Ok gang, this might be the last or second to last chapter for a bit (I'm thinking till somewhere around the 20th). As you are probably aware, the login bit on the site is going to be closed the 17th and 18th, so no updating then. Keep your fingers crossed, though. I might squeeze in another chapter before then. The 18th also happens to be my birthday, so I'm going to be extra lazy for a little while.

Chapter 21: The Order of Merlin

"What?" Ron exclaimed. "I mean; he escaped even after we told Dumbledore that he was going to break out? How did this happen?"

"You-Know-Who had a lot of help from the Dementors," Mr. Weasley said. "The Dementors are now working full-time for You-Know-Who,"

"I can't believe it, I really can't. I don't even know what to say," Ron said.

"Don't worry, everyone, it'll all work out in the end. Which reminds me! You're all receiving the Order of Merlin! The Ministry has decided that you all deserve it," Mr. Weasley announced.

The teenagers were shocked; they had forgotten about their nominations as recipients of the award.

"When do we get them, dad?" Ron asked.

"Day before Christmas. The other students who were with you are being informed right now, and they'll meet us at the Ministry then," he said. "Now, I say that this is an excellent reason to celebrate! Molly, dear!" he called to the kitchen.

"Yes, Arthur?" she said, coming out of the kitchen.

"Two of our children are getting the Order of Merlin; would you say a celebration is in order?" Mrs. Weasley fainted. "I'll take that as a 'yes'," he said before rushing to her side.

The party was small, considering it was on such short notice. When Percy Apparated he was warmly greeted by everyone.

"Ron, Ginny, I heard the news at work…I can't believe it! Harry, Hermione, and…Neville, right? Good work!" he said to them.

"Thanks, Percy," Ginny said, hugging her older brother. Other Order members arrived throughout the party, apparently word had gotten out. Moody, Tonks, and other members congratulated the students when they arrived.

"So Tonks, how are you guys going to catch Lucius Malfoy?" Ron asked.

"We really don't know right now. All witches and wizards are going to be looking for him, other than that, there's not much else we can do. He's probably right beside You-Know-Who now, it'd be next to impossible to catch him," she said.

"There's got to be something more we can do," Harry said. Tonks shook her head.

"Not anything that's safe," she answered.

"Well, then I guess we'll have to catch him later," Neville said. Harry was astounded at the progress Neville has been making over the past few years. When Harry had met him, he was a forgetful young boy who was terrible at Potions. He was constantly losing his pet toad, Trevor, and had multiple accidents a day in his classes. Now, however, Neville had become something so much more. Harry was shocked with Neville's determination to go down to the Department of Mysteries with him, and then once more at the Malfoy Manor. Though he still made mistakes, his magical ability had grown a considerable amount. Now Harry felt that when he, Harry, would go into the ultimate battle, Neville would be right beside him. Harry liked that idea; he liked it a lot.

"Hey Neville, whatever happened to Trevor?" Harry asked.

"Oh no! I must've left him at Hogwarts!" he cried.

"No, he's right here," Ginny said, Trevor secure in her hands.

"Oh, thanks honey," he said. Ron scowled; Harry stifled a laugh, elbowing him.

"Okay, all you kids better be off to bed!" Mrs. Weasley said. Harry looked down at his watch, he was shocked that it read one o'clock in the morning. Following her orders, the group made their way upstairs, getting ready for bed. When Harry returned from the bathroom after brushing his teeth, he was surprised to not to see Ron but Hermione in his room.

"Ron and Neville are sharing a room…after I uh, had a word with him," she said. She was sitting on his bed already in her pajamas. Harry smiled, walking over to her. They lay down together, Harry tracing his fingertips lightly up and down her thigh.

"Goodnight, 'Mione" he whispered in her ear. Hermione rolled over, looking deep into his eyes.

"I love you," she said. Harry stared at her open mouthed, never before had she said that.

"I love you, too," he replied. She pulled him into a kiss; at first it was light and tender. Then it became passionate, Hermione began running her hands through his hair. Harry hands started roaming her body, his kisses now going down her neck. The passion that was suddenly between them was intoxicating; he stopped abruptly. "Hermione, are you sure about this?"

"Yes,"

When they woke up the next morning it felt as if it was the first time they had ever seen the light of day.

"Good morning, sunshine," Harry said to Hermione once she began to stir.

"Morning Harry," she mumbled sleepily. "What time is it?"

"Uh…just before eleven,"

"What? Oh my goodness! How could we have slept in this late?"

"This is late to you? Jeez, Hermione! Besides, I think we were pretty tired after um…last night," he said with a wink. Hermione blushed.

"I guess so," she giggled. They lay together until Lupin pounded on the door.

"Really, it's almost time for lunch!" he shouted through the door. Harry and Hermione groaned.

"We'll be down in a minute," Harry said.

"Wait, what do you mean 'we'? Harry, who's in there with you?" Lupin asked.

"Uh…nobody! Nobody at all!" Harry tried to say, but it was too late. Lupin poked his head into the bedroom.

"Ah, I see," he said with a small laugh. "Be sure not to tell Mrs. Weasley, she'll have your skin!" and he closed the door.

"He took that well," Hermione said, sitting up.

"Do we really need to get up?" Harry asked. Hermione laughed.

"Yes, Harry. C'mon, let's go," she said, putting on one of Harry's shirts.

"Oh here we go; taking my clothes," Harry joked. Harry got up and dressed. He laughed at the state Hermione was in, her hair a complete mess while she was wearing clothes much too big for her.

"I guess I need a shower," she said.

"Yeah, me too," Harry said. A sudden mischievous look went into Hermione's eyes. "Are you proposing we shower together Ms. Granger?" Harry asked mockingly.

"Well, if you don't want to…" she teased as she pretended to head to the shower alone.

"No! I was kidding!" Harry laughed, catching up with her.

When they arrived in the kitchen Ron, Ginny, Neville, and Lupin were eating lunch. They looked up at the couple when they sat down.

"Have a long night?" Ron asked with a snicker. Ginny tried to kick him under the table, but she was smiling as well.

"What's for brea- I mean, lunch?" Harry asked, quickly changing the subject.

"Whatever you can find," Lupin said. Harry and Hermione raided the fridge and sat down to eat their findings. Ron kept looking up at them, a smile tugging at the corners of his lips. He then suddenly looked at Ginny and Neville, giving them an obvious don't-even-think-about-it look.

After lunch, Ron and Neville practically bombarded Harry while Hermione went upstairs with Ginny.

"Well?" Ron prompted.

"Well what?" Harry asked.

"C'mon Harry, you know what! Spill the beans, already!" Ron said.

"Don't be stupid, Ron. You know I'm not saying a thing,"

"Okay, fine. Just give me a thumbs up or thumbs down, at the very least," he said. Harry gave him the thumbs up. Harry had no idea that the same thing was happening upstairs.

"Well?" Ginny asked.

"Well what?"

"Hermione, don't even try to play dumb with me," Ginny said. Hermione laughed.

"It was…good,"

"That's it?" Hermione laughed again.

"It was fabulous! So what about you and Neville?"

"We're taking it slow. So far, I'm definitely liking him," Ginny said. "He's so much deeper than Michael and Dean, he's so nice!"

"I think you two are adorable together," Hermione said. Ginny smiled.

Before anyone knew it, it was the day they were to receive their awards. Mr. Weasley woke them all up early, eager to get them to the Ministry. The teenagers were so excited that they could barely speak; the ride on the Knight Bus was silent. When they arrived in the lobby of the Ministry they were surprised to see it restored to its original magnificence. The only thing different was the fountain. Instead of actual statues, there were wires that silhouetted the statue's forms. It was a symbol of what had happened and of how easy it is to lose your life. Lavender, Parvati, Cho, Luna, Dean, Seamus, Hannah, and Ernie were already there waiting for them. Their families were proudly standing beside them.

"Off we go then! Up to the Grand Auditorium!" Mr. Weasley said when they had greeted each other. Everyone followed Mr. Weasley as he led them all to the elevators. "We're just going down a level," he said as the large group had to split up to two smaller ones. After they had gotten off the elevators, they were facing out into a hallway. At the end of the hall was a set of large golden double doors. Harry could hear voices on the other side of the doors.

"A lot of people come to see this, Harry," Mr. Weasley said. Harry could only nod, he was suddenly nervous. "Parents," he said to the rest of the group, "if you would please go into the auditorium at this time, there are reserved seats for all of you at the front," the parents hugged their children and went inside. "Follow me, we're going backstage," he said. There was a brown wooden door to the right and they entered it. They followed the tiny hallway up to what was clearly backstage; Amelia Bones was waiting for them.

"Okay guys, I'm going to go out there and when I announce your names just come out onto the stage," she said. "Arthur, you can take your seat," she said. Mr. Weasley left to go find his seat. "Ready?" she asked them; they nodded. "Here we go!"

They could see her go out onto the stage from where they were standing at the side. Harry could see a good portion of the crowd and the auditorium. The auditorium was breath taking; it looked as if it was made purely of gold. The walls were shimmering with golden figures sculpted into them. The ceiling had a large painting of a wizard and other mystical creatures battling against the forces of darkness. Windows circled the painting, shedding light onto the many spectators in the crowd. Harry gulped; he had never been in front of a large crowd before.

"Welcome one and all to the Grand Auditorium in the Ministry of Magic!" Amelia Bones was announcing. "Today is a day of great celebration as we are awarding thirteen brave students of Hogwarts with our most coveted award, the Order of Merlin! Please join me in welcoming them to the stage!" the room exploded with applause, the group walked out onto the stage. There were thirteen chairs and they took the hint to sit in them.

The Minister then started to hand out the awards one by one.

"Hannah Abbot please rise," Hannah stood. "Hannah Abbot, by the power of the Minister of Magic, you are hereby awarded the Order of Merlin Third Class for your work in the rescue of Percy Weasley," The Minister shook Hannah's hand while giving her a certificate and a small trophy. Hannah sat down. The same awards were given to Lavender, Parvati, Ernie, Cho, Dean, and Seamus. Then it came to Harry.

"Harry Potter please rise," he stood. "Harry Potter, by the power of the Minister of Magic, you are hereby awarded the Order of Merlin Second Class for your work in the rescue of Percy Weasley and the battle in the Department of Mysteries," Harry was shocked as the Minister shook his hand, presenting him with a certificate and a trophy. Hermione, Ginny, Luna, Ron, and Neville all received the same award. It felt as if nothing could ruin the perfect day. But that was until Harry saw Malfoy. Malfoy was sitting in the crowd with a smirk on his face. He knows everyone who was there! Harry thought. Harry gave a small nudge to Ron, twitching his eyebrows to show him; Ron understood. As the group was being applauded and cheered as they left the stage, Harry could only think of one thing: Malfoy was going to have his revenge very soon.