Last time, Bill and Fleur finally got married. Ginny told Harry that she was going with him, but he said no. Ron and Herminoe nearly kissed, but were interrupted by Fred and Gorge, big surprise there. And now, on with the show!
Chapter 7: The Quest Begins
After Bill and Fleur left for their honeymoon ("Where are you going?" asked Herminoe. "We decided on Venice." Replied Bill "Ah," said Ron "Venice.") Professor McGonnagal talked to our heroes. "I realize that you three have a large task ahead of you," she said, "So I have prepared a little something for your journey." Professor McGonnagal then presented Harry, Ron and Herminoe with three ordinary looking backpacks.
Before our heroes could say anything, Professor McGonnagal spoke: "They're deep-packs," she said, "You can hold almost anything in them, and they'll never fill up." Ron put his hand in one of the backpacks; it went up past his elbow. "There's no bottom!" he exclaimed. "That's the point, Weasley." Said McGonnagal. "I have something for you, Miss Granger."
McGonnagal then handed Herminoe a large, rolled up scroll. She unrolled it, and saw it was a large, multi-colored map of England. "Wow!" said Herminoe, "I mean, really, wow!" "It's more than a map, Granger." Said Professor McGonnagal. "It shows the exact location of who ever holds it." She pointed towards a large X on the map. "By tapping on the map with your wand," she said, tapping the X with her wand, "The map 'zooms' in for more detail" The map did indeed zoom in and displayed the village of Ottery St-Catchpole. Nearby, the X was marked next to 'The Burrow'.
McGonnagal then handed Harry and Ron a small piece of laminated parchment. "These are your Apparation licenses." "Excellent." Said Ron. "I have one more item to give," said McGonnagal. "This one is for you, Harry." She handed Harry a leather-bound book, with it was a letter addressed to him.
"Harry, if you are reading this letter, then I have met my demise before I could tell you how to destroy the remaining Horcruxes. In this book, you will find information on how to remove the fragments of Voldemotrs' soul from whatever items he turned into horcruxes. I can only imagine what you are going through, with my death. My only wish is that you carry on with the same courage and detirmination you have displayed in the past."
Albus Dumbledore
Harry read and reread the letter from Professor Dumbledore several times before saying anything. "This book is the key to defeating Voldemort." He said.
The next morning Harry, Ron and Herminoe prepared to set out. They had with them the special backpacks that had no bottom. Ron had packed several days worth of food and clothing, as well as one of the tents that they used during the Quiditch World Cup. Herminoe had packed several advanced spell books (duh) and the map.
Harry had the book and letter written by Dumbledore. He also had the fake horcruxes in his pocket. He squeezed it again; reminding himself of how far there was to go. In his backpack, he had his father's invisibility cloak. No way was he going without that.
"Be safe, brother," said Percy. Our heroes were just about to leave. They were now saying their goodbyes. "Thanks Percy." Said Ron. Harry was shaking hands with Mr. Weasley. "Don't do anything to rash." He said. "Look after Ron." Said Mrs. Weasley to Herminoe. "If you can't be careful," said Fred to Ron, "Be smart." Finished Gorge.
Just as the three turned to leave, Harry turned around for one last look at the Burrow. He then saw Ginny walking towards him. She had the same look in her eyes that she had the day they first kissed. Harry walked back toward her. They stooped a few feet from each other.
"Harry," said Ginny. "Ginny," said Harry. They then embraced and kissed. They only let go of each other to come up for air. As they gazes into each other's eyes, Ginny said, "I'll wait for you, for as long as it takes." She turned around, and went back to the house. Harry then turned back to his friends.
"Um," started Ron, but Herminoe interrupted him; "Don't say anything." As Harry walked up to them, he smiled and said, "what are you two standing around here for, we've got work to do."
They started walking again. "Come on, Crookshanks." Said Herminoe, as her cat followed them.
The end of Chapter seven. Next chapter, Harry receives a strange message from a strange man.
