Harry, Ginny and Neville decided to meet up after tea in the Room of Requirment. Ginny had studied hard all afternoon, and felt she deserved a break. Harry and Neville had easily finished their Charms homework, and Neville wasn't patrolling that night.
"I'm sorry about Daph, Neville," said Ginny, as they toasted marshmallows and crumpets in the fire.
Neville shrugged. "Not much I can do about it. I mean, I kind of get where she's coming from. My Gran has certain expectations, and I know it's pointless to even try and go against her. But not about this. No way," he said, shaking his head.
"Tori told me she cried all night," said Ginny, squeezing his hand in solidarity.
"I'm upset about it too," said Neville, "but it's over."
They talked about the news that had been in the Daily Prophet that morning. The Brockdale Bridge had been destroyed, killing a lot of Muggles.
Harry also told them of his conversation the night before with Hermione. Ginny was angry with what she had said about Remus and Tonks being married.
"Do you really think the Death Eaters might attack Hogwarts?" asked Neville, checking his crumpet and quickly pulling his fingers away and blowing on them.
"I have no idea. Still, Tom has a history here with Dumbledore. It would make sense, wouldn't it?" asked Harry, looking from Ginny to Neville.
Neville shrugged but Ginny looked thoughtful. "What about the students?"
"What do you mean?" asked Harry, licking melted marshmallow off his fingers.
"If Tom and his followers attack Hogwarts, how do we protect the students? We have to have a plan to get them out of the school. Let's face it, not many of them could fight and expect to win, not against Death Eaters," said Ginny.
Harry sat up. "You're right. Probably only the sixth and seventh years have learnt enough defensive spells to even have a chance of surviving. And a few fifth years," he added hastily, at Ginny's dark look.
"Or we could get someone to give us advanced lessons in defense," she suggested.
"Who did you have in mind?" asked Neville, shooting a look towards Harry.
"Sirius, actually. Remus and Tonks too. Harry, you should talk to Dumbledore about it. You have a lesson with him tomorrow, don't you?" asked Ginny.
Harry smiled and nodded. It was a good idea, and he liked the thought that he might see Sirius once or twice a week.
"I guess we could use the Room of Requirement, couldn't we?" asked Neville, looking around. "To keep the younger students safe?"
"There is a tunnel that leads from Hogwarts to Hogsmeade, I remember it from the map," said Ginny.
Harry nodded. "I used it my third year, when Uncle Vernon didn't sign my permission slip. That was the time I heard about Sirius. It came out at the Three Broomsticks."
"Maybe next Hogsmeade visit, we can talk to Madame Rosmerta, see if we could use it if we needed to," suggested Ginny.
"I like it. Makes me feel like we're doing something constructive," said Neville.
"Yeah, me too. I like the thought of advanced defense lessons," said Harry.
"You would probably be able to help teach. Everyone's talking about you, Harry. They've all noticed how stronger you are in your magic," said Ginny. "And other things," she smirked.
"Really, I hadn't noticed," said a surprised Harry.
"You haven't noticed groups of giggling girls following you around?" asked Ginny, trying not to laugh.
"Well yeah, but I didn't know they were following me," said Harry, defensively.
"Do I have to have a t-shirt made up-Property of Ginny Weasley?" she asked him, her eyes sparkling mischievously.
Neville burst out laughing at the look on Harry's face. "Think that's a no, Gin."
"You know you don't have to worry, right? I'm a one-witch wizard," said Harry, kissing her.
"I know. Just be careful though. I've heard some of the witches in my year talk, and I've heard the words, 'love potion' being mentioned. One of them is a Gryffindor girl, Romilda Vane," said Ginny, letting Harry lay with his head in her lap. She ran her fingers through his hair, and he closed his eyes and sighed happily.
"Harry's learnt a lot of new jinxes and hexes from that Half Blood Prince book. He'll be fine," said Neville.
"Show me," said Ginny eagerly.
"Oh no, you're not trying that Levicorpus one on me again. I woke up to find myself dangling upside down," chuckled Neville.
"Yeah, sorry again about that, mate," chuckled Harry.
"What else?" asked Ginny.
"Thee's this good one, Muffliato. It kind of lets you talk in private, even with other people around. I was going to try this other one, Sectumsempra, but after what happened with Nev, I completely forgot. Besides, it says to use on enemies. Guess I'll have to wait till I bump into Malfoy and his goons," said Harry.
"How is Malfoy?" asked Neville.
Ginny shrugged. "Back to his usual snarky self. It's like the other day didn't even happen," she said.
"Has he mentioned his mum?" asked Harry. Tori had confided in him that Draco was worried for her as she had been sick.
"I haven't seen him get any letters, so I don't really know. I've been so busy studying, I spend nearly all my time in the library," said Ginny.
"Any ideas what you want to do once you're finished at Hogwarts?" asked Neville.
Ginny shook her head. "No definite plans. I've toyed with the idea of curse-breaking. I really like Ancient Runes, and it would great to travel so much. Bill's always told me lots about it, and I could probably get an apprenticeship through his contacts. But it all depends on Harry."
"Me?" asked Harry.
Ginny nodded. "Of course. Once the war is over, we'll have a life together to plan. Where to live, what sort of job you'll get. I won't do a long distance relationship, they never work out."
"What's wrong with Grimmauld Place?" asked Harry.
"Nothing," shrugged Ginny. "We can use it as a base if our jobs involve travel, but it's Sirius' house, and if things go well with Emmy, well, they'll want their privacy."
"So will we," said Harry, wiggling his eyebrows. Ginny giggled and Neville chuckled.
"I think that's my cue to leave. Gin, I'll catch you tomorrow. Harry, I'll see you back in the dorms. Night," he said.
"Night Nev," they chorused, and watched him leave.
"Alone at last," sighed Harry, pulling Ginny under him on the couch.
"Mmmmm," sighed Ginny, pulling his head down to hers.
"Did you mean it? About the house and they jobs and the travel. Together?" he asked, wistfully.
Ginny nodded. "I want us to stay together. We'll find jobs that will let us do that. I don't know what, but we'll find something. Is-is that okay with you?" she asked, almost nervously.
"That sounds great. Travelling sounds brilliant, especially together," said Harry, nuzzling her neck.
"What about being an Auror?" asked Ginny, running her hands over his butt.
"We could always take some time off after school and travel and decide, see what comes up?" suggested Harry, his hands moulding her chest.
"I, gods Harry, will still have a year to go, oh, after you've finished. Merlin, Harry," gasped Ginny, as his hands wandered lower.
He stilled, having forgotten that. "Right. Well, that's gonna suck."
Ginny laughed. "We'll worry about it when it happens."
He kissed her. "Thank you."
"What for" she asked.
"For giving me a reason to want to end this thing with Tom. A life with you, a home, a family of my own. I want it and I'll be damned if I let Tom take it away from me," he stated. He kissed her hard.
"Harry, whatever happens, I'll be by your side. I love you," said Ginny, her eyes shining bright.
"And I love you. Forever," he whispered, claiming her mouth again and again.
To Harry's delight, Dumbledore liked the idea of extra defense lessons. At first he suggested Professor Snape take them, but at his and Harry's third lesson together, he mentioned that Sirius and Tonks were coming to speak to the students the next day. They would also be allowed to stay for dinner and join him and Ginny at their own table.
Sirius and Tonks came the next day and spoke to the students after lunch. It was not compulsory for the students to attend these extra lessons, or they could try them and decide if they wanted to continue. Then they all went to an extended classroom. Draco, Crabbe and Goyle didn't attend.
Tonks got the interested students to gather in their years. She bundled the seventh and sixth years together, then the fifth and fourth years, and then the third and second years.
"My husband, Professor Lupin, will be here next time, to help us out," she announced. "For today, I want to see what you know. Harry, Neville, front and centre."
The older students remembered Professor Lupin and smiles and murmurs went around the room, pleased that they would see him again. They watched eagerly as Tonks, Harry and Neville explained and demonstrated what they wanted the senior students to learn.
Sirius took the remaining two groups. He pulled Ginny aside to help him, and they showed some basic shield charms and defensive spells. Ginny was really good with the younger kids, and was patient in showing them correct wand movement.
The first years sat and watched. Sirius and Tonks came and spoke to them, assuring them that they were going to learn things too, but today was for watching and learning.
There was no doubt everyone's eyes were on Harry. He moved effortlessly, and his magic seemed to just flow from him. Neville was a worker, and he had improved also.
The two new 'Professors' finally wound it down. "Thanks for coming today. Have a think about what we've done. Practice in a controlled environment. If you have any questions, write them down and ask us next time, or you can go to Harry Potter, Neville Longbottom or Ginny Weasley. Also, your Heads of House are always there to help you. Don't forget that," said Tonks.
Applause broke out, and Tonks curtseyied. The students bustled out, talking enthusuastically.
"I think it went well," said Sirius.
"You guys were a hit. This wil give the students a good fighting chance," said Ginny, hugging Sirius.
"It was a good idea, guys," said Tonks.
"How's Remus?" asked Harry.
"He's good, just-full moon last night, you know," she shrugged.
"Well, the students seemed happy to have him back," smiled Ginny. She linked her arm through Tonks'. "Shall we go down for dinner?" The two witches walked out, leaving the men to follow.
"How are things with you and Emmy?" asked Harry.
"Good. We're just taking it one day at a time," said Sirius. "Merlin, it's strange to be here again. At least I've still got a Potter by my side."
Harry chuckled. "Any news of anything else?"
Sirius shook his head. "You probably heard about the Brockdale Bridge. Well, we think that was when Voldemort found out about Nagini. That was his vengeance."
Harry nodded. "I wondered the same thing. What about the Horcrux?"
Sirius sighed, shaking his head. "We checked out Borgin and Burkes, but nothing. We've basically got no idea at the moment. Has Albus said anything to you? How are his lessons going?"
"Good. We just mostly work on enhancing my magic," said Harry. He let his magic out and surround Sirius.
"Merlin, that's strong. That's definitely improving," nodded Sirius.
"He said he might take me somewhere, but he didn't say where, or even when," said Harry.
"Huh. Well, if you can, let someone know when you're leaving. I still don't trust the old bastard," said Sirius, entering the Great Hall.
"Good Evening, Sirius. Talking about anyone I know?" asked Dumbledore smoothly.
"Oh, I think we both know who I'm talking about," said Sirius, looking him eye to eye.
Dumbledore was the first to look away. "Well, by the sounds of it, your initial lesson was a success. Congratulations and enjoy your meal." He walked away to sit at the head of the professor's table, where he was immediately caught up in a conversation with Professor Trelawney.
To Harry's delight, most of their close friends respected the idea that he might want to sit with his family alone, so it was just Harry, Ginny, Sirius and Tonks at their usual table.
"United Nations, huh," chuckled Sirius, when Ginny told him the story.
"Well, so far we've had Luna, Hannah, Susan, Tori and, of course, Neville join us," said Ginny.
Several students stopped by to thank Sirius and Tonks, and to express their delight in seeing Professor Lupin next time. Tonks was gracious, promising to pass on their messages to her husband.
"Sirius, I was wondering. Have you heard anything about Narcissa Malfoy? Apparantly she was ill most of the summer holidays," asked Ginny.
"I can ask Andi, but I haven't heard anything. Why?" asked Sirius.
"Draco's worried about her," said Ginny. "He's sent her several letters, but they all come back unopened."
"I noticed our cousin and his friends weren't at our little get together today," smirked Tonks.
"He said Tom has a power over him. Harry checked, he's not being Imperiused or anything. What do you think it means? I told him to go and see Dumbledore, but I don't think he will," said Ginny.
"You can't help someone who doesn't want it. So, what did you two think of the lessons today? Anything you can think of?" he asked.
Harry thought about it. "Do you think we can try and teach the older students the Patronus. I know we were taught it in third year but not many of us were able to produce a full corporeal Patronus. Can we go back to that?"
"I still can't do a full corporeal one," said Ginny, ruefully.
"Yeah, we can do that," said Sirius.
"So, we're working on the theory that the Death Eaters are going to come to the school. The fifth, sixth and seventh years are the ones that will be fighting with the teachers, while the fourth and third years are defending the younger students and trying to get them to safety. Is that it?" asked Ginny, helping herself to a bowl of soup and crusty bread.
"What about if they find another way to get into the castle?" asked Harry. "I mean, if we know about the tunnels under the school, what if they do too?" he asked.
"We kind of thought the Room of Requirement can be our safe place," said Ginny, breaking off some bread and dunking it in her soup. "We can get everyone to meet there, and then, depending on where the fighting is, we need to have some plans to evacuate the students, first and second years priority."
"You'll need to have someone older with them, someone they trust. Someone to keep them in order and tell them what to do and when to do it. Any ideas?" asked Tonks, dripping tomato soup on her Auror robes.
Harry and Ginny looked at each other. "A few names come to mind. Hermione? She'd be cool in a crisis," said Harry.
Ginny shook her head. "She'll be one of your best fighters, you'll need her fighting in the castle. Same with Neville. I know a lot of the younger students look up to him, but I'd rather he stick with you. I was thinking Hannah or Susan, or even Cho. She's Head Girl, so straight away she's someone all the students know."
"What about if she falls apart during the battle?" asked Harry.
"Any one could fall apart during the battle," argued Ginny.
"Woah, woah, slow down you two," laughed Sirius. "You don't have to decide tonight. Think about it, approach them."
"You're right," sighed Ginny, "sorry," she said to Harry, who nodded and smiled at her.
"This might just all be a waste of time. We have no evidence that Voldemort will even come to Hogwarts anyway," said Sirius.
"It's not a waste of time. These are handy life skills, Sirius," said Tonks. "Someone may decide to go on and become an Auror, because of what they'll learn from us, and that's a good thing."
"I suppose," said Sirius.
"Let's change the subject. How's Emmy?" asked Ginny to Sirius. Tonks snorted.
"She's fine. We're just taking it slowly, one day at a time," repeated Sirius.
"Well, that's a load of bollocks," said Ginny. "Hell, none of us know how long we have. Do something crazy. Ask her to move in with you."
Sirius had just taken a mouthful of food when Ginny said that. He swallowed quickly, making himself cough. "P-Pardon?"
"What are you waiting for? I know I want to spend as much time with Harry as I can. Don't you feel the same way about her? I'm guessing she's off doing things for the Order?" asked Ginny.
Sirius nodded. "I go with her when I can," he said.
Ginny took his hand. "Because you care and worry about her. Sirius, none of us know how long we have. You've already been robbed of so much time away from your friends when you were in Azkaban. Emmy told me about you and Marlene. Don't let this other shit deny you a second chance at love."
Sirius stared at her, as did Harry and Tonks. Sirius cleared his throat. "Well, I, ah... I think you're right, Gin."
"You do?" asked Ginny, surprised.
"You do?" asked Harry and Tonks together.
"Yeah, I do." He wiped his mouth and threw down his napkin. "Do you guys mind if I leave now. Tonks, you're flooing home? I-I think there's someone I need to go and see. Now."
"Right now?" asked an amused Tonks.
"Go for it," smiled Harry.
Sirius kissed Ginny on the top of her head. "Thanks, Gin. Think I needed a boot up my bum."
"I'm your girl," she said happily. "Tell Emmy we all said hi."
Sirius nodded and went to say goodnight to all the professors. Ginny, Tonks and Harry watched him go.
"You've both changed him for the better, you know," said Tonks.
"What did we do?" asked Harry and Ginny, looking at each other.
"Made him grow up. Made him be a father," said Tonks.
"Speaking of -" said Ginny, before Tonks put her hand up.
"Stop right there. It took a lot for Remus to agree to marry. Let's just say the baby discussion has been put on hold for the time being," said Tonks, a little bit sadly.
"What about Sirius? If he and Emmy get together, do you think they'll have kids?" asked Ginny.
"What's with all the questions about kids? What about you and Harry?" grinned Tonks.
"Oh, we're having eight. Harry already decided," said Ginny, matter of factly.
Harry just grinned and nodded, eating his ice cream.