Harry had a restless night. He got up early the next morning, knowing what he had to do. He dressed and went to the Infirmary to speak to Draco. In the presence of Madame Pomfrey he apologised for his actions. Draco had accepted his apology and Madame Pomfrey, pleased at this turn of events, left them alone.

"So, who made you do it. Dumbledore, Snape? Or was it the little woman. Did Weaslette get in your ear?" asked an amused Draco.

"Made me do what?" asked Harry.

"Apologise," said Malfoy.

"No one made me, in fact, no one even knows I'm here. When Ginny told me-" began Harry.

"Ha, I knew she had a hand in it somewhere," scoffed Draco.

"-when Ginny told me you had actually helped her get away from Crabbe and Goyle, I felt terrible. Why didn't you say anything?" asked Harry.

Draco just shrugged and looked away. "What does it matter?"

"I bloody hexed you for no reason," said Harry.

"Yeah, nice spell by the way. Who knew Saint Potter knew such dark spells."smirked Malfoy.

"I could have bloody killed you with it!" yelled Harry.

"But you didn't. I live to fight another day," said Draco with false bravado. There was silence as they both considered what Malfoy had said.

"Pity we'll both miss the Quidditch match," sighed Harry.

"I've got more important things on my mind, Potter," snapped Draco.

Harry debated whether to ask him what he'd been doing in the Room of Requirement, but Madame Pomfrey came by with some potions and shooed Harry away.

"I guess I should go. Again, I'm sorry," said Harry.

"Again, forget about it," said Draco.

Harry knew he wouldn't forget about. He had nearly killed someone, and it had torn him up. How was he then supposed to defeat Voldemort?

The last thing Harry expected that morning when he went into the Great Hall for breakfast was to be looked upon with sympathy. He had planned to keep a low profile, but various students came up and congratulated him for 'sticking it'[ to Malfoy, and sympathised with his detention.

It only made Harry feel worse about the whole thing. Ron came and sat at the table, glowering at him. When Harry had told him last night in the dorms that he would miss Gryffindor's first Quidditch match and why, Harry thought Ron was either going to pass out or cry. With the benefit of time, now Ron looked like he wanted to kill Harry. He was busy trying to shuffle his team and shooting Harry dirty looks.

Ginny had the opposite problem. She had been hounded by the Slytherin team, begging her to come back and play Seeker for the upcoming match. Ginny refused, saying with only a couple of days till the match, there was no way she'd be match ready. She had no intention of replacing Draco. It would be like a kick in the guts to Harry, and she'd never hurt his feelings like that. She had no intention of even telling him.

She watched as Colin Creevy went up to Harry at the Gryffindor table. Whatever he said seemed to frustrate Harry. He banged his fist on the table. "For the last time, I fucked up, all right? Draco did nothing wrong. It was me, all me."

The Great Hall went quiet. "Draco deserved it, Harry," someone bravely yelled.

Harry looked up, seeing all eyes on him. "Actually, he didn't. Draco saved Ginny Weasley from two wannabe Death Eaters who have been terrorising the younger students."

Harry heard gasps from all around. "I threw a curse I really didn't know anything about. It could have killed him, but luckily, Professors Snape and Slughorn were close by and came to help Draco. With Madame Pomfrey's help, Draco will be back in a few days. I visited him this morning, and apologised."

Dumbledore looked on as the students gasped again at Harry's revelations. Mcgonagall looked on proudly; Slughorn looked on, pleased to be mentioned. Snape looked on, his face impassive.

"This is why we need to learn all we can. I fucked up, badly. It could have cost someone a life that didn't deserve to die," said Harry. He stood and reached down to get his bag.

"He's from a Death Eater family, he's probably one too," said an anonymous voice.

Harry stood up and looked in the direction of the voice. "When you have proof, then you can say it. Learn from my mistakes. Before you make one you can't take back."

Harry got up and walked out of the Great Hall. Ginny jumped up to follow him.

Luna sat at the Ravenclaw table. She started to clap. Slowly one or two others from her table joined in, then more from other tables.

Mcgonagall joined in, then Slughorn. Soon most of the Great Hall were applauding Harry's words.

The only ones that weren't were from the Upper Slytherins.

Dumbledore leaned over to whisper in Mcgonagall's ear. "And that is why, when the time comes, he will be a great leader. It took guts to go and apologise to Mr Malfoy, especially considering the history of those two since the day they met."

Mcgonagall smiled and nodded. "I'm still taking house points off him for swearing though."

Harry endured Snape's taunts when he went to his office for his detention. He was relieved to discover he just had to re-write old, faded or damaged punishment records. He felt a jolt in his stomach every time he pulled out a card and familiar names jumped out at him. James Potter. James Potter and Sirius Black. Occasionally they were accompanied by Remus Lupin and/or Peter Pettigrew, in mischievous misdeeds.

It was long, tedious work, and with the boxes that Snape had lined up, there was enough to keep him going till Easter. Harry sighed, resolving not to look at the clock that seemed to be going slower than ever. He should be out on the Quidditch pitch, seeking the Snitch. He wondered if Ginny had gone to the game. She hadn't said much about Quidditch this year, surprising him when she said her OWL's were her priority this year. Well, her OWL's and him. Harry smiled. She'd been so supportive of him through this whole mess. He'd heard she'd Bat Bogey-Hexed a sixth year Slytherin for going on about Harry wanting to murder Draco. Maybe tonight, they could spend some quality time in the Room of Requirement. He needed to lose himself in her.

Ginny hadn't gone to the Quidditch match. She had been to the library in the morning, after seeing Harry to Professor Snape's door. She had completed her Transfiguration homework and allowed herself an hour of reviewing her Astronomy book. Then, as everyone left for the match, she decided to go and visit her brother Charlie.

She bundled up, wearing one of Harry's shirts under hers and wrapping her scarf around her neck. She was glad she wasn't playing; the Snitch would be hard to find in this weather. She waved to Neville, who was going down to the pitch with Seamus and Dean. They were all in high spirits.

Ginny continued down to Hagrid's hut. For it would always be Hagrid's hut as far as she was concerned, no matter who was Groundskeeper. As she got closer, she saw Charlie through his window, seemingly talking to someone. She paused, wondering if she would be intruding on him and his guest.

Before she had time to decide whether to continue in her plan to visit, or leave it for awhile and go see some of the match then return, Charlie's visitor moved close to the window. Ginny saw an unfamiliar look on Charlie's face, as he cupped the face of the other person and drew them close for a kiss.

Ginny gasped, placing her hand over her mouth. She watched as Charlie drew back and smiled at this person. They then both moved away from the window, and Ginny heard the door open. She ducked around by the side of the house, not wanting to be caught eavesdropping.

"So, I'll see you tonight. Bye," said Charlie, huskily. Ginny had never heard him speak that way to any witch before, and Charlie had brought quite a few witches home before he had left to go to Romania.

The door shut and Ginny saw someone pass her by. She flattened her self against the wall, then chanced a look back up the castle. She couldn't see anyone, so she supposed this person had gone to the Quidditch match.

"Damn," she said, coming out from the side of the cabin. She went around and knocked on Charlie's door.

"Did you forget something? Not like you, the smar-oh, Gin, hi!" said Charlie, speaking before opening his door. He looked over her head, then focused back on her. "Come in."

"Were you expecting someone else?" asked Ginny innocently.

"No, 'course not. Want a cuppa?" he asked, hanging the kettle over the open fire.

"Sure, sounds great," said Ginny, removing her gloves to pat Fang. She sat in a chair, and Fang placed his head in her lap, drooling slightly. "Hey, boy." She rubbed his ears and he sighed happily.

"So, how come you're not at the big match?" asked Charlie, putting a plate of biscuits in front of her. Ginny could see they'd come from her mum, so she knew they would be good. "Mmm, my favourite."

"Hey, mine too," teased Charlie, snatching one and nibbling it. He placed her cup of tea in front of her. "Here."

"Thanks." She picked it up and sipped it. Charlie had placed some honey and lemon in it. "Perfect."

"So, you're not going to the match?" asked Charlie again.

Ginny shook her head. "No. Harry feels bad that both he and Draco aren't playing because he 'fucked up' as he calls it. I just wouldn't feel right, if I went and enjoyed it while he's in detention," said Ginny.

Charlie frowned. "But you love Quidditch. You shouldn't not go because of Harry."

Ginny shook her head. "I do love Quidditch, and it's not about that, well, not really. It's also really conflicting. I want Slytherin to win, and I want Gryffindor to win too. For Ron's sake, for Harry's sake. It's so hard."

"How's Harry doing?" asked Charlie, throwing a broken biscuit to Fang. He gobbled it down noisily.

"He's...different. What happened with Draco, it shook him. I think he's doubting himself, his capabilities. It's not like him, Charlie. When he came back from his summer away, he was strong and confident. Now he hesitates, and seems uncertain. I'm worried for him, Charlie," said Ginny. To her horror, she felt tears in her eyes.

Charlie must have noticed too. "Hey, come here." He pulled her into a hug, and she felt that sense of family, of comfort. Her big brothers, always looking out for her.

"Maybe he could talk to Sirius?" suggested Charlie. "If I have a problem, talking about it with Bill or Dad always helps."

"Sirius is away with Emmy, doing something for the Order, I think," said Ginny. She had contemplated asking Remus to talk with him, but had held back. "I don't know when he's due back."

"I'm fire-calling Bill tonight. I'll ask him if he knows. So, how's OWL's study going?" asked Charlie.

Ginny groaned. "Did you have to remind me? Actually, I think I'm in a pretty good spot. It's just Astronomy I need to revise, over and over. Hopefully soon, it will start to sink in."

"Still looking at curse-breaking for a career?" asked Charlie, remembering the last time Bill and Fleur had stopped by. Bill, Ginny and Harry had talked about it for quite a while.

Ginny shrugged. "It all depends on Harry."

Charlie looked concerned. "You can't be dependent on Harry. You should have goals of your own."

Ginny looked angry. "I do have goals of my own, and I know Harry would fully support anything I wanted to do. Charlie, I love him. Don't you get it? Can't you understand? How can I make any sort of plans until this whole thing with Tom is over?"

"Gin, have you thought about...I mean, what if-what if Harry doesn't make it?" stammered Charlie.

Ginny shot up out of her chair. "Don't You EVER say that. Of course he'll make it, he has to, he just...he has to, that's all." She started to sob.

Charlie pulled her on to his lap and rocked her like he had when she was little. "Sssh. Hey, come on now."

Ginny couldn't stop. She let loose all her emotions in one go. All her fears, unvoiced. All her worries for so many. Sirius, Remus and Tonks. Andi and Ted. Emmy, who had become a part of their mixed up family. Luna, Neville, Tori. Of course, her real family, the Weasleys. It was the unknown-when, where, how, who.

Harry was her one thought, though. He had to survive, he just had to make it through. But what would the cost be to him? She'd seen what cursing Draco had done to him. What would he be like if he actually defeated Tom? She cried for the heavy burden on Harry's shoulders.

Exhausted and overcome, she fell asleep in Charlie's arms. He gently picked her up and lay her on his bed. He then turned back to prepare a stew for lunch.

Ginny roused to a soft knock on the door. She glanced around, wondering where she was. She heard Charlie answer the door.

"Hey, you're back." He sounded happily surprised, and his husky voice was back.

"Game is over. Gryffindor won. Just thought I'd stop by and let you know," said a familiar voice.

"I certainly appreciate it. I-ah, I'd invite you in, but Gin's here, asleep on my bed," he said.

"Oh." The voice sounded disappointed. "Is she okay?"

"Yeah," she heard Charlie say. "Just tired. OWL's."

"Oh, yeah, I remember them. Well, I guess I should go. I'll see you tonight, in the Great Hall," the voice said.

"You betcha. Come here," Charlie said huskily.

There was silence. Ginny moved her head slightly, and saw the two of them kissing. Her suspicions of the identity of the witch was proved right.

The two broke apart. "Merlin, I can't wait till Christmas break. No more sneaking around. Just you and me, together."

"I know, me too. We can talk about that other stuff then, too. I've been thinking, and I may have a solution."

The witch gasped suddenly. "Someone's coming. I have to go. We'll talk soon." She kissed him hard and quick, then backed away. Charlie shut the door.

Ginny stretched and yawned. She felt better for having got all that worry off her chest. She sat up, smiling at Charlie.

"Good, you're awake. Do you want to stay for lunch? I made stew," he asked.

Ginny nodded. "Thanks. Oh, just out of curiosity, what's going on with you and Hermione?"

Charlie was just about to taste his stew, but he spat it out when Ginny's question registered. "Wh-what? What do you mean?" he asked nervously.

Ginny rolled her eyes. "I heard you both. I actually saw you earlier, through the window, but I didn't know it was her. You should be more careful, Charlie."

"Shit!" Charlie glanced out the window worriedly. "If anyone found out a professor was seeing a student, well, there'd be hell to pay."

"So, you're together? How long? How did it start?" asked Ginny, watching as he dished up stew into bowls.

"I got to know her that last week before school started. I was back in England, trying to get everything sorted. She helped me with lesson plans, and I just thought how brilliant she was, and easy to talk to. That continued when we got to Hogwarts. She came to talk to me about her career options. She wants to work in the Department and Control of Magical Creatures when she's done with school. So we got to talking about various creatures, and well, one thing led to another, and, we're together. As much as we can be, anyway," said Charlie.

"It's not that long, really," said Ginny, tucking into her bowl. "Does anyone know?"

"Ron knows. How long did it take for you to realise you loved Harry?" asked Charlie.

"Love? You're talking love? Wow," said Ginny.

Charlie nodded. "I'm pretty sure it's love. Soon as I heard about this Muggleborn Registration Commission, I knew she'd be in trouble. When she came to me, telling me her plans to send her parents to Australia, I begged her to go with them. She refused. Said she won't leave me."

"Did she mention Obliviating her parents? Surely you can't agree with that?" asked Ginny.

Charlie shook his head. "No, I don't agree, and I think I talked her out of it. I'm hoping I can convince her to hide in Romania, both her and her parents. I've got friends who will help them. I'd go with them, as soon as I could. I don't want to leave Dumbledore in the lurch."

"Romania? Do you think she will?" asked Ginny.

Charlie shrugged. "I don't know. Apparantly she's done a lot of research into Australia, well, you know Hermione. If they decided to still go there, I'd probably go with them," he said.

Ginny nodded. She contemplated all Charlie had told her, finally looking up at him. "You really love her?"

Charlie nodded.

Ginny smiled softly. "Then I'm happy for you. If there's anything I can do to help you, when the time comes, please ask. Emmy or Tonks may have some ideas of safe travelling. Hermione mentioned she had to go to the Muggleborn Registration Commission sometime during the holidays."

Charlie nodded. "Yeah. Luckily, she and her parents usually travel in the holidays so the committee didn't think it strange when she owled them to say she wouldn't be available until just before you're due to return to Hogwarts."

"Sounds like they've got real smart people on this Muggleborn Registation Commission," smirked Ginny.

Charlie laughed. "Yeah, I know. If all goes well, we'll be well hidden by the time they realise she hasn't turned up."

Ginny rinsed her bowl, and started to re-dress. As she wrapped her scarf around her neck, she glanced at the time. "So, Gryffindor won, hey?"

Charlie grinned. "Did they? Don't know where you heard that from." He hugged her. "Thanks for understanding. I know something happened between Ron, Hermione and Harry. She's never said anything, nor has Ron. I just hope you'll see past that and be happy for us; for me."

"Of course I am, Charlie. May I tell Harry?" asked Ginny, hugging him back.

Charlie shrugged. "I guess. Just Harry, though. I can't risk anyone else finding out about us. She may be expelled and I'll be fired."

"Just Harry," agreed Ginny. "Thanks. For the tea and sympathy."

"Back at ya, Sis," grinned Charlie.

Next morning, Harry trudged down to Hagrid's cabin. No, not Hagrid's, never again Hagrid's. He knocked on the door, opening it when he heard Charlie call out, "Come in."

He was surprised to see Bill Weasley there too. "Hi. I got your note, said you wanted to see me?"

Charlie grinned. "See you, talk to you, fly with you."

"Fly?" Harry glanced doubtfully out the window. It was snowing lightly; he'd certainly flown in worse.

"Yeah. If you can handle a bit of snow," taunted Bill.

"I just want to see for myself what all the talk about Harry is. He can't be as good as everyone says, can he?" Charlie asked Bill.

Bill shrugged. "Gin seems to think so."

Charlie scoffed. "Biased much?"

They both turned to Harry, who grinned. "I'd love to say yes, but I don't have my broom."

"You mean this?" Charlie pulled a familiar looking Firebolt out from behind the door.

"How did you get that?" asked Harry, surprised.

Both Bill and Charlie put a hand on Harry's shoulder. "Have you met out sister?"

Harry chuckled. "Well then, let's do it, old men."

Charlie and Bill looked at each other. "I think we've just been insulted," grinned Charlie.

"Let's go, Potter. There's a Snitch waiting for us, with my name on it," said Bill.

Harry picked up his Firebolt and threw it over his shoulder. He led the way out of the cabin and towards the pitch. No surprise, Ginny was waiting for them.

"Witch," he said, kissing her. Giggling, she threw her arms around his neck and kissed him back until a well placed snowball smacked them both in the face.

"Oy! Hands off our sister. We're here for the Snitch, not your witch," yelled Charlie, already airborn.

Ginny gestured with one finger, then turned back to Harry. "Show 'em your stuff, Harry."

"I'd rather show you my stuff," he leered.

"Later," she promised. "Now, go, have fun. I'll meet you back at the castle at lunch time."

Harry mounted his broom and flew up to meet Charlie and Bill. They all looked down to see Ginny holding the Snitch.

"Harry dear, please give my brother's a chance to catch the Snitch. After all, they're going to need all the help they can get,"said Ginny sweetly

"Shall I play blindfolded, dear," replied Harry. Charlie and Bill spluttered at that.

"No, that won't be necessary," said Bill, gruffly.

Ginny shrugged. "Remember, he offered. Have fun, guys." With that she released the Snitch.

All three boys zoomed towards it. With their intentions completely on the Snitch, none of them noticed Ginny walk back to the castle, which was just what she wanted. Harry needed to have some fun; needed to take his mind off what had happened.

Harry sighed happily as he enjoyed a steamy cup of cocoa back in Hagrid, no, Charlie's cabin. They'd been flying for well over an hour, and Harry was stuffed. It was just what he'd needed, though. Harry had caught the Snitch first, then Charlie. It had been quite a tussle between the two, which had spurred Bill's competitiveness on, too. He'd caught the Snitch once.

"Damn, you're good," sighed Charlie, sitting down and wincing. It had been awhile since he'd been on a broom for that long, flying competitively.

"Back at ya," said Harry, saluting him with his steaming mug.

"It was fun. We should organise some games at the Burrow sometime," said Bill.

Harry grunted non commitedly.

"So, I heard what you said in the Great Hall. How you apologised to Malfoy and all. That took a lot of guts, Potter," said Charlie.

Harry shrugged. "It was the right thing to do. When I found out Malfoy had actually saved Ginny, I knew I'd done the wrong thing and had to make it right. I know he's a git and we'll never be best friends, but I owe him for helping Ginny."

"Pity you had to miss the Quidditch match. Detention till Easter? That's a bit harsh," scoffed Bill.

Harry shook his head. "I deserve it, and more. I could have killed him." The guilt had returned.

"But you didn't," said Charlie. "You can't dwell on it. Otherwise it'll eat you up, consume you."

"Yes, that's it. That's exactly how I've been feeling," said Harry, sitting up. "I feel like I've been let off the hook, even with this long detention. Mcgonagall told me she was proud of me for apologising, and I just feel like everyone's glossing over what I did. I could have killed Malfoy, and I have to kill Tom."

"What do you mean, you have to kill Tom?" asked Charlie.

"There was a prophecy. About me and Tom. Said neither of us can live while the other does. That I can succeed with a power he knows not. I have no idea what that even is!" said Harry in frustration.

"Shit," sighed Bill, looking at the younger man. No, still a boy, really. In age, not spirit.

"You didn't know? I thought Dumbledore would have told the Order," said Harry, his eyes dull.

Bill shook his head, as did Charlie. "Maybe he only let those closest to him know."

"And Dumbledore has no idea? Didn't the two of you go away over the summer?"

Harry nodded. It all seemed so long ago. "Yeah. He taught me so much about magic. It was brilliant. But if Dumbledore doesn't know about this power, I don't know how I'm supposed to know."

"Well, we need to find out. Harry, if we can help you in any way, please, just let us know. Brothers look out for each other, you know?" said Bill. Charlie nodded vigourously.

"Brothers?" asked Harry, looking from one to the other.

"Harry, you've been a part of our family since you were eleven. First through Ron, now with Gin. I'm sure one day it will be official and all, with you and Gin, but even so, you're our brother. Right here, right now," said Bill.

Harry's heart swelled. "You mean it? Really?"

Both men sighed happily. "Thanks guys, that means a lot. Gin, she's amazing. I promise you, I just want this shit over and done with. I just want to live a quiet life with Ginny."

Both men started laughing. "Have you met Ginny? I don't think you'll be living a quiet life with her?"

Harry laughed too and shook his head. "Merlin, she's brilliant, isn't she? I don't care. As long as she's by my side, I'll be happy. I can do anything, knowing she's there."

"Then you can defeat Voldemort, Harry. Think about that life with Ginny, then you go face that bastard," said Charlie, seriously.

Harry scoffed. "So, what? The power he knows not, is love? It can't be that easy."

Charlie shrugged. "Who knows. If that's what it takes, then yeah, let it be easy."

Harry pondered the idea as he trudged back to the castle. It couldn't be that easy, could it? He knew he desperately wanted Sirius, Remus and Tonks to make it through any battle. As for Ginny, Harry knew he would lay his life down in a second for her. Knowing Ginny, she would probably do the same for him, a thought that brought a sharp pain to his chest. How could he go on and live, if the unthinkable happened? What sort of life could he possibly have without Ginny in it?

He found Ginny and sat with her at their table, sharing lunch with their usual posse of friends. He was thinking hard, unaware of the concerned looks from Ginny and Neville.

Finally, Ginny dragged him away to the Room of Requirement. When she demanded to know what was wrong, he picked her up, kissed her and made his way to the bed that magically appeared.

Their lovemaking was frantic and urgent. As if they both knew they were living on borrowed time.