't hear me yesterday on the motorcycle. Butit's great to know you guys are all right with it."
Harry grinned widely until George said solemnly, "Just don't let Mum know." Ginny and her mother walked through the door each carrying a tray. One with steaming mugs full of hot chocolate with marshmallows the other with a plate full of sandwiches.
"Let Mum know what?" Molly asked with an innocent smile. "Harry dear, how did your hair turn blue. You two aren't experimenting on him are you?" She looked at the twins exasperated.
"It wasn't us," said Fred hurt.
"It's our little Ginny whose been experimenting, I'd say," said George. His comment earned him a shower of throw pillows and a stern remonstrance from his mother.
Of course, neither of Ginny's parents objected to her dating Harry. Mrs. Weasley had suspected it would happen sooner or later since the two of them seemed to be close friends and Mr. Weasley suspected that her older brothers had already put Harry through enough.
Ginny hadn't taken too kindly to her brother's interference. She immediately paid Fred and George back by turning their hair blue and refusing to return the lip gloss. "I don't need a panel of big brothers to threaten my boyfriends. When you least expect itthere will be a payback."
Turning to George with fake tears, Fred said, "I've never been more proud of herAnd I suspect she stole the Repel Gel, too."
George fake cried, too and said, "It's like she's all grown up."
After dinner, they settled back around the fire in the lounge. It had begun to snow again and this time, the storm brought with it a driving wind. The sound of windows rattling and wind whistling, made everyone feel extra snug around the cozy family hearth. They settled in for a quiet Christmas Eve.
Ginny and Ron were sitting on the floor playing Wizard's Chess. She was trying to take his mind off Hermione. She'd finally made Ron tell her why the note was bothering him. Apparently, Hermione had mentioned that Viktor Krum had dropped by her house to wish her a Happy Christmas. Ron wasn't happy about it. He'd thought Krum was a thing of the past. Harry had tried to reassure him, but Ginny was doing a better job of distracting him.
Charlie's voice startled him. "I heard a rumor about you, Harry."
Embarrassed that he had jumped slightly, Harry said, "I hope it wasn't another crazy oneor one about me being crazy." He steeled himself to hear Charlie's concern.
"A new recruit for the dragon reserve in Romania said that he spent a couple of weeks working with a team of Dragon Masters at Hogwarts last month. He said that there was a student who had an amazing ability to bring the dragons under control. He said, this young man feared nothing from the dragons and could make them bow down before him. He said it was you."
Rolling his eyes, Harry said, "He was exaggerating. Believe me. I have a healthy fear of those dragons. Hagrid enlisted some of us to help the professionals. That's all. The dragon injured my arm on Halloween." Seeing Charlie wasn't convinced, he asked, "What's it like working with all those dragons? You must have more than two to look after."
Harry's question effectively changed the subject. Charlie held forth for quite a while about working with the dragons in Romania. He'd been studying there for several years now. Hundreds of dragons roamed free on the reserve, all breeds, including some Hebridean Black like the two that came to Hogwarts. The dragon handlers main job was to make sure the population wasn't suffering from any diseases. Each winter, they herded them together to ensure the dragons had enough to eat and get a rough estimate of how many dragons were there.
Charlie finished by saying, "Only this winter, we haven't rounded up as many as we have in the last five years. We think the younger ones have been dying off somehow. It's a mystery. By some estimates, over one hundred could be missing."
Listening to Charlie talk about hundreds of dragons, Harry tried to imagine how a hundred dragons in flight would look.
Noticing that Harry looked lost in thought, Charlie said, "But you can't get off that easywhat about that rumor? The fellow told me you give off a glow that mesmerizes the beasts. Hard to believe, but still, that's what the fellow said.
Disappointed that Charlie wasn't going to drop it, Harry sighed. "He must have meant this." He touched the gold wire around his neck and it appeared in his hand. He handed it to Charlie for closer inspection. "It's a torque. While it gives me some protection when it glows, I have to be as careful as the next person around dragons."
"I've never heard of anything like this," Charlie said. Bill joined them on the sofa for a closer look.
"Would it work for me?" Charlie asked hopefully.
Harry shook his head and smiled. "It came from the Potter vault and I suspect it only works for Potters," Harry said, thinking how sad it was that he was the only Potter left. He looked around at the Weasleys feeling lucky that they welcomed him so freely into their large family.
As though he understood what Harry was thinking, Bill asked quietly, "Did you have a chance to visit the vault yet?"
"Remus and I went last week. We had to get past a dragon to enter. It was interesting. Do you know how the charms on those old Gringotts vaults work? Is it a Blood Charm? Are you still a Charm Breaker?"
Bill laughed at the sudden barrage of questions. "I don't really work on the older vaults in London. The Potter vault probably does have some really old Blood Charm in place. One that no one remembers how to cast. When I worked in Egypt, I was a Curse Breaker, not a Charm Breaker. Now I work in New Accounts, setting up the security on newer vaults. It gives me plenty of time to work for the Order."
"But you know about Blood Charmswhat would it take to break something like that?" Harry asked.
"More blood of course. It's only logical." With that comment, Bill picked up his Transfiguration Today magazine and began to read.
Opening presents on Christmas morning was a noisy process. The twins had enchanted more mistletoe. This time it stayed directly over their own heads. Harry looked pointedly at Fred and then at the sprig floating over him, "Expecting company?" Harry noticed that it was Bill who looked at the door.
"You never know," Fred answered.
"Best be prepared," George added, his own sprig following him carefully around the room.
The Weasley family all opened their presents at the same time. Harry watched as Ginny opened his present to her, a glove and scarf set charmed for warmth against the winter cold. She smiled at him, remembering their walk back from Hogsmeade last week. "Thanks, Harry," she called brightly across the room.
"No problem," Harry said, vowing to get her to step outside when everyone was done opening presents.
Harry gave Ron and the twins, each their own yearly subscription to Quidditch Illustrated. And he also gave Ron some Honeydukes chocolate and some broomstick polish.
The twins gave Harry a sample kit of Wheezes and a rather doubtful looking box of taffy with a note that read, "Just in case you have an urge to exact revenge. These are from that same batch."
Ron gave him a Chudley Cannons poster and a big box of Chocolate Frogs.
Ginny's present was more personal. She gave him a photo album of him playing Quidditch, even one photo of his first year before Colin Creevey came to Hogwarts.
"Thanks, Gin. I guess it's a good thing you're friends with Colin," Harry said cheerfully.
Ron groaned and looked at the twins. They both shrugged.
Smiling at Ginny across the room, Harry was just trying to work out some way to speak to her alone. Although he hadn't managed it in two days, he had hope. He gathered his presents together to take them to Ron's room. Then he heard Mrs. Weasley call to Ginny asking for her help in the kitchen. Harry dropped his things and followed them.
"I know my way around the kitchen, Mrs. Weasley. Isn't there some way I can help?"
"No, Harry dear. You go along and have some fun. We have everything under control." Noticing his crestfallen expression, she stopped herself from saying, You're a guest.' She sighed and said, "Maybe you could just set the table."
Harry grinned at her and reached for the tableware. Ginny was smiling softly as she peeled potatoes. They worked in silence except for Mrs. Weasley's off key humming.
When they finished, Mrs. Weasley put all the vegetables in a large roasting pan that had a huge beef roast already cooking in it. She smiled warmly at them.
Just as Harry was going to suggest that Ginny and he step outside for a minute, a series of thumping noises from the next room suggested that someone had arrived by floo. Spinning toward the door, Ginny said, "That must be Hermione."
When they walked into the lounge, Fleur Delacour and Angelina Johnson had also arrived. Hermione and Ron were sitting very close to one another on the couch, not saying much. They had another gift exchange with Hermione. As they finished there was a knock on the door.
Bill opened it to find Percy on the other side. Percy looked nervously around the room before entering. They all sat back down quietly. Bill looked like he was about to say something when Mrs. Weasley came in from the kitchen.
"Percy!" she cried, throwing her arms around him. Everyone smiled. As far as most of them knew, Percy hadn't been speaking to his parents since their row the year before. But it was Christmas and time to welcome him back home.
After several minutes of his mother fussing over him, his father stepped up. He'd come into the lounge from his study when he heard the commotion. Percy stuck out his hand. Arthur used it to pull his son into a big warm hug. That was the Weasleys for you; they always opted for warmhearted.
Mrs. Weasley dried her eyes and said, "You're just in time for Christmas dinner, Percy dear. Everyone, let's tuck in." Dinner was a feast of roasted vegetables, roast beef and Yorkshire pudding followed by trifle, Christmas pudding and biscuits. They ate slowly, enjoying the good food and each other's company. It was late afternoon by the time they finished.
Harry couldn't believe how full he was at the end of the meal, but Mrs. Weasley's cooking was too good to pass up. "I'll have to run five extra miles tomorrow to wear this off," he said.
"You shouldn't be out running alone, Harry," said Bill.
Ron smiled and said, "Save the argument, Bill. I've been telling him that ever since the incident in Hogsmeade. He insists it clears his head."
"Are either of you offering to run with me?" asked Harry. No one answered his question. Harry shook his head at them. He was still trying to work out a way to be alone with Ginny.
Mrs. Weasley said, "Let's get comfortable in the other room, dears." Ginny and Harry moved to help her clear the table while the others moved toward the Christmas tree.
George shook his head dramatically. "He's already whipped."
Fred agreed and added in the same wistful tone, "And so young, too."
"We knew you were a goner when we sent that Valentine in your second year," George said.
"We were glad to help. That's our Ginny. Always gets her man." The two of them left the kitchen.
"I'm just glad for a moment alone with you," said Harry quietly, running a hand through his hair. If he helped Ginny with her chores, then she would be able to join the party sooner or maybe she'd step outside with him for a moment.
Mrs. Weasley came up behind him and fashioned a frilly apron around him. He raised his eyebrows in surprise, but didn't protest. "Thanks for all your help, Harry dear. You're really quite good in the kitchen, aren't you?" None of her boys knew anything about cooking.
Glad that life at the Dursleys had taught him something useful, Harry rolled up his sleeves and started to clear the food off plates. Mrs. Weasley had already set the washing spells so Ginny and he made quick work of helping.
When they reached the door of the lounge, loud voices could be heard. The first was Percy's. "What do you mean, they're going out? And none of you have a problem with that?"
Ron's voice sounded indignant. "Harry would never hurt her. Hehe'd fight for her if he had tothink of the Chamber. He barely knew her and he risked his life to save her from that diary."
Percy and Ron were standing in front of the fireplace, glaring at each other. Percy threw his head back to look down his nose at Ron. "I know you never listen to my advice, Ronald, but I've told you before. You should be more careful who your friends are." He lowered his voice. "The boy's just not stable. He's a loose canon, going off to fight Death Eaters, breaking into the Department of Mysteries. And you're just happy to follow him."
Seeing the stunned expression on Ron's face, Percy looked satisfied with himself. In slow deliberate tones, he said, "You all could have been killed. It's only the gracious intervention of Minister Fudge that kept you from being arrested for your foolishness."
At this Ron turned red in the face and said, "What would the charges have been? Saving Fudge's sorry arse from Death Eaters?"
Percy made a placating gesture with his hands and said, "Calm down, little brother. My only point is that Ginny shouldn't be involved with him. She could be killed. She'll definitely become a prime target. And even if she doesn't, it's only a matter of time before You Know Who gets to him. Then she'll be horribly upset because he's well, you know." He had a smug look on his face like he considered himself smarter than everyone in the room.
Arthur Weasley looked at his son sadly. "You don't know for a fact that anything will happen that way, Percy."
Bill shouted angrily, "And you shouldn't talk about things you know nothing about. Who got the Burrow attacked last summer? If we hadn't put up those wards for Harry's visit, Ginny, Ron and Hermione would probably have been kidnapped or killed."
He turned to everyone. "Percy's the one who gave away our secret. I wrote a note explaining that we'd performed the Fidelius Charm and I was the Secret Keeper. Even though he's lived here all of his life, he'd never have been able to come home if I hadn't. So I wrote out the location of the Burrow for him. He admitted to me after the attack that he never destroyed the note. What did you tell me, Perce? You put it in a folder stamped Secret' and oops left it out on your desk only to find it the folder empty after a long weekend."
"That wasn't smart, Percy," said Charlie.
Looking hurt, Percy said, "It was supposed to be charmed so no one could open it. How was I to know someone at the Ministry couldn't be trusted?"
"Do you realize how that sounds?" asked Bill. No one noticed that Ginny and Harry had been standing at the door holding hands, listening to their argument in stunned silence.
Percy stuck his nose in the air slightly and folded his arms in front of himself. "I don't care. The point is she has to be stopped. She shouldn't see him anymore. For her own safety and the safety of this family."
Ginny let out an exasperated growl. "What business is it of yours, Percy?" she shouted angrily. She stepped into the room with her hands on her hips. "Don't think I've forgotten all the horrible things you said and did to Harry last year. You tried to send him to prisonand for what? Because he defended himselfand saved his stupid cousin, too. You just want to bring him down so you can feel better about yourself. You're" she gave another low growl and left in a whirl of red hair.
Looking briefly at the stunned faces of all the Weasleys, Harry followed. He'd wanted to speak to her alone, but not like this. He didn't want to come between her and her family, even Percy. Wellmaybe Percy.
Hoping none of them would come with them, Harry found her quickly, just outside in the back garden. She was crying and stomping her foot at the same time. "Erhe makes me soangry. Why did he have to come back here? Just to say something so mean."
Harry put his arms around her. She turned so she was facing him and melted into his arms. Burrowing into his chest, she cried quietly while he stroked her hair and muttered soothingly. When the crying seemed to stop and he heard a little hiccup, he kissed the top of her head and said, "I've been wanting to be alone with you all day. This isn't quite how I pictured it." He gave a quiet laugh and conjured a tissue for her.
She looked up and smiled at him. Her eyes were puffy from crying. The sun was setting, making her hair an impossible array of reds. When she blew her nose on the tissue, Harry felt a tug on his heart.
"Maybe we should move away from the windows," said Ginny, looking toward the house.
As Harry followed her gaze, he saw several people moving away and closing the curtains quickly. "I see your point." He took her hand and they walked out under the winter twilight sky into the garden away from prying eyes.
"How can you be so calm? Don't you just want to strangle him?" she asked, making another soft hiccuping noise.
Harry laughed, "Percyand his bossthey aren't my biggest problem."
"So you're not angry." She sounded surprised.
Feeling a little surprised himself, Harry said, "I'm not angry with him. He didn't say anything that I haven't thought at some time or another."
"What about last year? He tried to send you to Azkaban." Ginny didn't think she'd ever forgive her brother for helping Fudge at Harry's trial or for the warning letters that he sent to both her and Ron later that fall.
Harry thought about it for a moment. "It's safe to say that I'll never trust your brother Percy, butno, I'm not angry. I guess I forgive them for their stupidity. I've made some stupid mistakes myself. I don't think I can afford to stay mad." He wasn't really sure what he meant by that, but he was sure that he wasn't feeling any anger.
A huge full moon was coming up, and the stars were beginning to show. Harry dusted off a bench and said, "Ginny, I think there's something else you should think about." Harry hesitated, thinking, What if she doesn't want to be with me anymore once she thinks this through?'
"What is it, Harry?" she asked. He seemed so serious.
He took her right hand in both of his and said, "We should face things as they really are — not as we wish they could be. You know that I have to fight Voldemort." Ignoring the shiver she gave when he said the name, Harry continued, "The sooner the better really. The longer I wait, the more people will suffer...I don't mean I'm headed off to fight him tomorrow. I'm not sure I know how. But I will be sometime in the not too distant future. And when I dowell, Percy's a prat, but he's right about one thing. I may not survive."
"Don't talk like that Harry," Ginny said, paling.
"We're in the middle of a war — we need to face the fact that not everyone will live through thisI've come to terms with it since I found out about the prophecy." He turned her hand over and ran a finger over her palm, tracing one of the lines there.
Ginny interrupted, speaking brokenly. "I won't listen to talk like this, Harry. You'll come back. You'll survivebecause II need you." She pulled her hand away from him.
He put his arm across her shoulders. "I need you, too, Ginny. It's not that I want you to worry. I'm bringing this up to explain something."
Suddenly worried that Harry was breaking up with her, Ginny held her breath. She didn't trust herself to say anything.
Harry continued somewhat brokenly, "If I may not survive, then I want to spend every chance that I havethe time I know for certain that I haveI want to spend that time with you. That is, as much time as I can."
Relief coursing through her, Ginny smiled and snuggled into him. "I'm glad, Harry. I want to spend time with you, too."
Harry enjoyed feeling her move closer to him, but he persisted. "But the question you should ask yourself is do you want a boyfriend that you could lose in this waror worsea boyfriend that could put you in danger."
She didn't answer. If fact, she didn't say anything at all. She just stared at him with tears in her eyes.
"Say something, Gin. I'll understand. If you think you'd be safer without meI'll respect your feelings. I don't want you hurt because of me."
"Stop it. Just stop it." Tears finally began to fall down her cheeks again. "Percy's wrong. He only sees the problems and not the good. He thinks playing it safe will be rewarding." She leaned on his shoulder.
He patted her arm and said, "Shheither way, I'll do whatever you want. Think about it for a few days, then decide." His eyes had grown large and dark as he spoke.
She turned her back to him, but she didn't protest when he put both his arms around her. Leaning back against his chest, she sighed. It felt so good. With his strong arms around her, what could happen to them?
Looking at the back of her head made it hard for Harry to tell what she was thinking. At least he could tell that she wasn't crying anymore. He spoke softly, "All rightI'll change the subject to something more cheerful. HereI want to keep you safe, so I made this for you." He rifled in his own pocket then brought his arm back around her. This time he held out a small velvet pouch. "Happy Christmas."
"You already gave me your Christmas present." Ginny brushed away the tears she'd been trying to hide and smiled.
"Can't I give you two?" Harry asked, sounding eager. "Open it so we can see if it works."
She ripped the velvet bag open before he could finish his sentence and gave a small gasp. Inside was a delicate gold chain with a charm attached. The charm was made of gold threaded like Celtic knot with three small rubies embedded in it. "It's Gryffindor colors like your torque."
"It is a torque, well, sort of. One of theI found out how make this," Harry said, lifting it out of the box. Without giving any details, he said, "Let's try it."
Ginny nodded her agreement and lifted her hair so he could put the chain around her neck. He fumbled with the clasp as his hands were shaking slightly. Harry took a long breath then stood up to examine the effect. The delicate chain with the gold and red charm certainly looked pretty, as did the girl wearing it.
She blushed under his appreciative stare, fingering the small charm. "Thanksit's lovely," she said softly.
Silently agreeing with her, Harry said, "There's more."
She looked up at him, confused. "Another present?" she asked.
"Nothere's more to your present. Wellif I made it correctly." He sighed and said, "I'm going to have to hex you. I borrowed' Percy's wand so you can defend yourself. Don't worry, I don't think the Ministry will know it's you." Quietly summoning Percy's wand had seemed like a good idea during the shouting match. He handed the wand to Ginny.
"Happy ChristmasI'm going to have to hex you?" Ginny asked, trying to suppress a laugh. "Very nicehow romantic?" She was laughing openly now.
Harry walked several feet away and grinned back at her. "Ready?"
"Yes," she answered and faced him smiling sweetly.
"Rictusempra!" he said clearly, aiming his hand at her. A shot of light flew from the end of his fingers.
As it approached her, she shouted, "Protego!" As the light from his spell hit her shield a faint white glow emanated from the graceful necklace. The small rubies glowed and the light grew stronger as the tickling spell continued to hit her shield until a bright white lit the garden around them.
Harry let out a whoop as he ran back to her side. "It worked! I wasn't sureand there was no way to test it without you." He smiled at her. "You know what this means, don't you?"
The way his grin lit up his face made her heart pound and her knees feel like they might give way. "What?" she asked softly. He seemed to be closer without ever having moved.
Taking her face in his hands, he searched her features lovingly, "You'll be safe nowI meanas safe as anyone can be. You have something to help protect you even if you're all alone." Sighing with relief, he leaned in and pressed his lips to hers, wondering at their softness. He moved his hands behind her back and gently pulled her close to him as if she was something so delicate and precious that he had to be careful.
She responded by moving her arms around him and caressing the hair at the nape of his neck. For a few minutes they were lost to rational thought.
It was Harry who finally pulled back and said softly, "Wow."
That sound of appreciation filled Ginny with a sense of satisfaction that she could make Harry feel that way. She knew she didn't have to think about what he'd said before.
"How can you kiss me like that and not know the answer to your question is yes? Of course, I want to be with you even though I might lose you."
"You should still think about it for a few days, Ginny."
Chin up in defiance, she said, "I don't have to. I'd rather have a little bit of wonderful, than a lifetime of safety. And you're right. We should face things as they really are. If you don'tif we don't have that much time, that's all the more reason to be together now." She started to tremble despite her brave words.
Harry pulled his cloak off and wrapped it around her, pulling her close again in the process. They stood there in the moonlight, listening to the sounds of the wintery garden around them, warm in each other's arms. It began to snow.
To Be Continued
A/N: Notes to reviewers. Thanks!
warp17: Thanks for saying that. I'll try. Thanks for reviewing!
Nightwing509: There will be a little more of Ron's reaction as the group returns to Hogwarts. Thanks for writing a review!
Luna Lovegood 61: Thanks for saying that about Godric's Hollow. I'm hoping that J.K. Rowling will give us a closer look at Godric's Hollow in Book 6 or 7. Thanks for reviewing!
Nathan Postmark: At least her family knows! Thanks for reviewing!
Coke Freak: Thanks for what you said about the characters. I like Remus, too. Thanks for writing a review!
Dragon Phoenix: I'm glad you're curious about Harry's fencing teacher. He does have another part to play later. He doesn't have a visible Dark Mark and both Harry and Dumbledore have checked out his truthfulness, but you never know Thanks for reviewing!
Ted M. Hammett: I appreciate you saying you liked the Diagon Alley fight. Thanks for reviewing!
Iluvatar: Thanks! I will try.
Lourdes1: Most of the family gave their blessing! Thanks for reviewing!
Wytil: I thought so, too. Anyway, Harry needs a little fun. Thanks for reviewing!
Mrs. Sakura Potter: Thanks for saying such nice things. Thanks for reviewing!
Red Death: Thanks for the note about formatting. I don't know how the paragraph spacing disappears between my computer and Hopefully, I fixed it for good this time. Thanks!
hots4harry73: Thanks for reviewing!
JLHERC: I'm honored my story is your first. I appreciate you saying all those nice things. Thanks for reviewing!
rosepetal13: Thanks for all your reviews and all your kind comments! Hope you got enough sleep anyway. I liked the Death Eater wannabee thing, too. And for the record, I appreciate reviews in ALL CAPS, or not all caps. Thanks for reviewing!
Ghost Magic19: Thanks for saying that. Summer does give me extra time to write, when I'm not chasing raccoons. I'll try to work faster. Thanks for reviewing!
Laen: I'll try. Thanks for reviewing.
bluemoon52292: I don't deserve all the nice things you said, but I really appreciate you saying them. And thanks for wishing me luck. I believe in luck. Thanks for reviewing!
creative reader: Thank you! I'll try to update soon.
blackiebrens: Thanks for saying that about Ron. And, of course, you're right about Spiderman, too. Thanks for reviewing!
Jean: Good question! In this story, Harry's magic can't be traced by the Ministry unless he uses his wand. Thanks for writing!
corwin: Thanks for both of your reviews! I'll try!
Princess Skywalker Organa: Thanks for saying that. And thanks for reviewing!
Mandy h.: Thanks for writing a review!
gogeta97: I am happy you reviewed my story even though you don't ordinarily. Thanks!
athenakitty: I'll try to answer your questions. Harry hasn't taken control over the money and estates. He definitely rode the motorcycle over the Christmas hols. Although I didn't show the scene in the story, I hope everyone assumes that Remus liked his gift.
Orion the Hunter: Thanks for reviewing! I'll try to update soon.
Craaminator #9: There's more to the necklace spell and it isn't all that sweet. Thanks for reviewing!
Gryphonmistress: Good suggestion. I'll try to work it in. I think this chapter may have answered your other questions. Your speculations are always fun. Thanks for reviewing!
Silver Warrior: Those were really good guesses. Remus and Tonks are both interesting. Thanks for reviewing!
Troll: Thanks for all of your reviews! I agree, wizards need more ways to communicate. Either something like the mirrors or something better. Malfoy hasn't finished doing bad things.
Lady Tinkerbell: I think this chapter may be the one you were expecting. At least I hope it is. Thanks for reviewing!
Iben: Thanks for writing a review. I appreciate it!
Musicfan013: Thanks for all your kind comments. You sound really busy so thanks for taking the time to read and review!
A/N: Want to tell me what you think? Please review!