The following week went by uneventfully; Ginny had resolved on Thursday to ask Dumbledore to allow Ron and Hermione to spend the weekend at the castle. While she was packing up the DA training room, she noticed Snape waiting patiently for her to finish.
"Can I help you, Professor?" Ginny asked politely.
"I was wondering if you would allow me to ask you a personal question, Miss, um, Mrs. Potter?" Snape asked, correcting himself quickly.
"Certainly Professor; anything." Ginny asked curiously.
"I was wondering if you thought Peggy would mind the pleasure of my company?" Snape ask tentatively.
"I think she'd love your company Professor." Ginny said smiling.
"Has she said anything? About me, that is." Snape asked.
"Quite a bit, she seems very taken with you, Professor." Ginny said honestly.
"Do you think your family would mind me seeing your sister?" Snape pressed on.
"Actually, I think they would love it, well except for maybe Fred and George, they aren't very fond of you sir." Ginny answered honestly.
"And I'm sure your husband wouldn't like it much either." Snape added.
"Actually, he was the one defending you against the twins the other night." Ginny corrected him.
"You can't be serious?" Snape said.
"Very serious, Harry is quite fond of you. If you don't mind me saying, I think he looks at you as a father figure." Ginny said honestly.
"Me? A father figure? I'm sure you're mistaken." Snape said with conviction.
"Let me prove it, come by for the weekend, I won't tell Harry you're coming, see how he reacts when he sees you." Ginny challenged.
"Alright, I accept, but make sure Peggy doesn't tell him either." Snape added.
"I will. Now, can I ask you a personal question?" Ginny asked tentatively.
Snape eyed her for a moment; he was trying to decide if he wanted to tell Ginny anything. He softened after a moment.
"Very well, ask your question." Snape finally said.
"Why did you always treat Harry so poorly. I know you saved his life in his first year and all, but I've heard such horror stories." Ginny asked.
"That's a difficult question. The first reason, and one I'm not proud of, is a childhood vendetta I had against Harry's father and godfather. I don't know if you know this, but Harry looks just like his father did when he was Harry's age. The second reason is that I didn't want to let his fame go to his head, all the other teachers would coddle him, I needed to keep him grounded. The third reason is the prophecy. I pushed Harry constantly to succeed, he needed to, he had, I mean he has to be the best. And the fourth and most selfish reason, I have to continue to show the Slytherins my hatred for the boy who lived. They have to think my loyalties lie with the Dark Lord, or my chances of undercover work will be gone." Snape explained.
Ginny stared into Snape's eyes, unblinking.
"I don't blame you sir, for the exception of the first reason, I think you made a wise decision." Ginny said smiling.
"Well Ginny, I need to be getting along, thank you for your time." Snape said leaving.
"Ah Severus, how was the class?" Dumbledore asked, pretending to be just entering.
"Just fine Headmaster, just fine." Snape said, leaving the training room.
Dumbledore walked over to Ginny.
"He's a good man." Ginny declared, still staring at the closed door.
"Yes Ginny, a very good man." Dumbledore agreed. "Now, what may I do for you?" Dumbledore asked.
"Professor, I was wondering if Ron and Hermione could come to visit this weekend? Ginny asked.
"Do you have an excuse for them to give their housemates?" Dumbledore asked.
"Yes, they should tell them they're sneaking out to be alone in Hogsmeade for the weekend." Ginny answered smiling devilishly.
"I'm not entirely sure the head boy and girl should make it known they're breaking the rules." Dumbledore said sternly.
"Maybe not, but it's a story the whole house will keep quiet about." Ginny argued.
"They can go, provided you come up with a better cover story." Dumbledore said in a finite tone.
"Yes Professor, we'll come up with a less delinquent story." Ginny promised.
"Very well Mrs. Potter, than I'm off to other business." Dumbledore said leaving.
"Thank you Professor." Ginny called out as he left.
Ginny spent the rest of that day, and part of the following morning on a cover story for Ron and Hermione. She finally decided to tell her house mates that they were going on official Ministry business, most believed the story without question, those that didn't, Ginny happily ignored.
When Ginny entered the Great Hall for breakfast, all eyes turned to her. She looked around nervously for a clue as to why everyone was staring, but there was no clue to be found. She walked over to the Gryffindor table and sat down next to Hermione.
"Why is everyone staring at me?" She asked Hermione nervously.
"Probably because of this," Hermione answered, handing Ginny the morning Prophet.
Potter's Ghost Seen in Hogsmeade
Yesterday the ghost of "The Boy Who Lived, Harry Potter," was seen at a Death Eater attack. Potter's ghost foiled the Death Eater's plan to kill the family of the head of the Department for International Magical Cooperation, William Tims, the Tims family was asleep in their Hogsmeade home when four Death Eaters broke into the house, and ordered Tims to join them or die. When Mr. Tims refused, the Death Eater known as Martin Storm, raised his wand to kill Mr. Tims' youngest son, David, only to have the beam stop a mere inches from it's intended victim. According to the Tims family, the ghost of Harry Potter appeared blocking the killing curse. With a wave of Potter's hand, three of the Death Eaters died and the fourth, Barnaby Mc Douglas, was spared, but given a warning for his master, "Tell your master, even in death I'll stop him."
"What is he doing?" Ginny whispered to Hermione.
"I was hoping you would know." Hermione answered.
They spent the rest of the day going through the motions of school. None of the group who knew Harry was alive had any desire to work or study, only to talk to Harry.
When the school day was finally over, Ginny, Ron, Hermione, Neville and Luna gathered in the DA war room for their instantaneous journey to the Castle Potter. They all joined hands, and apparated to the castle together.
When they arrived at the entrance hall of the castle, Molly appeared and welcomed them all in.
"Ron dear, how's school?" Molly asked her youngest son.
"Fine mum, where's Harry?" He asked her distractedly.
"He's in the training room with Annie, Peggy, Fred and George, why?" Molly asked concerned.
"This is why." Hermione answered, handing Molly a copy of the Daily Prophet.
"Oh, is that all? Harry told us about this on Tuesday, there's no reason to be concerned." Molly explained.
"Mum, do you think it's possible that my husband keep me just as informed as you?" Ginny asked angrily.
"There's no reason to be angry Ginny, it probably just slipped his mind. He is very busy you know." Molly said reassuringly.
"Hey everyone," Harry exclaimed as he entered the hall.
Hermione handed him the article.
"Yes I know, I encouraged the story," Harry said confused by the looks he was getting.
"Do you think next time you can tell me about your plans? I did NOT appreciate the looks I got because of this article." Ginny said angrily.
Harry now understood. "Oh, I'm sorry Ginny, it won't happen again." Harry assured her.
"It better not." She spat back before thundering up the stairs.
Harry looked at Molly. "Oops." He said apologetically.
"It's ok Harry dear, she'll get over it." Molly said, placing a hand on Harry's shoulder.
By six o'clock, the house was full again. The entire group was sitting in the library discussing the week's events. Fred was animatedly explaining the advanced apparition training he received when the front door bell rang.
"I'll get it!" Harry called out to the elves.
When Harry opened the door, he was surprised to see Snape standing there.
"Severus, come in please." Harry greeted him.
"You seem surprised to see me." Snape said calmly.
"I am; no one told me you were coming." Harry explained.
"Does it bother you?" Snape asked, displaying no emotion.
"Of course not, you're always welcome in my home. As a matter of fact, I'd prefer it if you would just apparate inside." Harry explained.
"Thank you Harry, I'll remember that." Snape said.
When Harry and Severus entered the library, Severus was greeted more warmly than he ever remembered in his life. Even Cindy ran up to him, and gave him a hug.
Snape was about to sit next to Peggy, when Dobby appeared and announced dinner.
They all made their way to the dining hall. The only ones missing from the group were Albus and Draco, Harry wondered why.
"Fred, George, are you ready to take your NEWTS?" Arthur asked.
"Just about, another couple of weeks should do it." Fred answered.
"Yeah, that sounds about right." George agreed.
"Anyone know why Albus and Draco aren't here?" Harry asked the group.
"Albus had work at Hogwarts." Minerva answered.
"And Draco's patrolling this weekend." Severus added.
"Harry, I have a surprise for you." Bill said loudly so that everyone heard him.
"Goody, I love surprises." Harry answered sarcastically.
"I bought the Cannons as you requested." Bill said smiling.
"Cannons Harry, why do you need cannons? Hermione asked what everyone was thinking.
"Not those kinds of cannons, the Chudley Cannons." Bill clarified.
"You bought the Chudley Cannons!" Ron exclaimed.
"Apparently so," Harry answered.
"I'm so jealous." Ron admitted.
"Don't be, I bought them as a gift for you." Harry told him.
"You serious," Ron asked.
"Yeah, but it's a wedding gift. If you ever get married that is." Harry added.
The room shook with laughter.
"I guess then you'll be keeping the team forever." Fred joked in between fits of laughter.
"Harry, you're not serious, are you?" Arthur asked quietly.
"Yeah I am, I asked Bill to buy them so I could give them to Ron, he deserves to be happy." Harry explained.
"And I presume the wedding gift part was to entice him to ask when the time comes." Molly added, apparently overhearing Arthur and Harry.
"Exactly," Harry said.
Suddenly a silvery dove entered Harry and Severus. They looked at each other, and quietly rose from the table.
Neville, Severus and I need your assistance." Harry said calmly.
"What is it Harry?" Arthur asked.
"Giants in the forbidden forest," Harry answered calmly.
"Do you need any help?" Ron asked standing.
"No, Severus and Neville can handle the giants, I'm just going to make an appearance, or at least my ghost is." Harry added jokingly.
Harry nodded to Neville, who took Severus' arm, and the three vanished.
When they arrived at the front door of Hogwarts, Dumbledore was waiting for them.
Severus, Neville, thank you for coming, where's Harry?" Dumbledore asked.
"He'll make an appearance shortly." Snape said.
"Then onward to the forbidden forest," Dumbledore added.
They walked for several minutes, when they came across a clearing. The clearing had makeshift tents, a huge roaring fire, and no less than twenty giants.
"Greetings," Dumbledore called out to them.
The giants all turned at once. The largest one, obviously the alpha male, rose and walked towards them.
"Be gone little wizard, the Unas clan of the giants claim this forest and all its contents." The giant bellowed.
"I'm sorry master giant, but this forest belongs to Hogwarts." Dumbledore said calmly.
The giants began to laugh.
"I have to ask you all to leave this area at once." Dumbledore added, causing the giants to laugh even harder.
"And if we don't," the giant challenged.
"Then I'll have to force you." Dumbledore answered.
"You force us," the giant asked condescendingly.
"Well, not me specifically, I'm too powerful, as is this other professor, this student will." Dumbledore answered, motioning to Neville, who began to smile at Dumbledore's strategy.
"A child, you will use a child?" The giant asked, disbelievingly.
"Well if one of the teachers attacks you, you might be accidentally killed." Dumbledore lied.
Another giant started whispering to the first.
"No! It's a trick!" The giant bellowed.
"Neville," Dumbledore said calmly.
The giants turned to look at Neville. He raised his wand, and recited the Chocle spell. Immediately a circular puff of smoke rose out of his wand and encircled the twenty giants. The screaming could be heard all the way back in the dungeons of Hogwarts.
Dumbledore signaled to Neville, and he stopped.
The giants stared dumbfounded at Neville, who beamed with pride.
"Now, will you leave the area?" Dumbledore asked again.
"You must all be powerful; the hooded wizard has lied to us." The giant announced, obviously referring to Voldemort.
"Then perhaps you should ally yourselves with the Ministry instead." Dumbledore said.
"The Ministry hates giants, they want to kill us." The giant argued.
"No, the Ministry does not hate you, only the old Minister. The new Minister wants giants and wizards to be friends." Dumbledore explained.
"I do not believe you." The giant roared.
"Then maybe you should hear it straight from the Minister." Arthur said, emerging from behind Dumbledore, Snape and Neville with Hagrid and Grawp at his side.
"Who are you?" The giant asked.
"I am Arthur Weasley, the Minister of Magic." Arthur answered regally.
"You are the Minister?" The giant asked turning and whispering to another giant.
"I am, and I'm willing to negotiate." Arthur answered.
"What do you offer?" The giant asked.
"In return for your allegiance, I'm willing to offer a ten thousand square acre parcel of land that you and your clan that you can call your own, completely undisturbed by wizard kind. I also offer you a vote on the council of magical beings and my assurance that giants will be treated with the respect they deserve." Arthur explained.
The giant turned to the group and began speaking in an unknown language.
After a few moments, the giant turned back to the group.
"The Unas clan is more than three hundred strong." The giant stated.
"Then a twenty thousand acre parcel." Arthur negotiated.
"The Unas clan agrees to the Minister's terms." The giant announced.
"Excellent!" Arthur exclaimed. "Then if you have no objections, I think Hagrid and Neville will work out the details." Arthur said, turning to Neville and handing him a pile of parchments. "Make sure they sign them, and apparate them to their new home, the location is on the first parchment." Arthur instructed Neville. "What do you think Albus, Order of Merlin Third Class for Mr. Longbottom?" Arthur asked, turning to Dumbledore.
"I completely agree." Dumbledore answered.
Late that night after Neville had finished with the formalities and the transporting the giants to their new home, he and Hagrid returned to the Headmasters office. When they knocked, Dumbledore greeted them at the door.
Neville, Hagrid, did all go well?" Dumbledore asked.
"Perfect Professor, absolutely perfect," Neville answered.
"Neville, I think our gamekeeper needs to visit the Minister's quarters with you, do you agree?" Dumbledore asked Neville with a sly grin.
"Yes professor, I really think he does." Neville answered and turned to Hagrid. "Hagrid, would you like to spend the rest of the weekend with us?" Neville asked him.
"Er, I don' know. I've got a lot to do." Hagrid answered.
"I guarantee you'll enjoy the trip." Dumbledore added.
"Ok, I'll go." Hagrid said disbelievingly.
Neville touched Hagrid's arm, and they instantly appeared in front of Potter Castle.
"Where are we?" Hagrid asked.
"You'll see," Neville answered with a smile, and rang the bell.
"Neville, why are you ringing the bell?" Molly asked while opening the door. "Oh, that's why. Come in." She instructed them.
"Where are we?" Hagrid asked Molly.
"Step this way, and you'll know." Molly said, motioning to the library.
"Hagrid," Hermione yelled.
"Hermione, what are ya doin' here?" Hagrid asked.
"This is my house." Harry said standing.
"Harry? It can't be; yer dead." Hagrid said confused.
"I was dead, I'm better now." Harry said hugging Hagrid.
"Harry, you're alive!" Hagrid bellowed.
"Not if you keep smothering him like that." Fred said jokingly.
"Hagrid, welcome to Potter Castle," Harry said, and then turned to Ron. "Can you get him up to speed please?" Harry asked Ron who immediately took Hagrid aside and began explaining it to him.
"Neville, come here please." Arthur instructed Neville.
"Yes Minister." Neville responded, walking up to the Minister.
Arthur handed him a rolled up parchment, and took a pin out of his pocket. "For the exemplary work in allying the giants and the Ministry, it is my honor to award you the Order of Merlin, Third Class." Arthur announced, pinning Neville with the decoration. The room applauded.
"Congratulations mate." Harry said, hugging Neville and stepping aside to allow everyone to congratulate him as well.
"Wow, Grams will be so proud." Neville said aloud.
They all talked well into the night. Harry arranged for Hagrid to have the second largest bedroom in the castle, he wanted him to feel like a king.
The next morning, Harry took Cindy by the hand, and sought out Hagrid.
"Cindy, I'd like you to meet Hagrid, one of my very best friends." Harry said, introducing the two.
"He's so big." Cindy said simply.
"He's a half giant." Harry explained.
"Pleased to meet ya," Hagrid said nervously. It was apparent that Hagrid really wanted Cindy to like him.
"Do you want to go play with me?" Cindy asked.
"Sure I do," Hagrid responded.
Cindy touched Hagrid's arm, and they vanished.
"Harry, your daughter can apparate?" Severus asked him.
"Yeah, she's my star pupil." Harry responded proudly.
"You must be proud." Severus said.
"You have no idea." Harry answered smiling.
Harry, Ginny, Ron, Hermione, Neville, Severus and Arthur met in secret shortly before lunch.
Harry, I've received a message from Percy." They all snapped to attention. "He claims that the Death Eaters are planning to attack the homes of several Ministry officials, he lists the names, dates and times." Arthur told him.
"How did he get it to you?" Harry asked.
"He personally handed it to one of my assistants outside the Ministry." Arthur answered.
"When," Harry asked.
"About five o'clock this morning." Arthur answered.
"Do your assistants typically arrive at that time on Saturday's?" Harry continued.
"Yes, as a matter of fact, they do, why, is that a problem?" Arthur asked concernedly.
"Quite the contrary, it sounds like he's on our side. He went out of his way to secretly get you a message without contacting you directly, and he did it with cunning and intrepidity." Harry answered.
"Are you sure you're sixteen years old?" Arthur asked him.
"Yes, but only chronologically, I have the life experience of a ninety year old." Harry answered.
"How is that possible?" Arthur asked.
"I'll explain it to you later daddy." Ginny interrupted.
"May I see the list?" Harry asked Arthur, who handed it to him immediately.
Harry read the list carefully then handed it to Ron. After it was passed around, Harry opened his desk, pulled out a piece of parchment, and turned to them.
"Here is a security spell of my own making. Cast the spell at the homes of all these people, we will be informed the moment something happens." Harry explained.
"We," Hermione questioned.
"We, that is to say those of us in this room, I want a Dark Auror present at every attack, I want the public to see them performing their assigned duties. But more importantly, I want Riddle to see how far the arm of Hogwarts reaches." Harry said authoritatively.
"Sill trying to scare Voldemort," Ginny asked him.
"Not just scare and not just Voldemort. I want every Death Eater to see that not only will I always be there, but so will the Dark Aurors." Harry answered.
"But I'm not a Dark Auror." Severus pointed out.
"Of course you are." Harry said without a hint of doubt.
"Actually Harry, we didn't think he would want to take orders from his students, so we never made him an official Dark Auror." Hermione said.
"You didn't, but I did, while I was still the CNC. Check the official records they will confirm what I am saying." Harry said without any emotions.
"Very sneaky Harry, but why hasn't Severus been paid." Arthur asked, deducing that if Severus didn't know he was a Dark Auror, he certainly wasn't getting paid.
"His pay goes straight into an account in Gringotts bank of Hogsmeade." Harry answered.
"Lunch is served." Dobby announced.
"Good, I'm hungry." Ron declared.
"You're always hungry." Hermione retorted.
The week following the meeting, there were twenty two attacks on wizards and their families and forty six attacks on muggles. The Dark Aurors managed to intervene on twenty of the twenty two wizard attacks on wizards but only thirty of the forty six attacks on muggles. It was becoming obvious to the DME that Voldemort was recruiting wizards faster than he ever had before, and the Dark Aurors were arresting or killing them just as fast.
Hogwarts was safer than it had ever been. Between the Professors, the giants and the Dark Aurors patrolling the grounds, no Death Eater would have the slightest chance of entering the grounds.
The students were going about their daily routine without the slightest care for what was going on in the outside world.
Dumbledore decided to make the following weekend a Hogsmeade weekend. He knew with all the added security, aided by the fact that Tonks did not want the three highest ranking members of the DME to walk Hogsmeade unprotected. She had assigned fifty Dark Aurors that did not attend Hogwarts to supplement the ones that did. She ensured that Ron, Hermione and Neville did not know.
Immediately after breakfast on Saturday, the Hogwarts students, third year and up, began to make their way into town. Ron ordered Dark Aurors to the front, middle and back of the mass of students traversing the school grounds.
Ron, Hermione, Ginny, Neville and Luna were sitting in the Three Broomsticks by lunch that day. Since Ginny now owned the pub, she ensured that the five friends were well fed and well cared for. After lunch, the five left the pub for Fred and George's new shop at the other end of town. When they arrived, they were stunned to find that it was packed with students from wall to wall. Lee Jordan seemed to be on the brink of a nervous breakdown from all the people.
"Lee," Ron called out to him.
"Ron," Lee called back, as he tried to make his way to them.
"Ron, Ginny, when are those brothers of yours coming back, this has been a nightmare." Lee explained.
"Not for a while, they have more important work to do." Ginny answered.
"Ginny, is it true what I heard, you married Harry?" Lee asked, finally getting the opportunity to ask.
"Yes I did." She answered simply.
"I'm so sorry for your loss." Lee said sympathetically.
"Thank you Lee, but none of us has time to mourn, we have evil to fight." Ginny said frowning.
"Speaking of which, Ron, Hermione, would you two mind looking at my application for the DME?" He asked, handing them a piece of parchment.
"You want to join us?" Ron asked.
"Everybody wants to join you, the DME's pay quite handsomely." Lee said with a sly grin. "A hell of a lot more than Fred and George, that's for sure." He added, making them laugh.
"Lee, the training involved is very intense, are you sure you want to do this?" Hermione asked.
"Yes, definitely," he answered.
"Ron, you're the CNC, I recommend Lee Jordan for the position of officer in the Dark Aurors, what say you?" Hermione asked in her most businesslike manner.
"Ginny, would you escort Mr. Jordan to the supply room, and then to the training castle?" Ron asked his sister.
"Yes Commander." Ginny answered with a knowing look.
"Where's the training castle?" Lee asked as Ginny lead him to the supply room.
"You'll see," Ginny vaguely answered.
Ginny touched his arm and they were immediately standing in the entrance hall of Potter Castle.
"Dobby," Ginny called.
"Yes mistress." Dobby said, popping in.
"Is my mother home?" She asked politely.
"Yes mistress, she's in the dining hall." Dobby answered.
"Thank you Dobby, that'll be all." Ginny said, directing Lee towards the dining hall.
"Mistress? Do you own this castle?" Lee asked astounded.
'Actually, yes," Ginny answered.
When they entered the dining hall, Molly, Fred, George, Peggy and Annie were sitting at the dining table animatedly discussing the morning's training; Ginny led Lee to the far end of the hall where they were eating.
"Hi mum," Ginny exclaimed, hugging her mother hello.
"Lee, what are you doing here?" George asked.
"I hope you guys don't mind, but I put in for the DME." Lee answered.
"You're quitting?" Fred asked.
"I hope you guys don't get upset but, yes I am." Lee said, drawing himself to his full height.
"Mind, do we mind?" Fred exclaimed and then turned to George. "Do we mind?" He asked.
"No, why should we, the DME pay way more than we do." George answered with a laugh.
The twins stood and hugged their friend hello. They went around introducing Lee to their elder sisters, and sat him down between them.
"Is this really Ginny's castle?" Lee asked Molly.
"Yes dear, it is." Molly answered, filling Lee's plate with sandwiches.
"How did she get it?" He continued.
"Harry bought it dear." Molly said smiling.
"Hello." A little voice rang out from behind Molly.
"Cindy dear, this is Lee Jordan, Fred and George's friend from work." Molly said, kissing Cindy on top of the head.
"Hello Lee, my name is Cindy." Cindy introduced herself as she shook Lee's hand.
"And who is this?" Lee asked the twins.
"This is Harry's daughter." Fred said matter-of-factly.
"Harry had a daughter?" He asked astounded.
"He adopted her." Molly clarified.
"Wow, I have been out of touch." Lee declared.
"More than you know mate." George said knowingly.
"What does that mean?" Lee asked.
"It means Mr. Jordan, that there are things you may or may not be privy to." Snape's voice came from behind Lee.
"Professor Snape, Minister Weasley, hello," Lee said, jumping to attention.
"Hello Lee." Arthur greeted him warmly.
"Jordan." Was Snape's only greeting, as he walked over to Peggy who quickly leapt into his arms and kissed him.
Lee Jordan just stood staring at the site of his former Professor actually kissing a woman and a Weasley none the less.
"Close your mouth Lee, you're attracting flies." Molly said causing the room to burst into laughter.
"Hello Lee." Bill greeted him as warmly as his father.
"Bill, what are you doing here?" Lee asked.
"I live here, I manage the Potter fortune.
"Potter fortune, there's a Potter fortune?" He asked even more astounded.
"The largest that I've ever heard of," Bill answered sitting down to lunch.
"Harry was THAT rich?" He added.
"No, Harry IS that rich." Harry added, walking into the dining hall.
Lee had no words, he sat there staring at Harry unable to speak or turn away.
"No Lee, I'm not a ghost." Harry clarified.
"You're alive." Lee stated the obvious.
"That would explain the breathing." Fred said sarcastically.
"My wife tells me you were accepted in the DME." Harry said to Lee.
"Um, yeah, Ron approved me earlier today, but how did you hear, Ginny's been with me?" Lee asked.
"Don't concern yourself, Lee, suffice it to say, she told me. Now, I presume he sent you here for some remedial training," Harry stated.
"He did, he called this the training castle." Lee explained.
"There's a name I hadn't thought of Arthur, the training castle." Harry said to the Minister jokingly.
"Good code name." Arthur answered with a mouthful of soup.
"Where do you live Lee?" Harry asked.
"At the store," Lee answered simply.
"Not any more, you'll have one of the bedrooms here at the castle. Complete run of the place and all the food you can eat." Harry explained happily.
"Seriously Harry, I can live here?" Lee asked.
"It'll be just like old times." George declared.
"Oh no it won't." Molly corrected him, causing the room to laugh again.
Harry stood so fast the entire table shook. He had a look of desperation on his face, he turned and apparated out of the room. Ginny followed suit.
Back at Weasley's Wizard Wheezes, Ginny had just joined the others who were busy buying as much as they could carry. Outside there was a loud explosion. The other customers stood rooted to the floor, but the five members of the DME ran out to investigate.
Outside the streets were crawling with Death Eaters and Dementors. If it were possible to count, Ron would have known there were one hundred and sixty Death Eaters and two hundred and twelve Dementors.
Ron began barking out orders to the other four. He, Hermione and Ginny were to conjure patronuses and Luna and Neville were to fight off the Death Eaters.
After only five minutes of fighting, the five friends were being overrun. Death Eaters and Dementors were coming at them faster than they could defend. It was Hermione who first heard the rush of Dark Aurors. No less than fifty Dark Aurors were attacking the Death Eaters and Dementors from both sides of the wide street.
Even with the added assistance, the enemy was getting dangerously close to the five friends. Almost a hundred Death Eaters and half the Dementors remained, but they were approaching such that the other Dark Aurors would never get there in time.
"Hermione, any ideas," Ron asked as a Death Eater was thrown back dead by a blast from Neville's wand.
"We can't fall back inside there are too many people who could be hurt." She said, conjuring another patronus.
"I know what we can't do, tell me what we can." Ron snapped.
"I'm here Ron, don't worry." Ron heard Harry's voice in his head.
Harry semi-materialized in front of his five friends, the Death Eaters stopped for a moment as they stared at Harry.
"You should never have threatened my wife!" Harry bellowed as loud as he could.
Then with a wave of his hand, all the Dementors fell to the floor dead. With a wave of his other hand, the Death Eaters were disarmed. Harry turned to his friends, making sure the patrons in Weasley's Wizard Wheezes could see and hear him.
"Even in death I shall still protect you." He exclaimed and vanished, leaving the problem of cleaning up to the Dark Aurors.
The five friends and the Dark Aurors began binding all the remaining Death Eaters, and whisking them away to the Ministry. When the streets we safe again, Ron ordered the Dark Aurors that remained to gather up and escort the Hogwarts students back to the castle. When he turned around, flash bulbs were going off from all directions.
He, his four friends and the other Dark Aurors were heroes. They had managed to fend off the largest attack Voldemort had ever ordered. When the final numbers were in, one hundred and ten Death Eaters were killed and fifty were captured. One hundred and ten Dementors were killed and one hundred and two fled. It was the single greatest victory for the DME, and Ron got all the publicity.
The Daily Prophet had a ten page account of the event the following day, featuring Ron's picture on the front page and a caption that read; "Ronald Weasley, Our New Hero." Witch Weekly stopped the presses and placed Ron on its cover as well, their caption read; "Ron Weasley – The Bravest Man Alive." Ron was in his glory.
Dinner the next evening found the residents of Potter Castle along with the senior members of the DME sitting at the dining hall in Potter Castle. They were all in good spirits after the events of the day before, as well as the articles that appeared in the respective periodicals.
"Thanks Harry, we were starting to get nervous." Ron whispered to Harry.
"Anytime mate, anytime." Harry answered.
"So Molly, how does it feel to have a son on the cover of Witch Weekly?" Harry asked playfully.
"Not just a son, but my Head Boy son." Molly answered kissing Ron on the cheek.
They spent the better part of the evening meal discussing all that had transpired the day before. Neither Harry nor Ron could stop smiling. It was a victory for the DME but more importantly, it was a victory for the side of good.
When the door bell rang, Harry decided to answer it himself. Nothing could have prepared him for the shock he received when he opened the door.
"Michael?" Was all he could say.