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 13 – Practically Professor Potter

In the Great Hall full of students, Gilderoy Lockhart joined by Gawain Robards, Auror Dawlish, and his publisher Jacob Franklin, confronted Harry Potter over the accuracy of the Chamber of Secrets story.

Harry warned him, "Lockhart, there was a reason why very little is known about the rescue in Chamber of Secrets four years ago. It was to protect the image of an infirmed individual. If you continue with this charade, others with memory charms may suddenly recall their memories as well." Harry intended Lockhart to take that as a threat.

Lockhart did exactly that. He snapped at Dawlish, "Did you hear that? He threatened me. Arrest him!"

Confused, Dawlish replied, "It was confusing, but he didn't threaten you. He promised other people would be healed, not hurt. How can you take that as a threat?"

Harry continued to gaze on Lockhart with challenging eyes.

Gilderoy Lockhart straightened his composure, smiled, and started into his story for all to hear, "Harry Potter and Ronald Weasley followed me into the girls' bathroom and down the entrance to the Chamber of Secrets without my knowing. After I killed the basilisk, and rescued the little girl, the two of them cast memory charms on me. I was able to block Harry Potter's spell easily, but Ron attacked me from the back. Under the affects of the memory charm, Harry and Ron concocted there own version of the events that happened to steal my glory and to protect themselves from punishment."

Furious Ron protested, "That's a lie. The memory charm you tried to cast on Harry backfired and hit you instead because you stole my broken wand. While Harry defeated Tom Riddle and the basilisk, and rescued my sister, you were with me blocked in the entrance corridor by fallen rubble."

Turning to Franklin, Gilderoy explained, "See what I mean by the devotion his friend has for him. Everyone knows that a twelve year-old boy could not kill a basilisk. The boy wouldn't have known to conjure the necessary duck to bring death to the beast."

From her seat at the Ravenclaw table, Luna explained, "A duck couldn't kill a basilisk."

McGonagall chastised her, "Luna, not another word."

From the head table, Hermione supported her claim, "Ducks don't crow. It is the crow of a rooster that kills the basilisk."

Looking over to the Headmistress with amusement in his eyes, he smoothly said, "My, what a young naïve professor you have there. I'm sure she has never slain a basilisk." He smiled as if it were funny.

Taking on a different tact, Ginny said, "There were five things on record brought out of the chamber. Please name all of them."

Gilderoy was surprised by the young lady standing close to Harry. He could not remember her, but she did seem familiar. He responded with a wide smile, "It has been so long ago."

With a smirk, Ginny answered, "You do know them. You were there, but you cannot fully account for them. That is why you refuse to mention them." After giving him another minute to answer, she answered for him, "The things brought out of the Chamber of Secrets were: Dumbledore's Phoenix, Fawkes; The Sorting Hat; The Sword of Gryffindor; The diary of Tom Riddle; and…me."

She explained, "The physical inspection of the basilisk proved that the Sword of Gryffindor was the cause of the death of the serpent. Before I passed out, the phoenix, the sorting hat and the sword were not present in the Chamber of Secrets. My real hero had to summon the phoenix and the sword. To prove you were my hero, summon the Sword of Gryffindor into your hand, right now."

Lockhart protested, "I can't just summon a sword into my hand like that."

Ginny explained, "I know you can't. Only Gryffindor's Heir can summon the sword."

Professor McGonagall said, "He couldn't summon it anyways. It was in a glass case with an anti-summoning charm placed on it. I run up to my office and get it."

Smiling, Ginny said, "No need." She asked Harry, "Could you summon the sword?"

Within the second, the sword materialized into his hand. The room filled with gasps and private conversations. Harry held out the sword to Ginny.

Holding the sword by the blade, she showed it to the accusers. Irritated, Gilderoy picked up the sword from the handle as if it was an old friend. "Awe yes," he started to say. Freezing cold pain started shoot up his arm and burn his hand. He dropped the sword on the ground.

Ginny explained to all of the questioning looks, "Only a true Gryffindor can use the sword."

Returning her attention back to the accusers Ginny explained, "Yes, it doesn't make sense that a 12 year-old boy can kill a giant poisonous snake, but Harry wasn't an ordinary boy." She looked at Harry with warm loving eyes as she continued, "He is the Heir of Gryffindor, my true hero." She bent down and picked up the blade from the ground. She handed it back to Harry.

Addressing Robards, Dawlish, and Franklin, Ginny said, "You want your fraud, here he is." She motioned to Gilderoy Lockhart.

In the commotion, Blaise Zabini crept out of the hall to report this news to his master.

Gilderoy protested, "What am I suppose to do? All I know is writing."

Luna protested, "When you pass off your written lies as the truth, it is called liable and it hurts others. You should be punished and forced write the truth."

"I think I may have a solution," Harry suggested, "You have a talent for creating a particularly difficult potion. I would be willing to give you a job, if you allow me to sell your potion royalty free. I own a potion company, and the Lockhart potion would be nice addition to my product line."

There were reactions of happy astonishment from some of the female students in the hall.

Gilderoy asked, "You would do that for me after all of this?"

"Sure," Harry responded, "After all, I wasn't really the one on the hot seat here, it was you. Mr. Franklin wasn't going to press charges against me. He only wanted me to show the truth, and make you accountable for it. This is a way you can repay me."

Gilderoy accepted, "Yes, I'll work for you and allow you to sell the Lockhart potion. It could have my picture on every vial." He smiled as if he was posing for his picture.

Sickened at the thought, Harry said, "I will have Mrs. Weasley contact you and make the arrangements. No, there will not be any pictures of anyone on my products. My company makes medicinal products, not makeup."

Franklin approached Harry and asked, "How did you know?"

Harry explained, "It was the look in your eye, like you just had caught him in a lie."

Franklin continued on to another subject, "I am also Worple and your publisher for the potions textbook. You should know I have set up the trust just as you wanted. The account will hold all of your proceeds for Severus Snape until his death."

"Thank you," Harry said, as he shook his hand.

Jacob Franklin excused himself to tell Horace Slughorn his progress on his textbooks, and when they would be available for purchase. His current Sixth year NEWT students were borrowing books and taking detailed notes until the new potion books were available for purchase.

Wanting to talk to Harry in private, Gawain gently tugged at his elbow and motioned to the side room.

Sliding his finger across Ginny's jaw to her chin, Harry passed her thoughts telling her how grateful he was to her, and that he would only be a few minutes with the Director of the MLE. Just before his finger left her chin, he squeezed in a closing thought of love that she had become accustomed to and thrived off of. The others in the Great Hall who where watching the contact, also knew what he was thinking for it was clearly emanating from his eyes. From the look in her eyes, his love was undeniably reciprocated. Harry followed Robards and Dawlish into the side room and closed the door.

From the Gryffindor table, a loud bang was heard. Romilda Vane had slammed her goblet of pumpkin juice down so hard, the beverage was spilt all over.

Robards started, "Harry, we are happy to see that you have recovered. We have some intelligence from the Death Eaters we would like to inform you. Could you join us tomorrow and Tuesday?"

Reluctantly Harry said, "I'm sorry, but tomorrow I'm busy, but I'll join you on both Monday and Tuesday night from 5:00 till 9:00."

Checking with Dawlish first, Robards answered, "That would be fine." His face took on a serious quality as he said, "Be careful Harry, You-Know-Who still has infiltrators here at Hogwarts. They are after you next."

Bristled, Harry responded, "For the past six years, Hogwarts have played host to these evil scum. I have become used to it. Don't worry I'll be fine. Besides, I have many friends who are watching my back."

"Oh yes, you mean the Longbottom boy. From what I have heard of him, I find it difficult to believe that you would put that much faith in him." Gawain Robards said.

Startled, Harry countered, "Didn't you hear how he protected Ginny last week? I have no doubts in Neville. I'll fight beside him any day."

Athena flamed into the room and flew around before perching on the back of a chair.

"Yes…well," Gawain stammered, "I did hear that his parents are well again. Are Frank and Alice here? It has been so long since I have last seen them."

Auror Dawlish looked flabbergasted at the phoenix. He wondered where she came from. Since Dumbledore's escape two years ago, Dawlish had never liked the red birds very well.

Harry replied, "They are eating alone in their room tonight. I can send them a note asking them to meet you in the entrance hall."

Considering this, Gawain agreed.

Beckoning Athena, Harry asked her, "Would you do me a favor and take a note to Frank and Alice Longbottom?"

Athena warbled an affirmative reply.

Harry conjured a piece of paper and wrote Frank and Alice a quick note. After he was completed, he folded the paper and held it up for Athena.

Athena took the note and flamed out of the room to deliver it.

The three of them walked out of the room, through the Great Hall and into the entrance hall to be met by Frank and Alice. While the Aurors became reacquainted, Harry excused himself back into the Great Hall.

The next morning, Harry climbed out of bed early. Walking over to Gryffindor Tower, Harry walked up the boys' staircase and entered the 7th year boy's dormitory. Careful not to wake Dean or Seamus, Harry crept over to Neville's bed and woke him up. "Neville, get up. It's time for Tai Chi."

Sleepy eyed, Neville grumbled and staggered out of bed. After Neville was dressed and ready, the both of them began their exercises in the Gryffindor common room. Harry was in deep concentration for minutes as he worked the transition from one position to the next. A giggle from a first year girl eventually broke his concentration. Looking around Harry noticed that they had an audience.

Looking to Neville, he asked, "Have they been there long?"

Neville replied, "For a few minutes. If you were paying attention to your surroundings like you are supposed to, you would have known."

Never one for hanging out in a crowd, Harry started to leave. "See yeah later Neville."

"Don't stop because of us," a familiar voice said. Romilda Vane grabbed Harry's hand and gently pulled while she pleaded, "Please stay." She looked up with happy yet yearning eyes.

Looking down at her hand Harry requested, "Please let go of my hand."

Romilda did not want to give up to easily. She continued, "Professor, please stay and show me more." With a suggestive look and a deep husky voice she slowly added, "Much more."

From the stairs leading up to the girls' dorms, a loud voice commanded, "Let go of his hand." Glaring as if she was ready for a fight, Ginny Weasley was standing on the bottom step in a sleepwear robe with her hand on her hip. The messy look of her red hair made her the look as if she just woke up.

Not easily intimidated, Romilda maintained her grasp, and turned around backing into Harry. She said, "He is still single and he can choose for himself. What right do you have to tell him who he can see?"

Irritated, Harry repeated, "Let go Romilda."

Crossing the room to stand in front of her, Ginny held up her hand to show her the ring. "This is my claim to him, and his claim to me. LET GO!" Ginny spat. Her eyes, expression and posture clearly threatened Romilda with bodily harm.

From across the room, another voice bellowed, "Romilda, step slowly away from Harry."

Understanding this is a serious matter, Romilda slowly backed away from Harry and Ginny. She turned to face the voice confronting her. Coming towards her from his Head Boy suite, Ron asked Romilda, "Could you please come over here?" He gestured to a small table and chairs located in one of the corners of the room. Still in his pajamas with his hair sticking up all over, it was obvious that the commotion had awakened him.

The common room was filling with curious on-lookers. Noticing the new arrivals, Neville gave up on his exercises and returned to his dorm to get ready for breakfast. On his way to the stairs he said, "Harry, we need to find someplace else to do this."

Happy to see him, Ginny hugged Harry and said, "Good morning."

With a smirk on his face, he replied, "Good morning, Beautiful."

The name that he called her made her think of her appearance. Shocked, her hand reached up to feel her messy red hair as a look of horror filled her eyes. All of a suddenly she became self-conscious about her looks. Ginny stepped away and let out a weak squeal. Noticing the warm look of the eyes of Harry's amused face, she relented and returned back into his open arms. She realized that their relationship has already past the point of morning hair.

Harry told her, "I heard you have been bad. You ran in the Great Hall and ignored the Headmistress when she asked you to stop. For that, ten points from Gryffindor and detention to be served with me. Meet me in Professor Lupin's office tonight at 7:00."

Ginny looked up at him with a smile and said, "My pleasure, but house points? You're supposed to be a good professor."

Harry gave her hand a squeeze, and with a short good-bye returned to his apartment.

Quietly in their corner, Ron chastised Romilda, "You must not provoke Ginny. Look around; there are plenty of other attractive men out there. As for Ginny, I speak from experience. You don't want to be on her bad side."

Romilda's eyes softened as she noticed Ron's soft side. She reached out to take Ron's hand as she said, "Thank you Ron. You are so kind for looking out for me."

Scared, Ron stammered, "Oh no you don't, I'm not available anymore. I'm seeing someone."

In a reassuring manner, she softly told him, "You don't have to lie to me. Lavender told us how she dumped you. It was very cruel and hasty of her. It must have hurt you something terrible." A look of deep compassion filled her eyes.

Grabbing her wrist, Ron pulled her hand off his and placed it on the table. Correcting her, he said, "With Lavender it really was my fault. My heart wasn't in to her. No, this is a different woman." Focusing his eyes on the table, his eyes started to soften as he revealed his feelings for his girlfriend, "She is perfect in every way. She is beautiful, witty, compassionate and gentle. I love her and she loves me."

Irritated, Romilda grimaced and left him, but not before telling him, "Well good luck with her."

After breakfast was Harry's first class. Opening the door, of the classroom, he noticed that they were all Slytherin and Gryffindor first years. As they all started to file into the room, most of the kids bore looks of trepidation on their faces.

Gabrielle greeted Harry with a warm hug. "Oh Harry, it is so good to see you. I was so worried when I heard that you were sick."

Looking her over Harry said, "How are you doing? Is Slytherin House treating you well?"

A smirk spread across her face as she replied, "How Gryffindor of you be so concerned about my treatment at the hand of my housemates." Her eyes softened. After glancing around at the other Slytherins in the room, she hesitantly said, "Everything is fine, and when it is not, I allow my gifts to work for me." Looking at him in the eyes, she gave him a half-hearted smile and left him to take a seat next to Cindy.

After Harry was sure that everyone was there, he closed the door and walked to the front of the class. Before he took roll, he thought he would introduce himself. "My name is Professor Potter and this class is Defense Against the Dark Arts. In this class, you will be learning how to protect yourselves and the ones you love from bad people and creatures. Part of the skills you pick up in this class will also overflow onto Charms and Care for Magical Creatures. I am responsible for instructing you in the practical skills while Professor Lupin will be teaching the theory. At the end of this year, you should be able to cast a spell that will disable an attacker and put up a shield that should repel most harmful spells. Particularly at this age, you will learn how to dodge, hide and escape. It is not that I am encouraging all of you to be afraid to face danger, but having these skills will prove helpful in the future. Besides, sometimes we can do more good by getting help."

Summoning the roster to his hand without the use of a wand, Harry proceeded to take the class roll. When he was done he asked, "Please be patient with me as I learn all of your names. Everyone get you wands out. Today we are going to start with a simple spell. This spell is one of the Colour-Change Charms called Blue." Conjuring a statue of Gilderoy Lockhart in front of the class, he continued, "This statue will be our target."

All of the kids laughed after recognizing Harry's false accuser from the night before.

Harry demonstrated the simple swish point movement, and then asked everyone in the class to repeat it. Harry walked around the class correcting the students when they needed help. When satisfied, he had them all do the movement and told them to add in the incantation blue. Most of the students caught on quickly and the rest had it by the end of the class. At the end of the lesson, Harry entertained questions.

Cindy was the first to be called upon, and she asked, "Professor is it true that you rescued Gabrielle from village of hostile mermen?"

Blushing, Harry explained, "It was only a contest and the mermen were helping put it on. I didn't realize at the time that she was in no true danger, so when her sister, Fleur, didn't show up, I took both Gabrielle and Ron Weasley up to the finish line at the surface. Really I was thick, but that was three years ago." There were hushed discussions all over the classroom. Apparently, they liked the opportunity to ask questions. Looking at the clock on the wall, he said, "That's all the time I have for questions. See you next week."

Harry dismissed the class, and they filed out of the room. A few minutes later, his next class started to file in.

The class being the seventh year NEWT course, all of these students were familiar with him. Many of the students greeted him kindly as they entered the room and took their seats. Some, however, greeted him with animosity. It did not bother him that Pansy or Blaise treated him in contempt, but when his old dorm mate, Dean, sneered at him, it left him disturbed.

Since there was not a separate desk at the front like in Charms for Hermione, she sat at his desk in the front of the class. Hermione was concerned that he was going to chastise her and make her move. Instead, when he approached her, he asked in a whisper, "Why is Dean so upset?"

Relieved, she whispered back, "It's not you. It has to do with Ginny. I'll tell you later."

Straightening his composure, Harry started class with the introduction. "Welcome everyone to seventh year level NEWT Defense Against the Dark Arts. Even though everyone knows me here, I require that you address me as Professor Potter while I am in the teacher or school staff roles. This year of Defense Against the Dark Arts is especially challenging, as you will prepare to take your NEWT. Pull you wands out. We're going to start with a demonstration and then I would like you to pair up and practice what was learned. Neville, could you please come up to the front."

As Neville approached, Blaise blurted out, "Why Neville? Are you going to teach us what not to do?" Many started laughing at this comment.

Harry noticed that Crabbe and Goyle were not laughing along with their fellow Slytherins. He decided to think on that later.

Hermione quickly stood up with a stern look on her face, yet Harry was already correcting the problem. Harry sternly corrected him, "Mr. Zabini, I will not have any remarks or questions made out of turn. If you would like to speak when you are not addressed, you must raise your hand. If you make a comment in the future which is intended to criticize someone you will be punished. Am I clear?"

Blaise resolutely refused to acknowledge Harry's reprimand.

Firmer, Harry commanded, "Repeat what I just told you, Zabini."

Not wanting to admit that he was truly intimidated, yet still show some control Blaise said, "Put my hand in the air when I want to talk, and say pretty flowery words instead of the obvious truth."

After considering it for a while, Harry accepted the summary, "Very well Zabini, you got the gist of it. Now come up here to the front of the class and participate in the demonstration yourself. Your comment towards Neville reminded me of what another friend once said about him." Harry gave Neville a smile before looking back at Blaise. "Wit beyond measure is man's greatest treasure."

A look of surprised amusement spread across Hermione's face. She had only heard about the statement second hand, but she was surprised that Harry remembered it. Neville obviously had because he unexpectedly blushed at the statement. It was possible that there was something intimate about the complement or the person who originally made it.

Zabini walked up to the front of the class pretending to be gagging on words Harry said.

Harry gestured to Hermione to approach him. Turning to the class, Harry explained, "We are going to have a dual which will demonstrate four spells that we are going to work on. I would prefer that you cast them silently when you practice. The spells are the stunning spell, the shield charm, the Ennervate Charm and the summoning charm for the wand.

Neville's face started to go white.

Seeing this, Harry quietly asked Hermione to coach Neville through it. Harry approached Blaise on the other side of the room. "Mr. Zabini, are you going to be fine with this? Can you do these spells?"

Blaise gave Harry an incredulous look when he replied, "Of course."

On the other end of the room, Hermione seemed to be having a difficult time getting through to Neville. To the rest of the class he seemed to be chickening out. After Neville lit his wand with a Lumos spell at a typical level of illumination, Neville relaxed and agreed to go a head.

Neville allowed the demonstration to run for a few volleys of spells before ending the dual with a quick succession of stunning spells. He also demonstrated the summoning spell by retrieving the wand and the Ennervate Charm by reviving Blaise. Half of the class gave Neville a warm round of applause.

Pleased with both of them, Harry praised them and asked the whole class to split up in pairs. After moving the table and chairs to the side, Harry watched as everyone worked.

After he was satisfied with progress of the class, Harry addressed the class, "At this point in your life, you will notice that you may be stronger in magic than someone else. Because of it, silent magic casting or shield penetration may come easier. I do not care how strong or weak you magic is. You will be graded on the skills you show. For those of you who can't seem to silently cast spells, don't worry about it effecting your grade, but still practice." Crabbe seemed pleased to have heard that.

That evening after dinner, Ginny arrived at her detention 10 minutes early. She laughed at herself as she walked into the open office. Never did she think she would enjoy a punishment. When she walked into the office, Remus was just leaving.

When Remus saw her enter, a broad grin stretched across his face. He greeted her with a nod. As he was walking away, Ginny heard him mutter, "Yeah, right, detention."

Harry was seated at his desk going through some of his papers. Ginny closed the door and locked it with a Colloportus spell. Not wanting to show how eager she was, she casually walked to the chair in front of his desk and sat down. She sat there quietly for three minutes before she interrupted his concentration. "Harry…erm; Professor Potter, I am here to be punished, but I will not be ignored. The way I see it, you need your punishments as well. Sneaking off to carry out a dangerous quest without letting me know or help is intolerable."

This definitely caught Harry's attention. It was true that he was ignoring her on purpose. It was not easy for him to concentrate with her presence so close, yet he only wanted to finish his thought. Harry looked up at her as she reprimanded him. He could not help but smile at her when she spoke. She looked attractive when she was enraged.

She jumped to her feet and stomped in anger. "Why are you smiling? Don't you hear me? You traipsed off on an adventure with your two best friends, thinking it would be great fun. However, you don't even come back with the decency of being conscious enough for me to kill you." Her anger continued to build as she shouted, "You left me scared to death that you would never revive. You left me like a widow without even marring me." Tears were brimming in her eyes with the intensity of her emotions.

Pleasing as it was to see her riled up; he never enjoyed seeing her upset. He quickly stood up and cuddled in his arms. "I'm sorry for scaring you Darling. I know now that it was wrong for me to do that without letting you, Mum and Dad know." She was tense in his embrace because of the bitterness she was still feeling.

She continued to vent, "I am twice as important as your parents. I am your wife." She paused to correct herself, "Fine, your future wife, but I may as well be. You gave me your promise." She gasped for a breath before continuing in a slightly calmer tone, "I gave you my promise, and I meant it." Glaring into his eyes, she placed her hand over her heart as she said, "You are in here and always will be. Don't you ever betray me again."

Harry comforted her, "In the future I promise not to keep things like this from you. My intentions were to save you from worrying and allow you to focus on helping others with the Black Community Alliance. I was not hurting you." His attempts at comforting her did not work.

Irritated, Ginny retorted, "I had to learn about your little escapade by experiencing a strong pull of intuition that your life was endangered. You lied to me by omitting your intentions of endangerment that day. You know that you are supposed to tell me everything. You must let me choose to worry or continue with my day. It is my right to choose for myself." Her eyes glared at him with her brewing anger.

Confused by these terms of relationship, he looked dumbfounded at her for a while as he thought. Grabbing her hand, he found that she expected their relationship to be so open and true that there could not be any secrets or individualism. She was modeling their relationship from her mom and dad. He had never had a role model relationship like this until recently when he was adopted into the Granger family.

He saw now that between Molly and Arthur, and Dan and Emma they kept nothing from each other. Suddenly scared, Harry let go of Ginny's hand.

Starting to pull the Monomens necklace off her neck, Ginny snapped, "Is that it? You want your individuality back?"

Realizing the conflict between his heart and his identity, Harry placed his hand on hers to stop her. "No, it is not that. You can have all of me."

Ginny could see that Harry was remembering what Hermione told him, 'Follow your heart.' She saw the deep respect he held for Hermione and her advice.

In her thoughts she challenged him, 'So, what is it going to be?'

Harry told her aloud, "I need you in my life. Until now, I didn't really realize what it meant to be married. When the ceremony says that two lives join to become one, it really means it. It really was these necklaces that brought us this close so quickly, yet even before you gave me this birthday present, I yearned for your presence. I would feel desperately empty without you now."

He gazed into her eyes as he committed himself, "Ginny, from now on, we will share everything: our challenges; our goals; and our dreams. Apart from you, it is all meaningless anyways. I love you."

For the next few minutes of the evening, they shared their affections for each other, until Ginny noticed that Harry's mind was wandering back to his project.

Ginny worked with Harry as he reviewed the list of goals and responsibilities they needed to achieve. She explained what they covered when he was in the hospital as they updated the status of the goals.

Find the Horcruxes and destroy them.

Identify the other treasure. – Luna

Identify the location of each of the treasures. – Luna

Recover the individual treasures. – Harry

Destroy the treasure. – Luna, Harry

Destroy the necklace.

Kill Voldemort.

D.A. – organize and train. – Ron, Harry

Study battle strategy – Ron

Learn spells useful for the battle. – Ron, Neville, Harry

Train physically, build strength and endurance. – Neville, Harry

Train in Occlumency. – All gather together one night a week.

Train in Legilimency. – Continue to get together every other week.

Find Allies.

Wizards and witches. – Ron

Goblins. – Harry

Centaurs. – Harry

Dwarves. – Harry

Unite the community against Voldemort. – Ginny

Gather support from the ministry. – Harry

Live for another day.

Prepare a place for the Christmas holidays. – Neville

Find spells to protect from Cruciatus, killing and Imperious curses. – Hermione

Find potions to protect from the Cruciatus and Imperious curses. – Hermione

Analyze Hogwarts security. – Neville

Have some fun.

Watch some movies.

Schedule time to get on a broom.

Date the one you love.

Needless to say, the last item was added at Ginny's request. When he was done, Ginny asked Harry, "Why are you going through the trouble of making this list?"

Thinking first, Harry responded, "It was actually Hermione's idea, but it has really enabled me to remain focused on everything that needs to be done, not just the few individual things." After a pause of thought, he asked, "How am I supposed to date you if we can't even leave Hogwarts? When we are at Hogwarts, we're not supposed to show intimacy in front of students."

To answer his question, she waved her wand at the fireplace, and it roared to life. Giving Harry a nervous look, she conjured a love seat. Because her skills were not strong in transfiguration, the two-person sofa looked more like a stiff poorly constructed settee.

Holding her hand, Harry helped her concentrate and conjure the pillowed love seat she wanted. Still holding his hand, Ginny guided him into the small couch.

To add to the room, Harry conjured many candles and candelabras. With another flick of his wand, he turned on Remus' record player.

Ginny smile and said, "You're getting the idea."

Harry added, "Just don't cause trouble to get put into detention. Next time, your detention could be spent with a different professor."

When Harry finished with his morning exercises with Neville, he returned to his apartment to Ginny, Hermione, Ron, Dan and Emma sitting around the table. Emma invited him, "Breakfast is ready. Come sit down."

Wide eyed, Harry asked, "What's the occasion?"

Imperiously, Emma asserted her authority as a mother as she ordered, "From now on, we will all get together for a family meal at least once a week. Saturday morning breakfast is the most convenient for us while we are here at Hogwarts."

Puzzled, Ron asked, "Why do you insist that Ginny and I come?"

Hermione shot Ron a dirty look.

Ginny just ignored the question and motioned to Harry to take his seat between her and Hermione.

Curiously, Dan asked Ron, "If you don't consider us family, then what are your intentions with my daughter?"

Aghast, Hermione snapped, "Daddy, No! Don't you go pressuring him. We just started dating." Comforting Ron, she told him, "You don't have to answer that question." Hermione elbowed Harry and gave him a dark look.

Innocently astonished, Harry said, "What? I didn't say anything." A smirk crept along his face.

Irritated Hermione replied, "You didn't have to say anything. I know what you were thinking."

In consideration, Dan explained himself, "Well with Ginny there is no question that she will be at our family meals for the rest of her life. If Ron…"

Hermione cut him off, "Daddy No! Don't say another word." She quickly gave Harry another dark look, before telling Ron, "We will not rush our relationship, and you are welcome to consider yourself apart of the family if you would like. Just ignore Dad and Harry's comments on the matter."

Ginny covertly snuck Crookshanks a piece of bacon under the table.

Wanting to encourage this type of discussion, Emma suggested, "If you do want to encourage the relationship, the twins may have another Monomens charm for you two to share."

Ron, Hermione and Harry all said, "No," at the same time. Harry explained, "It is not possible to guard all of your thoughts when sharing. As a result, Ginny experienced many thoughts that she decided to ignore rather than assault and dump me. I don't want to subject Hermione to Ron's private thoughts."

Ron added, "I don't think I could keep up with her brilliant mind. It would probably leave me dizzy."

Amused, Hermione considered aloud, "Ron would probably only be thinking of food most of the time anyways." A smirk played on her face as she looked at him. Hermione's happy face turned to suspicion as she heard Crookshanks purr loudly under the table.

Hermione admonished Harry, "Are you feeding my cat again? He is already too fat."

Harry looked affronted. Crookshanks rubbed up against his leg under the table.

Ginny changed the subject, "Harry, since I can't leave, I have a honey-do list for you today. I also want to borrow your broom for the quidditch tryouts next week."

Rolling his eyes back, he replied, "Fine, but I wanted to spend a few hours with Neville. We are going to look at the book Godric Gryffindor wrote for me." Harry turned to Hermione and asked, "Could you check with Luna on her progress on the locket?"

Hermione shrugged and said, "Fine, but I am still taking three courses and I have papers to grade. After that, Ron and I are going out on a date tonight."

Pressing him, Ginny insisted, "Harry don't forget to talk with Mr. Turbin. He seemed very insistent on speaking with you."

Attempting to get his word in, Dan said, "I need you to run to the bank. Arthur and I are going shopping for a projection telly and DVD player. We will need money to pay for it."

To complete the chaos, Emma handed him a shopping list.

Finishing his breakfast, Harry started for his room. He did not make it far before Ginny called, "Don't leave quite yet. Luna and I are going out into the forest this afternoon with Hagrid. I'm leaving right now."

Confused, Harry looked at her, "So?" Ginny put her hands on her hips and gave him a piercing glare. Realizing what she wanted, Harry gave the others in the room a quick uncomfortable look then kissed Ginny.

The short peck was not good enough for Ginny, so she pulled him closer and gave him a longer kiss. She corrected him, "There, that was better. Be safe on your errands and don't be late for dinner."

Concerned for her safety, Harry retorted, "Me be safe? What about you? I know what is in the forest. Don't leave Hagrid and Luna's side. Does Charlie know that you are going in there today?"

Ginny looked at him in disbelief.

Harry called out to Ron, "Constant vigilance. I know how you get distracted around Hermione, but keep her safe. I want her back by 10:00."

Hermione snapped, "I'm an adult. I don't need my little brother telling me what to do and when to be home." She emphasized the words 'little brother.'

With a serious look on his face, Harry growled back, "You and Ron are not typical young adults. Both of you are targets for a crazed mad man. Mum, Dad and I want to go to bed knowing that you two are safely back at Hogwarts."

Ron grumbled back, "Fine, I understand your reasoning, and I will keep her safe. You don't have to worry about us. We take precautions and stay in crowds where we won't be noticed."

Dan smiled at Harry.

Feeling satisfied that he properly had passed his concerns to his family, Harry quietly told Ginny, "I love you. I'll see you at dinner." He gave her another kiss then left to get ready for his day.

As Harry was leaving the castle, a lion Patronus leapt into him. Neville wanted to know when they were going to get together for the book and practice. As a residual part of the communications, Harry could feel Neville's happy thought that created the Patronus. It was watching Luna laugh.

Using the memory of Neville refusing to leave his side as he entered the Hall of the Veil of Mysteries, Harry cast his own Patronus, "Expecto Patronum." He had the Patronus pass on the message that he would be back around 2:00 and that he had many errands to complete that day.

When he completed his errands around the wizarding community, he noticed many of the people who he came across called him Lord Black, as if it were a more honorable title than Harry Potter, the Boy-That-Lived or the Chosen One. Ginny was leaving a good impression on the people of the wizarding community under the name of Lady Black.

The first class Harry had on Monday morning was with the second year Slytherin and Hufflepuff students. Like Friday's first year's class, the session started awkwardly. At the end of class, Gretchen Dolohov, a Slytherin student, asked, "After this class, I agree with the first years. You are a good teacher. Why then would some of the older students force us to boycott your class by eating scathing snack box snacks?"

Many of the other Slytherin students were appalled at Gretchen, while others were curiously in agreement.

Nervous, Harry said, "There has been a rivalry between me and Draco Malfoy since I first met him in Madam Malkin's seven years ago. We were getting our schools robes for the first year of school. He was sorted into Slytherin, and I was sorted into Gryffindor. Because of the leadership role he took in the Slytherin house, the whole house seemed to be at rivalry with Gryffindor."

Gretchen asked more directly, "Do you consider us evil?"

Surprised by the question, Harry responded, "No, Slytherins are not evil. I have a few friends who are Slytherins." He looked around the class to see all of the students intently looking at him, so he continued, "To answer this question. I'm going to break it up into two different parts: 1) What makes someone evil. 2) What are the differences between the houses."

"When we consider someone evil, what behavior do we usually consider?" Harry asked the class.

A Hufflepuff boy raised his hand and answered, "Bullying, or causing harm to others for personal gain."

Pleased, Harry praised him, "Good answer, five points to Hufflepuff, anyone else?"

A different Slytherin Girl suggested, "Someone who kills others, especially the defenseless."

Smiling even more, Harry called out, "Another good answer, five points to Slytherin. Anyone else?"

Many hands rose this time, and Harry called on sassy Slytherin boy who answered, "Someone who is not like yourself."

This answer was met hushed silence from the other students. Harry entertained the answer, "I wouldn't consider that a good answer, but you still get five points for participation. Your answer does require discussion, because it pertains to the main issue of what we are discussing, animosity between schoolhouses. Just because you don't like someone, or don't agree with their values or beliefs doesn't make you evil. Evil behavior is characterized when we act out our hate against an individual or group. The behavior can be as much as murderous violence to as little as name calling or poor sportsmanship."

Grinning from ear to ear, the boy suggested, "So you were acting on evil when you killed the 12 Death Eaters at Ottery St. Catchpole during the summer?"

Impassive, Harry considered the question, and then said, "I did not look for the fight but the fight came to me. I was defending my family and myself. It is true, I do feel hate towards Former Professor Snape, and if I attacked him solely based off those feelings, I would be guilty of evil. I appreciate your comment, and it was pertinence to the topic. Another five points to Slytherin."

Harry continued talking to the whole class, "Tom Riddle, or Voldemort as he prefers to be called, is considered evil because he coerces, kills and harms people for personal gain. His belief system is based off the dehumanizing of non-pureblood wizards, Muggles and non-humans, despite the fact that he is a half-blood himself. When I say dehumanizing, I mean that he deems their life as inconsequential whether they live or die. In recent history, we have had others who felt the same way, Grindelwald and Adolph Hitler to name two. Each of these three people aspired to reign over a society of a select few based off purity of their blood. Anyone who does not fit into their society is considered no more than tools to serve their society."

Taking a deep breath, Harry continued, "As you can see, if your belief system prevents you from living along side some other person or sentient being, you could be considered hateful or evil if you act out from your hate."

"Let's now move on to the school houses. How are the students in Slytherin any different than the rest of the school?"

Different students participated and were each given five more points to their perspective houses. In conclusion Harry said, "The Slytherin students are just like the rest of the school, but they have a greater talent for clever problem solving and taking risks. I am proud to admit that the sorting hat actually deliberated over placing me into Slytherin. I just asked the hat to not place me in there because I didn't like Draco Malfoy."

Harry was able to finish just as the bell rung. The class filed out into the hall buzzing with discussions amongst themselves.

When he was done with the last class of the day, Harry hurried out of the castle to meet up with Gawain Robards at the Ministry. As soon as he opened the front doors, he found Ginny and Luna on the front steps doing their homework in the late afternoon sun.

Without even looking up, Ginny asked him, "Did you think you were going to leave without saying good bye?"

Surprised, Harry returned, "I didn't know where you would be." He walked down the steps to her and rubbed his finger across her chin passing their usual parting thoughts.

"Good bye Ginny, Luna. See you tomorrow," Harry said as he continued towards the front gate.

Luna gave Ginny a piercing gaze as she asked, "So, you just wanted to do your homework on the steps to soak up the warm afternoon sun, huh?"

Sheepishly, Ginny relented, "Fine, I knew that he would be coming out this way, and I wanted to see him. Ever since he came back from the hospital, I never want to let him out of my sight. He worries me, Luna."

Luna smiled at her friend, "I think I know what you mean."

A conspiring thought came to Ginny's mind, but she knew that she should not press Luna too much on Neville. She casually asked, "Have you met Neville's parents?"

Giving another glare at Ginny, she responded, "Yes, I have met them a few times. As soon as you left the Great Hall that night, Neville introduced me to them. It's not as if I am anyone important." She had been getting irritated with Ginny each time she brought up Neville. She fancied Neville, but she knew he did not like her any more than a friend. Luna is irritated that Ginny kept encouraging her to pursue this non-existent romance with him. To change the subject she asked, "How come you only get a scratch on the chin from Harry? He used to hug and kiss you all the time."

Smiling, Ginny replied, "I know, I really want to snog him senseless and hold on to him so tight he has no choice but to take me with him, but Professor McGonagall would be in a right state if she found out. No, I have no choice but to be hands off when we are not behind closed doors. Besides, when he touches my chin with his finger he sends his feelings and thoughts to me through the Monomens charm."

Luna was smiling at her, but she was just thankful that she derailed Ginny from talking about Neville.

Sensing the change of subject, Ginny asked, "How far have you gone to finding out what to do with the necklace?"

Doing a revealing charm on the book she was reading and holding it up, she answered Ginny, "I'm making some good progress." The book title was only one word, but it said it all, "Horcruxes."

Startled, Ginny asked, "Where did you get that?"

Nervously looking around Luna put a finger up to her lips and shushed Ginny. Luna replaced the disguising charm back on the book. She quietly said, "I can't tell you without putting someone else in possible trouble. It is best you don't know." She continued, "I believe I have figured out a spell which would reverse the curse and eject the soul from the item. We should be able to try it out in another week."

At the Ministry of Magic, Harry had to stop at the front doors and gave another impromptu oration in front of the press. Their beloved Minister of Magic was starting to get on his nerves. He imagined that Scrimgeour was just trying to assure the wizarding public that he was alive and well, to give people hope.

Harry stepped up to the podium and waited until the crowd fell into a silence of expectation. Putting on a kind face, Harry addressed the crowd, "Two weeks ago, I received an injury which put me in the hospital. I am healthy, and I am not experiencing any bad effects.

For the most part, we have been keeping Tom Riddle, Voldemort if you like, from causing too much trouble in the wizarding communities by working together. If we continue to support each other and fight against them, we can overcome this plague of evil. Never give up, and believe with your hearts that we can do this.

Support the others in the wizarding community who need your help. You can do this individually by lending someone specifically a helping hand, or you can contribute to the Black Community Alliance that is reaching out to anyone who is in need. So long as we continue to work and stay together we will defeat Voldemort and his minions." Harry waved off any questions the reporters asked, as he went inside the Ministry Building.

After the guard inspected his wand and gave him his badge, Harry was again escorted to the MLE department by Minister Scrimgeour. The minister asked him, "You still despise the press?"

Giving him a quick glace, Harry responded, "Is it that noticeable?"

"You could say that. How did you end up in the hospital?" The Minister asked.

Harry stood off to the side in the hall and looked at the Minister, "I knew you would be asking that question. It is also the reason I didn't even entertain any questions from the press." In a near whisper he said, "I took another step to defeating Tom Riddle. It is very secret and it needs to remain that way." Harry continued walking towards the MLE Department.

Minister Scrimgeour added, "One more question."

Irritated, Harry glared back at him.

Rufus Scrimgeour asked, "How is Lady Black?"

The features on Harry's face softened with the relief of the new subject. A sparkle was in his eyes when he told the Minister, "She is well. She is done screaming at me and hugging me. Now, she is in some sort of clingy phase, and she is going out of her way to watch me like a hawk. Are all women like that? I mean, being mad and happy at the same time?"

Smiling and shaking his head in amusement Rufus said, "You certainly are new at this."

Insulted, Harry replied, "Hey, I'm just asking for some insight, not criticism."

Calming him, Scrimgeour explained, "Most women would react emotionally when their loved one almost dies. For the clinging, I would suggest that you spend a half-an-hour in private with her every night just before you retire for the night. Do this for the next two weeks to give her the assurance that you're not going anywhere. The key to this is the consistency."

Rufus put a comforting hand on his shoulder, "Come on, they have catered a meal for you."

Just as the Minister said, they were ushered into the large interrogation room where a meal was set out for everyone. In attendance with Gawain Robards, were the Senior Aurors and a few of the others including Kingsley Shacklebolt and Nymphadora Tonks. There were light-hearted conversations during the meal, but when it was over a more serious tenor dominated the room.

Gawain started, "As you could have guessed, the majority of the Death Eaters who we have captured or killed were not from here in Britain. Most of them were from other English speaking lands around the world. Using new magical language translator charms from Weasley's Wizarding Wheezes, Death Eaters are now being successfully recruited in other nations around the world. We have found that Death Eater training camps have been built in France, Ukraine, Turkey, Afghanistan, Burma, Angola, Chile, Korea and Papua-New Guinea. From what our spies have been telling us, they are preparing for a battle. We believe that it will be at Hogwarts and Hogsmeade."

Others around the table looked solemn, as the news was old to them. Harry was dumbfounded.

Robards continued, "You-Know-Who has been empting wizarding prisons around the world. By the best guess of our spies, we are expecting the battle to take place some time early next year. By then, we expect that he would have an army of twenty four hundred fully trained Death Eaters."

Unsure that he really wanted to know, Harry asked, "What about magical creatures?"

Gawain Robards looked up to a woman on his senior staff and answered, "We're not sure of the numbers, but we are expecting the battle to include giants, werewolves, vampires, and dragons."

Harry thought for a while with his fingers tented in front of his nose. When he was done pondering he asked, "What have we done to prepare for this battle so far?"

A mixture of astonishment and embarrassment flushed across Gawain Robards features before he explained, "The only thing we have done was to figure out how we can peacefully prevent it from happening."

In a serious tone, Harry confirmed, "You are willing to give up Hogwarts, Hogsmeade and the entire United Kingdom to him?"

Astonished, Gawain Robards reassured, "It is not what it seems. Against an army that large, we have no choice but to surrender. We would be facing eradication."

With tense irritation in his voice, Harry barked, "No we won't. We have no choice but to fight back, and we will win."

"But we only have 100 Aurors total. Only 40 at a time on the day shift. We don't have the resources to fight such a battle." Gawain desperately asserted.

Ignoring Mr. Robards, Harry addressed the others, "Listen to me. This is why we took our oath to serve and protect the people, community and our nation. If we give up, everyone else will give up. I know it sounds impossible, but it is not. We will work together, the Aurors, the Ministry, the wizarding community, the other magical beings and the other nations. We will overcome this evil and prevent it from ruling our lives and throwing us into a life of tyranny. We have to do this for our neighbors, our families and ones we love."

"Mr. Robards, contact the other nations we can trust and see if they could send us some help." After Harry said that, he turned towards the female Auror who passed on the intelligence about the magical creatures, "Keep up the good work on the intelligence front. We need to find out any specific days, method of transporting, and communications."

Turning to the others he asked, "We need a map of Hogsmeade and the Hogwarts grounds for strategic planning. I also need to talk to the Heads of the Liaison offices for the dwarves, centaurs and goblins. Someone needs to create a plan for evacuating Hogsmeade and other key wizarding communities." Soon people were busy doing one thing or another.