The List
By: lbfan
A standard disclaimer: The Characters and situations of Harry Potter depicted in this story are the legal property of J.K. Rowling, Bloomsbury, and AOL Time Warner, and have been used without permission. No copyright infringement is intended. No profit is being made off this story and it is being used for entertainment purposes only.
Chapter 8 – Hogwarts or Not
The next day was more relaxing for the six of them. Harry taught the others some defensive magic and skills. Among the spells, he taught the Deanimus curse, and its counter curse, Animus.
When it came time to do Occlumency training, Neville and Ginny were ready to start training against a Legilimency caster. Harry irritated Ginny by digging up memories of previous boyfriends. Using the Menscontrolus spell, he was able to help guide them through raising their shields. Ginny caught on quickly, because with only a touch, she could experience how Harry was doing it. Neville progressed remarkably well, and was able to throw off Harry's intrusions at the end.
Everyone in the group showed an interest in being an Animagusses. Neville worked with the second step, personal Morphasis. He focused on changing his arm into the furry leg of his inner animal. Ginny, not surprisingly, found her inner-animal quickly. Hermione and Luna needed some extra coaching, but they found their inner-animal before the hour was out. Ron, try as he might, did not find his. Hermione insisted that once Ron figured out his inner-animal form, they all properly register their Animagus research with the ministry.
Following the afternoon break, each of them focused on their individual tasks.
Ginny asked the parents to look through the papers for news of attacks and to help find families the victims had left behind. She wanted a general indication of how the magical community was holding up. With the more prominent wizards and witches being targets, Ginny had a feeling that businesses would be closing and unemployment could increase. If the economy in the wizarding world fell apart, it would become easier for Voldemort to take control.
That evening Harry and Ginny made time just to relax and be together as a couple. Luna sat across the table from Neville reading from the same book as he was, only upside down. Neville did not seem to mind. Ron struggled with the effort of asking Hermione for a date. The situation finally became so awkward, that they ended up getting into a row before going to bed.
The next morning, everyone woke early and enjoyed one of Mrs. Weasley's big breakfasts. Molly had complained that she had not been able to cook with Dobby taking care of everything.
Exasperated with Molly, Dobby started on his own tasks for the day. Using the Potter Mansion elves to help him, he cleaned up the Barbados Bungalow, the Mediterranean Villa and the Forbidden Forest Ranger Station (formerly known as the Hunting Cabin).
Harry, Ron, Hermione, Neville, Ginny and Luna were going off to Hogwarts for Belby's demonstration of the lycanthropy cure.
When they arrived at Hogwarts' front gate, they were greeted by Professor McGonagall. As she escorted them to the castle, she asked Harry, "So, this was your idea?"
Harry replied, "I'm only financially backing the research. It wasn't until this morning that I learned they set had set up their operations here. However, I do approve of their choice of location here. They are safe under your protective care."
McGonagall chastised him, "Don't you go trying to butter me up, Potter. I approve as well, which is why I gave up my vacation to rent out the school to them. Be warned though, I will only allow your crew to stay here so long as they are doing research and development. Once they are producing a product, they have to take their stewing and brewing somewhere else."
Professor McGonagall led the way down a long unused corridor in a portion of the second floor. Harry could tell where the research area began from the white color on the walls, ceiling, and floors. When they arrived at the area where the demonstration was to be held, a familiar woman handed them their lab coats.
Startled, Harry said, "Oh, hello Cho. How are you doing?" His casual greeting was warmly received by Cho, and noticed by the red head in the back.
She said surprisingly, "I should have realized the handsome, noble and kind Harry Potter was the financier for this project. Will you be spending much time here?" Cho must have heard about Harry and Ginny's break up, but had apparently missed news of their reunion. Cho was definitely trying to flirt.
Ginny wasted no time correcting her misconception. Taking the lab coat from Cho, she offered to help Harry put it on, "Here Love, let me help you with that."
Harry could see that if he did not cooperate with this, there might be an all out cat fight to deal with. Harry pulled on the lab coat with Ginny's help, and gave her a quick kiss on the cheek in thanks.
Cho understood clearly that she was not going to win this one. Surprised, Cho also noticed that Ginny was not in her usual ragged attire, but was wearing a nice new Muggle dress and stylish sandals. This gave her a devious idea. Cho said, "Ginny, what a pleasant surprise it is to see you. That is a very nice dress you have on today; however, this is a laboratory environment. For safety reasons, you will not be able to stay. You have to wear closed toe shoes. Sorry." The gloating look on her face clearly showed how proud she was with herself.
Ginny, glaring daggers at her, smiled tightly in return.
Harry turned to face Ginny holding both of her hands and looking into her bright brown eyes. They stood that way for a minute, as he shared some thoughts with her.
Ginny said aloud, "I'm sorry Harry, I suppose I can't stay. I hope the demonstration goes well. Find me when you're done." She then asked Professor McGonagall, "Will you permit me to walk around the castle?"
Professor McGonagall gave her permission with a curt nod.
Ginny gave Harry a kiss on the lips, which she made sure that Cho noticed, and then she went out of the door.
Hermione and Luna could not help but chuckle silently to themselves. Their eyes were filled with mirth. The two of them knew much more about the rivalry between Cho and Ginny than Harry did. They could see that this show was really eating at Cho.
Everyone else donned lab coats and approached a small lecture area. The confident Damocles Belby entered the room and introduced himself to the other guests. Then the researcher explained how his cure worked. For the demonstration, he had multiple slides of blood taken from a werewolf. Using a complex system of lenses and lights, he projected the image of the blood cells on a screen behind him. Belby pointed out what changes had occurred in the blood of a werewolf compared to normal healthy cells. Using a silver instrument, he demonstrated on one of the slides how the silver was able to destroy the werewolf cells, but not the cells on the normal blood slide.
Lastly, Damocles placed a tiny drop of the curative agent on the slide with the werewolf blood cells. The group watched in fascination as the werewolf blood cells gradually changed back to normal cells. The silver test confirmed that the changed cells were truly normal healthy cells. The demonstration was so successful they nearly cheered.
Belby explained that they were currently working on a delivery potion and hoped to have the first run of tests available in time for the full moon in two weeks.
Harry was very pleased with the demonstration and gave Damocles a firm handshake and a pat on the back. More discretely he handed the man a bank draft for another five thousand galleons.
Professor McGonagall was also very pleased. They all congratulated the team, and then returned to the main part of the castle. Looking Harry directly in the eye, McGonagall told him she needed to see him for other business. She invited Ron, Harry, Hermione, Neville, and Luna to join her in her old office to talk a bit about Hogwarts.
Hermione had been expecting something like this, but Harry and Ron felt very uneasy about the meeting. It was going to be very difficult to tell their headmistress that they intended to drop out of school.
They all sat down in her office. The house cup, which Gryffindor had won the previous year, was proudly displayed up on the mantle above the fireplace. While Harry and Ron squirmed she calmly offered them all tea before she started into business. Professor McGonagall said, "There have been many questions with regards to the safety of the school. These concerns have not all been answered yet, but the answers will determine whether many students or even faculty will return to the school next year. Harry, what are your plans for the fall?"
'That was easy,' Harry thought, relieved. He said, "I'm not going to attend school till I complete what I have started with Dumbledore."
McGonagall said, "I was afraid you were going to say that. Once you drop out of school in your sixth or seventh year, you can't come back. Are you sure I can't convince you to stay?"
Harry really did want to stay. This castle had been his real home for the past six years, and Ginny had promised her parents that she would return. He said, "I would like to stay in school, but you can't have a student leave the castle grounds without explanation like Dumbledore did last year."
Suddenly, in a flash of flame, Athena entered the room, flew around once and landed on Harry's shoulder. Neville gave her an inquiring look.
Professor McGonagall took this appearance of the phoenix as an omen which confirmed her choice of action. She suggested, "Harry, I will offer you a compromise. If I take you on as an Assistant Professor, you may come and go pretty much as you wish. As an Assistant Professor, you may also take classes to complete your schooling, but you must teach at least 20 hours a week. You will be given free tuition, room and board during the year and will be paid one-third the normal professor's salary. However, you will have to take and pass the NEWT for the subject that you are going to teach with at least an 'E'. Does this sound acceptable to you?"
A wave of relief swept through Harry. As much as he was determined to continue the fight against the Dark Lord, the anticipated separation from Ginny and all the others he had come to care about had formed an aching pit in his soul. He had not dreamed there would be a comfortable solution available.
Harry turned to Hermione and Ron, and looked at them. Harry turned back to McGonagall and asked, "What about them? When I leave, I may need to take one or both of them with me."
Professor McGonagall frowned and said, "I only have two other staff positions open and I'm afraid, that I will not have Mr. Weasley teaching."
She turned to Ron and said, "Weasley, I will go against my best judgment and give you the Head Boy position. It will give you the freedom to leave with one of the instructors, but not alone. To be frank with you, last year you used your position as prefect to bully the other students more often than you helped them. You must work on being more nurturing. If you don't change, I'll take your Head Boy badge away from you and give it to Ernie Macmillan, who really deserves it. That is a promise."
Ron was speechless. He had never expected to be offered the Head Boy position, but if Harry were going to stay as a teacher, then he needed to stay close by. Ron said, "I won't let you down."
Professor McGonagall looked at the now puzzled Hermione and said, "Miss Granger, you are probably the brightest and most gifted student this school has seen in many years. I would like to offer you an assistant professorship as well."
Hermione asked, "What subject would I teach?"
Professor McGonagall said, "Unlike Potter, you could qualify to teach several subjects. We had History of Magic, Defense against the Dark Arts, Muggle Studies, and Transfiguration positions to staff. Yesterday, our old History of Magic Professor, Angus Fusthorne, walked back from the Forbidden forest where he disappeared fifty years ago." She turned to look at Harry and asked, "You wouldn't know anything about that would you?"
Harry just smiled.
Ron asked, "Did you sack Binns?"
The Headmistress glared at Ron who shrugged, "What?" Hermione jabbed him sharply in the ribs. Finally McGonagall admitted reluctantly, "Well yes, his lectures were a bit…dead."
She turned back to Hermione and said, "Being that Harry would be best suited for the DADA position, I would like to offer you the Transfiguration teacher position."
Hermione eyes went wide with astonishment. This was like a dream for her. She had always idolized Professor McGonagall, and now she was being offered her old position as the Transfiguration Professor? Hermione said, "I would love to take that position."
Back to Harry, the Headmistress asked him, "Would you join our staff as the Defense against the Dark Arts teacher."
Harry had enjoyed teaching, ever since the DA. Harry replied hopefully, "Yes, I would like that very much, but I do have a relationship with one of the students." He started to mutter to himself, "Oh that sly fox, she knew. She told me that she wasn't going to take Defense against the Dark Arts this year. Now I know why." Looking back at Professor McGonagall, he continued, "Would my relationship with Ginny Weasley cause a problem if she won't be taking my course?"
Puzzled, Professor McGonagall said, "No, but it does prevent your being chosen the Head of House for Gryffindor. I must insist the highest decorum for the professors of the school. You must keep your intimacy behind closed doors."
Harry said, "That is fine, I agree to your offer. I too find teaching very enjoyable."
The Headmistress said, "With that settled, I have arranged for the two of you to take your NEWT's at the ministry of magic on Friday. Be there no later than 9:00 AM. As assistant professors, you will be given accommodations elsewhere in the castle. Did you have any preferences?"
Harry beat Hermione to this and asked, "Could you fix up a three bedroom apartment for us?"
Professor McGonagall had a stern face, and said, "You don't understand, Ron is still a student. He will have his own head boy room, but it will be in Gryffindor Tower."
Hermione explained, "I think Harry was thinking of Mum and Dad. See my mum and dad adopted Harry over the summer to prevent any troubles with the Dursleys. Since a Death Eater attack, we have been keeping them in hiding with us. I would also like the four of us to live together in an apartment as a family if you can manage it."
Harry nodded his head and smiled.
McGonagall considered this briefly, and then said, "Very well, I'll see what I can do." With a wave of her wand, she produced two contracts for them to sign. She said, "These are two year contracts, I expect you two to serve for the full two years. No going off and getting yourselves killed, is that clear?"
Ron and Hermione both smiled and looked at Harry for his reaction.
Harry said, "Don't just look at me; you two said you would stay by my side to the end." He still grinned, knowing it was all said with a light heart.
Athena flew from Harry's shoulder and rested on Neville's. Neville sighed with relief then turned asked Luna, "Well it looks like we are returning to school. What subjects will you be taking?"
Professor McGonagall excused Ron, Harry and Hermione, saying, "Harry, go find your wife, I need to talk to her about her marital status and her course selections."
Everyone's mouth dropped to the floor when she said that. The look of astonishment was on everyone's face, except for Professor McGonagall. She said, "My roster does say Lady Ginevra Potter-Black now, instead of Ginevra Weasley. I, too, need to talk to Miss. Lovegood about her course selections. We'll do that while you're gone."
When Ginny left the second floor laboratory, she was on a mission. Harry had asked her to go to the room of requirement and retrieve Harry's potions textbook from its hiding place. What was worse, she had to do all of this from the memories which he had given her.
Upon reaching the seventh floor outside the room of requirement, she realized she did not know what to ask the room to do for her. It did not take long before she reasoned that Harry had wanted someplace to hide the book. Three paces back and forth, the door appeared. Behind the door was the room from Harry's memory. Ginny picked her way through the room till she got to the cupboard with the acid damage on the side. She moved the bust of the ugly warlock with the wig, and opened the creaking door. Moving the birdcage out of the way, she found the book in the back.
On her way out, she looked at the Vanishing Cabinet. It took her a few minutes, but the significance of it came into view. This must be the doorway to and from Borgin and Burkes. Ginny banished the wigged bust right at the Vanishing Cabinet with her wand. The cabinet must have had a repulsion charm placed on it, because the carved marble sculpture bounced right back and shattered against the wall. She tried a few other spells but nothing worked until she tried to shrink it. The cabinet shrunk down enough that she was able to carry it and the book with her.
When Ginny got all the way back down to the second floor again, everyone was gone. She poked around the castle a little bit. On a whim she tried to find one of Harry and Ron's secret passages she had discovered in Harry's thoughts. Sometimes his memories were so vivid, she could pick up on nuances like the smell, sounds and temperature.
She was still venturing in the castle when Harry's Patronus found her. The message said that they were finished with their meeting with Professor McGonagall, and were waiting for her outside of her old office.
It was only a few minutes before she found them. She was carrying the shrunken cabinet and the book in her arms.
Harry looked at her with uneasiness and said, "Ginny, she wants to talk with you now." Harry held hands with her for a while. Ginny's face changed from happiness to nervousness to resolve, as she shared thoughts with him.
Ginny looked to the others, and said, "I will be fine, I'll be back shortly." She knocked at Professor McGonagall's door and let herself in.
When she came back out, she was beaming with glee. She said, "I'm the new quidditch captain!"
On the way out, Ginny explained what they had talked about. She told them, "I had to lay it all out for her as it actually happened. She believed me too. She said it wasn't the first time accidental magic had married students before graduation. McGonagall said that most times, it is students who sneak off to the nearest Muggle town on a Hogsmeade weekend."
Speaking to Harry, she said, "She said that when we are in school, we must behave as if we are only boyfriend/girlfriend. Because you are a teacher now, we have to be extra careful how we behave around others."
Ginny guided everyone over to Hagrid's cabin where they had a short visit. Harry explained what the cabinet was, and asked Hagrid if the giants would like to have it. If they were lucky a tasty Death Eater might attempt to come through. Either way, the Vanishing Cabinet needed to be removed from the Hogwarts grounds.
Hagrid was blubbering with tears of happiness as he explained how the ministry had granted him official permission to cast magic and take his OWL's, which brought a rousing cheer from everyone. Hermione promised to help him study for the OWL's.
They did not stay very long, because they had such a busy schedule. Waving happily they said their good-byes and traveled back to the LB ranch.
After they got back, Harry quickly grabbed a bite to eat, and then rushed off to the ministry for his Magical Law Enforcement Department training.
After Harry left, Remus came by and suspiciously looked at Ginny as he gave her mail to her. It was a letter from the Minister of Magic addressed to Lady Ginevra Potter-Black. Ginny blushed at Remus' scrutiny, and took the letter up to her room to read.
In the letter the Minister congratulated her on her marriage. He said that he wished that he could have attended the wedding. The main point of the letter, however, was to show support for their marriage, and to declare her a fully qualified adult witch. Further more he encouraged her to apply for her apparition license as soon as she was ready. Ginny was going to wait to talk to Harry about this before telling anyone else.
When Harry arrived at the atrium courtyard of the Ministry of Magic, there was a crowd of reporters at the door. As he walked nearer, he realized why they were there. The Minister needed his poster boy.
He started to get mad, knowing that he had been set up, but he remembered the efforts that Rufus Scrimgeour went to get his approval. Harry felt he owed the man this much.
Still leery of reporters in general, he approached the doors with apprehension. It didn't take long before the reporter, Tom Jones, of the new Video Wizarding Wireless, noticed him. Tom exclaimed, "Oi! Mr. Potter, a word if I may!" That was all it took. The whole mob of reporters started screaming for his attention.
Harry looked across the crowd of reporters searching for someone with a likable aura. He finally chose a shriveled hag in the back, "You there, what's your name and whom do you represent?"
She said, "I'm Gabby Vane of the 'Teen Witch Weekly'."
'Great,' Harry thought sarcastically. He asked, "Ms. Vane, what would you like to know?"
The hag asked, "How long are you going to waste your time on that Weasley girl? Is it true that you married her?"
Harry really didn't wish to drag Ginny into this or anything else, but she would certainly want all of the other witches to know that he was taken. Harry replied, "I am very fortunate to claim Miss Weasley as my girlfriend. I love her. I do intend to marry her, but we are not legally married as of yet."
Gabby Vane quickly shot a question back, "So when you say you are not legally married, does that mean that you may be illegally married?"
'This is not working,' Harry thought. He noticed a ministry employee had conjured up a platform and podium behind him. He decided to take the initiative himself. Harry stood behind the podium to address the reporters. "A week ago at the battle of the Burrow, the ministry came to our rescue with 20 Aurors. Since then, we have been working together to mend our differences. I am here, because I am still working with the ministry to bring peace back to our world." He was about to leave the podium, but turned back. "To the magical community as a whole, I offer this message: 'Don't loose hope.' We'll work together to get through this. Protect your neighbor and yourself. Together we will bring Lord Voldemort's terror to an end. End of questions." Harry left the podium and approached the guard to have his wand scrutinized. Harry noticed a group of 7 sinister looking wizards glaring at him from the back of the crowd. He caught their eyes and glared back. 'Surely they wouldn't try anything here,' he thought.
In the foyer of the building, Minister Scrimgeour met Harry. He said, "Thank you Harry. I'm sorry for not preparing you before hand, but I thought you might go out of your way to avoid them."
Harry glared sternly at the Minister. He said, "Don't thank me. Thank Ginny. She is the one who is supporting you, and encouraging the public. I loathe the press. I would have ditched you today if it weren't for her strong feelings on this issue."
The Minister clearly understood now that Ginny was a favorable influence on Harry. He pondered this new alliance as he walked Harry down to the MLE office to work with Gawain Robards and his staff of Aurors.
In the Auror training, they started with the basics. Most of the Aurors who came for the training session were astonished at how much Harry already knew. What he didn't know, he picked up very quickly. The Aurors were even more amazed by the power of his magic. What he lacked in skills, he made up for in brute force. Even his shields could handle more than the average wizard. The last of the afternoon was spent on paperwork and procedures. Harry had to learn the proper way of charging a criminal with a crime, all the way down to the last form.
Back at the L.B. Ranch, Ginny still needed to do some shopping, so she went downstairs to ask someone to go with her. Ginny's Mum politely declined the excursion. Emma, on the other hand, was happy to take her off shopping. They first went was to Diagon Alley. Since she had a lot to purchase and not enough money on hand, she went to the Bank.
Emma was astonished at how well Ginny was treated so special. For her, there was no line to stand in, and a personal assistant named Griphook met her every need. Emma suggested that she get a charge card which was linked to her vault for Muggle purchases. In addition, Griphook suggested a special money pouch for wizarding world purchases. "Most larger businesses would charge to a vault," Griphook supplied, "but for small purchases, it is always better to have a way to pay with galleons." He then gave her a small, soft leather coin purse that would empty out just the right amount of coins into her hand for what she was thinking. This would work for something as small as candy or as large as a house purchase.
Ginny immediately asked about security. "What if I loose it, or someone steals it?" she worried.
"This, Lady Black, is yours alone. No one else may use it." Griphook replied,
Ginny thanked him and everyone else for their excellent service.
At the luggage shop, Ginny purchased a trunk that converted into a multi-room walk-in closet. At the stationers, she ordered printed stationary with her name and the Black family crest. She picked up a ream of high-grade parchment and self-inking quills. They continued the shopping going from store to store. After each purchase, she called one of the house elves to take her purchase to her room at the LB Ranch. Ginny even bought Emma witch's clothes so she could blend in better.
They had just come out of a beauty salon when Draco Malfoy stopped them at wand point. Looking at Emma, he drawled, "You're not a witch! You're a Muggle." His face was contorted as if he ate something distasteful.
"But I am!" Ginny exclaimed. Before Draco could react, Ginny's newly purchased wand holster ejected her wand into her hand, and she silently placed the new and improved bat boggy hex on him. With another swift movement from her left hand, she snatched Draco's wand from him. While Emma and Ginny screamed for an Auror, Draco escaped with the help of an emergency port key tied around his neck.
Shop keepers, customers, and Auror Teller came running over to the two women. Everyone was relieved to see that they were not harmed, and went back to their business. Auror Teller took Draco's wand, and began to fill out the report. When her magical quill identified Ginny, Auror Teller, blushed and nervously said, "I'm sorry Mrs. Potter, I didn't know … it was you." Emma's face dropped, and Ginny blushed.
After that, the two of them went directly back to the LB Ranch. On their way back, Emma said, "Young lady, you have some explaining to do."
At the end of the afternoon, Harry's brain was on overload, and he was sore from all of the dueling. Too tired to concentrate fully he decided he would Floo to the LB Ranch from the atrium fireplaces instead of Apparating.
He was going to go up to take a long hot soak in the tub, when Molly greeted him with a firm hug. She immediately congratulated him on becoming a Professor. Not long after that, Emma and Ginny walked in from the courtyard. Harry did not understand why, but his new Mum was clearly irritated, not only with Ginny, but also with him.
Ginny told everyone how they had a run in with Draco in Diagon Alley. She was just getting to the part of the story that involved Auror Teller, when she turned at Harry, and pointedly asked, "What is the deal Auror Teller? Were you flirting with her?"
Harry went wide eyed, and stammered, "Erm, no, I didn't come on to her. She was impressed with the Patronus, not me. Was she? Why? What happened?"
Not thinking, Ginny said, "It is just when her magic quill identified me as your wife, she went all embarrassed and such."
"You're his what?" Molly screamed. Arthur and Dan expressed similar reactions.
Emma told them, "Auror Teller's quill identified your daughter, Ginny, as Lady Ginevra Molly Potter-Black. I'm still waiting for an explanation myself."
In the back of the room, Luna and Hermione got up and tip toed out of the room.
Ginny looked at her mother. "Mum, it is not what it seems. Please give me a chance to explain."
Molly snapped, "We're not going anywhere. Start explaining."
Ginny looked up to Harry. "I feel a family meeting coming on."
Harry took her hand, and agreed, "Yes, we should have a family meeting."
Ginny announced, "Let's all go to the Burrow and talk about this with Percy, Bill, Fleur, George, Fred and Charlie as well."
Neville protested, "Let's not and say we did. It is not safe at the Burrow, especially for all of us."
Harry assured him, "It will be OK. It is only for an hour at the most."
Neville started to protest again, but finally conceded. It would be better at the Burrow, than having everyone get together at one of Harry's properties or here at the ranch. "Fine," Neville said, "but I'm going over before everyone else just to make sure it is safe." He went out into the yard and Apparated to the Burrow.
Harry called out to everyone, "Family meeting in 20 minutes at the Burrow. That means everyone. Mr. Weasley, please go get Charlie; Ron, will you fetch the twins; Molly, contact Bill and Fleur; Dobby bring Percy. "
Neville returned to report that the Burrow was ready. He said, "I still don't like the wards the Ministry used. They could have done a much better job. The house is very vulnerable."
When they all got there, Neville had turned the living room back into the hall it had been for the reception. He had set up the room with meeting chairs: two in front; six on the left; nine on the right; and three in back.
When Percy arrived, he was practically being dragged by Dobby. Ginny approached him, and declared bluntly, "Percy, this family meeting is about me. If you don't love me, you can leave right now."
Percy kept a stoic face but remained.
Noticing something wasn't right, Harry approached Percy, and asked, "Percy, do you trust me?"
Percy looked at Harry, and answered, "Of course Harry, I trust you."
Harry pulled out his wand, and cast "Legilimens". Inside his mind, Harry could see that Percy was struggling ineffectively under the imperious curse. Someone very strong was controlling his actions.
Percy started to pull his wand out to fight back, but Ginny stopped him by holding his wand hand, and telling him to stay still.
The next thing Harry attempted was the Menscontrolus Charm. He needed to get Percy to throw off the Imperious Curse. Whoever was controlling Percy had very tight control and was very strong. They kicked Harry out with force.
Everyone around was watching Harry with great curiosity. It wasn't clear what was going on, but Harry had Percy at wand point and Ginny was helping.
Harry rolled up his sleeve. "Alright, it is going to get ugly now." With strong determination, Harry cast "IMPERIO!"
Molly screamed in terror. Many others just looked dumbfounded in disbelief.
It took a full minute, till Harry released the spell. Percy was shaking and collapsed in a chair. Ginny held him close to give him strength.
Arthur roughly grabbed Harry and protested, "You can't be casting the imperious curse on people." Turning towards Tonks, he demanded, "Arrest him."
Tonks asked, "For what? I didn't see anything. Did you Fred?"
He replied casually, "I'm George, and no, I didn't see anything."
Harry explained, "I was able to determine that Percy was already under the imperious curse from someone else. I tried to release him nicely with a simple spell, but the one in control wouldn't let go. So I fought fire with fire. You'll see. He should be back to his normal self soon."
Percy looked up at his father, "Harry's right Dad. Why am I here?"
Molly grabbed Percy in a big hug. Tears were falling down her cheeks.
Percy cried out, "Mum, your wrinkling my robe. Yes mum, I love you too. Will you let me go?" When Molly released her son, he looked at his robes and exclaimed, "Why am I wearing this robe. It isn't even pressed. I can't possibly impress anyone looking like this."
Harry asked everyone to take a seat. After noticing how Neville had laid out the chairs, he asked his family to sit on the left. Harry asked Dobby to sit with Hermione. Remus pulled Tonks from the back row with Neville and Luna, and sat her next to him with Harry's family. Harry smiled and encouraged her.
In a hide out far away, Wormtail approached his master, "Lord, I have good news. They have returned to the Burrow. All of them, even Harry."
Back at the Burrow, Ginny began, "Three days ago, I teased Harry about calling me his wife. I asked him about the 'I do's', and he whispered an 'I do' to me. I felt that this was his personal promise to me. After thinking about it, I whispered the same back to him. We didn't realize it, but Luna told me that there was a release of magic from us at the time. Hermione explained…Hermione, could you tell everyone what you said to me?"
Hermione explained to everyone, "This exchange of the 'I do's' is the fundamental of the wedding vows which magically marked them as married. When the vows are said from the heart, it will always be taken as a promise bond. They performed accidental magic which marked them as being married."
Ginny continued, "This must be the case. Ever since then, I have been constantly identified as Lady Ginevra Molly Potter-Black. At the bank, goblins address me as Lady Black, and the Potter vault automatically opens up for me. House elves call me 'Mistress'. The register at Hogwarts has me listed under my married name. The Minister of Magic sent me a letter congratulating me on my marriage, and Auror Teller's quill identified me under my married name."
Arthur protested, "Why don't you just declare an annulment?"
Ginny looked at the ground, ashamed, and said, "I can't." She looked at Harry.
Harry said, "I can't." They shared an affectionate smile together.
They both turned to Arthur, and said, "We won't."
Arthur was getting irritated, but Hermione said logically, "Even if they tried it wouldn't work. It would have to come from their heart to count. If they say they can't, then they mean it."
Mr. Weasley actually found comfort in this. If they are both unable to break this promise bond, then they must really be in love.
Harry said, "I have so much that I need to do, I need Ginny to fill the role as Lady Black. I need her to help care for the properties, the elves, the money and the investments. We have renters and mortgagers who are real people. With this title and position she can do all of this, and influence change in the community."
Ginny explained, "To fill this role, I have to live the role. I am spending his money as it is my own with Harry's approval. He said I already had his approval before this under my own name Ginny Weasley. I intend to continue live with his property being our property."
Percy said, "This isn't fair to you Ginny. You are doing all of this, and if it doesn't work out, you are left with nothing."
Bill complained, "You are not officially married. Your commitment to each other is not completely solidified. This almost sounds like an excuse to shack up."
Dan chipped in, "Bill is correct. The two of you should have an official wedding ceremony, after you have had time to date."
Charlie said, "You better put a ring on her finger, and do it romantically."
Fleur said to Bill, "I vish vee did zhat a year ago."
Dan got up and walked over to Arthur, while others started to offered in their views.
While everyone was planning prenuptials and 'what if' scenarios, Harry and Ginny quietly left the house. They sat on the swing together, and talked.
After ten minutes, Molly discovered that Harry and Ginny were gone. "Now where did they go off to?" she asked.
Hermione answered, "They're outside. They are perfectly happy for us to plan for all of the contingencies, and to determine how to best protect our families' honor. Their goal is accomplished. They told us the truth about what happened, and let us all know they will not stop it."
Ron continued the statement, "Harry won't even care if he has to give everything away. He has everything he needs. He has Ginny, and she feels the same way for him."
Dan announced, "Alright, we got everything we need. Arthur and I will work out the details. We are going to create a betrothal/prenuptial contract for them to sign. Let's go give them our support, and go home."
Remus was the first one out the door, and he found the two on the swing. Concerned, he asked, "What are you two doing out here alone?"
Harry answered, "We're not alone." He pointed to where Neville was standing in the shadow of the Burrow, guarding. Luna was quietly keeping him company. Harry asked, "Are we done now?"
Remus answered, "Yes, we're done. Come inside, you two. Your family wants to congratulate you on your betrothal."
Holding Ginny's hand, Harry thought, 'I wonder how many cows this is going to cost me?'
Ginny was feeling as if she had just been sold, but she didn't really care.
There were hugs, pats on the back and handshakes. Everyone started to leave.
Before Charlie left, Harry stopped him. "How would you like to live closer to the family?"
Charlie replied, "Before I move back to England, I would have to find a job. There are no Dragon caretaker positions in Britain."
Harry offered, "I have a dangerous job which involves the care of magical creatures for which you have shown a talent. I was hoping you would consider it."
Intrigued, Charlie asked, "What is it? Where is it? How much does it pay?"
Harry replied, "Forest Ranger for the Forbidden Forest, two thousand Galleons a year, with another two thousand Galleon budget for expenses. You can stay in the cabin on the far side of the Forbidden Forest from Hogwarts."
Charlie couldn't believe his ears. He had just been offered the job of a lifetime, and with good pay. Of course it was dangerous, but danger with magical creatures was what he lived for.
Two minutes later, Charlie told Harry, "Yes, I'll take the job."
Ginny gave her brother a big hug. Others congratulated him as well. Neville took Charlie off to the cabin to show him the layout and the wards he had installed. Everyone else returned to the LB Ranch.
Ten minutes after they had all departed, Lord Voldemort Apparated to the Burrow with twenty Death Eaters. A loud siren pierced the air. Within 10 minutes all of the wards had been torn down. Since the Burrow was empty, Voldemort furiously vowed to have a painful talk with Wormtail. In his anger, Voldemort cast "Lacarnum Inflamare" that destroyed the building completely leaving it in burning rubble.
When the news reached the LB Ranch the next morning, a deep melancholy flooded the house. The home they had known had been completely destroyed. The attack was clearly meant for them, since they had been there only minutes before hand. Ginny had already started to associate her home to be anywhere Harry hangs his hat, but like her parents and brother, she could not help but feel homeless.
Harry and Neville started discussing what their options were with creating a new home for the Weasleys. Nothing could be determined, except moving them into Grimmauld Place with Remus and Tonks. Even there, Neville would rather them to wait off on taking up residency until everyone else returned to Hogwarts.
Returning to the school had also created a panic amongst Ron and Hermione. Ron realized he had to do his homework he did not do, thinking he was not returning. Hermione, on the other hand, had been busy revising transfiguration, preparing for her NEWT. She had to make sure she knew everything, and practiced for the practical.
Harry made a copy of the Half-Blood Prince's potions textbook. The book was so old, it was easy to break the copyright spell which the publisher had set on it.
Harry took the new copy to Eldred Worple at his meeting later that morning. The meeting took a few hours, but Harry was satisfied that Snape's half-blood identity would be revealed. Even though Severus Snape was in Azkaban, Harry still felt that they should proceed with the plan.
While Harry was off at his meeting, Ginny had a meeting of her own. Ginny called all of the elves to the Black Country Estate for a family household staff meeting. All except Kreacher, that was. Ginny outlined a plan to the elves which encompassed a rank and responsibility system. At the bottom rung was the elf second class. That elf was basically in training.
The rung above that was elf first class. This elf was responsible for all house hold responsibilities, but was also required to train and lead the house elves at second class. This elf first class goes through commitment ceremony three times a year. At this commitment ceremony, the elf could choose to be free, work for someone else, or stay on for another four months. To achieve this level, the elf must have shown kindness, hospitality and housekeeping skills. The elf first class can choose an area where they would want to work most.
Elf lead was the step above first class. The elf lead was responsible for leading and training all elf first class and below. They were required to take on more managerial responsibilities. The elf lead had a petty cash fund from which they were allowed to spend from at their leisure. The elf lead was not required to stay at any particular property, but they could come and go as they want.
The top position was called life elf. This elf had demonstrated so much dedication and commitment to the family, the family was committing itself to the elf. The life elf was free in all aspects, but had permanent belonging to the family. Even if the elf chose to work for someone else, or not at all, they would have always been accepted into the home. Even though the life elf had no responsibilities to train and lead, this elf could direct the other elves of lower classes.
The only elves that had a higher position then the life elf, was an elf with mutual servitude covenant with the master, like Dobby. Ginny explained how Dobby risked disciplinary action, and possibly his life, multiple times to save and serve Harry Potter. Dobby lived as a free elf for four years, and out of his own free will, he chose servitude to Harry Potter as what he wanted most in life. All property was shared with Dobby and his family.
Ginny told the three elves from the Black Country Estate that they were bad elves. Dobby, Harry and she were very disappointed in the condition of the property they were taking care of. Their vile behavior towards their masters and guest was appalling and would not be tolerated. Harry wanted to sack the three house elves, but was allowing her to discipline the elves. She gave those elves the rank elf second class.
She then addressed the elves of Potter Mansion. She told them that they were good elves. They greeted everyone with kindness, and the property was maintained in immaculate condition. She gave all of those elves the rank of elf first class.
After talking with Dobby, Ginny commanded the elves first class to clean up the Black Country Estate and use the elves second class to do it. She told them that they were free to use what ever discipline they saw necessary to train the elves second class. Ginny also commanded that all properties they own were secrets which they were to keep.
She stayed around to help clean and to watch the elves. All of the elves had different personalities, and she quickly learned what made each one unique.
Once, she caught Annabel mumbling about Mudbloods. Ginny quickly pulled her to the side; chastised her, and gave her two stinging hexes to the bottom. The other elves first class followed her example.
Ginny returned later that day, satisfied with the progress they made at the Black Country Estate. She arrived to find Harry going over the betrothal contract. She snuggled up close to him as he was taking in the details.
The contract stated the current predicament, and how this betrothal contract will compensate Ginny if they broke up and did not get married, Ginny would accrue one half of a percent of the estate per week for the following one hundred weeks. At that point, she would have been entitled to half the estate, and exclusive use of the Black family title, permanently. Ginny could use the title Lady Black or Ginny Black if she so wishes, but must not use 'Mrs.' or 'Potter' in her name until she was officially married. After they were married, a divorce would have been considered no fault and all property would then been split fifty percent each.
The next morning Ginny desperately avoided touching Harry. She actually made it clear to Harry she did not want to share that day. Annoyed and scared, Harry made a desperate attempt to make contact with her, by sneaking up on her. When he made contact with her, he found her feeling violated, angered and embarrassed. What he also found confused him. She was sensing pain in her lower abdomen. She hostilely communicated to him that she was on her period. Jerking away quickly, she ran to her room and closed the door.
He spent the rest of the day looking in medical books for a cure. It was late when he found it. The name made his mouth drop. "The Lockhart Potion" This potion was created by Gilderoy Lockhart. Not only did it release the pain, but it also reduced the other side effects. The potion would work for a week, but it seemed to be fairly complex to brew. Fortunately, he did have all of the ingredients. He started to get to work.
Hermione came over, "Harry, what are doing? You have been over here for hours."
"Erm, nothing," Harry lied. Discreetly, he tried to hide what he was working on, but it was useless.
Hermione said, "Oh. I see." Hermione deduced it from merely looking at the ingredients which he was using. Without prompting, or another word, she started helping.
After a few minutes, Harry noticed that she was guided him into preparing twice the required ingredients, making a double batch. "Why?" he started to ask, looking at her in question. Her insistent look told him too much than he wanted to know. "No!" he said. Looking around in embarrassment, he quietly said, "I'm not doing this. I don't even want to know." His red face and ears showed evidence to his discomfort.
She whispered to him, "Yes Brother, you will. You are already doing this. It is nothing to prepare another dosage."
Harry got very annoyed, even angry with her. He did not want to know that she was also in that time of the month. He quietly stammered, "Fine, you want to pull the family string on me, then I'll talk to Mum about this." He stormed out of the room to consult with his adoptive mother. At least the potion could be left at that point of preparation.
Hermione was curious and listened in on the conversation through the door.
Harry told Emma, "I need your help. Hermione noticed I was brewing a menstrual symptom relief potion for Ginny, and she is insisting that I double the batch for her as well. She didn't even ask, but had me cutting up and measuring twice the required amount of ingredients. When I told her I didn't want to, she demanded that I do." Harry's face was as red as before. It was awful to talk to Hermione about this, it was even worse to talk to his new mother.
Harry asked, "Please tell her to discreetly prepare her own potion. I don't want to know about this. I was just thrown into this today, and it is embarrassing."
Emma reminded him, "Hermione is a woman, just like Ginny is. If she needs it, you should make it for your sister as well."
Appealing to his dad, who was seated across the room reading a paper, "Dad, help me. Surely you understand."
Without even looking up from the paper, Dan replied, "Do as your mother says."
Harry exclaimed, "Dad! … Mum!" His anger started to build in him. Why do they not understand?
Emma took a different tack and asked, "Is she not your sister?"
Incredulously, he glared at her, "What does…"
"Is she your sister?" his newly adoptive mother pressed without letting him finish.
Angered and flustered, Harry stated to say, "I don't see how…"
More insistent, she interrupted, "Is she your sister?"
This upset and confused Harry. He shook as his temper flared, and stomped to the door. Stopping before leaving, his body shook some more and he stomped his way back to his mother. Avoiding eye contact, he said, "She is not my best friend, I love her too much for that. She is and always has been my sister."
Emma was pleased. She said, "I know that you love her. I can see it in how you treat each other. Harry, do this for her. Every time you do something like this for her, you are telling her you love her. Don't ever stop loving her. You must also not tell anyone about this, especially Ron. She may be comfortable enough to tell her dad or brother, but she won't want any other man to know."
Hermione heard enough. She ran to her room to have a heart felt cry.
Before Harry left, Emma said, "Harry, this is magic in its simplest form. This love is Muggle magic."
Harry left the room and continued brewing the double batch of potion. It was easier to make it with precision, when he concentrated on his love for his sister and his girlfriend. It was midnight before it was done, but it was worth it to him. He filled two goblets and walked up to their room.
He sat one goblet on each of their night stands, and then woke Hermione up. By gently shaking her, she woke up. Her eyes were still puffy from her cry, but she smiled at him and drank the potion. Relief filled her face and she smiled at him warmly before settling back to sleep. She mumbled, "Thank you."
Harry did the same with Ginny. When she awoke, she was annoyed, and hostility said, "What do you want?"
Harry answered, "I made this for you." He handed her the goblet.
She asked him, "What is it? Are you sure it is safe?"
Harry looked over at Hermione resting peacefully and said, "Yes, I'm sure it's safe."
Ginny looked over at Hermione and saw the empty goblet on her night stand. After looking back at Harry, she drank the potion. Like Hermione, relief swept across her face, and she laid her head back down on her pillow.
Harry hesitantly asked, "May I touch you?" scared that he had already hurt her the last time.
Ginny, resting with her eyes closed just nodded and reached out her hand to touch his. When they touched, he could feel that the potion was working. She was sending him feelings of gratitude and love.
He leaned over and kissed her, before saying, "Good night."
He collected up the mugs. Before he left, he returned to Hermione's bedside. He leaned down and kissed her cheek. He whispered, "I do love you," as if he just proved his point.
Downstairs, he cleaned up his mess and put everything away, before going to sleep himself.
In the morning Harry arrived at breakfast late. He sat down to find that Ginny had been keeping his food warm for him. She gave him a quick kiss then snuggled her nose in to his cheek.
Hermione got up and kissed him on the other cheek. She said, "I love you." As she was carrying her plate to the sink, she saw Ron glaring at her. His face was full of anger. Hermione said, "Calm yourself Ron, he's my brother."
Ginny added, "If you treated me like Harry treats her, you would probably get the same from me."
Ron looked at Harry and asked, "What did you do?"
Harry answered, "I don't like keeping things from you, but in this case you're not going to find out."
Hermione beamed a smile at him, and then walked out of the room.
On Friday morning, Harry was again gently awoken by Ginny. He was told to quickly get dressed and come down for breakfast. He knew that Ginny did not want him taking the test on an empty stomach.
After breakfast, Ginny, Hermione and Harry all went to the Ministry. Ginny headed off to take her Apparition License test. The letter from the Minister earlier in the week qualified her to obtain her license. With Harry's help, she picked up the skill quickly.
Harry and Hermione went to the Ministry Department of Education, where they took their NEWT's. It took all day for both of them, but when they returned to the LB Ranch, they were feeling satisfied with how well they did. Ginny proudly showed Harry her new license.
That evening, Neville announced that it was time to relocate to a different site. Everyone had to pack everything up. For the next two weeks, they were going to stay at the beach on a tropical island. Even though it was dark when they left, they had two more hours of sunshine to enjoy when they arrived. They were all in Barbados.