Chapter six

'I think you're right, let me talk to him first then you explain more when you're alone.'

'Thanks Mr. Weasley, I don't want to do anything to hurt him. I do care about Charlie and surprisingly, we actually get on great. But all this is so sudden that it's making my head spin.'

'I could see it, go talk to your friends, tell Charlie I want him for a minute,' Arthur patted Harry's shoulder, watched as he walked away before Charlie walked over to him.

'What's up dad?'

'I need to say something here Charlie. You told us how you love Harry, we can see it. You also know that Harry said to take things slow, which you aren't. If you keep pushing you'll push him right away so he'll leave and not come back. It's been a couple of weeks and you're practically living with him and I could read your body before. Don't do it, it's too soon Charlie, give Harry a bit of time.'

'But if I do he could find someone else or leave. This is the first time I've ever wanted to settle down. I thought you and mum would be happy about that.'

'We are, extremely happy and if you just ease back a bit I could see Harry coming around. He explained about his life, he never did have a quiet life or any fun, now he is. He had so much on his young shoulders, he was also in danger and always cautious and serious. He doesn't have to be like that now. Just slow down a bit, and I'm not saying to stop seeing each other, just not full on either. Give him a little bit of space before he ends up leaving again.'

Charlie turned, 'I can't believe how much I love him dad, he's everything I want. But you are right, if I keep going I'll push him right out of my life,' Charlie turned back to face his father, 'I was going to ask Harry to marry me.'

'I know, I saw you rubbing your ring finger. If you did that right now Harry would say no and probably tell you he was going to leave again, not for good, but to make you give him some space.'

Charlie nodded sadly, 'Alright, I'll back off a bit. Thanks dad,' Charlie hugged his father before walking over to Harry but instead of instantly putting his arms around him, he just stood beside him and joined in talking with all the friends. He noticed instantly that Harry gave him a smile and seemed to relax.

'Harry, Ginny told me how much fun she had on the bike, do you think you could give me a ride?' Luna asked.

Harry's eyebrows raised in surprise, 'I would not have thought you were the type to want a ride on a muggle bike Luna.'

'I've never thought of it before, but Ginny made it sound interesting.'

'Sure, if you want, come on,' Harry looked up at Charlie, kissed him then took Luna's hand. He left his helmet on the ground, but put his gloves on.

'You're not leaving are you Harry, we're about to have lunch?' Kingsley asked.

'No, Luna wants a ride and I can't turn down my friend. How about you Minister, want me to take you for a spin?'

'No, thank you Harry, I'll leave that to all you younger people.'

Harry laughed, then swung his leg over the bike, kicked the stand back then waited until Luna hoped on behind him.

'Hold me around the waist and don't let go.'

'I trust you Harry,' Luna smiles, then wraps her arms around Harry's waist.

Harry kicks the bike to life and everyone turns to the sound of the loud engine roar to life. He feels Luna tighten his hold then he quickly spins the back wheel before taking off very fast down the long drive. Before he reaches the gates, he spins it around again and headed back, then around the castle and back to the crowd. He stops the bike and let's Luna climb off.

'That was wonderful Harry, thank you,' Luna kisses his cheek before joining their friends, but Harry noticed a few interested looks which made him laugh.

'Okay, a quick ride for all my friends, come on and Hermione, you as well. You know you'll be safe with me.'

'Oh Harry, you know I don't like to fly,' Hermione chewed her lip, 'Do you promise to take it slow, not like you did with Ginny, Charlie and Luna?'

Harry rolled his eyes, 'Yes, I'll go very slow, now come on Granger, get on.'

'Since you've promised I know you'll go slow.'

'He will, Harry never breaks a promise Hermione,' Ron shakes his head then watches his fiancée climb up behind Harry and wraps her arms around his waist, 'Don't squeeze him so tight Hermione, Harry has to breathe.'

Hermione scowls then loosens her hold on Harry before they slowly ride down the long drive, back up and around the castle to stop right beside Ron.

'See Hermione, I don't always ride fast you know, fuck fast but not ride.'

Hermione slapped Harry's arm, 'Behave Harry, there are kids around. But thank you, it was nice.'

'Okay, everyone else gets fast,' Harry called then one by one he took his friends for a very fast ride around Hogwarts before he parked his bike beside the castle. He put his alarm on before stepping over to join his friends, along with the Weasley's and Charlie. Harry noticed straight away that Charlie didn't touch him just smiled, so Harry took Charlie's hand and walked together into Hogwarts.

Charlie looked across at his father who nodded and smiled, Charlie grinned hugely before turning back to Harry. He knew that advice from his father just might have saved his relationship with Harry. Because he just backed off that little bit, Harry actually touched him first.

The great hall had been expanded to fit all the students, all the staff and all the guests. Harry kept glancing around the great hall and at one time he's eyes fell on a particular area and he couldn't look away. Charlie, Hermione, Ron and their friends noticed that Harry's smile had disappeared and his vulnerability was showing again. When Hermione noticed where Harry was looking she whispered to their friends.

'It's the spot that Voldemort died. I think Harry's a little out of sorts about the feelings he has of killing someone, even if it was him.'

Ron gave everyone a nod then all their friends started to tell stupid and silly stories about themselves and of course Harry. That finally got Harry's attention away from the spot Voldemort died on and back to his friends who spent the whole time eating lunch telling embarrassing stories. Even though most of their parents were listening, those parents actually laughed because they knew things could have been very different.

Kingsley stepped behind Harry and whispered, 'How about you show Minerva the charm you invented, Harry?'

Everyone around Harry first looked shocked then they started laughing as they glanced up towards the primly and strict Professor McGonagall.

'No, she'd kill me Minister. But you know what, there's something else I can do,' Harry smirked then stood up, 'Block my view from her for a minute.'

'What are you doing Harry?' Kingsley laughed.

'You'll see,' Harry waited until Kingsley moved then his hands went from his hair to his face then down his body to gasps and chuckles from everyone, 'Let's see how she likes this.'

'Harry, you can't,' Hermione said.

'Yes, I can, watch,' Harry straightened even patted the tight bun on the top of his head, 'Blimey, how does she wear her hair like this. Okay, here we go,' Harry stepped out from Kingsley, Minerva instantly stood up gazing at herself. Harry stood beside Minerva McGonagall, gave her a very un-McGonagall smirk before facing the crowd, 'All students, remember no running in the halls, unless you're trying to catch your boyfriend or girlfriend for a good long snog. No being out of house rooms after dark, again unless you're trying to find a place to be alone with your girlfriend or boyfriend. Do you know that I catch more people shagging around Hogwarts than I do studying, that just can't happen,' Harry smirked again, the great hall was in hysterics before Harry turned to face Minerva, 'To a wonderful woman who cares about her students, even when those students don't deserve it,' Harry moved his hands over himself until he was himself again, 'You have done Hogwarts proud Minerva McGonagall and no one could have asked for a better person to run this school.'

'Now how am I supposed to be angry with you after saying that Harry. You do not play fair.'

'I know, but if you play fair in life normally you don't win. I never meant anything by it, it was just my way of showing the mischievous side I know you have got. But tell me, how in the name of merlin do you wear your hair like that?'

Minerva shakes her head in amusement, 'I happen to like my hair like this Harry, but no more please or I might have to give you a detention.'

Harry laughs, 'Kingsley wanted me to do something else to you, but I knew that was going too far.'

'Oh yes and what did the minister ask you to do?'

Harry leant closer and whispered to Minerva, he saw her shocked looked before she glared down at Kingsley.

'Oh, I think you're in trouble Minister,' Harry called too much laughter from the students and his friends.

'I don't think I'm going to trust you again Harry, a great way to treat a friend.'

'Just like how you didn't tell me about the awards or that blasted statue, so now we're even and you have to deal with Professor McGonagall. I have to say Minister, I think she'll give you a run for your money,' Harry turned back to Minerva, 'I'm glad I came today, it was so good to see you and to see Hogwarts looking like it should. You've done a remarkable job.'

'Oh Harry,' Minerva put her hand to Harry's face, 'We'll see each other again but make sure it's not so long next time.'

'I think I'm going to hang around now and my home is not far from here actually. So I'm sure we'll see each other in Hogsmeade,' Harry couldn't resist, he hugged her, then walked behind all the staff, speaking with them for a few minutes before he circled the staff table. As he was walking back towards his friends, he stepped, gasps and his body was lifted into the air. Everyone in the great hall fell silent as they watched Harry struggling like he was suspended by invisible bonds. Kingsley, Charlie, Hermione, Ron and their family and friends raced up to Harry hanging suspended above them.

'Harry,' Charlie called, 'what's happening?'

'Can't…can't…get…free…dark…dark…magic,' Harry panted as he struggled, 'Do…something.'

Kingsley aimed his wand at Harry and started on some spells, but nothing worked, Minerva started on some spells, again nothing worked. Hermione tried, Flitwick tried, but no one could get Harry down.

'Kingsley, cruciatus…curse, now,' Harry yells.

'You could get hurt Harry,' Kingsley calls.

'It'll…loosen…his…grip, do it,' Harry shouted.

'Forgive me mate,' Kingsley pointed his wand at Harry, 'Crucio.'

It was instant, Harry screamed in pain but was released, falling fast until Minerva slowed his descent, moving him away from the area he had been. He landed softly but collapsed onto the floor, panting, trying to catch his breath.

'Harry, what was it, you said it'll loosen his grip?' Kingsley asked.

'Voldemort, some residual effect of his is still present right there, where he died. Using dark magic on dark magic was enough to break the hold,' Harry put his hand out to Charlie who pulled him to his feet, then wrapped his arms around him, 'There's part of him still here, it's engrained into that spot.'

'Dark magic does take a long time to dissipate, but to feel him, that's something I've never heard of before. But Harry you're very pale, let Poppy check you over,' Minerva said.

'He's going to whether he wants to or not Minerva, he can barely stand,' Charlie lifted Harry into his arms.

'Charlie, I can walk you know love.'

'No, so don't try to argue.'

'Kingsley, Minerva, remember that memory, I think that's why I felt it.'

'Later Harry, Charlie get him to the hospital,' Kingsley said then watched as Harry put his head on Charlie's shoulder, not even trying to fight being carried out of the great hall, 'It's the only thing that makes sense Minerva, block and seal this section off until I get an unspeakable to do some revealing spells on it. We have to make sure that nothing can bring him back.'

Minerva nodded, then moved her wand all around the area and a golden circle surrounded a large area of the great hall. She spoke with Filius and some of the other staff before leaving the great hall with Kingsley. They headed up to the hospital wing to see how Harry was and that this situation has not caused any problems for him. When they arrived they saw all Harry's friends, the Weasley's, Hermione and her parents standing not far from a bed with curtains around it. They didn't see Charlie so they assumed he was with Harry.

'How many times he ended up a patient here, now though, this shouldn't have happened,' Hermione sniffed as she stared at the curtains, 'It's different now, it has to be.'

'I'm going to have an unspeakable check it Hermione, don't worry and I'm sure Harry's fine.'

'He, he said he, he was talking about Voldemort wasn't he Kingsley?' Arthur asked.

'Yes, he felt it, you know how he used to feel things from Voldemort. I can only assume it's because that is where Voldemort died. Dark magic does leave traces, you can never remove those traces and there are people who can feel or sense dark magic. I would say it's a combination of both. Harry was connected to him for most of his life, but he could also feel the dark magic from Voldemort.'

'Sometimes it takes hundreds of years before they dissipate depending on the dark magic used,' Minerva said but like everyone else, she was staring at the curtains hoping Harry was fine but they were also hoping that this didn't mean Voldemort could return, again.

Poppy removed the curtains to see a large crowd staring at her, 'Mr. Potter is fine and even though I would rather him stay here until tomorrow, he's adamant about leaving.'

'You're still pale, so if you're heading home, you're not riding your bike,' Kingsley said.

'Can you get Hagrid to take it down to his hut, I'll collect it in a day or so,' Harry slowly dug the keys out of his pocket and held them out to Minerva, 'He just has to push the red button to take the alarm off.'

'I'll tell him and you know it'll be safe. But are you sure you don't want to stay and rest Harry?'

'No, I'll rest at home.'

'Come to the Burrow, rest there and you can join us for dinner as well,' Molly smiled.

Harry's tired face slowly lifted into a small smile, 'Okay, I'd like that, thanks Mrs. Weasley. But Charlie, I'm walking this time, no carrying me.'

Charlie sucked in a sharp breath then kissed Harry, 'You scared the shit out of me.'

'Sorry, but it scared me as well love. I don't ever want to feel that again,' Harry slowly swung his legs off the bed, then let Charlie help him up but kept his arms around him, 'It has to be that Kingsley, it's the only thing that makes sense. There is bound to be students that can sense dark magic and they never got affected like I did. I'm different because of that. It has to be the reason.'

'I'll see what the Unspeakables say but it might be wise to let them check you over as well. They can do a few simple tests to see if it was or not. But now no more, let Charlie take you to the Burrow, rest okay.'

'I plan on it Kingsley, let me know.'

Molly and Arthur led their family, the Grangers and Harry out of the hospital and down through the castle and out the gates where they apparated away. Charlie refused to let Harry apparate alone, so he took Harry on side along apparition. They walked into the house, Harry went to sit down but Charlie pulled him onto his lap making Harry smile before he put his head on Charlie's shoulder.

Molly made everyone tea before she sat with her family, 'Do you believe it's because you had a piece of his soul and that's why you felt it?' Arthur asked.

'Yes but that's the reason I left, I having a hard time dealing with the fact I had a piece of Voldemort's soul inside me for almost my whole life. I couldn't live with it,' Harry felt his throat close up, 'I can't go through all that again.'

Everyone heard how choked up Harry's voice was and how vulnerable he looked. Charlie tightened his hold on Harry but looked around at his family. They all looked the same as he did, worried.

'Harry, you won't have to go through anything, he's dead, you killed him,' Arthur said.

'He came back before, what makes you so sure he can't do it again. First he kills my parents then tries to kill me. He disappears but comes back because of a dark spell. I felt him, part of him is still alive in the great hall,' Harry turned his head into Charlie's shoulder to quiet his sob that he knew he couldn't hold back, 'I can't, not again.'

Arthur nodded to Charlie, who lifted Harry into his arms and carried him up the stairs and into his old room.