Chapter 2: Confrontations

After eating, Harry found himself walking up the stairs. He was quiet, as he'd just been told by Mr. and Mrs. Weasley that he should go to bed.

As he walked past Ginny's room, he thought he heard a sob. But he didn't stop to look. He didn't want to look and know what was going on in the room.

When he shut the door to Ron's room, he heard someone mutter something, and then he knew it was coming.

"What IN THE HELL WERE YOU DOING WITH MY SISTER?" came Ron's shouted question. "YOU KNOW BLOODY WELL THAT I TOLD YOU NOT TO HURT HER!"

"Ron, I know," Harry said, as calmly as possible. "I felt it was something I had to do."

"You had to go and hurt her feelings, didn't you," Ron asked, his arms crossed.

Harry looked over at Hermione, who was looking at the two of them. When he caught her eye, the look was of displeasure.

"You too," Harry asked, looking at Hermione.

The girl didn't respond.

"You both know very well that I didn't want to do it."

"Then why did you do that of all things," Hermione asked Harry.

She, too, had her arms crossed, and looked at him with some anger on her face. And her voice betrayed her anger at him.

"You knew that it would hurt her," Hermione said, looking over at Ron. She wanted to make sure he kept as quiet as possible, as it would be better for all of them that way.

"Look," Harry said. "Do you think that I haven't felt bad about it? I regretted almost instantly doing that. But I feel it's the right thing to do."

Harry tapped his wand to his ears, making it where he didn't have to hear them rant. He quickly slid into his bed, without even changing clothes.

Hermione and Ron looked at him, saying something to each other, but Harry didn't care. He closed his eyes as the tears rolled down his cheeks. How dare his friends bring it up like that when he was just trying to protect Ginny from Lord Voldemort?

The next morning, he awoke with the sun shining into the room. He looked over, and Ron wasn't in his bed. He could tell he'd been there earlier, but it didn't matter now. Harry was glad that Ron wasn't there right now. He felt like he needed some time alone.

After quickly changing into some clean clothes, Harry saw something he didn't expect to see: a red-colored Labrador retriever. He saw the dog looking at him with a wondering glance.

"Now what do we have here," Harry asked no one in particular as he walked to the dog.

He reached out to pet the dog, but it growled at him a moment. He held his hand back, pondering what that meant. Soon, he found the dog's chocolate colored eyes looking into his.

After a moment, the dog's tail started to wag, and he reached over, petting it. For some reason, just petting the dog made him feel very calm inside. He sighed.

"You know, for some reason, you're the only living being here that makes me feel calm. Well, the only one in this room. There's another, but I think I made the biggest mistake of my life letting her go."

The dog looked at him with what Harry took to be an amazed look.

"It's not like you understand anyway."

After a few minutes, he saw Mrs. Weasley walk in. The dog looked at her and she sighed.

"I've told Ginny time and again not to let that dog in the house," the woman said. "Anyway, dear, lunch is ready."

"Thanks, Mrs. Weasley."

"You're welcome," the woman said, as she looked at the dog. "Can you get that dog outside for me? And see if Ginny is out there."

"I sure can," Harry said.

When the door closed, he looked over at the dog with a smile on his face.

"So, did someone learn how to do something else," he asked the dog, in a whisper.

When the dog looked at him again, he knew why the eyes seemed so familiar, yet so daunting to look into. They belonged to Ginny.

"The game's up Ginny."

After a moment, he watched as she transformed back into herself.

"You're smart," the girl said, looking at Harry. "Even Hermione doesn't know about this."

"Really," Harry asked.

"Yes," Ginny said. "Well better, take me outside and find me. And I want to talk to you about what you just said to me."

"Yes I'd better," Harry said, as she transformed back into a dog.

Harry looked over at the dog as he walked outside with her. He saw the hint of a smile in the eyes, and couldn't help himself. He had to smile as well. He knew something that was actually good.

When they got outside, Harry walked around a few minutes, coming to a secluded spot. Ginny, who had followed him, transfigured herself back into her human form. Harry stopped to look at her. She had her wand out and soon, he found that she had his wand.

"While I have you here alone," Ginny said, with a fierce look on her face.

"What," Harry asked, looking around nervously.

"I want to talk to you about what you told me the last time we talked."

"Ginny…"

"Don't start with that noble horse dung," Ginny said, angrily. "I know why you did it. I accepted it at first, but it doesn't mean that I'm not angry at you."

Harry hung his head in shame.

"Yeah, I know," he said.

"Good. I'm glad you know how angry I am. Now, I think you should apologize to me."

Harry looked Ginny in the eye. Her eyes had the fiery glint that attracted him to her. He couldn't resist, and the next thing he knew, someone was shouting at them and they had to stop their kissing.

Oh the anger Harry felt at being interrupted. He was tired of being interrupted whenever anything good was happening for him.

"WHAT THE BLOODY HELL ARE YOU DOING?" he heard Ron yell.

Harry and Ginny were on the ground, breathing hard, and Harry had his hands underneath Ginny's shirt. He released the mound of flesh his hand was on and reached down for his wand.

Harry saw Ron's wand pointed at him, and he looked at his friend.

"Ron…"

"Don't give me that, Harry," Ron said, as Hermione ran up, her wand at the ready too.

Hermione saw what was going on and lowered her wand with a smile on her lips.

"Well Ron," Ginny said, angrily. "You do know how to interrupt someone when he's making up to me."

"More like making out," Ron spat at the two of them. "Wait till I tell Bill and the others."

"You wouldn't dare," Ginny said.

"Watch me," Ron said, stomping off angrily.

Hermione rolled her eyes and spoke.

"Ginny?"

"Yes," Ginny asked, crossing her arms as Harry stood up and then reached his hand out to help her up.

"What did you do to Harry? I know he's stubborn and all, but why did he just do that?"

Ginny smiled.

Tell her the truth, Ginny heard Harry's voice in her head say.

"What did you say, Harry?"

"He didn't say anything."

"Yes he did," Ginny said to Hermione. "He said…wait," Ginny said, looking at Harry.

She closed her mouth and thought something to Harry.

Harry, are you listening to me?

Of course I'm listening, Gin. My little fox.

I don't want to hear you call me fox in public.

I won't. Only between me and you.

I like that.

"Ginny? Harry? What are you doing?"

"Nothing," Ginny said, with a smile.

"Nothing?"

"Yes," Harry said. "Nothing."

Hermione smiled and then trotted off.

"I'd better go see if I can't stop Ron from trying to get you lynched, Harry."

"Lynched," Ginny asked.

"Hanged, as in one of those Western movies the Muggles like to watch."

"Oh," Ginny said. "Well, I've got something for them," she added, with her wand in her hands.

"Is it a Bat Bogey Hex?"

"The one and only," Ginny said, with a smile as Harry took her hand. "Let's get up to the house. It's time for lunch."

When they got up there, Harry was besieged by angry looks from several of the Weasleys. Mr. and Mrs. Weasley weren't looking angrily at him. They had a knowing smile on their face. Bill wasn't in the room yet, but Tonks and Remus were.

The two could sense the tension in the room.

"What's going on here," Remus asked, giving Harry a smile when he saw him holding hands with Ginny.

"Harry, how could you," Fred asked.

"Yeah," George said, his arms crossed. "Ron told us what he saw you two doing."

The twins flinched when the wand of their sister faced them. Soon, both of them were fending off Bat Bogeys, much to the delight of Harry and Ginny.

Mr. and Mrs. Weasley weren't laughing, but Harry could see the amusement in their faces. Remus and Tonks were amused as well, though they had an easier time hiding it.

Charlie was there, and he looked at his younger sister.

"What do you have to say for yourself, Ginny," he asked his sister, as Bill walked in.

"What's going on?"

"Ron caught these two hiding and making out," George said to his oldest brother.

"So," Bill asked.

"So? After what he did to her? Want him to do that again?"

Charlie looked at Ron thoughtfully.

"Want him to do what? They had a disagreement. That's all," Bill said. "Besides, isn't she old enough to date and think about those things?"

"He's right," Ginny said. "We worked out our differences. And whatever you might have heard about us breaking up is not correct anymore. We're back together."

"Obviously," Hermione said. "Oh, by the way," she said. "Harry, Remus and Tonks need to speak to you."

"Yeah," Remus said. "Molly, I also need to take Harry away for a while."

"Why?"

"There's something I promised Dumbledore and McGonagall that I'd take him to do. We'll leave after, well, you know."

There were nods.

"So we leave in a few days," Harry asked.

"Yes. I thought about what you said to Tonks and myself about a certain thing, and I know someone who can help you understand what you're dealing with."

Harry nodded. He'd been sensing magical items for a while. It's why he felt like he knew Ginny was watching him somehow earlier in the morning when he'd woken up briefly.

Oh no. Harry, I don't want you to leave me. Not after we just…

Ginny, I know. I want to know what this is about. If you're wondering, I've found that I can sense magical items and people. I've been frustrated by it recently and I've tried to read up on it. I told Remus and Tonks before I got here about it.

I see.

Harry looked to see faces on him.

"What were you doing," Hermione asked.

"Nothing," Harry replied, quickly.

"It's something alright," Hermione said, looking at Ginny. "And Ginny, I want to have a chat with you about something."

"But after lunch, my dears," Mrs. Weasley said. "It's getting cold."

Everyone realized that was the reason they were in here, and soon started to fill their plates with the good food.

Harry was hungry this afternoon, and he found himself stuffed after about three helpings of some of the things. He looked across at Ginny, and she smiled and giggled at his comment.

Wow. I guess if I marry you, then we can eat like this more often than I do now.

Maybe, Harry. Only if I learn to cook like this. But I've heard from a reliable source that you can cook decently.

Yeah. I'll show you one day.

I'd like that.

After lunch, Remus took Harry off to a private area and whispered a few charms to keep people from listening in.

He saw a dog in the room, but said nothing.

"Molly said that dog was supposed to be outside."

"I took her outside," Harry said. "But she must have come in when we weren't looking."

Remus examined Harry for a moment and then nodded.

"Right. But the reason I need to talk to you is contained in this letter."

Harry took the letter, addressed to him in a familiar handwriting. He recognized the handwriting and he felt his stomach turn.

Dear Harry,

If you're reading this, then I'm no longer alive. Don't be angered by this. I knew my death was coming soon. I was dying at the beginning of the year, and I knew it. I know it must be hard for you right now, but there is a task that I must have you complete before you, Miss Granger, Mr. Weasley, and Miss Weasley complete the final task. Yes, I said Miss Weasley. I am talking about Ginny. She must accompany you to complete this task, as she's the only one known who can help you with this task.

It is a very important task, and will prepare you for the battles with Voldemort and destroying the items I told you about. So, Harry, the messenger here, in the form of Remus Lupin, will accompany you on this journey and introduce you to the teacher I have arranged for you and Miss Weasley. You two must complete the task together and without help from your other friends.

You may not tell them about this task until the moment is right. You will know that moment when it comes. Then you will be free to complete your mission I have assigned you, and destroy Lord Voldemort once and for all. It is a dangerous assignment, and you know all too well that we will probably lose more people. This task I have you do is before you return to school for your final year, where your instruction will continue throughout the year from this same professor, who is going to teach Defense Against the Dark Arts. He's agreed to do so upon my death so you will be prepared for what lies ahead.

Harry, Professor McGonagall should now be the Headmistress, and she will meet with you the day you start your journey to teach you something very important. I believe you may know about Miss Weasley by now, and one of her new found talents. You shall have the same power, as I've seen what kind of power you have.

I must be letting you rest and prepare for your assignment. Oh, it shouldn't take more than two weeks. And you should be back for any other events you must attend this summer. I know we have a Weasley wedding planned, so the person teaching you these new techniques will allow you and Miss Weasley to come back and then return to learning.

Sincerely,

Albus Dumbledore

When Harry got through with the letter, he looked at Remus.

"So," Remus asked.

"Well, I'm ready when you are," Harry said.

"We can't leave quite yet. But I'm going to take you to see Professor McGonagall. And I know you have to have one more person with you."

Harry nodded.

"We'll get going."

When they got to the room with everyone else, Remus spoke.

"Harry and I must be going. There's someone he has to meet."

"What are you doing, Harry," Hermione asked.

"I can't say," Harry said. "And I don't know myself."

"We'll go with you," Hermione said.

Harry held up his hand.

"I can't let you come," he said. "I must complete this with one more person."

"Then I'll go," Ron said, pointedly.

"No, Ron," Remus said. "You can't come. Neither can you, Hermione."

"Then who."

"Molly," Remus said. "Ginny will be coming with us."

"But why Ginny," Molly asked, surprised.

"Dumbledore's request. They're going to see Minerva McGonagall today, and will be back for dinner."

"I see," Molly said. "And I assume they'll be going to see her the next few days as well while you're busy?"

"Yes," Remus said. "It's safe to assume so. She's got instructions for Harry that I don't know about. I'm just the messenger."

"Why me," Ginny asked.

"Dumbledore said you have some new talents that will be useful," Remus said. "This was planned this summer before, well, you know. I presume you haven't told anyone about your new talents?"

"Harry knows," Ginny said. "I told him while we were outside today."

Remus nodded.

"I guessed it," the man said. "Where's that dog of yours? She's a pretty dog."

"Thank you," Ginny said. "But I don't keep her cooped up. She's around here somewhere."

"After I took her outside," Harry said to Ginny.

"Yes," Ginny said. "After you took her outside. I saw you doing that. What did she do?"

"She was in the room with me," Harry said.

"I see," Ginny said. "Must have slipped in when Ron left."

Harry nodded.

Everyone looked bewildered at the conversation. None of them knew what was going on.

"Oh, Harry," Ron said, looking at him. "I'm not going to forget what you did to Ginny."

Ginny raised her wand menacingly.

"Yeah? Maybe you won't forget this either and learn to keep your nose out of my business."

Soon, Ron was running around being chased by Bat Bogeys.

Ginny, why?

Harry, you know why. He's being an arse.

You've got me there.

Hermione looked at them again. This time, Ginny got what she meant and blushed.

"Why are you blushing," Mrs. Weasley asked her daughter, as she looked at Hermione.

"Oh, I just thought of something. Let me got and get my stuff for this trip. Hermione, I want to talk to you."

A few minutes later, Harry was walking out with Remus, Tonks, and Ginny. They went to the broom shed and Tonks brought out a small item.

"Now, on three," she said, as they knew what to do.

Harry felt the familiar pull at the navel, and soon found himself in the office of Minerva McGonagall, Headmistress of Hogwarts.

"Welcome, Mr. Potter, Miss Weasley. Remus, Tonks, if you don't mind, would you please wait outside of my office? We shall be down shortly."

"Yes, Minerva," Remus said.

When the door shut, the woman looked at Harry.

"So, what's this I hear about you not returning to school?"

"I have a mission from Dumbledore."

"Not the one I'm helping you with?"

"No," Harry said. "But he sent me a letter to convince me to return to school."

Ginny looked at Harry surprised.

"But Harry…"

"I know, Ginny," Harry said. "I know what I said. You'll know what's going on, as you'll be part of the preparation."

"You promise?"

"I promise."