Chapter 13: Final Time Riding the Hogwarts Express
The next morning, Harry got up and then walked into the dining room, with Ginny following.
"How did you sleep," Harry asked Ron and Hermione.
"You two wouldn't shut up!" Ron snarled at him.
"Grow up, Ron," Ginny said. "You're just jealous because Harry is getting to shag and you don't get to."
Ron scowled at his sister. Hermione looked mighty pleased with something.
"What are you smiling about, Hermione?"
"It's just that I'm glad to see you two so happy and enjoying things."
"Me too," Harry said, kissing Ginny. "What's for breakfast?"
"Eggs, sausage, and toast," Hermione said. "Ronald here was hungry, so the elves started to feed us."
"That's ok," Ginny said. "We told them to treat you like family."
"And you had to start up that crap again this morning," Ron said. "I hate it when I hear you moaning like that."
"Sorry, Ron," Ginny said. "Next time, just put on earmuffs. There is a spell for that, you know. And this is my house."
"She's got a point, mate," Harry said.
Ron scowled at Harry again. Hermione gave Harry a told you so look.
"I know, Hermione," Harry said. "Ron, if you'd get off your bum and start to act like you love Hermione, then you may soon be doing the same thing Ginny and I are doing."
Ron looked at Harry with a look that the topic was closed.
"What was that magic the Ministry people talked about last night," Hermione asked.
"I guess it was when Harry and I consummated our relationship," Ginny said. "It was wonderful, and I felt the magic in me grow by leaps and bounds as we were making love."
"I remember seeing a light, and then closing my eyes to sear the most wonderful feeling in the word into my brain forever."
Ron got up and left the table without another word.
"We were just explaining the magic," Ginny said.
"I know," Hermione said. "He just hasn't gotten over you and Harry marrying so early in your relationship."
"Well, if it wasn't for Voldemort, we would be waiting," Harry said.
"I know," Hermione said. "But have you seen the Daily Prophet?"
"No."
Hermione handed it to Harry and he threw the paper down in rage.
"What," Ginny asked.
"Harry Potter Marries Ginevra Weasley: A story why the wedding was necessary."
"Pregnancy?"
"That and saying you drugged me," Harry said. "Damn it!"
"Calm down, Harry," Ginny said. "You know how the Daily Prophet likes to tell lies."
"I know," he said. "But this damn shit is pissing me off. If I ever see that bitch Rita Skeeter again, I'll hurt her."
"What else did they say?"
"They say that the other reason is because I offered your parents part of my inheritance. I did no such thing. And your parents would not take it."
"No, they wouldn't," Ginny said. "Mum only allowed you to do this because of what Godric said."
Harry nodded.
"And I feel that taking place."
"Wait," Hermione said. "Did you notice the colors of the magic at the wedding?"
"No," Harry admitted. "But it was white, correct? Like Bill and Fleur's wedding?"
"No," Hermione said. "It was a mixture of Gryffindor, Hufflepuff, and Ravenclaw colors. That made the audience gasp in surprise."
"Really," Ginny asked.
"Really. And it was the brightest, most vivid colors I ever remember seeing anywhere. No one could look after a moment, as it was too bright. And it covered the entire room."
"Wow," Ginny said. "Are we that powerful?"
Hermione nodded.
"Yes. I know you two are," Hermione said. "But I get the distinct feeling that something is keeping you from fully realizing your potential."
Harry and Ginny shared a knowing look.
"You know something I don't?"
"We made a promise not to tell until the time was right," Ginny said. "And it's not right."
"When will it be? And I hate you two keeping things from Ron and I."
"We don't have a choice in this," Harry said. "We had to agree before we were taught some of our new skills. And we've taken an oath not to repeat them to anyone. And that lasts until death."
"Why?"
"The knowledge is only for the heirs of Merlin, Gryffindor, Ravenclaw, and Hufflepuff."
"I see," Hermione said. "Like the wards you put up?"
"Yes," Harry said. "Like the wards."
Hermione nodded.
"I guess there are some things better left known to very few people."
Harry nodded.
"Just like this wedding was supposed to be, Damn it."
"Harry, watch your language," Ginny said. "It'll be ok. But we'll have to put up with stares and such."
"I know," Harry said. "And that bitch Romilda will try something. I just have a feeling."
"Oh, me and you?"
"Yeah."
"Isn't she the bitch who poisoned Ron with the love potion?"
"Yes," Harry said. "When he ate the chocolate she gave me for some reason."
Ginny shivered, remembering that day.
"And that's the day you saved his life," Ginny said, kissing Harry. "And that's another reason I love you. You've saved my life, you've saved my brother's life, and now, I think you can save everyone's life with what I know."
Hermione nodded and smiled.
"Yes. Harry does have a saving people thing."
"It's just who Harry is," Ginny countered. "I don't think I could love him if he was any other way."
"And he wouldn't be where he is today," Hermione added.
When September 1st rolled around, they left from the Burrow with their bags in tow. Harry had shrunk his trunk, and Ginny's trunk, allowing them to carry the trunks in their pockets. Hedwig and Fawkes were in the cages they'd bought for them. Now, Harry was carrying Hedwig, and Ginny was carrying Fawkes.
Ginny had fallen in love with the phoenix as he'd grown. Now, Fawkes was in the full cycles of a phoenix. Ginny understood that, and was glad they had a phoenix that would be with them for the rest of their lives.
Fawkes had beautiful feathers, having scarlet, gold, yellow, bronze, and blue colors throughout his body. It was a beautiful pattern, the same pattern that Harry and Ginny both found on their shields.
"Is that a phoenix," someone asked, as they got to King's Cross.
"Yes," Ginny said, with a grin. "Harry inherited Fawkes, but he's mine too."
"Lucky you," said a sneering voice. "How much love potion did you use?"
"None," Ginny said. "Unlike what you have to do."
Harry, who transfigured his robes back from the Muggle clothes he'd used to get through the station, looked at Pansy Parkinson, the woman who had sneered at Ginny.
"Pansy, why don't you get on board the train," Harry suggested.
The girl snarled at Harry, but he spoke with authority, as Head Boy. The Prefects were in position, and Ginny was helping first years on board, with Ron standing beside her.
For the first time, Harry noticed professors on the platform. Professor McGonagall was there, handing out badges to each student. The students who had been sorted into a house had the badge representing the animal of their house. The first years got a Hogwarts crest.
Harry knew that they were portkeys to the Great Hall. He and Hermione could activate them all. The prefects could activate them for their houses, while select prefects would stay with Harry and Hermione and the professors who were guarding the train to provide a rear guard, just in case something happened.
Order members were also on alert. At the first sign of trouble, one of the Order members on board the train would summon more, who would use the portkeys to get on board the trains.
"Harry," Professor McGonagall said. "You know what you have to do."
Harry nodded and looked around; making sure things were going smoothly. Hedwig and Fawkes were in the head's compartment, along with their personal luggage, which they'd resized.
He kind of enjoyed this, and heard the whistle blow for the five minute warning. He saw remaining students hug their loved ones and get on board as he stood by the car he was supposed to watch.
Order members and Ministry Aurors were on duty, guarding the station. More would be there at the end of the journey.
When the final whistle blew, Harry, who was at the door, closed it after seeing everyone else was on board. He went to the correct compartment and sat down with Hermione. They'd been given a parchment with the list of passwords around Hogwarts, including the Head's dorms, the dorms of each house, and Professor McGonagall's office.
Each prefect would get the passwords for his or her own house only. After the train started, the prefects came in, and they got their brief. This time, the prefects would patrol the hallways of the train, keeping students in line.
As he walked to see what Ginny was doing, as she was in her carriage, waiting her patrol turn, he saw Pansy on her patrol.
"I can cure the love potion, Potter," she sneered.
"What love potion?"
"The one that weasel used on you. Or did you get her pregnant?"
"Maybe it's because I love her," Harry said. "Or is that something that you Slytherins can't understand? I know Tom Riddle can't."
Pansy didn't know what to say back to Harry, so she walked the other way from where Harry was headed.
Harry saw Bill waving for him, and he walked to him.
"How did you take the article, Harry?"
"Pissed doesn't describe it."
"Me too," Bill said. "At least we know the real reasons."
Harry nodded.
"Oh, by the way, I'd like to see you tomorrow, when you get a free period. I want to discuss your project you have for me."
"Ok, Bill," Harry said.
The man nodded and walked on, continuing his patrol.
Harry noticed his ring glow, but he couldn't leave the train. He had to stay on board. Bill came out and looked at him.
"What's going on," Harry asked.
"I don't know," Bill said. "But Minerva told us to stay on the train, no matter what."
Harry nodded.
"I know," Harry said. "I'd be no other place."
Bill nodded. Harry continued to walk. He received the vision of a white, ghostly animal that scared some of the first years. It was a weasel.
"Harry," the weasel said, in Mr. Weasley's voice. "We've gotten word that Death Eaters will try to attack the train at Hogsmeade. Be prepared."
The animal disappeared, and then Harry thought hard.
Ginny.
Yes Harry?
Your father sent me a message. They think the Death Eaters will attack at the station when we get to Hogsmeade. Pass the word to the Order and the DA in your area.
Will do, Harry.
Harry then turned and looked at Bill.
"Your father sent me a message."
"I saw it," Bill said. "What did it say?"
Harry whispered to him.
Bill nodded and then turned.
"You did tell Ginny?"
"Yes."
Bill smiled.
"Good choice. Tonks is in the next car. Make sure she knows."
Harry nodded and walked to the next car.
"What's going on, Harry?"
Harry explained the message from Mr. Weasley.
Tonks nodded.
"Does Minerva know?"
"Yes I know," Minerva said. "Harry, you got the message?"
Harry nodded.
"Good. You know what to do."
Harry nodded.
"Now?"
"Wait until we get nearer the station," Minerva said. "And when the train stops, we'll take the port key to Hogwarts. I want you and Ginny with me."
Harry nodded.
He had two portkeys. The Order members and select DA members had portkeys that activated with Harry tapping his wand to his head badge. Everyone else had a portkey that activated when he tapped his lion badge.
He saw a Slytherin trying to jinx a Gryffindor third year. Harry smiled when the boy saw that his wand didn't work.
"That won't work on the train," Harry said.
"Why not?"
"We disabled all magic except for select people," Harry said. "The same is true at the school for the moment."
"Why?"
"Because I know people like you would attack your fellow students," Harry said.
"What about your wand?"
"Oh, I can use my wand," Harry said. "I set the wards myself."
"How?"
Harry smiled.
"Because I'm Head Boy."
Harry made it to Ginny's car, and she looked at him.
"What are we going to do?"
"McGonagall wants you with me."
"Why?"
Harry gave her a raised eyebrow.
"Oh. Right. Ok."
"And she wants us with her."
Ginny nodded.
"I'll find you when we get closer."
Harry nodded.
"Pass the word to the DA and Order members," Harry said to her.
"Already completed," Ginny said. "I sent Neville and Luna to contact our select sixth and seventh years."
"When we stop, no one grabs the luggage. The elves will take it to Hogwarts for us."
"I have my luggage in my pocket."
"Me too," Harry said, with a smile. "And McGonagall said yes to our question."
"Great," Ginny said. "What's the password?"
Harry used his mental connection to her to pass it to her.
She giggled when she heard it.
As the train approached Hogsmeade, Harry saw McGonagall's Patronus.
"Harry, activate the portkeys for the students."
Harry nodded and then tapped his Gryffindor Badge with his wand. The first was to warn everyone. The second was to warn the prefects, and the third was to send them the Hogwarts.
Immediately, he heard the noise lessen considerably.
Harry, what's going on?
McGonagall told me to activate student portkeys. Pass the word. Be prepared for battle.
Will do.
A few minutes later, when they got to the station, the Death Eaters Apparated into the station, startling the guards. But Harry had been prepared, having Apparated there himself to set up protective wards. The Death Eaters were surprised to find that their wands didn't work, and they couldn't escape the area.
He smiled as the Aurors and Order members bound the Death Eaters. Then he saw his Order ring activate, and the Order members disappeared, leaving the Death Eaters to the ministry wizards. Harry knew not to activate his ring until he heard McGonagall.
"Get the prefects and everyone else to school," McGonagall said. "Tell Professor Flitwick that I, Professor Weasley, and Professor Tonks are going on an emergency assignment."
Harry nodded and then activated the portkeys.
He arrived in the Great Hall to great commotion. Professors Flitwick, Sprout, and Slughorn were busy trying to calm down the students.
"Harry, where's McGonagall," Flitwick asked.
"She, Professor Weasley, and Professor Tonks were called away on urgent business. Ginny, Hermione, and I can activate further protective wards if required."
The small man nodded.
"We'll continue with the sorting then," the small man said. "Please help me get control of everyone. I'm glad you held the wands off, though. It makes things easier."
"Does yours work?"
"Yes. All of the professors can use their wands in the school right now. No students except for those you and Professor McGonagall selected."
"Ok," Harry said. "Sonorus?"
"Quite right," Professor Flitwick said. "I'll do it."
Soon, the small man had everyone's attention at the head table.
"Please have a seat," he instructed. "Professor Sprout, would you bring up the First Years so we can get started?"
The Herbology professor nodded to the Charms professor.
Harry sat down at the front of the Gryffindor Table, with Ginny, Ron, and Hermione at his side. Luna, Neville, and other DA members were sitting at the other end, near the doors of the Great Hall.
Peeves was on his mission, and would make noise if someone he didn't recognize tried to get in.
Harry had been glad to help set this up. He could deactivate the charm preventing wands from working, but had been instructed to do so only when Professor McGonagall or another professor informed him to do so.
After the small number of first years was sorted, Harry watched as Professor Flitwick stood on a chair, again to get everyone's attention.
"Welcome back to another year at Hogwarts. I am Professor Flitwick, Deputy Headmaster. Professor McGonagall had to leave on an urgent message. I want to announce three more professors, none of whom are here right now due to an emergency. Professor Bill Weasley will teach a special curse breaking class this year. He is the brother of Miss Ginny Weasley. Professor Nymphadora Tonks will teach Transfiguration. And Professor Aberforth Dumbledore, brother of our late Headmaster Albus Dumbledore, will teach Defense Against the Dark Arts to sixth and seventh years. First through fifth years will be taught by none other than Mr. Harry Potter, Miss Hermione Granger, Mr. Ronald Weasley, and Miss Ginny Weasley.
"Like usual, please pay attention to Mr. Filch's list of banned items in the halls. Anyone caught with these items will receive detention and can possibly lose house points. This year, unless you are in a class, your wands will not be active except in an emergency. This is until further notice to prevent harmful jinxes and hexes from hitting students. Select students, mostly prefects and trusted students, will be allowed to use magic thanks to a new protective ward set up by Professor McGonagall. "
There were murmurs among the students.
"Mr. Harry Potter is Head Boy, and Miss Hermione Granger is Head Girl. I want everyone to know this because they are authorized to give you instructions in an emergency, and will be patrolling the halls along with the professors and staff. Now, let the feast begin."
Harry saw the food appear, and he started to eat the food. Ginny looked at him and chuckled.
"So we're going to patrol until McGonagall and the others get back?"
Harry nodded.
"Right," Ron said.
Harry heard a loud noise, and jumped up, wand in hand. He walked out of the Great Hall with Ron and Neville in tow. They were supposed to check it out.
After seeing the person in the hall, Harry spoke.
"Stop and identify yourself," Harry said, pointing his wand at the figure.
The man looked at Harry, his hands in his cloak.
"Slowly remove your hands from your cloak," Harry said. "Leave your wand there."
After the man did so, he put a body bind curse on him.
"Just until we can identify you," Harry said.
When Ron moved the hood, he was surprised to see Percy.
"Percy, what are you doing here," Ron asked.
Percy couldn't say anything.
"Right," Harry said, disabling the charm. "Now, talk, don't move."
"I'm here to see Bill," Percy said. "Where is he?"
"How did you get in here?"
"I'm a Ministry Employee," Percy said. "And I used the Floo network to Professor McGonagall's office."
Harry nodded and called for Dobby.
"Dobby."
"Yes Master Harry?"
"Would you please ask other elves to watch the fireplaces that are connected to the Floo network? We don't want any intruders."
"Yes Master Harry."
"Dobby?"
"Yes?"
"You are authorized to bind anyone you don't recognize as authorized on campus trying to enter Hogwarts. If you do detain someone, tell myself or a Professor immediately."
Dobby disappeared.
"Get up, Percy," Harry said. "Neville, go fetch Professor Flitwick."
"Where's Bill?'
"He's not here," Harry said. "He and Professor McGonagall were called away on business."
Professor Flitwick arrived and saw Percy.
"Mr. Weasley, what are you doing here?"
"I've come to see my brother Bill," Percy said, drunkenly.
"He's drunk, professor," Harry said.
Professor Flitwick nodded.
"Mr. Weasley, you do know that no one is supposed to enter Hogwarts without the express permission of the Headmistress?"
"I'm aware of that, Flitwick," Percy said. "I need to see Bill. I heard there was an attack on his house."
Ron and Harry exchanged glances.
"When?"
"Just a few minutes ago," Percy said. "Ministry Aurors were dispatched to help with the captured Death Eaters."
"Ron?"
"Right," Ron said, heading back to the Great Hall.
He came back with Ginny and Hermione.
"Percy?" Ginny asked.
"What are you doing here?"
"I'm here to see Bill about the attack on his house."
"Attack," Ginny asked, concerned.
Harry reached for his wand and sent something out of it.
"I'm contacting Remus to see what's going on."
Ginny nodded. Remus was at Grimmauld Place, on alert today for the Hogwarts Express.
A moment later, Harry received the reply from Minerva.
"Harry, please bring yourself, Ron, and Ginny to headquarters immediately. Tell Hermione to stay and help Professor Flitwick. I will return shortly."
Harry nodded.
"Hermione, you've got to stay here."
"Where are you going?"
"Ron, Ginny, and I are going," Harry said, as their rings activated. "Professor, if you need help, tell Hermione. She can recall myself, Professor Tonks, and Professor McGonagall and we will return immediately."
The man nodded.
"Go on, Harry," he said. "We've got it. Neville and the DA will help."
"What's going on," Luna asked.
"Harry, Ron and Ginny have to go," Hermione said. "Something happened and they have to leave."
"Order business?"
Harry nodded.
"Luna, I need you and Neville to help Hermione and Professor Flitwick. You know how to contact us if you need to."
The two Order members nodded.
Then Ron, Harry, and Ginny activated their rings, and were gone. Percy looked stunned.
"Mr. Longbottom, Miss Lovegood, would you please help me escort Mr. Weasley to the exit?"
"Yes professor," Neville said.
When they arrived at the Burrow, there were a lot of frustrated looks.
"Percy was at Hogwarts," Harry said to McGonagall. "He said he wanted to talk to Bill about an attack on his home."
McGonagall looked at Harry.
"Yes. I'll go back shortly. But where is Percy?"
"Professor Flitwick and Neville have him," Harry said.
"Good. I'll go see him out of the school. But you need to get to St. Mungos immediately. Fleur was seriously injured, but we managed to get her to healers there."
Harry felt Ginny's arm constrict around him, and he looked over at her. Soon, he had Apparated through the wards and hit St. Mungos.
"You can Apparate through the wards?"
"What? Did we?"
"Yes we did," Ginny said.
Harry put the thought behind him as he walked up to the desk.
"Fleur Weasley, please?"
The witch looked at a list and spoke.
"Sorry, I can't let you up."
"Excuse me," Ginny asked, with her face turning red. "Are you sure? I'm her sister in law."
"I have my orders," the witch said. "Minister Scrimgeour himself."
"Fuck what Scrimgeour wants," Harry said, causing heads to turn. "Come on Ginny, we'll go up."
"Sir, you can't…"
"The hell I can't," Harry said. No one moved to stop him.
Soon, they found out the proper place, as Harry sent a message to Mr. Weasley. He returned the message, activating their rings, and they got there in a hurry.
"That damn bitch," Ginny said.
"What bitch," Bill asked.
"The woman at the door. She said Scrimgeour doesn't want anyone up here with Fleur."
"She said what," Mr. Weasley asked.
"Scrimgeour doesn't want anyone to go up here to see Fleur. Harry's mouth got the best of him."
"What did you say, Harry?"
"Fuck what Scrimgeour wants," Harry said. "Since when have I listened to that prat?"
Bill smiled.
"He'll send an auror or two against you."
"He'd better send thirty or forty," Ginny said.
Mr. Weasley smiled.
"I wouldn't worry about him, Harry. You're entitled to your opinion of him."
Soon, Harry saw hospital security approach him, with their wands drawn.
"Excuse me, but you must come with us," the man said. "Orders of the Minister."
"Tell the Minister to come to me himself," Harry said. "Else, I will not listen to what he has to say. He's still pissed I'm not talking to him about that day."
"Sir, I have my orders. Your wand please, or Aurors will be here."
"I'm an auror," Kingsley said, walking up. "What's going on?"
"This man ignored orders from the Minister."
"If I know this man right, he is not an employee of the Ministry. He is a student at Hogwarts, and right now, only listens to Professor McGonagall, who told him to come here with Miss Weasley and Mr. Weasley."
"Miss Weasley? That's that slut who married Harry Potter," one person said.
Harry wheeled around to see one of the aurors speaking to him.
"Shut the fuck up, you bitch," Harry said, before he could control himself.
"Maria," Kingsley said. "Don't get Harry riled up. I'll see you in my office first thing in the morning for that piece of slander."
Mr. Weasley and Mrs. Weasley were about to reach for their wands when more aurors showed up, with Scrimgeour.
"Harry, who let you up here?"
"I came up on my own, Minister," Harry said, in his most angry voice. "My wife's sister in law, thus my sister in law, was injured in an attack that your Ministry failed to prevent. I thought that was the purpose of the Ministry, Minister."
"Harry, Harry, Harry, can I talk to you in private?"
"Minister, whatever you have to say to me you can say in front of my friends."
"I want to talk to you about the where you were when Dumbledore died."
"Minister, I gave my word to Professor Dumbledore. I am going to honor that even after his death."
"Mr. Weasley, do you know that being seen here with Mr. Potter can threaten your job?"
Mr. Weasley looked at the Minister.
"Minister, I do not control Harry. I am his father in law."
"That's right," Harry said. "I respect Mr. Weasley, but don't you make being seen with me an offense against the Ministry. You want me to help you by providing you publicity. The moment you start trying to force me to do something by attacking me personally or attacking my friends, I will provide you publicity. But no the kind you want."
"Harry, I must talk to you about the attack on my aurors."
"Minister, I shall show you the memory of when the Aurors attacked me and Ginny. How do you expect me to react? I'm going to defend myself when someone attempts to make me do something I know damn well that I don't have to do."
The Minister looked on in shock.
"Furthermore, Minister, I do not appreciate you leaking information about my marriage to Miss Weasley. I know you did it. I have my sources."
"But Harry, the world has a right to know…"
"Minister, I have a right to have a private life. I do not want my life pasted on the front pages of every damned tabloid in the Wizarding world. Since when does the Daily Prophet actually become a good newspaper? I still haven't gotten over the lies they spread about me and Professor Dumbledore in my fifth year, nor have I forgotten that lousy bitch Umbridge you have working for you. Do you remember that she gave me this scar with an illegal quill, and then used the Cruciatus curse on me? What about the Dementors? She sent Dementors after me and she didn't even get a reprimand. Instead, I get sent in front of the entire Wizengamot because the Ministry is too fucking scared of Voldemort to actually recognize he returned until he went and slapped you in the face."
Harry heard the utter cries when he'd said Voldemort.
"What in the hell is wrong with you people? IF you fear the name Voldemort, then why don't you use his real name: Tom Marvolo Riddle? Half blood wizard Tom Riddle was a student who framed Hagrid when he was Head Boy of Hogwarts. Now, Minister, until you meet the following demands, I will not speak to any Ministry employee sent by you. And if you try to take me by force, I will respond with force."
"What are your requests?"
"I want legislation sent through that makes it illegal to discriminate against werewolves. I also want legislation that makes it illegal to abuse house elves and other magical creatures. No loop holes in any law to excuse anyone, especially Lucius Malfoy. And after that, I want you to personally apologize to Rubeus Hagrid for the Ministry expelling him from school. Then I want a formal apology from your office about how the Ministry fucked up and didn't see Voldemort until he slapped you by appearing in person at the Ministry a couple years ago."
Ginny looked at Harry. She knew when not to mess with him. And right now, he was venting his rage on the Minister.
"I can't do all of that."
"Then I will not talk to you."
Harry turned his back on the Minister and walked away, surprising many people in the room. Harry then smiled when he saw a certain Beetle.
He raised his wand and muttered a curse.
"Hello Rita," Harry said. "Did you catch that?"
The woman nodded, scared now that Harry had revealed her animagus form.
"Good," Harry said. "If I don't see it in the Daily Prophet tomorrow, then I think Hermione Granger will have a nice talk with you. Oh, and I'm still mad about how you made me to look in my fourth year. Don't forget that."
Ginny and her parents looked stunned. They'd never seen Harry so upset. Bill was trying not to smirk, and Ron, who had come in on Harry's rant, was pleased that Harry had finally told the Minister how he felt.
The Minister looked at Harry.
"I will be coming for you at Hogwarts soon," The Minister said. "With aurors. I will place you under arrest for spreading these lies."
"Minister," Harry said. "They are not lies. By saying that, you are lying. I know it. So don't try to give me a bullshit story. I'm willing to go in front of the Wizengamot under oath and tell you these things. If I didn't promise Professor Dumbledore to keep the knowledge he passed on to me secret, I would say that I would give you an Unbreakable Vow that I am telling you the truth. And if you still think I'm lying, you are helping Voldemort win."
The Minister looked at Harry. Harry glared into his eyes, snarling. Harry broke eye contact when he felt soft hands on his arms. He looked at Ginny.
"Hush, Harry," she said.
Harry nodded and turned away from the Minister.
"Minister," Ginny said. "Listen to what my loving husband has to say. I think he's actually much smarter than some of the people you have working for you."
Ginny then turned and went to see where Harry went. She found him in an empty room, his head in his hands.
"Harry, what got into you?"
"I guess it's the pent up rage I have for the Ministry since I knew what they were."
Late that night, they got back to Hogwarts. Harry went straight to bed, knowing they would accomplish their mission tomorrow, after classes.
The next morning, sure enough, there was a story in the Daily Prophet. Hermione, who had heard the story by now, along with Professor McGonagall, looked at Harry and shook their heads when he walked in.
He didn't say anything, but looked at the paper.
"At least she got her facts right," Ginny said.
"Harry, do you know that the Ministry will be out to discredit you now?"
"What else is new," Harry asked.
"He's got a point," Ron said. "Did you see the thing about the legislation?"
"Yes," Hermione said, flashing Harry a smile. "I'm glad you're talking about that. But you know this is going to cause trouble."
"I know," Harry said. "But he has the nerve to call me a liar after I told him the truth. And then he wants me to go in and be his poster boy. I had to set him straight."
"Potter, I need to see you in my office now," McGonagall said.
"Uh oh," Hermione said, as Harry stood.
"Yeah. Uh Oh."