A/N: Ok, so I've noticed that there have been a ton of hits to this story, but only a few reviews. All that I ask is if you read the story, please leave me some sort of feedback about it. Please... :) I also apologize for the length of this chapter, but it'll give you something to read for a while.
I'll be updating this as soon as I finish the next chapter, so keep checking back or sign-up for an alert. But be forewarned, I am going to be taking a break from this for a little bit, but I will be back at this in no time.
And a big thanks to everyone who reviewed the last chapter and to Jeffnergirl, when you put it that way... I wouldn't like the sex scene either.
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 13
After waking up the next morning and having breakfast; Harry, Ron, Ginny, and Hermione retreated back upstairs to Ron's room.
"Well, this is the day," Hermione said, "McGonagall will be here in a few hours, and we have a decision to make Harry."
Harry sighed, "Yeah, I know. It would be great to be able to search the school for any horcruxes, but being a full-time teacher as well… would we have any time to search?"
"And you also have to consider the locations of any horcruxes not within the school," Ginny stated.
"And how to destroy them too," added Ron.
The four of them sat in silence, pondering the possibilities in front of them. After a few minutes of this, Harry broke the silence.
"I say that we just go ahead and take the jobs," he proposed, "I mean, we at least have a starting point with that."
"You've got that right mate," agreed Ron.
"But then there's the problem that others will likely protest, saying that you two are playing favorites within your classes. Classes that Ron and I will be in," Ginny pointed out.
"True," stated Hermione, "but there may be a solution to that could aide these problems."
"What are you getting at Hermione?" Ron inquired.
"I'm suggesting that we make a counter-offer to McGonagall when she gets here tonight."
"A counter-offer? Like what?" Harry asked her.
"If you and I take the jobs Harry, then we are allowed to have Ron and Ginny as assistants."
"What!" shrieked Ginny.
"Hear me out. With just Harry and me teaching, we won't have too much time to look for the horcruxes. And with you two as students, your time will limited as well, and you'll not have the access to the school that we do. Not to mention what Ginny pointed out about people alleging favoritism between the four of us. But with you two assisting Harry and me, we'll get through our teaching work quicker, have more time to seek out horcruxes, and we'll have the same access to the school grounds."
Ginny glared at Hermione. "I… just took… my O.W.L.s, and now… you want me… to take… my N.E.W.T.s… just two months later?" she growled. The look on Ginny's face was enough to make Harry, Ron, and Hermione all cringe slightly with fear.
"Look, Ginny. You might be able to get around that for now," Harry reasoned with her.
"And besides," added Hermione, "we don't even know how you did in your O.W.L.s."
Ginny's look quickly softened when Hermione said this, and she absent-mindedly began looking around the room, as did Harry. Both Hermione and Ron immediately caught on.
"When did you get your results?" Ron asked.
Ginny sighed and looked over to her brother and Hermione. "Yesterday. McGonagall gave them to me when she got here," Ginny admitted.
"And? How did you do?" Hermione inquired.
There was a pause before Ginny answered, "A perfect twelve."
Ron hit the floor with a thud as he fell off the bed. He quickly stood up with a shocked look on his face. "You… same as Percy…" he stammered.
"Do not, compare me to that git of a brother of ours," Ginny hissed.
"A perfect twelve," said a somewhat awestruck Hermione, "Ginny, with that kind of score, you should be ready for the N.E.W.T.s already. I mean, you have already done beyond N.E.W.T. level magic with us back in the D.A."
"But Hermione, that's just one subject."
"Gin, I'm sure we'll be given some time to prepare beforehand," explained Harry, "and besides, you do seem to pick up quickly on things."
She looked over and smiled at him, "Thanks Harry. But, I'm really nervous about having the biggest exam of my life spring up on me so quickly."
"We'll get though this," said Ron, "all of us will, together."
"You're right," Ginny responded in a defeated tone.
"So it's settled then," said Hermione, "we'll let McGonagall know that Harry and I will take the posts as long as Ron and Ginny can be assistants for us."
"But which one of us would assist which one of you two?" questioned Ron.
"Ginny can assist me, and you can assist Harry. It's nothing personal Ron, but I trust Ginny's transfiguration skills more than I do yours."
"No excuse needed. I agree with you on that decision. Besides, I did get an O.W.L. in Defense Against the Dark Arts."
Hermione shot an irritated glare towards Ron for reminding her that she was the only one of them not to get an O.W.L. in Defense Against the Dark Arts.
"So, now that that's decided, what are we going to do until McGonagall arrives?" Ginny asked.
"Well we could send her an owl to let her know we've made a decision. So we can have some extra time to convince her about the option if need be," suggested Hermione.
"We might as well," agreed Harry, "feel free to use Hedwig."
"Alright. Now we just need a quill and some parchment to write the letter."
"Sorry Hermione," Ron apologized, "but I used my last piece when I wrote Harry last."
"No problem, I've got some with me back in Ginny's room."
"Well, let's get going then," said Ginny, "Harry, grab Hedwig will you?"
"Sure," Harry replied. He got up to get Hedwig as Hermione and Ron left the room. Ginny was about to follow them, until Harry stopped her. "Gin, can I talk to you for a minute before we head downstairs?"
"Sure Harry. What is it?"
Harry took a deep breath, 'It's now or never' he thought to himself. "Ginny, I-I want you to know that I love you."
"I know you do Harry. And I love you too," she said as she walked over and kissed him.
"I know that. But with everything that's been happening recently, especially with your family…"
Ginny had a puzzled look on her face. "What are you talking about Harry?"
"Ginny, I love you and I want us to be together forever." Ginny's look changed to one of amazement. Was this it? Was Harry going to say what she thought he was going to say? Harry gulped hard and continued, "Ginny, I-I wanted to know if… if… if you would marry me."
A tear streaked across Ginny's face as she smiled at Harry, "Harry… there is no one in the world I'd rather spend my life with than you. Of course I'll marry you." Harry smiled back at her, they embraced each other, and kissed.
"Thanks Gin."
"Let's get going before they get suspicious or something."
Harry nodded, grabbed Hedwig, and followed Ginny out the door and down to her room. As they entered, Hermione looked up from the parchment in front of her.
"Perfect timing," she told them, "we just finished it. What do you guys think." She handed Ginny the parchment. Harry looked over Ginny's shoulder to read it.
Dear Professor McGonagall,
Harry and I have made our decision as to whether
we will be at Hogwarts as students or teachers this coming
year. We were wondering if you might be able to arrive
earlier than previously discussed so that we can let you know
our answers and work out any specifics that may need some clarification.
Sincerely, Hermione Granger
"Looks good to me," said Ginny.
"Same here," agreed Harry, "you got an envelope?"
"Yeah, we were just waiting to see what you guys thought," said Ron.
"What kept you two anyway?" Hermione asked as she put the letter in the envelope.
Harry and Ginny looked at each other and nodded. "Well, it seems that you two aren't the only ones engaged," Ginny announced.
Hedwig hooted very indignantly as Hermione over tightened the letter to her leg. "You mean… you two are…"she stammered. Ginny smiled broadly and nodded feverishly. "Oh congratulations!"
Harry looked over at Ron. Ron looked right back at Harry. There seemed to be an indecisive expression upon Ron's face.
"You alright with this mate?" Harry asked him.
Ron began to slowly walk towards Harry, who thought that Ron might try to punch his lights out. But then a smile spread across Ron's face and he said, "Harry, there's no one I'd rather see Ginny marry than you mate."
"Thanks Ron."
"Um, maybe someone should open the window for Hedwig," suggested Ginny when she saw Hedwig pecking at the window.
"Oh yeah, right," Hermione remembered. She walked over and opened the bedroom window so that Hedwig could go deliver the letter to McGonagall.
"So," Ginny continued, "should we let mum and dad know tomorrow? You know, when we were going to tell them about Ron and Hermione?"
"Might as well," Harry answered, "she might be a little protective of you since you're the youngest and now engaged."
"Yeah, not to mention the only girl. But we know that mum and dad like you and Hermione, so I guess that's one thing we won't have to worry about."
"No kidding," agreed Ron, "So, what are we going to do until we hear back from McGonagall?"
"Why not just go down and listen to the wireless for a while," Harry suggested, "knowing Hedwig, it shouldn't be too long until we get a response."
"Yeah, why not," approved Ginny. Hermione and Ron agreed as well, and the four of them made their way downstairs to where the Weasley's wireless was located.
"Ah, you lot do still exist," jested Mrs. Weasley as they entered the living room.
"Sorry for dinning and dashing mum," said Ginny, "but we wanted to finalize a decision for Professor McGonagall."
"It's no problem dear. So, have you made a decision?"
"Yes Mrs. Weasley," responded Hermione, "and we just sent Hedwig to Professor McGonagall to let her know we've made a decision."
"And what pray tell is that decision?"
"We'll let you know when Professor McGonagall gets here," replied Harry.
"You don't mind if we listen to the wireless, do you mum?" Ron asked.
"No, no go right ahead. I was getting ready to go and meet up with Mrs. Delacour to get the dresses and tuxes for tomorrow."
"Thanks mum."
Mrs. Weasley smiled at the children as she finished preparing herself for her day. Harry, Ron, Ginny, and Hermione sat in front of the wireless which Ron turned on with a flick of his wand.
"Alright you lot," addressed Mrs. Weasley, "I shouldn't be more than a couple hours. If Minerva wants you to meet her somewhere else, do leave a note for me and your father."
"Sure mum," Ginny replied, "have fun with Fleur's mum."
"Thank you Ginny. I'll see you soon." And with that, she walked out the door and into the yard where she apparated off to Diagon Alley.
"Good afternoon and welcome to The Witching Hour. I'm Glenda Chittock on the Wizarding Wireless Network," came the presenter's voice from the wireless, "and now off of her album "You Stole My Cauldron, But You Can't Steal My Heart", here is Celestina Warbeck on The Witching Hour."
"Ugh, couldn't they start with something a little less mushy?" Ron pondered out loud.
"Oh come on Ronald, I think it's quite romantic," remarked Hermione.
"I'm not saying it's not romantic," he retorted, "I just wish they started with something from the Weird Sisters or someone a little more upbeat and poppy."
"You'll survive," she said and then kissed his cheek as she cuddled closer to Ron.
"You know," began Ginny, "seeing that we're the only ones here and mum won't be back for a while, maybe we could consider some possibilities for our weddings before mum gets all gung-ho about them."
Harry looked down at Ginny, and Ron and Hermione looked at each other. "She does make a point," agreed Hermione, "it would be two less things to worry about, or at least worry less about."
"That's true," said Harry, "so when would we want to do these?"
"Well since we seem to be doing the whole 'two birds with one stone' thing as of recent, why don't we have both weddings together?" Ron suggested.
"I think that's a brilliant idea, approved Hermione, "all of our family and friends would only need to show up on one day. What do you guys think?"
Ginny and Harry looked at each other for a moment. "It would give more time to search for the horcruxes if we have one big wedding Harry," Ginny explained.
"Honestly, I think it's a brilliant idea too," he smiled at Ginny. She smiled back at him and then looked back over to Ron and Hermione, who were smiling broadly back at them. Then she pondered to herself briefly before asking, "Hermione, even though we're getting married on the same day… I was wondering if you'd be my maid of honor."
Hermione, still smiling, responded, "On one condition Ginny. Will you be my maid of honor?"
"Deal," she said with a wide smile across her face.
Ron looked over at Harry and smirked at him, "Do I even have to ask you mate?"
"Same deal as best men?" Harry questioned.
"Of course."
"It's a deal then."
"Well, we seem to be getting through this very well, so far. How about when are we going to have the weddings?" Hermione asked.
"That is the question isn't it," said Harry, "should we do it before, during, or after the school year? We're going to have a lot to do as teachers or students, so I'd say either before or after."
"I'll second that idea."
"If we wait until after the school year, anything could happen to any of us with the search of the horcruxes," Ginny pointed out.
"That's true," agreed Harry, "who knows what it'll take to find them, let alone destroy them."
"Mum's not going to take this lightly," groaned Ron, "not only are we getting married, but within the next month… she's going to go mental."
"Well hopefully dad won't get so worked up and can help calm her down," Ginny mentioned.
"I sure hope so."
The four of them quickly turned their attention towards the kitchen door where someone was knocking upon it. Ginny got up and went to open the door. As she pulled the door open, she was greeted by a slightly disheveled looking Professor McGonagall.
"Ah, good afternoon Miss Weasley," she said while attempting to straighten her hair.
"Hello professor," she replied, "are you, alright?"
"Oh yes, quite fine. Please forgive my appearance, I was having a rather heated argument with Sir Cadogen when Hedwig arrived." The snowy white owl on her shoulder let out a hoot and flew over to Harry, perching herself on his knee. "Ah, Mr. Potter, Miss Granger," McGonagall continued, "you have come to a decision on the matter discussed yesterday I take it."
"Well," Hermione began, "yes, and no professor."
Professor McGonagall looked puzzled between Harry and Hermione. "What do you mean Miss Granger?" she questioned.
"It's more of a counter-offer professor," Harry told her.
"A counter-offer? Of what sort?"
"Hermione and I are willing to take the posts, but only if Ron and Ginny can be our assistants."
"Mr. Potter, I hardly think that…"
"Please professor," Hermione interjected, "hear us out first."
McGonagall looked sternly at Hermione with her lips pursed. "Alright," she sighed, "I'll listen to your reasoning. Please continue."
"Thank you professor," Harry continued on, "First off, we're worried about everyone thinking that Hermione and I are favoring Ron and Ginny over everyone else, even the Gryffindors. Then there's all the work we'd be doing as teachers. And having someone to help get through everything will give us more spare time to look for and destroy any possible horcruxes."
"Shhh, Potter," McGonagall hissed, "do you want people to hear you?"
"It's alright professor," explained Ron, "dad's at work and mum is getting all the necessities finalized for tomorrow's wedding. We're the only ones here."
"Be that as it may Mr. Weasley, I'd prefer if everyone be cautious of what they say."
They all nodded in agreement with McGonagall's statement.
Harry continued again, "Further more, it would be kind of difficult searching the school if only Hermione and I have the access of teachers. But with Ron and Ginny helping out, with the same access, we should have no problem ridding the school of any possible… you know what."
"All we're asking Professor McGonagall," Hermione explained, "is for Ron and Ginny to be Harry and my assistants, respectively, for the school year."
McGonagall looked about the room at each of them. Her face was unreadable as she pondered the idea that had been laid before her. "You are a rather stubborn lot," she finally said, "but you do make some very valid points. Alright, I shall inform Dumbledore and the staff of your decision as well as the governors. I'll also let the Wizarding Examinations Authority know that you'll need to take your N.E.W.T.s as soon as possible." She then looked over to Ginny, "Are you sure you want to go through with your N.E.W.T.s so soon after completing your O.W.L.s Miss Weasley?"
Despite the fact that she looked extremely nervous, Ginny spoke very determinedly, "Yes professor. I feel that with some minor prepping, I'll be ready for my N.E.W.T.s."
McGonagall smiled, "I admire your determination." She directed her attention to all of them. "I shall be in contact with you in a few days once the Wizarding Examinations Authority has set a date for your exams. Until then, I suggest you try to prepare yourselves as much as possible."
"We will professor," replied Hermione, "and thank you for allowing us to make our point."
"You're most welcome Miss…" McGonagall paused briefly, "or should I say, Professor Granger."
Hermione went almost as red as Ron's hair at hearing the proclamation from McGonagall.
"I suppose I should start getting used to your new titles now. So until I contact you later about your N.E.W.T.s; Professor Granger, Professor Potter, Miss Weasley, Mr. Weasley. I shall bid you farewell."
McGonagall and the teens, who were now her peers, all said goodbye to each other. Then she proceeded out the kitchen door and into the yard, where she apparated back to Hogwarts.
"Professor Potter and Professor Granger," pondered Ginny, "it's going to be a while before I'm used to hearing that."
"Well, should we get to studying then?" Hermione asked. The other three turned to her, slightly glaring.
"Can't you even go one day without thinking about studying?" Ron questioned her.
"It was merely a suggestion."
"We can hold off and start prepping ourselves tomorrow," Ginny informed them, "the weeding won't last the whole day. Speaking of which, I wouldn't mind getting back to what we discussing a few minutes ago." She grinned sheepishly at Harry as she said this. Harry smiled back at her.
"You just can't get your mind off of it can you?" Harry joked.
"Of course not… professor."
"Professor? What are you lot talking about?" came a voice from the kitchen door. Startled, the teens quickly snapped their heads in the direction of the voice. Standing in the doorway, surprising all of them, was Mr. Weasley.
"Dad!" exclaimed Ginny, "What are you doing here?"
"I took some time off of work to help your mother get everything set-up here for tomorrow. Sorry if I startled you when I got here," he apologized.
"No problem, we just weren't expecting you home this early," said Ron.
"Well, here I am. Now Ginny, did I hear you wrong, or did you just refer to Harry as 'professor'?"
Ginny smiled and nodded. Mr. Weasley looked over at Harry.
"Hermione and I took the jobs," Harry smiled.
"That's great news you two. Does Molly know yet?"
"No, she left before we talked with Professor McGonagall," explained Ginny, "she's out with Mrs. Delacour getting everything right now."
"Ah yes, the joys of the final day before tomorrow's festivities. I'll tell you what, I'll let you two inform her of your decision."
"Thanks Mr. Weasley," Harry replied.
Mr. Weasley then turned and began to make his way to the stove to make a pot of tea. "Could I interest anyone in some tea?"
"Sure," answered Ron.
"Yes please," Hermione agreed.
"Harry? Ginny?" Mr. Weasley asked looking, over towards the two of them.
"Sure Mr. Weasley," acknowledged Harry.
"Thanks again dad," added Ginny.
As Mr. Weasley busied himself with the tea, Hermione glanced over at Harry and Ginny, and motioned for them to come over to where she and Ron were. Harry caught on and gently pulled Ginny in their direction. She followed him over.
"What is it Hermione?" Ginny inquired.
"Shouldn't we also let him know about you two?" Hermione responded, indicating to Ron and Ginny.
"It would be less of a surprise if we tell him now," replied Ron.
"I think we should," Ginny added, "I mean it would be a little easier dealing with mum and dad separately."
The group looked around at each other for a moment. Then Hermione glanced over at Mr. Weasley. "Umm… Mr. Weasley," she began, "there's actually, a little more to our decision then we've let on."
He looked over at them. "Oh," he said quizzically, "what else are you lot up to?"
"Well, we did agree to take the posts at Hogwarts," Harry replied, "but we also asked that Ron and Ginny come on as our assistants."
"Hmm… I see. So would this mean that all four of you would be taking your N.E.W.T.s early?" he asked them all, but looked right at Ginny.
"Yes sir," Harry responded.
"And are you sure you'd be prepared for the biggest exams of your academic life?"
"Dad," Ginny started, "I realize your concern, but I have a good feeling that I'll do well. And besides, I have two great friends and a very caring brother that will help with my studying."
"I just want to be sure that you're ready to go through with it. Even with help from these three and your outstanding O.W.L. results… your mother informed me last night," he added when he saw the look of surprise on his daughter's face, "this exam isn't to be taken lightly."
"We know dad," Ron chimed in, "and none of us will take it lightly, especially with Hermione around to keep us in check." Hermione shot him a quick, dirty look. But she slowly began to smile as Ron continued on, "Without her with us, I know I'd never even think of attempting this."
Mr. Weasley pondered for a moment. "Alright, I can see by the looks on your faces that Molly's stubbornness has rubbed off on you. If you lot need any help, feel free to ask me, Molly, or Charlie. Bill's a little too focused on the wedding right now."
"Thanks dad," Ginny replied, hugging her father.
"Don't mention it. However, your mother might be a little more apprehensive about this idea."
Harry, Ron, Ginny, and Hermione all nodded in agreement as Mr. Wesley walked back to the kitchen where he poured the tea and served it to everyone. They all sat down at the kitchen table and began discussing the forthcoming events of Bill and Fleur's wedding, their N.E.W.T.s, and their new life at Hogwarts. The teens became slightly uncomfortable when Mr. Weasley jokingly asked about any wedding plans they may have.
"Well dad, I don't think any of us have thought about the possibility of our own weddings," Ginny lied calmly.
"I know, I know," Mr. Weasley replied, "I should probably check with Charlie since he's the next oldest after Bill."
"Ha, Charlie get married," Ron laughed, "she'd have to be one tough woman to deal with the way he lives his life."
"No kidding," added Ginny, "the next marriage will probably be Percy to his job." Everyone in the room burst with laughter at Ginny's comment.
"Well, I guess I shouldn't believe that you lot will get married by order of age," admitted Mr. Weasley once he had caught his breath, "I mean, who knows. You and Harry could be next Ginny."
All the color in Ginny quickly vanished leaving her hair and freckles standing out boldly against her now very pale face. Ron quickly interjected himself to break-up the awkward silence, "O-or it could be Fred or George."
Mr. Weasley looked puzzled at his son's quick and stuttered response. "Well yes. That is a possibility," he replied.
"We should probably go upstairs and make sure of what we have to study with," Hermione suggested. She added, "for later," when Ron gave her an annoyed look.
"Alright, but don't busy yourselves too much. I may need your help later when Molly gets home."
"Ok Mr. Weasley," said Harry as he picked up his now empty cup.
"No, no. I'll clean-up down here," Mr. Weasley interjected, "you should keep your studying as the top priority in your minds."
Harry and the others set down their cups and parted ways with Mr. Weasley as they headed back upstairs, followed by Hedwig. As they climbed the stairs to the third landing, Ginny suddenly stopped. The other three followed suit.
"You… you don't think he suspects anything, do you?" she asked, "He seemed really sure of himself when he suggested Harry and I getting married."
"Coincidence," said Hermione, "just pure coincidence. It had to be."
"Well, let's just keep quiet about it until tomorrow," Harry suggested, "I mean we still need to let your mum know about the jobs."
"True," Ron agreed, "inform them of Hogwarts tonight and… us tomorrow?"
They all nodded in agreement, and proceeded upstairs to Ginny's room. Once in the bedroom, Harry and Ron helped Ginny and Hermione go through their school things to find texts from school and various books that Hermione had compiled over the years. They came across many different books from The Standard Book Of Spells: Grade 1 to Intermediate Transfiguration and Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them to Defensive Advanced Potion Making. However, one stack of books caught Ron's eye.
"Why in the world do you still have these?" he asked Hermione as he held up copies of Traveling With Trolls and Year With the Yeti, both by Gilderoy Lockhart.
Hermione went red as she quickly snatched them back from Ron, giving him a sort of death glare.
"Everyone enjoys some fiction once in a while," joked Harry. Instantaneously, Hermione turned her glare from Ron, to Harry.
"Lockhart may have been a phony, taking credit for what other wizards had done. But what's in these books IS what some wizard had done at some time, even if it is shrouded with Lockhart's name," Hermione snapped at Harry and Ron. She then got up from where she was, tossed the books back into her trunk, and sat down on her bed where she stared out the window. Harry thought he heard here sobbing as she sat there. Ron got up and sat next to her on the bed where he put an arm around her.
"We were only joking around Hermione," he said sincerely, "we didn't mean to offend you or anything Hermione."
"Sorry Hermione," Harry apologized, "it was just supposed to be all in fun."
Hermione sniffled, "I know. I'm just a little worked up over how everything's been going." She turned and embraced Ron, laying her head on his shoulder.
Ginny nudged Harry and motioned towards the door. He nodded in acknowledgement and followed her out of the room.
"Why don't we just leave those two alone for a moment and see what we can find upstairs," suggested Ginny.
"Sure," Harry agreed, "I'm sure I've got a few Defense Against the Dark Arts books that will be of some use."
The two of them then proceeded up to Ron's room to see what they could find. Pigwidgeon hooted gleefully when he saw them enter. Hedwig looked over at him disapprovingly. Harry and Ginny made their way over to Harry's trunk.
"Well let's see what there is in here," Ginny remarked as she opened the trunk's lid, "not very neat are you Harry."
"Criticizing my trunk's contents now?" Harry questioned.
"Merely pointing out how haphazardly everything seems to have been tossed into it."
"It's organized to my liking," he retorted.
Ginny smirked and hugged him, "Always the jokester." She turned her attention back to the contents of the trunk. "Hmm… doubt will need Unfogging the Future, but Confronting the Faceless will be useful. Where's those books that Bill and Fleur got you for your birthday?"
"Oh, they're over on the dresser, I'll go get them. See if you can find that copy of Practical Defensive Magic and Its Use Against the Dark Arts that Lupin and Sirius gave me a couple years ago."
Harry got up and went over to the dresser, while Ginny did some more digging through Harry's trunk. Harry brought the books over and set them on the bed with the other books. He then knelt down to help Ginny sort through the trunk's contents. There were clothes, pictures, owl treats for Hedwig, and a now broken sneakoscope that Ron had gotten Harry while in Egypt. But there was something glimmering, that caught Ginny's eye.
"What is this?" she asked as she pulled out a mirror.
Harry looked over to see what was in her hands. "Oh, Sirius gave that to me when we left Gimmauld Place for Hogwarts two years ago. It's a two-way mirror, he wrote some instructions on the back too," he told her.
Ginny turned the mirror over to see the worn message that was scribbled on the back. She tried her best to make out what it said:
This is a two-way mi…or, I've got the o…er one of … pair.
If you need…eak to me, just say my name into it; you'll
ap…r in my mirror and … able to talk to yo… James and I
used to… when … separate deten…
"So, this is like one of those telophones that muggles use?" she inquired.
"Yeah, in a way," he replied, "I think the other one might still be back at Gimmauld Place."
"You know, we could be able to make use of these. That is if we find the other one."
"True, as long as Mundungus hasn't completely cleaned the place out."
"Well it's worth a shot either way. Anyways, this looks like all we're going to find from your trunk, why don't we take a look at Ron's."
"Like he's going to have anything I don't."
"Very true. Well, why don't we go back down to my room with this stuff. Hermione should be doing better now."
The two teens got up and Harry tossed the stuff they wouldn't need back into his trunk, much to the chagrin of Ginny. After closing the trunk's lid, he followed Ginny out the door and down the stairs towards her room. When they reached the landing outside her room, Ginny opened the door and both Harry and Ginny's jaws dropped at what they saw. On one of the beds, Ron and Hermione were in the middle of snogging each other like Ron and Lavander would have done. The duo remained lip locked and unaware of their onlookers until Ginny coughed loudly to announce her and Harry's presence. This startled both Ron and Hermione who jumped and, in Hermione's case, shrieked.
"Don't you knock?" Ron asked while catching his breath.
Ginny glowered over at her brother. "If you haven't noticed, you're in my room Ron," she growled.
"We're sorry you two," Hermione said, "we… just got caught up in the moment." She tried straightening her hair a bit, which looked rather ruffled.
Harry and Ginny briefly glanced over at each other before Harry said, "It's no problem."
"No harm done," added Ginny as they both remembered how they had gotten caught up in their own moment just the other day. Of course, Ginny was hoping that she hadn't just walked in on her brother and best friend about to do what Harry and her had done.
"Ok, so what did you manage to come up with?" Hermione asked as she got up from the bed.
"A couple of other books that Harry had gotten over the years and a two-way mirror," replied Ginny.
"Why on earth would we need a two-way mirror?"
Harry quickly realized what Hermione was implying and answered her, "It's not a muggle two-way mirror Hermione. It's closer to a walkie-talkie if anything."
"Ah, so it's a communication device."
"Basically. You say the name of whoever has the other one and then you can see and talk to each other through the mirrors."
"The other one? What other one?" Ron questioned.
"That's the problem, Sirius had it."
"We're hoping that it might still be at Grimmauld Place. As long as Mundungus hasn't stolen it," acknowledged Ginny.
Hermione pondered for a moment, "Hmm… there could be some things there that might be of use. Again, if Mundungus hasn't stripped the place. What about Ron's trunk?"
"Trust me, there's nothing in there that you couldn't find in Harry's trunk," admitted Ron, "we've taken the exact same classes for the past six years."
"Well there are you smashing dress robes Ron," Ginny smirked.
Ron glared at her, then turned to Harry. "Remind me to burn those later Harry."
"We can also stop by Diagon Alley and see what we can come up with at Flourish & Blotts before we get to Hogwarts," Hermione suggested.
"Good idea," agreed Harry while still sniggering at Ron and Ginny's prior comments.
The next thing anyone knew, Mr. Weasley's voice came echoing up the stairs, "Ok you lot, I'm going to need you down here to help out!"
"Welcome to the battleground," Charlie Weasley greeted them as they entered the kitchen.
"You get roped into this too?" Ron asked.
"Yep. Fred and George however, managed to weasel their way out of this. Restocking their shelves my foot."
Over the next couple of hours the Weasleys, along with Harry and Hermione, worked tirelessly to transform the Weasley's garden into a beautiful, outdoor chapel. Mrs. Weasley acted like a military commander as she dished out orders left and right throughout the afternoon. Once they had finally finished up, they all took various seats amongst those set up before the alter.
"Ugh, I haven't been this exhausted since I last degnomed the garden," Ron grumbled.
"Shh… don't give mum any ideas," Ginny quietly hissed.
"I'm so going to find a way to get back at Fred and George for skipping out on this," Charlie proclaimed.
"That won't be necessary Charlie," explained Mrs. Weasley, "unbeknownst to those two, they will be on clean-up duty whether they like it or not."
Everyone snickered out loud at this announcement. "Serves them right," Ginny laughed.
Mrs. Weasley smiled at the smug remark from her daughter. "Alright," she started, "everyone inside and wash-up. Dinner will be ready in an hour or so."
"Staying around for dinner Charlie?" Ron asked as they made their way back inside.
"Yep little bro. In fact, since the wedding's tomorrow, I'm sleeping over here in Fred and George's old room."
"You might want to be careful of anything they may have left up there," remarked Harry who had spent a night in there the previous summer.
"No problem Harry. After spending nearly two decades putting up with their antics, I've discovered what to trust of theirs."
After they had all washed up and chatted with each other about the forthcoming events, they sat down at the kitchen table for a wonderful dinner of steak and kidney pie, a medley of steamed vegetables, and jacket potatoes. When they finished their dinner, Mr. Weasley looked down the table at Harry, Ron, Ginny, and Hermione.
"Isn't there something you lot want to say?" he implored them.
"Oh yeah, that," responded Ron as he looked over to Harry.
Harry sighed, "Well, we talked to Professor McGonagall about our decision and after fully explaining it, she agreed with what we had to say."
"And what was that decision?" Mrs. Weasley asked.
"Harry and I agreed to take the teaching posts," Hermione replied.
The pumpkin juice that Charlie had been drinking, suddenly sprayed across the table. "What? You two are going to be teaching?" an exasperated Charlie questioned.
"Yeah," stated Harry, "Hermione is teaching Transfiguration and I'm teaching Defense Against the Dark Arts."
"And there's a little more," stammered Ginny, "Ron and I will be Harry and Hermione's assistants throughout the year."
This time, Mrs. Weasley was the one who was shockingly surprised. "What? When did this come about?" she bellowed.
"Now Molly, hear them out," Mr. Weasley insisted, "we did say we would back their decision, and they're going to need all the support that they can get. From you too Charlie."
Mrs. Weasley took a deep breath, "Alright… let's hear it."
"Well Mrs. Weasley," Harry began, "Hermione and I asked Professor McGonagall if we could take on Ron and Ginny as our assistants to help out with our classes. And to hopefully head off any feelings of favoritism from everyone else that they would think we were giving Ron and Ginny in our classes."
"We've also been asked to do some very important work outside of our classes that would be made easier with Ron and Ginny by our sides," added Hermione, "The biggest thing we have to do right now, is prepare ourselves for our N.E.W.T.s, which we'll all be taking later this month before school starts."
There was silence in the room as Mrs. Weasley absorbed what she had just heard. "The four of you are confidant about your decision then?" she asked, breaking the silence. The four of them nodded in response. "I may not like your decision, nor approve of it. However, I do realize that the three of you are now of age and Ginny will be next August, and that all of you have dealt with situations that many adult wizards will never experience in their lives. So, I stand by my word and will fully support you."
Ginny was grinning from ear to ear. "Thanks mum, that means a lot to all of us," she told her mother.
"And if you lot need any help preparing for you N.E.W.T.s, I'll be there for you," Charlie offered.
"Thanks Charlie," replied Ron.
"When are your exams anyway?"
"We don't know yet," admitted Hermione, "Professor McGonagall said she'd be in touch with us as soon as a date has been set."
Mr. Weasley glanced down at his watch. "Well good luck on your endeavors you lot. But right now, I think that we should all get a good night's rest before tomorrow morning," he suggested.
"Yes Arthur, that's a good idea. Bill and Fleur will be here around eight and Fleur's family should arrive soon after that," Mrs. Weasley informed them. "Now everyone upstairs and to bed. I don't want any dozing off during the ceremony."
And with that, all seven of them made their way to their bedrooms where they got into their pajamas and crawled into bed, falling asleep in no time.
Please let me know what you think and leave me a little review, I crave reviews and read all of them. Again thanks for the reviews i have received.
And I will update this a soon as I finish the next chapter. And return from my little hiatus.