A/N: Sorry for the extremely lengthy delay in this chapter, but alas it is finally here (and is also the longest chapter to date). I will not make any guarantees as to when the next chapter may by up, but I will guarantee that I will see this fic till its end. And now here is the latest installment of my fanfic. Enjoy and please comment
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 Deathly Hallows 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 16
As the next few days past by Harry, Ron, Ginny, and Hermione mainly kept to themselves indoors as they poured over all the notes and books that they had accumulated while at Hogwarts. And, as promised, Mr. and Mrs. Weasley, Bill, Charlie, and Lupin all lent help when asked. All four teens were feeling the stress of their marathon of cramming, but from what Harry was seeing, Ginny was taking it the hardest and looked as though she was constantly on the verge of a major emotional breakdown.
"She's technically still a year behind us," Ron reminded Harry Sunday afternoon, "and as she pointed out before, she only took her O.W.L.s a couple months ago. I'm surprised she hasn't started yanking out her own hair."
"True," Harry replied, "I'm just worrying about her emotional wellbeing."
"I know Harry. I wouldn't expect any less of you. But just remember, in another week, we'll be dealing with Hermione freaking out as well. Out N.E.W.T.s are just under two weeks away after all."
"Yeah. And the two of us will probably start panicking the night before."
"Alright, I've got her calm for now," Hermione stated as she joined Harry and Ron in the living room. "We could probably all use a break from studying."
"Those are some words that I've been dying to hear Hermione," Ron said in a rather relieved voice.
"Don't get too relaxed just yet," came Mrs. Weasley's voice as she made her way into the room, "I want to talk to you lot about something else that you have coming up. Your weddings."
Hermione smacked herself on the forehead. "Ugh! How on Earth did that slip my mind!" she shrieked.
"Easy now Hermione. The four of you have had your minds rather full as of recent. We'll be able to take care of everything."
"I'm sorry Molly, I'm just a little wound up over everything."
"It's alright dear. Now Harry, would you mind and go get Ginny?"
"Sure," Harry replied, "but she might stress out a bit more over this." Mrs. Weasley nodded her head in acknowledgement as Harry left to get Ginny. Hermione wasn't the only one who had let the weddings slip their mind. As Harry ascended the stairs to Ginny's room, he began to worry about what might happen at the ceremonies. When he reached the bedroom door, he almost literally ran into Ginny as she was walking out.
"Oh! Hey Harry, I was just about to come and find you guys," she told him in a slightly startled voice.
"Well you found me in no time at all," he grinned. "How are you doing?"
"I'm better now that Hermione got me to relax a bit."
"Well, just so you know, we've decided that we all could use a little time away from studying."
Ginny smiled at him with a relieved look on her face. "It'll be nice not to have to cram all that information into my head for a while."
"There's one other thing that your mum just reminded us about. Our weddings."
Ginny's reaction was much like that of Hermione's, only Ginny appeared to be on the verge of tears as well. "How did I forget… I-I… Oh Harry, I'm so sorry," she cried.
"Ginny, it's alright. We all let it slip our minds. There's nothing to be sorry about." Then an idea occurred to Harry. "Here, hold on a minute." He took out his wand and pointed it at her without saying a thing.
A second later, Ginny was smiling broadly as she wiped away any remaining tears and looked up at Harry. "The Cheering Charm," she muttered, "thanks Harry. You're getting really good about nonverbal spells now."
"You're doing great too," Harry honestly told her, "especially considering you haven't even had your sixth year."
"Thanks again. Just don't rub that in too much, I don't need an inflated ego."
They embraced each other and Harry smiled to her, "Come on, the others are waiting downstairs. We shouldn't have to worry too much about it. For now."
A short time later, the two of them joined Ron, Hermione, and Mrs. Weasley around the table in the kitchen. "Now since you lot will be spending close to a week taking your exams, I think that having the weddings after you finish with them would be a good idea," Mrs. Weasley suggested.
"I think that would be a good idea," Ginny concurred, "it'd be nice to have an entire day focused on us after we get done with out N.E.W.T.s."
"I'm glad to see you're taking this well Ginny. You've seemed rather stressed with everything else that's going on."
"Cheering Charm. That's really why I'm in a good mood at the moment."
"Ah, yes that does come in handy every now and then."
"Harry, Ginny," Hermione chimed in, "before you came down here, we discussed some of the planning and thought that it would be a good idea to just have a small ceremony. You know, family and perhaps some friends."
"Sounds fine to me," Ginny replied. "Harry?"
"I'm alright with it," he agreed. "Have you, um, told your parents about it yet Hermione?"
"Ron and I are going to visit them later on and let them know," admitted Hermione.
"Do you want to consider letting your aunt and uncle know Harry?" Mrs. Weasley asked.
"Well," Harry pondered, "I did let Aunt Petunia know that I'd stay in touch. I doubt Uncle Vernon or Dudley would care about my livelihood and wellbeing, but I'll at least put the invite out there. In person of course. I don't think any of them will ever tolerate owl post."
"Would you like me to go with you Harry?" Ginny asked him.
Harry looked at her with a smile on his face. "Of course. I wouldn't have it any other way Gin," he told her. She smiled back at him and took his hand in hers. "We can go on the day you two see Hermione's parents," he added looking over to Ron and Hermione.
"Ok then," Mrs. Weasley chimed in, "how about we do this on the Monday after your N.E.W.T.s? It'll be one week before everyone's supposed to be at Hogwarts so your friends should all be around if you want to invite them."
"Good point mum," Ginny remarked.
"Sounds good Molly," agreed Hermione.
"We should probably talk to our families this week," Harry suggested to Hermione. "We're already rushing all of this, but we don't want to seem as if we just decided on it the day before the weddings."
"True," Hermione replied, "I've got a good feeling my parents would be a lot more apprehensive about it if we wait. How about we do it on Tuesday? We can at least have some time to come up with a back-up plan, depending on their response."
"Alright then," Mrs. Weasley continued, "I'll inform Father Adams and see if he'll be able to perform the ceremonies."
The next day, Harry, Ron, Ginny, and Hermione laid off of their studies and focused their attention towards informing Harry's and Hermione's families, mainly Hermione's, about the upcoming weddings.
"My mum's probably going to react just as your mum did," Hermione told Ron, "we just won't have to worry about any hexes thrown at us."
"Just some plates or heavy books," Ginny joked.
"No, my parents wouldn't do that," Hermione sniggered while trying to assure Ron that he wouldn't be needing a helmet when they visit the Grangers.
"We should probably call ahead of time," Harry pointed out to Ginny, "my aunt and uncle never did care too much for unannounced visitors."
"I wouldn't doubt that," Ginny acknowledged. "There's a public phone in town we can use. Dad doesn't have one around here any more."
"Alright, we can do that a little later."
"Why wait," Ron chimed in, "I for one could use a break from sticking around here all the time."
"He's got a point," Ginny agreed. "Only one of us really obsesses about studying." She smiled towards Hermione who scowled in return, but wound up smiling as well.
"Some fresh air would probably do us all some good," Hermione conceded.
After a brief lecture from Mrs. Weasley about being safe while they were out and promising to wait for Lupin to follow them, they set off for London.
"I don't think McGonagall is putting too much faith in us passing the N.E.W.T.s if she wants us to get our seventh year books," Ron sighed as they apparated inside a designated parlor at the Leaky Cauldron.
"We all have faith in your abilities," Lupin replied, "Minerva is just a firm believer in preparing for the worst and hoping for the best. And given the current state of things, that's not a bad proposition."
They quickly left the parlor and proceeded downstairs where the rest of the establishment was as dull and gloomy as one of Professor Binns's lectures. With the exception of Tom the innkeeper and a couple of patrons at the bar, the entire place was empty.
"There are a couple of muggle communications in front of the store on the other side of the street," Lupin informed them.
"We shouldn't be too long," Hermione responded.
"Speak for yourself," said Harry as they crossed over to the storefront with the telephones as Lupin watched from nearby. "Unless my aunt answers, I may not be able to get in a word, other than 'Hello'."
"It'll be fine Harry," Ginny reassured him.
"Um… how are we supposed to do this?" questioned Ron. "don't these public… things require muggle money to use?"
Oh, right," exclaimed Hermione as she dug her hands in her pocket. "I was going to stop by Gringotts and get it exchanged, but we can use it here. Just don't get hung up on too much Harry. I only have so much with me." Hermione grinned as she handed Harry some change for a call, along with some extra in case he did get Vernon or Dudley answering.
"Good luck," Ron told Harry as he and Hermione walked over to one of the phones.
Harry and Ginny proceeded over to the other phone which had a wad of chewing gum stuck to the top of it and the phone number of someone named John Roberts written on a piece of paper stuck to the side.
"Don't be too long Harry," Ginny muttered as a tall man in a black overcoat and having an untamed head of hair, much like Hagrid, walked past. "Even with Lupin watching us, I don't feel comfortable out here, given the state of things."
He didn't blame her for her concern. He too was uneasy about being out in the open like this. Harry deposited the money into the coin slot and dialed the Dursley's number. The line began to ring. 'Let it be Aunt Petunia. Let it be Aunt Petunia,' he repeated in his head. But that answered, didn't belong to his aunt.
"Vernon Dursley speaking," answered his Uncle Vernon. "Hello? Who is this?"
"Um, U-Uncle Vernon," replied Harry somewhat timidly.
"Oh. It's you. What in the world could you possibly want?"
Harry was just glad that the phone hadn't been slammed down the second Vernon had heard his voice. "Well," Harry continued, "I was just calling to let you and Aunt Petunia know that a good friend of mine and I will be stopping by tomorrow to…" The phone clicked and went silent. Harry hung it up. "Not what he really wanted to hear," he said, turning to Ginny.
"At least you got to the part of us coming over," she replied. "Come on, Hermione and Ron have finished up."
"I just hope they got a happier response." Harry and Ginny joined up with Ron and Hermione, and headed back to the Leaky Cauldron.
"Any luck?" Ron asked.
"Let's just say, they're aware that we're coming," Harry informed him. "Here Hermione. I didn't need all of this." Harry handed the remaining muggle currency back to Hermione as they reach Lupin on the other side of the street.
"So, how'd things go?" he asked them.
"Good," Hermione replied, "my parents can't wait to see me again."
"How was your conversation Harry?"
"I've had worse," he told Lupin, "but at least they do know we're coming."
"Alright then. Off to Diagon Alley."
The five of them headed back through the Leaky Cauldron and out into Diagon Alley where they immediately came across Fred and George.
"Ah," exclaimed George, "there you are."
"Mum said that you lot would be out here today," Fred added.
"Care to grab something to eat?"
"Later, perhaps," Lupin answered.
"We're getting our things for Hogwarts," Ron informed his brothers.
"Ah, getting prepared to show those little buggers a thing or two, eh," laughed Fred.
"Not entirely," Hermione corrected.
The twin's faces went flat. "You don't mean," began Fred.
"Your student things?" George concluded.
Harry, Ron, Ginny, and Hermione all nodded in acknowledgement.
"Blimey. McGonagall isn't putting much stock in you lot, is she."
"It's kind of hoping for the best, but preparing for the worst," Ginny explained.
"So we see," the twins said in unison.
It was soon agreed upon that the twins, along with Angela and Varity, would likely stop at the Burrow for dinner that evening. So, while Fred and George went off to send an owl to Mrs. Weasley for a few extra place settings, everyone else headed over to Gringotts to get a supply of knuts, sickles, and galleons. Ginny and Ron weren't too pleased to have Harry and Hermione see how much the Weasley family vault had dwindled over the years.
"What's ours is yours as well," Hermione informed them.
"You two have been there for us," Harry added, "now let us be there for you." After Ron had finally accepted the fact that Harry and Hermione would never turn their backs on them because of how little money they had, he and Ginny agreed to split some of the money that Harry and Hermione had.
"So, where to first?" Lupin inquired as they returned to the daylight outside of Gringotts.
"Why not Flourish and Blott's?" Hermione suggested. "We can get our school books as well as scout out some stuff for later."
"Good idea," Harry agreed.
Over the next couple of hours, the four teens made their way through Diagon Alley, gathering their supplies for the new term and making note of possibilities for Transfiguration and Defense Against The Dark Arts.
"This place keeps getting more and more depressing every time we've come back lately," Ron remarked as they made their way back towards the Leaky Cauldron with their purchases.
"Yes," Lupin agreed, "we saw the same thing during the last war. Though not to this degree."
"An amulet of dragon's blood to protect the young ladies from werewolves," croaked a frail looking old man from his makeshift storefront outside of the boarded up Florean Fortescue's Ice Cream Parlor.
"Well that obviously doesn't work," Hermione muttered under her breath as Lupin grinned at her comment.
Soon, the five of them apparated back to the Burrow where Mrs. Weasley had begun preparing dinner for that night.
"Ah, good," she said when they had entered the kitchen, "I could use some spare hands. Since it's a nice day, I figured we could eat outside tonight. Ron, Harry… would you two mind setting up the tables outside. And Ginny and Hermione, could you help me with some of the dinner preparation."
"Sure mum," Ginny answered.
"No problem," Ron replied a little sarcastically.
"Would you care to join us Reamus?" Mrs. Weasley asked as the teens went about their duties.
"Well, since the invitation is out there," Lupin responded, "how could I refuse your cooking Molly. You don't mind if Tonks comes over as well, do you?"
"No, that would be wonderful." Mrs. Weasley briefly paused as she watched over Lupin's shoulder as Ginny and Hermione went outside to set the tables that the boys were putting up. "Reamus," she sighed, "I… I'm just not entirely sure that we're doing the right thing. Allowing the kid to try and teach at Hogwarts I mean."
"Molly," Lupin said consolingly, "I realize that you and Arthur always have and always will have your children's, including Harry's and Hermione's, best interests in mind. But I do believe that Albus has their best interests in mind as well, and knows what he is doing, even if he's only here in spirit."
Meanwhile, out by the garden, the boys were helping the girls finish setting the tables and having a conversation about the next day's events.
"In all honesty, I'm just hoping your aunt answers the door Harry," Ginny admitted.
"No kidding," Harry responded, "Uncle Vernon or Dudley would just slam the door in our faces."
"Well, at least you'll have tried to invite them," Hermione pointed out.
"And at least you know you're going to get in the front door," Ginny remarked, "you'll just have to worry about reviving your parents after the shock hits them about their only daughter's wedding plans."
Hermione grinned a little sheepishly at that fact. Then Ron, who had been quiet up till now, chimed in, "Hermione, just what are we going to tell your parents tomorrow?"
"I'm not entirely sure Ron. I was thinking of just going along with the flow of the conversation. Just seeing how they react to each bit of dialogue. They aren't the violent sort, so everything should go alright. Like Ginny said, we'll just need to revive them if they pass out."
"Alright you lot, enough chit-chat," Mrs. Weasley called from the doorway. "Now come and help me bring out the food. Your father has just arrived and everyone else will be on their way soon."
The rest of the evening went without any further discussion of the forthcoming events, with the exception of continued tips on the N.E.W.T.s that they all tried to ignore. Then, after they had been thoroughly fed and watered, everyone began to depart so that they could get some rest before returning to their jobs the next day.
"Sorry we can't stay any longer mum," George explained.
"But we're debuting our latest skiving snack boxes tomorrow," Fred added.
Mrs. Weasley scowled at her sons, but then pulled them into a hug. As she let go of them, she turned to Angelina and Varity. "I think that I can trust you two to keep Fred and George in line," she told them.
"No problem Mrs. Weasley," Angelina responded, "a chaser can always keep a beater in check."
"What!" exclaimed Fred and George in unison.
"You heard me."
"I'd have to agree with Angelina," Ginny chimed in. Knowing better than to deal with their sister's bat-bogey hex, the twins kept their tongues.
"Come on you two," advised Varity as she led George to the door.
"Thanks for the meal Molly," Tonks remarked.
"We'll see you lot later," Lupin acknowledged.
"Bye," everyone responded.
With their minds full of N.E.W.T. suggestions and their stomachs with Mrs. Weasley's shepherd's pie, the four teens bade goodnight to Mr. and Mrs. Weasley and proceeded upstairs so they could be well rested for the following day.
The next morning, everyone seemed to be a bit quieter than normal.
"Don't seem so depressed," Mrs. Weasley told them, "it's not going to be all that bad. It will come as a bit of a shock since the ceremonies are just a couple weeks away. But Hermione, I remember very fondly of meeting your parents back in your second year. I doubt if they've changed much from then."
Hermione slightly shook her head as she took a sip of pumpkin juice. Mrs. Weasley went on, "And Harry, I know that your uncle is rather hard-nosed about his opinions; but from what you've said about your aunt, I think that she will be rather considerate about your wishes. After all, they've only had unpleasant experiences with the men in this family so there won't be too much angst when they meet Ginny."
"Why are you lumping me in with Fred and George?" Ron questioned. "They're the ones who had that toffee that Harry's cousin got a hold of."
"Ron, need I remind you of your phone call to Harry that same summer?" Hermione pointed out.
"Oh yeah. Sorry about that."
"Well, I guess that's something to consider," Ginny admitted.
After they had all finished their breakfast Harry, Ron, Ginny, and Hermione bade goodbye to Mrs. Weasley and proceeded out to the garden to apparate of to the Dursley's and Granger's homes.
"We'll all meet back here around 1:30," noted Hermione, "and good luck to you two."
"Thanks, we'll probably need all the luck we can get. We'll see you later," Harry acknowledged.
There were a couple of pops, and Ron and Hermione were gone. Harry and Ginny looked at each other.
"Well," Harry sighed, "I guess we should just go and get this over with."
Ginny nodded, walked over to Harry, and grabbed his arm. Moments later, they found themselves standing in an alley all too familiar to Harry.
"Well isn't this cheery," Ginny remarked sarcastically.
"Yeah. It was the only place I could think of were nobody would see us just appear out of thin air," Harry replied. He then looked around the dismal looking alley and sighed. "This is where Dudley and I were attacked by those dementors two years ago."
"I thought it felt a little disturbing here. Let's get going."
But before they even moved a foot, another hand reached out and took a hold of Harry's arm.
"AHH!!!" he jumped as Ginny shrieked.
"Oh will you shut up. It's just me," came a familiar voice. Harry turned and found himself face-to-face with Arabella Figg, an older woman whom the Dursleys had made Harry stay with when he was younger that turned out to be a squib and a member of the Order Of The Phoenix.
"Mrs. Figg, what are you doing here?" Harry asked.
"Molly asked me to keep an eye on you while you're back. Merlin knows what's going through her mind to have me watch you. From what I understand Potter, you can pretty much take care of yourself."
Harry smirked a little at her comment. She then continued, "So what brings you back to Little Whinging?"
"Well… we're actually here to talk with my aunt and uncle."
Their was a pause as Mrs. Figg starred at Harry slightly dumbfounded. "No really, you can tell me why you're here."
"That is why we're here," Ginny answered her. "Harry and I need to talk with his aunt and uncle about something."
"It's a private matter," Harry added, "that we want to just keep between a few people… for now."
Mrs. Figg smiled and said, "Alright, I'm sure I'll likely find out when the time is right. Be safe you two."
"We will. Thanks Mrs. Figg."
And with that, Mrs. Figg went off to her home as Harry and Ginny started down Privet Drive to house number four.
"Just in case, you may want to stay behind me," Harry told Ginny as they approached the front door, "if Dudley answers the door, he'll likely have his fists waiting."
"Thanks. I'm not sure how well I could take a punch," Ginny replied.
Harry took a deep breath as he raised his hand and knocked on the door of his aunt and uncle's house. There was some movement behind the door. Harry readied himself just in case Dudley did open the door. As the knob turned and the door creaked open, Harry was relieved to see his aunt standing in the doorway.
"Harry," Petunia gasped, "I didn't expect to see you back here so soon."
"Well you did say to keep in touch," Harry reminded her.
"That I did. Come on in."
"Thanks And you might know her by sight, but this is Ginny Weasley."
"How do you do," Ginny said politely as Harry formally introduced her, "sorry you've had to meet my brothers and father under some chaotic circumstances."
"I have?" Petunia asked, slightly puzzled.
Harry sheepishly explained to his aunt, "They would be the ones who came to pick me up for the World Cup when I was fourteen. And blew apart the fireplace."
"Oh," Petunia said flatly once she realized who they were talking about.
"I assure you that I am a bit more civilized than that lot," Ginny explained.
Petunia smiled in relief, "Well I suppose there's always someone different in any family."
"Mum, when is…" Dudley starting asking as he waddled out of the kitchen. The second he saw Harry at the front door, his eyes got very wide and he ran screaming out of the hall and up the stairs with his hand clasped over his backside as he slammed his bedroom door shut.
"Sorry about Dudley," Petunia went on, "he thinks you put a spell on me so that I would be sorry about how you were treated."
"It's alright. I've gotten used to that kind of reaction form him," replied Harry.
"Well Vernon is at work so you won't have to worry about being physically thrown out of here." Petunia closed the door as Harry led Ginny into the living room.
"Why was your cousin covering his bum?" Ginny whispered to Harry.
"I'll explain later," he whispered back realizing that only a few people knew that Hagrid had once giving Dudley a pig's tail.
"Have a seat," she offered as she followed them into the room. "Now what was it that you wanted to talk to me about?"
Harry and Ginny took a momentary glance at each other before Ginny placed a supporting hand on his shoulder as Harry mustered the courage to tell his aunt, "Well… the thing is…" he paused and took a deep breath. "Ginny and I… we… we're engaged."
Petunia sat there for a moment, working on absorbing what she had just heard from her nephew.
"E-excuse me? What did you just say?" she asked, not entirely believing her ears.
"We're engaged," Harry repeated, "we're going to get married."
"Wow," Petunia replied, still in some shock, "I-I really didn't expect to hear that."
"It was a bit of a surprise to for my family when we first told them as well," Ginny informed her.
"And we were fully aware of how young we are when we made the decision," Harry added.
"I see," said Petunia, still overcoming the initial shock of the news.
"Aunt Petunia, the main reason we're telling you this is because you, Uncle Vernon, and Dudley are all the family I have left. And we want you to be there… at the wedding."
Petunia sat silent for a minute or two before she sniffled through chocked back tears, "I'd be honored to be there Harry, however, I likely can't say the same for Vernon or Dudley."
Harry smiled at his aunt. "Thanks. And so you know, you won't be the only ones at the wedding who are non-magical."
"Oh? And who else 'non-magical' would be at an event like this?"
"Well there's one of my mum's cousins," Ginny explained to Petunia, "he's just an ordinary accountant. He was at my brother Bill's wedding and will likely be at ours too."
"And there's our friend Hermione's parents who are dentists. They'll be there too," Harry added.
"Well I don't know if it will work or not, but I'll see if there's any possibility to sway Vernon," Petunia admitted.
Harry, Ginny, and Petunia continued to discuss the wedding in more detail while Dudley stayed far away from everything, locked in his bedroom. Once all the talk of the marriage plans had ended and Petunia had finally gotten used to the fact of how soon Harry and Ginny were to be wed, they all said their goodbyes with the promise that at least Petunia would be at the wedding.
"That went rather well," Ginny stated as she and Harry made their way back to their apparation point.
"No kidding," Harry agreed, "I thought I was going to have to duck out of the way of flying china. At least Uncle Vernon wasn't…" Before he was able to finish his words, Uncle Vernon's car drove past them and suddenly screeched to a halt. Through the window, Harry could see the shocked look on his uncle's face. No doubt, Vernon had believed that he was rid of Harry from his life. As quickly as he had stopped, he sped off to his house to see what damage may have been done by Harry's appearance.
"We should probably get going," Harry pointed out.
"No arguments here," Ginny agreed, "I hope your aunt doesn't have to deal with too much of a row."
"Me too."
Harry and Ginny proceeded towards the alleyway where they had appeared, ready to apparate back to the Burrow.
"You know something Harry," Ginny said as they snuck into the alley.
"What's that?" he responded.
"I actually think I'm a little jealous of Fred, George, and Ron."
Harry looked at her with a puzzled look on his face. "Why would you be jealous of them?" he asked her.
"They've all seen your bedroom, and I never did," she told him with a sheepish smirk on her face before giving him a quick peck on the lips.
Harry smiled back at her, "Trust me, you're not missing anything."
The next moment, Harry and Ginny found themselves back outside the Burrow.
"I wonder if Ron and Hermione are back yet?" questioned Harry.
"Hopefully her parents weren't too shocked about the news," Ginny remarked.
Their answers came quickly with a pair of loud pops behind them.
Hermione shrieked, "Harry! Ginny! We weren't expecting you to be right here when we apparated."
"It's alright," Harry admitted, "at least neither of you landed on us." Harry was vividly recalling the time that Fred and George had apparated on Ron's knees back at Grimmauld Place two years prior.
"How did things go with your parents?" Ginny asked Hermione.
"Uh, well," she started to respond, "things went… alright." Hermione paused briefly before continuing, "That is, after mum calmed down a bit. When we told them about the wedding, she just started going on and on about how young we are, how we should get ourselves set in our careers, and that this is not something we should rush in to."
"But after she had relaxed and we got a chance to explain ourselves, they accepted the fact that we do love each other and do want to be together," Ron added in.
"How'd your aunt and uncle take the news? Doesn't look like you were hit by anything."
"No," Harry responded, "the only thing thrown at us was a frightened look from Dudley when we got there. My aunt reacted a little like both of your mums did, just not as dramatic. But she is ok with it and will try to be there."
"What about you uncle" Hermione inquired, "or should I even ask?"
"He wasn't even there. But we did come across him on our way back to our apparition point."
"Hopefully there wasn't too much of a row when he found out why we were there," Ginny told them. "How about we go let mum know the verdict."
The four teens agreed and started to make their way towards the door into the Burrow. But suddenly, Ginny swayed into Harry and began to hold her head.
"You alright Gin?" Harry asked as he held on to Ginny to help her stay upright.
"Yeah I'm fine," she reassured him, "just a little woozy. I don't think I'll ever get used to apparating." She smiled at him and began to lead him onward to catch up with Ron and Hermione.
Mrs. Weasley met them in the kitchen when they walked through the door.
"Glad that things went alright," Mrs. Weasley said when she was informed of the day's events with the Dursleys and the Grangers. "Now it would be best if you lot got back to preparing for those N.E.W.T.s. Your father and I, along with Reamus, have decided to allow you some time for hands-on practice tomorrow. The only problem is going to be for you Ginny. Since you're still underage and this obviously isn't Hogwarts, you're restricted from performing magic."
"And yet I'm the one who could do with all the hands-on experience I could get," Ginny admitted.
"I know dear. That's why your father and Professor McGonagall are discussing the situation with Mafalda Hopkirk from the Improper Use of Magic Office at the Ministry of Magic."
"You think it'll work?" Ron asked his mother.
"Anything's worth a try. You just need to have a little faith Ron."
"A little bit of 'golden luck' would be good right about now," Harry remarked when they were out of an earshot from Mrs. Weasley.
Hermione immediately picked up on what Harry had just said. "Harry, you know we can't," she said rather sternly. "And besides, we don't even know what goes into the Felix Felicis or how long it's supposed to take to make."
"I know, just wishful thinking. I don't even think it was noted in Snape's book.""I'll just cross my fingers for now," Ginny sighed.
But as they came back downstairs for dinner that evening, they were greeted by a beaming Mr. Weasley at the kitchen table.
"Good news," he announced as they sat down, "Mafalda was highly impressed by your enthusiasm and will allow you one day's worth of practice, for now."
"You mean all four of us can actually practice?" Ron asked eagerly.
"Yes I do Ron."
"Excellent," Ginny said with a wide grin across her face.
The next morning after they had all awoken and made their way downstairs, they were somewhat surprised to find Mr. and Mrs. Weasley at the table along with Lupin and the second eldest Weasley child, Charlie.
"Nice to see you're finally awake," Charlie jested as they all sat around the table.
"What are you doing here?" Ron inquired about his brother.
"Well you can't exactly practice with only three teachers now can you."
"You actually came here just to help us get ready?" Ginny asked him suspiciously.
"That, and I'm also away from work while this finishes healing." Charlie showed them his left arm, which was heavily bandaged above the elbow and obviously swollen. There was also a slight red tint that resembled fang marks.
"Oh my," Hermione gasped, "what happened?"
"A certain Norwegian Ridgeback is what happened," Charlie responded with a look towards Harry.
Harry, Ron, and Hermione all guiltily grinned at each other since they all realized that Charlie had been referring to Norbert. Norbert, at one time, was a baby dragon that Hagrid had tried raising from an egg but wound up sending him off to Romania to be looked after by Charlie and his friends.
"Now let's not dottle around all day," chimed in Lupin, "have a spot of breakfast and let's get started."
After quickly demolishing their breakfast, everyone made their way out to the garden where Mr. Weasley began explaining what was going on, "Alright, now. First off we're going to be splitting off into pairs to see how well you can perform some of the various tasks that would likely show up in your exams. Ron, you'll be with Charlie; Hermione with Reamus; Ginny with your mother; and Harry, you'll be with me. After that, Reamus has prepared a bit of an obstacle course for you lot to complete that will challenge your skills from what you have learned, we hope, while at Hogwarts. Is everyone clear on what we're doing?" Everyone nodded in agreement. "Alright then, let's begin."
"Almost reminds you of the D.A., doesn't it?" Ginny quietly asked Harry.
"Yeah, but the N.E.W.T.s aren't the same as the death eaters," he replied.
The whole morning and into the afternoon, they practiced and practiced, and practiced some more. And when they felt good and ready, it was time for the obstacle course. Harry and Ron made it through all right, although Ron there was a bit of a shriek when Ron tackled the boggart that Lupin had brought along. Hermione made it through and Lupin congratulated her on over-coming the boggart since she was unable to last time he had seen her try in her third year at Hogwarts. Then it was Ginny's turn.
"You'll do alright," Harry reassured her, "this is just practice."
"Thanks Harry," she said to him as she took a deep breath and set out into the course. She was successfully making her way through until she faced the boggart. There was a loud, blood-curdling scream from the wardrobe where the boggart was. The next thing anyone knew, Ginny came bolting out and immediately flung herself at Harry when she saw him. She was crying heavily and gasping for air. Everyone around came over to try and console her.
"It's alright Ginny," Harry explained as she continued to bawl into his shoulder, "it was just a boggart."
"No, no," she croaked through her tears, "the shape… Harry, it's shape…"
"What was it Ginny?" Hermione asked cautiously.
Ginny looked up, her face stained with tears, and choked out, "Harry… dead!" She immediately buried her face back into Harry's shoulder and continued sobbing.
"We better get her inside," Mrs. Weasley told Harry. So with a little help from Mrs. Weasley, Harry managed to steer Ginny into the kitchen and sat her down at the table.
"Ginny dear," Mrs. Weasley spoke softly, "it's alright. It was just a boggart. Harry's still right here with you."
Hermione nudged Harry and whispered, "She really doesn't need all of us hovering over her like this. It'd probably be best if we waited for you outside."
"Sure," Harry agreed.
"Wait. You don't have to go," Ginny sniffled as she bloated her tears on her sleeve. "It's reassuring knowing where everyone is. I think all I could use right now is a cheering charm, or maybe just a strong cup of tea."
Mrs. Weasley smiled at her daughter in a motherly fashion. "Sure thing dear," she told her as she went over to the sink to fill the kettle.
"And Harry. No offence, but when it comes to charms I have a little more faith in Hermione's skills."
Harry grinned and told her, "No problem. I feel the same way about my charms work too." Ginny managed a weak smile at this.
Hermione then came over, took out her wand, and muttered, "Exhilario!" A smile slowly made its way across Ginny's face and her tears ceased.
"Thanks Hermione," Ginny sighed happily.
Mrs. Weasley walked over with the steaming cup of tea for Ginny. "There you go," she said, "that should help calm you down more if you need it."
"Thanks mum."
"Nice work on the Cheering Charm Hermione. I'm sure you will do great… all of you. Now if you don't mind, I'm going to go and help the others clean-up outside."
As Mrs. Weasley left the kitchen, Ginny looked over to Harry, Ron, and Hermione. "I'm sorry I went to pieces like that," she remarked. "I just don't know what I'd do without you Harry. Without any of you."
"It's alright Ginny," Hermione reassured her.
"We've all lost it before against a boggart," Ron explained to her, "I froze up my first time and found myself face-to-face with a giant spider." He shivered as he recalled the incident.
"And with boggarts preferring to turn into dementors around me, I had this little fainting problem until I was able to conjure a proper patronus," Harry added.
"I'm sure you've heard about my exam with Lupin in my third year," said Hermione. "I was an emotional wreck after dealing with that boggart."
"Thanks for all the help you guys," Ginny smiled.
Just then, the door burst open and Lupin came into the kitchen holding his left hand.
"Dammit!" he shouted as he made his way over to the sink.
"What happened?" Harry asked rather concerned.
"Bloody little gnome snuck up and sank his teeth right into my finger! Does everything have to bite me?!"
In no time at all, Lupin had cleaned and bandaged up his finger.
"Sorry about the theatrics, but that did hurt quite a bit," he admitted.
"Why don't you all go get cleaned up a bit," Mrs. Weasley informed the room as she, Charlie, and Mr. Weasley came inside, "supper will be soon. Would you care to join us Reamus?"
"I'm sorry Molly, but I have a prior engagement this evening. Maybe some other time though."
Harry was following Ron, Hermione, and Ginny out of the kitchen when he suddenly stopped.
"What is it Harry?" Ginny asked.
"Nothing," he replied, "I just need to check on something. I'll catch up to you guys in a minute." He then turned and headed after Lupin, who had just walked outside to apparate.
"Harry? Not worried I'm going to turn into a 'ware-gnome' are you?" Lupin asked as Harry came out the door.
"No Profes… I mean Reamus. Sorry, old habit."
Lupin smiled at Harry. "Then what is it that I can help you with Harry?"
"Well, there's just one thing that's been on my mind recently especially with Voldemort gaining power. I've stood out forever because of my celebrity-like status. And everyone knows who I am and what I look like."
Lupin's look was now somewhat quizzical, wondering what it was that Harry was getting at.
"The point is," Harry continued, "I was wondering if, by chance, you'd be able to teach me how to become an animagus."
Lupin sighed, "It may be true that your father, Sirius, and… Peter," there was very noticeable disgust in the last name, "did learn to become animagi, however they never did share with me just how they had managed it. And being a werewolf, I never really cared to find out. After all, why would I want to change into another animal when I already do once a month?"
"Would you know anyone who might be able to help me out?" Harry asked hopefully. But as soon as he had asked, he knew what the answer would be.
"You'd want to ask an actual animagus. And the only one that I know would be Professor McGonagall."
"Had a feeling you'd say that."
Lupin smiled, "It's not as bad as it seems Harry. Minerva can be rather lenient about things at times. You should at least try asking her before doubting ahead of time."
"I will."
"Now, I must be going. I wish you well in your exams and should hopefully see you again soon. Professor Slughorn has been kind enough to provide me with a steady supply of Wolfsbane Potion to deal with my… furry friend."
Lupin then apparated off as Harry made his way back inside. Although Ron, Hermione, and Ginny had asked him why he went back, he lied and told them that he had forgotten his wand. They all knew he wasn't being truthful with them, but didn't push it any farther.
"You lot need anything for your studying?" Mr. Weasley asked the next day. "I'm stopping by Diagon Alley on my way home to check on Fred and George."
Harry, Ron, Ginny, and Hermione looked at each other. "No thanks dad. We've got all we need for now," Ginny responded.
"Alright. I'll see you at dinner then."
"I do hope those two are all right," Mrs. Weasley said as she walked into the room after her husband had left.
"What are you talking about?" Ron implored his mother.
"That's right, I'm sorry. I forgot that none of you read the late edition of the Daily Prophet yesterday. It seems that there's been a rash of break-ins throughout Diagon Alley in recent nights. The strange thing is although the places look like a storm blew through them, nothing was taken. Just probably some vandals that enjoy that type of chaos. Nothing to be overly worried about."
"It does sound a little odd, doesn't it," Hermione whispered as Mrs. Weasley went about her morning routine.
"What about it?" Harry asked.
"Even vandals will swipe something from time to time. And the way it sounded, it seems like this may have been going on for some time before we found out about it."
"So you mean that there may be more to this than what it seems," Ginny reasoned.
"Exactly. What if nothing has been stolen, because the culprit hasn't found what they're looking for?"
"Like what? A broom? A stash of galleons?" Ron wondered.
"Or a horocrux," Harry added, "but Hermione, do you think Voldemort might be behind this?"
"Could be. He may have misplaced one of them, and traced its whereabouts to Diagon Alley. We should try to get that article and see if it mentions which shops have been attacked so far."
"I'll be right back," Ginny said as she stood up, "mum usually stacks them next to the rubbish bin after they've been read. It should still be there."
In a manner of minutes, Ginny had returned with the copy of the Daily Prophet. She sat back down amongst the others and spread it out.
"Here it is," Ron said as he pointed to a mid-sized article on the second page.
Hermione read aloud, "For the third time this week, one of the shops within Diagon Alley has been ransacked. 'Despite the state of things, this appears to be nothing more than the work of a petty vandal,' says an unnamed Ministry of Magic spokesperson. The destruction inside Flourish and Blotts – a well renowned bookshop – is the cause of much concern in Diagon Alley. Two other shops, Madam Malkin's Robes For All Occasions and the abandoned Ollivander's, were found in a similar state prior in the week. Although the three businesses resembled war zones inside, Ministry officials insist that nothing had been stolen from any of them."
"Madam Malkin's, Ollivander's, and Flourish and Blotts," Harry pondered, "what would they have that would tie them together?"
"Don't know."
"Maybe we should go and see things first hand," suggested Ron.
"Your mum would never let us out without an escort," Hermione pointed out. "And besides, the Ministry probably has surveillance all over Diagon Alley. So it'd be nearly impossible to check things out without being suspected."
"What about Fred and George? We could check-in with them and get a report about the situation," Ginny urged.
"That could work. We could send them an owl and tell them to act as if they're examining ways to keep their own shop safe."
The group folded up the paper and headed for Ron's room to get in touch with Fred and George.
"Looks like Hedwig is still out right now," Harry noticed as they walked into the room. Meanwhile, Pigwidgeon was bouncing up and down in his cage, as ecstatic as ever.
"We'll just use Pig then," Ron told them. After writing out the letter to Fred and George, Ron tied it to Pig's leg and sent him off to Diagon Alley. "Hopefully the little git doesn't forget how to get back."
"We should get back to studying while we wait for a response," Hermione suggested.
"I'll meet you guys downstairs," Ginny informed them, "I need to have a pee."
"We'll see you in a bit then," said Harry.
"Don't flush yourself," Ron joked.
"I won't," Ginny told him, "I was planning on using you cauldron Ron."
"Ha… Ha… Ha…"
"Come on Ronald, before you say something you'll regret," Hermione urged, grabbing him around the arm.
Harry, Ron, and Hermione were downstairs studying when Ginny made her way into the room. As Harry looked up to see her, he immediately noticed she seemed extremely pale, almost ghost-like.
"Ginny… are you alright?" Harry asked with concern.
"Huh… Uh, yeah… sure," Ginny replied in a misty, far off voice that reminded Harry of his former Divinations teacher Professor Trelawny. She then looked up and caught Harry's eyes. Harry had known this behavior from Ginny, like she had something to say but couldn't put it into words.
"Are you sure you're alright?" Hermione asked.
"Yeah, yeah. I think I might just have some summer bug or something… Let's get back to studying, I'm going to need all the knowledge I can get before the N.E.W.T.s."
No one tried to dig anything else out of Ginny and just went on with their studies. They were uninterrupted into the afternoon when Mrs. Weasley came downstairs.
"Ron, Pigwidgeon just showed up with a letter for you," she informed her youngest son. "He's bouncing around your room right now and seems to be agitating Hedwig quite a bit."
"Thanks mum," Ron responded as he got up to retrieve the message.
"I should probably make sure Hedwig doesn't take out any aggressions," Harry added.
"Hold on," Hermione chimed in, "you might need a little help corralling Pigwidgeon. Ginny?" Hermione motioned towards the stairs.
"Right behind you Hermione," Ginny replied.
The four of them made their way back up to Ron's room, where they heard the unmistakable hooting of Pigwidgeon as they approached the door. Upon opening the door, they saw the little ball of feathers flying all over the room while Hedwig sat, looking rather mutinous, on top of Ron's wardrobe.
"Get over here you little bugger!" Ron growled at the owl. He managed to snatch the feathered bundle in one jump. Hermione untied the message off of Pigwidgeon's leg as Ron held on to him.
"Got it," Hermione told them as se unrolled the parchment.
"What do they say?" Ron asked, letting go of his owl.
Hermione read, "Sorry guys, we'd like to help, but the ministry is suspecting everyone at the moment. And given our reputation from Hogwarts, we're high on their list as to who the vandals are. We will see what we can do in the coming days (as long as we aren't shuffling though our own wrecked shop) and keep our eyes open. You make a good point that this could be someone not finding what they're looking for. We'll see if we can't talk dad into letting you guys visit to get a first-hand look. Keep in touch. Fred and George."
"Well at least they're willing to go along with this and help us out," Harry mentioned.
"There's not much else we can do until we hear dad's decision," Ron pointed out.
"He's right," Ginny agreed, "if the Ministry is being overly suspicious, I don't think we'd be able to do much of any investigating with out someone from the Ministry with us at all times."
"I hate to point out the obvious, but until your dad gets here, we should get back to studying again," Hermione conceded. "After all, we do have just under a week left until the exams."
Hermione and Ron led the way out of the room followed by Harry. Ginny, however, just stood in one spot. Harry turned and noticed her. "Anything wrong Gin?" he asked.
Ginny sighed, "Harry… can I talk to you for a moment, in private."
"Sure." He turned to the other two who were standing in the hallway waiting for them. "We'll be back down in a minute," he told them.
"Take you time Harry," Hermione told him, "she might still be having problems with what she saw with that boggart yesterday." She and Ron left them alone and Harry closed the door.
"So, what's going on?"
"Well…" Ginny started out. "I'm sure you've noticed some, things about me over the past few days."
"You mean like the light-headedness and how pale you were earlier today?"
"Yeah, that." She cleared her throat and twisted her hands in each other. "Harry…" She paused.
Harry noticed that there were tears starting to form in her eyes. Maybe Hermione was right. "Are you still dealing with what you saw yesterday… with the boggart?"
"A little," she admitted, "but that isn't what I want to talk to you about. You see, the thing is… oh, I-I can't think of a way to say it." Ginny turned and faced out the window.
Harry walked over to her and placed his hands on her shoulders. "You know you can tell me anything Gin. And I promise, no one else will have to know if you don't want them too."
She smiled and turned around with tears starting to streak her face. "Harry… I…" She looked away a sniffled.
"Come on, you don't need to turn away."
"I'm… I'm just worried. About how you might react."
Harry looked a little surprised at this statement. "Ginny, I swear to you, there is nothing that you could say to me that would change how I feel about you. You are the love of my life and we will be married soon."
Ginny looked back at him, kissed him on the lips and said something that Harry wasn't expecting to hear. "Harry… I'm pregnant!"
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 hopefully it will take nowhere near as long as this one did).