mart0022: Thank you so much and I am so glad that you like it so far. Here is the next chapter and I hope that you like it.
Butler: Thanks Butler and I hope you enjoy this one too.
Padfootedmoony: I finally gave up so fluffy stuff. I hope that everyone who wanted to see some fluffy stuff enjoyed that chapter and hope that you all will like this one too.
techno04: I am so glad you enjoyed the fluff. Thanks so much for all the kind words. I do hope you like this chapter, not going to say much but a little trouble ahead.
Silvercrystal77: Why thank you silver and I am glad that you enjoyed chapter 32. I do hope that you will enjoy this chapter too. More to come soon.
MadJupiter: Thank you so much and I love it when I keep seeing the same people reviewing but I do get excited when I see a new name. Why did you change your name; I like the new one.
Can Love Find Me Now
Chapter 33
Christmas Shopping and the First Attack
"Ginny, will you do me the honors of being my official girlfriend?"
"Yes Harry, I will"
"Gin"
"Harry"
"I love you"
(Harry's POV)
Harry sat there watching the expressions changing on Ginny's face; confusion, shock, comprehension, and then the biggest grin. He wasn't sure if she was happy or not but he would sit there and wait for her to speak. To a point he was lost in his own world; he had told her he loved her and felt like there had been a burden released from his soul. He remembered the talk he had with Remus, Bill, Charlie and Mr. Weasley over the summer; they had told him that he would know if he loved her or not. He could not remember the exact words they had said to him but right at that moment he knew he loved her and would for the rest of his life; he just hoped he would be able to grow old with her by his side.
He remembered the dream he had while he was still at his aunt's house; seeing the people around him; that he thought had been his family and the red headed woman by his side with the children. Was this something that he wanted to happen or was it something that was going to happen. Truth be told, he wanted to have a family one day; children that he could hold on his lap and tell stories to and he hoped that Ginny would be the one to give him those children. He knew he was being silly; thinking so far into the future with Voldemort waiting to kill him but for now he could dream.
He was so worried about what Ginny was thinking; she still had not said a word to him since he told her he loved her. He started to get a sinking feeling in his chest; almost like he could feel his heart breaking because he felt she didn't feel the same way about him. There her mouth was moving but no words came out; then she started speaking.
(Ginny's POV)
Ginny had felt that he was falling for her for a while now but she would not let her hopes get the best of her. All of her life (after hearing his story) she had hoped the Harry Potter would love her as much as she had loved him. Now at the age of fifteen and being over her school girl crush; she was getting her wish and she was in heaven. She knew she was sitting there with the biggest cheesier cat grin on her face but she didn't care. Harry Potter loved her and she loved him; her brain was telling her to tell him she felt the same but her mouth wouldn't work properly. Noticing the look on his face brought her out of her thoughts and again tried to speak.
"Harry, please don't look like that; I was just so surprised when you said that. You don't know how long I have wished for you to love me. I feel like I have loved you my whole life and I want you to know I love you too; always have and always will."
"Thank you"
"What for Harry"
"For just being you"
"Well then you are welcome and thank you"
"What for Gin"
"For finally allowing you're self to act like a normal teenage boy and live."
"Hey I resent that; I do live everyday. Voldemort hasn't killed me yet."
"That is not what I meant and you know it."
"Explain it to me then Gin"
"Are you trying to pick a fight with me?"
"No"
"Then what"
"I just want to know what you meant"
"OK, I guess I am seeing you act like a normal person; talking to your friends and doing normal things. Not being a prat like you were last year; letting the people around you be there for you. You Harry Potter are growing up and I like what I see."
"Why thank you and you Ginny Weasley have grown up nicely too and I must say that you have become a very beautiful young woman."
"Why thank you Mr. Potter and I think it is time we headed up for dinner. I'm sure the others are waiting for us."
"OK but I don't want to"
"You are acting like a big baby now"
"I am not, I just want to be here alone with you, it that so wrong?"
"No but we have to eat and we promised to meet the others"
"Oh all right but just know that I rather be alone with you right now."
"I know but we will have more days like this"
"I know but not soon enough."
Harry stood and grabbed Ginny's hand and pulled her up; he wrapped his arm around her waist and they walked back towards the front doors of Hogwarts. They entered the school and headed for the Gryffindor tower, their friends were supposed to be there waiting for them. As they entered the common room; four sets of eyes were staring at the pair; Ginny smiled at them and took a seat on the couch beside Luna and Neville; Harry sat on the arm of the couch and wrapped his arm around her shoulder. They all smiled at each other but no one spoke a word until Ron's stomach made a loud growling noise; he blushed because every person in the common room looked in his direction.
"Sorry about that, has a mind of it's own when it's time to eat."
"Ron Weasley, it's only four-thirty; dinner doesn't start for another half hour."
"Seamus, I know that but my stomach knows what it wants and that is food."
"Well we can't just go to the great hall just for you to eat; it don't work that way mate."
"It's ok Ron; it won't be long before you can gorge yourself."
"Hey that is not funny; I do not gorge myself. I'm a growing boy and need three square meals a day."
"Yes oh brother of mine; three meals that could feed half of Gryffindor house."
"Ginny, you really need to be quiet; I remember you always trying to keep up with me when we were younger."
"Yeah and I got smart and quit. You were my big brother and I wanted you to be proud of me."
"I'm always proud of you sis."
"Thanks Ron; I'm proud of you too."
"OK, enough of this fluffy stuff; I think we can head down to the great hall for dinner now."
"Why Lavender Brown I thought you enjoyed fluffy stuff."
"Funny, really funny Hermione"
"Thank you, come on; let's go eat dinner."
The whole Gryffindor house headed down the stairs to the great hall for dinner; as they entered the great hall Mark Evans waved to the group; hoping they would come and sit with him. Harry noticed the hope in his eyes and motioned to his friends to follow him. Owls hardly ever delivered mail during dinner; so it was a big surprise when Hedwig flew into the great hall. She flew straight to Mark; people started whispering about Harry's owl going to the first year. Mark looked to Harry in shock; Harry motioned for him to take the parchment from her leg. Taking the parchment from the owl with shaking hands; smiling at the others he started reading the parchment.
"It's form my parents"
"What does it say?" said Ron
"It's not bad news it is?" said Luna
"No, it's about the letter I sent."
"Wh...What dose it...Say…Mark?" asked Harry
"Um, she said that she researched it on the internet and couldn't find anything. She asked my other relatives and they said that there weren't any Lily or Petunia Evans recorded in our family tree. Sorry Harry."
"It's ok Mark"
"I'm really sorry"
"Don't be, it's not your fault that we aren't related. It was a nice thought though. I would still like to be friends."
"I would like that very much Harry and now we can mess with Dudley. You never know he might just leave me alone now that you are my friend."
"Yeah we can only hope."
"Yeah we can, Harry I'm glad to have you as a friend but can I ask you something?"
"Sure"
"Why do people back home think you are in a school for criminal boys?"
"Because of my supposed family; they hate that I am a wizard and hate magic."
"Oh"
"It doesn't matter anyway; we know the truth."
"What is the incurnet?"
"Ginny it is called the internet and you use a computer."
"Ok but what is a comeputer Hermione?"
"A computer is a device that muggles use to do research or play games on. It can be used to find information faster then researching every book in a library Ginny."
"Wow could we get one to use here Hermione?"
"No, you have to have electricity to use it and it wouldn't work in Hogwarts."
Dinner went on with out further incident; most of the people in the great hall went back to their dinner and forgot about the white owl that had appeared during dinner. Most of the conversation was about the last Hogsmeade weekend (which was the weekend of December 14th) before the holidays and what they were going to by for their family and friends for Christmas. Harry for one had many gifts to buy; he had to include every Weasley (minus Percy), Remus, Tonks, Hermione, Luna and Neville. He knew that his friends would not be expecting a gift (since he gave them the coats) but he was going to get them something anyway.
The week was passing quickly; Christmas would be here soon. Harry was going to be aloud to spend his holiday at Grimmauld place with his family (he was so glad it wasn't the Dursley's) and friends and not at Hogwarts but it would be hard with out Sirius there (he really needed to stop bruiting) this year. Dobby and Winky would be going with them; Winky because she now was Harry's house-elf and Dobby would be there to help with everything and anything that Harry asked of his friend.
Harry was glad that he had decided to have the two house-elves help in retrieving the items for them; they were doing well and had brought all the books over that had been put on the list so far and a few of the dark arts artifacts. Harry was getting worried; Voldemort always interfered with his life; in one way or another over the past six years and he knew that time was short. What was it that Voldemort was looking for and would they find the items in time; to keep Voldemort form getting them.
On Wednesday, December eleventh the day started out like any other normal day for four of the six friends. They started their day with breakfast and then classes, lunch. More classes and then dinner is how their day was supposed to go. At breakfast Hermione and Ron were having one of their famous arguments; no one knew for sure what it was about and tried not to be too involved in the argument. The others just hoped that it would pass and everything would be ok by lunch time. By the time lunch rolled around Hermione and Ron were still not talking to each other and would shoot hateful looks at each other after every bite they took of their lunch. Harry could tell that this fight was not going to pass over to quickly; by the looks on their faces it might be a few days or even a week before they made up; he just hoped that it wouldn't be that long. By dinner time things between the two were worse; Ginny and Luna were putting their heads together and working on ways to figure out what was happening and how to fix the problem. Luna volunteered to talk to Ron and Ginny was going to talk to Hermione and Harry and Neville decided to stay out of it and let the girls handle it all.
Things were so bad between the two that they were having problems with their Animagus training that night. Luna grabbed Ron roughly and pulled him into a corner.
"Ron was in the name of Merlin is going on between you and Hermione; this crap is causing problems for all of us and I tell you know I will not put up with this. We are supposed to be a team and I emphasize the word TEAM; you and Hermione need to get over what ever spat you had and be friends again. Don't Ron; don't say a word or I will hex you into next week. You think Ginny is bad then you better wake up because her and I are about to hex both of you. I don't care if you are still a couple or not but you two will fix this. DO I MAKE MYSELF CLEAR; DO YOU UNDERSTAND ME?"
"Why are you putting this on me; I didn't do anything and I resent you thinking I did."
"Ron I didn't say you started anything; I just said you need to fix this and let me tell you Ginny is giving Hermione the same drill; got me."
"Yes I "GOT YOU" and let me tell you I resent you and Ginny getting into our business."
"Tough stuff Ron and if you two know what's good for you; you will fix this problem tonight. You and Hermione are Harry's oldest and dearest friends and this is killing him. If he were to talk to you then Hermione would think he was taking your side and visa-versa. So Ginny and I stepped in to make things right."
"Fine but I tell you it is not my fault; she started this crap as you put it and she will be the one to fix it not me, so you can just shut it and leave me alone."
"Ron"
"What"
"Please what happened maybe I can help?"
"Luna please, I don't want to talk about it"
"It might help you know or you could talk to Ginny since she is your sister."
"No"
"Ron, please let us help"
"Why"
"We are your friends and that is what friends are for"
"Fine, I guess it couldn't hurt"
"Good now what happened?"
"I was in the common room doing home work last night and was having problems with a potion ingredient and Hermione was no where to be found so Lavender said she would help me. Well to make a long story short Hermione came in just as Lavender…you know."
"No I don't, what did she do Ron?"
"Well…when I said thanks for the help she…(Ugg) kissed…my…(Ugg) cheek and Hermione saw…and…oh god…she went off at me…like I had planned on Lavender kissing me and her…her…catching…us…at…it."
"I see, she though you were cheating on her?"
"No, she out right said I had used her to get Lavender; which mind you I didn't."
"I know you didn't Ron and know you love Hermione with all your heart and she should know that with what you did for her."
"How can this be fixed Luna; I mean I love her so much but she wouldn't even listen to me and now look she hates me."
"I don't think she hates you Ron but I would place a bet that she has plans for Lavender. That poor girl is so much trouble when Hermione is done with her. Look let me and Ginny talk to her ok and prove to her that you had no part in the kiss ok."
"Ok Luna, I know that between you and Ginny you can help me fix this. Luna I love her and well you know."
"Yeah Ron I know. Don't worry to much, we will fix this ok."
"Alright"
Ron went back over to the area where they were training and Luna pulled Ginny and Hermione over to where she had just talked to Ron. Hermione just kept huffing at both girls; while Luna told Ginny about what Ron (they had Hermione blocked where she could not get away) had said. Ginny rounded on Hermione so fast; Hermione jumped back into a wall and fell to her bum.
"Ginny what is wrong with you?"
"How dare you Hermione, I mean how could you? Oh my god for the smartest witch in Hogwarts…. (URRRR) you can be so stupid."
"What"
"Don't you what me"
"Ginny calm down and explain to her; like you said she is being really stupid right now and not using her brains."
"Hey now Luna I resent that. I didn't do anything wrong. What the bloody hell did that pig tell you?"
"Hermione do not and I repeat DO NOT CALL RON A PIG AGAIN; GOT ME"
"What ever Luna, he is my friend I can call him what I want and he is acting like a big pig."
"Hermione you are so wrong and you need to just shut up and listen before Ginny and I hex you and make you listen"
"Now Hermione tell me your side of this story; why you and my brother are so hacked off at each other."
"(Humph) There is nothing to tell, so if you will please move I am going back to my dorm."
"NO, you are going to tell me what you think he did"
"I don't think, I know Ginny and there is nothing you can say that will change my mind; now move"
"NO"
"Fine, I can stay right here until you leave."
"We aren't leaving until you listen"
"Bugger off Luna"
"Hermione you are my friend and I know that this has something to do with Lavender; now tell me your side"
"Fine, I caught your brother and Lavender kissing; right in the middle of the common room. He used me so he could get other girls who…would…do…things I won't because he is a prat"
"Is that what you really think?"
"Yes"
"Hermione, if that was the only reason that Ron was with you then he would never and I do mean he never would have been able to do the protection charm on the broach for you and you know it. Did you even ask him what was going on or did you just guess and not let him say a word?"
"Ginny"
"Hermione answer the question; did you even let him explain what happened?"
"No Ginny I didn't; I knew what I saw and didn't need him to lie to me."
"Do you still think what you saw is what happened?"
"Maybe"
"Hermione how could you? You of all people know how Ron is and how long it took him to tell you he LOVED YOU and this is how you act. Well you better think real hard before you lose him for no reason. Ron loves you and would never do anything to hurt you. I'm not sure why you think he would do something like that with Lavender after he did the protection spell for you. Hermione he not only told you how he felt but showed you what was really in his heart and you know that don't you?"
"Oh Ginny, what have I done; god I am being so stupid and I was jealous because all the guys here want her because she is so pretty and I'm not. I didn't think before I started screaming at him; he must hate me. What am I going to do? Help me fix this please."
"I'm sorry Hermione but you are going to have to fix this. All we can do is help you figure out what to say then you will have to do the rest. You my dear friend over reacted and now you will have to kiss his bum."
"You are a really big help Luna. I know I will have to do this myself but how?"
For the next thirty minutes; the girls sat on the floor in the corner and talked. Ron would glance over and see Hermione nodding her head as his sister and Luna talked to her. He just hoped that she would believe what they were telling her. He was so mad at Lavender; that he had yelled at her for over two hours and made her cry and he really didn't care. She had messed up his relationship with Hermione and he would do anything to make it right. Harry and Neville would pat him on his shoulder and tell him that everything would be ok and to just have faith in the love they shared. When the talk was over and the three returned to the area where the boys were Ginny and Luna whispered to the two that it was time to clean up and leave the two alone so they could work out their problems.
After getting everything cleaned up and put back in its rightful place four of the six left the room of requirements and headed down to the hallway where the entrance to Luna's house was located. Ginny and Harry headed back towards the stairs so they could have a private good-night. Ginny told Harry what had happened to cause the two to fight so bad and how things were being fixed between his two best friends. Harry knew that Hermione was not a secure person and for Lavender to have stepped into her territory; this was not a good thing and if Harry knew his friend as well as he thought he did; Lavender Brown was in for a bumpy ride over the next month and he hoped that Merlin and god would be watching over her. He was so lost in thought that it took Neville and Ginny tugging on his arm to get him back to reality. They headed back up to the Gryffindor tower to wait on their other two friends.
Over an hour later Ron came through the portrait hole and headed right up to his dorm with out saying a word to his friends. Hermione came in about ten minutes later and sat down beside Ginny and started crying; Ginny pulled her crying friend into a hug and tried her best to comfort her friend. Ginny knew that what happened was indeed her friends fault but she felt bad for her. Her brother could be the biggest prat in the world and at times could be known to carry things a bit too far but he had a right to be mad at her for this and it was hard for her to take side with her friend and her brother.
"Hermione what happened; didn't you and Ron talk and fix everything?"
"I…tried…but…but…he would…not listen…to me"
"What did you say?"
"I…told…him…that…that I was…sorry…for…what…I…said and…and that I should have…listened to him"
"Ok and what did he say to that?"
"Oh Ginny, he just sat there and looked every where but at me. I told him that I was wrong and that I was just so mad when I saw her kissing him and that he didn't even push her away"
"Hermione why did you have to say that for when you were apologizing and then in the same breath you go and start accusing him again. What in the name of Merlin were you thinking?"
"Oh Ginny, just forget it; I won't ever be able to fix this. I'm going to bed and hope that at least in the morning I can at least have him as my friend again and so help me if Lavender looks at me or him I will hex her into next week. I hate her right now and I will not be responsible for what I will do to her."
"Hermione please don't give up; you just need to learn to apologize with out all the accusing."
"I can't and I won't; if he doesn't want me anymore then fine. I can't so this; it just hurts too much."
"Come on Hermione; lets get you to bed and we will talk about this in the morning"
"OK but I want my friend back more then anything. God I love him Ginny and I need him"
"I know, I know"
Ginny gave Harry a quick peck on the cheek and took Hermione up the stairs to the girl's dorm. Things in Gryffindor tower were not going to be the same until the two settled their differences. Getting Hermione to her room was easy; it was getting her into bed that was hard. She refused to get dressed for bed and wanted to go try and talk to Ron again. It took Ginny over an hour to calm her down and into bed; things couldn't get any worse. The next morning things were not any better; Harry told Ginny he had tried to talk to Ron but he wouldn't listen. In tow day was the Hogsmeade weekend and the friends knew that Ron would still be in his mood and not talk to Hermione. Friday night it was decided that until lunch the guy's would go and do their Christmas shopping and the girl's would go and do theirs, they would then meet at twelve-thirty at the Three Broomsticks for lunch and then they would split again to do more shopping for their friends for Christmas.
That night when Hermione went to bed; Ginny grabbed Ron by the ear and pulled him out of the common room and pulled him into a corner. She yelled at him for a while and then tried to tell him how he needed to fix things even if they were only going to be friends. Ron knew his sister was right but couldn't or wouldn't tell her she was right. For once he was right and he wasn't going to back down; not even for his sister. He walked away and headed back into the common room and up to his bed. He missed his best friend but most of all he missed the girl he loved. He wanted to take her in his arms and kiss her to prove he was not and would not ever cheat on her but she had to learn to trust him. He fell into a uneasy asleep filled with nightmares of Hermione dieing because he was not there to protect her.
Saturday morning Harry had to pull Ron out of bed to get ready for breakfast and to get ready to head to Hogsmeade. When they arrived in the common room Hermione, Neville and Ginny were there waiting; all in their marauders coats; Hermione gave Ron a shy smile but he ignored her and made his way out of the portrait hole; his friends following behind him. Luna was waiting for them at the bottom of the stairs and followed them into the great hall for breakfast. Once they ate they headed into Hogsmeade for some fun and Christmas shopping. After arriving into the small town the friends split up into their groups and headed in different directions. Harry stood in front of Honeyduck's and wouldn't move; watching the girl's as they walked away.
"Come on Harry lets go to Zonko's and get some pranks."
"No Ron, I want to shop for Christmas presents for the girl's first and then we can go to Zonko's."
"But…but you…said the coats were our gifts."
"I changed my mind if that is ok with you; you maybe mad at Hermione and all but I am still getting her, Ginny and Luna a gift just like I am getting you and Neville a gift."
"I'm not mad at Hermione; I'm just upset with her."
"You could have fooled me mate. Are you going to get her something for Christmas?"
"Yes I am but I'm not sure she will keep it. I know she is mad at me but oh forget it"
"Ron, you know how Hermione is and it is hard for her to admit she is wrong."
"Oh she said she as wrong but then said I didn't try to stop Lavender. Bloody hell Harry I've lost one of my best friends and girlfriend all in one go."
"I don't think you lost her mate; you just have to try a little when she wants to talk to you and maybe then you two can get past all this crap."
"I know"
"You don't want to wait until it is too late; you might lose her for good."
"Don't ever say that or even think that; we always make up no matter what."
"Just be real careful Ron. Come on lets go find perfect gifts for them and then we can go to Zonko's"
The three visited many shops that morning and each kept their purchases secret for the other two friends. By noon Ron was ready to head to the Three Broomstick to get something to snack on but Harry and Neville wouldn't let him go and headed to Honeyduck's to buy some candy for them selves and as gifts; Ron was in heaven; they were giving away samples of a new flavored fudge and a few new candies. Ron made sure he tried all of them and tried to go back for seconds but the girls giving out the samples knew he had already had all they could give him; it was not easy to forget a very tall red headed guy (and in their eyes very cute) in Hogwarts robes. One of the girls asked him if he had a girlfriend and made it very clear that if he didn't she would be glad to become that said girlfriend; he blushed and told her that he was flattered but that he did have a girlfriend. Harry grabbed him by the arm and headed to the door; once out side they shrunk their items and put them into one of the many pockets of their coats.
Harry had an uneasy feeling as they walked back towards the Three Broomsticks; something in the air felt weird. He knew it wasn't dementor's; the cold and lifeless feeling wasn't there but something was not right. Harry pulled Ron and Neville into an alleyway and told them to be ready for anything.
"Something is not right guy's; be ready and we need to find the girl's."
"Harry do you think its deatheater's or dementor's?"
"I'm not sure what it is right now but we need to find the girl's now."
"Do you have a plan?"
"No, did the girl's say where they were going to go to before lunch?"
"I don't remember if they said or not; Ron did they say anything to you?"
"No, Ginny just said that they were going off alone with out us guys."
"Ok, just keep watch for them as we head down the road and if they aren't in the Three Broomsticks then we go looking for them."
They all made sure they could get to their wands easily and then headed to the Three Broomsticks. As they walked down the road they would look down the alleyways looking for the girl's. They had reached the Three Broomsticks with out seeing them and hoped that they were inside the pub. As they entered the pub each went different ways to look for their other friends but had not luck. Ron had spoken to Madam Rosmerta; she had not seen the girls come in today. Ron met back up with Harry and Neville at the front door and they headed back out into the streets to look for the girl's. Just as they headed up the high street they heard screams coming from the other direction. They sprinted back down the road; as they got closer to the screaming they slowed down and approached with caution.
There in the center of the town square were at least twenty kids from Hogwarts; Hermione, Ginny and Luna standing tall and trying to keep the others safe. There in front of the students were twenty to thirty deatheater's; pointing their wands at the students crowed around the square. Harry pulled Ron and Neville into an ally and tried to keep calm; lives depended on it.
"What are we going to do Harry; they'll kill them if we don't do something fast."
"Ron I know that; just give me a minute to think; we don't want to be the cause of them dieing."
"Your right, but we need help from the teachers or some of the others from the DA or we won't have a chance."
I know that Ron, god can you just be quite for a minute please."
He had never in his life owned a house-elf but he hoped that the bond with Winky would bring her to him; inside his head he called to her over and over again; with a pop Winky and Dobby were standing be side him.
"I'm so glad you came; look deatheater's have students at wand point in the town square; I need you to tell Dumbledore we need help now:
"Yes Harry Potter sir, we will get Master Dumbledore"
They were gone with a pop and Harry turned to his friends.
"Ok Neville go back to the pub and get as many of the DA members you can find and bring them back here; any you see on the street send back here to us and do it as fast as you can."
"Ok Harry, are you sure you two will be ok and not do anything until I get back"
"I promise Neville; please hurry ok; we have to make sure no one is hurt."
"I'll be back as soon as I can."
With that Neville sprinted back towards the pub; as he rounded a corner he ran into Susan Bones and some other DA members and told them what was going on; she agreed help look for more members and sent the other three with her to Harry and Ron, and knew where a few more members were and headed off towards the shops where she knew they where. It didn't take long before Neville and Susan were standing behind Harry and every member of the DA they could find had arrived. Harry gave out instructions on what they were going to do and sent different groups in other directions to surround the group of deatheater's and students. Once each group reached their place; they sent up red sparks to signal they were in place. The deatheater's stood in place and would glance around like they were waiting on someone to come; Harry figured they were waiting on him to come to the rescue of his friends and fellow students; that way they could try and capture him and take him to Voldemort. Once the last spark was shot up each group was to count to ten then charge out from where they were hidden; shooting spells and hexes they had learned.
The battle started as Harry ran out from behind the building and screamed for all the student to get down; Hermione, Ginny and Luna stood their ground and started sending out spells and hexes at the deatheater's. Harry heard Ginny scream out but it was not a scream of pain; to him it sounded almost like a battle cry; when he turned towards her; to make sure she was ok; all he saw was red hair covering his face and them hitting the ground and then rolling across the road; with Ginny still calling out spells at the deatheater's. Harry and Ginny shot spells and hexes from the ground until they could stand and kept fighting until Ginny almost got hit by a spell. They slipped back into the alleyway to get their bearing and clear their heads so they could fight with the others.
When he came back to the fight; Ron had just stunned a deatheater, and was looking around franticly for Luna, Ginny and Hermione; he noticed Hermione and Luna had gathered the students and where sending them down an alley; trying to get them out of danger. Ginny yelled at Ron to get down; just as he did she Bat-boggy hexed a deatheater that was about to hit Ron with a spell. He looked over to his sister and gave her a smile; he was scared to death tat something had happened to her and now she just saved his hide. Ginny and Harry made their way over to him and started fighting their way towards Luna and Hermione; they were walking with their backs to each other so no one could hit them from behind. Ron noticed four masked figures in an alleyway; trying to sneak up on the Hermione and Luna. He started running and yelling for them to look out; trying to shoot spells and hexes at them as he ran but it was too late; just as Hermione turned she was hit with a bright blue light and fell to the ground. Harry and Ginny were able to stun the deatheater's that Ron had missed as he reached Luna and the fallen body of Hermione Granger.
Just as Ron reached the girl's there were popping noises all around them; Harry noticed Dobby and Winky had came right back to his side and was grateful that these two were his friends (in Winky's case her being bound to him; thank Merlin for that) and then he saw the teachers, order members, Mr. Weasley and to his surprise Fred and George. He and Ginny ran to Ron (god and Merlin please let Hermione be ok) and saw the look of fear, loss, love, hate, and guilt on his face; Neville and Luna had already made their way to them. Dumbledore and Madam Pomfrey made their way to the group; he would need to know who need Madam Pomfrey's help.
"Mr. Weasley, are you hurt?"
No answer.
"Ron, you need to let Madam Pomfrey look at Hermione so we can get her back to the castle."
"Gin…Ginny I can't (Sob)…please help (Sob)…her…I (Sob) need her…please"
"Come on son let her go so they can look after her. I know how you feel; Fred, George come and help Ron back to the castle; make sure you take him straight to the hospital wing. Poppy will be right behind you with Hermione Ron; she will be ok son."
"Dad, when…(Sob) are you sure (Sob) I can't leave (Sob) mum…mum…where's mum (Sob) please help"
"He's in shock Albus, you two get him to the hospital wing now. I will be right behind you with Miss. Granger. Mr. Potter, are there any more hurt?"
"I'm not sure but with the help of the others we will make sure and get them there; just help Hermione and Ron."
Fred and George took Ron and headed back to the castle; Poppy Pomfrey following behind them with Hermione floating beside her. Auror's were binding any deatheater's that had not disapparated out during the battle; of the twenty to thirty deatheater's that had been there, only fifteen had not gotten away and were having their masks taken off. Harry was watching to see who were behind the masks; he hoped that Pettigrew was one of the ones caught today. He was not surprised to see Nott, and a few more that he knew their faces but not their name; Tonks was calling out names to another Auror as she took of masks; John Belch, Joanne Blithe, Amanda Rosecroft, Henry Cage, Allen Kirkpatrick, Susan Clearwater (not related to Penelope), Craig Bones (not related to Susan), John Boseworth, Calvin Warner, and Rutherford Brice. Most of them were young; they all looked to be no older then twenty-five and some as young as nineteen. Dumbledore cleared his throat and brought Harry back to his senses; he motioned for Harry to follow him over to a bench that had some how survived the battle.
"Harry, I must say that you and your fellow students did very well in this battle and that is with the help of my self or the order. You did well to send Winky to me and for that I am grateful. I was able to get some of the order here and Auror's to handle the deatheater's. Harry, did you know this attack was going to happen today?"
"No sir, after we came out of one of the shops I just got this bad feeling; so we went to look for Hermione, Ginny and Luna but they weren't in the Three Broomsticks; that's where we were supposed to meet up at. When we came out we heard screaming and headed for the noise. We were cautious as we searched and then we saw the deatheater's; they had them surrounded so I sent Neville to find as many DA members he could and I concentrated on Winky; she came and then I sent her for you. We waited sir, we really did but it was taking to long so with my friends and the DA we came up with a plan and then went to say the students and my friends. I promise I didn't go into this blindly; I used my brains this time because I didn't want anyone else to die because of me like Sirius did."
"Harry, what happened to Sirius was not your fault and I know that your friends and family has told you so; please quit blaming yourself for his death. You know Sirius would not have wanted you to blame yourself for his death. If anyone had died today Harry, that would not have been your fault; it would have been the deatheater's fault and Voldemort. The members of the order have taken all the injured to the castle; Harry, no one died today and the reason for that is because you trained them so well."
"Thank you sir, sir will Hermione be ok? I'm not sure what spell hit her all I remember is a blue light hitting her."
"Well Harry, thanks to you I do believe that our Miss. Granger will be just fine."
"Why is it thanks to me sir?"
"That coat you gave her may have saved her life and by what I saw of the coat it took most of the spell that hit Miss. Granger."
"Really"
"Yes Harry, really. Now why don't you gather the rest of your group and head back to the castle and check on Miss. Granger and Mr. Weasley; I am sure they would like to see that the rest of you are doing well."
"Sir, do you think they were trying to get to me or maybe the items that Voldemort is looking for?"
"That I am not sure of as yet; at the time that your friends popped into my office professor Snape had just returned and was not able to pass any information on to me. Getting here was more important at the time."
"Thank you professor and now that I know Winky will come to me; I will get word to you sooner if needed."
"There is no need to thank me but I must thank you for entrusting me again to help you in time of need. I am sure that not only Winky would come to you but Dobby would come to you just as well. Go on now and find your friends and go see the others. We will talk again Harry."
He thanked Dumbledore one more time and then headed over to where Neville and the others were waiting. They started towards the castle; walking hand in hand; no one said a word but Harry heard sniffles coming for Ginny and Luna. He pulled her close to him and wrapped his arm around her waist; she laid her head on his shoulder and sighed but kept walking. As they walked he found his mind going back to the four masked figures; sneaking up on his friends as they tried to help the others; he could see the spell shoot out of the wand and go towards Hermione. As he was thinking these thoughts; he could almost feel power running through his veins; he ignored the feeling and in his minds eyes thought about the spell. He remembered Tonks calling that deatheater by the name of Greg Rutherford; he was one that had been in the graveyard the night Voldemort had regained his body; in his mind he made the spell turn and go back towards the fallen body of the deatheater. He could see the spell hit the man and hear him scream out in pain. It was like everything was moving in slow motion; they all turn and headed back towards the order members; they had to see if there were more attacks.
As the four approached Tonks; they could see the man lying in a pool of blood; his body was slashed from his feet to his neck. People were standing around looking stunned at the sight before them; one minute he was just lying there stunned and the next he was bleeding for all over his body. The hard hitting foot steps or the four coming back made Dumbledore turn to face them.
"Sir is everything ok; has there been another attack?"
"No my dear boy there has not; we have not figured out what has happened."
"If no one attacked then why is he bloody sir?"
"Neville, I cannot say; as I know not what happened. Mr. Potter, what charms or spells are on those coats?"
"I'm not sure sir but I can bring the receipt and the instructions for the coats to you; that might help. Um, Fred and George with the help of Madam Malkin's; she ordered them for me. Remus helped me decide what I wanted the coats to do; you know as far as water proof, flame proof, protect from most spells; you know that kind of thing."
"Yes, that would be a good thing; I will send word to you later and you can bring those to my office and Harry (he whispered into his ear) I have made certain arrangements with the gargoyle to let you in; all you have to do is say your full name but it will only work for you no one else."
"Thank you sir, I promise not to let you down."
"Go on back to the castle now; I am sure we will not be attacked but if we are I am sure that we can handle it on our own."
"Yes sir"
The girl's were so shook up from seeing all the blood; they were shaking badly by the time they got to the hospital wing. Ron was in the bed next to Hermione; he was fast asleep and Hermione looked like she had not woken up yet. Madam Pomfrey came over and informed them she had given Ron a sleeping potion because he had been in shock (he had thought his mother had been injured) and would not calm down. She also informed them that from the scratches on Hermione's coat that the spell that the deatheater had used would have sliced her so bad that she would have died in minutes. She showed them the coat and on the lapel was her Phoenix feather broach. They all knew that Ron's protection spell had worked to save her life and were glad that they done the research; that all knew once the two woke up; that things would be different between the two.
Ginny and Luna placed a kiss on Hermione and Ron's forehead; Harry and Neville both kissed Hermione on the cheek and patted Ron on the arm; with "We'll see you tow later" and headed back to the Gryffindor common room. The halls of Hogwarts were crowed and as they walk; students would call to them.
"Thanks' for training us last year Harry"
"Glad we are on the same team"
"Is Hermione ok?"
"When will she be out of the hospital?"
"Can we start the DA back before Christmas break?"
Susan Bone's was waiting for them at the top of the stairs; that would take them to the Gryffindor entrance. She gave each of them a hug and thanked them for teaching her to fight. She was near tears when she headed back down the stairs and told them she would see them at dinner. They all felt proud of what they had done today; Harry for one was proud of himself. He had not rushed into the fight with out thinking this time. He had used his connection to a house-elf and had sent for help; he had one of his best friends go and find the students that had been in the DA last year and they had helped in the fight. Harry knew that if he was a real teacher he would and was proud of the members of the DA and when Christmas was over they would start training again; he wanted everyone to learn how to produce a patronus; learn more blocking spells and charms, more defense spells and charms and to not only fight as a team but to learn how to fight incase they lost their wands. Deatheater's would not fight fair and he was going to make sure his friends and the other students could defend them selves in a fight.
Once inside the common room; they found a corner with two chairs (Ginny and Luna's idea); Harry and Neville sat down with the girl's sitting in their laps. Ginny and Luna curled up against their boyfriends; placing their heads on their shoulders. Harry and Neville welcomed them to their laps and with out thinking; started rubbing their backs with one hand and stroking their hair with the other. Luna was the first to break the silence; trying to talk with out crying.
"Ginny are you ok?"
"Yeah Luna, are you ok?"
"Yeah, Neville you ok?"
"Yeah, Harry you ok mate?"
"Yeah"
"I just hope Hermione will be alright"
"You know she will be; that broach and the coat saved her life today."
"You are so right Neville and I am so glad Harry gave us these coats."
"It was nothing Luna"
'You're wrong Harry, what happened today shows it is something; it helped save Hermione's life."
"Neville we need to have something made for Luna and put the protection charm on it for her too; that way she will be protected like Hermione and Ginny."
"I have been thinking about that and I bought a necklace today for her; it was for Christmas but I think she needs it now. We can do the protection charm on it tonight so she will be protected during the holidays."
"Good idea Neville; will you do the charm for her?"
"Yes"
"I thought so; are you ok with that Luna?"
"Yes but you don't have to do that Neville."
"Yes I do, I don't want any harm to come to you; your to important to me and I don't want to lose you."
"I'm not going any where and as long as I have all of you as friends I won't get hurt."
"I had rather be safe then sorry in the end ok"
"Oh alright but just know that you can't buy me another present."
"What ever"
"I mean it Neville, it will be my present and you will just be giving it to me early."
"OK what ever; what time is it, we didn't get lunch and I am starved."
"Lets just go to the kitchens and get something from Dobby; I'm sure he will feed us"
"Ginny's right dobby will do anything for his friend Harry Potter."
"Luna, please don't say it like that. Right now I bet Dobby and Winky will be all over me to make sure I didn't get hurt; it will be a nightmare. After we eat; we can go back and check on Ron and Hermione."
"That's a good idea"
Arriving at the kitchens turned out to be worse then Harry could have thought; Dobby and Winky not only fussed over Harry but did the same to each and everyone of them; asking many times how Mr. Wheezy and Missy Ganger were doing. After they were through eating they headed to the hospital wing. Dumbledore and professor McGonagall were there talking to and now awake Ron and Hermione; Hermione noticed the group first and gave them each a weak smile.
"I see that your friends have returned to check on you. Harry if you could come to see me after dinner I would most appreciate it. Miss. Granger, Mr. Weasley rest well and I will see you again later."
"How are you feeling Hermione?"
"I'm a little sore Ginny but other then that I'm fine. How are all of you doing?"
"We're fine; we're just glad that you weren't hurt worse. Ron's protection charm and Harry's coat saved your life today."
"Dumbledore thinks it was more so about the broach then anything; he said he would know more once he talked to Harry tonight; something about bring the information about the coats to him later."
"Yeah, he wants to see what charms and spells are on the coats and what the maker did to the coat; that kind of stuff."
"Ron, are you feeling better?"
"Yeah, sorry I freaked out and all; I don't know why I thought mum was hurt too; she wasn't even there."
"It was part of being in shock Ron; the shock brought out something you feared most. I think seeing Hermione hurt; with as much as you love her; that you know, thought of your mum and started seeing things."
"Harry, how do you know so much about that?"
"In my muggle school we had to take what they call first aid classes; they taught us about things like that."
"Oh, well at least I know that mum wasn't there and that the broach saved Hermione (blushing) and your coat too."
The six spent the next hour talking about what had happened in Hogsmeade that day; Neville told Hermione and Ron what had happened to the deatheater that had sent the spell at her. Hermione shuddered at the thought but you could see that Ron was pleased that he had met his death; he only wished it had been him that had done that to him. Ron told them that Madam Pomfrey would not let them leave the hospital until tomorrow morning; Harry sniggered at that knowing full well how she was and how she hated to let her patients go. Everyone complained about not getting their shopping done and with a bit of fear decided they would try to get it done tomorrow; if Dumbledore didn't cancel the Hogsmeade trip scheduled for tomorrow and if he did they would have to finish after they left school.
Harry could see Ron smile at Hermione and her smile back at him; he hoped that would mean they had fixed the problem that had them fighting and to date it had been their worst so far. Harry said good-night to his two friends and told the others he would meet up with them in their study room (room of requirements) after he talked to Dumbledore. The other three stayed and talked for a bit more before they said good-night and headed out.
After they left Ron climbed out of his bed and climbed into Hermione's; he had let her apologies and had forgiven her. He just needed to be close to her; he had almost lost her today and didn't want to have to go through that ever again. She was his rock and he needed her and had told her so after she woke up. He held her until she fell asleep; climbing back into his bed (before Pomfrey found him there) he lay on his side just watching her sleep. He made a promise that he would do everything he could to keep her and the others safe; he just hoped he could keep that promise. Ron Weasley fell asleep thinking of his family and friends but most of all one Hermione Granger.
Well I know you all are screaming at me for how long this is and I am sorry it has reached by my word 9,386 words in this chapter. Wow my longest chapter yet and I hope that all of you have enjoyed this one as much as you have the others. Please as always, let me know what you think weather it is good or bad. I love to hear what my readers think. Thank you all for reading and until next time. Froggyy1