Chapter 5 – Returning to Hogwarts
Harry and Ginny had accepted Bill's invitation for a few days' holiday at Shell Cottage before the start of the new term at Hogwarts. This would be their first flight from the nest as a couple and they were excited at the prospect. They awoke that morning spooned together with Harry's arm wrapped tightly around Ginny's middle.
"Hey you," he said, kissing her shoulder. "You awake yet?"
I am now. "Mmm hmm," she said as her body tensed and stretched itself. She rolled over to face her fiancé. "Hi," she whispered, giving him a good morning kiss. "D'joo sleep well?"
"Never better," he replied with a sleepy smile. You're beautiful first thing in the morning.
They continued to kiss and caress each other as they woke up the rest of the way. There would be no snogging this morning, however, because they were due at Shell Cottage before lunch and they still had to pack their kits for the few days they'd be there.
"I suppose we should get up," she sighed, stroking Harry's face.
"Just a few more minutes," he asked in a mock-begging tone.
"No, love. But I promise we'll have lots of time for lazy waking on our holiday," she cooed, kissing him on the nose. Then she gave him a light pinch on the bum. "Now, you have the shower first and I'll sort through clothes, yeah?"
"I'll save you some hot water. I...uh...don't think I'll be needing much," he said flicking his eyes southward.
Ginny blushed. "You've got yourself in a right state, haven't you," she snickered.
"It's all down to you, love," he chuckled, slinging a clean towel over his shoulder. "It's all down to you." And I shall exact my revenge first chance I get.
"Hit the showers, you randy git," she laughed.
There were ready to leave in about a half hour. They hurried downstairs for a quick bite of toast and a cuppa, then shouldered their rucksacks and made for the door. "We'll send an owl when we get there, Mum," Ginny called as they stepped out the door. They hurried to the Burrow's Apparition spot where Harry took her hand and they were gone with a pop.
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They Apparated on the outskirts of a quaint village Ginny didn't recognize. She looked around trying to get her bearings, but at a loss, she gave Harry a bewildered look.
"Were are we," Ginny asked still holding Harry's hand and with no intention of letting go.
"Just outside Godric's Hollow. I wanted to introduce you to my parents before we go on to Shell Cottage...or rather, take you to their graves..." His voice betrayed him as he began to tremble.
"You must miss them terribly," Ginny said sympathetically, holding him tighter.
Harry wasn't sure if it was possible for him to truly miss his parents since his memory of them was so sketchy. He had painted pictures in his mind of and about them when he was little just to fill the lonely hours he spent locked up in the Cupboard Under the Stairs. He hadn't even known what they looked like until he saw them smiling sadly back at him in the Mirror of Erised his first year at Hogwarts.
At the end of that same year, when Hagrid presented him with his then most prized possession, a photo album containing visual memories of his parents, the paintings became more vivid and defined...but his loneliness for them increased. The little he'd since learned about them came from people who had been precious and important figures in his parents' life—Harry's life—but they, too, had been taken. Sirius...Dumbledore...Remus...and even that traitorous back-stabbing rat, Pettigrew. With the exception of his mother's recently-discovered diary, their graves and the ruin of their once-happy home were all Harry had left of Lily and James Potter.
"Harry, my love? You okay," Ginny asked, shaking him from his reverie. "You're trembling." She could almost feel his pain smothering her as she ran her warm hand along his back. He tensed a little, then relaxed again.
There was a heaviness in Harry's chest as he drew in a deep breath. "I...I never knew them, really. I mean, don't remember them...but I miss them. Mum's diary is the closest I'll get to ever really knowing them. It's her own words," he said, choking back tears. They had continued to sit up in bed together and read from Lily's diary almost every night before they went to sleep. "Everything else I know is what others have told me about them."
Harry led Ginny through the town square where the Potter Memorial stood. On the other side lay the graveyard where his parents had been laid to rest almost 17 years before. They picked their way through the headstones, carefully respecting the graves of the others buried there, Muggle and Wizard alike. Harry finally found a double grave marked POTTER. He conjured a single white rose with a flick of his wand and laid it in front of the headstone bearing his parents' names.
Harry swallowed back a sob and addressed Lily and James reverently, "Mum, Dad, this is my fiancée, Ginny. Mum, I gave her your ring. It's a perfect fit. We're going to be married next summer. Dad, she's a redhead just like Mum, and just as beautiful. I guess it's something in the Potter blood, yeah? I'm sure you'd understand how much I love her when I tell you that I would die for her. I know you'd love her too, because she means everything to me." He paused a moment and then fixed his eyes on his parents' headstone, he said, "Mum and Dad, I hope you know that Tom Riddle is dead and that you can be at peace now," Harry said in benediction because he could no longer hold back his tears.
Ginny's couldn't hold back a few tears as Harry's as she spoke to Lily and James herself. "He is a sweet, kind, loving, and annoyingly noble man whom I love so much that there are no words to describe it. When he told you he would die for me, it was the truth. He did, but because of your deep love for him, he was able to come back to me." She let out a small sob and wiped her face with her handkerchief. "Damned tears... Harry proposed to me on my birthday, and as you can probably imagine, it was my best birthday ever. Lily, Harry told me this ring belonged to you, and because of that I shall treasure it always. James, Harry is an exact copy of you. He's sweet, funny, cute, brave, noble, and an amazingly powerful wizard. He's a born leader and people really respect him. You should be proud of your son. I sure am."
Harry and Ginny stood silently for a little while, clinging desperately to each other, and shedding tears together felt rather good. After the battle Ginny had cried more times than her entire life before it, but Harry didn't considered her being weepy and she'd realized that the trio really had shared not only blood, toil and sweat, but tears as well and it was all right. Despite this Ginny still didn't like crying, since it reminded her too much of being little baby sister Ginny. "Harry, thanks for bringing me to visit them," she said, her heart full of love. "I'm so honoured to love their son so much and be their daughter-in-law."
"I love you, Ginny," Harry whispered. "And somehow I just know they'd love you too." He leaned in and kissed her passionately, but sweetly. It was all right now. They had declared their love for one another before his parents just as they had before hers, and strengthened it in the bargain. Finally, they bid Lily and James Potter goodbye and Apparated outside the wards around Shell Cottage, where Bill and Fleur greeted them in the yard.
"Welcome, 'Arry! Welcome, Geeny!" Fleur greeted them with kisses on both cheeks.
"We expected you a bit earlier,"Bill said with a little hint of relief as he hugged both of them.
"Harry took me to Godric's Hollow and introduced me to his parents," Ginny said.
"Zat is so sweet," Fleur said.
Fleur showed them to their room where they stowed their rucksacks. She then took Ginny window shopping in the nearby village while Bill and Harry sat in the garden talking over Butterbeers.
"Do you remember when I told you I thought the two of you were shining back at Hogwarts," Bill asked.
"Yes, I do. I even talked with your dad about it at the Burrow." Harry told Bill about Arthur's thoughts about a bond.
"I agree with Dad. There is something more than love between the two of you. I don't know, but maybe I notice because I am married to a part-Veela. You see, there is more than emotion at work when a Veela falls in love," Bill told Harry, gesturing toward him with his bottle.
"Bill, do you think it's the protection that my sacrifice should have created that was transformed into a magical bond between me and Ginny?"
"That would be my guess," Bill said thoughtfully, scratching his chin. "The protection your mother's sacrifice created alone is very powerful ancient magic, obscurely mystic. It's also very rare because of the deep love required to create it. What happened with that same magic when you didn't die is a phenomenon virtually unheard of."
"How so," Harry asked, his curiosity piqued.
"Think about it, Harry. Think of all the unusual circumstances that led up to this. Your mother faced Voldemort, willingly giving her own life to protect you, which saved you from the Killing curse when you were a baby. Roughly 16 years later, you faced Voldemort, willing to die to protect Ginny. And since she was your last thought, the one whose image filled your heart and mind at the moment the Killing curse hit you, that protection you'd already established transformed into the bond you two now share," Bill said.
"I don't know about all that, but what I do know is that I have never been happier. Even when I'm not with her, it's like she's right there with me just the same," Harry said. "Does that make any sense at all?"
"It does. I think in a way she is there. I think the bond has somehow connected your minds...or souls. If you explore it together, you might be able to learn more about it."
"What do you mean?"
"I mean that maybe you can reach the connection—feel it, maybe use it and strengthen it," Bill said. "I'm not really sure, but I'll talk to Fleur about Veela magic, if it's all right with you. Maybe she'll be able to help you understand your connection better."
Harry smiled. "Of course it's all right that you talk to Fleur. You and Fleur are my family."
Bill and Harry had immersed themselves in further conversation about Hogwarts, Quidditch, and Bill's childhood memories of Ginny when she and Fleur returned a couple of hours later.
"So what are you laughing about," Ginny asked when they found Bill and Harry in stitches.
"Bill just told me about the time Fred and George tricked you into turning on a cursed Muggle lawn mower Arthur had smuggled home from work," Harry snorted with mirth.
"Of course he did," Ginny said with a mock simper, giving her wand a flick collapsing Bill's chair.
"What 'appened, and what eez a lawn mower," Fleur asked, laughing as her husband crashed to the ground in a heap.
"Well..." Ginny said, "as I remember it, the lawn mower dragged me off and chased after the gnomes."
Bill got up and put the chair back together. He was still laughing but continued the story. "And it made a lot of noise. Dad came out and caught Fred and George rolling around in the grass howling, Ginny being druh-dragged around the yard behind that luh-lawnmower suh-screaming bloody muh-murder, and maybe ten swuh-swearing gnomes chasing all over the guh-garden. I came out suh-soon after and found Duh-dad running after Gi-Ginny, trying to stop the ruddy thing chuh-chasing the swearing gnomes!" Bill had to stop for laughing so hard. The others had fallen all over themselves, holding stitches in their sides. "Fuh-Finally mum came out and somehow jinxed the lawn mower...and it stopped immediately. Muh-Maybe she just looked at it, I'm not sure, but I'm certain she can do wandless magic when she's furious. About the same time Fuh-fred and George ran for it with Dad on their heels. All three of them knew they were going to have to come home sometime and answer to Mum."
"Oui! And knowing zem, zey were sure to 'ave 'unger sometime," Fleur said in a rare stab at intentional humour. They all burst into gales of laugher at Fleur's astute observation. Harry pulled Ginny down into his lap as tears of mirth rolled down their cheeks.
"Exactly! Fred and George had to work in the garden for a month after that to put it back in order," Ginny giggled. "Of course, they were still under age so they had to do everything without magic. And Dad didn't dare bring home anything remotely Muggle for months."
"And Fleur," Harry said, still laughing, "a lawn mower is a Muggle machine used to cut grass." Harry added. "Dead useful if you don't try to charm them," he said winking at Bill.
A little while later Fleur served a delicious dinner. The four of them drank wine and talked about how Bill and Harry had proposed to Fleur and Ginny, respectively, and their plans for the future. Harry hadn't packed the diary, so Ginny rolled Harry onto his belly and set to giving him a back massage. Harry groaned softly as her warm hands worked the knots out of his tired muscles.
"Uhhhh...that feels so good, Gin," Harry groaned. "Where did you learn that?"
"Mum taught me," she said matter-of-factly. "I have six...five...Qudditch-playing brothers...and a father who tends to get himself into trouble with Muggle toys," she said. They both snickered.
"Judging from this, you must've been a quick study," he complimented her. "Oh! Right there! Oh yeah..."
Ginny continued to knead his back and shoulders as her desire for him began to well up from somewhere in the pit of her stomach. She climbed over and straddled him, resting carefully on the small of his back. "How's this," she purred, leaning down to place a kiss on the back of his neck.
"Mmmm, that's nice," he sighed. She continued to work the muscles of his upper back. "You're so good at this, Gin."
"I've had lots of practice," she cooed. She began to run her hands along his sides, still massaging him, but no longer kneading. She leaned forward over his back once again and nipped the back of his ear. She breathed him in. Woodsy and spicy. So...Harry.
"Gin..." Harry moaned. Merlin, that feels amazing. "You...I...we...we can't do that here."
She continued to tease and massage his shoulders. "Do what, my love," she replied innocently.
"You know what, you little minx," Harry replied trying to roll her off himself.
"Why, Harry, I don't know what you're talking about," Ginny teased.
That does it! Revenge! He quickly rolled over underneath her and caught her around the waist. In a trice he had her at his mercy on her back. He grinned evilly into her chocolate eyes, his own emerald ones twinkling with mischief. He made as though to kiss her when he suddenly switched gears and began to tickle her mercilessly until she begged for mercy.
"Harry! Please! Stop," she squealed, wriggling like a worm on a hook.
"Not until you promise to behave 'til we get home," he said.
"Never!'
"Never," he asked wickedly. "Well, if you're sure..."
He began to tickle her again until she finally gave in. "Okay, okay," she panted, still giggling. "I give!"
"You'll behave?"
"Yes! I'll behave," she promised, sticking her bottom lip out. Harry leaned down and captured it between his own. She slid her hands over his chest and tangled them in his messy raven locks. They settled into a satisfying goodnight snog before they collapsed, exhausted, in one another's arms and fell asleep.
Harry and Ginny spent the next three days at Shell Cottage, taking leisurely walks along the beach, picking up trinkets at the shops in the village, sharing ice creams, and watching the seagulls. After dinner on their last night, the four of them sat in front of the fire, sipping elf-made wine. Harry and Fleur regaled Ginny and Bill with tales of the Triwizard Tournament. Bill roared with laughter as his wife and sister told him about how Ron had asked Fleur to the Yule Ball. Harry remembered that day in the common room when Ginny and the others escorted Ron through the portrait hole, shaken and dazed. "He looked like he'd seen a troll," Harry cried, laughing.
"It was just that the prat didn't merely ask you, Fleur; he screamed at you," Ginny howled.
"Ohhh, eet wasn't zat bad! Eet was very sweet of Ron to ask me," Fleur said, defending her youngest brother-in-law. All of a sudden, she collapsed on her husband's chest, shaking with laughter. "Eet was 'eesterical, wasn't eet?" They all burst into fits of laughter again, gasping for air, as Bill poured more wine.
Bill and Fleur and Harry and Ginny laughed and talked into the night until the flames died to glowing embers in the fireplace. They yawned and stretched as they arose from the rug and exchanged hugs all around. They bade each other a fond goodnight, with Bill and Fleur inviting Harry and Ginny to come visit again soon. Harry and Ginny, slightly tipsy and very sleepy, dragged themselves onto the bed, cuddled up in their customary position and drifted into dreamless sleep.
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The final week leading up the fall term at Hogwarts found Harry working diligently on the training schedule for Dumbledore's Army. Every so often, he'd take a break and watch Ginny practise with her Firebolt. She was a natural talent, but claimed she owed her skill to the will to survive playing Quidditch with her brothers. How did I land such an amazing woman?
Harry and Ginny spent as much free time together as they could. Ron busied himself at the shop with George making sure that they had enough stock on hand so that each Hogwarts student could stock up with ample supplies to drive Argus Filch and that demonic cat of his to distraction. Hermione split her time between Ron and her parents. Both Harry and Ginny suspected that she had managed to read every seventh year textbook cover-to-cover before the beginning of term. Otherwise, Harry and Ginny and her parents had the Burrow to themselves.
On September 1st, Harry and Ginny made final checks of their trunks. Harry shrunk them and stowed them in his rucksack. They ate a huge send-off breakfast and Apparated to King's Cross Station where Hermione and Ron would meet them. Molly and Arthur were right behind to see them off. They all passed through the barrier onto Platform 9 ¾. Ron was easy to spot, since he was so tall, so they made their way through the chaos over to him and Hermione. It was only then that they noticed people staring at them.
"People do that," Ron said with a shrug. "George says it's been great for business. Everyone seems to come into the shop just to see me, one of The Golden Trio, as they put it."
"Tell me about it. Apart from the press, everyone seems to stare at me now more than ever before, or they all want to talk to me whenever I'm in public." Harry said. "It's mental."
"Let's just try to get on the train and out of sight," Hermione said, taking Ron's arm.
Molly and Arthur hugged Ginny, Hermione, and Harry each goodbye in turn. "Have a good term, dears," Molly called as their children turned to board the Hogwarts Express.
As the four of them made their way to the train, several people stopped to greet and thank them. Ginny was the one who had been the least-approached in public all summer, so she blushed as she received congratulations on her engagement from complete strangers, or praises for her bravery during the war. Hermione and Ron took it all in stride, but Harry, even though used to the attention, still shied away from the hero worship. Finally they made it onto the train and into an unoccupied compartment. Harry resized his and Ginny's trunks and stowed them overhead with their rucksacks.
With about ten minutes left to departure, Ron took Hermione in his arms to kiss her goodbye. Tears fell down Hermione's cheeks as she buried her bushy head in Ron's chest. "I wish you were coming with us. I'm going to miss you so," she sobbed.
"'Mione, I'll be in Hogsmeade, not two clicks away," Ron said, rubbing her back.
"I know, but it won't be the same," she said, holding tighter.
Ron placed a crooked index finger under her chin and raised it to look into her eyes. He leaned down and kissed her tenderly and deeply. "See you in Hogsmeade, love," Ron said gently as he pulled her into a tight embrace.
"Hermione, we are of age we can go there anytime as long as we are back before the gates are locked for the night," Ginny said in an attempt to lift her friend's spirits.
"That's right, love. Now...chin up and give us a smile," Ron chided her. She smiled for him and gave him one last hug and heartfelt kiss before he left the compartment and leapt off the train to join his parents on the platform. Harry, Ginny, and Hermione, hung out the windows, as was tradition, and waved at their loved ones on the platform.
"We'll send you a Hogwarts toilet seat." Ginny yelled just before the train rounded the bend and chugged out of sight.
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The three of them had just made themselves comfortable, when there was a soft knock on their compartment door and it slid open. Three little girls stepped in timidly as if afraid of a reprimand from the upperclassmen inside. "Are these seats taken?" one of them asked.
"No. C'mon in. Sit," Ginny replied and the girls settled in.
As soon as they were seated, they noticed who they now shared a compartment with. They blushed furiously, dropping their eyes into their laps. "Oh, I'm sorry, perhaps we should go someplace else."
"Why? Besides, the train is probably full by now. I'm Harry Potter. What's your name," Harry asked, smiling warmly. Were we that little?
"We know who you are, Mr Potter. You're famous. I'm Emma Prewett. On my right is my twin sister Erica, but we are not identical twins, and on my left is our friend Patricia Templeton."
"Prewett," Ginny repeated. "We must be distant relatives. My mum was a Prewett, before she married my dad. I'm Ginny Weasley."
"Blimey, we've seen your picture in the Prophet," the twins said, awestruck. "You're much prettier in real life."
Ginny blushed. "Why, thank you!"
"I'm Hermione Granger." Hermione said, leaning forward to shake their hands. "Are you going for your first year?"
"Yes, and I'm very excited about it" Patricia said. "You see I'm a Muggleborn and didn't know anything about...all of this until a wizard visited my parents and explained everything."
"We met Patricia in Diagon Alley and we became instant friends," Erica added. Harry, Ginny and Hermione smiled at the eagerness of these three little girls.
"I'm a Muggleborn too," Hemione said proudly. Patricia's spirits rose.
"And she is the brightest witch in our class," Harry added nodding at Hermione.
"Will you be our Professor for Defence Against the Dark Arts, sir," Emma asked Harry.
"No, I'm not a Professor. I'm working for the Minister for Magic and will be at Hogwarts and at the Ministry training future Aurors," Harry said with a slight blush."But Professor McGonagall said she may ask me to teach a class if there's no Professor available. And please...call me Harry, not sir."
Ginny raised her left hand to absent-mindedly stow a stray wisp of hair behind her ear. Her emerald sparkled in the sunlight coming in through the compartment window.
"Oooh...can I see your ring, please, Ginny," Emma asked Ginny.
"Of course." Ginny showed her the ring and told them how Harry proposed to her without going into too much detail. The girls oohed in all the right places and blushed when Ginny told them about the kiss Harry gave her after she said yes.
A few more nervous minutes passed until the three girls relaxed for the rest of a pleasant journey. Crookshanks woke up from his sleep stretched for a few moments and trotted about the compartment before he jumped up next to Patricia and soon made himself comfortable in her lap.
"He's very intelligent, part-Kneazle." Hermione told the girl "and he's a very good judge of character."
Patricia was beaming with pride having Hermione Granger's familiar purring in her lap. The girls asked dozens of questions about the Sorting Ceremony and the changing staircases. Hermione told them about the library and all the wonderful books stored there. Ginny thought it might not be a bad idea to give them a heads-up about Peeves and the House Ghosts so they wouldn't be frightened of them.
I can't believe I'm having such an uneventful trip to Hogwarts. It's almost scary! No Dementors, no insults from Malfoy, no flying cars...
"Will you go with us to school in the carriages Harry," Hermione asked.
"I guess so. We'll ask Hagrid when we arrive in Hogsmeade."
As little while later, Hermione noticed Erica staring at them. Harry and Ginny had been too busy staring at each other.
"Yes, Erica," Hermione asked.
"Well, there is one thing I'd like to ask," she said shyly. "Um...er...could you sign our Chocolate Frog Cards?"
Harry and Ginny looked at her, nonplussed.
"And whose cards would those be," Harry asked, raising an eyebrow.
"Yours, of course," Emma giggled.
"We have Chocolate Frog Cards," Harry asked and looked at Ginny and Hermione.
"Yes. Didn't you read Lee's letter telling us he would approve it unless we said otherwise? They were issued only days ago," Hermione told him.
"I guess I should read those letters from Lee more carefully," Harry chuckled, shaking his head.
Ginny looked at him. "Harry, love. You've been so kind to take the time to answer the children who write to you..."
"Yes, those are the letters I always read," Harry said to Hermione. "I asked Lee to send me the letters from children who lost family members in the war."
Ginny turned to Erica. "Of course we'll sign your cards...as a favour for being the ones who let us see them for the first time."
They handed them their cards. Emma, Erica, and Patricia listened in rapt attention as Harry read his card:
"Harry James Potter, OMFC
Also known as The-Boy-Who-Lived and The Chosen One. Harry Potter ended the First Wizarding War when the dark wizard Voldemort was destroyed by his own Killing curse. He then ended the Second Wizarding War after defeating and killing Voldemort in a duel at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry.
Mr Potter studied under his mentor, Albus Dumbledore, and is the only wizard known to have survived the Killing curse, twice, both times through the mystical protection of his mother's blood sacrifice. He is also the only wizard known to protect himself from it, also twice, using a simple disarming charm under unique circumstances. PLEASE DO NOT TRY THIS AT HOME.
Mr Potter became the youngest Seeker at Hogwarts in 100 years at age 11. His other notable achievements include winning the Triwizard Tournament at age 14 and the Co-founding and Training of Dumbledore's Army at age 15, He is noted for open attitude toward house-elves and other magical creatures. Awarded the Order of Merlin, First Class. Engaged to Ginevra M. (Ginny) Weasley."
"Harry James Potter. That's a very nice name," Patricia said going slightly pink. Then she gasped and her eyes grew wide. She covered her mouth with her fingers in embarrassment. "I...I shouldn't have said that," she said staring down at her hands.
"Oh, I don't know. Patricia's a nice name too," he replied with his sly Harry-grin and a wink. Patricia sighed in relief. Harry signed the cards and nodded at Ginny. "Your go, Gin."
"Ginevra Molly (Ginny) Weasley
Miss Weasley is a Charter Member and Christener of Dumbledore's Army. During the Second Wizarding war, still underage, she took part in the battles at the Department of Mysteries and the Battle of the Astronomy Tower. In the last year of the war, Miss Weasley led a student resistance faction against Voldemort's Death Eaters at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. Known to be powerful and skilled in a duel, her trademark is the much-feared Bat Bogey hex.
Miss Weasley is an accomplished Quidditch player, both as a Chaser and a Seeker, and favours the Holyhead Harpies. Best known as the youngest witch in history awarded the Order of Merlin (Second Class) at age 16. Engaged to Harry J. Potter."
Ginny smiled wickedly at the mention of her Bat Bogey hex."Do you really fear it that much," she asked eyes wide in mock innocence. Both Harry and Hermione nodded. Enthralled, the three girls wanted to know exactly what it was, so Ginny explained it to them.
"Be sure never to be at the receiving end of it," Harry added when Ginny finished. "Your turn, Hermione," Harry said.
"Hermione Jean Granger, OMFC
Miss Granger asserts that she is proud of being Muggleborn, and is widely-considered the brightest witch of her age. Long-time ally and friend to Harry Potter, she is a Co-founding member of Dumbledore's Army. She is an outspoken advocate for house-elf rights as well as those of other magical creatures. As a fierce and skilled dueller, she was instrumental in the fall of Voldemort due to her vast knowledge of all types of spells and her cool use of logic.
Her accomplishments include brewing Polyjuice potion in her second year at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, and the successful casting of the Protean charm in her fifth year. She earned an amazing 10 O.W.L.s with 9 O and 1 E. Awarded the Order of Merlin, First Class. The summer following the Battle of Hogwarts, Hermione announced her official relationship with Ronald B. Weasley."
"Wow," breathed Erica. "10 O.W.L.s! I heard they're really hard to get!"
"If you study hard and do you homework," Hermione said, shooting a furtive glance at Harry, "you can earn load of O.W.L.s too," she promised.
"We will, Hermione," the girls said together.
"I'll make you proud," Patricia promised, beaming.
Muggleborns rule! "I'm sure you will, Patricia. By the way, you wouldn't happen to have Ron's card too," she asked.
"Of course we do," Patricia said brightly and handed it to her.
Hermione's heart skipped at beat as she gazed at the red head on the card looking back at her flashing those gorgeous blue eyes and the lop-sided grin that melted her heart. She began to read:
"Ronald Bilius Weasley, OMFC
Best friend and ally of Harry Potter, Mr Weasley's actions were essential to the defeat of Voldemort, putting an end to the Second Wizarding War. He is a Co-founding member of Dumbledore's Army and one of its most experienced veterans. He owes his abilities as a tactician to his skill at Wizarding Chess, of which he is a Master.
He is a skilled Quidditch Keeper, but an unrepentant Chudley Cannons fan. His more questionable accomplishments include flying an enchanted car from London to Hogwarts in his second year, crashing it into the resident Whomping Willow, and living to tell the tale. Awarded the Order of Merlin, First Class. The summer following the Battle of Hogwarts, Ron announced his official relationship with Hermione J. Granger."
"Thank you," she said and returned the card. "He'll be so pleased," she said as a pang of loneliness filled her heart. I miss you so much, Ron. I love you.
"He's so cute," said Erica.
"Erica," cried Emma."You shouldn't say such things!"
"Yeah, Erica," said Harry with a sardonic grin. "Hermione might get jealous!" They broke out in fits of laughter.
"Shut it, you," scolded Hermione trying to hold back more laughter.
"And thank you for signing them! Especially you, Ginny," Emma said.
"Sure, but what's so special about mine," Ginny asked, looking over at Harry.
"Oh, a signed 'Ginny Weasley' will be a real collector's item, not to mention worth loads of Galleons, not that I would sell mine in a million years! They never made more than one edition, awaiting the Ginny Potter Series." Emma ranted.
"Merlin, I like the sound of that. Ginny Potter," she repeated, giving Harry a sultry kiss. Down, girl. Harry returned it with a bemused look on his face. The world had faded away again. "You know, Harry. We'll have something in common."
"And what's that, my love," he asked brushing back the offending lock of fire-red hair.
"If a signed Limited-Edition Ginny Weasley card will command loads of Galleons after we're married, I guess I'll have a price on my head," she smiled conspiratorially.
Harry's eyes suddenly went dark. Damn! Ginny knew she'd inadvertently struck a nerve. There had indeed been a price on Harry's head at this time the previous year. The Ministry, under Voldemort's control, plastered all of Wizarding Britain with wanted posters branding him 'Undesirable Number One.'
Ginny brushed his cheek with the backs of her curled fingers. "Harry, I...I'm sorry. I didn't mean..."
Harry snapped out of his brood and blinked at her as if seeing her for the first time. "No! No, don't apologize. I just zoned out there for a moment," he said and then smiled wickedly. "There's a difference, though," he said huskily.
"Oh? And what's that," she asked, eyebrows raised.
"You're 'Desirable' Number One." And you're all mine!
"Ohhhhhh," Hermione groaned, rolling her eyes and holding her nose. "You two are just...that's...ew!"
Emma, Erica and Patricia blushed and giggled with delight at the flirtation between Harry and Ginny and how they joked with them and Hermione. They whispered to each other, stealing glances at their new—and famous—friends. Hermione smiled to herself. They'll have the boys lining up in no time.
An hour later the train stopped at Hogsmeade Station and they left the train. Harry and Ginny helped their three little friends with their trunks and escorted them toward Hagrid. Harry could see the apprehension on their previously-excited little faces and nudged Ginny.
"He's a big bloke, but he's gentle as a lamb," Ginny told them.
"Go on, now," Hermione urged them. "Your things will be at the castle when you get there, I promise. And after you're sorted, you'll find them waiting for you in your house dormitory."
In a show of assuring the girls, Harry called out to his large friend, who greeted him with a Hagrid-sized hug. "Hagrid, am I going with the rest of the students to the castle," Harry asked straightening his robes and checking himself for broken ribs. "By the way, these three girls are our new friends."
"Right you are, 'Arry, hop on a carriage" he boomed. "'Ello, Ginny, 'Ermione! I got ter take them firs' years ter the boats," he said, jerking his huge thumb toward the assembled firsties. Harry could see that the girls had relaxed. "An' yer three, any friend of 'Arry, is a friend o' mine. An' 'Arry come an' see me o'er a cuppa soon as yeh can!"
"We will, Hagrid!"
"And congratulations ter yeh, 'Arry an' Ginny!"
"You can expect an invitation to the wedding," Ginny promised.
They left the three girls in Hagrid's good care and headed toward the carriages. They heard several students gasp in initial horror at the sight of the Thestrals. Of course, many had seen death during the war and a lot more students than before were now able to see them. They climbed into a carriage for the ride to the castle.
Hogwarts loomed magnificently in the distance, standing steadfastly as ever, warm light emitting from its hundreds of windows. After such a dreadful year, it seemed to joyously welcome the students back with the promise of a bright future.
Once inside, Harry felt at home again. He loved the Burrow, but Hogwarts had been his first real home after his parents were killed. Just before they joined the rest of the student body in the Great Hall, Harry pulled Ginny aside for a long-overdue kiss.
"How long since I kissed you last," Harry asked her, pulling her body into his.
"About an hour ago," she giggled.
"No, I mean really kissed you," he corrected her.
"Oh, well...that would have been this morning at the Burrow," she purred, tracing an index finger along his chest.
"Thought so. That's too long. I think we're due," he chuckled leaning down to press his lips to hers. She parted hers so he could slip his tongue into her mouth. The world had begun to melt away again when a group of third years began to snicker and giggle at them.
"So much for that," Harry sighed dejectedly. "I suppose we'd better get inside."
They strode up the aisle between the Gryffindor and Ravenclaw tables. Harry left Ginny with Hermione at the Gryffindor table, but headed to the staff table to talk briefly with Professor McGonagall. There was a brief exchange ending with Harry nodding his head and returning to their table. He smiled and nodded at Hermione, then sat down next to Ginny, wrapping his arm around her waist.
Professor Sprout, the new Deputy Headmistress, led the first years up the centre aisle to the front of the Great Hall, where the familiar stool and the ragged old Sorting Hat waited. She called the first name and the sorting began. Harry waited eagerly for the Prewett and Templeton girls to be sorted. Following a few muttered prayers, crossed fingers, and held breaths, the three of them had indeed been sorted safely into Gryffindor House, much to the joy and approbation of their housemates.
Once the sorting was finished, a sumptuous Hogwarts feast appeared on the tables. The food was excellent, as usual, and Harry stuffed himself grandly. He couldn't be more content. He was with his Ginny and he would be training his friends—with his friends—in the DA. He was so proud of Ginny as Gryffindor House Team captain, but he felt a stab of regret that he wouldn't be able to play. As he finished the last bite of his favourite dessert, treacle tart, Professor McGonagall rose to deliver the customary opening address.
"Welcome to a new year at Hogwarts! We have a bright future ahead of us that shall not be overshadowed by fear and darkness for the first time in many years." Applause rang out across the Great Hall. Professor McGonagall raised her hands to silence the students. "I have a few announcements. First, please welcome back Rubeus Hagrid as our Care of Magical Creatures Professor. Hagrid shall also serve as Head of Gryffindor House." The words had barely passed her lips when the Gryffindors launched out of their seats with wild cheers and applause for their massive friend.
"Wait 'til I tell Ron," Hermione cried as she applauded. "He'll be gobsmacked!"
"He doesn't know what he's missing," Harry beamed as he looked up at a weeping Hagrid.
"I hope Hagrid never has to visit the common room," Ginny mused. Harry and Hermione looked up at her with raised eyebrows. "I doubt he'll fit through the portrait hole!" They all laughed at Ginny's observation as they cheered and applauded with their housemates.
Professor McGonagall allowed the Gryffindors their little celebration and then quieted them all again. "We would also like to welcome Professor Amelia Bones as our new Professor in Transfiguration," she said. Harry stole a look over at Susan across the Hall seated at the Hufflepuff table. She beamed as her classmates welcomed her aunt to the staff with cheers and applause.
"Unfortunately, we have not filled the Defence Against the Dark Arts post as yet." She paused as the sound of low voices buzzed through the Great Hall. She raised her arms again to silence them. "Therefore, Defence Against the Dark Arts shall have a team of instructors comprised of Aurors, members of the Order of the Phoenix and members of Dumbledore's Army." Harry could feel the eyes of the entire student body upon him. Bloody hell.
"Professors Flitwick, Sprout and Slughorn shall continue to serve as Heads of Ravenclaw, Hufflepuff and Slytherin Houses, respectively and Professor Sprout is the new Deputy Headmistress" The student body applauded them as well. Professor McGonagall quieted the student body again as she continued. "Let me also remind you that our caretaker, Mr Filch, has posted a list outside his office of items not allowed in the castle. You may peruse it at your convenience." She paused again for the titter of laughter that rolled across the Great Hall before adding with a rare moment of ironic humour "It bears a striking similarity with the stock of Weasley's Wizarding Wheezes."
"As if we'd ever read that list," Ginny said, rolling her eyes.
"You know," said Hermione,"I almost feel sorry for the old sod."
"Why," Harry asked, clearly amused.
"Well, it's just that I've spent a lot of the summer with Ron and George and...well, I've been helping a bit with the...ah...merchandise, and.." Her eyes darted between Harry and Ginny as she began to blush. "Sales have been brisk," she said with a smirk.
"This is going to be a very interesting year," Harry said with a new twinkly in his emerald eyes.
"Too right, and when we're done at the end of this year..." Ginny grinned wickedly.
"I know nothing," Harry said looking blankly at the enchanted ceiling.
Ginny giggled and gave him a chaste kiss on the cheek. "Liar." You'll be right in the thick of it along with the rest of the DA.
"Furthermore, the Forbidden Forest is exactly that. Forbidden. Students are prohibited from entering it for any reason. Finally, we shall have guests with us at Hogwarts this year. Dumbledore's Army shall be training as Aurors here, led by Mr Harry Potter." The student body erupted in applause once again. When it died down, Professor McGonagall continued. "A few former students will be living here with us, and shall sleep us in the dormitories within the houses they belonged to as full-time students. When they have finished their training, they will be ready to take their final exams for their Auror licences." The Great Hall began to buzz once again.
Once quiet, Professor McGonagall excused them to their common rooms with instructions to the Prefects to see to the first years. Harry was about to follow Ginny and Hermione with the other Gryffindors when he realized he didn't know if we was supposed to sleep in the dorms in Gryffindor tower or if other arrangements had been made.
"Wait for me," he said to Ginny. "I need a quick word with the Headmistress." Harry approached the staff table where Professor McGonagall had sat down to wait for the Great Hall to clear. "Excuse me, Professor," Harry said quietly as he leaned across the table. "I don't know where I'm supposed to sleep."
"Oh, I'm so sorry, Mr Potter. Of course you don't," she apologized for the oversight."Your office is next to the Defence Against the Dark Arts classroom. Tap thrice with your wand on the cupboard on the left wall and choose a password. Please come to my office tomorrow first thing after breakfast."
"Thank you, Professor," Harry said.
"No, Harry. Thank you," she smiled, patting his hand.
Harry didn't feel much the wiser, but he left the Great Hall to meet Ginny, who waiting for him at the foot of the stairs. He leaned over a gave her a quick kiss, took her hand, and led her up the stairs to the Defence Against the Dark Arts office. "Come with me," Harry said as he opened the door to his office." Actually, my bed is supposed to be in here. I thought you might want to tuck me in." Or join me.
He pointed at the cupboard. "Now watch," he said as he tapped it three times as Professor McGonagall had instructed him. A disembodied voice asked for a password. "Lawnmower," he said smiling at Ginny. The cupboard opened and revealed steps leading into a bedroom. "I wonder why I never thought about where the staff lived all these years, but this is somewhat like the entrance to the common room." The room was small but pleasant. There was a fire place, a bed and a wardrobe. Harry's belongings has already been brought up. Next to the fire place was a cup of floo powder. "Great I guess you can floo back to the common room if you want to stay for a while."
"Try to make me leave," Ginny said as she wrapped her arms around him and pulled him close. Looking around the room a little closer, they found Ginny's trunk standing right behind Harry's. They hadn't noticed it at first. Stunned, they looked at each other slyly as their hearts beat faster. Does this mean we both live here," Ginny asked hopefully.
"I don't know, but I've never heard of any trunks ending up in the wrong place. I'll ask Professor McGonagall tomorrow morning. She wants to see me after breakfast," Harry said.
"For the time being, then," Ginny said with a sultry voice. She rose on her tiptoes and gazed into his eyes, her mouth an inch from his. Perhaps we should just take advantage of the situation while we can." Their lips met in a passionate kiss; they parted them simultaneously and their tongues engaged. Their hands began to roam over one another's bodies as the heat of their passion exploded. Molten lava shot through their veins once again as they hastily undressed each other and fell onto the bed, making love until they collapsed, spent, and fell asleep in one another's embrace.
The next morning after breakfast, Harry kissed Ginny goodbye as she left with Hermione for their first class. Harry headed for the headmistress' office. "Mr Gargoyle. Professor McGonagall asked to see me but I don't have a password yet." Apparently, the gargoyle had been expecting him because it jumped aside revealing the spiral steps. Harry ascended them to her office and knocked.
"Enter," Professor McGonagall called.
The office looked very much the same except for some of the decorations. Harry stopped in front of Professor McGonagall's desk. "Good morning, Professor."
"Ah, Harry. I hope you slept well," she said with one of her rare smiles.
"I did, thank you," Harry blushed. "Uh... are you aware of the... uh...sleeping arrangements?"
"Are you referring to Miss Weasley's quarters," Professor McGonagall asked. "It's a school policy that married or engaged Professors naturally live with their beloved. Of course there was the question as to whether this applied in your case as Miss Weasley is a student and you're not an actual Professor.
The staff and I agreed that it will be necessary to ask you to teach lessons in Defence Against the Dark Arts from time to time this year in order to have a teacher for every lesson, since we can't count on the Ministry to schedule Aurors. Anything might happen on short notice at the Auror office, so we thought that without bending the rules too much, you could be considered what the policy defines as Professor.
As for Miss Weasley, we thought there would be less sneaking about in and out of Gryffindor tower if she lives with you. After all, there are no specifics in the policy as to whether the beloved is a student or not. Since you and Miss Weasley are engaged to be married, we placed her with you."
"Of course. Thank you, Professor," Harry answered with a smile. This is getting better and better.
"I would advise some discretion though," Professor McGonagall said handing him a parchment. "Hogwarts is still, after all, a school."
"You can count on us, Professor," Harry promised.
"I'm sure we can," she said pointedly. "Now, Mr Potter, before lunch, you will begin meeting with those members of the DA who wish to join the programme. I must also ask that you take this afternoon's Defence Against the Dark Arts lessons."
"Yes, of course, Professor." Harry agreed.
"Everything is in the parchment. Thank you, Harry," she said nodding at the scroll in his hand. "And you are of course entitled to award and deduct house points while in class. Please use this objectively and with good sense."
Harry looked at the parchment. He would teach the first year and seventh years for that afternoon. The lessons had been prepared ahead of tie, so all he had to do was to follow the lesson plan. That seemed easy enough.
"Do you have any questions," Professor McGonagall asked.
"Not right now, but I guess I will while I'm adjusting from being a student to being a...guest. If there's nothing more, I need to find Mr Filch."
"Oh? Why," Professor McGonagall asked.
"I need to find a boggart for DA in a couple of weeks. Mr Filch might know better than anyone where to find one."
"Good thinking, Mr Potter. I will advise the rest of the staff that if they find a boggart they should check with you before doing anything with it."
"Fair enough," Harry replied and took his leave. He returned to his office to read the parchment. He saw there were a few things to prepare for the first years. Satisfied that he had all in order for that afternoon's classes, Harry headed out onto the grounds where he met Hagrid stomping around Professor Sprout's garden. "Hello Hagrid! What are you doing," Harry asked.
"Mornin'! I'm helpin' Professor Sprout wi' de-gnomin' the garden," Hagrid said, diving under a bush. "Fast li'l buggers, gnomes." Hagrid arose with five gnomes shouting angrily in his great fist. He tossed them away mightily with Fang running after them, chasing them into the forest. "Fang might be a coward, but he loves a good de-gnomin' 'Arry," Hagrid laughed. "All the way into the ruddy forest. That'll hold 'em buggers off for a while."
Harry chuckled at his large friend. Hagrid was the first member of the Wizarding community Harry ever met and the first person, other than his parents, to have been kind to him."Can we come for tea this afternoon after classes, Hagrid," Harry asked.
"Yer always welcome," Hagrid replied.
"Great. We'll see you then," Harry promised. He continued on toward the lake, where he sat down to think about his life since the battle. He was free from Voldemort, he was engaged to Ginny, he had spent the most incredible summer with her and now he was back at Hogwarts facing a new challenge. He started as he felt a pressure on his shoulder. He turned around and there stood Witherwings, the hippogriff formerly known as Buckbeak.
"Witherwings, old friend," Harry said and bowed. Witherwings bowed in turn. "I'm free too now, and I'm actually facing a challenge that isn't lethal for once. Life's pretty good, isn't it?" Witherwings tossed his eagle's head, swished his horse's tail, and chirruped, scratching at the ground with his great bird's feet. Harry and Witherwings walked around the grounds together until they reached the white tomb of Albus Dumbledore.
Harry looked at it and thought about all the good and all the bad that had happened at Hogwarts. Professor Dumbledore would say something like, Keep the good close to your heart, but remember the bad so it may never happen again. Seeing the tomb also reminded Harry he still had the Elder Wand. Not that he would consider using it, but he had to figure out what to do with it.
Harry returned to school in time to meet Ginny outside the Great Hall. He greeted her with a tender kiss, but she could tell he was deep in thought. "I took a stroll along the lake and visited Professor Dumbledore's tomb," Harry said, "and I guess I got lost in memories. It was good, though, because I realized everything I have to be happy for. Most of all for being with you, Ginny," he confessed, taking her in his arms and pressing her against him. "Never in my wildest dreams did I imagine my life could ever be this...good." He kissed her again.
Me either, my love. Ginny smiled appreciatively. "So...do you have time to join me for lunch after my next class," she asked, picking microscopic lint off the front of his robes.
"Yes, but I'm off to meet with the DA right now...Oh, and I met Hagrid on the grounds today. We're invited for tea after class this afternoon. I suppose he invited Hermione, too. And after that...about supper together this evening in our room—just you and me," Harry suggested with his signature sly grin.
"Tea at Hagrid's and supper in...did you say our room," she asked, intrigued.
"Yes, our room. Professor McGonagall gave me a lecture about school policies and engaged couples. Bottom line, she thought there would be less sneaking around the corridors at night if she put the two of us together." Harry could see that Ginny was thoroughly enjoying that. "And I have the first years' and your classes in Defence Against the Dark Arts today at Professor McGonagall's request."
"Oh Harry that is so great," she squealed, throwing her arm around his neck. "I would go spare living in that dorm, knowing you are so close, but out of reach. And having you, Professor Potter, this afternoon..." Her eyes flashed mischievously.
"Don't even think of calling me Professor again, or I will have to ask Professor McGonagall if I'm allowed to deduct house points outside class," he said as he pulled her closer and planted a noisy kiss on her forehead. Just then, Harry saw Mr Filch coming from the dungeons and winked at him. "Mr Filch."
"Yes..." he answered and added with a forced voice"... sir."
"I will need a boggart for my group in a few weeks. If you come across one, please let me know. And please, for both of our sakes, don't call me sir."
Mr Filch grinned and relaxed. "Oh, I'll let you know, all right. Nasty buggers, those things. I would probably have come to you anyway. You have proven yourself quite good at ridding the school of dark creatures, Mr Potter. I'm almost glad I never got you expelled," his smile looking more like a grimace than a grin.
That was probably the closest to a compliment or a thank Harry'd ever heard Mr Filch express.
"Thank you, Mr Filch," Harry nodded and turned for the Defence Against the Dark Arts corridor.
Harry entered the classroom prepared for Dumbledore's Army. All of the members had received an invitation to join this programme in order to prepare for an Auror exam. Harry expected many of the members would have other plans for the future. When he entered, there found six of them waiting. Terry Boot had answered the call, who had suffered badly under the Carrows, as well as Anthony Goldstein, a Ravenclaw friend of Terry's.
Seamus Finnegan, a friend and fellow Gryffindor from Harry's year, had one arm around Lavender Brown, Ron's old girlfriend. Harry looked at them questioningly.
"No, it's nothin' like that," Seamus said chuckling.
"I got the invitation at St Mungo's," Lavender told him. "I'm still a patient, but I wouldn't miss this for anything. I'm still having trouble standing for more than a few minutes at a stretch, so Seamus is just helping me a bit."
"Well, conjure up a chair." Harry urged them and Seamus flicked his wand and helped Lavender to sit down.
Behind them sat Cho Chang. Harry wondered if it was the loss of Cedric that motivated her to pursue a career as an Auror, or if she was just here out of the pure loyalty to Dumbledore's Army. Susan Bones sat next to her.
Harry nodded and addressed the group. "Welcome. As you know we're officially here as Dumbledore's Army. Unofficially, we're the Auror Training Programme. Each of us is here because we're considering a future with the Auror Office. I want to be an Auror because I want to make a difference in Wizarding society. ("Like he didn't already do that" Seamus snickered.) The Minister for Magic has praised our efforts during the war and said that we performed far better than the Order of the Phoenix and the Aurors combined. And I think I know why.
We didn't get into Dumbledore's Army to pursue a career. The other members were not competitors for promotions or just colleagues. Dumbledore's Army was a team that fought for freedom and survival, and every member was a friend to each of the others. All of us here experienced battle, and we know that we need to and can trust our own skills as well those of the friends beside us. What made us better than the Aurors in the war was love – the loyalty and friendship we all have through DA. What made us better than the Order was perhaps that our enemies underestimated us because of our ages.
Apart from hard training, we need to work to strengthen our friendship, because we will never win another duel because our enemy underestimates us. Now since we all know each other, tell us, your friends, why you decided to come here today. We'll start with Terry Boot."
Terry stood and faced his friends. "I suffered here last year. I am here because I want to be an Auror and make sure no one will ever suffer like that again," he said resolutely.
Anthony rose next. "I was never the most skilled wizard in DA, but I want to develop my skills and join the Aurors to help make sure that no dark wizard may rise to power like that again," Anthony said.
Seamus stood before his friends and folded his arms across his chest."I'm a fighter, pure and simple," Seamus said. "I promised meself I'd fight the dark arts where I find 'em for the rest of me life, and there's no place better to do it than outta the Aurors Office, I reckon." He returned to Lavender's side.
"You'll forgive me if I don't stand," Lavender began. "I was almost killed last May," she said. "I've been recuperating at St Mungo's for four months. I'm scarred but not broken. I want to make sure no one else will suffer the way I've had to."
Cho stood and looked around the room. "The night Cedric died a piece of me died with him," Cho told them."Fighting the dark arts will never bring him back, but if I can, just once, save the life of one wizard or witch, I have spared someone the pain I have lived with and Cedric will not have died in vain. When Riddle died I finally felt at peace with myself. I want to be an Auror to prevent anyone else having their loved ones killed or hurt."
Finally, Susan stood, but looked straight at Harry. "I never thought I would consider becoming an Auror. I hoped I would find a man and raise a family. But last year, I found out there are those willing to do horrible, evil things to get what they want. I still hope I will raise a family one day, but I also know I want to be a part of the Auror Office to protect not only the family I hope for, but other families as well," Susan told them.
"I want each of us to remember what was said here today, because it's important that we understand why we do what we do. We will use our time here to push the limits of our duelling skills and study for the written Auror examination. We will work on maximizing our spellwork and repertoire, developing our skills with non-verbal magic and for those of us capable, wandless magic.
We will also spend time at the Ministry, learning about its organisation, familiarise ourselves with the Auror Office. Each of us will receive an owl inviting us for an interview at the Auror Office. For the next two weeks, we will read the Auror Field Manual and learn it inside and out. I will schedule times for duelling practice. Any questions so far?" Hearing none, Harry dismissed them for lunch.
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Harry met Ginny and Hermione outside the Great Hall for lunch. "How did your first meeting go, Harry," Hermione asked.
"There were six: Terry, Anthony, Seamus, Lavender, Cho and Susan," Harry replied, glancing at Ginny as he mentioned Cho.
"That's great, though I'm a bit surprised about Susan," Hermione said.
"Yes, but on the other hand, Seamus wasn't a surprise," Harry said as he took a bite from his sandwich.
"I would have expected no less," Ginny agreed. "I'd have been shocked if he hadn't come."
"Mr Potter, I didn't have the pleasure to introduce myself yesterday," said a voice behind Harry.
Startled, he turned around. "Professor Bones. I heard a rumour that you were killed, but I'm glad to see that wasn't true. I'm training your niece."
"I was almost killed, but narrowly escaped and went into hiding. I guess they assumed that one of the bodies in my home was me, because they were pretty mangled. Or maybe it was used falsely as propaganda, since I served as Head of DMLE and my death would be perceived as a victory for the enemy. I returned as soon as the news of Voldemort's death reached me. I must thank you, Harry. You made it possible for me to return home to my niece. And I understand that congratulations to you and Miss Weasley are in order".
"Yes, thank you, Professor," Harry said. Professor Bones took her leave and headed toward the Hufflepuff table to visit with her niece.
After lunch, Harry gave Ginny a quick but loving kiss as a group of giggling third years watched. "Time to face my first years," he said with mock trepidation. "I'll see your lot later on."
"I'm counting the moments," Ginny said dreamily as they parted.
Harry studied the eleven-year-old students before him. He recognized only the twin sisters, Emma and Erica Prewett, and their friend, Patricia Templeton. He still couldn't get over how small they seemed. Did I really face Voldemort at their age? They seemed so young. The class settled into their seats and it was time to start. "Good afternoon," Harry greeted his class."I'm Harry Potter and I am your Defence Against the Dark Arts teacher today."
"Good afternoon, Professor Potter," the class replied looking up in awe and reverence at their famous teacher.
Although he didn't like it, he could understand why they would think of him as a hero. After all, they'd heard all the tales about the Boy-Who-Lived from their parents, friends, and older siblings all their young lives. The first-years from Muggle homes had probably heard everything about Harry Potter from their new friends by now, so he'd just have to grin and bear it.
"Right. Please call me Harry. I'm not a Professor. Seven years ago, I sat in your place. I had learned only a few weeks before that I was a wizard. Just like many of you, I thought, Can I do magic? I soon learned here at Hogwarts that I could. Defence Against the Dark Arts will teach you about the dark arts and dark creatures and how to prepare you to face any dangers they might present in your lives, if at all. You will also learn the basic art of duelling so you can more effectively defend yourselves. Let me ask you. What lessons did you have before?
"Charms with Professor Flitwick," a Hufflepuff boy answered after a nod from Harry.
"Charms, good. That means you used your wands. Were any one of you able to accomplish anything?"
Emma and Erica giggled. Harry looked at them. "Well, it's just that Joseph, here," they nodded towards a blushing fellow Gryffindor boy, "set a feather on fire that we were supposed to levitate."
"Ah. Wingardium Leviosa. Incineration is at least something. My friend, Seamus, did the same thing and now he's training to be an Auror," Harry grinned. "Anyone else?"
"My feather flew up in the air but fell right back. And most of us at least had the feathers move around a little," said another Hufflepuff boy at the rear of the classroom.
"And Patricia levitated hers" Joseph said.
"Good. Getting the feather to move a bit was about all I managed at my first lesson. Now, today, we'll start by learning a basic defensive spell used to disarm your opponent. It's called Expelliarmus."
"I heard that's the spell you used on Voldemort." Erica said.
"That's true. It's a useful spell and not too complicated," he assured the class.
The class concentrated very hard to learn the actual spell that defeated Voldemort. Harry had prepared a couple of sticks about the same size as the average wand. He told the class he would demonstrate the spell and then distribute the sticks for everyone to try. Harry drew his wand. He had used it only for a few times for any advanced magic after repairing it. He remembered the non-verbal Patronus though. He had Apparated a lot, but otherwise the magic between him and Ginny was enough. Whoa, down boy.
He demonstrated how to move the wand and say the spell at the same time. Then he prepared to cast it on the stick. "Expelliarmus," Harry said. The stick crashed into the wall and shattered on impact. Harry tried to hide his surprised reaction to the power of his spell. "You can also, with a slightly different movement, try to affect the direction of the wand, in order to snatch it right out of the air." Harry cast the spell again at the next stick more carefully, and it flew to his free hand. "Like that... Now, each of you take a stick try to cast Expelliarmus on it."
Everyone spread out and soon there were shouts of Expelliarmus throughout the classroom. Harry walked around adjusting wand movements and correcting stance. He assured each of them that it would take some practising before they got it right. After about five minutes something happened. The boy named Joseph made his own wand fly across the classroom. "Well done, Joseph! You made something happen, if quite the opposite of what you intended," Harry encouraged him, asking him to try again. Joseph cast his spell again, but his wand flew away once more.
"Joseph, you moved the wand in the opposite direction, causing the spell to backfire. You will all learn that the secret is not to make magic happen, but to make what you intend to happen, happen.
After thirty minutes of hard work, some of the students had caused their sticks to at least move. Still, they all looked pretty discouraged.
"You did well, all of you, really. Before next class, I want you to review the first chapter of your books. It describes this spell and the purpose of Defence Against the Dark Arts. Please write a six-inch summary of your review to hand in to the teacher of that lesson."
As they left, Harry heard several of them exclaiming excitedly about having caused his or her stick to move. That was more than most of them were able to do with the feather in Charms. Harry cleared the classroom and went to his room hidden behind the cupboard for a cup of tea before his NEWT class.
Harry returned to the classroom and sized-up some thirty fifth- sixth- and seventh-year students. The OWL and NEWT classes would initially share class, due to the lack of instructors but also since they had been forced to study Dark Arts last year rather than defence against it. Harry knew half of them by name and recognized the rest. Feeling nervous, he looked at Ginny, whose smile lent him a boost of confidence. Hermione sat next to her watching him and encouraging him with a nod.
"Good afternoon" he started.
"Good afternoon, Professor," a chorus replied.
He noted gratefully that neither Ginny nor Hermione called him Professor. "Okay, first of all, please call me Harry. Today, we're here to assess everyone's abilities, so we will engage in series of practice duels today. We'll take it from there for the rest of the year, working you all towards a great examination. As Professor McGonagall told your, DA member and Aurors will be your teachers here, at least for the time being."
Harry thoroughly enjoyed teaching this class because it felt just like the old days in the DA. "Pair up and try to disarm you opponent. Only disarm," he repeated. Once everyone had a partner, he told them to begin. He turned his attention to Hermione and Ginny, who had really launched into a rather heated, but controlled, advanced duel. Shaking his head and smiling to himself, he approached them. "Please, keep it to disarming for now," he whispered, "or I'll have to take points from you."
"You wouldn't dare," Hermione said smiling.
"Can I opt for detention instead," Ginny whispered. She and Hermione giggled as Harry blushed scarlet.
"Disarming, please," Harry said again and strode off to observe the rest of the class, instructing the pairs when necessary.
"Harry, is Expelliarmus really any good against a dark wizard," a fifth year Gryffindor girl he didn't know asked.
"I used it several times against Voldemort, but of course, there are more powerful spells you'll learn in this class."
"The book says there is no defence against the unforgivable curses. Why don't the dark wizards use them all the time," Dennis Creevey, also in fifth year asked.
"Well, the book is correct. There are no counter-curses against them; however, you can resist the Imperius curse. The Cruciatus curse is a little bit different. The effect of the curse depends on the wizard's or witch's desire to torture the victim. You have to be consumed by evil and hatred to be able to inflict that kind of suffering on anyone."
"But Voldemort could?"
"Yes, he was known for using the Cruciatus curse until his victims begged for death, or were driven incurably insane. I can vouch for his skill with this spell. I would say that most dark wizards will use it against their enemies, but only if they're certain they can cast it strongly enough."
"And the Killing curse?"
"Like the Cruciatus curse, it takes a lot of determination to cast. Focusing heavily on using the Killing curse for an attack in a duel will weaken your defences, leaving you vulnerable—especially if you miss. It's rarely used in a duel. It's a coward's curse because it's used only once the victim is weakened to incapacitation, disarmed, or his or her back is turned. But a few dark wizards, like Tom Riddle, are so evil and so driven by the utter lust for blood, that they can use it with confidence in a duel. If you should ever find yourself face-to-face with such a wizard, duck," Harry warned.
"So even if they are powerful curses, they are not so good in a duel," a Ravenclaw girl asked.
"Exactly. I guess dark wizards would rather rely on other spells during a duel, saving the unforgivable ones for the defenceless.
Harry knew they wanted to ask the question and that it was a matter of time before one of them did "Anything else," he asked the class.
"How did you survive then, Harry," the Gryffindor girl asked softly, clearly rattled by the things Harry told them about the unforgivables.
Bingo! "That was due to a series of generally unlikely circumstances and magic that neither Riddle nor Professor Dumbledore fully understood. I'm sorry, but I can't tell you anything more other than Professor Dumbledore said that it had to do with love, something Voldemort couldn't understand at all." He could feel Ginny's intense gaze as she listened to him fighting to stick to the truth without revealing anything beyond what appeared in the Minister's statement.
Harry had rigged a statue-like device used for training that could produce various curses. He told the class to form a line, and as they were attacked, they were to counter-curse and attack in turn. They were allowed to use more powerful spells on the statue than they had used on each other. In the end, there were two relatively serious incidents. A Hufflepuff girl failed with her counter-curse, so she got hit and had most of her hair burnt away.
"Off you go to Madame Pomfrey, she'll grow your hair back in no time," Harry promised.
The other incident involved Ginny's last attack. She put everything she had into it, literally vaporizing the statue, leaving only grey ashes in a pile on the floor in its place.
"Oh... good, strong attack Ginny," Harry said. Powerful and sexy—a deadly combination. The rest of the class had been looking on in abject terror, except for Hermione who grinned openly. Harry told them to pair up again and duel attacking and defending, but asking them to go easy. "I would appreciate not having to send anyone else to Madame Pomfrey."
Soon the room shook with spells and counter-spells. Again Hermione and Ginny duelled fiercely. As the others managed to disarm or defeat their partners, they stopped to watch in fascination. None of them had seen the battle because they had been evacuated from the castle before it began.
The class watched, mesmerised, as Hermione and Ginny duelled on, their movements and spell work all a fury of leaps, swishes, flourishes and flicks. Rarely did either utter a word other than the incantations they yelled, neither of them using spells that might cause either of them serious injury. Hermione fought using all her wits, casting her wide range of spells, attempting to get around Ginny's defences. Ginny proved more powerful with each of her spells nearly penetrating Hermione's defences with the mere force of them. They took greater risks as their duel progressed. It finally ended when both of them dropped their defences simultaneously to attack.
Ginny spun and fell to the floor, taking Hermione's spell to her shoulder. Harry felt disoriented for a moment as she hit the floor. Hermione took Ginny's spell sending her three metres backward, crashing into the wall. The rest of the class stood stunned as two star duellers retrieved their wands and hugged each other.
"Shall we call it a draw," Ginny asked, panting and flexing her shoulder.
"It's a draw," Hermione moaned as she tried to catch her breath and steady herself on her feet.
Relieved that his sister and his fiancée appeared uninjured, Harry turned to the class and took in their expression. "You were all evacuated before the battle?"
All of them nodded.
"What Hermione and Ginny showed here gives you an idea as to why the evacuation was necessary. This is pretty much what the battle looked like, but on a much grander scale and involving deadly curses. Switch partners and try again."
The two students paired with Ginny and Hermione stared at them, terrified. "Do what you do best and keep it simple. Focus," Hermione instructed her partner.
"That's right. Don't ever try anything fancy or unproven. That'll get you into trouble every time," Ginny warned her own partner.
Harry could see that they already duelled better after working with Hermione and Ginny, who went easy on their new partners. Ginny disarmed her opponent who made a fatal mistake, but Hermione was taken by surprise when her partner caught her with a Jelly Legs jinx before ultimately disarming her.
"Great work. You kept it simple by using a prankster jinx. However, I wouldn't recommend repeating it too often because you lose the element of surprise," Harry said. He remembered how he had been identified at the Battle in the Sky by casting Expelliarmus, which had long-ago become identified with him. Soon, the class period ended.
"Well done! You may go," Harry dismissed them. The class packed up their gear and left the classroom, some of them glancing back in awe at Ginny and Hermione. Harry estimated this class was a lot better-prepared than the DA had been when they first started.
The Gryffindor girl who had asked about Expelliarmus approached him. "Harry, will we be able to fight like them one day," she asked, nodding toward Ginny and Hermione.
"That's entirely possible. When we started the DA in my fifth year, many members couldn't even disarm properly. By the end of that year, most of them could produce corporeal Patronuses. Those who were of age joined those who returned to fight in the battle against Riddle," Harry explained. "By the way, what's your name?"
"Jessica Spinnet."
"Ah. Alicia's sister?"
"Yes, I am." she said, and left.
Ginny and Hermione had been waiting for him. Harry put his arm around Ginny and gave her a kiss. As they left the classroom, Hermione huffed in disgust.
"A Jelly Legs jinx," Hermione muttered, looking furious. "I could have taken him."
"I know you could Hermione," Harry replied. "Didn't you see their faces after your duel? Jessica Spinnet, the girl who left, just asked if they could learn to fight like you."
They headed for Hagrid's. On the way down, Harry wanted to ask them about what had happened to him at the end of their duel. "Something strange happened. When I had the first years this afternoon, I demonstrated Expelliarmus on stick and almost blew it up. And during the summer I had to modify the memory of a Muggle lady in the park, almost sending her to St Mungo's. Did something happen because of the way I repaired my wand?"
"Harry," Hermione answered guardedly. "You've faced loads of previously-unknown magic. You'd better explore this carefully. So much has happened to you already to affect your magic, something even more could very well have happened to cause this surge in your powers."
"Oh, there's more, Hermione. When Ginny fell at the end of your duel, I felt disoriented for a second, as if your spell had hit me. Both Arthur and Bill think there might be some kind of bond between us."
"As I said, Harry, we're talking about previously-unknown magic," Hermione said. "And Ginny, that stunner you hit me with was the most powerful I've ever felt. I blacked-out for a second when I hit the wall. Not to mention that spell you vaporized Harry's statue with. If you like, I can do some research about this bond of yours."
"Thanks, Hermione. I wouldn't want just anyone digging into this," Harry said gratefully. "So...come along then, lovely ladies," he said, offering both of his arms. "Hagrid's waiting for us."
