Disclaimer: Don't own it. Wish I did. Someone else thought up these characters. I'm just taking them out to play with.
AN: Thanks for the reviews.
Aftermath. Chapter 5. Apparition and Birthday Surprises.
"Remus, do you think Ron and I could practice our apparating here," Harry asked.
"Sure," Remus answered. "With all the adult wizards here, you won't be noticed, and we'll be around to fix you if you manage to splinch yourselves."
"Well, we don't think that'll happen," Ron said.
"You're the one who left an eyebrow back in Hogsmeade," Hermione chimed in.
"Thanks for reminding me of that," Ron grumbled.
They spent the afternoon practicing apparating around the garden until Fred and George arrived and called for a quick game of Quidditch. Instantly, Fred, George, Charlie, Ron, Ginny and Harry were on their brooms chasing each other down with an old quaffle. The game ended in a tie when Mrs. Weasley called them in for dinner.
After dinner, Ron and Hermione disappeared into the gardens.
"Do you think he'll get back with Ginny?" Hermione asked.
"Don't know. Doubt it, but I wish he would." Ron replied.
"It would be nice to have someone in Hogwarts to do any research we might need done while we're out on our hunt." Hermione suggested.
"Yeah, maybe you should suggest that to Harry." Ron was skeptical. After all, this was his little sister they were talking about. "I don't want Ginny in any danger, but it's obvious their being apart is tearing her up."
"Did you know she cries herself to sleep most nights?" Hermione stated quietly.
"No." Ron thought for a moment; then said quietly, "I think it's time her brothers spoke up on her behalf."
"Just be careful not to get Harry mad at you. Maybe if you let it slip to the others, they can help." Hermione suggested.
"Maybe," Ron said as he moved closer to her. "But, I don't want to talk about my brothers or my sister right now." He leaned in to her and gave her a kiss. They sat down on a bench and talked about other things for a while before heading back into the house. On their way in, they noticed Ginny sitting in the swing. Harry was pushing her gently. Maybe there was hope there after all.
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Harry woke up suddenly. Something had startled him. It was later than usual and no one had come in to wake them up. He sat up and noticed Ron wasn't in his bed. Harry dressed quickly and crept down the stairs. Something was up. There was a lot of quiet chatter going on in the kitchen and he could smell something wonderful.
"Shhh. You'll wake Harry if you're not careful," Mrs. Weasley admonished. "The least you can do is to let him sleep in on his birthday."
"Oi, what's going on in here?" Harry said loudly. Nearly everyone jumped, except George, who had noticed him lurking just outside the door.
"There you are Harry," Mrs. Weasley stated as if she wasn't the one trying to let him sleep in. "Come over here and sit yourself down. You need a good breakfast today. Arthur and Remus should be here soon. They'll take you and Ron to the Ministry for your apparition tests. Then, I understand you need to go to Gringott's. I thought the rest of us could meet you at the Leaky Cauldron for lunch and get some shopping done."
"Sure. That'd be great." Harry replied.
After a filling breakfast, Ron and Harry went outside to get some more practice in before their tests.
"Boys, are you ready to go?" asked Mr. Weasley.
"Be right there, Dad," Ron shouted from the back garden. Both of them appeared right at Mr. Weasley's elbow, startling him somewhat.
"That was quite good. Now if you two can do that when told by the examiner, you won't have any problems." Hermione said jokingly. Harry heard a snicker from the living room and knew Ginny had heard.
The four of them flooed to the Leaky Cauldron and walked to the Ministry. When they arrived at the Guest Entrance, they gave their names and reasons for entering the Ministry. When they presented their wands for inspection, Harry received the usual glances at his scar. He also noticed that the room had become quiet since their arrival.
"You don't think these people expect me to do something in here do you?" Harry asked of Remus.
"No," Remus replied. "But they do expect you to do something eventually."
"Why?" Harry asked angrily. "Just because I'm the 'Boy Who Lived'?"
"They think you're the 'Chosen One' now." Remus replied. "Most people think you're the only one who can defeat Voldemort now that Professor Dumbledore is dead. Haven't you been getting the Prophet?"
"Ron or Hermione always get it. They read it and let me know what's going on. They haven't said much other than the Ministry is still looking for Snape." Harry told him. "It's not like I enjoy reading about myself in the paper and Ron and Hermione seem to protect me from what's written."
"You have two really good friends in those two. I hope you don't ever try to push them away like you have with Ginny." Remus said gently. "Have you considered that she could be your strength in all of this?"
"Yeah," Harry replied softly. "I have thought about it. Professor Dumbledore always told me my ability to love was what separated me from Voldemort. But, I don't want her hurt. I couldn't handle losing her. I've lost so much already."
"Let's cross that bridge when we get to it then, shall we Harry?" Remus responded.
"Apparition testing and licensing this way," Ron called. He had found the signs pointing them towards the fate-filled room that determined whether or not you could legally apparate. "I hope I do okay this time."
"You'll do great, Ron," Harry assured him. "You've been doing it all over the yard at home."
"I sure hope so, otherwise, the twins will tease me something awful."
"Not to mention Hermione and Ginny. They know you failed in Hogsmeade." Harry said teasingly.
"Thanks, Harry. That's just the confidence I need now." Ron was showing his nervousness.
"It'll be okay, Ron." Mr. Weasley said calmly as they entered the testing area.
Both boys signed in and sat down to wait. According to the sign, testing started at 10 a.m. and they had arrived a few minutes early. While waiting, they read through the "Rules for Apparition" and studied the "Three D's: Destination, Determination and Deliberation". They said hi to several classmates from Hogwarts and nodded to number of other teenagers they didn't know. Everyone looked nervous. Everyone jumped when Wilkie Twycross stepped into the room and called the first two names. "We will be testing you two at a time. You will be taken to a separate location and asked to apparate back to the testing room. A tester will be at each location and notes will be compared prior to your receiving your individual licenses. In the event you are unsuccessful in this test, you will have the opportunity to resume classes, new classes start next week, or returning to be re-tested no sooner than two weeks from today."
Ron and Harry looked at each other. "I can't afford to fail this time," Ron said. "You won't have a problem since you were successful in Hogsmeade, even if you were too young to take the test."
"You won't have a problem either," Harry said encouragingly. "You've been doing it all week and haven't left so much as an eyelash behind."
"Harry Potter and Ronald Weasley," Mr. Twycross called a few minutes later. They looked at each other as they stood up and started laughing.
"This is no time for laughing," Mr. Twycross said sternly.
"No, sir," Harry and Ron both answered.
"It's just our way of relaxing each other," Harry said as they followed Mr. Twycross into the testing room.
"That's right. I remember you from Hogsmeade this past spring." Mr. Twycross said as he looked Ron over. "Left an eyebrow behind, didn't you?"
"Yeah, but I've been practicing a lot since then." Ron replied.
"Who's been supervising your practice sessions?"
"My mum and dad as well as all my older brothers and some of family friends."
"Well, then," Mr. Twycross said. "Let's see how you do. This will be your final destination. " With that they left the testing room, went down several corridors, up a flight of stairs and out to the lobby. They exited the Ministry of Magic and entered a nearby building.
"This is where you'll begin your test," Mr. Twycross stated. "When I tell you to, you will enter the marked area and apparate back to the testing room. You will wait there until you are told to leave. I will be there as soon as both of you have left this room. Mr. Potter, you first."
Harry stepped into the circle, concentrated, then with a loud CRACK, disapparated. Mr. Twycross looked over the area carefully, then said, "go ahead, Mr. Weasley."
Ron, as Harry had done just moments before, stepped into the circle, took a deep breathe, and followed Harry with an even louder CRACK.
Mr. Twycross joined them in the testing room seconds later. "Well, young men, you did it. Nothing left behind. I see two eyebrows on both of you as well as two legs and two arms each. No heads left behind, no toes or fingers either. You've done great. Here are your test results. Please give it to Stacey out front. She'll prepare your licenses. Have a nice day."
Harry and Ron left the testing room in fits of laughter. "Just my luck," Ron said. "He remembered me."
"Yeah, but now you've passed." Harry responded.
"Success." Both boys nearly shouted at Remus and Mr. Weasley.
"Let's go eat, I'm starved," Ron said.
"You're always hungry, Ron." Harry replied.
"Do you two think you can apparate to the Leaky Cauldron?" Remus asked. "If so, the apparition point is in the alley just behind it. If you're nervous about the distance or the location, you can take my arm. We can go together."
"We'll be fine," both answered together. Neither wanting to admit they were a little nervous.
"Let's go then." Remus said as he disapparated. Mr. Weasley waited on the boys to leave, then he, too, disapparated and met up with the others in the alley behind the Leaky Cauldron. When they arrived, they entered the pub and were surprised at how empty it was.
Not many people went about these days, what with the constant threat of the Death Eaters about. They knew Diagon Alley would be nearly deserted. But, they expected the Leaky Cauldron to be full of Weasley's. Harry saw Hermione sitting over in a corner reading a book.
"Where's everyone," Harry asked as he walked over to join her.
"What are you reading?" Ron asked as he sat down.
"They'll be here shortly," Hermione answered Harry as she lifted the book to allow Ron to read the title.
"Hogwarts, A History, again?" Ron said after he read the title.
"Yes, as a matter of fact," Hermione said. "We need to know more about the founders and this seemed like a good place to start."
The floo erupted as a massive amount of red hair appeared. Some came in from the back door and others entered through the floo, shaking off ash as they came. Even Tonks was sporting red hair.
"Hello, Tom," Arthur said as he entered. "We thought we'd have lunch here since we've got some business down the street."
"Arthur, Molly," Tom greeted them. "Good to see you. Don't get much business lately, what with the situation these days."
"We'll have your best stew for lunch," Molly said. "And, we're not worried about the situation. Got our oldest son married off and feel like celebrating a little."
"Butter beers all around," both twins said as they joined the rest of their family.
Ron, Harry and Hermione moved to the big table in the center of the room to join the rest of the Weasleys, Remus and Tonks. It turned into a large celebration as food and butter beer was enjoyed by all.
As they were finishing, a small owl came flying in and went to Mr. Weasley. Not recognizing the owl, he took the note from it and read it with trepidation.
"I've received word that an attack may be possible today if Harry is seen in Diagon Alley. Recommend extreme caution. Minerva McGonagall."
"What is it, Arthur," Molly asked.
"Nothing of importance," he replied as he handed the note to Remus.
"Okay, everyone. Let's get back to business." Arthur began in a more formal tone. "Both of these young men passed their apparition tests with flying colors." Remus handed the note back to Arthur and he passed it on to Molly.
"Oh, dear," Molly said as she finished reading it. "I just remembered, I left some stuff out on the counter that should have been put up in the cooling cupboard. Ginny, let's you and I go home. Hermione, I could sure use your help this afternoon. Why don't you and Ron come on home as well."
"Harry, let's go take care of our business," Remus said as he and Tonks stood up. Tonks was looking around yet again. It seemed as if she hadn't stopped her surveillance since she entered, but it was definitely more noticeable now.
"Ron, Hermione," Harry said in a conspiratorial tone. "I think something's up. I think that note contained some sort of warning."
Harry turned to Ginny, "Ginny, I'll see you at home soon. Go help your mum do whatever it is she suddenly remembered."
"Yeah, like I believe that," Ginny replied, somewhat sarcastically. "I put everything up exactly where it belonged before we left. We checked three times. Something is up. You'll let me know later?
"Sure, just go and be safe." Harry told her. "I'll be with Remus and Tonks, so I'll be okay. Besides, I'm an adult now. No more warning letters for under age magic."
Harry succeeded in getting her to smile as she turned to follow her mother to floo home.
"We want to check out things at WWW, so we'll be along in a few minutes." Ron told his mum.
"I'll make sure he keeps it a quick visit." Hermione assured Mrs. Weasley.
"They'll be fine, Mum," Charlie added quickly. "I'll go with them." He turned to Ron and added quietly, "It'll take a while for her to remember that you're an adult."
Mr. Weasley said his goodbyes as he left for his job at the Ministry.
The group quickly left the Leaky Cauldron, and entered Diagon Alley. They went straight to Weasley's Wizard Wheezes and entered through the front door. They looked over the shelves of goods and made their way to the back room.
Once inside, Remus turned to Harry, "do you have your invisibility cloak with you?"
"Sure, I don't go anywhere without it." Harry told him.
"Okay, put it on and we'll go to Gringott's." Remus said.
"I'll see you guys at the Burrow," Harry said to Ron and Hermione. He put his invisibility cloak on and followed Tonks out the front door. Tonks and Remus walked quickly towards Gringott's. Once there, they made sure Harry was inside before they let the door close behind them. They asked for a private room, and once inside it, Harry removed his invisibility cloak.
"Ah, Mr. Potter," Griphook said when the cloak came off. "We expected you here today, but actually thought it would be first thing this morning. Let me just get the paperwork we need."
Remus, Tonks and Harry talked about plans for Grimauld place while they were alone. Harry had considered naming Remus the secret keeper, but Remus halted that by saying that he and the Weasleys were too logical. His secret keeper needed to be someone who was not a logical selection, but would still need to be someone who could be trusted completely.
"Can anyone be a Secret Keeper?" Harry asked. "Do they have to be human?"
"No, you can ask Griphook if you'd like." Remus replied.
Just then Griphook returned and began to explain the process to Harry. "Normally, this is process is done in private. However, if you're parent or guardian is with you, it is acceptable."
"I want Remus and Tonks to stay," Harry said.
"No problem," Griphook said. "First, I need to you sign your full name at the top of this page, then I'll need a drop of your blood placed after it."
"Sure," Harry said as he picked up a quill. He dipped it in the ink jar, signed 'Harry James Potter,' picked up his wand and touched it to the tip of his finger, then placed a drop of blood on the paper after his name. He looked on in awe as the paper began filling up with names. Immediately below his were the names of his parents. He noticed a third column with Sirius' name at the top. He saw his grandparents on his father's side of the family listed next. He also noticed a series of names below his mother's name, but they all had a star after them. Then there were a series of other names without the star.
"The star indicates squibs," Griphook explained. "Squibs cannot inherit certain items. This list will tell us what vaults you are entitled to." It seems his mother was the first magical person in her family for several generations.
"That does it," Griphook said after several minutes. "You inherit the Potter homes and vaults. You are the last living Potter, young man, and should make arrangements soon in the event of your untimely death without issue. You also inherit the entire Black fortunes and houses, not previously bequeathed to other family members. There's also a vault you inherit from your mother's side, which is not included in the Potter vaults. It seems Lily Evans Potter never signed an inheritance disclosure document. I'll have a complete list available for you in a few minutes. Would you like to look at these vaults now?"
"No," Harry said. "But, I would like to make a withdrawal from my primary vault if I may."
"Certainly, let me get someone to escort you." Griphook said. "I'll meet you back here with the lists when you're through."
A few minutes later, Harry left the bank, once again under his invisibility cloak. As Remus held the door for Tonks and Harry, they heard the cracks of apparitions and shouts of curses being thrown. Immediately, Tonks and Remus joined the battle with a quick word to Harry, "Get out of here now."
"No, way, I can help." Harry told them both.
"You're the one they're after. Show yourself, but use a strong shield first, then apparate out of here." Remus said firmly. "That's the best way to protect everyone here and help at the same time."
Harry removed the cloak, "Protego." Crack. He apparated straight to the Burrow. Molly and Ginny ran to him, throwing their arms around him immediately.
"Harry," Ginny cried. "I was so worried. It was taking so long, and then when George flooed us that they had seen death eaters in Diagon Alley. I've been so worried.
Remus and Tonks arrived a few minutes later. "It seems they left after they saw you disapparate." Remus informed them. "WWW looked like it took a hit, but everything…" He never got to finish the sentence.
"Mrs. Weasley," Hermione called from inside the Burrow, "Fred and George are okay. They just flooed and said they would be here after they cleaned up a couple of shelves that got knocked over."
"Thank you Hermione," Mrs. Weasley answered. "And please call me Molly. Harry, you too. There's no need to stand on formality when we're going to be so close."
Ginny moved to put her arms around her mother when she saw her near tears. "It's okay, Mum," she said. "We're all growing up, but we'll be okay. Fred and George are adults and fully capable of taking care of themselves. Remember, they learned from you and Dad as well as from Hogwarts."
"Besides," Ron said as he, too, put his arms around her, "Charlie's with them. No one knows more about dealing with dangerous animals than him. Well, other than perhaps Hagrid, but he's more likely to try to be friends with dangers animals, but not with death eaters," Ron finished lamely.
"Come on inside everyone," Mrs. Weasley said suddenly. "We've a supper to prepare and a party to have."
"Yeah, let's have a party," Fred, or was it George, said, stepping out the back door.
"Sure, what is it a birthday or something?" the other one chimed in.
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