After Mrs. Weasley's delicious breakfast Ron, Hermione, Ginny, Lupin, Tonks, Teddy and Harry left for number twelve Grimmauld Place. Once they arrived Harry took everyone to their rooms. Ginny and Hermione in one. Ron in his own. Harry in Sirius' old room. And Lupin, Tonks and Teddy in Regulus' old room. After everyone was settled Harry disposed of Mistress Black's screaming tapestry. For which everyone was pleased. All the former house-elves heads in the hall were taken down. And pictures of family and friends replaced them giving the house a warm feeling. Harry set out to paint the old house, which was now a light shade of red. Kreacher and Winky arrived shortly later that afternoon. Not knowing that Winky would be there too, Harry just shrugged. Winky still being a freed elf was able to do magic. She only felt that she should use it if her Master was in danger.
"Master, Kreacher wants to know where Winky will be sleeping?" said Kreacher bowing his head toward Harry.
"I'm enlarging your storage cupboard so you both can stay there, and it will have some room to move around in."
"Master is much too kind to Kreacher."
"No, I want you to be comfortable. Don't worry Kreacher, I'm gonna treat you very well." seeing Kreacher's slightly shocked expression. He had never been treated this nice when Sirius lived there.
Harry had expanded the room only moments later. Kreacher and Winky went to their newly expanded room. Harry went to Regulus' old room to take down the Slytherin decorations. And all the other ghastly decorations. Shortly after he started he was finished. The room was livable for them now. Harry found some effects he wanted to keep, so he put them into his own room. He then took a Slytherin banner down to Kreacher and gave it to him. "Master is much, much to kind to Kreacher. Thank you Master."
"Please Kreacher call me Harry, I'm not one for this Master business. And you deserve it as a token for helping us back at Hogwarts."
Even Sirius' old room had effects he wanted to keep. But he took everything off the walls that had the sticking charm on them, which was practically everything. And put the pictures of his dad and the rest of his family in frames. His room was covered in these pictures, new and old. The ones he found of himself as a baby made there way to the wall. The Gryffindor banners stayed, and he added more. The banners from the Triwizard Tournament also hung from the ceiling, along with Quidditch banners. His Firebolt was leaning against the wall next to his bed. His books that were unpacked were on the shelves. Some of which included; Quidditch Through the Ages, Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them, The Monster Book of Monsters, Advanced Potion Making, Intermediate Transfiguration and A History of Magic. These were only a few of the many books he owned. Most of them were for Defense Against the Dark Arts, considering that every year they had a new teacher for the subject. For some reason he kept Gilderoy Lockhart's books, more for a laugh than anything.
"Harry are you done? You've been in here for hours." called Ginny from the hallway. Nevertheless Harry didn't answer. "Harry can I come in then?" Now with a worried tone in her voice.
"Sure, the doors unlocked."
Next thing Harry knew the door had creaked open and in the thresh-hold stood Ginny. "Are you okay Harry, you don't look so good."
"I'm fine." But as he said this he grabbed for his back.
"You're not all right Harry let me help you. Please."
"I've tried every medical spell I know, and nothings working. But if you want to try, go ahead."
It was night and Harry was only wearing night pants for it hurt too much to raise his arms to put a shirt on. Ginny wearing her dress robe over her sleep clothes went over to Harry's bed to help him with his back pain. "I read in a muggle book about something called a massage. So, on your stomach I'll give you one."
"Okay but do you think it'll work?"
"I hope so."
And so Ginny was starting to massage Harry's back. She was sitting on his lower back as she did this. Harry was gradually feeling less pain. And the night was going on. The sky gradually getting darker, and the crescent moon piercing it. Stars twinkling across the vast horizon. Neither of them heard footsteps on the stairs, but next thing they knew Ron exploded through the door.
"What in bloody hell are you two doing in here?" he screamed.
"Harry's back was hurting so I'm using a muggle remedy to help him." replied Ginny who was turning red.
"Harry, how could you! I don't believe this. You're my best mate."
"Ron! We weren't doing anything. How could you believe we were?" asked Harry.
"I'm out of here. I'm leaving tomorrow morning." and the door slammed shut.
"Ginny, I'll be right back. Make yourself comfortable." Harry stormed out into the hall after Ron. "Ron! Ron! Get back here. Lets talk like men."
"I trusted you, and you, you, you I don't know what you did, but I'm gone."
"Ron I, we didn't do anything. Ginny was helping me, my back hurts. You've got to believe me?"
"I don't want my sister to get hurt. And you've already done that once Harry, how do I know you won't again?"
"Because Ron, I, I, I love Ginny!"
"You what?"
"I love her. The only reason I broke us off last time was because everyone I've ever loved has been killed. And I didn't want that to happen to her! Don't you see Ron, I love her! All this past year I couldn't stop thinking about her, wondering if she was okay! And when I went into the forest she was the first one who came to my mind! I would never hurt her!"
"Blimy I, I, I never knew that. But, I'm –er sorry Harry. I should've trusted you both. It's just she's you know my little sister. It's kinda my job to protect her."
"I get it. And don't tell her, I want to when the times right."
"When will that be?"
"I have no clue." said Harry while declining down the wall looking at the floor. "But I've got to talk to your dad before anything." Continuing to look at the floor of the hallway.
"My dad? Why, what does he have to do with anything?"
"You won't understand, Ron. It's a muggle thing."
"Do I even want to know?"
"Probably not. Shall we set off to bed now that this spat is over with?"
"Ya, I'm really worn-out. Goodnight Harry. And if Ginny stays in your room, don't do anything I would." As the yawning Ron made his way to his room.
"Ha ha very funny Ron. 'Night."
So Harry ventured off toward his room. When he got there Ginny was still sitting on his bed. She looked very exhausted. Harry came in the room looking weary, and kinda annoyed. "Your welcome to stay in here tonight if you wish. Ron's not leaving anytime soon."
"You mean you talked him into staying? How'd you do it?"
Taking a deep breath, he didn't want to tell her now. "I just talked to him about what happened, he came around, eventually. Though he wouldn't stop yelling at me."
"That's just Ron. At least everything's okay."
"Therefore we can continue, or turn in. Do you wish to stay here for the night?"
"You mean in your room, in this bed, with you?"
"No with the invisible guy, in the invisible bed. Of course in here with me, why?"
"Are you sure Ron's okay with this?"
"Ya, he's the one who said you could. Do you fancy to?"
"But of course I would fancy to stay. Which side do you want?"
"I don't mind either side. I'll sleep on both."
"You know I've never shared a bed with anyone. You're the first."
"I'm honoured then."
Furthermore the night drew on and Harry and Ginny spent the night together. Waking up with Ginny on his chest. With his own arms around hers. He felt so good that he didn't want to stir. Remembering that he had to get up for breakfast, he quietly got up and dressed. If Ron hadn't heard what Harry had to say, he wouldn't be there that morning at the table. Pouring tea for everyone, at breakfast, it dawned on Harry that his birthday was tomorrow. "Harry everyone's coming over tomorrow for your eighteenth birthday. I have to go to town to get my books today. I just got my list. And we can all get you your birthday gifts then." said Ginny.
"Oh but of course. When should we depart? And don't worry Ron your dad sent me money to get Ginny's belongings." Noticing the startled look on Ron's face. Apparently Ron forgot about Hogwarts.
"I was thinking that we go fairly soon. We have to get ready for the party tomorrow. Where eating outdoors, and there will be plenty of people here."
"Alright we'll go soon. We will Apparate to Diagon Alley. Ginny along side me. I'd say we should get ready to leave shortly." Looking at his watch, knowing that Diagon Alley would be crowded shortly.
Before long they left for Diagon Alley, leaving Kreacher to watch the house. Lupin and Tonks left for some of their own errands. Through the twirling, spinning, and cracking as they were Apparating Ginny had gotten very light-headed. She had never apperated before. They all went their separate ways, well all but Harry and Ginny.
"Flourish and Blotts first?"
"Um, sure were closer to it now. I need six new books. Which is for your class?"
"The Dark Arts a Know How By Harry Potter. And yes I've already written a book, I wrote it while on the run. It's a fine read, and it ends with a little history lesson in my life." Putting out his chest, looking quite like Percy.
"So you assigned us your own book? I hope it's nothing like Lockhart's books. That would be so boring." They both had to laugh at this because Lockhart still had no clue who he was. And his books were full of lies, and other Wizard's stories, not his own.
"Hello Mr. Potter what can I do you for today?" asked the owner of Flourish and Blots, Mr. Flourish as they walked inside.
"We will be needing these books, Sir. New, please."
"Alright then, let me get a start on finding them for you." Glancing down the list, "Of course I cannot charge you for your own book Mr. Potter. That ones on the house."
In next to no time the owner came back with all of Ginny's new books. After Harry paid the dreary old man the eight Galleons, six Sickles and the five Knuts. They then thanked him and left the store to get new potions ingredients. "Harry you didn't have to pay, dad sent me money. I could've bought them. You honestly didn't have to do that."
"And cheat you out of money for my birthday present I think not. Don't worry about it. I know perfectly well your dad sent you more than enough money for books, but you'll need to save some for Hogsmeade."
"Oh really. Like I didn't think of that before? But I guess I should thank you for paying."
"Yes you should. Let's get the rest of your things and then you can get my present, so we can go home." Giving Ginny a tight squeeze around her shoulders. "I assume there are going to be a lot of people there tomorrow? You don't exactly have a small family."
"Ha ha very funny Harry. No I don't have a small family. And yes there will be numerous people there. Some you haven't seen in years."
"Wait who do you know that I haven't seen in years?" stopping and acting surprised, which he very well was.
"You'll find out tomorrow afternoon Harry. It's a surprise. And it should be a very good one too. Hermione helped me with it. So it should be a very good birthday gift from us both," Seeing Harry's look she added, "don't worry Harry we're buying you a gift also." Striding over towards her final destinations, to shop for Harry's gift and the rest of her school supplies. Harry was sent to Weasley's' Wizard Wheezes. Where he could not figure out what they were all getting him for his birthday.
"Oi Harry, anything you want is yours remember. We haven't forgotten about you giving us our start up money. And no refusing you hear." said the over excited Fred. George was helping an inquiring Hogwarts first year into buying a box of Puking Pastilles. Once he saw Harry he called him over. "Oi Harry, meet one of your future new students," summoning Harry over towards them with a wave of his hand. "No he's not going to use these during Defense Against the Dark Arts, will you?"
"I ah no Professor………. Professor……." The poor little first year was unsure of what to call Harry.
"Professor Potter. And trust me I know the effects of those, I used them during my fifth year, they come quite in handy. Orange end makes you puke, purple end stops it. I was one of the many testers. And there's not much I can do if you use one, it's hard to tell weather it's real or not."
"Really, so I can just get out of classes and there's nothing you can do to tell weather it's a Puking Pastille?"
"The only way to tell is if the wrapper falls out of your pocket. Don't try the Nosebleed Nougat, there wonderful, but Fred and George still haven't worked out the taste, that would make you puke for real. Again I was a tester."
"Harry let him buy what he wants. But they do taste funny. Not as bad as Bartie Bott's Every Flavor Beans, the snot ones are quite disgusting."
"Agreed George. And I see that you have quite a collection of Weasley's' Wizarding Wheezes, just don't let Flinch catch you with any of them, and he's not a huge fan of Fred or George. Come to think of it, he doesn't care for me much either." Remembering how he narrowly escaped from Flinch his second year.
The now excited first year was already going to buy five boxes of Puking Pastilles. Now he was trying to cram as much as possible into his hands. "You do know they have a delivery service, were Filch won't be able to tell what they are. There's no need to buy that much all at once." Harry told the young boy.
"They deliver? You mean I can send them an owl, and order anything, and get it while at Hogwarts?"
"Of course, ask either of them for their to-go order forms and their service booklet. I won't tell any of the other teachers. Hope to see you in Gryffindor; I'm the Head of House. As well as the Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher. And I'm truly sorry I didn't catch your name."
"Oh right I'm Robert Riddle, not any relation to Tom Riddle, both my parents are muggles. And there's no one in our family named Tom. I am sorry Professor I usually have to say all this now, or I get strange looks from people, and no one will tell me why."
"Ah you'll learn your first day in my class Robert. And you look nothing like Tom Riddle; for which you should be glad, he was a dark, terrible man. But you'll learn soon enough."
"Professor should I be concerned if someone calls me 'mugblood'?"
"Yes, well sort of, in the Wizarding world that term is used to describe those of no wizard relation. It's accentually an insult. But not to worry once at Hogwarts, anyone who speaks that word gets a detention from me. My best friend is muggle-born, and she for a long time was a better wizard than me."
"Really? That's good to know. Do you know where I can find Ollivander's? That's the only place I haven't found yet. And my parents are in the Leakey Cauldron their probably really worried."
"Ah but of course, once you get out of here go straight for three shops. Ollivander's will be the fourth shop on our left. If he's not right there, just call out his name, he'll come. Tell him I sent you, and he may just go easy on the price. See you at Hogwarts Robert."
And the little boy paid for his things, thanked Harry and set out for Ollivander's. Meanwhile Harry had a look round the shop. Some things looking familiar, others must be new. Having no need for jokes Harry merely walked about, waiting for any sign of Ron, Hermione, or Ginny.
"Well Harry so I hear you fancy Ginny quite a bit. Is it true?"
"Is what true George? I mean I've fancied Ginny for quite some time. And you know that."
"Is it true that you two spent the night in your room, in the same bed?"
"Where on earth did you hear this? Blimy you believe it don't you?"
"Ron told me. And ya I believe it. Why is it not true Harry?"
"That bloody git." Harry said under his muffled breath. "No it's not true George and since when do you listen to Ron?"
"Good point. Gee I'm really sorry Harry I didn't mean to offend you or anything, I was just curious."
"I understand, no offence taken. And speaking of Ron, here's the git now. By the way that first year loves the idea he can order things from school. I told him a few things. I think I've found a student who likes me already."
"Great now we can send things to Hogwarts! We have a Professor who's telling his students!" both Fred and George jumping up and down.
"Oh boy, I feel like I just walked into a death zone. Harry stop looking at me like that. I didn't do anything, I swear."
"Oh so you didn't tell George the lie that Ginny and I spent the night in my room together?" hoping that the look he was giving him would give him the sense to play along. And it must've worked.
"Oh ya I did say that didn't I? You know I was only joking around right?"
"Ya very amusing Ron. Where's Hermione and Ginny at?"
"Getting birthday decorations. They love shopping too much, it's unhealthy you know."
"Ron their women, expect them to shop a lot." Cooed Fred from behind the counter. Right after helping to check out a costumer.
"Don't let mum hear you say that, she'll have your head."
"Mum can have George's ear, she doesn't need my head. Plus I've said and done worse. Speaking of women, here they are now. Hermione! Ginny! Over here." Waving his arms in the air, to where they stood.
"Hello," and before addressing who it was Hermione checked the ear, "Fred, how are you?"
"Just selling jokes to first years. And Harry's helping." Giving Harry a wide grin.
"Harry your helping them sell jokes to Hogwarts students? But you're a Professor!" nagged Hermione.
"And, like their not going to use them anyway. Heck I loved them our fifth year. All the jokes we pulled on Umbridge. Think about it we drove her mad! All thanks to Fred and George. I'm not going to deprive a Hogwarts student of that kind of fun."
"Harry they'll drive you mad!" she protested.
"It would take a lot to drive me mad. Plus we were all test dummies. We know what they do, and where they came from." Giving Fred an ominous stare. "I don't care as long as there not used in my classroom. It gives Peeves something to sing about. And some ideas."
"I don't know about you some times Harry. It's highly irresponsible to tell your students to buy these jokes."
"Why so they can buy them anyway? Either way their going to buy the jokes, whether I tell them to or not. Just lighten up a little Hermione, please."
"Alright, alright, I get what you're saying, but if you start to get annoyed by them, remember I told you not to."
"Get annoyed of jokes? Really Hermione, me get annoyed by that? You can't be serious? I'm not Filch." Fred and George starting to laugh at the comparison Harry just made.
"Very well you can deal with the chaos." said Hermione looking defeated.
"Fine I will." Grinning from ear to ear as he said this. "Are we done? I know you two want to decorate the whole house before tomorrow. And heaven forbid if I stop that." With a hint of sarcasm in his voice.
"Well were done shopping how about you two?"
"I'm done, how 'bout you Ron?"
"Um what. Oh ya I'm done." Clearly not paying attention, to the conversation.
"Thank you Fred, George, we'll see you tomorrow then?"
"Of course you will. And don't thank us, we should thank you, we've got Hogwarts students buying loads of stuff. You telling that Robert kid that it was okay must have been heard by some Extendable Ears, because everyone's buying. This is great for business. And we owe that to you, Harry."
"Well even if they didn't hear me, they'd buy load of things. It's a joke shop, who doesn't like a good laugh? See you tomorrow."