Chapter 16: Hogsmeade Weekend

After the first few days of getting used to thing, Harry, Ron, Hermione, and Ginny actually started to enjoy this year. They knew they didn't have to worry about Voldemort, other than learning stuff in their classes, and then studying advanced magic on their own. Dumbledore was pleased with their progress in their classes, and commended each of them on their studious nature.

Harry and Ginny went to the Room of Requirement often with Ron and Hermione so they could practice dueling. They were getting good at dueling, though Ron and Hermione were fearful of taking on Harry and Ginny because of the advanced nature of their dueling. The married couple easily blocked and defeated Ron and Hermione, and they were glad that was the case. But they didn't use anything more powerful that a light stunning hex Harry had found in his research in the Founder's library.

It didn't hurt as bad as his real stunner, and could be used if they needed to have someone awake, or didn't know if they were friend or foe. Even with the new hex, Ron complained that the hex hurt like hell when Harry or Ginny hit him with it. To prevent them from hurting another, Harry and Ginny usually dueled a lot. That made things a lot more interesting for Ron and Hermione, as the couple was actually quite good at longer duels. They had declined to participate in Quidditch due to their demanding study schedule, put together by Hermione and Lily.

The two witches had put in time for breaks, and for fun, but most of their time was spent studying for classes, in classes, or doing research on the Dark Arts or Ancient Magic. Harry didn't mind this studying, Hermione noted, and she was glad that he was really enjoying everything that he was doing. She was very pleased with his academic efforts, pleasing every professor in the school with his studious nature. Yet, Harry was still fun loving. He and Ron joined the Marauders in playing pranks, though Harry usually had to work with James and Remus to keep them safe.

That got both James and Harry interesting glances from their respective girls. On Friday before the first Hogsmeade weekend, there was a notice on the bulletin board about a dueling competition.

Harry eagerly put his name down in the men's bracket, and Ginny did the same. The men's and women's champions would face each other to determine school champion.

Harry and Ginny knew they would be there. And they would make it a very interesting duel indeed. They were practicing long and hard for their potential duels with Voldemort, and that made their preparation for the tournament that much easier to do.

Dumbledore asked Harry and Ginny to go to his office that afternoon. They did so after their last class for the week was over.

"Mr. Potter, I'm pleased with your efforts. Your OWL scores do not reflect the effort you're putting into your education."

"Professor," Harry said. "I have a good reason. And you know what it is. The best reason, though, is that Ginny is really encouraging me. I never knew that having someone like her would make things easier for me."

"I'm glad to hear that, Mr. Potter," Dumbledore said. "Mrs. Potter, what do you think?"

"I agree with Harry. Though I do have to keep him on task sometimes in class, he's coming around a lot better than he was in his past few years. And he refrains from anything that could make me angry at him."

"A wise choice indeed," Dumbledore said. "What I asked you here for is that I saw your names on the list for the dueling championships. I'm sorry, but I can't allow you to participate. I know both of you have very advanced magical abilities. Miss Evans has been informing me that you're studying Defense Against the Dark Arts and Charms most readily. And some advanced Ancient Magic. I'm impressed."

"Thank you, sir," Harry said. "I'm really enjoying the help James and Lily are providing in our research."

"So you've involved them?"

"Yes," Ginny said. "I think it's a way Harry can get to know his parents before we leave."

"I see Mr. Potter and Miss Evans are dating now. I think you have had a hand in that."

Ginny smiled.

"Well, it was one of our goals to make sure that happened. Harry's been giving James advice, mainly by doing things for me that James copies."

"How do you learn about them?"

Ginny smiled.

"Professor," Ginny said. "I do talk to Lily, but I don't pass that knowledge on. I use what I would be pleased with, and James has to modify it to fit Lily."

"Quite right. I want you to take great care in this. You don't want to damage their relationship beyond repair."

"We've stopped trying to give them advice as much as possible," Harry said. "I asked Remus to explain to James that he should observe other couples and take things from their relationships and what they do for each other to make them his own ideas for Lily."

"That's a good way to learn. What works for one couple doesn't work for another."

"Right," Ginny said. "Ron and Hermione are coming around too."

Ginny and Harry shared a smile. Ron had heard Remus give James advice, and Ron had taken it. Of course, Harry had kind of made sure Ron was there to hear the advice.

"That's good news," Dumbledore said. "I think I will ask for your help at the tournament on Monday afternoon. Do you think you could help me?"

"Yes Professor," Harry said. "We gave you our word."

"I know," the man said. "I want to see you place a shield around a large area in the Great Hall this evening. And then, if you can, place a magic free zone around the dueling arenas."

"We'll work on it, sir."

"Good. That's one reason I can't allow you to help. Another is that we can't put your name on the trophy we're giving to the champions."

"Right," Harry said. "I wasn't thinking. I just wanted to have some fun."

"Of course, if you'd like to offer a demonstration duel between the two of you. I won't prevent that."

Ginny smiled at Harry.

"You're mine."

Harry smiled as Dumbledore had a twinkle in his eye.

"I take it the idea is amenable to both of you?'

"Yes Professor," Harry said.

"Good. I shall schedule you two for a demonstration duel after the champions are named."

"We would appreciate that, Professor. But I must say that we'd better put up strong shields. Ginny and I have become quite powerful."

"I've heard rumors that your spells can be felt throughout the school," the man said, with more amusement than worry.

"Yes sir," Ginny said. "I've felt Harry's spells on the other side of school before."

"I'm glad you two can recognize each other's magic. And what of the magic in the rings you're wearing?"

Harry smiled.

"Actually, Professor, these are portkeys to our residence and other property we own in our time."

The man nodded thoughtfully.

"Do you require wands to activate them?"

"No sir. Just your finger and the password."

"Quite brilliant."

On the weekend of their first Hogsmeade visit, which Ron, Hermione, Harry, and Ginny were allowed to go on because of the permission slips sent by McGonagall to the past with them, Harry and Ginny quickly found themselves at the Three Broomsticks with James and Lily. The new couple couldn't help but notice how well James and Lily were getting along after this time.

"I'm quite fond of this place," Ginny said.

"Me too," Lily replied. "I usually come here and sit down to read. But today, I've got other things on my mind."

"Like a certain tea shop Ginny and I are going to?"

"How do you know?" James asked.

Harry smiled and Lily spoke.

"Harry is quite an accomplished Legilimens. He's also an accomplished Occlumens because I heard Snape wasn't able to break into his mind like he does other students. And you broke into Snape's mind."

Harry nodded.

"The git had it coming," Harry said.

He'd told James and Lily, again under oath, about what Snape had done to him. They were appalled, but were bound by their oath not to do anything to Snape lest the future be changed.

Ginny nodded her agreement, but didn't say a word. Harry was behaving, and that was all she asked of him. He had a right to call people names, especially ones who killed Dumbledore and despised Harry.

After the quick butterbeer, Harry and Ginny headed to Madam Puddifoot's. They got in there and found a table, where Harry ordered two teas for them.

Ginny didn't like coffee, so they instead opted for tea.

"So, what do you think, Harry," Ginny asked, holding his hands across the table as they awaited for their tea to arrive.

"About what?"

"This whole thing?"

"To tell you the truth," Harry said, concentrating and focusing in on Ginny's eyes.

I think I'm going to have a hard time leaving my parents.

Poor baby. I'll help you as much as possible.

I think there's a way to make the pain lessen for me when we leave.

What's that?

You put a memory charm on me.

Never, Harry. I can easily ruin every memory of your parents. You need those if you're to defeat Voldemort. Think of the love you lost when he killed them. That kind of love, like that of your mother's sacrifice, should remain with you and in your heart. It's in you. I know it. You're capable of great love.

Thank you, my love. You need to help me keep my head on straight.

We're married. That's my job.

Harry smiled at Ginny as they were interrupted by their arriving tea. As they fixed it, they sat in silence. Harry glanced over to see James and Lily deep in conversation about something. He didn't bother trying to listen in. It was their conversation, and they needed privacy.

"They're getting along nicely," Ginny said, knowing where Harry had looked.

"Yes they are," Harry said. "I'm pleased with the results. I do think we should give them their space."

"Me too. When we finish, I fancy a walk. Maybe heading back to Hogwarts and finding a place on the lake."

"We can do that," Harry said, sipping his tea. "I want to have some me time with you."

"Don't you get enough of that at night?"

"No," Harry said. "I don't know if I've told you this, but you make me feel relaxed and as calm as I ever feel. It's like I'm feeling all the love I've ever experienced in each moment we spend together."

"I can spend a lot more time with you, Harry. I know we spend plenty of time together in classes and studying with Lily. We'll get some me and you time this weekend."

"I really appreciate it, darling."

"Don't worry about it, Harry. We're supposed to get some me time."

"I think I know what I want to get while we're here."

"What's that?"

"I fancy having some chocolate. Do you?"

"Of course. Get plenty of it. You know Remus likes to carry it with him."

"I'm going to start doing that," Harry said. "I think it's a good idea. And during our research, we did find that it is a decent remedy after facing some dark arts creatures."

Ginny nodded.

"Right. Good idea. We should all carry at least a bar of chocolate with us."

Harry nodded.

After they finished their tea, they walked over to Honeydukes, which was a candy shop. Soon, Harry had gotten a bag full of items. He opened his pocket bag and put the candy in there, save for a couple of chocolate bars, which he handed to Ginny.

She smiled and put them in her pocket, having noticed he'd done the same thing.

"You like that bag from Aberforth, don't you?"

"Of course," Harry said. "It's very useful…"

At that moment, Harry heard a scream as the hair on the back of his neck stood up.

"Lily!" Harry and Ginny exclaimed together, recognizing the voice.

Both ran toward her scream and saw the problem. Two Dementors had Lily and James, and one was about to kiss Lily.

"NO!" Harry yelled. "EXPECTO PATRONUM!" he yelled, with a massive patronus exiting the wand and running toward the Dementors.

When the patronus got there, Ginny's was on the way as well, just as large and furious as Harry's. But before her Patronus could arrive, Harry's had caused the Dementors to explode.

There were screaming students, and Harry ran toward his teenage mum and dad.

He knelt down beside them, both of them shivering.

"Lily, are you ok," Harry asked, as scared as Harry had ever seen her.

"Huh? Harry?"

"Yes Lily, it's me," Harry said, looking over at James, who was starting to get up.

"What happened," James asked.

"Dementors," Harry said.

Ginny reached into her pocket and pulled out the chocolate.

"Here," she said. "Eat this and you'll feel better."

"Are you sure?"

"Yes," Harry said. "It's not my first run in with Dementors. Remember my third year?"

James nodded as Remus and Sirius ran up, their wands out.

"Whoa," Remus said. "Harry, you had that huge stag patronus?"

Harry nodded.

"It looks like…"

"I know," Harry said. "James' animagus."

James nodded and looked down at Lily, who was starting to sit up.

She looked at James with interest on her face. Then she looked at Harry and Ginny. With the look on their faces, and that of Ron and Hermione, who ran up, wands out, she saw the fear in their faces.

"It's ok," Lily said. "I'm ok. They didn't kiss me or anything."

Harry sighed and dropped his wand, the emotions just too strong for him.

"What's wrong with him," Ron heard Snape say.

"He got the fright of his life," Ginny said. "And if you say a damn word about it I will make sure you never have children or lust for women again."

Snape went pale and retreated with his fellow Slytherins.

Harry picked up his wand and sent out a silvery mist.

"What was that," Remus asked, eying Harry.

"I'm sending a message to Dumbledore," Harry said. "That's another use for a patronus."

Remus smiled and looked at Harry.

"You tried chocolate?"

"Here, Harry," Ginny said, handing Harry a chunk of chocolate.

He shoved it in his mouth and sighed as he felt the sweet taste overcome his fear. It always felt good. But it helped the Ginny had put her arms around him.

"Ron, Hermione, go check for more."

The two nodded and soon walked around as students were crowding around.

A moment later, Dumbledore appeared, scared.

"What happened?"

"Lily and James were attacked by Dementors," Harry said.

"Here?"

"Yes," Harry said.

"Where are they?"

Ginny smiled.

"Harry's Patronus destroyed them," Ginny said. "I've never seen anything like that. But then again, Harry has run off over a hundred Dementors when he was thirteen by himself."

"Harry?"

"Yeah Ron?"

"We didn't see any."

"Good."

"James, tell the Prefects I want everyone back at Hogwarts and accounted for immediately."

"Yes Professor."

"Mr. Potter, Mrs. Potter, please stand here for a moment. I'll get you when I get the word out to the other professors. Lily, are you ok?"

"I'm ok, Professor. Thanks to Harry."

The man nodded, relief on his face. "Any kisses?"

"I don't kiss," Lily said, getting a smile from Ginny.

"I know what its like," Harry said. "I almost had one kiss me when I was in my 3rd year at my old school. And I had horrible memories."

"What were they?"

Harry sighed.

"The night my parents died."

Lily nodded with an understanding on her face. "Yeah. I had bad memories too. I don't want to relate them to you, but you know what it's like."

"Me too," Ginny said. "I was affected by them as well. When Professor…."

"You've told us," Lily said.

"That's right," Ginny said. "I forget."

"Told you what?"

"Nothing,' Lily said. "It's between Ginny, Harry, me and James."

"I see," Remus said, thoughtfully. "Say Harry, can I have a quiet word with you?"

"Sure," Harry said.

"You know Remus from the future?"

"Yes."

"He said he taught you DADA in your third year. So he taught you…"

"How to produce a Patronus," Harry said. "And chocolate."

Remus smiled.

"Thanks. I'll have to remember this then."

No you won't, Remus.

"Harry?"

"Yeah Lily?"

"Can you and Ginny help me back?"

"Professor Dumbledore…"

"I know what he said," Lily said. "We need to get back."

"Right," Harry said, as he saw Dumbledore.

"I see you thought of helping Miss Evans back?"

"Yes sir," Harry said.

"Good. Take her to the hospital wing. And I do think some of that chocolate you've given her would do well for your friends as well."

"I've already offered, sir," Harry said.

"You do know your DADA, Mr. Potter."

"I've had two or three great professors in DADA."

Soon, Lily was in a bed, being checked over by Madam Pomfrey.

"Now this was unexpected. Have some chocolate, dear."

"Harry already gave me some," Lily said, with a smile.

"Really," the woman asked, looking over at Harry. "How do you know that?"

"I was attacked by Dementors when I was 13 and my professor was kind enough to protect me and then provide me chocolate."

"Good for him. It's nice to hear a DADA professor who knows his stuff. And I might add that I think Dumbledore should award Gryffindor points for your knowledge."

Harry smiled, having heard the same response before.

"I already have, Poppy," Dumbledore said. "Ten each for Mr. Potter, Mrs. Potter, Miss Granger, and Mr. Weasley for their great patronuses. Ten for Mr. Potter and his knowledge of the remedies. And ten more for Mr. Potter for giving me a message in a most unusual way."

Harry grinned at Lily. She smiled at him.

"You have to teach me to do a Patronus."

"We're learning it in charms," Harry said. "But I'll be glad to teach a select few."

He saw a smile on the faces of Ginny, Ron, and Hermione.

"When did you produce your first corporeal Patronus?"

"My third year, sir," Harry said. "And I protected two lives with the Patronus."

"And," Hermione said. "It fought off over a hundred Dementors, including one about to apply the kiss to…"

"To whom?"

"Sorry," Hermione said. "I can't mention it."

Dumbledore nodded.

"Quite right, Miss Granger. I'm aware of your secrecy agreement as not to reveal your past for your safety. Though I do think that Miss Evans and Mr. Potter should know."

"Sir," Harry said. "We told them on the first night from the request of a professor of mine. He said we should confide in two people we can trust."

"I see."

"And we used a vow of silence," Harry said.

"Good choice, Mr. Potter," Dumbledore said. "I wasn't aware you knew about that."

"Sir, we ran across it this summer doing research."

"I see. Defense against the Dark Arts?"

"A number of subjects, sir," Hermione said. "We're on a quest, and this is part one of our quest."

"So you'll stay here for how much longer," Lily asked.

"Until the end of the year," Harry said. "Then we'll move on in our quest."

"Harry, what were the looks on your friend's faces?"

"Well, sir," Harry said. "We started a group at my other school when we had a lousy teacher who didn't teach us properly. I was the lead instructor, and these three helped a lot. I taught them Patronuses then."

"Really," Dumbledore, his eyes twinkling. "If you didn't have to continue on your quest, I think I would love to have you here to teach."

"Sorry, sir," Harry said. "I'd love to teach one day, but first, I have a very important task to complete."

"You've told me, Mr. Potter," Dumbledore said, with amusement in his eyes. "I shall like to send a letter with you to the professors at your other school to tell them how much I've enjoyed having you here this year."

"Thank you, sir," Harry said. "But we are not done yet. At least until the end."

"I understand. I just want to tell you that I appreciate your presence. Come by my office Monday after lunch, and we will work together on setting up the tournament."

"Harry," Lily asked. "You aren't competing?"

"Professor Dumbledore didn't allow it," Harry said. "He's aware of my power, and he doesn't want me to hurt anyone. Instead, he wants me to help him set up protections for other students."

"I see," Lily said. "I think you're making the right choice."

"But Harry and I will demonstrate, Lily," Ginny said, smiling. "We've been dueling to practice for a while."

"Why are you kids dueling," Madam Pomfrey asked.

"Have you heard of Voldemort," Harry asked.

The woman nodded.

"He killed my parents. We're going after him as soon as we're through studying advanced techniques."

The woman nodded.

"You kids take care. We've already lost too many people to him."

Harry nodded.

He'd halfway expected to be told to leave it alone, like Mrs. Weasley usually did. But now, he was a fully qualified wizard, a Tri-Wizard Tournament Champion, and defender of Hogwarts.

It was a lot on his plate right now, and he was glad that he'd come to his senses with Ginny. She'd seemed to look much better than she did at the beginning of the summer, and Harry was thankful for it.

He'd told her many times that he was sorry for the way things had gone at the end of the previous year. She made sure he didn't forget it, often teasing him about it. Now, he didn't mind. At least she was teasing him about it instead of trying to bite his head off.

On Sunday, Harry and Ginny spent the day relaxing as much as possible. After the morning break, however, Lily was back to full form, just like Hermione, and pushing them to study. They did so, knowing that it would keep things flowing smoothly, and, in the end, allow them more time for themselves.

Harry didn't mind this either, as he was getting to spend time with his mum, something he'd much wanted to do in his life. Now that he was doing it, he didn't know what to think. He was already feeling emotions about what would happen when he and his friends left. And he was feeling very strong emotions about what had happened in Hogsmeade. The Ministry had been notified, and Dumbledore had instructed them that his students were off limits. Harry and his close friends couldn't be seen by the Ministry, so they were often hidden in the school, using their knowledge of the secret passages to hide.

He sighed and soon caught sight of two redheads look at him.

"What," he asked them.

"Something bothering you, Harry," Ginny asked, looking at him.

He knew he couldn't lie to her.

"Yes," he said.

"What is it?"

"It's about what's going to happen in May," Harry said.

"Oh," Ginny said.

Lily sighed and nodded. She knew what he was thinking as well.

"If you want to know, Harry, I am thinking of it too," Lily said. "Let's forget about it right now. You have plenty of time to think about that."

"Right," Harry said. "And several more months of school."

Lily nodded.

"Right."

But Harry couldn't help but think of what had happened and what would happen in his life. He knew there was a lot going on, and would always be until he got rid of Voldemort once and for all.