A/N: Ok, this is my first fanfic that I've ever done so please be gentle but opinionated with your reviews. I'm going to try and update this every Monday and Thursday, but I make no guarantees about my timeliness.
Disclaimer: All the characters, places, objects, etc. from books 1-6 (and maybe some stuff before them) belong solely to J.K. Rowling.
The rest of the stuff in this story is out of my own mind and any resemblance to anything in book 7 when it comes out is purely coincidental.
Summery: With what lies ahead of Harry, he gathers as much help as he can to aide in his quest to defeat Voldemort. Will Harry succeed? Will love come into his life?
Chapter 8
Harry woke up the next morning feeling absolutely miserable. Ron was still out cold and talking in his sleep. "What do mean I failed again…" Ron mumbled as he rolled over. It was obvious to Harry that the apparition tests they would be taking later that day were on top of Ron's mind. Harry got out of his bed and walked over to the window. The sun had just risen over the distant hills, casting long shadows from nearby trees. The sight of the morning landscape seemed to have a calming effect on Harry. He needed to get his mind on what he had to do today, his apparition test.
"Is it morning already?" asked Ron as he awoke.
"Yeah," Harry replied, "just hours away from our apparition tests."
"Nervous?"
"A little."
"Thank Merlin, I was hoping I wasn't alone on that." Ron yawned loudly, "We'll do alright though. As long as no one insists on giving us tips all morning," he said.
"You shouldn't have anything to worry about," said Harry, "you basically did pass last time. I mean it was only an eyebrow."
"Yeah, but with these guys, an eyebrow is just a s bad as an arm or leg."
"At least you've had some recent practice. It's been months since I last practiced."
"It'll be alright mate. As Hermione said, we just need to calm down beforehand."
"Yeah, you're right. How about we go downstairs and get some breakfast."
"Good call mate."
They got dressed and headed downstairs to the kitchen. Mr. and Mrs. Weasley were already down there.
"Good morning you two," said Mr. Weasley as he looked over the top of the Daily Prophet, "ready for your apparition tests today?"
"As ready as we'll ever be," said Ron.
"What would you boys like this morning?" asked Mrs. Weasley as Harry and Ron sat down at the table.
"I'll just have some eggs please," Harry replied.
"Same here," added Ron.
As Mrs. Weasley was dishing up the boys' eggs, Ginny and Hermione made their way into the kitchen.
"Morning," Hermione said through a heavy yawn.
"You guys ready for the tests?" Ginny asked.
"I guess so," said Harry as he began to eat his eggs.
"You two will do just fine," Ginny told them as she sat down next to Harry. "Any chance for another plate of eggs mum?"
Sure dear, and how about you Hermione?" Mrs. Weasley asked.
"No thanks, I'll just have a bit of toast," she replied.
"Well," said Mr. Weasley as he set down his paper, "I should be getting off to the Ministry. Good luck you two, I'll stop by after you're done, we can grab some lunch together. The three of you can join us if you like." He walked over and kissed Mrs. Weasley on the cheek.
"Not today Arthur," she told her husband, "Fleur and I are still working out the final details of the wedding. Ginny, Hermione, you two can go along if you want."
"Thanks mum," said Ginny.
"So I'll see you all in a few hours then," Mr. Weasley told the group, "Bye." And with that, Mr. Weasley apparated off to the Ministry of Magic.
After they had finished their breakfast, the four of them went back upstairs to Ron's room where they killed some time by playing a couple games of exploding snap.
"Well, it's about time to head out," Ron said looking over at a clock next to his bed, "ready Harry?"
"I could be a lot more ready," Harry replied, "but yeah, I am."
"You'll do just fine," said Ginny as she kissed Harry's cheek, "I know you will."
"Thanks Gin."
"What are you two going to be doing anyway?" Ron asked the girls.
"Going with you of course," answered Hermione.
"You are?"
"We'll be there for emotional support," added Ginny.
Ron seemed a little taken back by this, "Thanks. We're probably going to need it."
"Are you lot ready?" came Mrs. Weasley's voice up the stairs.
"Yeah mum, were on our way down," Ron called back. The four of them then got up and proceeded down stairs. In the kitchen, they met up with Tonks.
"Wotcher," Tonks said as they entered the kitchen, "you lot ready to get going?"
"As ready as we're ever going to be," Hermione replied.
"Good," she said, "we don't want to be late."
"How are we getting there?" inquired Harry.
"Flu Network. I'm just going along with you lot on my way into the Auror's Office."
"Good luck you two," said Mrs. Weasley as she pulled both Harry and Ron into a hug.
"Thanks mum," said Ron.
"Thanks Mrs. Weasley," agreed Harry.
They were soon lining up in front of the Weasley's fireplace as they each took a handful of flu powder and said, "The Ministry Of Magic," in loud, clear voices. Upon arriving at the Ministry, Tonks ushered each of them away from the incoming grate so that others could make their way through. Once all of them were at the Ministry and dusted off, they proceeded to the security desk to check-in with the guard.
"Wotcher Eric," said Tonks to the guard who Harry recognized as the same guard that was there when he came for his trial two years ago.
"Hmm… Oh, good afternoon Tonks," he said as he looked up from the Daily Prophet, "this lot with you?"
"Yeah, the boys are here for their apparition tests and the girls are here for support."
"Alright then, I'll just need to check-in these four." Eric got up from his post and took out a long, golden rod and passed it up and down the front and back of Harry, Ron, Hermione, and Ginny. He then asked each of them for their wands, which he took and dropped onto a brass instrument which spit out a piece of paper that told of each of their wand's wood, length, core, and time in use. As each of the wand's descriptions was confirmed, it was returned to its owner. Once the last wand was returned, Eric produced badges for Harry, Ron, Hermione, and Ginny, and allowed them to continue on to the lifts. The five of them entered with several other Ministry employees and proceeded up in the lift.
"Level Seven," called out a female voice within the lift, "Department of Magical Games and Sports…" A couple witches got off and the lift continued upward. "Level Six, Department of Magical Transport…" started the voice.
"Alright," said Tonks, "this is your stop. Arthur will meet you here when you're finished."
"See you later Tonks," said Ginny.
"Good luck guys."
The lift closed and Tonks disappeared on her way to the Auror's Office.
"Come on," said Hermione, "the test center is just down this hall." Ron and Hermione led the way, having been here a few months ago for the previous apparation test. After passing by several doors, they came upon one with a brass plate across it that said 'Apparation Test Center'.
"You guys will do just fine," Ginny said reassuringly as she hugged Harry.
"We'll be over in the waiting area," stated Hermione, "good luck." She kissed Ron and the two girls walked off to the nearby waiting area.
"Well, let's go do this," said Harry, taking a deep breath.
"Right mate," agreed Ron. And with that, they opened the door and entered the testing center.
"Ah, good afternoon lads," said a middle-aged wizard as he looked up from the paperwork on his desk, "here for your apparation tests are you?"
"Yeah," said Harry and Ron in agreement.
"Good, good. Let's see now…" he shuffled through some of the papers scattered on his desk, "you must be Mr. Weasley here for a re-test." Ron nodded an acknowledgement, the wizard continued, "And you must be Mr. Potter, here for your first test."
"Yes sir," replied Harry.
"Alright, now if you'll just give me a minute to set things up, and we'll get our tests started." In a manner of moments, the wizard had prepared the room for Harry and Ron's apparation tests.
"Alright now, in order to pass your tests, you'll need to apparate from this point," he indicated to an 'X' on the floor in front of him, "to the other end of this room, next to the map of Scotland. Got it?"
"Yes sir," Harry and Ron replied in unison.
"Good. Mr. Weasley, you first please. Whenever you're ready."
Ron sighed deeply and walked up to the 'X' on the floor. He looked across the room towards the map, closed his eyes, and with a quick pop, Ron was across the room.
"Ok, so far so good Mr. Weasley, now let's examine your departure point for anything you may have left behind," said the wizard who was administering the tests. He took out his wand and waved it a few times and looked around the area where Ron had disapparated from. There was nothing but silence in the room for what seemed to be hours. The administrating wizard paused, "Hmm…" he looked up at Ron. "Well Mr. Weasley," he said in what sounded like a disappointed voice, "I don't know what to say… except for congratulations, you and your eyebrow have successfully apparated and passed."
A massive look of relief spread across Ron's face as he smiled broadly. He walked back across the room to where Harry was.
"Alright Mr. Potter, you're next."
Harry walked up to the 'X' on the floor. 'Other side of the room, next to the map,' Harry repeated in his mind over and over again. He closed his eyes and felt a familiar constricting sensation over his entire body. When he opened his eyes, he was on the opposite side of the room. Harry quickly glanced himself over to make sure he had everything still attached. He then glanced up to Ron who gave a reassuring thumbs-up.
"So far so good Mr. Potter," said the administrator. He took out his wand and began to examine the area where Harry had been. Harry held his breath, waiting to hear the verdict of his test. After what seemed like an eternity, the administrator looked over to Harry with an expressionless face.
"Mr. Potter…" he paused. Harry stood stock still and silent. "You have successfully pasted you apparation test."
Relief briefly overcame Harry as he fell back against the nearby wall.
"Congrats mate," said Ron as he came over to Harry.
"Yes, yes. Congratulations to the both of you," said the administering wizard, "and now here are your licenses." He waved his wand and produced two small cards out of thin air. Harry and Ron were each handed on and on Harry's was written:
APPARATION LICENCE
Mr. Harry James Potter is hereby
certified to apparate by the
present administrator of the Apparation
Test Center, Ian Richard Stephens
on this the third day of August, 1997
"You two did most excellent," continued Ian Richard Stephens, "why just yesterday, I had a young Mr. Zabini actually apparate to Scotland instead of next to my map."
Harry and Ron sniggered quietly as they left the test center.
"Well?" asked Hermione as they came over to the waiting area, "how'd it go?"
"We passed," said Ron, "with flying colors."
"Oh congratulations," she said as she hugged him.
"Good job you two," Ginny added after she had embraced Harry, "but what were you two laughing about when you came out?"
"Oh, Blaise Zabini had his test yesterday," Harry told her.
"You mean that stuck-up git from Slytherin that was in the Slug Club?" Ginny asked.
"Yeah, that's the one," replied Ron, "he was supposed to apparate next to a map of Scotland, but instead he apparated in Scotland."
All four of them burst out laughing in the hallway. After a minute or two, they recovered themselves as Mr. Weasley met up with them.
"Ok, what's so funny?" he asked.
"Nothing dad," answered Ginny, "just a little inside joke."
"Uh-huh…" Mr. Weasley said sarcastically, "well let's get a move on. I've only got a little time before I need to get back to work. So, how did you two do?"
"Both passed Mr. Weasley," replied Harry.
"Yep, we're licensed and everything," Ron added.
"Congratulations boys. I knew you'd do well," exclaimed Mr. Weasley.
They proceeded back to the lifts were they made their way back to the Atrium level.
"Alright, how does The Leaky Cauldron sound for lunch?" suggested Mr. Weasley. The four teens all agreed with him. "You three think you're up for apparating?" he asked Harry, Ron, and Hermione.
"Sure, I guess," replied Harry.
"Yeah," agreed Ron and Hermione.
"Alright then," Mr. Weasley said, "you three will apparate and Ginny, you'll side-apparate with me, ok?"
"Sure dad," Ginny replied, she grabbed a hold of her dad's arm. A moment later, the five of them had arrived at The Leaky Cauldron.
"Everyone here in one piece?" asked Mr. Weasley. Harry, Ron, and Hermione all acknowledged that they were indeed whole.
They all sat down at a table where the landlord, Tom, sent over some sandwiched and a jug of pumpkin juice. As they ate, Mr. Weasley inquired about their day's activities. While Ron and Hermione enlightened him on their undertakings, Ginny nudged Harry and whispered into his ear, "When we get back home, I want to talk to you. In private." She put her hand on his shoulder in a reassuring manner before returning to the conversation at hand.
The group engaged in conversation about apparation, quidditch, and Wizard's Chess as they finished up their lunch. Afterwards, the five of them apparated back to the garden outside of The Burrow. Mr. Weasley bade goodbye to Harry, Ron, Ginny, and Hermione, and quickly apparated back to The Ministry so that he could get back to work.
"Ah, welcome back," said Mrs. Weasley who was sitting at the kitchen table with Fleur, going over the last minute details of the wedding.
"Hello, 'Airy, Ron, 'Ermione, and Ginny," greeted Fleur.
"Hi Fleur," they all replied.
"So, how did your test go?" Mrs. Weasley quickly asked.
"We both passed," Harry answered.
"With flying colors," added Ron, who was still grinning about what he had heard about Zabini earlier.
"Congratulations you two. We're going to be having dinner with Fleur's family tonight, so we'll be eating outside since there's no way we're squeezing fourteen people in here," Mrs. Weasley told them.
"So Fred, George, and Charlie are coming I take it?" inquired Ron.
"Yes, I want everyone to meet each other. Even Percy, if he ever responds to the invite."
"I don't know mum," said Ginny, "he seems to be literally attached to his job. I mean we haven't even seen him since Christmas."
"I know dear. But as a mother, I still try. You'll understand too someday."
"So Harry, you up for some quidditch while we're waiting for dinner?" Ron asked as they left the room.
Ginny caught Harry's eye. "Sure. I'll meet you outside in a bit. I want to talk to Ginny for a moment," he responded.
"Alright, just don't take too long. I'm sure Fred, George, Charlie, and Bill will probably want to join in when they arrive." Ron and Hermione then proceeded outside to get ready, and Harry followed Ginny up to her room. After Harry had followed her through the door, Ginny closed it.
"Could you do that Muffliato spell?" Ginny asked Harry.
"What for?" he replied.
"I did say I wanted to talk to you in private," she reminded him, "so if you'd please."
"Alright. Muffliato!"
"Go ahead and sit down Harry," Ginny said as she made her way across the room to sit on her bed. Harry joined her on the edge of the bed.
"Ok, so what was it you wanted to talk about?" Harry inquired.
Ginny sighed deeply, "Well, first off, congratulations on your apparation test again."
"Thanks, again."
"And, well… as I said a couple days ago, I'd give you your birthday present later. And it is later." Ginny looked up into Harry's eyes. Harry looked back into her eyes, and a strange feeling began to stir within him as he stared into her soft, brown eyes. She moved closer to him, their foreheads next to each other. Ginny kissed him and said, "Happy birthday love."
They leaned in and began kissing more passionately then they had ever had done before. She ran her fingers through Harry's hair, kissing him even more deeply. For some reason or another, Harry found himself brushing back Ginny's hair and he began kissing her neck. Ginny softly moaned as he did this. Their lips met again, but this time Harry found Ginny's tongue had made its way into his mouth. He unconsciously followed suit and the two continued to snog passionately as if there was no tomorrow. However, Harry quickly came back to reality when he noticed that one of Ginny's hands was beginning to caress his inner thigh.
"Gin, hold on," he said a little panicked, "I-I don't know if we should go that far."
"Harry," Ginny began, "I'm sorry if I made you feel uncomfortable. But, after everything that's happened over the time we've known each other, and with what could happen in the near future… It's just…" she paused.
"Ginny, I love you. And I know you love me too. I just don't think that we should really move our relationship that quickly," Harry explained to her.
"I know Harry, but… with everything that could happen to either of us, I just wanted to know that there might be a continuance of our love for each other."
A sudden revelation hit Harry as he was listening to what Ginny was saying, "Hang on. What are you trying to get at Ginny?"
"Harry…" she started out cautiously, "I… I…" she stuttered over her words, "Iwannahaveyourbaby!" she finished hurriedly.
Harry immediately leapt up from the bed and retreated to the other side of the room. A look of extreme shock was plastered across his face as he spoke to Ginny, "You wha… I mean… We… Ginny, I…"
Tears welled up in Ginny's eyes and she began to cry into her hands, "I'm sorry Harry. I-I shouldn't have moved so fast. It's-it's just," she sniffled, "I want to be able to have a family with you before anything could possibly happen to either of us. You must think so terribly of me now."
The initial shock of the situation wore off of Harry and he took a deep breath. "Ginny," he said calmly as he sat back down next to her and put his arm around her, "I would never think of you any differently then I ever have. I love you. And yes, I do want to have a family with you, eventually."
Ginny looked up from her hands sniffling, with tear stained cheeks. "You r-really do?" she asked him.
"Yeah, I do," he replied wiping a tear off of her cheek, "Ginny, you mean the world to me. I just don't want to rush into things."
"Thanks Harry. And… and I'm sorry for what I did."
"Don't be. If anyone should be sorry, it should be me. I'm sorry for overreacting to everything. I-I just wasn't really prepared to hear that someone wanted to have kids with me."
"Well, how about we just take things one step at a time Harry," Ginny said as she leaned over to Harry and kissed him on the cheek, "and when we're ready…"
"We'll know," he said, finishing her sentence. Then he kissed her on the cheek in return.
"You know, we probably should head out before Ron and Hermione get suspicious."
"Your right. I don't think Hermione could stand playing quidditch alone with Ron for too long."
Please let me know what you think and leave me a little review. And I will try to update this Monday.