Harry waited in the Gryffindor common room for Neville to arrive. As a sixth year Prefect, he'd be one of the last off the train, as he'd be helping the younger students.

Ron nodded grimly to him and hurried up to their dorm. Harry wondered how Ron felt, not being a Prefect anymore. Dean and Seamus came over to him and asked about his summer, and thoughts of Ron were forgotten. Harry politely greeted Lavender and Parvati, then talked to Demelza about Quidditch. She was the one who told him Ron had been made Quidditch Captain.

Harry realised it was a good move. Ron was a good strategist, and from his position as Keeper, could see what plays were and weren't working upfield. When Ron came back down, Harry offered his congratulations.

"Demelza just told me you made Captain. Well done," he said, offering a handshake.

Ron frowned, but accepted. "You're not pissed? I thought it would have been you, for sure."

Harry shook his head. "Nah, I'm not fussed." He spied Neville coming through the common room door, Hermione close behind him.

"You're still playing, right? I mean, I've spent most of the summer working our plays for the chasers and beaters. I didn't think to worry about needing a new Seeker?" asked Ron, anxiously.

Harry shrugged. "Sure. I mean, I'll have to check that Umbridge's ban has been lifted, but I got my broom back, thanks to George and Fred. They left it for me on my bed, the day they left."

Ron nodded, "They told me. Oh, hey Hermione."

"Hello. Hi Harry," she greeted.

"Hi, er, excuse me," said Harry, going over to speak with Neville. He didn't notice Hermione's face drop.

"Hey mate, how are you? Sorry we didn't make the train," said Harry. He followed Neville back up the stairs to their dorm.

"That's okay. Tonks owled me, asked me if I wanted to floo too. I probably would have, but I'm a Prefect, so I had to be on the train," Neville said, proudly looking at his Prefect badge.

Harry nodded in understanding, sitting on his bed. "So, any trouble? You know, Malfoy, or anything."

Neville nodded. "Not Malfoy so much. It was Crabbe and Goyle. Their dads were two of the ones in Diagon Alley yesterday. Two of the ones who were killed by Voldemort."

"And they still came to school today?" asked Harry, shocked.

Neville nodded. "I know. Harry, they're pretty angry. I don't think they have a clue that you were there yesterday, but still, watch your back."

"You mean, more than usual," quipped Harry. Neville laughed.

"Yeah, sorry."

"So, Draco didn't get up to anything on the train?" asked Harry.

Neville shook his head. "No, he pretty much stayed holed up in his cabin. Parkinson and Zabini were going in and out, but he was by himself a lot."

"Possibly plotting something. So, who are the other Prefects?" asked Harry.

"Daph and Theo Nott from Slytherin, Hannah and Ernie Macmillan from Hufflepuff, and Mandy Brocklehurst and Terry Boot. from Ravenclaw. Summerby, from Hufflepuff and, er, Cho Chang are Head Boy and Girl." He looked embarassed to mention the Ravenclaw to Harry.

"Well, that's handy, isn't it? You and Daphne, patrolling together at night. Think of all those broom cupboards you'll need to explore." Harry ignored Neville's discomfort about Cho; it all seemed so long ago and was hardly worth worrying about. Harry was pleased for her, though.

"Shut it, Harry," flushed Neville, goodnaturedly.

"I'm kidding. As long as she makes you happy, that's all that matters. You ready to go down for tea?"

Neville nodded eagerly, and the two set off down the stairs.

They were greeted by others on the way, and welcomed by their fellow Gryffindors as they came to their table. Harry looked for Ginny at the Slytherin table, but didn't see her. Instead, his gaze found Draco, staring morosely down at the table. He looked like he hadn't slept in ages, and had lost weight. He looked like he didn't want to be there.

Harry worriedly searched the room until his gaze landed on Ginny. She and Luna were talking to Hannah and Susan. Hannah ocassionally wiped her eyes, nodding to what the others were saying. The Hufflepuff table were understandably quieter than the rest, as word filtered down as to what had happened to one of their own the day before.

Harry's gaze shot back to the Slytherin table, as a scuffle broke out. Crabbe and Goyle had come in and wanted to sit near Draco. Finding some third year sitting close by, they had dragged him out of his seat, threatening him under their breaths so the professors didn't hear. Draco looked up at the noise, his gaze then turned to meet Harry's, then he looked back down again, uncaring. Harry had seen nothing in his eyes. They were dead.

"Quiet please. Soon, we will be joined by the new first year students, who will be Sorted into their houses. Please, return to your house seats, and we shall begin," announced Dumbledore.

Harry watched as Ginny made her way back to her table. She moved to sit near Daphne and Astoria, but to his concern, she stopped to speak to Draco. He barely bothered to raise his head, but Harry saw his lips move as he responded to her. Crabbe and Goyle came over, almost defensively of Draco, and said something to Ginny that made her eyes flash. She retorted something back to them and walked away. Harry thought he saw a ghost of a smile on Draco's face, then his eyes met Harry's again, and he looked back down. Astoria moved closer to him and watched him worriedly.

Harry's attention was drawn away as the nervous first years were brought in.

"Titchy little things, aren't they?" muttered Ron.

"Hush Ronald," scolded Hermione, shooting him a dirty look.

"We weren't that small, were we?" Neville asked Harry, rhetorically. They grinned at each other and settled back to watch the Sorting ceremony. They happily welcomed their new Gryffindors to the table, introducing themselves and offering any help. Harry saw Ginny and Daphne do the same with their new Slytherins, and Susan and Hannah with their Hufflepuffs. One little girl in Ravenclaw was seated next to Luna at the Ravenclaw table and Harry had to laugh as he could hear Luna tell her about the creatures she had been searching for over her summer. The little girl didn't know if her new friend was being serious, or telling her stories to get her to relax.

The meals began, and the students tucked in eagerly. Still, Harry wished he could sit with Ginny. He glanced over and saw her looking at him wistfully. She toasted him with her glass, and he winked back to her.

"Would you mind if Ginny joined us tomorrow?" Harry asked those around him. Seamus and Dean shook their heads straight away, and he knew he didn't need to worry about Neville. "Ron, Hermione?"

They both shrugged. "Guess so," said Ron, begrudgingly. Hermione didn't look overly happy. "We should stay at our house tables. It's the rules," she said.

"Why? She's my girlfriend, and I would like to eat dinner with her. It won't be every night," said Harry, defensively.

Neville nodded. "I'd like Daphne to eat here too."

Hermione threw down her napkin. "See, if you let one, you have to let everyone. Next thing you know, everyone is sitting anywhere."

"What's wrong with that? I haven't seen Luna all summer, and I'd like to catch up with her. Same with Hannah and Susan. What does it matter where we sit?" asked Harry, looking around the table.

"We're Sorted into our houses for a reason, Harry," said Hermione stubbornly.

"I repeat, it won't be every night," said Harry, getting angry. "You know what, never mind, I'll speak to Professor Mcgonagall."

"If I may have your attention please," boomed Dumbledore's voice. The students quietened, and turned to face him. "Thank you. Just a few things to mention. There will be a Hogsmeade visit for third years and above on Halloween. Please make sure your Heads of House have your permission slips. No signed permission slip, no Hogsmeade visit, no exceptions."

Harry's eyes met Ginny's. He arched an eyebrow and she nodded. Harry relaxed, happy at the thought of going to Hogsmeade with his girlfriend.

"Now, due to the events at the end of last year, I'm pleased to welcome two new professors. To take the reigns of your Care of Magical Creatures class, please welcome-Professor Charlie Weasley. He comes to us from a Dragon Reserve in Romania," announced Dumbledore.

The students applauded, but none harder than Ginny. Charlie waved to her, then to Ron, and nodded appreciatively at his warm welcome. He took a seat next to Madame Hooch.

"Did Ginny know about Charlie?" Ron asked Harry. Harry shook his head, having seen the happy, but stunned look on her face. They both turned back as Dumbledore continued.

"Next, I'm pleased to welcome back a former professor from here at Hogwarts. He is a former colleague of mine, and I'm pleased to say he has agreed to come out of retirement to teach Potions for the coming year. Professor Horace Slughorn!"

A genial looking older wizard came forward, shaking hands with Dumbledore. He waved to the applause and sat down next to Professor Snape.

"Potions? What about Snape?" whispered Neville to Harry. Likewise, this was being whispered along all the tables.

"Due to the unfortunate disappearance of Professor Umbridge, Professor Snape has kindly agreed to take over Defense Against the Dark Arts," said Dumbledore smoothly.

"Blimey. He finally got it," said Ron, looking at Harry.

"Before you head back to your dormitories, may we please have a minute of silence in respect for Rose Zeller's family, who were killed yesterday by Death Eaters. Rose will not be joining us for some time, but there is a book of condolence that you may leave messages in. Professor Sprout, her Head of House, will make sure she gets it."

Everyone bowed their heads in respect. Harry could hear whispers coming from the Slytherin table, and quickly glanced over to see Crabbe and Goyle muttering together. Snape walked over and clipped them on the back of their heads.

"Thank you and good evening," said Dumbledore, when a minute had passed.

Ginny had got up and gone over to the professor's table. "Charlie! Why didn't you say anything?" she asked, hugging him.

"Thought I'd surprise you and Ron. Besides, I only got the owl a week or so ago, and then I had to quickly make arrangements to take some time off from the reserve," said Charlie. He greeted Harry and Ron, who had come over.

Harry shook Charlie's hand and then tucked Ginny under his arm as Ron greeted his brother. "How are things at the Slytherin table?" he asked her quietly, kissing her forehead.

"Strange. Crabbe and Goyle worry me, they're too sure of themselves. Have you seen Draco, he looks...I don't know, lost."

Ron had overheard them, and he scoffed. "Still worried about your Snake boyfriend?"

Ginny tensed. "In case you hadn't noticed, Harry and I are now together. He is my boyfriend."

"I think that's great, Gin, Harry," said Charlie, quickly, with a look at Ron. He just scowled and walked off. "What's with him?" asked Charlie, turning back to the other two.

"Who knows what goes on inside his head. Anyway, I'm thrilled you're here," said Ginny.

"Yeah, congratulations, Professor Weasley," chuckled Harry. Charlie met his eyes, and allowed Harry into his mind.

Harry saw Charlie's protectiveness, and realised that one of the reason Charlie was here at the school was to watch over his siblings.

Harry pulled out of Charlie's mind and nodded briefly. Message understood. Charlie smiled at him, then they both turned their attention back to Ginny.

"-living in Hagrid's cabin?" she was asking.

"Yeah, why don't you both come down to tea on Friday night?" he invited.

"We'd love to," said Harry, "thanks."

Harry knew he and Ginny would have to fight for every bit of available time together this year. It was her OWL year, he realised.

"Come on, I'll walk you back to your common room," said Harry. They said goodnight to Charlie, and left the Great Hall, arms around each other. They were completely unaware of the many eyes that followed them.

They passed Neville and Daphne, who had found a quiet dark corner to snog in. They were happy for their friend, and quickly continued on, looking for a place that they could be alone. Ginny pulled him into a small alcove, and placed her arms around his waist. "Missed you."

"I know, me too," said Harry, kissing her passionately.

"I don't know how I'm going to sleep tonight. I've kind of got used to having you in my bed," she said huskily.

"Gods, Gin, stop, or I'll have to slip into your common room and into your room," groaned Harry, as she nipped his ear.

"I like the sound of that," whispered Ginny, seductively.

"Witch," he hissed, his hands under her shirt. "It was bad enough when I asked if you could sit at the Gryffindor table tomorrow night, imagine what would happen if I was found in your dorm?" He grinned.

"You asked if I could sit with you for dinner? That's so sweet," said Ginny.

"To be honest, I'd rather we found our own table," admitted Harry, remembering Hermione's reaction.

"Well, why don't we? There's no rules against it, is there?" asked Ginny.

Harry shrugged. "I'll ask Mcgonagall." He sighed and brought their foreheads together. "I guess I should go. When you get to your dorm, use your compact and call me, so we can make sure they work."

"I love you, Harry. After yesterday, being parted from you is the last thing I want. Now I really wish I was Sorted into Gryffindor," said Ginny, sadly.

"I know. We'll be all right, though. After all, we have the rest of our lives," said Harry, stealing more kisses.

"We do,"agreed Ginny. She kissed him back.

"I better go," said a reluctant Harry.

"I know," said Ginny, not letting him go.

Harry chuckled. "In order for me to go, you have to let me go, you know."

"I just feel so good in your arms. Safe. Happy," she murmured. She pressed her face into his chest and inhaled his 'Harry' smell.

Harry held her tighter. "I love you so much." He palmed her head and tilted it up so his lips could gently kiss hers.

They pulled apart. "Go, while I can let you," she said, almost desperate.

He nodded, breathing hard. "Remember, I'm owling you first," he teased.

"Prat," she grinned.

"That's why you love me," he sang, as he finally walked away.

"Yeah, it is," she said to herself, watching him.

He found himself catching up to Neville, who looked just as heated as he did. "Hey mate," he said.

"Hey, Gin all right?" asked Neville.

"She's brilliant," sighed Harry, thinking of his witch.

"I bet she was pleased that her brother is here. Charlie," clarified Neville.

Harry nodded. "Yeah, she is. So, you and Daphne still all right?"

Oh yeah," sighed Neville, getting a dreamy look in his eye. "I just hate that the Slytherin common room is so far away from ours, you know?"

Harry nodded. "Yeah, same."

"Do you know much about Charlie?" asked Neville, as they began the long walk back to Gryffindor Tower.

"Not really. Seems like a decent bloke but I don't know what he'll be like as a teacher," said Harry.

"He's happy about you and Ginny?" asked Neville.

Harry nodded. "Seemed okay with it. I'm just glad that he'll be able to watch out for Ginny."

"Did you tell her that?" teased Neville.

Harry pretended to look shocked. "What do you reckon? Do you think I'd be able to walk if I said that to her?" He chuckled.

"You and Ginny, you're the real deal," Neville said seriously.

"What makes you say that?" asked Harry.

Neville shrugged. "I don't know how to describe it. You're just...completely right for each other. I'm sorry, I didn't mean to say anything wrong," he said quickly, as Harry shuffled his feet.

"No, you didn't, it's okay. I love her, Neville, I really do. The thought of anything happening to her, I'll be honest, it scares the shit out of me," admitted Harry.

"Then we won't let anything happen to her, will we," stated Neville, determinedly.

Harry clapped him on the shoulder. "Thanks mate. It's good to know you've got our backs."

"Always, Harry. You and Gin are like family," said Neville.

They finally made it to Gryffindor Tower. "So, sixth year. Gone quick, hasn't it? Next year will be our last," sighed Neville.

"Mate, I just hope you know the password so I can get in and go to bed," quipped Harry.

"Yeah, it's Fizzing Whizbees," said Neville, and the Fat Lady let them through.

Neither of them knew that one of them wouldn't be there to do his seventh year.

A/N A couple of corrections-My clever readers reminded me that Nagini was actually the fifth Horcrux destroyed, not the sixth. The diadem and Harry being the two left. Also, despite my stating that i wouldn't change Harry's grandparents names from Chap 2 i have done so as it affected future chapter events. apologies for any confusion, and thanks to the ones who keep me on my toes, you guys rock!