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Chapter Four: The New Member
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'Would it be okay if I borrowed Pig for a while? I need to send a letter,' Hermione explained. Ron didn't look up from the chessboard he and Harry were currently playing on.

'Sure, whatever ...if it's to Neville or Luna, tell them hello for me,' Ginny said from her spot on the floor, where she was half reading her book and half watching the chess game.

'For me, too,' said Harry.

Ron attempted to block them out, trying his hardest not to come out of his own little world and lose his focus. Looking at Hermione is exactly the type of thing that could cause that. It had been three days since their kiss, and neither of them had brought it up yet. He doubted that they ever would.

'It's neither of them, actually,' she admitted. 'But I'll still put it in, if you'd like.' Ron glanced up at her and saw the hint of a smile tugging at her full, luscious lips. Shit. He had no hope of focusing on chess now, not after seeing that skirt she was wearing! Blimey, when had Hermione gotten such a good body? He noticed, over the years, that ...certain things had developed, but he never remembered her looking like that.

'Who're you writing to?' he asked curiously. She blushed. Ron thought she looked exceptionally stunning when she was embarrassed.

'Nobody, forget I said anything. I can use Pig though, yeah?' Before getting a definite answer, she turned around and scurried out of the room. He and Harry exchanged confused looks before Harry nodded. Ron got up from his chair, telling Ginny she could finish up the game for him, and followed Hermione.

'Hermione!' he called. She was instructing Pig, who was flapping around enthusiastically, on where to bring the letter, and chose to ignore him. 'Hermione!' he yelled again. She opened the window and let the hyper owl flew away.

'Yes, Ron? What do you need?' she asked.

'You didn't answer me ...who're you writing to?' She looked away, averting his eyes.

'I told you ...it's nobody,' she shrugged. After a few minutes of silence, Hermione, sensing that he wasn't going to leave her alone until she confessed, said, 'Don't get mad, okay? I was writing to Viktor.'

'WHAT! VIKTOR KRUM? WHY?' bellowed Ron. Hermione glare at him, her anger level rising.

'For your information, Ronald Weasley, I can write to whoever I want, whenever I want, for whatever reason,' she said angrily.

'Not Krum, you can't! What do you see in that git, anyway?' questioned Ron.

'He isn't a git. He's very polite and respectful, which is more than I can say for you,' she snapped. 'And I don't "see" anything in him. He and I are just friends, how many times do I have to tell you that?'

'You sure weren't "just friends" with Vicky when you snogged him though, were you?' Ron argued. Hermione's eyes narrowed.

'First of all, his name isn't Vicky, it's Viktor! Secondly, he snogged me, and I only let him because I was absolutely furious with you at the time,' she stated indifferently. 'And you're one to talk! Heard from Lavender since school's been out?' she asked, tauntingly.

Ron blushed and broke eye contact. 'Um – er – no,' he stammered. He didn't want to admit that she'd sent him almost half a dozen letters, to which he had no reply.

Her features twisted into an expression of irritation and nervousness. 'Don't lie,' she said quietly. 'I don't care if you've been owling her. Are you two back together?' She tried to make it sound like question, but Ron thought it sounded more like an accusation.

'Merlin, no!' Ron exclaimed. 'She's sent me a few letters but I haven't – I haven't answered her,' he said.

'Why not? That's terrible, Ron, even if it is Lavender!' He couldn't help but laugh at her pseudo-outrage. 'Get some parchment and write her back this instant,' she ordered.

Ron felt himself getting angry again. Not at Hermione, for bossing him around, because he was used to that. He was remembering the things his ex-girlfriend had written in her letters, and all the vicious things she had said about Hermione.

He shook his head furiously. 'I wouldn't write that girl back for all the gold in Gringotts!'

'Ron! That isn't fair. You might not want to get back together with her, but you should at least reply to her letters and say hello,' insisted Hermione. He shook his head, adamant about that particular matter. 'Look, I know she can be a little ...hard to take, at times,' Hermione began. Ron rolled his eyes. 'Alright, alright, she was down-right annoying. In fact, if I heard her say "Won-Won" once more, I might have hit her. But in any case, you still dated her, so you owe her the follow-up courtesies.'

'No.'

'Why not? You can be so stubborn sometimes, you know that? Just write her back!'

'I SAID NO! I refuse to ever communicate with her again, until she apologizes for the nasty things she said about you!'

Hermione looked shocked. 'What kind of things?'

Don't make me get into this, Ron silently pleaded with her. He didn't have the heart to tell her all the spiteful things Lavender had written. He still felt bad for their first year, when he had called her a nightmare and caused her to hide in the bathroom and cry. How terrible would he feel now, about this? 'Bad things,' he said. 'And then,' he continued, 'she had the nerve to hint around about the wedding, trying to get me to ask her to be my date!'

Hermione scowled. 'Goodness, no! I think I might strangle that cow myself if she were here for a few days. You said no, right?' she asked nervously.

'I didn't even answer her, but I would've said no. When I didn't answer her third letter, she went off on me about you again, insisting that the only reason I wasn't writing her was because you weren't letting me,' he explained. 'She seems to think I've replaced her with you, and that we're having some sort of ...sordid love affair!' Hermione laughed out loud.

'She's clearly out of her own head. Write her, tell her there's nothing going on with us, and maybe she'll calm down a bit,' Hermione suggested.

'No,' said Ron, shaking his head again. 'I'm sorry, I can put up with a lot from her but I'm not going to let her say those things about you!' He looked around, checking to make sure nobody was listening, and whispered, 'She called you a scarlet woman!'

'Lavender said that? Isn't she the girl who practically shagged you in the middle of the common room every night?' Hermione asked bitterly. Ron flushed and looked down at his feet.

'Hey, I never said she was right,' he defended himself.

'Of course you didn't, I'm sorry,' she apologized. 'I think it's really sweet that you got so defensive over me, but I don't want to ruin your relationship. She's just jealous – wouldn't you be, if she was spending the whole summer with another boy?'

'No,' Ron insisted. 'I wouldn't be, because we aren't together. She isn't the one I want to –' he stopped and inhaled sharply. 'I mean ...I don't care if she's jealous or not because it's over between us. This isn't solely because of you, you know.'

'I know,' Hermione said softly. Ron chewed his lip, debating whether or not it was a good time to ask her. They had just finished rowing, true, but they had also cooled down and were on good terms again. He figured he might as well go for it.

'Er – Hermione, I – er – I was thinking ...since we never got to go to the whole Christmas party thing with the "Slug Club", maybe we could – well, if you want to that is – maybe we could, uh ...'

'Ron?' she said quietly, almost so quietly that he barely heard her. He looked up from the carpet and his eyes met hers. 'If you're asking me, the answer is yes, but you'd better do it soon before I reconsider,' she teased. 'I'm sure Viktor would love to come ...'

'D'you want to go to the wedding with me?' he blurted out quickly, before she could finish her thought about Vicky.

'Love to,' she smiled. Ron grinned back at her. He thought about what she had said, about writing Lavender, and got a devilish idea.

'Maybe I will write Lavender back,' he said as they walked back to the drawing room, where he had left Harry and Ginny. 'And I'll be sure to tell her all about the fun you and I are going to have at the wedding.'

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Harry was having a hard time concentrating on chess.

Firstly, there was the matter of his two best friends, who were clearly oblivious to the other's feelings. Harry used to be concerned that Ron and Hermione getting together would make him the third wheel, but he had thought about it quite a lot lately, and he had grown accustomed to the idea of his friends finding happiness in each other. If something did happen to Harry during the battle with Voldemort, he at least wanted them to have each other.

Secondly, he was sitting a mere foot away from Ginny, who smelt heavenly. Every time he took a breath in, his nostrils filled with her scent – was it perfume, or was it natural? His head was spinning when he felt something lightly brush against his leg. At first, he assumed it was Crookshanks, but after a while, it moved under his trousers and further up his shin.

He glanced up at Ginny, who was smiling deviously at him. He raised his eyebrows but she continued to move her foot higher up his leg. He cleared his throat.

'Gin, they're going to be back any minute now,' Harry warned. As if on cue, the sounds of Ron and Hermione's shouts filled their ears. Ginny got up off her chair and crept out of the room, returning seconds later with a soft smile on her face.

'Viktor Krum and Lavender,' she reported. 'We've got loads of time before they finish rowing.' She sat down on his lap and kissed him, her tongue immediately probing his mouth.

Sometimes, Harry hated growing up. It meant having to deal with change, having to mature and face tougher obstacles that before. It meant the death of loves ones and even the closing of Hogwarts. It meant the end was near and the Final Battle with Voldemort was even nearer.

But other times, like now, Harry loved it. When he was little – for some strange reason – he didn't think snogging girls was appealing. And now, around Ginny, it was all he could think about. In the previous summers spent at The Burrow, the house was filled with people. You couldn't get a moment of peace or time to yourself. Now, Bill was about to have a wife, Charlie was as absent as ever, Percy was gone, Fred and George had their own flat, and Mr Weasley was working more and more. That left Harry, Ginny, Hermione and Ron (and Mrs Weasley, of course) alone to do whatever they pleased.

When they broke apart, Harry rested his forehead against Ginny's and said, 'You know, I'm beginning to think you like the idea of being caught.'

'I've always enjoyed the thrill that goes along with sneaking around,' she laughed. 'Why d'you think I used to steal my brothers' brooms when I was little? It wasn't because I dreamed of the day I could join the Quidditch team at Hogwarts.'

Harry laughed and kissed her again.

Moments later, Harry thought he heard footsteps approaching. Ginny flew off of him and sat back down in her own chair, hastily ordering the move of a chess piece, just as Ron and Hermione entered the room, chuckling.

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'So, Harry, your birthday is soon,' said Hermione as she and Ron re-entered the drawing room.

'Yep,' he said, smiling at Ginny as the chess piece she moved was smashed by one of his.

'What d'you want to do for it?' asked Ron.

'Nothing,' he answered. 'I don't want to make a big deal of it.'

'Harry, you'll be seventeen! It is a big deal!' Ginny exclaimed. 'Don't you want to have a big party with all our friends or anything?'

'No, I don't want to impose on your family,' Harry said. 'Besides, whose parents would allow them to come?' Ron shrugged and sprawled out on the floor.

'Okay, but we're still going to celebrate,' insisted Ginny. 'It'll be fun ...just the four of us.'

'Well, what about everything Sirius left you? Are you going to stay at Grimmauld Place?' Hermione inquired. She didn't particularly enjoy the thought of Harry living alone in his godfather's old house.

Harry shook his head. 'No. I told Dumbledore last year that the Order could keep using it as their Headquarters if they wanted, because I didn't want it.'

'Speaking of the Order, what will they do now that Dumbledore's gone?' asked Ron. 'Wasn't he their Secret Keeper?'

Hermione nodded. 'Yes, he was. I suppose they'll have to get someone else now.'

'But who?' Ginny asked.

'Minerva is the new Secret Keeper,' Mrs Weasley said, entering the room.

'Professor McGonagall?' Harry asked.

'Brilliant,' Hermione beamed. Professor McGonagall was a very valuable member of the Order. Hermione was sure she would be excellent as the Secret Keeper.

'Yes, I thought so, as well. Anyway, Harry, Professor McGonagall is downstairs. She wishes to speak with you about –' Mrs Weasley looked around at her children and Hermione uneasily and lowered her voice 'Order business.'

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'Hello, Potter, sit down,' Professor McGonagall said when Harry went down into the kitchen. He pulled out a chair and sat down at the kitchen table. Professor McGonagall remained standing, looking down at him. 'I'm sure Molly has informed you that I am the new Secret Keeper for the Order of the Phoenix?'

'Yes, she did, Professor,' answered Harry.

'Excellent, excellent. Since you're the new owner of Number Twelve, Grimmauld Place –'

'– I already told Professor Dumbledore that the Order could still using it as Headquarters –'

'– I'm here, requesting permission to continue using it,' said Professor McGonagall, completely ignoring Harry's interjection. 'I'm perfectly aware that of what you told Professor Dumbledore, but as newly instated Secret Keeper, I felt it my duty to ask you again.'

'Oh – er – thanks. You can use it,' mumbled Harry. McGonagall took a seat beside Harry at the table.

'There is one other matter that I wish to discuss with you,' she said quietly. 'You're going to be of age in a few days time, is that correct?'

'Yeah. Three days,' said Harry.

'And I'm sure you're aware that Hogwarts will most likely not be re-opening its doors any time soon?'

'Yes, Professor.'

'Yes, well, that is why I'm really here. You see, we, the Order, would like you to become a full-fledged member,' announced McGonagall.

'What?' Harry gaped at her. 'As in join the Order?'

'That's exactly what I mean, yes,' said McGonagall. 'But of course, you won't be any ordinary member. You will have numerous Aurors at your disposable for your ...missions.'

'You mean the Horcruxes?' Harry blurted out. McGonagall nodded.

'I had a conversation with Albus's portrait recently, and he told me what you two had been doing that night,' she said sadly. 'I imagine that you plan on continuing?' Harry nodded. 'I cannot let you do it alone.'

'I won't be alone,' insisted Harry. 'I'll have Ron and Hermione with me.'

McGonagall stared, studying him. Harry was sure that she was about to forbid him from bringing his friends into this, like she had done several times in the past.

'And while the three of you are incredibly talented and have survived countless obstacles in the past,' she began, 'I trust that you would appreciate the extra backup?'

'Yes, we would ...very much.' Harry didn't know what to say. McGonagall usually attempted to talk him out of fighting and being where the action was. And now, she was not only giving him her permission, but she was offering reinforcements.

'This is not an easy subject to approach, Potter, but it is in regard to Lord Voldemort.' Harry nodded, urging her to continue. 'You are not a child anymore. I daresay you are a man, a wizard, and a great one at that. Surely you realize that the Final Battle is approaching, and it is only a matter of time now?'

'I know, Professor.'

'When the time comes, you will be in charge,' she stated. Harry stared at her as if she had three heads. 'You will give the orders and have complete control of the missions.'

Harry sat there, trying to process all of the new information he was receiving at an alarming rate. He was joining the Order ...andhe was going to be in charge? 'Wow. Um, thank you?'

'This is a lot of responsibility, I know, but don't let it go to your head. I trust Albus Dumbledore wholeheartedly and he held a great deal of confidence on you. I'm counting on you. Do not screw this up.'

Thanks for the vote of confidence, thought Harry.

'I won't,' said Harry. McGonagall stood up.

'Very well. I must be off, but tell Molly that the next Order meeting will be on the thirty-first of July.'

'Will I be attending?' Harry asked.

'Heavens, no,' barked McGonagall. She leaned in close to Harry. 'That is your birthday, a day that may very well be your last day of freedom. Be with your friends, have a childhood ...for once in your life.'

'Thank you. Um, will I be able to attend the meetings after that?' inquired Harry.

McGonagall nodded and said, 'Yes, yes, of course. In fact, it would be most suitable if you were to come to Grimmauld Place straight away the next morning, so one of the members could bring you up to speed.' She put on her traveling cloak and went to leave.

'Professor?' Harry called as she made to walk out the door. She turned to face him. 'Would it – er – is it okay if I told Ron, Hermione and Ginny?'

'If I told you no, would you truly keep the information from then, anyway?' McGonagall smiled. 'Go ahead, Potter. If they are to play important parts in the missions you will be organizing, as I suspect that they will, they should be properly informed.'

'Right, thank you. Goodbye.'

Harry lingered in the kitchen for a moment before climbing the stairs back to the drawing room. Ron, Hermione, Ginny and Mrs Weasley were all in various spots around the room, waiting for him.

'Well?' Hermione said anxiously.

'Mum says there's a new member to the Order. Who is it?' asked Ginny. Harry looked at Mrs Weasley, who winked and nodded.

'It – It's ...me.' Hermione and Ginny gasped, while Ron yelled 'bloody hell', earning a glance from Mrs Weasley. Everyone stared at him in shock. 'Well, what d'you think?' asked Harry.

Ron grinned. 'Blimey, Harry! You're going to be in the Order!'

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