The List

By: lbfan

Disclaimer: I do not own Harry Potter, the characters, and the world which was created in the books. These are all owned by JK Rowling, AOL Time Warner, and many publishers around the world. This is written for entertainment purposes only. No profit will be made from this story.

Chapter 11 – Prophesy Conclusion

At the Black Candle Restaurant, Neville and Ginny had just taken a break from their meetings until the lunch rush was over. At a small staff table in the kitchen, Ginny was picking at her own meal when a sick feeling came over her. In distress, she looked up to Neville, "Something is wrong with Harry. You don't think that they…"

A look of panic filled Neville's face as he realized, "They must have. Today is August 23rd, the day before the tenant returns."

Ginny instinctively felt her ring with her thumb. Relief filled her when she felt his pulse. "He's not dead, but he will be after I get a hold of him." Ginny glowered. She left the manager instructions that she was canceling all of her meetings for the day. She also asked him to ask everyone to come back in two days.

Together, Neville and Ginny Apparated to the Villa. Dan confirmed their suspicions when he described the level of preparedness that the four of them left in.

Noticing the distress in both Neville and Ginny's faces, Emma asked, "Why have you two returned so early? Is there something wrong?"

Not wanting to give out too much information, Ginny answered, "Neville and I believe that the four of them went out on a dangerous day quest without letting us know or help."

Panicked, Emma said, "My children are in danger? Is this the former orphanage to which we took Luna a few days ago?"

"Yes, that is where they probably are. Voldemort created a danger-filled dungeon underneath it. You must not tell anyone about this." Neville informed them.

"Yes, Luna told us that too, but still you're not telling us something. What caused you to realize this and come here?" Emma pressed.

Reluctantly, Ginny said, "It's probably nothing, but I just got a bad feeling that something is wrong with Harry." In order to bring some peace to the situation, she added, "With my ring, I can confirm that he is still alive."

Also panicked, Dan insisted, "Still you don't know about Hermione. We should leave for there." He stood up to retrieve his overcoat.

Holding up a hand, Neville reluctantly said, "My feelings tell me the same thing, but if we go at this point, it could cause more trouble. It is better if we wait here until we hear word of their success…or failure. Don't forget that Luna and Ron are also there."

Ron was certainly there. He knelt beside a comatose Harry with a badger goblet in his hand. Across the room, Lord Voldemort was materializing before him. Ron's new girlfriend, Hermione, lay crippled and defenseless on the other side of the stone door. This door was slowly opening exposing her to this new danger as well.

Lord Voldemort mocked him, "Prewitt, you and your friend have brought me to life. How touching. How long has it been?"

Quickly thinking, Ron was weighing his options. As soon as he thought of one, it was quickly dismissed for another.

Walking over towards Ron, Lord Voldemort looked at Harry on the floor and said, "It will only be a matter of minutes before your friend…Harry Potter is dead." It was taking Voldemort time to process all of the thoughts and memories he received from Harry, and added them to his.

It was starting to come to Ron as he thought, 'This is the same thing that happened to Ginny. The Horcrux is sucking Harry's life force away. I have to destroy the Horcrux to stop the process, but how?'

As Voldemort was learning more, he was becoming more gleeful. He reached down to Harry's forearm and ripped open his sleeve exposing the wand holster.

Sitting close to the pedestal, Ron swung the goblet against it will all of his might. The goblet was dented badly, but still no effect.

Worried, Voldemort told him, "Don't that's fragile. Give it to me!"

Ignoring him, Ron made another swing. Another dent was made in the goblet with still no effect.

Irritated, Voldemort removed the wand from the holster and started to cast, "Avada…"

Making one more last effort, Ron swung with every once of strength he had left. The pedestal fell over and a jet of steam started to emit from a broken gem that was incrusted on the side of the battered badger goblet. Lord Voldemort finished the spell, "Kedarvra." The spell went wayward and blasted against the wall, as he was writhing, and screaming. The steam spewed out with a loud whistle from the goblet, filling the whole room with a steamy mist. The writhing form of Voldemort melted into the mist.

From where Hermione lay, she could tell that Ron and Harry had found the goblet. All she heard was silence, once Harry picked up the Goblet and the door sealed shut. When the doors started to rise, she heard a different voice from the room. She heard the voice say, "It will only be a matter of minutes before your friend…Harry Potter is dead." She assumed that Ron was faced with a dying Harry and a strange new person. The events of the Chamber of Secrets came to her mind as she quickly extrapolated whose voice it was and realized that Ron was in serious trouble.

Risking further injury to her legs, she dragged her body towards the doorway with her elbows. When Voldemort spoke the spell, "Avada Kedarvra," her heart broke. She just wanted to lie there and die. She remained quiet in hopes that he would not kill her too, but she really no longer cared what happened to her. Her boys were dead.

The light, which Harry and Ron were using in the room, cast a shadow over the figure who exited the room in a steamy mist. He must have found her, because he started to run right for her. If she was lucky, she could stop him.

She ejected the wand from her holster into her hand with a simple wave. Deciding to wait for Voldemort to get closer so he would not have time to dodge, she waited. It was in that time, Ron called for her, "Hermione, are you OK?"

A lump caught in her throat as yelled back her reply, "Ron!" Falling down beside her, he gently embraced her. His smell, gentility and warmth proved to her that this was really him. Hermione inquired, "I thought you were dead. What happened?"

Ron did not want to answer. Instead, he just kissed her. "I was afraid that I wasn't going to be able to do that again."

Incredulously Hermione asked, "You were just about killed, and you were afraid you wouldn't get a kiss again?"

Ron corrected her, "Not just any kiss; your kiss. You are worth fighting for. You are worth living for."

Grabbing him by the collar, she pulled him down to her for another kiss.

Returning back for air, Ron informed her, "Harry, isn't reviving. I don't understand, Ginny came back after the diary was destroyed, why not Harry?"

Puzzled, Hermione said, "If I could get to the library, maybe we'll find a book on this."

Ron started to laugh.

Hermione protested, "Don't laugh. There has to be an answer."

Cradling her in his arms, Ron picked her up. With a wand in his hand, he Apparated them to St. Mungo's Hospital. At St. Mungo's, he stayed only long enough to make sure that she was being taken care of, and then returned for Harry. After dropping off Harry, he went to the apartment to close up the trap door in the floor, and take Luna back into the antechamber where the Minotaur was. They gathered up the cup, wand and sword before they went back to the Villa.

When they arrived at the Villa, they were met with mixed emotions. Neville embraced Luna in a hug, but broke off it with embarrassment.

In puzzlement, Luna said, "Neville, I'm fine. All I did was guard duty."

The hard part was left for Ron. He had to explain to his Hermione's parents why their daughter and son were in the hospital. It was bad enough that his sister was about to break down right in front of him. Gathering up his strength, Ron explained, "Harry and Hermione are at St. Mungo's Hospital. Hermione is stable, but had both of her legs crushed by a stone. Harry drank a poison and was possessed by the soul of Lord Voldemort. He is still unconscious, despite the goblet was destroyed."

Ginny gathered up the sword, cup and wand from Ron. She said, "As soon as I come back, we're going to St. Mungo's." Luna handed her the invisibility cloak. Before she ran the things to Harry's room, she pointed out to her brother, "See Ron, you were caring for the sword by bringing it back. It's all in the motivation."

She quickly returned, and then Dan, Emma, Ginny and Ron all went to St. Mungo's.

Dan, Emma and Ginny ran up to the front desk and asked where Harry and Hermione were. Dan and Emma went to check on Hermione, while Ginny went to check on Harry. Ron started to follow her, when he hit a force field that would not let him pass by. Irritated, he asked the woman at the front desk, "Why can't I go see Hermione and Harry?"

The woman asked, "Are you immediate family of either of them?"

Ron said, "I'm Harry's best friend and Hermione's boyfriend."

The woman said, "I'm sorry that is not good enough."

"Hey, how come my sister can see Harry?" Ron inquired.

She looked at the magical registry, which logs everyone who comes and goes at the hospital. "The registry said that she is Lady Ginevra Molly Black, visiting Lord Harry James Potter Black. Your point is?"

Throwing up his hands, he said, "This is ridiculous, I am the one who brought them in, and now I'm stuck in the foyer of the Hospital?"

She said, "You mean you rescued them?"

Confused, Ron replied with uncertainty, "Yes."

"Well then, that is a different case. Oh, here you are: Ronald Bilius Weasley – rescuer. You may go in now."

Skipping Harry, Ron went directly to Hermione's room.

She was in a hospital gown lying down in a bed. The blankets were pulled up revealing her legs and feet. Dark bruising showed physical evidence where the stone crushed her legs. A healer in a chair beside her bed cast diagnostic spells looking for damage, which needed to be repaired. Hermione greeted Ron with a smile, when she saw him enter the room.

Dan and Emma were amazed at their daughter's condition despite the extent of the recent injuries. Never the less, they were in grief that she was injured in the first place.

The Healer finished and introduced himself, "Hello, I'm healer Sorenson. You must be her mother and father." He looked at Dan and Emma.

They both nodded back to him.

Turning to Ron, he asked, "You must be…?"

Ron announced himself, "I'm her boyfriend…and rescuer."

Dan and Emma's faces dropped. They looked from Hermione to Ron and back.

Feeling that he had been left out of the loop on purpose, Dan asked Hermione, "When did this happen?"

"Just today," Ron answered for her. "I know that I should have asked her months ago, but when I just about lost her an hour ago, I didn't want to loose her again without her knowing what she means to me." In realization, Ron blanched. He could not believe that he just interrupted her father. At that point, her parents seemed so much more intimidating.

Getting everyone's attention again, Healer Sorenson continued, "She has had suffered a major trauma to her legs. If your son had not repaired what he had when he did, she would have died within minutes. Your son, Harry, has some talent in healing. It was amateurish, but complete. Every one of the damaged arteries and veins were individually healed. The bones and muscles, on the other hand, will take time to heal. She should be right as rain in two days."

Emma asked him, "Speaking of Harry, do you know how he is doing?"

"I haven't heard or seen of him. Perhaps he is in a different ward." Sorenson answered.

Ron interjected, "Harry was taken to spell damage on the 4th floor. Ginny should be with him." Ron walked over to Hermione's side and took her hand. Realizing how close he had come to loosing her, he did not want to leave her side. Struggling on the inside, he told her, "You're going to be fine. Get some rest. I'll go check on Harry, and come back." He wanted to leave her with a kiss, but with her parents in the room, he decided not to.

Watching as Ron walked towards the door, Dan said, "Hold on, I'll go with you." Walking with Ron to Harry's room, Dan tried to break the ice. "Ron, there is no need for you to become worried what we think about you and Hermione. We're not blind. We know that the two of you have fancied each other, and have for some time."

Ron was expecting to get the protective parent talk from him, but he did not. To reassure him, he replied, "Thank you for your confidence. I will keep her safe, and if she gets hurt because of me, I'll kill myself."

Dan interjected, "That's not necessary. If someone is going to break your legs, it will be Harry. After all, that is why we requested Hermione to ask for Harry's permission before she dates anyone. We figure if Harry can take on a pack of werewolves, he should be able to hold his own against Hermione's suitor."

Ron turned white as a ghost at the thought of facing Harry's vengeful aggression. Ron was thinking, 'So, Hermione really wasn't joking when she asked Harry for permission.' With a bit more thought, he added aloud, "Yeah well, things will get pretty ugly if he doesn't treat Ginny right as well."

As they approached Harry's room, they noticed it was guarded by a big burly Norse man in a uniform robe and a badge. The badge identified him as hospital security. When they got closer, the guard commanded them in a deep threatening tone, "Stop, who are you?"

Ron answered first, "I'm Ron Weasley, and I'm here to see Harry. I'm his best friend; his rescuer; and his…" He started to not say it, but since Ginny seemed to be successfully taking advantage of the false status, "his brother-in-law."

Dan gave him a sideways glance before answering, "I'm Dan Granger, I'm also here to see Harry. I'm his adoptive father."

The guard glared at them a glare as if he would like nothing more than break a few of their bones if they so much as moved. He stepped back and cracked the door open, keeping an eye on Ron and Dan the whole time. Into the room he inquired, "My Lady, there are two men out here claiming to be Mr. Weasley and Mr. Granger. They are here to see Mr. Potter. Could you come out to identify them?"

Moments later, a puffy eyed Ginny poked her head out of the door, and said, "They are fine, Yoloff. You may let them by. I appreciate the good job you are doing for us, and I look forward to introducing you to Mr. Longbottom, our security advisor."

Yoloff replied in disgust, "Surely not the Longbottom boy who insists that I can't tell the difference between a petunia and devil's snare."

"That does sound like him," Ron admitted.

Ron and Dan entered the room after Yoloff let them by. The room was a single bed suite with warm decorations and pictures on the wall.

Dan exclaimed, "Wow, this is quite a room. How come Hermione doesn't get a room like this?"

Ginny did not even turn around as she muttered, "Harry seems to have more fame than she."

Dan placed a comforting hand on her shoulder as she was sitting at Harry's side. He asked her, "Any change in his condition?"

Teary eyed, Ginny shook her head, "No."

"Did a healer talk to you yet?"

"Yes," she said, "He said that there was no sign of poison or damage. He is just inexplicably unconscious."

"You're scared?"

Ginny nodded; choked on a breath; and then started to cry.

Dan pulled her into a hug and reassured her with a whisper, "We'll get through this together." He had not raised this boy. Harry had only been his son for a month, yet it still hurt. For them to make it through this pain, they all had to support each other. All they could do was to sit and wait.

For the first 30 hours, Ginny rarely left Harry's side. Mentally and emotionally drained and exhausted, Emma, Dan and Molly encouraged her to go back to the Villa and get some sleep. They all agreed to take shifts and watch over him.

When Hermione was released, she went up to the fourth floor to visit Harry. After the security guard let her by, she stood quietly by the door, and listened on while a Healer explained to Ginny and her dad, "There is nothing else we can do for him. He is not responding to the typical treatments. Since you refuse to let us contact the wizard or witch who did this to him, we have no more choices. We have to move him into the Janus Thickey ward for the long-term residents." She continued to watch on as her father and Ginny comforted each other.

When the healer exited the room, Emma came through the door, and Hermione put a finger up to her lips. Emma saw both Ginny and her husband clearly in distress, but Hermione seemed to be listening to a conversation being held out in the hall.

A nurse asked the healer, "Did she take it well?"

The healer replied, "No, I'm afraid she is starting to lose hope."

The nurse responded, "I don't blame her, the Janus Thickey ward is the hospital's hidey hole for all of the hopeless cases. By our putting him in there, we're giving up on him."

"We can't lose hope in him. For the past year, that young man has been the wizarding world's only hope. Moving him the Janus Thickey ward, only means we can do nothing more for him. So long as he is still alive, there is still hope." The Healer replied.

They must have moved on, because Hermione did not hear any more. She turned to face her mother with wide-eyes.

Her mother had heard enough of the conversation to know what her daughter was thinking. They were not going to say a word of this to Ginny.

Approaching Harry's bed with tears brimming in her eyes, Hermione bent over him and cried.

By becoming a dentist, Emma thought that she was insulating herself from death and dying that the physicians had to face. She was unprepared on how to handle the moment. He has only belonged to her for a month, but the ache in her heart felt like it was going to last a lifetime.

After the shock of the news started to wear off, Dan told Ginny, "Knowing Harry, he's not going to want us to cry over him when there is still work to be done. For you in particular, there is more work than ever. As Lady Black, not only does the community need you, our family needs you. Remus is back from his holiday with Tonks. Amongst us older adults, we'll take turns checking up on Harry. You can come and visit, but leave the sitting for us to do. When he comes around we'll come get you."

Ginny knew that he was right. Harry would not have wanted them to stop fighting. The war was not going to come to a stop because he was injured. If anything else, it would only become worse. She had a lot to do.

Due to Harry being in the hospital, Neville started to move everyone to Grimmauld Place in London. Neville used an empty cellar room that Remus had used for werewolf transformations for the apparition and Floo entry to the house.

The intention was for the Weasleys to use this London house as their residence for the next year. Neville felt confident that the new wards should sufficiently protect them.

Ron, Ginny, Luna, Neville and Hermione sat down together in the study. They were going through the list another time. Hermione reported, "The potions researchers are going to be staying at Hogwarts during the school year. Professor McGonagall needed the extra funding for the school since the enrollment is down. Besides, she also supports of the new project, the Cruciatus curse remedy."

Noticing Ginny's glowering look, Hermione added, "Yes Ginny, that means Cho will be there too."

In thought, Ron said, "I guess that I should pick up the responsibilities of coordinating with the Centaurs, Goblins and Dwarves for assistance."

Throwing in her piece, Luna added, "I will analyze what we learned from the Horcruxes to determine how and when we should destroy the necklace. I'm still working on the location of the Ravenclaw/Gryffindor Horcrux."

Hermione said, "Along with the teaching and research responsibilities, I will work with Mrs. Weasley to get PPP (Potter Potions Pharmaceuticals) off the ground." Looking over at Ginny, she asked, "Do I still have permission to access the vaults?"

Ginny nodded her reply, before continuing herself, "I'll continue to look for some good employees for Mum. I am still helping many ex-werewolves and other displaced workers in my Lady Black work."

"When are you planning to return to Diagon Alley?" Neville inquired.

Ginny replied, "Tomorrow. I can't put everyone else's lives on hold because Harry is in the hospital."

A look of disappointment filled Neville's face. "I was just hoping to have more time to prepare."

"Prepare for what?" Ginny asked.

"Well," Neville started, "I have to kill Voldemort now. Besides the Occlumency and defense spells, I have to learn about him." By the look of astonishment on everyone's faces, it was plain they did not see the obvious connection, so he explained, "Both Harry and I are referred in the prophecy. So long as Harry is out of the picture, I have to assume that I am left with the responsibility to stop him."

Luna quickly corrected him, "You have a choice. You don't have to go after him yourself. We will do this together." With pleading eyes, she said, "Don't go after him alone."

Confused, Neville just looked at her in bewilderment.

Hermione confirmed, "Luna is right Neville. This is our fight now. We will do this together. Besides, it is very likely the prophecy has already been satisfied."

It was Hermione's turn to have the confused gazes staring at her. She explained, "The prophecy said that a condition will occur where one couldn't live while the other one did. Well, with the Badger goblet, that is exactly what happened. They were put into a predicament where to remain alive, the other must die." Giving him a warm smile, she said, "It was just that Ron saved our lives instead of Harry. My point is: We shouldn't be planning on the prophecy having significance anymore."

Neville stared at the table for a while. He had not considered the possibility that the prophecy might now be meaningless. He replied, "Yes Hermione, you are right. However, Lord Voldemort is still out there and still is a threat. Currently we are the closest to actually killing him. We have to move forward. Being the strongest in magic, it should be me who makes the final confrontation."

Athena gave out a warble sound from her perch.

Downcast, Luna looked liked the color had drained out of her face.

Ron added, "Harry would want us to continue the fight to stop Voldemort. Even without a stupid prophecy over his head, he wouldn't let Lord Voldemort take over the world with his reign of hate."

Hermione corrected him, "Actually, Ron is only half right. Harry would want us to find somewhere from reaches of Lord Voldemort and hideout for the rest of our lives. He would only expect himself to take on Lord Voldemort or die trying." A look of resolve filled Hermione's face as she said, "I want safe place to raise a family, and for my children to raise their families. We must continue with this fight, if not for us, then for our children."

Ron gave her a warm look. This was the first time he had ever heard Hermione say that she wanted to have children. He wanted children like his family, but with Hermione's academic talents, he thought that she might have wanted to have a full-time career outside of the home for the rest of her life. Not that he would not have stayed home and raised the children himself. He made a mental note to talk to her about this some time.

Ginny was just thinking, 'I'm no longer around a table of youths. We are all adults taking on the burdens of society. Harry would be proud of us. Even without a prophecy and him to lead us, we still have the resolve to continue what we have started.'

Hermione, sensing the silence, continued on a different track, "Among the post I received was a note from McGonagall. She wants us to move into our apartment tomorrow."

From his security role, Neville responded, "I would prefer that as well. The wards at Hogwarts are stronger than those we have here. It would be better if Ginny went with you too. Moving Voldemort's high profile targets to Hogwarts early means he would stop trying to seek us out here. This place is needed to keep Mr. and Mrs. Weasley safe for the whole year. Besides, I want to spend the rest of the week with Gran before I have to go back to school.

Thinking of her, Hermione asked Luna, "Would you like to come with us to Hogwarts too? You're welcome."

Neville could not believe how insensitive he had been. He had just separated Luna's friends from her. He added, "Luna, you could also come and visit my Gran with me." Under the table, Neville kicked Ron. He would really sound stupid if Ron did not offer to let her stay with his family.

Ron, being the insensitive prat he was, just looked at Neville in confusion.

Looking at Neville, Luna said, "That sounds lovely. I would like to spend the week with you and your grandmother." Luna realized a bit too late that it sounded a bit unconventional for her to stay a boy's house by herself. She rationalized that she would not really be by herself. His grandmother would be there too. From her point of view, the safest place in the country for her to be would be next to Neville, wherever he was.

Sensing that the meeting was over, Ginny got up and grabbed Ron, "Come on, I need your help. I have to explain to Mum and Dad why I'm leaving for Hogwarts early."

Voldemort awoke the next morning with Wormtail prostrating himself at the side of his bed. With hostility he bellowed, "What do you want you filthy rat?"

Trembling, Wormtail handed Voldemort a magazine saying, "Parkinson thought you would be interested in this."

Heatedly, Voldemort snatched the magazine from Wormtail's grasp to look at it. It was a full-page ad of Weasley Wizarding Whizzes facial cream from their teen witch line. Confused, Voldemort looked at the cover to see Harry Potter's smiling face was under the title "Teen Witch Weekly." "Parkinson you say?" Voldemort's face was scrunch up in disgust.

Confused, Wormtail said, "The article on the other page is about Harry Potter my Lord."

Lord Voldemort turned the magazine over to the other side to reveal the article on the facing page of the ad:

Harry Potter Falls Victim to Gold-Digging Black Widow

By Gabby Vane:

Rumored to be unconscious at St. Mungo's, Harry Potter has fallen victim to Ginny Weasley's scams. Obviously, after his vast inherited fortune, she had already attempted a formal marriage. A betrothal contract has been made public record showing a correction to her relationship with Potter. She now has full access to his wealth and is using the title Lady Black. As if she really is a Lady, but Black is definitely fitting.

Two of her brothers are the well-known Weasley twins who own the Weasley's Wizard Wheezes in Diagon Alley. Among their many products, they are known for their love potions. We see who they have testing their products. It is no wonder why the Weasleys have been keeping poor Harry so close to them over all of these years. They definitely did not want their poverty to perpetuate for another generation. (The story continued on)

Not fully worthy of a maniacal laugh, Voldemort chucked at the article. "Serves her right, that blood-traitor whore. Wormtail, call the…erm florist and send the usual to Harry Potter as a get well present, and then send in Bellatrix."

Giving her a significant look at breakfast, Emma passed Ginny the same article across the table. Ginny smiled at the cover, but quickly looked for the article that Emma had marked for her. Her initial reaction was anger and resentment, but it quickly quelled with the more she read. The journalist was obviously a relative of Romilda's. Her accusations were so exaggerated they were clearly a disparate attempt to discredit her and her family. Ginny made a mental note to pass a copy of the magazine to her brothers…all of them.

Ginny passed the article over to Luna who was sitting next to her. Luna's reaction was a bit unexpected. Instead of incredulous disbelief, she was furiously angry. Luna exclaimed, "Lies! Why do people write and print lies? The press is supposed to guide, inform and enlighten the public, not print malicious fallacies to entertain." She slammed the publication down and stormed out of the room.

Ginny started to get up to go talk to her, but Neville placed a hand on her shoulder. "I'll go talk to her, I think I know what's wrong," he reassured her.

Later that day, after a morning of interviews at the Black Candle, Ginny and Neville left the restaurant to visit with her twin bothers. As she left the doorway, she was grabbed and dragged into the alley. Her attacker had a wand to her throat.

Following behind Ginny, he kicked himself when he saw her grabbed. He was thinking, 'She could have been swiftly killed right at that moment.' There was no more time for reflection. He had to act. Neville immediately activated the community alarm, which was intended to announce a death eater's attack. Finding Ginny in the crowd being dragged, Neville cast an anti-Disapparation field over Diagon Alley. Unfortunately, that also meant that help would not be able to arrive except through Floo's and the Leaky Cauldron's London entrance.

Knowing not to struggle, Ginny went with the flow, looking for her opportunity. At the time, with a wand to the neck, it was best to wait. She knew Neville would rescue her.

The community alarm took the Death Eaters by surprise. As soon as it sounded, customers took refuge in the nearest shop they could find. Armed shopkeepers and goblin bank guards started to pour into the Alley. Aurors started to come out of hiding and Floo's from within businesses.

Bellatrix Lestrange, the Death Eater who had Ginny, hissed at her, "How dare you defile Uncle Orion's restaurant by using it to give out charity to half-breeds. You are a disgrace to the Black family name."

About 23 Death Eaters with masks found themselves quickly surrounded.

Bellatrix commanded her minions, "Let's go, we have what we need."

That was exactly what Ginny needed too. To Apparate, Bellatrix needed to use her wand. As Bellatrix dropped her wand from Ginny's chin, Ginny shot her elbow into Bellatrix's stomach, and rolled out from under her grasp onto the ground. She figured that Neville would be looking for the first clear shot he had.

Unbridled rage brewed in Neville as he identified the voice of Ginny's attacker. As soon as he had a clear shot, he cast the stunning curse Stupefy. The spell hit Bellatrix in the face, and she fell over backwards.

Unsuccessful apparition attempts by the Death Eaters dropped their guard the precious seconds it took for the first waves of spells to meet their targets. Neville and Ginny were also able to take out one Death Eater each. They were down to 12 Death Eaters when the real dueling started. Ginny crawled away from the Death Eaters as the spells started to fire.

Running towards Ginny to give her cover Neville focused on shielding charms. The Weasley Twins threw two balls into the crowd of Death Eaters. In a bright flash, everyone who was within 10 feet of each of the balls was stunned. That left only two Death Eaters, and they were taken out quickly.

Neville turned off the alarm, and slowly people started to walk back into the alley again gaping with curiosity. Aurors were gathering up the Death Eaters

Inspecting Bellatrix, Neville noticed that she was not breathing. She was dead. Turning green, Neville walked away.

Ginny comforted him as they walked towards the WWW shop.

Neville croaked, "I killed someone. What is worse, I actually wanted her dead."

To comfort him, she said, "Neville, she was going to kill me. I know that you only sent a stunner, but she died. You did nothing wrong. This happens in battles, and this time, we got lucky."

Neville looked up and gave her a short sickly smile.

"Thank you Neville," Ginny said as she gave him a warm hug. In response to Neville's questioning look, she explained, "Thank you for saving my life."

Customers and shopkeepers were surprised that the attack had been controlled so quickly and effectively. Neville and Ginny were treated well everywhere they went. Many had read the magazine article, but surprisingly not one person seemed to care. Lady Black was now much bigger then the belittling reporter.

With regards to the article, Fred and George Floo'ed the magazine's publisher and straightened it all out. After they pulled their heads out of the fire, Fred made an off the hand comment, "It is amazing how much pull advertisers have with the press." That same day, Gabby Vane was fired, and a retraction would be printed in the next publication. The president agreed with Fred and George that such a defamatory article should not be printed about one of their best advertisers and their family. They also made sure that comments about the Delacours, Lupins or the Grangers would also be off limits.

Ginny told Fred and George that she was not able to close a deal with Markiss on acquiring Zonko's. She said, "Funny thing, he didn't appear to like my hair. Well don't worry about Hogsmeade, I'll find you retail space there on High street with the rest of the shops." Looking at the fireplace, she asked, "George, can I use the Floo? I need to make some arrangements with McGonagall about this afternoon."

Using the Floo, Ginny arranged to return to the school early, and to stay in the Granger apartment until the start of school. Ginny told McGonagall that she would arrive around 4:00 p.m.

When she was done, her brothers gave her a hug and wished her well at school. They loaded her arms with catalogs to take with her.

Ginny spent the next few hours shopping for school supplies and robes. She admired the broomsticks in the quidditch supply store, but she figured that she could use Harry's broom for the time being. With the rest of her afternoon, Neville and Ginny went to St. Mungo's to visit Harry.

When they entered the ward, Ginny quickly found Harry. Dan was sitting with him, reading a paper. On the nightstand, a menacing plant restlessly waved around its vine like appendages.

Neville's face grew warm when he noticed the specimen. Neville put on some dragon hide gloves he carried with him everywhere in his robes. After conjuring a face shield and putting it on, he approached the plant. Cooing at it with an adoring look, he talked to the plant out loud, "Oh look at you. You are so beautiful. You naughty little plant, you can kill everyone in here. This is no place for such a wonderful plant as you."

Confused, Dan looked from Ginny to Neville and back.

Rolling her eyes, Ginny explained, "Neville is an avid collector of magical plants."

Neville asked Ginny, "This Sicilian Venomous Tentacula is a rare species, and very dangerous. It is fine gift, but it doesn't belong in the hospital ward. On top of that, this one is just about ready to teeth. I have to take it out of here. Could I keep it for you?"

Ginny looked at the plant in disgust and said, "You seem to be bonding with it. Why don't you keep it for yourself?"

Neville looked like Christmas just came early. Eyes gleaming, face beaming, Neville asked, "Are you sure? I can keep this?"

She just replied with a smile and a nod.

Looking at the plant, Neville resumed talking to it as he carried it out the door, "What if I call you Vinny? I should introduce you to Yoloff. This place is definitely not a good place for such a special plant like you."

A wide smirk stretched across Dan's face, as he imagined Yoloff being told off by Neville about another dangerous plant found on the ward. Now seeing Neville's reaction to these plants, he can definitely understood Yoloff's animosity towards him.

Curious, Dan asked Ginny, "Is it customary in the wizarding world to receive plants like that when you are in the hospital?"

A serious tone fell across Ginny's face and voice as she replied, "That plant was seriously dangerous. It is common to receive flowers or even an occasional plant, but never a dangerous exotic plant. It was clearly another murder attempt at Harry, probably from Lord Voldemort. If Neville hadn't taken a keen interest in the plant, I would have burned it."

Dan sat quietly somber as he thought about seriousness. "What would have happened if I tried to move it?"

Ginny tried not to scare him, but she said, "Did you see the special gloves and face shield Neville used? His specialty at school is in Herbology, and he was especially careful. The normal person would have been attacked. If not treated within 10 minutes, you would have died."

Dan quietly said, "I thought something was a bit off about the florist."

Ginny did not reply. Focusing her attention on Harry, she crossed over to the side of his bed and inspected his condition. Brushing his unruly hair from his forehead, she bent down and kissed him on his scar. Unconcerned about what anyone else thought, she kissed him on the lips, and softly said, "I love you. I need you. Please come back." She leaned over him, and embraced his still body.

Dan watched her as he thought, 'Harry, you have a very special lady there. A woman like that does not come around often.'

When Ginny sat up, she fussed with Harry, making sure he was clean and comfortable. When she was ready to leave, she told Dan with a smile, "You get to be my Dad for the week while I stay with you."

In response, he smiled back and said, "Ginny, I'll be there the whole year if and when you need a dad." He got up and gave her a hug. "Let's go get settled into our new home."

They went back to Grimmauld Place, to collect their things and to say goodbye.

Molly straightened her hair, and brushed lint off Ginny's robes, as she lectured her on flying her broom at reasonable speeds and not staying up too late. At Ginny's protest, she stopped her fussing and gave her a hug and kiss.

Arthur pulled her aside and told her, "I'm sorry I have treated you and Harry so poorly. It is hard to see you grow up and leave us so fast. I am especially proud of you for what you have done over this last month. It pains me to admit it, but you have blossomed into an influential adult in our society. Please write often. Take care of yourself, and always remember, we love you Ginny." He ended his talk with a gentle hug and a kiss on top of her head.

After they said their goodbyes, Ginny called Tweedle and Pop to help them with the trunks. Ginny was grateful she had elves this year. Not only did she have her new trunk, but her old one, Harry's old one, his father's, Arnold's cage and Hedwig's cage. There would be no way that she could have moved all of this herself. She instructed Tweedle and Pop to bring the pile of bags and pets to her at Hogwarts when she called for them.

Squirt and Knarlly were already helping the Grangers with their things. Hermione had already moved earlier in the day.

When she arrived at Hogwarts with Dan and Emma, Professor McGonagall greeted them at the front gate. Minerva asked Ginny, "Where are all of your things?"

Ginny replied, "House elves will bring the trunks to us."

McGonagall showed them how to come and go through the magically locked gate, and other security features. When McGonagall was taking them to their apartment, Ginny noticed that it would be close to Gryffindor Tower. When they arrived inside the apartment, it looked like exactly what Hermione was expecting, a three-bedroom apartment with living room and kitchen. Ginny asked Dan and Emma if she could stay in Harry's room for now, and they agreed.

When she inspected the room, she noticed it was large and stately. The detail and cleanliness of the furniture had shown evidence to the conscious effort of the Headmistress to make Harry feel welcome. Ginny called the elves to deliver the pets and trunks to the room.

Quickly returning to the main room, Ginny complemented McGonagall, "Professor, you have done a wonderful job with the room. Harry would really like it."

Professor McGonagall rarely cracked a smile, but her eyes sparked when she said, "I was hoping that we could encourage him to stay on longer than the 2 year contract."

"I know that he told you that he wanted to be an Auror, but I have a feeling, he won't ever become one. He still holds a bit of this castle close in his heart," Ginny admitted with a slight knowing smile.

Curiously, Ginny asked, "Do you know where Hermione is?"

Emma answered from across the room, "She took Ron on a date. They went out to a movie called, 'Titanic.' She will be back later this evening."

Irritated, Dan seemed to have grumbled something under his breath, which she could not understand.

"What exactly is a movie?" Ginny asked. "I've seen it on Harry's list of thing to do."

Dan explained, "A movie is a two hour story told in moving pictures on a screen. They went out to a theater to see it. In the Muggle world, it is a common place for couples to go."

Professor McGonagall and Emma shared a smile at her lack of knowledge of Muggle culture.

After McGonagall left, talking about Harry caught up with Ginny. The pang of loss returned as she recalled where he was and the questionable possibility of his return. Ginny solemnly returned to her room to unpack.

The week dragged on slowly. Staying busy enabled Ginny to keep her mind off Harry for most of the days. Even though her work had been a refuge from the pain, she found and trained new employees to run the Black Community Alliance in her absence while she attended school. Since she was at Hogwarts, she used Hedwig often to send letters to clients and business leaders.

When September 1st arrived, Ginny stayed at the castle to wait for the arrival of the other students. She helped Hagrid harness the Thestrals to pull the carriages. It was eerie at first to be able to see them, but it was not long before she was able to appreciate the endearing nature Hagrid saw in the ugly beasts.

On the train platform 9 ¾ at Kings Cross station, Ron, Luna and Neville arrived excessively early. Molly saw off Ron, and Neville said his good-byes to his grandmother.

While they were busy, Luna's father caught up to her. "There you are, Buttercup."

Luna cringed and slowly turned to face him. "What do you want Dad?"

He had a heartbroken look about him, as he asked, "How come you haven't written to me? I have been worried sick."

Sarcastically, Luna jabbed at him, "Since we Lovegoods aren't good at writing the truth, I didn't see a good reason to entertain you with my fallacies."

Downcast and wounded by the comment, Mr. Lovegood cut directly to the point. "I'm sorry Luna. I didn't mean to hurt you. You and your mother's love have been the only anchor I have had to reality for years. I realized it too late after you left me. When the news that the Burrow had been destroyed reached me, my whole life, fictitious and reality, came crumbling down at the thought I may have lost you. The ministry later told me that the house was empty at the time and assured me that Arthur was still showing up at work everyday. Luna, I know you have to leave soon, but I don't want you to leave without knowing, I love you. That part is true." He held his arms open inviting her in for a hug.

With cold eyes, she said, "Nice story Dad. It sounds like headliner to me. I am sure it will entertain many and make you plenty of money. I am done." She turned and stalked away.

Seeing what transpired, Molly consoled Mr. Lovegood, "Don't worry, she'll come around. You would be proud of your daughter in the work she had done over the last month. Ginny and Luna have taken on challenges and responsibilities many adults would have run away. The change has been so abrupt for them; it may take some time before she sees the big picture of life."

Neville chased after Luna.

Living on just the other side of Ottery St. Catchpole, Molly and Arthur Weasley were considered two of Mr. Lovegood's closest wizarding neighbors. Looking to her, he said, "I'm thirty-six years-old, Molly. I have spent my life running away from the reality of the wizarding world. Wrapping myself up in the comfort of my own little world, I have failed to show her any picture of reality. In her thirst for reality, she has left me. Now, I may have lost the last important person in my life."

Molly continued, "You know, love always finds a way. Don't give up hope." She looked at him with a comforting smile.

At the other end of the platform, Neville caught up with Luna. "Luna, hold up!"

In her anger, she turned to glare at him. Then realizing that Neville was not the true target of her hostility, she softened her expression a bit.

Neville said, "You were a little hard on him. Don't you think?"

Irritated, Luna snapped, "The only love he knows is for his lies and money made from them."

"I don't know," Neville continued, "it sounded like he was changing to me. You should give him another chance. Believe me Luna. A parent who loves you is better than having no parent at all."

Luna had always respected Neville. Knowing a little about his life, she knew that she could not argue against his experience, but he does not know what it felt like to be wronged by someone who was suppose to love you. In calm reflection, she said, "You're right Neville, but the hurt is still so fresh. It has gone on for so long."

Seeing her hurt like this brought him sadness. He told her, "At some point you are going to have to forgive him. He will always be your father. That you cannot change. For your own peace of mind, you have to forgive the ones you love. Sometimes it can be a constant struggle."

Smiling at him, she said, "Not today, I don't think I can stand facing him anymore."

Looking back down at the other end of the platform, he said, "It looks like you may not need to. He is leaving."

Grateful for the comfort, Luna gave Neville a short hug, and they walked together back towards Ron.

For the rest of the time until the train left, the three of them stood guard looking for any signs of trouble. As Head Boy, Ron especially felt responsible for the safety of the students as they boarded the train. He knew that this was an opportune time for Death Eaters to make an attack to cripple the school.

Their vigilance did not go unnoticed. The parents of the students were appreciative of the security the older students were providing for the students. Luckily, no attack was made on the students and parents at the train station.

After they boarded the train, Neville and Luna found an empty compartment in the back. Ron waved goodbye and promised that he would check up on them later. Pinning his Head Boy badge on his chest, he made his way to the front of the train where the prefect's cabin was. Looking at the badge gave him a chuckle. Until now, he did not noticed that Fred, George or both had enchanted the badge. Now it read "Big Head Boy." Ron just laughed and continued to walk on, as he did not care. It was a fitting representation of the craftiness of his twin brothers that he appreciated. It made him proud to show it off, at least until Hermione fixed it later.

A few minutes after Ron left, two students decided to join Neville and Luna in their compartment. "Well Vincent, look at what we have here." Gregory Goyle started. In a mocking nasal and stuttering manner he exclaimed, "It is stu-stu-stupid Longbottom and his air-head girlfriend Loony."

Vincent Crabbe sarcastically said, "I don't think that he even knows what to do with a girlfriend."

Calmly, Neville told them, "Leave you two. We don't want any trouble." Neville's eyes returned to the article he was reading in the paper.

Unaffected, Luna did not even give them the satisfaction of knowing that she was listening. Besides, a whole army a Death Eaters could have entered the compartment, and she would still feel that at Neville's side, she was in the safest place in the world.

Gregory Goyle pretended to be frightened, "Ooh, I'm so scared. Vincent, perhaps you can show Longbottom what a girlfriend is for." Goyle positioned himself in a way that prevented Neville from reacting without attacking him first.

With a lustful look in his eye, Vincent approached Luna saying, "Let me show you what being with a real man is like." He was going to enjoy this. Luna definitely had changed into a beautiful woman over the past year.