In the following weeks, Hannah had become fast friends with Hermione, though she was very quiet and reflective. The young women spent much of their together alone as Hannah was selected to escort Hermione to the loo and bath. Hermione shared many of her worries and hopes with the Healer and felt comforted and understood by the older witch. Hannah never hounded her about her feelings for Ron or tried to press the girl to share them. It was as though she knew that Hermione and Ron needed time to grow up before they could grow together comfortably.
For the most part, the teenagers remained quiet and controlled. Ron and Hermione bickered as per course, but they made up quickly in an effort to keep Harry sane. They kept their burgining relationship quiet and spent a little time each day alone together under the careful watch of Hannah or Hagrid, who kept their secret. Harry had become increasingly sullen and quiet--worrying his friends. The Boy-Who-Lived was doing little to keep himself alive. He slept only a few hours every night and ate little of Molly's food. The Weasley's, the Order, and especially his friends were concerned.
After dinner one night, Hermione had enough. She sat next to Harry on his bed as he tried to escape, but she wouldn't budge. "Harry," Hermione said quietly. "Please talk to me. I'm worried about you."
Harry turned away. "I'm fine 'Mione. Just tired."
"It's more than that Harry. You're making yourself miserable," Hermione said through a choked sob. "You deserve to be happy, ever so happy..."
Harry turned to face his friend. "But not right now," he finished for her. "I have to keep focused, I have to prepare. He's out there, 'Mione, waiting to kill me and I have to be ready to strike him first."
"But Harry," Hermione sobbed, "that could happen today, tomorrow, next month, next year..."
"He won't wait that long, Hermione. He grows impatient..." Harry said with an erie tone.
"Harry?" Hermione asked with a nervous expression. "What's going on?"
Harry reached down to his forhead and stroked his scar. "He's trying to get in, but I'm not letting him." Harry smirked. "Maybe those lessons with Snape are finally paying off."
Hermione's expression clouded. "Harry..."
"I won't tell them 'Mione, I can't," Harry said with ire. "If I do they'll just keep us away even more. Do you want to spend the rest of your life up here in this tower?"
Hermione shook her head no. "No I don't, but I don't think it's right for you to be keeping secrets from Headmistress McGonagall or the Weasley's."
"Hermione," Harry whined, "There's nothing they can do. I just have to wait him out."
"Harry!" Hermione shrieked. "Listen to yourself! Wait him out? Nothing they can do? You're taking it all on again--the load, remember, the whole only I can save the world complex that got us in this situation in the first place!"
Harry threw a pillow over his ears and threw himself onto the bed. Hermione choked down her sobs and pealed off the pillow. "You can't do this anymore, Harry. You deserve to be happy, and so does Ginny. Your being apart is driving you both mad, you know things would be so much better if you were together. You'd have someone to talk to, someone you could trust. Your keeping yourself away from her is only making both of you miserable. She's dying on the inside just as you are on the outside. You'll both kill yourselves if you keep this up. Her hot temper is going to get her into a lot of trouble come fall and you won't have the strength to do anything about it. Don't let your destiny with Voldemort destroy what you have with Ginny, Harry. He's taken enough already!"
Harry stared at Hermione, with his pillow half covering his tearstained face. He eventually sat up and faced her. "You sound like Dumbledore..." he said meakly.
"Well, love is a strong power and it is a power that the Dark Lord doesn't posess," Hermione admitted.
Suddenly, Harry burst into strangled sobs. Hermione threw her arms around her frail friend and tried to console him, but nothing she could say helped calm him. They sat together for several minutes, Harry crying and Hermione holding back her own tears.
"I've botched it up, forever," Harry said softly after he'd stopped crying.
"No, not forever, Harry. Just for a bit," Hermoine smiled. "You need to tell her how you really feel. Preferably after you tell the Weasley's about your scar and Voldemort."
Harry chuckled wryly. "How'd you get so wise anyway?"
Hermione smiled shyly. "Actually, this was something I learned from Ron." Harry gave his best friend aweak smile and he collapsed onto his bed with Hermione tucking him in. Tomorrow was another day and a new start for the Boy-Who-Lived.
The next morning, Charles Gideon Weasley found himself sitting in Minerva McGonagall's office discussing her former house and how he should behave when dealing with her Gryffindors. Minerva firmly stated that her former house should attain the house cup again this year if Charlie kept the Quidditch team in good shape and forced Harry, Hermione and Ron to stay out of trouble. Charlie nodded encouragingly, hoping the Headmistress would be satisfied with his answers. His wife had sent him on a mission of sorts, and he was trying to butter up Minerva before he asked her his favor. His complacency was noted by Minerva who finally said, "Out with it!"
"I beg your pardon?" Charlie asked with confusion.
"It is very obvious that you have something else on your mind Mr. Weasley and we are getting nowhere with you agreeing with everything that I say, so out with it!" McGonagall said impatiently.
"Okay," Charlie said as his ears flushed. "I'm concerned about you leaving Harry, Hermione, and Ron in Weasley Tower next fall..."
"Go on," Minerva said as she quirked an eyebrow.
"Well, I'm afraid that Harry's going to implode because he's isolating himself and he's going to drag Hermione and Ron down with him. At least if their back in the dorms, they'll have other people to count on and talk to. Plus, if we show them trust, maybe they'll try to actually earn it. It could help them to rely more on us and talk to us if they're having problems..." Charlie said without taking a breath.
"My goodness..." McGonagall sighed. "You've been thinking about this..."
"Yes, Ma'am," Charlie blushed. "Hannah and I are all really worried. Especially about Harry..."
Minerva's face turned suspicious. "You talk to your wife about things of this nature, Mr. Weasley?"
Charlie's brow furrowed. "I talk with Hannah about everything.Including my little brother's relationship with his best friend. We're both uncomfortable with Ron and Hermione sharing a room."
Minerva smiled. "Ah, they've finally admitted their feelings then?"
"Yes, and they're spending a lot of time together. Too much time together," Charlie said nervously. "I'm afraid the Weasley genes are going to kick in and ickle Ronnikins' going to knock up his girlfriend."
"Ah," Minerva said as she shook her head. "Well I understand your concerns, but I'm not convinced that the children will be safe if they're left to their own devices. Even if your wifebelieves that they will be."
"Well, I'll bein Gryffindorand so will Hannah," Charlie argued. "And they can still have their escorts outside the tower, but I think they'll be safe with us watching them. We can make them sign some kind of contract or monitor their wands or something..."
"Wait!" Minerva interrupted. "Are you suggesting we give them back their wands?"
"Yes," Charlie said flatly.
"Why? Why should I trust them?" McGonagall said with irritation in her thin lips. "If I give them their wands, they'll try to leave at the first oppertunity."
"How do you know that?" Charlie shouted. "They've changed a lot in these past weeks. They've all grown used to living under our watchful eyes. They're much more thoughtful and aware of the consequences of their actions now."
"But Charlie they've betrayed my trust..." Minerva continued.
"But Professor, you're going to have to trust them eventually. Think of the prophesy! We have to give them a chance. And we need to give them the tools to protect themselves..." Charlie interrupted.
Minerva turned to the portrait of Albus Dumbledore. "What do you think, Albus?"
The portrait smiled. "I absolutely agree with Mr. Weasley, Minerva. We have made our point. Iagree that the teenagers have proved their ability to follow firm rules and we do have to show them some trust. Besides, Charlie's right, they will be safer if they have their wands and keep their wits about them. We can keep the guardians watching over them and monitor them closely, even in the dormitories. I think it will be safe to return them to Gryffindor in September."
Minerva sighed and turned to Charlie. "You have your answer then."
"Thanks professor!" Charlie smiled.
"You thank me now, but you'll have to be the one to convince your mother," McGonagall said with a smirk.
Charlie closed his eyes and sighed. "Oi..."
"Yes Charlie, you'll be in for it," Minerva smiled. "September will find our Hogwarts students at platform 9 and 3/4 with added Auror and Ministry officials as extra security. Rufus Scrimgeour has lent them to us. He has also insisted that all students above fifth year be checked for the Dark Mark. Anyone bearing the Mark will be expelled and sent to Azkaban to await a Dementor's kiss."
"Wow," Charlie said with surprise.
"Yes, it will be a new era for Hogwarts," Minerva sighed. "Just remember that when you are facing your mother's wrath."
Charlie smiled weakly. "Thank you professor," he said as he stood and walked out of the Headmistress's office.
"Merlin help us," Minerva sighed as Charlie left.
Charlie approached the Weasley Tower with trepidation. He met his father at the portrait and smiled.
"Hello son," Aurther smiled as he spoke the password to the portrait.
"Dad," Charlie nodded.
"Where have you been today?" Aurther asked as they walked into the living room.
"With the Headmistress," Charlie sighed as he collapsed onto the couch. "She's agreed to let Ron, Hermione, and Harry back into Gryffindor tower in September, but I've got to tell Mum."
Aurther chuckled. "Ah, now I understand your downtrodden expression..."
Charlie nudged his father playfully. "Gee thanks Pop."
"Sorry," Aurther chuckled. "You don't seem too shaken by telling me..."
"Because you're reasonable and I know we've already discussed it. Mum however, is a completely different story," Charlie said miserably.
"How 'bout I tell your Mum for you," Aurther suggested witha smile. "I'll break it to her when I tell her that we're moving back to the Burrow."
"What?" Charlie asked with surprise.
Aurther smiled shyly. "We cannot live in this school. It's driving Molly mad. We need to be back at home. Bill's going to go back to Gringots and Fred and George back to the WWW. You and Percy will stay here, because of your jobs, but the rest of us are going back home."
"Why?" Charlie asked curiously.
"Because we cannot protect them from everything," Aurther said softly. "They have to grow up and make decisions on their own. Dr. Granger and I spoke last week and he said that it wasn't right for Molly and I to be keeping such close tabs on the children, not when they should be getting ready for life on their own. We need to give them some space."
"Blimey, Dad," Charlie gulped. "Mum's going to be furious."
"Yep," Aurther shrugged, "but she'll get over it."
"Really?" Charlie said with disbelief.
"She'll have to," Aurther smiled. "Minerva's kicking us out."
"What's she going to do with the Tower?" Charlie asked with a smirk.
"Ready it for some new professors and Auror's and Order members," Aurther said simply.
"Hum," Charlie sighed. "It's going to be a long night."
"Indeed," Aurther agreed.
"Thanks for doing this Dad," Charlie smiled.
"No problem," Mr. Weasley said cheerfully. "I'll deal with my wife and I'll let you deal with yours."
"Hannah's nothing compaired to Mum," Charlie quipped.
"I feel the exact same way," Aurther chuckled as Charlie stood.
"Speakin' of my wife," Charlie sighed, "I'd better go find her."
"What's she up to today?" Aurther asked with mild curiosity.
"Studying," Charlie shrugged as he ran up the stairs to his wife. He found her in their room, with Hermione sitting next to her asking her questions about healing spells. "Ladies," Charlie greeted them with a cheeky grin.
"Charlie," Hannah smiled as she stood up and kissed her husband. "How was your talk?
"Successful," Charlie beamed.
"Wonderful!" Hannah laughed as she threw her arms around him.
"Yes and Dad is going to talk to Mum for me," Charlie said with relief.
Hannah laughed heartily. "Great man, your father..."
"Yes he is," Charlie sighed as snuggled up to his wife for another kiss.
Hermione coughed with embarrassment. "Excuse me, I'll just be going."
Hannah pushed Charlie away as he scowled. "Hermione, you don't have to leave. Dinner's almost ready anyway."
"It's alright," Hermione blushed as she slipped out of the room.
Charlie laughed as his wife rolled her eyes and kissed him. "You are going to have to learn how to keep your hands to yourself, Mr. Weasley!" Hannah laughed as Charlie shrugged. "You'll have to be setting the example as the Head of Gryffindor soon."
"Soon, but not today," Charlie smirked as he drew his wife in for another kiss and kicked the bedroom door shut.
Hermione ran upstairs to her room and found Ron alone.
"Where's Hagrid and Harry?" Hermione asked curiously.
"Loo," Ron said as he walked over to Hermione. "We probably have a whole five minutes before they come back," he grinned as he put his arms around her and kissed her. Hermione melted into the kiss and before long, Harry and Hagrid had returned.
"Ah-hem," Hagrid coughed, but the couple didn't notice. Harry blushed.
"Guys, um, guys!" Harry shouted.
Ron and Hermione jumped apart, embarrassed and guilty. "Oh Merlin, Harry!" Hermione winced. "We didn't mean for... we didn't know... we didn't.."
Harry grinned. "Wow, he's rendered her speechless," he said to Hagrid with a snort.
"Harry!" Hermione chastised.
"Well..." Harry laughed.
"You okay with this mate?" Ron asked as he pointed from Hermione to himself.
Harry smiled, really smiled for the first time in weeks. "Okay with it? Of course I'm okay with it. I've known about it longer than you two have. It bloody well took long enough."
Ron and Hermione smiled and laughed. "Good, we were afraid that you'd feel left out or that you'd be mad at us or something," Hermione explained.
Harry shook his head. "Naw, I'm happy for you. Hell, I'm happy for me. This does mean there'll be less fighting, yeah?"
"Please!" Hermione giggled. "I like how Ron looks when he's angry..."
"'Mione!" Ron blushed.
"Sorry," Hermione winced as Harry and Hagrid laughed heartily.
"It's fine," Harry continued to laugh.
Hagrid rolled his eyes. "Let's get down to supper," he said uncomfortably.
"Right," Hermione and Ron said in syncrinized speech. Harry started laughing again and the group headed downstairs. As they entered the dining area, they saw Oliver Wood blushing as Percy beamed and Aurther read aloud from the Daily Prophet.
"Why there is an entire section on Wood!" Aurther proclaimed cheerfully as the group sat down.
"Read it Dad," Charlie laughed as he sat next to Fred. "We've got to learn more about our future brother."
Hannah walked into the room and sat a pot of chowder on the table. "Charlie, stop teasing," she scolded as she sat next to her spouse.
"Never!" George laughed.
Molly brought a dram of pepper to the table. "Oh go on Aurther!" she smiled as she sat. Ron, Harry, Hermione and Hagrid sat next to Percy as Mr. Weasley continued.
"Oliver Wood is a promising young Keeper for Puddlemore United from Scotland. The only son of Micheal McGonagall, twenty year old Wood has a twin sister working as a Healer and a younger sister who was recently offered a position as Seeker for the Louisiana Lances Quidditch team."
"Wait, you're a twin?" Fred asked with amazement.
"Yep," Oliver smiled.
"Lived in Gryffindor with you all those years and never knew you had a sister?" George asked with amazement.
"How come we've never met her?" Ron asked curiously.
"She wasn't allowed to go to Hogwarts. St. Mungos took her to their school for Healers when she was ten. She's been working ever since," Oliver explained.
"Wait, how come Hannah didn't have to go to St. Mungos instead of Beauxbatons?" Ron interjected.
"A Healer is different from a Medi-Witch, Ronald," Hannah shook her head. "Medi-Witches assist Healers and treat using potions, spells, and herbs. Healers use their own magic to truly heal. It's a force within them that can cure illness and fix mishap spells. A Medi-Witch requires less training and is less qualified than a Healer."
"So a Healer is like a Muggle Doctor and a Medi-Witch is like a Muggle Nurse?" Hermione suggested.
"Not really in terms of what they do, but in terms of education and stature, yes..." Hannah drifted off.
"Must be hard," George said knowingly as he looked at Oliver. "Being away from your twin sister for so long..."
"Yeah, it is sometimes, but I'm pretty used to it now," Oliver shrugged.
"So what's your twin's name?" Hannah asked with a smile. "Maybe I know her."
Oliver relaxed into Percy's arm, "Olivia Wood," he said with a grin. "She's teachin' at St. Mungo's now, so I'm sure you've met her."
Hannah glowed. "Oh, I DO know her!" she squealed. "She's great with auras and transfiguration. She helped me with the spells and salves for Bill, made them herself and taught me how to apply them. She's one of the best Healers in England!"
"Micheal McGonagall?" Harry questioned. "As in the Headmistress?"
Oliver nodded. "She's me aunt, Harry. You knew that!"
"No I didn't," Harry said in defense. "Honest."
"Oh well, she is," Oliver said with a shrug. Aurther nodded in agreement and Harry was at peace.
"Continue with the article, Aurther," Molly grinned as she passed Charlie a roll.
Aurther straightened the paper. "Micheal McGonagall, a leading Quidditch coach for Ireland, has often been quoted as wanting his son on his team." Aurther paused, "The Chaser's mother is a deceased Ministry worker who died in the origional uprising with the Dark Lord."
The table, quieted. "Me mam was an Unspeakable, Da's an Order member," Oliver clairified. "Mum was killed when she refused to reveal information to some Death Eaters. She never married me Da, but he nearly lost it when she died."
"Oh dear," Molly cried as she dabbed at her tearing eyes. "I remember..."
"Da raised me and 'Livie on the road with the team. It wasn't traditional, but it worked," Oliver blushed, "At least it did, until Da got a woman pregnant. He hasn't got a good reputation with women."
"Who is your little sister?" Hermione asked with curiosity. "I didn't know there were any other Woods at Hogwarts."
"There ain't," Oliver smiled slyly. "My younger sister was in the year before you and bein' her big brother an all I should really kick Harry's arse for breakin' her heart."
"Huh?" Ron asked stupidly.
"Cho," Harry whispered with a wince as Ginny slammed her glass on the table.
"The one and only," Oliver laughed. "She's the youngest of us. Her mum, Sun Kim, didn't want her kid to be raised around crazy Quidditch players, so she refused Dad and married Lee Chang. Too bad she was up the duff. He was good about it though and adopted Cho. Now we get to see her on holidays and such. It's not ideal, but it's better'n nothing," Oliver said with a long sigh.
"Woa," Ron slumped in his chair.
"Why didn't she tell me?" Harry asked with a pout.
"Don' know," Oliver shrugged. "She's pretty shy an' she was still all sad about Cedric Diggorey dyin' an' all when you two dated. She told 'Livie that she sobbed the first time you kissed her."
Harry blushed a Weasley red as the twins began chuckeling and pointing at Harry. "Bloody Hell..."he muttered.
Aurther quirked an eyebrow and continued his article. "Wood is the most promising chaser of this year and is a handsome elegible batchelor. He currently lives at Hogwarts and plans to teach flying in his spare time at the school. Witches everywhere swoon in his wake, but the Scottish rogue fains interest in the opposite sex, choosing instead to spend his down time with his mates. One can often find Oliver with his friend, ex-ministry worker, Percy Weasley, at the Three Broomsticks. The diseffected youth is a favorite with the ladies and Quidditch fans alike."
Charlie snickered and the twins howled. "Eligible?" Fred spat.
"I demand a retraction upon the honor of my big brother!" George whistled.
Percy rolled his eyes. "And you are surprised? Honestly! What do you think he should do, put up an add--I prefer blokes..." This only added to the laughing as Ron and Harry joined in.
"Well, it's better then this rubbish about Witches swooning for him..." Ginny giggled.
Wood messaged his temples and winced. "Oi..."
"Honestly," Percy huffed. "He has enough to deal with right now..."
Molly's face frowned. "Oliver, what's wrong?" she asked softly, noting the Scott's obvious discomfort.
Oliver shrugged. "Nothing too aweful. Just me Da fighting wid Cho's Mum."
"Oh is that all?" Aurther added with amusement. "I've had to intervene on such an argument before."
"So I've been told," Oliver said as he sighed and sat back in his chair. "Though this one shouldn't be half as bad as the row they had over Cho playing Quidditch at Hogwarts. I thought Dad'd lost his marbles when Sun tried to keep her out of the sport."
Aurther chuckled good-naturedly and returned to the article. "We look forward to Wood's role in the Quidditch World Cup where Puddlemore United will face the undefeated Brazilian Bees. Thefavored Bees should watch out forWoodin Brazil next weekend. Tickets are still available through the International Sports and Gaming Department at the Minsitry of Magic..."
Dinner was completed and Ron and Harry were helping Molly with the dishes when anowl flew to the window and began tapping. Fred jumped up and opened the window and accepted the letter.
"It's addressed to you, Oliver," Fred said as he merrily handed over a dark blue envelope.
"It's a howler!" Ron spat as Oliver took the letter and it burst open.
"OLI!" a young woman's voice shouted. "Da's gone mental! He's such a daft prat! He an Mum are fightin' over me joinin' the Lances! Da's flyin' like a bat outta Hell an' he's drunk. You've gotta help me! Meet me at me Mum's now!"
"Cho?" Percy asked with concern as Oliver stood.
"Yep," Oliver confirmed. "I'd better get outta here, sounds like the row's getting a bit outa hand..." he sighed as he pulled out a coat from the entry closet. Percy followed suit and put on a jacket. Oliver eyed him curiously.
"You'll need all the help you can get," Percy explained.
Oliver drug his hands across his face. "Oh Merlin!"
Fred and George jumped to their feet. "We can help!" they said enthusiastically.
Percy frowned. "I don't know..."
"Sure," Wood interrupted. "Like Percy said, I can use all the help I can get. Just remember me Da's good wid transfiguration." The twins nodded and the quartet quickly exited the Weasley Tower.
"I'd better get to the Ministry," Aurther said solomnly.
"Why?" Molly asked with worry.
"Because Micheal's likely to have mamed Lee or transfigured Sun or done some other hair-brained thing and I'll have to help smooth things over," Aurther explained as he took his jacket from the sofa and quickly walked out of the room.
"Goodness," Hannah said with worry. "Who is this Micheal anyway?"
"Don't know," Charlie said as he winced. "But I bet Headmistress McGonagall does." He stood and fire-called the older witch.
Within seconds the old woman was in the Tower ranting. "What was he thinking!" she shouted. "He could really fowl things up this time! I mean good Heavens!" Molly handed Minerva a cup of tea.
"Here Minerva, drink," she instructed as she sat on the sofa. Harry, Ron, Ginny, Hermione and Hannah were all cleaning and clearing the kitchen.
"What do you think he'll do?" Charlie asked with worry.
"Merlin only knows!" Minerva sighed. "My brother's balmy. He wanted all of his children to become Quidditch players. He was devistated when Olivia had to go straight to St. Mungos for schooling and could never play. Now Cho's been offered a position for an American Quidditch Team. She's dying to go, but her mother thinks she should chose a profession more lady-like. Micheal won't stand for Sun keeping his youngest at home, especially because she wants her to become a housewife. He'll refuse any and all of her excuses. Micheal's been an Order member for years, he's dangerous. I should go help the boys..."
"No," Charlie shook his head. "You need to be here at the school. If trouble is stirred up, we don't want you associated with it." Minerva rung her hands as she quietly agreed with Charlie.
Molly's brow furrowed. "Why would anyone get hurt?" she asked nervously.
Minerva closed her eyes. "Because my brother's an ass. He'll do anything to get what he wants and he'll run over anyone who gets in his way."