Disclaimer:Still nothing belongs to me.

TDE and other references belong to me neither.

I have, by mistake posted the unbetaed version.Sorry about that. Here now the corrected thing.

Thanks again to my betas.

This story is AU including a different time setting. Here Harry was born 1990.

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Mindset for a future

The Headmaster's office of Hogwarts School for Witchcraft and Wizardry never was a silent place. Little gadgets were constantly ticking and clacking; portraits were never silent; either snoring, or discussing things. The only time it had been quiet in the last years had been the time Harry Potter had vented his frustration on the interior of the office; something the portraits had never seen before. The gadgets, to the most part, had been destroyed and the portraits had considered tactical retreat the better part of valour. In the aftermath, the Portraits had seen Albus Dumbledore in deep thought, not really an unusual sight. When Phineas Nigellus had said something about teens and inappropriate behaviour they had learned something new again. The headmaster truly, and deeply, cared for this boy. He had, using the firmest words, silenced him. In fact, he had seemed quite angry with Phineas. There was, however, in the upper left corner, right beside the window, a rather small portrait. Rather, not a portrait, but a painting of a group. Under normal circumstances this picture never moved, the people in it never spoke and it was, in plain sight, hidden. Nobody really acknowledged its existence. The only other painting of a group hung exactly opposite this picture, on a wall where no other pictures had yet been placed. It went unnoticed as well, because no one ever looked at the place, except the house-elf cleaning the area, of course. There was another thing special about this picture; it showed only animals, with no humans. There was a funny thing about those two pictures, both had been placed for the same reason; both placed and charmed by people who had had spouted a mischievous grin during the act. The existence of both was a prank.

Albus Percival Brian Wulfric Dumbledore was in his office. He was not sitting at his desk, in his comfortable chair. No, he sat on a conjured sofa in a dark corner. All portraits were quiet. Albus Dumbledore was crying; he cried for the fate of his favourite student; he cried due to his shame; He cried for his mistakes; he cried over the loneliness Harry Potter must have felt growing up. He knew all about loneliness, His wife had died in the wizard's youth, before they had had a chance to conceive a child. His position in the wizarding world granted respect but not affection; Albus was a lonely man. Despite all his wisdom and knowledge his ability to read people and see what they longed for, their needs and wants, he had never pursued his personal happiness again after the death of his wife. When Harry Potter had started at Hogwarts Albus had watched him closely. He had grown to like the young, talented and determined, yet somewhat lost, boy. He had developed a deep affection for the son of his friends; he had eventually come to love the boy as though he were a grandson. And yet, he had been blind, he had ignored the pleas to not be returned to the Dursleys. He had been unable to imagine someone not loving the shy, polite, and undemanding boy. He had, of course, informed the boy's family of all the mishaps and achievements Harry had had. Minerva had informed him about the return of those letters, unopened. This, at least, should have stirred his suspicion; they were obviously not interested in the boy, yet it had not. The events of the previous day were the direct consequences of his lapses. Poppy Pomfrey had assured him that Harry would make a full recovery, in time.

Albus needed to be with the boy. He needed to tell talk to him, to tell him that he was sorry, that he loved him. He had never told him, and Albus knew he would regret it if he didn't tell him now.

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Minerva McGonagall, Deputy Headmistress, Professor for Transfiguration, Head of Gryffindor House, and closest friend to Albus Dumbledore, sat beside one of her students in the hospital wing. At the time, she wondered how her young student always managed to end up in the care of Madam Pomfrey. He certainly had an affinity to mishaps and he attracted the most serious of troubles. She smiled as she remembered what had transpired just a few minutes before. Albus had come and sat on the edge of Harry's bed, taken the boy's hand, and said, "I love you, Harry." Then he had just stood and gone back to his office. Even in his sleep, Harry had smiled.

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Daniel 'Dan' Granger and his wife Jane considered themselves the most fortunate couple ever to walk the earth. They had achieved absolutely everything they had ever dreamed of. Their careers had been smooth and fast, their dental centre successful from day one. They had been gifted with a beautiful and talented daughter. All parents saw their children as special, and when Hermione had received her invitation to a wizarding school, the Grangers had been handed the confirmation. Hermione was special. They had made an effort to always use whatever time they had to spend with their daughter to the best of their ability, building a relationship of respect and understanding. Both of them had started to consume fantasy literature to get a feel for a world of magic and they had had hours of discussions as a family. Dan had even applied for temporary waivers to the underage magic restriction a few times, so that Hermione had been able to show them some of the things she could do. It had pained them to see that, besides their best efforts, it had not been possible to avoid the typical frictions between parent and child. One specific example was their daughter's love life.

A few weeks prior the end of term, Molly and Arthur Weasley had paid them a surprise visit. There had been a very good reason for them to do so because the love life of Hermione seemed to evolve around the Weasley's son Ronald and their surrogate son Harry Potter, classmates of Hermione whom Dan and Jane had heard a lot about.

The Grangers had grown up to the change in sexual behaviour that followed the discovery of the HIV Virus, they had looked forward to sexual adventures and then had been forced to realise that sex could be a death sentence. Society had, as a result, swung from having sex, and therefore love, being treated in a relaxed and casual way to a rather restrictive approach. Sex, today, was almost a taboo in conversation. Fortunately society was no longer as monolithic and homogenous as merely fifty years ago. The Grangers had voted for an easy and open approach to the topic. Even so they were shocked finding the wizarding word much more at ease with it. Anything related to sex was handled openly and direct. Dan had been pleased t hear about the intercourse restriction and fascinated for its reason. Jane had been relaxed and happy to experience wizards caring for their children first hand. Both had been deeply impressed by the Weasleys. They had been told about the various forms of marriage, the existence of mistresses and their social status. They had learned of a subculture so different, not only because of magic, but because of ethics. There were very few crimes like robbery, taking of hostages, or rape. Every wizard had his wand and was, theoretically, able to defend himself. They had also learned that most wizards were practically unable to do so. The peacetime mentality had turned most of them to frightened sheep, as Dan had stated it. This gave Death Eaters an easy going. Dan regarded it a kind of paradox. A society with arms and every single member trained in their use was still unable to subdue an extremely small minority of violent individuals.

They were pleased to know that Hermione was well trained in defence. It had been kind of unnerving to be informed about her daughter voluntarily going into a combat situation. They had been both, shocked and proud. It was reassuring to hear the evaluation of the skill she had show there, Arthur had relayed praise from both teachers and law enforcement.

The two couples had spent several evenings together learning about each other's values and habits. Molly had told them this was done by few wizarding families to ensure good background relations for suspected future marriages. Also, she had informed them that it hade been a mandatory custom until a couple of decades ago but it had never been done with non-wizard families. However, with Arthur's muggle obsession…

After the Grangers had delivered Hermione to the Weasleys this summer, Jane and Dan had had a long talk. Jane had seen the predicament her daughter had been in. Both Grangers had come to accept that her daughter would likely continue her life in a three-way relationship. They had scheduled a meeting with all the teens and parents to offer their blessings and support. Driving their SUV along the gavel-road to the Burrow, they looked forward to seeing their daughter, her friends and all the Weasleys.

Entering the Burrow the Grangers were met by a surprised looking Molly and Arthur.

"Merlin, I forgot about the meeting." Molly said. Then she hugged Jane while Arthur shook Dan's hand.

"We need to update you on events of the last two weeks and then we'll floo over to Hogwarts. Make yourselves comfortable, I'll gather Ginny and Hermione." Molly ushered the Grangers to the living room.

In the next two hours the tale of the previous weeks was told, everything from discovering a new magic to the battle in Diagon Alley. When the Grangers learned about Ronald's demise, Jane hugged Molly, Ginny, and Hermione tightly. The news of the engagement provided some joy and the night before it seemed to be irrelevant as they learned about the attack on Harry.

"I've seen the miracles wizarding medicine can do, so I am not too worried." Dan felt this would comfort the girls and Molly.

Arthur still had a grievous expression. "The problem is time; it will take a few days, likely up to two weeks, until Harry is back to full health. And time is the one thing we don't have."

Hermione mumbled to herself. "Reality is just like the games. One can never heal fast enough for the next action."

"You are the most brilliant witch Hermione!" Ginny jumped up.

Hermione looking at her confused, asked. "How so, love?"

"We'll just complement Madam Pomfrey's work with the new healing spells! They work extremely fast compared to what is done now."

An exited Hermione embraced Ginny, planting a quick kiss on her lips. "Ginny you're a genius." She turned to the befuddled adults. "Let's go to Hogwarts now, between Ginny and I we will have Harry up and about by tomorrow!"

Poppy Pomfrey had to watch in awe as two witches stormed her hospital wing. In the time she made it from her rooms to the bed Harry Potter lay in young Miss Weasley had begun a spell on Mr. Potter. Poppy would not have believed it but bruises faded, and bones mended in amazing speed. After a while Miss Granger had taken over from the obviously exhausted Weasley girl, she was not wielding her wand, but, instead, tightly gripped a massive wooden staff, covered in runes, with its endings clad in silver and iron, Miss Granger had chanted for almost half an hour, her magic working wonders on Harry. Madam Pomfrey had slumped into a chair; she had evaluated Mr. Potter's progress and still could not belief it. There was no evidence of any injuries anymore. Her best potions and spells would never have been anywhere near as effective. However, it looked like the drain on the teens had been massive; all were sound asleep.

"Good morning Miss Weasley. All of your friends are well. They are still sleeping though." Madam Pomfrey placed a chair besides Ginny's bed and sat down.

"Good morning Madam Pomfrey." Ginny still felt a bit weak, the spell had taken a lot of her, more than she'd anticipated. Maybe she'd use the witches healing spell next time, even if the elven one was more effective and instant but the drain had been painful.

"Miss Weasley, I would like to know which spell you and Miss Granger used to tend Mr. Potter's injuries. I've been looking for half the night but could not find anything that even mentioned a healing spell this fast and versatile."

"I… It's complicated; the spell is a secret. Madam Pomfrey I need to talk to Harry and a few others but I promise to do my best to get you to learn it. I must warn you however, it might require you take an oath of secrecy." Ginny felt a bit bad, the school nurse had always been kind and really caring, she knew however that the spells had to be restricted. Maybe the new Order was a good idea after all.

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It was a week before Harry's birthday; Harry had finally gathered the courage and time to have an extended talk to Ginny and Hermione. The topic was to be their future together. Harry casually wandered around in the living room of Tom's place. The girls knew it was a gaming day and he had rearranged the schedule to make time for their talk, it had slipped his mind however to inform the girls on the changes.

Harry headed for the door passing Remus, sitting in a comfortable chair. "How about I'll start by telling them how much I love 'em?"

"Quiet an idea, it will soften their mood." Remus had spent the last half hour smiling.

"And then I tell Ginny about wanting to have a lot of children." Head for the window."She will likely be pleased, seeing her being a Weasley." Smile.
"And I'll tell Hermione that I'll support her in her continued education, like University or so." Self-assuring nod, head for the door.
"She'll be delighted to hear that." Smile.
"And I will promise them to become a teacher or a lawyer so we have money and I have a lot of time for them and the kids." Affirmative nodding. Head for the window.
"They will be moved to tears by your compassionate planning." Grin.
"And then I'll promise them to never do anything stupid or dangerous." Engrossed, happy smile. Back for the door.
"They'll know how much you care and lie." Wicked grin.
"And that I'll never do anything again without thinking it through conclusively." Firm nod.
"They will leave you and go bear Malfoy's children." Smile.
"And then I'll ask about the house the want for the children." Dreamy smile. And the window.
"Don't you think it'll be Malfoy manor?" Toothy, wicked grin.
"WHAT?" Stop walking, open mouth, look stupid. Remus broke down in howling laughter.
Joined by Tonks, Mrs Weasley, Hermione and Ginny all of them standing in the kitchen; who had been listening to Harry's display of intelligent conversation and planning.

"Harry, never change." Hermione and Ginny embraced him, kissing him on the cheeks. Then they lead him to the sofa and guided him down to sit.

"I… well… we… I mean you… together… future… me."

Ginny smiled at Hermione. "That is what I love about him, short and conclusive sentences." Hermione nodded. "Yes, that's how he is, he should use some easier words though, so we could understand and not feel too stupid." Harry said "Gah!"

After everyone had recovered, Harry from an acute attack of enhanced dementia, the others from an attack of bone shaking laughter, the talk commenced in earnest.

Thinking over what he was about to do Harry searched for Ginny and Hermione's face, he smiled and began.

"I've never planned my future except for the career counselling with McGonagall. I never gave it much thought just because I enjoyed the present and I was a bit afraid of the future. Meeting Tom and having one of the best summers I can remember has done wonders to me. I have been told about the reasons for our… ehm… escapade that night and I've thought it all over. I have done what I should have done before running into Voldemort's trap, dragging you all along. I'm really sorry for taking advantage of both of you"

Ginny looked at Hermione, both girls fearing Harry would break it up.

"Harry please…"

Harry stopped her with a wave of his hand.

"Please let me have my say. I need to do this."

Harry, obviously gathering himself, said, "When I asked you both to marry me after that night, it was unfair to you. I was doing what I thought was appropriate and so were you. So now," Harry stood, he straightened his posture, standing tall and proud. Somehow he looked as people saw him, a powerful confident wizard.

"Will you Ginevra Molly Weasley, and you Hermione Jane Granger, agree to be my wives? Will you do so on your own free will? Will you bear my children? Will you be my conscience and my purpose? I have nothing to offer but myself and the love I have for you. I promise to work as hard as I can to sustain our family and to honour you above all."

The girls felt and saw his deep commitment and the earnest in his voice and pose. This was not just a normal romantic proposal. Harry had been reading and had found this old form of marriage proposal it implied an even more sincere and deep commitment. This form included soul and heart, body and mind as an offer of devotion. It dated back to a time when the females had been more powerful than the males in the wizarding world and a proposal had been a beg for acceptance.

True to herself Hermione had recognized it; Ginny had been moved but was somewhat surprised when she heard her answer so formally.

"Your offer kind, you intend true I will grant you acceptance. I offer protection and love, I offer shelter and care."

Ginny now recognized the formalism and remembered its meaning. That was when Hermione changed the ritual.

"I offer my soul, my heart, my body and my mind. I pledge my magic."

Ginny remembered these words. Her heart soared. She, would she accept would be part of something far more intimate than marriage they would be an entity, three people but one entity. Only a natural soul bond could connect them deeper. There was only one thing for her to do, so she spoke.

"Your offer kind, your intent true, I grant you acceptance. I offer protection and love, I offer shelter and care. I offer my soul, my heart, my body, and my mind. I pledge my magic."

Hermione hold out her hands as did Harry and Ginny, they formed a circle holding their hands.

Faintly glowing tendrils of magic appeared coming from the outside, from the people in attendance moving slowly towards the teens. It looked like magic itself had almost forgotten how to react to this, like it was searching for the source of this ancient request. The magic connected, the tendrils widened and their glow intensified. After quite some time it faded.

"This was the most beautiful sound I ever heard." Tom said. "That said, let's sit."

Later:

Around the table sat Neville, Luna, Tonks and Remus, Ginny, Harry and Hermione.

"You left the city of Alva'var heading north two days ago…"

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"Today we will do something that is part of any military training. A Manoeuvre. You will be given a task and face opposing forces etc. etc. etc. You all know the drill. I want this to be fun so I have come up with something special. I have worked on this with Professor McGonagall and Mr. Dumbledore." The mentioned nodded and smiled. Tom continued.

"Heads up. You are going to enter the room of requirement. You will surely recognize where you are pretty soon. As you do you will also know were to go and what to do. We have taken care that any fatal injuries will be avoided. You may however be seriously injured in this practice. You will not need anything to bring with you, no wands, nothing. In fact, you all will enter as god created you. Equipment will be available on entering. You have 6 Days to complete your task, and will not be able to leave the room before that time. Any questions?"

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AN: Sorry for the cliffy like ending. But it would have made the chapter much too long for my taste and I am busy at work right now…