Standard disclaimer: It isn't my incredible idea…I am only warping it a bit.


Molly Weasley shouted up the stairs, "Last warning! Whoever is not downstairs in the next 60 seconds is getting left behind!" She was answered almost immediately by the shouting of voices and the thundering of feet down the stairs into the living room. Kingsley Shacklebolt, Remus Lupin and Nymphadora Tonks waited by the fire.

"Sorry Mum, I couldn't decide which shirt to wear. I haven't seen Dean all summer and wanted to look nice," Ginny said.

Ron stumbled into the room. "What's the rush? I couldn't find my other shoe."

"The rush is," Molly snapped, "that these people don't have all day to go with us to Diagon Alley! Now, hurry up."

Ron looked at Harry, "Wow mate, you get a full out army when you go shopping, huh?"

Harry just scowled, grabbed a handful of Floo Powder and stepped into the fireplace. One by one, everyone stepped out of the fireplace of the Leaky Cauldron and headed into Diagon Alley.

"Alright everyone, pay attention." Molly said. "I have everyone's booklists. I will get all the books and send them back to the Burrow. Ron, Ginny, you both need new robes be sure to stop at Madam Malkin's. Try to get everything done and we will meet back here for a late lunch. Questions?" A chorus of 'no's' rang out. "Alright. Harry, dear, I already have your money for books. Do you need to go to the bank for anything?"

"No, ma'am." Harry shook his head. "I'm good."

"Alright. Split up, Kingsley is coming with me. We will meet back here at 2 o'clock."

The group set at first towards Madam Malkin's Robes for all Occasions. Ron and Ginny went straight back to be fitted for new robes. Lupin and Tonks stood outside on guard.

Hermione glanced over at Harry with an appreciating look. "You know, Harry, you have grown quite a bit over the summer. You should probably get fitted for new robes as well."

"You think so?" Harry asked.

Hermione glanced over Harry's shoulder at the giggling group of girls behind him. "Well, I am fairly sure that tight black T-Shirt and jeans you are wearing are a hit with the girls behind you, but too small robes seem like they won't be very comfortable."

Harry looked over his shoulder to see a group girls smiling at him. "What's up with them?"

Hermione smiled, "You really don't know, do you?"

Harry shrugged. "You're probably right." He turned and headed back for a fitting also. He was surprised after his fitting to see that Hermione was, as always, right. His old robes would have been much too short and narrow in the shoulders and chest. He selected new dress robes and some shirts as well.

They were walking out of the shop after getting their purchases wrapped up when Hermione ran smack into Draco Malfoy. He jumped back and sneered at her. "Watch where you are going you filthy little Mud-- "

Before you could blink, Ron had stepped in front of Hermione and put his wand at Malfoy's throat. "Think very carefully about the next thing you say, Malfoy." Ron growled.

"Ronald, don't, he isn't worth it," Hermione said. "Let's just leave please."

Malfoy looked Hermione over slowly. "Don't get your knickers all in a twist, Weasel-bee." He wiggled his eyebrows. "Even I have to admit, she is looking pretty good these days for a Mudb--"

Harry stepped forward with his wand drawn. "Shut it, Ferret!"

"What's the matter Potter? You finally figure out that the Weasel here has the hots for your girlfriend?"

Ron turned redder. "I am warning you Malfoy"

Madam Malkin came hurrying over. "Why do you always have to draw wands and fight in MY store? Stop it, NOW!"

Lupin and Tonks walked up behind them. "Wotcher, Harry! Everything alright here?" Tonks asked.

Ron and Harry dropped their wands to their sides. "Uhhh…yeah." Harry said. "We were all just leaving anyway. Sorry about that Madam Malkin." Everyone brushed past Malfoy and went outside.

"Want to tell me what that was all about Harry?" Lupin asked with a slight smile.

"Not really, sir, no." Harry said. "Do you think we can stop at Eeylops Owl Emporium next? Ron and I both need owl treats."

Hermione said, "I still need to go to the stationers for parchment and ink. I seem to go through it so must faster than they do."

"Yes, no doubt," laughed Lupin. "Tell you what; I will take you and Ginny to the stationers, and Tonks can follow the boys to the Owl Emporium. We will meet back here in 30 minutes."

"Tonks, I need some place to pick Ginny up a gift for her birthday. Know any place around here?" Harry asked.

Tonks said, "Yeah, there is a place next to the owl shop."

Ron looked at Harry. "I already got something for Ginny. I'll get Hedwig treats for you while you run into the shop next door." Ron turned to Tonks. "It will be ok. You can watch both shops from the front. We won't be long, alright?"

Tonks frowned at them. "OK, but hurry up. If something happens I will never hear the end of it."

Harry walked into the small shop. It was small and had shelves lined all along the walls full of trinkets and antiques. There were display cabinets filled with old jewelry and beaded baubles. There were dozens of old yellowing books stuffed in the cubby holes of a large desk behind the counter. He started looking through cases as a short, graying wizard in green robes approached him.

"Hello, hello young man. My name is Crispus Fletcher, but you can call me Crispy." He smiled. "And you would be…" he looked up. "Merlin's beard….you are Harry Potter!"

Harry looked down. "Yes sir. I was looking for a birthday gift for a young lady. Could you help me?"

Crispy smiled. "Of course, of course. It's most important to get the perfect gift for a special girlfriend."

Harry blushed. "Oh no. she isn't my girlfriend. She is my best friend's sister. Well…. I mean she is my friend….of course…just not in that way."

Crispy smiled and said, "Well yes, of course, if you are sure. Let's see what we can find for her."

After several minutes of searching, Harry settled on the perfect gift. A delicate ivory hair comb, decorated with exquisitely carved lilies. He thought it would look so pretty in her hair. He walked over to the counter to pay for it. It was a little expensive, but you only turn 15 once.

"I am sure your young lady will love this," Crispy said. As Harry handed over the galleons to pay for it, Crispy grabbed his hand. "That ring….where did you come by it?"

Harry looked at the phoenix ring on his finger. "From my father, why do you ask?"

Crispy shook his head. "Never mind, I must have been mistaken. It just looked familiar for a minute. It didn't have a matching necklace did it? If so, I would be willing to pay top dollar for it." His eyes began to shine.

Harry averted his eyes. "No, sorry. It's just my father's old ring. I am sure you must have been mistaken. It's probably just looks like something you have seen before."

Crispy looked disappointed. "Yes, I am sure you are right. It just looked like a piece I know of. Not possible that you would have it. Well, I hope your lady friend has a wonderful birthday."

Harry walked out and met with Tonks and Ron. "Did you find what you were looking for, mate?" Ron asked.

"Yeah, it's perfect. I think she will like it."

Tonks looked at Harry. "You alright there Harry? You look a bit distracted."

"Yeah, he was just a little odd. Has his shop been here long?

"As long as I can remember," Tonks said. "If you are ever looking for something unusual or unique, that's definitely the place to go. If he can't find it for you, no one can."

They started walking back and ran into Hermione, Ginny and Lupin. Harry noticed that Dean Thomas had joined them. Ginny waved, "Hey guys, we are headed to Weasleys' Wizard Wheezes. Wanna come?"

Harry looked down at Dean holding Ginny's hand and frowned a bit. "Yeah, they wanted me to go by there today anyway."

The group walked through the door of Fred and George's shop. They were surprised to see it was bursting with customers. It appeared that they are really giving Gambol and Japes Wizarding Joke Shop some real stiff competition. Clouds of smoke and streams of red sparks flew through air over their heads. Harry and Ron started looking along shelves lined with Skiving Snackboxes and picked up two boxes of the Nosebleed Nougat variety. Harry also picked up several pairs of extendable ears. Dean Thomas picked up a trick wand and several Weasleys' Wildfire Whiz-Bang fireworks. Ginny and Hermione were looking over several displays of enchanted quills and pimple-vanishing creams.

"Oy! Harry! Back here!"

Harry looked up to see Fred and George Weasley dressed in bright magenta robes waving wildly at him. Leaving Ron looking through a shelf of muggle magic tricks for a gift for his father, he walked back to see the twins.

"Well, Harry, what do you think?" asked Fred, smiling.

"Guys, this is brilliant. You have really done it! You must be doing well here," Harry said.

"You don't know the half of it," George said. "Follow us."

Fred and George led Harry through a hallway into a large room in the back of the store. "This is where most of the work goes these days," Fred said. "We have a large lab set up back here for testing new products. George and I have been working on our 'Special Order' line for months now."

Harry looked incredulous. "You mean you are developing weapons for the Order here?"

George answered, "Well, they aren't all weapons. You see, we have also developed items that are right handy for all missions."

"Yeah," Fred piped up, "even Mum couldn't stay mad when she found out were we got our initial financial backing when she found out we were working for the Order."

"See here," Fred pointed to several items that appeared to be normal sweets. "We have Polyjuice Toffee, Veritaserum Nougats and Every-Antidote Bubblegum. These nifty little things are Disappearing Smoke Bombs, just throw one and they give you enough cover to beat a hasty retreat out of where ever you are. The Order has special requested several cases of them all to be used as standard issue Auror equipment."

George motioned toward the back of the room behind the work area. "Here is where we first developed the Portable Swamp we used at Hogwart's last year. We are working now on several aerial delivered spell bombs, including one that will stupefy several targets at once. It's quite fun really, except for all the scorch marks on most of my clothes."

"This is really brilliant," Harry said. "I always knew you two were smarter than you let on," he laughed. "So, you are officially in the Order now?"

"Yeah," said George. "Mum wasn't too happy about it. I think she understands now everyone has to do their part, even us. This is perfect, who would ever expect our humble little joke shop to be in league with the Order?"

Harry picked up a few smoke bombs to add to his purchases. "Do you mind? These might come in handy someday!"

"Oh, no, not at all, take what you like."

The three walked back into the main shop. "This place is really crowded. Is it always this busy?" Harry asked.

"Yes, we already have worked a deal on a place in Hogsmeade," Fred said. "We are looking to hire more people to help staff it. Verity will stay here and help with this location, but we are going to need more here and for the new store."

Fred sighed, "Who would have ever thought WE would turn into –businessmen—shudder—"

Harry joined the others and waited to pay for his purchases.

"Sorry, mate---your money is no good here." George said.

"What's wrong with my money?" Harry asked.

"Nothing, it just isn't good here." said Fred. "We don't forget where our capital came from. If anything, we should be paying you. You always have unlimited credit here."

"Well, at least let me pay for the Snackboxes. They won't feel nearly as sneaky if I don't."

Ron looked up, "Oy, Fred, what about me? I am your brother, I had to live with you lot after all."

"And that, dear brother," said Fred, "was your bit of good fortune. Now pay up!"

Everyone gathered up their bags and left to meet Molly at the Leaky Cauldron for lunch. "I hope they aren't too crowded, I am starved," said Ron.

Hermione rolled her eyes. "Honestly, Ronald, you are always starved! How on earth you manage to stay so skinny is beyond me!"

Everyone stepped into the Leaky Cauldron and joined Molly and Kingsley at a large table. "Everything alright? You children get your new robes?"

"Yes, Mum." Ginny said. "Dean is going to join us for lunch before he has to go home if that's ok."

"Of course, dear. It's nice to see you Dean. Having a nice summer?"

"Yes ma'am," Dean nodded.

The conversation around the table grew loud and boisterous. Tonks was showing off her new neon green hair color to anyone that was watching. Ron and Hermione were once again arguing about something and Harry couldn't help watching Ginny and Dean whispering quietly to each other.

Harry sighed to himself. 'Well, glad someone at least seems to have a nice thing going—'

Ron nudged Harry in the side. "Hey, I was talking to you!"

"Oh, sorry. What's up?"

Ron glanced over in the direction of a small group of girls. "What's up with her?"

Harry looked up just in time to see Cho Chang walking towards him. Harry felt his stomach drop. He had almost forgotten how pretty she was. What had gone so wrong there? Well…except for the fact he was sure she blamed him for Cedric's death. "Harry, might I have a word?"

"Ummm, yeah, sure." Harry stood up and walked to the side with her. "What can I do for you, Cho?

"I just wanted to say hello, Harry. I was going to write to you this summer, but I wasn't sure that you wanted to hear from me. I thought we sort of left some unfinished business I suppose."

"Yeah," Harry said, "I suppose we did. I thought that was what you wanted. It seems to make you so sad every time you see me."

Ron, Hermione and Ginny sat at the table watching, but trying not to look like they were. After Harry and Cho stood talking for a few minutes they were surprised to see Cho smile and tiptoe up and kiss Harry on the cheek. Harry turned red as he walked back to the table. After he sat down, Ron nudged him in the ribs. "What was that on about? I thought you two weren't together anymore."

Harry turned red. "Yeah, we aren't, well not really….I don't know actually."

Molly started to gather everyone's things together. "Alright then, if everyone is finished we need to be getting home. Thanks so much Remus, Tonks and Kingsley. It was nice seeing you again."

After a chorus of goodbyes, they all stepped one at a time into the fireplace to go home. The last thing Harry saw through a brilliant flash of green fire, was Dean Thomas kissing Ginny goodbye.


No one fixed a birthday feast better than Molly Weasley. Dinner was finished and Fred and George carried a large white butter cream cake from kitchen. It had red sparklers on it that exploded into HAPPY BIRTHDAY GINNY when they sat it on the table. After a very loud round of off-key Happy Birthday to You was sung, Ginny cut her cake and passed pieces all around the table.

"OK," said Ron stuffing the last bite of his second piece of cake in his mouth, "open your presents!"

Everyone gathered in the living room while Ginny opened her gifts. Molly and Arthur had given her a new set of drawing pencils and sketch books. Charlie had given her a new pair of scarlet dragonhide quidditch gloves. Bill gave her a bottle of perfume he bought while on holiday in France. Hermione had found a book for her called OWLs made Easy that came with a planning book. Ron bought her two boxes of Honeyduke's chocolates and an assortment of Bertie Bott's EveryFlavor Jellybeans. She opened Harry's gift last. Ginny pulled the delicate comb from the box and smiled. "Oh, Harry! It's beautiful, I love it. Lilies are my favorite flower." She crossed the room and hugged him. "Thank you so much."

Harry blushed and stammered, "You're welcome, Gin."

Ginny reached up and kissed him on the cheek. Harry staggered back a bit and suddenly white, hot pain flashed through his head. He screamed, put his hand over his scar and dropped to the floor.

"Harry!" Ginny grabbed him as he fell. "Talk to me! Are you ok?"

Molly and Arthur ran to him. Harry reached up and grabbed Arthur's hand. "Voldemort….the dementors…Azkaban.." He closed his eyes and the blackness overtook him.

Arthur looked down at his hand and saw fresh blood. Harry's scar was bleeding. "Molly, look after him. I need to go to the Ministry and find out what's happening." With that, he was gone with a soft pop.


Arthur Weasley arrived home several hours later to a quiet house. Molly sat waiting for him in the living room. He dropped his cloak onto the sofa and sat down.

"Arthur, what happened? Was it Azkaban?"

Arthur looked solemn. "Harry was dead-on right. We went straight away to Azkaban as soon as I got to the Ministry and we could gather a group of Aurors. Many of the prisoners had been kissed. Lucius Malfoy and several other death eaters were gone. The dementors were gone too. It's as we feared Molly. It appears as though they have joined ranks with You-Know-Who."

Molly shook her head. "We have been warning them. I just knew this was going to happen."

"Where's Harry? Is he alright now? I should tell him what happened, but I want him to get some rest if he can first. It is such a burden for someone so young to have to see the things he sees."

Molly nodded. "Yes, I don't know how he deals with it all sometimes. He is upstairs asleep. Ginny stayed with him for awhile, he wouldn't let her go. Finally we managed to get him upstairs. Ron is watching him. I gave him some Dreamless Sleep Potion so he could get some rest."

"You-Know-Who is rapidly gaining his forces, Molly. This is going to get much worse I'm afraid," Arthur said sadly. "At least we know the children will be safe at Hogwart's."