a/n long time no hear my fanfiction friends, sorry about the wait for this chapter but here it is, no I didn't have writers block, I was struck down with a fun virus which tried to turn me inside out, at one point I coughed so hard, I had to spit out the label from my boxers.

But here we go I hope you all enjoy this chapter, once again a big thankyou for all the reviews, and the fav's and follows.

So that's me signing off till next week..

Peace out (drops the microphone and walks off into the evening mist)

Nickp41

Chapter 11

Bbq & fun

Down by the lake the party had already started. Everyone was lying about, Neville for some reason known only to him decided to be the chef for the night, while Hannah clung to his arm. The rest of the girls were chatting about the news of Susan and Harry spending the night together. Hannah had spilled as much gossip as she had, which wasn't much as Susan had stayed tight lipped over the whole affair.

It all went quiet as the missing couple turned up giggling, arm in arm.

"Ok, spill it you two" shouted Tracey "What happened? What did McGonagall say and how many detentions have you two got?" as she counted the questions on her fingers.

Harry and Susan sat down, then Hermione handed over two butter beers for them.

"Thanks Hermione" he said, with a nod coming from a still red-faced Susan. "Well young Tracey if you want to know, firstly we just slept, and the Professor said she didn't have any proof so there was nothing she could do" and broke into the biggest grin on the planet.

Hannah shot a look at Susan who just winked at her, so she knew there was more to the story, and if she was good she might be told!

Harry thought his story was holding up just fine, but the looks he got back from the other girls in the group left him a bit worried.

"Anyway, how's the food coming Nev?" he said trying to change the conversation.

Neville turned and gave him a nod.

"Not bad mate, burgers will be done in ten minutes mate. But if you need breakfast in bed I'll need the password for the badger set" he chuckled making all the girls laugh.

"Oh haha" said Susan "I'm sure it won't be long till Hannah's bed will be warmed by two" watching Hannah and the cook blush.

"I,err,don't know what you mean" stuttered Neville.

"All in good time, he only asked me out today" answered Hannah "ask me again in a couple of days" she laughed loudly making the rest of the group roll about laughing.

"Good on ya Nev" shouted Harry across the laughter, which made Neville smile back at his friend.

Luckily with the sun warm and the drinks being cold, everyone started to relax and enjoy themselves and as the food was handed out by the Longbottom couple, it got even quieter. But Harry could still see all the Slytherins stealing longing looks towards him,'what a year this is going to be' he thought.

When everyone had finished their food and settled down to enjoy the rays, Daphne piped up,

"So, when do we get our date nights with lover boy here?".

"Well as I understand it, Harry is free most evenings apart from Wednesday and as I, Pansy, Daphne and Milly have had some alone time with him, Tracey will be the first to have a date with boy wonder here" Susan surmised.

Harry huffed,

"I'm just bought and sold aren't I" he said with a grin.

"Oh, you love it Potter" said Millicent who was laying with her eyes closed soaking up the sun.

"Yes...yes I do" he replied.

"Ok Tracey, how about tonight or Monday night?" Susan asked getting her quill out.

"I've got to see Dumbledore tonight after dinner, so Ms Davis will you join me for a date on Monday night? "Harry asked in a silky voice.

"I'll think about it Potter" she spat but holding onto a giggle which made the rest of the group laugh. "Ok Harry, collect me at 7pm just outside our dorms and dress up nice boy!".

"Yes dearest" he chuckled.

Hermione leaned across and whispered,

"are you meeting for the extra training Dumbledore said about Harry?".

"I think so, I'll let you know when I get back. If I'm allowed back in the dorm that is" he said with a cold tone.

Hermione shook her head.

"I would have thought they would've calmed down by now" she said without any confidence.

"You've always got a bed in the Slytherin house Harry" shouted Pansy.

Harry barked a laugh,

"Now that would get me in trouble. You know what they say lay with a snake and you get bitten" he laughed.

"But a badger has teeth and claws" hissed Susan "and you should know that" giving him a lingering kiss on his cheek, making him gulp.

Suddenly Harry and Susan were covered in a shadow and then came a small voice,

"Do you mind if join you?".

This made everyone's head pop up,

"who's that" asked Harry trying to shade his eyes from the sun.

"It's your co-captain sir" she said in a nervous tone.

"Ginny, yeah sure, pull up a rug" he said, "if that's ok with this motley crew".

Ginny looked around and saw nothing but smiling faces apart from Hermione's.

"is that ok Hermione?" she asked.

Hermione looked into the hazel eyes of the youngest Weasley.

"is this wise Ginny, after last night's fiasco?" she said slowly.

The redhead looked sad,

"it went bad last night but I don't see why I can't make new friends and catch up with old friends, just because of a pissed off brother and ex" Ginny replied sternly.

"Hear hear, we need another fiery redhead in the group anyway, too many bloody brunettes and blondes" Susan laughed waving Ginny down next to her.

"Thanks Susan" Ginny said, as she took a seat between Susan and Harry, which made Harry's eyes flick to every one of his potential girlfriends, and they just smiled back.

"So, Gin, you reckon we're going to kick Slytherin's arse in a month time?" Harry asked happily.

With a wicked grin on her face she said,

"well snakes don't have an arse but we'll kick something" she said with a chuckle whilst hearing growl from the group.

"POTTER" growled Daphne, making direct eye contact with him "remember this morning".

Harry sat up on his haunches,

"Of course, I do Daph Daph, and I wouldn't want to do that again" he said happily.

"What you are doing Harry" whispered Ginny with a look of awe and fear.

"Just playing".

Daphne eyes bore holes into Harry's,

"What did you call me Potter?" she said with a sneer as she sat up.

Harry noticed the rest of the snakes were fidgeting too.

"I thought it could be a pretty little pet name for you, Daph Daph….I like it" he said brightly while he was getting ready to bolt to safety.

Suddenly her face went back to the ice queen persona,

"Harry Harry Harry, you lost the race this morning, and me thinks you will lose again" Daphne hissed.

He just chuckled and blew her a silent kiss,

"But no mini Daph Daph to slow me down this time" he said, "So my little sexy snake, you feeling lucky baby?" he said with a chuckle "because I am, so you'll be coming last like your team, isn't that right Gin?" and gave Ginny a nudge.

"COME HERE POTTER YOU SHIT!" Daphne shouted and stood up trying to pull out her wand.

Harry as quick as lighting took to his heels as he saw the anger flash across Daphne's face but unfortunately for him he only managed a few steps until he was taken down by four spells in the back, all shot by the Slytherins. All he could hear was laughing and then the foot falls of people coming close and then he felt himself being rolled over and saw the smiling faces of all four snakes. For once he was truly scared, they raised their wands and then everything went black.

Professor dumbledore

"Come in Harry" Dumbledore said and as he looked up he chuckled "oh my Harry,have you had a bad day".

Harry sighed

"I might of pushed my luck with a lady friend of mine, might of pushed the quidditch banter a bit far".

The old man grinned happily,

"Yes, I did hear about you and heiress Greengrass this morning, was it that young lady again may I ask?".

"Well she was one of them. Maybe I pushed my luck too far knowing Tracey, Pansy and Millicent were Quidditch fans as well." Harry chuckled "I was going to ask if you could change me back".

"Really Harry? Don't you like being bald and dyed Slytherin green?" the headmaster said before erupting into laughter and with a flick of his wand Harry became himself again.

"Oh, thank god, I was getting strange looks on my way here" Harry laughed.

Dumbledore took a deep breath and looked at the man in front of him.

"Firstly, have you told any of your friends about the prophecy?" he asked in a sad tone, knowing only too well the pain that the prophecy has caused already.

"No sir" Harry answered with his head hung low. "Ron and I aren't on very good terms at the moment, and I don't want to upset Hermione".

"I know harry but you do your friends a disservice by not telling them. What about your new lady friends?" and Dumbledore saw that Harry shook his head. "Well I think we should tell them. I've had a lot of time to think about the past and I have been foolish by withholding information, secrets and lies do nothing but hurt" and he stood up and walked around "so we shall go on a new journey together. Full disclosure with all your friends, all those keen minds may help us in the end".

"Only if your sure headmaster, I just don't want to upset them" Harry said lowly.

"Harry I've seen your friends and your girlfriend and I truly believe they will stand by you forever and it was nice to see Ginevra find her place in her group. I heard they got along famously after your exit from the picnic." Dumbledore chortled "So to it Harry" and he walked across to the fireplace "Severus, Minerva, Pomona, could I have a word please".

Dumbledore sat back and waited until the three teachers walked out of the fireplace.

"In trouble again Potter, just like your father" spat Snape sport his usual sneer.

"Again, Mr Potter? Didn't I warn you this morning, and once again you've antagonized your classmates, but it did surprise us seeing you all bold and painted Slytherin green, but then again it did give us all a good laugh at dinner, didn't it Pomona" chuckled Minerva.

"Professors I am innocent of most things and only guilty when caught, but this time I am truly innocent of all crimes. Isn't that right headmaster?" Harry sang happily.

"Indeed, you are correct Harry. We are just in need of some of your students. If you could bring them up here I would appreciate it Harry, you decide who to invite" Dumbledore asked.

"Daphne Greengrass, Pansy Parkinson, Tracey Davis and the one and only Millicent Bulstrode from Slytherin" said Harry, which brought a sneer from Snape and a smile from Dumbledore.

And with a final sneer Snape departed.

"Hermione Granger, Neville Longbottom and Ginny Weasley" Harry said and watched as Professor McGonagall followed Snape.

And with a big sigh he said "and finally Hannah Abbott and Susan Bones" Harry said...

Dumbledore nodded as Professor Sprout walked off,

"well Harry, you do have a lot of friends. This should be fun having all these young minds around again" he said.

Silence settled around the office while they waited for the arrival of his friends. The first to arrive were the Gryffindor's.

"Harry what's going on" asked a nervous looking Hermione.

"All will be explained. Please take a seat while we wait for the others Ms Granger" he said as the three lions came in.

"You ok Harry?" asked Ginny and all Harry could do was nod with a weak smile.

"Ah Ms Bones and Abbot please take a seat and before you ask Harry is fine. I will explain all when the others turn up" said the headmaster as Susan took her place next to Harry, taking his hand in her's,while Hannah sat next to her new boyfriend. "Ah wonderful here are the rest please take your seats".

"Everything ok" Harry asked Millicent as she took her seat, while Daphne chose the chair the other side of Harry, taking his other hand and giving it a squeeze.

Dumbledore stood up,

"Harry is fine and not in trouble at all Ms Bulstrode. As you all know the dark wizard Lord Voldemort has had a very unhealthy fascination with young Harry here and I'm guessing you've all read about the fight in the hall of prophecies last summer, which involved Harry, Ms Granger, Ms Weasley and Mr Longbottom as well as some other's. Tonight, you shall find out why, and over the coming months I would like you to help Harry and I to find information to stop Lord Voldemort ".

"But the prophecy was smashed and we don't know what it said headmaster" said Hermione, with Ginny and Neville agreeing.

"You are correct. However, we have another copy, as I was told about the prophecy from the source. So, I will now tell you all the whole prophecy" Dumbledore explained and then recounted the prophecy.

"The one with the power to vanquish the Dark Lord approaches... born to those who have thrice defied him, born as the seventh month dies... and the Dark Lord will mark him as his equal, but he will have power the Dark Lord knows not... and either must die at the hand of the other for neither can live while the other survives... the one with the power to vanquish the Dark Lord will be born as the seventh month dies..."

"Now before you start talking, this applied to two families at the time, the Potters and the Longbottom's" Dumbledore explained, bringing gasps and stares towards Neville and Harry.

Neville hung his head,

"Is this why my Mum and Dad were attacked Professor" he asked meekly.

"Actually, no Neville. It may shock you to know this but Lord Voldemort is a half blood. So when he heard part of the prophecy, he decided it would be Harry that would be his undoing and not the pureblood. But after he had killed Harry's Mum and Dad, then tried to kill Harry and was destroyed, his supporters thought the Longbottom's knew what had happened. That's why I'm afraid they were tortured and not killed." Dumbledore said softly looking directly at Neville.

Hannah was hugging Neville tight and every girl was in shock.

"So, if I'm right about this, the prophecy says Harry is the only one who can kill Voldemort, and that's why he keeps on going after him" explains Hermione, while giving Harry a sad look.

"Yes, I'm afraid that's true" said the kindly headmaster, to the sounds of gasps and sorrow for their friend.

Tears started to run down Harry's face.

"Why didn't you tell me Harry? Why didn't you tell us?" Hermione asked softly.

"I didn't want to upset you. It is my burden to bare, not yours or anyone else's. He's coming to kill me and I don't want anyone to get hurt because of me" Harry whispered.

"Oh, you prat Potter, all of us here are either classed as blood traitors or mudbloods, so we are screwed anyway. Being with you just means we get to die with a smile on our faces" chuckled Tracey and sending him a wink.

"Ok now listen everybody, I'm going to do everything I can to save Harry and all of you. But I'm old and sick, and I need help" Dumbledore said, showing off his normally well-hidden blackened hand.

"Oh, sir what happened" gasped Ginny, as she put her hand to her mouth.

"Something quite dark and powerful disagreed with me, and would've killed me. But Professor Snape managed to hold it at bay in my hand. But it will grow soon enough and take my life" Dumbledore said kindly "but I've lived a long time, so enough is enough I think".

"Sir" Harry said "if it's trapped in your hand then why not cut it of, that will stop it spreading. That's what the Muggle hospitals do with infected limbs" and he looked at Hermione who was nodding in agreement.

A thoughtful look spread across the old man's face.

"Now why didn't I think of that?!" he said with a huge smile. "I'll go to a healer friend of mine and see if he can, thank you Harry. But anyway, what I'm now going to show you all is Voldemort's life, so we can learn about him. To kill your enemy, you must know your enemy, so let's press on shall we".

With that the group watched the memories of a Bob Ogden and the meeting with Voldemort's relatives. It was only when it ended Hermione piped up once again.

"Professor I think I've seen that locket, it was at erm Sirius's house when we were cleaning it" she said and saw the tired headmaster's eyes sparkle.

"Really Ms Granger, that is great news. Harry, we should go there straight away, of course once you've bidden you friends good night" the headmaster said then walking away to tell Minerva that he and Harry will be leaving for an hour or two.

The room went silent for a time until Harry stood up, throwing his hands up,

"Welcome to my life ladies, I won't blame you if you want to walk away" he said with a forced laugh.

"Harry James Potter, I've been by your side since our first year. So don't think you're getting rid of me now" Hermione said sternly, pulling him into a rib breaking hug. She gave him a kiss on the cheek, "stay safe and I'll wait for you in the common room" and she walked out wiping her tears away.

Milly walked up to him and wrapped her arms around his neck and pulled him into a soft kiss, and as they pulled away they put their foreheads together.

"We've already talked about this Harry. I love you and I'll be by your side until the end" she whispered and with a peck on the lips "stay safe and see you at breakfast".

Neville and Hannah turned up next, she kissed him on the cheek with tears in her eyes, and Neville grabbed his hand.

"You know me Harry, I'll be fighting beside you all the way to hell and back. House Longbottom has always stood side by side with House Potter and always will, my brother" he said proudly.

"Cheers you two" Harry replied and pulled Neville into a hug "and I will proudly call you brother" and as they pulled away they nodded stiffly as they tried to hold their emotions in check after what they had shared.

As the new couple walked away it was Tracey's turn and unsurprising for her personality she launched herself into Harry's arms and wrapped her legs around his waist, tried to snog his face off, and with a smack she pulled away.

"I'm not going anywhere Potter. Besides, it's date night tomorrow, so come back you hear me?!" she said as Harry let her down gently.

Ginny walked up and looked into his eyes, and that's where hazel met emerald.

"I've fought by your side and you've always known about my feelings Harry. Come back safe" she whispered and kissed him on his cheek but very close to his lips.

Harry looked around with a look of disbelief.

"I'm only going with Dumbledore! I feel like you're sending me to my doom" he laughed.

Pansy walked up and grabbed his collar, pulling him into a kiss.

"They are just showing how much they care and love you. Don't belittle it Harry. I love you and will stand by your side whatever happens" she whispered and with a sway of her hips she disappeared.

Albus came back into the room.

"We must leave Harry. I'm sorry but time is slipping away" he said.

"I'll be right there" Harry said turning to Susan and Daphne.

They both walked towards him, hugging and kissing him on his cheeks.

"We are with you Harry, now and forever" said Susan.

"Stay safe, come back to us and know this Harry; we love you" whispered Daphne, then taking Susan's hand and leading her away.

"You're a very lucky man Harry. But now we must leave" Dumbledore said as he threw the powder into the fireplace, said "twelve grimmauld place", walked into the fire and disappeared.

And as Harry chucked the powder into the fire to follow, he lent against the fireplace and whispered,

"Yes I am. Very lucky" and then as he steeled himself he said out loud "twelve

grimmauld place" and disappeared.