Disclaimer: Still doesn't own anything.

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Chapter 6

"Everyone ready?" Mrs. Weasley asked. "Good, now Fred and George have already apparated to the Leaky Cauldron. Harry please floo first followed by Fleur, Ron, Hermione and Ginny. Remus and I would follow." she instructed.

Harry took a pinch of powder and clearly said his destination. He stepped out of the way quickly so that the others wouldn't run into him. Fleur followed suit and almost slipped but he caught her in his arms and moved her out of the way. Ron came out as he just finished dusting off the soot on his robes. He checked his gunblade, making sure its well hidden under his robe but still easy to reach for. Ron was still silent, contemplating, and wasn't able to get out of the way. Hermione crashed into him and both slipped on the floor. Harry stifled his laughter, and asked "You both okay?" Hermione ended up on top of Ron in a very embarrassing position. Both quickly jumped up and composed themselves, blushing furiously, Hermione from embarrassment and Ron from feeling an… er… unexpected body reaction. Luckily, the Leaky Cauldron was practically empty that morning.

"Better be careful there, floors bit slippery, just had them waxed," warned Tom, the bartender and innkeeper. The two moved out of the way as Ginny came out and was also caught by Harry before she slipped. "Thanks, Harry." she whispered, as she felt strong arms around her, her arms laying gently on his chest, feeling the firm muscles. She discreetly looked away to hide her blush as Harry let her go. "You, ok, Gin?" he asked. "Never better." Was all she could say. 'Better have a talk with her later. She's like my baby sister, I don't want her to feel awkward around me.' Harry thought.

Remus came out followed by Mrs. Weasley. "Now, where to?" she said. "I need to go to Gringotts to replenish my funds, I only have enough for my booklist with me now." Harry said. "I'll go with him, I also need to check some things with the management before I return to work tommorow." Fleur added. "Oh, I'll tag along with you guys, I need to have my muggle money changed then I'm off to Flourish and Blotts, I heard there's a new edition of Hogwart's: A History." Hermione said, quite giddy. "I'll be with Fred and George, Mum. We'll just check out Quality Quidditch quickly then get our books." Ron said absentmindedly. Harry looked at him a bit frowning. 'That's odd. He always comes with Hermione and me.' He thought. "Alright, then, give me all your lists and we'll reserve the books. Meet you all later there." Mrs. Weasley announced and off they went.

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"Good morning, I'm here to make a withdrawal. I'm Harry Potter," he informed the goblin he remembered as Griphook. "May I have your key please?" Griphook asked in his usual business-tone. "Ah, Ms. Delacoeur, we expect you have been informed regarding your employment here?" he then addressed Fleur. "Yes, sir. Is there a problem?" she asked, a bit worried. "No, no problem at all. The paperwork has already been taken cared off, you just need to sign the transfer of employment papers but we can do that later." Griphook said non-chalantly. "This way please." he ushered them to where the carts are. "I'll meet you guys later at the bookshop." Hermione said and waved them off. Harry was noticeably quiet during the ride, frowning slightly. Fleur took one of his hands and gave a small squeeze. "What is bothering you, beloved?"

"Oh, nothing much. I'm just a bit puzzled by Ron's attitude this morning. He seemed a bit cold to me. Although he hasn't told me much, but I'm thinking he isn't to keen on me having a girlfriend, to you nonetheless. Maybe, he still fancies you." Harry sighed, Ron is the closest thing he has to a brother, he doesn't want another rift to come between them like last year. "No, it's not about our relationship that's irking him." Fleur assured him. "Huh? How'd you know?" he asked. "Its part of my veela power, although I couldn't control who affects them I can sense just how much effect it does have. Plus, Ron has mellowed out on his crush on me by the time term ended last, remember?" she chided. "And another amazing thing about the veela charm is that once we have given our affections to a specific person, its potency is somewhat diminished."

"You sure, I'm certain I saw a lot of guys still giving you a second look on our way here?" Harry teased. "Yeah, but if you also notice its not as worse as last year, where guys were almost drooling and acting completely idiotic." she giggled as she recalled some funny events. "I'm just glad you weren't one of them, beloved. I was really overjoyed when I found out you were quite immune to the charm." she declared, gazing deeply into his eyes. He smiled and wrapped his arms around her. 'You should have seen me last summer during the Quidditch World Cup' he thought chuckling softly but kept it to himself.

"Is it just me or is there a lot more money here?" he asked Griphook once they were inside the vault. "You spend less than what you earn, Mr. Potter. Earnings from your parents' business and investments in some companies are directly deposited here, not to mention the monthly interests your account earns." the goblin explained. Harry shrugged and took out his old worn moneybag. "Here you go, Mr. Potter. This is a new pouch given to our clients. It is enchanted with an enlargement and featherweight charm so you can place a large amount in it." Griphook handed him the bag with a silver Gringotts logo. Harry quickly stuffed the bag with galleons and they went back to the surface.

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They found everyone at Flourish and Blotts, standing in line by the counter. "I'll take care of all of them," Harry said as the clerk finished ringing up the purchase, the amount barely making a dent in the funds he withdrew. He quickly paid before anyone could protest. "Please let me do this. All of you have nothing but be like my family for the past four years, this is the least I could do." he explained before Mrs. Weasley could get a word out. She beamed at him and gave him one of her famous motherly bear hugs. Everyone thanked him happily, everyone but Ron. He did thank him but the cheerfulness of his voice was forced and Harry could almost hear a tinge of sarcasm. "Alright you lot, its still a bit early before we return so go on and wander around. Remus and I will take your supply to the Leaky Cauldron. Meet you there at three in the afternoon." Mrs. Weasley told them, gathered their purchases and set off toward the inn.

"Now where do we go?" Ginny asked. "Well, I need to make a quick stop at Madame Malkin's for some new robes and muggle clothes. My old ones barely fit due to my growth spurt." Harry said in a bored manner. "Weeee, clothes shopping!" Fleur, Hermione, and Ginny screamed excitedly, causing other people to stare at them. They suddenly became like hyperactive kids. "Oh my God!" Harry exclaimed as he snapped out from his boredom. "Me and my big mouth." He just realized he gave them enough reason to do what men absolutely dreaded to do, go shopping. He quickly took a step behind Ron who was laughing hysterically at him. Ron wasn't actually that cross with him, just greatly insecure. "Good luck mate, I think. Oh, look George, there's…" Fred started "… Lee, Angelina and Katie. See you mate, Lets go Fred." George finished hastily. "Cowards!" He and Ron shouted at their retreating backs. The three ladies quickly dragged Harry as Ron laughed his head off once more, not even bothering to follow. "Oh no, you don't! You're coming with me," Harry quikly grabbed Ron by the shoulder, dragging him along.

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Several clothes and shoes later, the gang is walking their way to Florean Fortescue's to get some ice cream. Harry's wearing one of his new clothes and robe as insisted by Fleur and Hermione. The two girls basically chose his entire new wardrobe, having decided that he has no fashion sense at all. He couldn't complain though, since he admits that the two does have amazing fashion sense and have gotten him more than respectable clothes. Another thing he didn't expect was his new hairstyle. Fleur wasn't too keen on his messy hair that had become quite long during his training. He was immediately dragged to ahair salon after they deposited the bags at the Leaky Cauldron. Now he was sporting a "stylish" messy hair as described by the stylist after she was done. 'I almost look like I have Squall's hair' he thought. All in all he was content on how everything turned out. He does have complete faith in Fleur and Hermione. Ginny even told him to stop fidgeting and that he looked absolutely gorgeous. "And I'm not the only one who thinks that," she said, her voice a bit teasing. "You've been getting very dreamy and "appreciative" glances from every witch we passed by. You're just too thick to notice." she giggled. Fleur beamed with pride and smiled at him then simply linked her arms with his, showing a bit of possessiveness.

They were enjoying their ice cream and chatting at their table when a terrified scream pierced the air. People started running from around the corner, panic written in their faces. "What's going on?" Ginny tried to ask one trembling kid who stumbled in front of them. "Dementors!" Harry answered before the kid as he felt the familiar sudden coldness in the air and the happy feeling being replaced with dread. "Go to the Leaky Cauldron and get Remus. I'm going towards the commotion. Don't argue, just go, I can handle this. Help everyone along the way." He instructed as he quickly drew his wand and disappeared around the corner. He came upon one dementor looming over a frail old witch and a small girl. "Expecto Patronum!" Harry shouted and the silver stag erupted from his wand, charging at the dark creature. "Are you alright? Can you please tell me what happened?" he asked. He held out his hand and helped them get up. "My granddaughter saw them first and pointed them out to me. I was stunned to see five dementors descending into Diagon Alley. I froze in shock and all I could do was try to shield my granddaughter from them." she recounted amidst sobs. "I vaguely remember the others float high above the sky towards the inn."

'Bloody Hell' Harry thought as he heard another terrified scream. "Ginny!" he shouted as he recognized the voice. He quickly doubled back and dashed towards the direction of the inn. He saw Ron standing in front of Ginny with his wand out, eyes wide in fear, two dementors flying fast towards them. 'Damn it! He doesn't know how to cast a patronus.' Harry frantic, rushed to them using every once of enhanced strength and speed he has. He pushed them out of the way and raised his arms across in front as he braced for impact. The collision force caused him to skid backwards, his feet digging two parallel lines on the dirt. Happiness was sucked out from him during the brief contact, rendering him unable to cast his patronus. 'Shit! I got to do something quick' he thought. 'Holy….' He was about to curse as one dementor was looming closer to him as the other went after Ron and Ginny. 'That's it! No other choice.' he realized. He quickly stretched his right hand forward, palms open and sreamed, "HOLY!" Tendrils of almost blinding white light erupted from his palms, shooting straight to the dementors and some tendrils whipping them. The dark creatures shrieked in agony as they were hit by para-magic unknown to them and they quickly drifted away into the sky.

"You guys ok, were you hurt?" he asked while checking them for any injuries. "We're fine, thanks, mate." Ron responded tiredly, still in shock. "Harry, Fleur and Hermione… we got separated." Ginny told him in panic. Harry jumped up and ran towards the Leaky Cauldron as he remembered there are two more dementors out. As the inn came to view, he saw the two dementors about to catch up with Fleur and Hermione. "Damn it!" he shouted and ran harder. He skids to stop and sighed in relief as he saw Remus dash out of the inn with wand drawn. "Expecto Patronum!" Remus shouted as a bright silvery wolf erupted from his wand and pounced on the dementors. "Expecto Patronum!" Harry shouted and his stag patronus charged the dementors from behind forcing them to retreat up to the sky. "Harry!" shouted the two girls and rushed to hug him sobbing. "Are both of you alright?" he asked as he held on to comfort Fleur. "We're fine, we were worried about you and we have to find Ron and Ginny." Hermione quickly answered and was starting to panic. "We're fine, don't worry anymore." Ginny said as she and Ron shuffled behind them. Mrs. Weasley came out and quickly enveloped them all in a motherly hug. "Oh, you all had me so worried. We're going home this instant," she announced after fawning over them to see if they were injured.

Several pops were heard as Aurors apparated, few minutes too late. "You need to come with us Mr. Potter. We need you to give a statement." One said brusquely to Harry. "What is the meaning of this?" Remus said stepping between Harry and the Auror. The others started to protest. "Its standard procedure, we need to interview those who were "actively" involved in this incident." the auror replied rudely. "Its alright Remus. You can accompany Mr. Potter to the ministry." said another auror and signaled the other one to back off. The rude auror gave him a salute and went off. "Thank you, Kingsley, but what is this about?" Lupin asked. "It is just standard procedure, but I will inform Dumbledore immediately." He whispered. "Alright, Harry will be there, I'll escort him myself." Lupin said and Kingsley Shacklebolt went off to ask around. "Alright guys go on and head back home, talk to you all later." Harry said tiredly. "I'm going with you, no buts." Fleur stated firmly and went to his side wrapping her arms around his waist. "Molly, take the rest home. We'll have this sorted out. No need to worry since Dumbledore would surely be there." Remus instructed. "Very well, you lot, let's go." She said amidst the other's protests.

Harry felt someone tap his shoulder. He turned around to face the old witch he saved earlier. "Please accept this small trinket as a token of gratitude. Thank you for saving my granddaughter's life and me. Please accept it, I insist," and she pushed a black ring into his palm. "It is an enchanted item called Solomon's ring. I don't know what it exactly does but I certainly feel that it will serve you well." Harry graciously accepted and smiled at her, then went off with Fleur and Lupin to the Ministry.

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Hermione, Sirius and the Weasleys were waiting in the stateroom that evening when Harry, Remus and Fleur flooed in. Sirius and Mrs. Weasley quickly engulfed Harry in hug then was bombarded with questions. "What happened? Why were you taken to the Ministry?" Harry sighed as he sat down on a loveseat beside Fleur, holding her hand as if to draw strength as he suddenly felt tired.

"The ministry, it seems, is very adamant in admitting the return of Voldemort. Would you believe it, they brought me in front of Fudge and some high ranking officials demanding I explain what happened as if it was all my fault. They acted as if it was all an elaborate show from me so that I could gather more fame. They insists that the dementors were still in control and that it's impossible for them to just attack." Harry told them between, trying hard to control his rising voice. He is seething rage in every word. "Had it not been for Dumbledore and the fact that there are witnesses, they would have fabricated any reason to pin this incident on Harry." Lupin continued.

"We'll we figured that much, judging from the statement they released to the Daily Prophet." Hermione added as she handed them a copy of the paper. "WHAT BLOODY RUBBISH!" Harry exploded as he read the article slandering him and Dumbledore. Fleur squeezed his hand, which calmed him down a bit. "One day, that bloody, pompous git Fudge would get what he deserved," he said, grinding his teeth in fury. "Now, Harry, it would be best to leave this in the hands of the order for now. You have more important things to give your attention to." Sirius said, his eyes narrowing as he now read Fudge statement. He looked as if he was formulating a diabolical plot. "I assure you we will take care of this."

"Now, why don't we have dinner then off to bed. We all had a long day." Mrs. Weasley declared. Dinner passed normally, they have talked animatedly about school, Quidditch and any other simple topic, completely putting behind the day's events.

Harry stayed behind as the others went off to bed. He spent sometime in the stateroom, sitting on the couch, gazing at the fire as he contemplated. 'Only five dementors attacked Diagon Alley, where were the others Voldemort sent?' he thought. "Hey, Harry." A voice said snapping him out of his reverie. "Oh, hi, Ginny. What brings you here?" he asked. "Well, I just wanted to thank you for saving my life, again…" she trailed off, her eyes on the floor. "Come here, Ginny," he said, patting the space on the couch beside him. "Listen, there is no need to thank me alright. You are like a sister to me and I like to think of myself as a big brother to you. It's just natural for me to protect you. And don't think you're still having a crush on me again," he said the last line to tease her. Ginny blushed but smiled at him sincerely. "Thanks Harry… for understanding. Its clear to me now and I'm happy to have you as a brother," she said and gave him a hug before going back upstairs. 'Well that takes care of that one,' Harry thought and went to gaze at the fire again.

"Er… Harry… can I have a word?" Ron said reluctantly as he sat beside him. "Sure, mate, you now you can always talk to me." Harry responded, trying to encourage Ron. "Sorry," he said after a few moments of silence. "For what?" Harry asked. "For being a jealous prat today. I didn't mean to. You know, I just wanted to…" Ron trailed off. "I understand Ron and there's nothing to forgive. You're one of my best friends and like my brother. Don't worry, you are your own person and will do great things yourself, just be patient and don't let anyone else tell you otherwise." Harry told him. "Thanks mate!" Ron clapped him on the back, grinning widely and went off to bed.

"You're still awake, beloved. What's bothering you?" Fleur asked. She sat down and snuggled close to him. "It's the attack. I don't think that's just it. There will be another, I just couldn't figure out where and when," he said. "We will deal with it when it happens, at least we had a warning and you have informed Dumbledore about your dream. We will help you, you don't have to fight alone, and you have me and your friends to support you." Fleur assured him, wrapping her arms around his waist and pulling him to a tender kiss. "Thank you, love. I wouldn't know what to do without you. I love you."

"Hmmm… I love you too." Fleur mumbled before succumbing to sleep. Harry waved his hand to change into his pajamas. He than transfigured the couch into a reclining sofa bed and conjured a thick blanket then went to sleep comfortably, snuggling closer to Fleur.

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The remaining days passed normally and soon they were in King's Cross boarding the express. "Be careful all of you, no sneaking around or any dangerous adventures." Mrs. Wealey reminded them. "We'll owl as often as we can. Just focus on school." she finished and waved as the train rolled out of the station.

"Here's a compartment. Hi, Luna!" Ginny said and entered the compartment followed by Harry, Ron, Fleur and Hermione. "Hello, Ginnerva," Luna replied in her dreamy voice. Fred and George disappeared earlier with Lee Jordan. "Well, I'm off to the teachers' compartment for now, I just need to get instructions. Be back later. See you, beloved" Fleur blew Harry a kiss and was gone. "You're Harry Potter," the dreamy voice said. "Yes, I am… er… hello." he said and politely shook her hands. "Hello, Ronald." She greeted Ron. "Er… Hi!" Ron said reluctantly as Ginny and Hermione giggled at him. "Well, we have to go too, Harry. We need to get instructions from the Head boy and girl at the prefects' compartment then we need to patrol from time to time." Hermione said and dragged him out.

A few minutes later, all of them are back at the compartment. Neville, who joined them earlier, was showing off a plant he got from his gran to Ginny and Luna. Ron and Harry are playing wizard's chess while Hermione and Fleur is having a little girl talk. Then the door slid open and as expected, the slimy git, Malfoy and his two cronies made their appearance. "Well, what do we have here… looks like Potty had some changes during the summer. Oooohh, I'm scared," he drawled. He was shocked when he saw how intimidating Harry looked but recovered quickly, hiding his uneasiness with his usual sneer. "And I see your fan club also grew, as if they are any improvement from Weasel and Mudblood. And… well, hello, there gorgeous," he said in what he thought of as a sexy tone to Fleur. "Why don't you join us instead and let me show you a good time with a real man."

Fleur and Hermione made an exaggerated gagging sound. "Please, ferret, as if you are a manly man." Hermione said. "Yeah, I find your proposal very "queer". It's a shame you haven't stepped out of the "closet" yet." Fleur teased. "Are you insinuating that I'm gay?" Draco growled. "There is nothing to insinuate," Fleur continued. "You act more feminine than I am." Draco turned beet red and drew his wand. "Don't you even dare point that at my girlfriend, Malfoy" Harry said, his voice low and cold. Draco turned his attention to Harry and came face-to-face with a very menacing sight. Harry stared giving him a glare, his wand pointed at Malfoy, his eyes glowing a very dark emerald green. He's emanating an aura of lethal danger. "I'll get you soon Potter, mark my words." Malfoy said, trying hard to hide his fear as he made a gulp and run off with Crabbe and Goyle. "Thank you for defending me, beloved," Fleur kissed his cheek to calm him down. Harry gave her a smile and the group went back to their normal activities.

After a few minutes, an explosion was heard and the express came to a violent stop. Harry, Ron, and Neville were thrown forward. With his enhanced reflexes, Harry planted his feet firmly on the floor and stopped the guys from colliding with the girls. A scream pierced the air. "The trains under attack!" a voice coming from the front yelled. "Guys, stay inside the train and help the other students. Hermione, Fleur, check with the prefects and teachers who are on board. I'm going out no buts." And Harry dashed out already in his battle gear before anyone could protest.

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A/N: Sorry for the bad cliffie. This chapter took a while, I know I planned to post two chapters but things have been a bit slow for now. I feel like I rushed the completion of this one, anyway, next chapter will have some action.

To Yenom: Thanks for the points and review. Hope Fleur's explanation made sense. Also, thanks for the warning, I wasn't really aware of it.

To Shinigami's Shadow: I normally wouldn't mind but I still need them. And Griever's claws are itching for them. Bwahahaha/maniacal laughter/

To gaul1: Sorry, I can't bash his character in this fic. I have some other plan for him.

To sirius009: Thanks for the review. That was one of my dilemma since I didn't want to go as far back as GoB, but I might consider a prequel solely focused on the their relationship.

To Blue Werewolf Boy: Thanks for the review. I'll update as fast as I can. I already have ideas for the major points and scenes in the story, its just the small, trivial scenes that's hindering me plus where a certain GF would be found and such.

Keep on reviewing. Any advice and tip would be greatly appreciated.