Chapter 11 – A New Year
Ron and Hermione helped Harry and Ginny plan and prepare their New Year's Eve party at Grimmauld Place, despite Molly's concerns. Kreacher was delighted about having so much to do. Harry's original Quidditch team was coming, including the winning team from his sixth year. Almost all of the members of the original DA were coming, including all six in Harry's current Auror Training class. Harry had also invited several Hogwarts friends. The Weasley brothers had all accepted the invitation, which placated Molly. She calmed down quite a bit when she learned that nothing stronger than Butterbeer would be served.
By eight o'clock, about thirty people had arrived. It was great having so many friends gathered in his home. One of the first to approach Harry and Ginny was Oliver Wood. "Ginny, congratulations making that contract. I guess I'll have to watch out for you next season," Oliver smiled. He was the Keeper for Puddlemere United.
"All you'll see is the Quaffle passing through your rings," Ginny grinned.
"Is that so," Oliver replied, casting a look at Harry. "I guess I'd better come and watch a game at Hogwarts to learn your playing style, then."
"It won't help you, but you're of course welcome to come cheer on Gryffindor," Ginny said confidently.
Oliver grinned and turned to Harry. "She's a feisty one."
"And with good reason," Harry nodded, kissing her hand. "Be sure to come and watch her play. She's brilliant," Harry said proudly.
Harry and Ginny continued walking around greeting their guests. "Angelina! Hi, great seeing you," Harry said as he gave her a quick hug. "I'm dead chuffed that all of you from my first Quidditch team could make it."
Angelina seemed distracted, but turned her attention to Harry and Ginny. "Sorry... yes, I haven't seen some of them for some time. Thank you for inviting me, though."
"Hey, no problem," Harry replied.
"Erm...excuse me Harry, but are Katie and George a couple?"
Harry shrugged. "The Weasley boys are hopeless. Ron finally got it together with Hermione, but I have no idea about George. Last I heard, they're just spending time together for the most part. I don't know if either of them wants a relationship."
"I just wanted to know so I don't make an arse of myself when I greet them," Angelina said and excused herself.
Harry and Ginny exchanged a surprised look. Angelina seemed a little more eager than just avoiding embarrassment. However there were more guests to greet, including Neville and Hannah. They were leaving for France the next week. Neville was starting his job at Beauxbatons and Hannah had found a job at a nearby pub.
"We haven't set a date for our wedding yet." Hannah told them. "But you'll get an invitation."
"You'll have one to our wedding too, of course," Ginny said. "June 24th."
"We'll be back in England for the summer holiday, so we'll be there," Neville promised "Wouldn't miss it for the world!"
Both Harry and Ginny considered Neville among their closest friends. They hadn't seen each other much lately, but living in the same dorm for six years had built a firm friendship between Harry and Neville. Ginny had been good friends with Neville after the Yule ball, but it was especially leading Dumbledore's Army at Hogwarts last year that had formed the kind of friendship in which they could trust one another with their lives.
"Listen Neville, could I have a word," Harry asked pulling him away from their women. "I need to talk to you."
"Um...sure, Harry," Neville replied, taking a swig from his Butterbeer. "What can I do for you?"
"It's not what you can do, but what you've done," Harry said, guiding him to a corner. "I'm just not sure how to say this, but I'm going to anyway."
"Okay..." Neville said, a bit confused. "Go on, I'm listening."
"Neville, I... I've been meaning to thank you..." Harry began. "I want to thank you for looking after Ginny last year."
"Harry, I..."
"Neville, I know you and Ginny led the resistance against the Carrows and I know some horrible things happened to the both of you," Harry explained. "I don't know any specifics, but I know it's affected both of you."
"Harry, Ginny and I looked after each other. She was the real foundation for that whole thing. I just did what I could to help her. She's a tough little lady, but there were times..."
"I know, Nev. She hasn't told me anything about it and I won't press her," Harry cut across him. "And I'm not asking you to tell me for her, but I just want to thank you for all you'd done for her. I believe that she wouldn't have survived it without you by her side."
"If I'm honest, Harry, none of us would have survived without her. It was Ginny that kept us going. She was the one who learned all the healing..."
"Healing? Neville, what do you mean," Harry asked, eyes narrowing. What did those bastards do to you?
"There were loads of nasty injuries to a lot of us, Harry. Ginny included. Seamus had his skull cracked at least once, and Corner and MacMillan suffered burns and a few broken bones—all kinds of horrible stuff," Neville recalled, his brow furrowing. "When we weren't allowed to go to Madame Pomfrey anymore, Ginny would nick up to the hospital wing for potions, bandages, and instructions for spells to fix us all up, herself included."
"Herself?" Not my Ginny. Not my heart and soul.
"Yeah, mostly cuts and bruises. They went a little easier on the girls. Sometimes, though, she'd have to bring Madame Pomfrey back with her—sometimes to the common rooms, but usually the Room of Requirement. You saw it, Harry. You saw how we lived in there."
Harry felt himself beginning to seethe and tried to fight it back. He didn't want Ginny to know he was becoming angry during this party. Easy, Potter. "Neville, thanks for telling me this, but I think we should to leave it here for now. Again, though, thank you for keeping her safe and...alive. You're a good friend."
"You're a good friend, too, Harry...and you're good for Ginny. She did it all for you, you know," Neville replied, shaking his friend's hand. They gave each other a man-hug.
"Good luck in France, Nev. Keep in touch, yeah?"
"Absolutely."
Ginny! My sweet Ginny! What happened to you? I can't bear the thought of those sick animals touching you...hurting you. I thought you'd be safe at Hogwarts. If I'd have known you were in danger, I would have come and taken you away from there myself. I want—I need to know what exactly earned you your Order of Merlin. Ginny, baby, as long as I live, I swear to you that nobody—and I mean NOBODY—will ever hurt you again!
Before he could find Ginny and make further rounds, he had to collect himself. He closed his eyes against the sting of tears forming behind them and took deep cleansing breaths. Easy, Harry. It's over and she's safe now. His fists began to unclench and he checked his palms for blood. Good. No blood, no evidence, no questions. He turned his thoughts to his love for Ginny and the joy of the moment.
Kreacher had outdone himself. He had prepared a variety of courses served buffet-style, perfect for a social evening. Everyone had been able to find a seat to eat, and were free to get up to get more and move around. Almost everyone at the party knew everyone else, and since many hadn't met for a while, it was a great evening for catching up with old friends. The clock had long-before chimed ten when Harry finally met Ron again.
"Having a good time, mate," Harry asked him.
"Yeah, but it seems my dear brother is having an even better time," Ron said nodding into a room.
George and Angelina sat together in deep conversation. It looked quite romantic.
"What about Katie," Harry asked.
"George and Katie have never been a couple. Sure, they cheered each other up with a bit of snogging, but that was months ago. But that over there looks serious."
"I see Katie over there by herself. I'd better see if she's all right," Harry said. Harry strode across the room where Katie sat, sipping her Butterbeer. "Hi K," Harry said.
"Oh, hello Harry. Wonderful party. Thanks for the invitation. The buffet is in the same league with the Hogwarts feasts."
"Yes, Kreacher has certainly shined tonight. You look a bit lonely. I just wanted to see that you're all right, Katie."
"Are you referring to George pulling Angelina off?"
Harry nodded. "I know you and George have spent a lot of time together," Harry said "Molly said you've been at the Burrow too."
"Harry, thank you for being concerned, but I'm not interested in George that way, and he's not interested in me that way either. We're just friends who shared some really well-needed snogs, getting through our losses in the war. I lost a brother too..." Her voice trailed off as if caught in a memory.
"I'm sorry I didn't know," Harry replied.
"Thanks. He was older than me and had left Hogwarts before you started. He was killed before the Battle of Hogwarts. Anyway, George has meant a lot to me during this time of mourning and if you worry about me, seeing him flirting with Angelina, you don't have to. I'd be happy for him, and Angelina is a great girl. George will remain one of my closest friends, in any case," Katie assured him. "Oh, you know what? I don't think I congratulated you and Ginny on your engagement!"
"Thank you, Katie," Harry said. "She's the best." Speaking of the best, she's having a good time tonight.
"Thanks again for your concern, Harry. If you'll excuse me, I think I'll go and catch up with Oliver. It's been a long time," she said as she stood up.
"Anytime, K," Harry replied, relieved that she was all right.
Katie walked over to Oliver Wood and he hugged her enthusiastically. Harry returned to the sitting room, but on the way back he noticed that George and Angelina had left. Harry found Ginny and before he knew it, it was almost midnight. Everyone gathered in the living room as Harry clanged a spoon against his bottle of Butterbeer. He and Ginny stood and he wrapped his arm around her waist, sending a burst of his love through their bond. She snuggled into his shoulder.
"Thank you all for coming tonight to celebrate with us. 1998 has been the worst and the best year of our lives. Tom Riddle did his best to trash this year for all of us, but Ginny made this year the best so far in my life. We're glad to share this evening with all of our friends. Is there someone keeping track of time who can tell me when it's midnight?"
"Two minutes, Harry," Hermione called.
"Thanks Hermione, I can always count on you," Harry grinned as the others snickered. "Well, it should be enough time for everyone to make sure they have a something in their glasses, yeah?"
"Countdown, everyone," Ron called. "10... 9... 8... 7... 6... 5... 4... 3... 2... 1... Happy New Year!" The friends began to make the rounds, hugging one another and clinking their glasses and bottles together. They could hear fireworks and cheers from celebrants outside in the streets welcoming in 1999.
Harry put down his bottle and wrapped his arms around Ginny, holding her tightly in his embrace. "Happy new year, Ginny," he said, and gave her one of his newly-patented mind-blowing kisses.
"Mmm...happy new year, my love. Been saving that one up?"
"Since last year," he murmured into her mouth. "And there's a few more left, I think."
Ginny could see Hermione and Fleur approaching from behind Harry. "Hold that thought, love. We have company."
Hermione wrapped her arms around her surrogate brother and planted a wet kiss on his cheek. "Happy new year, Harry. We all sure deserve one," she said a little tearfully as he hugged her tightly.
"Happy new year, Hermione."
"'Arry! ''Appy new year," Fleur cried as she kissed Harry on both cheeks. "I would 'ug you, but..."
"Happy new year, Fleur," Harry replied, chuckling. "I understand."
Harry noticed George and Angelina were still kissing, seemingly oblivious to the rest of the party. He thought the kisses looked rather intense. Harry elbowed Ron in the side. "Look, it seems like there's sparks from somewhere other than fireworks tonight."
"George and Angelina. Did that happen tonight," Ron asked.
"As far as I know." Harry said. "Well, good for him. Katie was all right with it too."
Ron shrugged and put his arm around Hermione. After midnight, the guests began to leave one by one, and Harry decided to come back after a good night's sleep to clear the mess. He told Kreacher to leave it until they returned and they Flooed back to the Burrow.
Harry exited the Floo laughing madly. Someone had added Funny Floo Powder during the party. Ginny got arse kicked and landed on top of a still laughing Harry. Ron came out of the Floo with clothes that looked like Professor Trelawney's and finally Hermione had encountered the shrinking effect, now standing about two feet tall.
"Very funny," she said with a high-pitched voice reminding of the way someone sounded after inhaling helium. Hermione cast a spell on herself returning to normal size. Harry pushed of Ginny gasping for air.
"Can't stop... laughing... please... stop... it!" Harry cried as tears flowed down his face.
"Finite incantatem," Hermione said and Harry breathed deeply, catching his breath.
"Bloody hell, I can't find my wand among these... clothes," Ron moaned.
"Well, you invented that stuff, so I won't help you," Hermione said firmly.
Harry drew his wand and summoned Ron's wand. "Accio, Ron's wand!"
"I won't help you transfigure your clothes back though, but here's your wand," Harry snickered at his friend's appearance. Ron looked like a cross-dressing imbecile in Sybil Trelawney's clothes.
"That kick really hurt," Ginny whined and turned to Harry to kiss him. "But I enjoyed my landing."
"I can massage it and make it all better," Harry offered with a wicked Harry-grin.
"Promises, promises," Ginny giggled. "Is that a promise?"
"If you so desire it, my love. It will be my pleasure," Harry replied picking her up off the floor. "Goodnight, Ron. Goodnight, Hermione. Happy new year." They began to climb the stairs to their room, yawning and stretching.
"Night, Harry. Night, Ginny." Ron and Hermione yawned and started up the stairs behind them.
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Arthur and Molly had spent New Year's Eve with Aunt Muriel. Arthur said that it hadn't been optional, but didn't elaborate. They sat at the breakfast table with Bill, Fleur, Charlie and Percy when Harry and Ginny came down the stairs.
"Morning, family," Ginny yawned. "Harry new year...I think."
Harry dropped down onto the seat next to Ginny and poured a cup of tea for her and then for himself. "What do you mean you think? It's not like you had anything alcoholic to drink last night."
"I know that, O Wise Arse. It was just a late night and I'm still foggy, that's all," she retorted, shoving him. "I'm still waking up." Ginny yawned again and laid her head on Harry's shoulder.
"If you still tired, Gin, go back to bed," Harry suggested. "Nobody forced you to get up with me."
"Harry, you're a good old soul, but we have work to do at Grimmauld, remember? It's trashed and you told Kreacher..." Ginny heard the sound of feet tromping down the stairs. She looked up to find Ron just appearing in the doorway and burst into laughter, Harry snickering into his tea. Hermione followed at his heels.
"Did you change clothes Ron," she teased, thinking about his horribly transfigured robes.
"Of course. I really shouldn't wear out your wedding dress," Ron retorted.
Hermione giggled. "I'm sorry, I just pictured Harry watching Ginny walk up the aisle wearing... whatever that was."
Prompted by the quizzical looks from his parents and older siblings, Ron told them about the Floo Powder incident. "George better tell me how to return my clothes to normal. It was a rather nice set of robes, rather than a ghastly heap of rags, Ron said.
"Well, the way I see it you had it coming," Molly said looking quite amused. "Bitten by your own dog!" She began to laugh.
Charlie, Bill, Fleur and Percy snickered into their breakfast as they formed a mental picture of their brother in Sybil Trelawney's loose clothes.
"Where is George anyway" Arthur asked.
The youngsters of the family blushed and smirked at each other. Molly looked sharply at each one of them.
"He..." Ron said, wide-eyed and looking at Harry.
"... is probably still..." Harry said looking at Ginny with pleading eyes.
"... dreaming," she added.
Bill shook his head and cleared his throat. "He met a girl at the party, it looked serious."
"A girl," Molly asked. "What about Katie?"
"Katie and I are very good friends," George's voice drifted down from the stairwell. "She was the first one to congratulate me yesterday."
George went to the table and sat. Everyone was quiet. "All right you pack of vultures, you want the details," George asked.
"I want to know how to transfigure my new robes back from rags," Ron said irritably.
Hermione looked at him. "If you haven't figured it out by noon, I'll do it for you."
"You know how to do it," Ron asked in surprise.
"Yes, of course I do, but if you don't shut it and let George tell us about last night, I won't help you," Hermione said.
Everyone stared at George in anticipation now. "Well, I think we got together like falling in love at first sight, even though we've known each other for years."
"WHO," Molly demanded, sounding like a Howler.
"Angelina," George said dreamily.
"Angelina who," Molly repeated, snapping George out of his daydream.
"Angelina Johnson, of course. She was at the party last night...and I was too," George said, slipping back into his dreamlike state. "... and she was so wonderful, and we talked, and we connected, and we looked into each other's eyes, and we talked about Quidditch, and we talked about feelings, and we hugged and by midnight..."
"Basically, you are pathetically in love," Charlie finished for him.
George nodded, looking happy. No one had seen him like this since Fred's death. "Did you know Angelina means messenger from an angel," George asked.
"Congratulations brother," Bill said. "But for all of our sakes, pull yourself together, mate. Write her a love letter, anything."
"I'll do that," George replied with a distant voice as he rose from the table and headed toward the stairs again. They watched his back as he mounted the stairs in a haze.
"Did someone give him a love potion," Molly asked.
"He did spend the entire evening with Angelina," Ron said. "But he can't go on like that for long."
"It's nothing a good Bat-Bogey hex won't fix," Ginny grinned wickedly.
"Sadist," Harry smirked.
"Yes, I am," Ginny said as she leaned into Harry, her mouth less than an inch from his ear. "And nobody knows that better than you, my love...do they?" She sent him a burst of the unspoken thing.
"I have seen you in action, yes," Harry whispered, returning her burst.
"All right. Give it a rest, you two. Some of us are still eating," Percy said glaring at them.
"Somebody didn't get..." Ginny began a rude comment, but a little kick from Harry stopped her.
"...enough sleep," Harry finished.
"I got plenty of sleep, thank you," Percy retorted.
"I tried to rescue you," Harry said. "You're on your own now, mate." I will deal with your sister later.
"So, George seems to have fallen in love with Angelina Johnson," Arthur concluded. They all nodded.
An hour later, Ron heard a grunt from George's room. He knocked and entered at George's invitation. There were about twenty haf-written parchments lying all over the floor.
"What do I tell her? Everything sounds ridiculous. I mean... it's Angelina. I know her, I called her Chaser girl, for Merlin's sake. And now what? Love? Dear? Sweetheart? Help me, Ron! You got together with Hermione after all these years, you must know what I'm going through."
Ron sighed and sat down. "You really lost your heart and fell for her yesterday?"
"I did. I've never felt like this, ever. I'm lost, you know? I can't even crack a joke about it," George lamented.
"That's troubling. All right, I'll try to help you, if you tell me how to fix my clothes."
George grinned. "Deal, brother."
"So what's your situation? I mean, I saw that snog at midnight..." Ron said.
George got that dreamy look for a moment. "We... told each other we've fallen in love."
"You are so... in trouble..." Ron snickered. "Well then, let's write your letter."
Another hour later George read his letter. "This is crap, you know that." he said.
"Yes, but it's unique because it expresses your true feelings for Angelina in a very honest way, in a glorious attempt to create a romantic letter with no skill at it at all. She'll love it," Ron promised.
"You're sure of that," George asked.
"How did a pathetic know-nothing-about-girls prat like me end up with a goddess like Hermione?" Ron's belly did a little flip-flop as the taste of Hermione's kisses blossomed in his head. I can't keep her off my mind.
You've got it bad, little brother. "Of course you're sure. Stupid question."
George sealed the letter and handed it shakily to Ron asking him to send it before he changed his mind. Ron captured Pig and sent him off. "Take this to straight to Angelina. George's mind is at stake."
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Draco Malfoy slept fitfully, his dreams punctuated with scenes of his family's trials before the Wizengamot. Again, he relived the shame he felt as his father was sentenced to ten years in Azkaban, his 'wand' snapped. He had dutifully promised to look after his mother, even though he'd long ago lost respect for the once-proud Lucius Malfoy. He was ever haunted by the defeated look in Narcissa's eyes during those horrible last months of the war, and how empty her life had become since the trial, holed up in that mausoleum they called a home. He promised himself that he would do everything in his power to restore some degree of honour to his family name and make a life for himself.
"Psst…Draco!" Draco got up and looked into the fire. Someone was there. "Leaky Cauldron, one hour," the voice hissed and disappeared.
Draco thought about the message. He'd been working at the Ministry gaining confidence, but he was nowhere near having established a good reputation. Was it possible at all? Meeting with this representative for the mysterious Death Eater seemed harmless. He was supposed to be spying on the Death Eaters for the Ministry, and the Death Eater would of course expect to get reports from the Ministry.
He considered the facts. He knew nothing about this Death Eater, although he did know a lot about the Ministry. Despite a somewhat strained situation, Kingsley Shacklebolt's administration was gaining strength. His future lay with the Ministry, there was no doubt about that, which meant he needed justified motivation to support the Death Eater. He needed to stand to gain more than he'd lost, whichever side he chose. He certainly couldn't afford the losing side again. Tom Riddle had destroyed the family he'd already promised himself he would restore. To thine own self be true, Draco.
At the appointed time, Draco Malfoy entered the Leaky Cauldron and was immediately approached by a hooded man. "Come, Mr Malfoy," he hissed. Draco followed him and was given an empty Butterbeer bottle. "It's a Portkey. It will activate in a minute. Hold on."
Draco felt the customary tug behind his navel and found himself transported to a cottage in some forest. "No need trying to find out where we are. This place will be deserted after our meeting," the unknown man whispered.
"Why am I here," Draco asked.
"I'm the closest to our leader. I'm here to give you answers."
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After breakfast the day after New Year, Harry received an owl from Kingsley asking him for an instant meeting. Harry Flooed right to the Ministry and hurried through the atrium so quickly that the wizards there hardly had time to notice him. He had learned from Percy that his Auror internship granted him access to the Ministry and he didn't have to check in at the Guest Desk. Harry was on the lift before long, heading for Kingsley's office. He didn't have to wait but a few minutes to be shown in. Kingsley and Gawain were already there waiting for him.
"Harry, it's good to see you. I'm sorry to ask you to come on such short notice," Kingsley greeted him.
"Kingsley, it's good to see you, and you too, Auror Robards," Harry answered, shaking both their hands.
"Potter," Robards replied.
Kingsley invited them to sit down. "I've had a report from Mr Malfoy yesterday. He met with his contact and it appears that it's quite a situation we're in. Both the Ministry and the Death Eaters are aware of the fact that Mr Malfoy is a double-agent, and I suppose we're all trying to decide how trustworthy he really is."
"And both sides know that the other side knows that we both, in fact, know what we know," Gawain stated emphatically, mentally making sure of his own statement. "Right."
"Yeah? Know what," Harry asked trying not to smirk.
"That we know Draco is a double-agent with questionable loyalties, and are using that fact to mislead each other," Kingsley said.
"So, you count on Draco betraying information to the enemy?" Harry asked, feeling rather confused.
Kingsley looked troubled. "We know that they know what we know, knowing that we know that they don't know who to trust—Draco least of all," Kingsley said with an air of confidence and then continued without pausing. "But I must point out that we don't know with absolute certainty that they don't necessarily know anything more than we already know that they know." This time, Kingsley made a show of ascertaining that what he'd just said made some modicum of sense. "Yes. Right."
For his part, Harry seriously tried to follow this line of Ministry double-talk, but he hadn't had much luck so far. He decided the best he could do at this point was to pay attention and hope for the best...and possibly stave off a pounding headache.
"Exactly," Gawain said confidently, while Harry blinked his eyes in thought, still trying to decipher what the hell his colleagues were talking about. "As no side really knows where Draco's loyalties lie, or even if he has any, we can't be absolutely certain that he does anything for either side, and both sides know that. So we try to learn what we can based on the facts."
"And the fact is you don't know anything," Harry concluded, trying to make it sound as though he followed their line of reasoning. Mental, this is.
"At least we're certain of that," Gawain smiled nodding his head. "Harry, it's a game of tactics. Both sides try to set traps for the other. Play your hand in the right moment and you win, otherwise you lose." What? Mixed metaphors now? Bloody hell!
"So what do we do," Harry asked dubiously. This ought to be good...
"Reviewing Mr Malfoy's memories in a Pensieve convinced us that there is a Death Eater. How great the threat might be, we don't know, but at the very least we want this Death Eater arrested and put to trial. If there indeed is a plot against us we must stop it immediately," Gawain said.
"The problem is we don't know who we're dealing with. We don't know where to start searching. Mr Malfoy isn't much help, because he was port-keyed to a deserted cottage in a forest somewhere for the meeting. Yet, he is our only lead," Kingsley said.
"We want to make him more interesting to the Death Eaters. He must be seen with you, Harry. Everyone knows you're not friends, so if you're seen together, observers'll think there's a good reason. A few hints in a comment from the Ministry, and Mr Malfoy just might be a lot more interesting to the enemy," Gawain told him.
"Any instructions as to how I should handle this," Harry asked, almost regretting doing so.
"We have to remember that Mr Malfoy might be truly working for the enemy, so use Legilimency to detect lies. Officially, he's a Ministry employee. The official reason you meet is that he is handling some files you need for the DA that you'd planned to get during the holidays," Kingsley said. "Contact him in any way you see fit, making dead sure you are seen together before you return to Hogwarts."
Harry nodded. There was something really disturbing about this situation, but he couldn't put his finger on it. With the Horcruxes, at least he knew what to do. His thoughts swirling, Harry left the Ministry and Flooed back to the Burrow thinking about the best way to contact Malfoy. What a mess! He had to co-operate with Malfoy to uncover a supposedly existing plot against the Ministry. At least being close to Ginny made him feel better.
Harry sent an owl to Draco, asking to meet with him at the Leaky Cauldron on DA business. He wrote that Kingsley suggested that he'd turn to Draco. A couple of hours later, he received Draco's reply that they could meet for lunch the next day.
"Auror work can sure be strange. I'd prefer a straight duel over tactical mind games," Harry told Ginny.
"I know, love. I can feel your frustration. Talk to Ron if you need tactical advice. He's brilliant at Wizard's Chess you know."
"That's right. I think I will," Harry replied thoughtfully. "You're one smart witch, Gin. Have I told you lately that I love you?"
"Not in so many words," she replied.
"I love you, Gin," Harry said softly, brushing her lips with his as he sent a burst of the unspoken thing through their bond. Instinctively, he took her into his arms and pressed her to him, burying his face in her hair and neck. The intoxicating scent of wildflowers and strawberries filled his senses and set his brain whirling.
"Mmmm... I love you, Harry," she replied, returning his love. She tilted her head back to allow him better access to her neck and shoulders. "Oooh, that's nice," she purred, running her hands across his chest and around to his back. She reached for her wand and flicked it at the door, imperturbing it. He's free to do anything he wants.
Gryffindor's lion began to awaken deep in Harry's chest. His heartbeat increased as he continued to kiss Ginny's neck and shoulders. He lingered at her pulse point and then nipped at her throat. Her moans of pleasure spurred him on and the lion began to growl. "Ginny... my Ginny," he whispered as he kissed. After all these months, he still couldn't believe that this exquisite creature was his completely. She had given herself to him over and over, but he just couldn't wrap his head around the wonder of it all.
Ginny's breathing became ragged. "Kiss me, Harry," she moaned. She pulled his face away from her neck and stared into his eyes. They had already gone dark green with desire. "Kiss me hard." She wanted mind-blowing kisses like the ones he'd first given her in the kitchen at Christmas. She'd become addicted to Harry, but now that addiction had become an obsession. She needed him desperately. She set her hands on his shoulders anticipating the crushing embrace preceding the kiss. She was not disappointed.
Harry set his hands behind her—one flat against her back and the other full of her thick hair. He growled wantonly as he crushed his mouth against hers. Gryffindor's lion roared his approval as Ginny parted her lips to admit his tongue. Any awareness of a world outside their room faded away as Harry lost himself in the warmth of her mouth and the heat of the white-hot passion flowing through their bond. "I want you, Ginny," Harry growled into her mouth. "I need you." He tore his lips from hers and buried them once again in her neck.
"Harry," she cried. "The heat—it's too much," she whimpered into his shoulder. Mad waves of the unspoken thing crashed into them like the tides breaking on the shore. She tore his shirt off him and began to kiss the moist skin of his muscular chest and belly. The salt-taste of his pheromone-laced sweat drove her wild. "I can't hold out much longer," she moaned into his sternum. Volcanic fire ripped through her being and across the bridge of their bond into Harry.
Suddenly, their clothes disappeared and they found themselves naked in their embrace. When Harry realised what had happened, he threw her into the mattress and attacked her neck and breasts with renewed ardour. "Now, Gin," he growled again. "Now, my love!" Nature took its course and Harry plowed into her with a hissing intake of breath. She cried out his name as the lion took over the man. Their rhythm had long-since become natural, automatic—so much so that there was no longer any need for conscious thought.
Their breathing became more ragged and laboured as they approached an explosive climax. "Harry, oh gods, Harry," Ginny cried, tightening her legs' grip around his waist, pulling him in deeper. She couldn't get enough of him. She couldn't get close enough. She clung to him as tears of ecstasy coursed down her face. "I love you so much, Harry!" She shot a blast of the unspoken thing through their bond as she teetered on the edge of the abyss and allowed herself to fall.
At the same moment the abyss claimed the love of his life, Harry stiffened and called out her name as he plunged over the edge. He felt his muscles begin to relax as his body melted into hers. He caressed her face and hair as he gazed into her blazing eyes. The unspoken thing passed between them in a gentle stream as they basked in the afterglow of their reaffirmation of their love for one another. He kissed her gently—her face, her now-swollen lips, her eyes, her hair. How he loved this woman!
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"... so basically you don't know anything," Ron summarized Harry's story.
Harry nodded and Ron thought about what Harry had told him. How could you get more reliable information without any trustworthy sources?
"Do you have any ideas? I'm meeting Malfoy tomorrow," Harry said hopefully.
"He knows you don't trust him, Harry, so do what you're supposed to do—be polite. The real game begins when the Daily Prophet reports about the two of you meeting in public. That's when you declare that you had Ministry business with Mr Malfoy. Say nothing more. If you're right, that Death Eater doesn't trust Malfoy either. They'll be tempted to confirm whatever he reports. If you meet him a couple of times, you can drop some worthless information later on."
"And if it contains a location the Death Eater might check it out..." Harry said.
"...they might suspect a trap. But if it's interesting enough, they might check it out anyway. It's like a game of chess. You're always more willing to sacrifice a man to take out a Queen than a Knight," Ron said.
"But what if we don't set a trap?" Harry said.
"That would be either stupid or very smart," Ron answered.
"Et tu, Weasley? You sound like Kingsley and Robards! What the hell is that supposed to mean," Harry replied, thoroughly frustrated.
"Think about it, Harry. Muggles hide cameras for security purposes in all kinds of places. It would be easy to confund those Muggles in charge of the recorded information and check it for ourselves," Ron explained. "So the trap is that there is no trap, and you're relying on Muggle devices to get information. I don't think the Death Eaters would think you'd do that even if they are aware of those cameras."
"Thanks, Ron. You should consider becoming an Auror, you know," Harry hinted with a slight grin.
Ron looked at Harry, suddenly with a serious face.
"I know, Harry. I've thought a lot about it. I couldn't do it after the summer. There was too much to work out. Fred's death, getting together with Hermione, meeting her parents, George needing help. Now it's different. George has Angelina, and even if he still mourns Fred, he's pretty much good old George again. The shop is doing great, and we could still help him with ideas for new products. Harry, do you think it's too late to get into your DA training program?"
"Well, for most people it would be. You'd have a lot of Occlumency and Legilimency training to catch up with, but I think we can work together one on one outside classes. And I hate to say this, Ron, but I think you'll lose a lot of duels the first weeks, but if you really wanted to do it, you'd make it. Again, we can work together outside class to catch you up," Harry explained. "Now, if Hermione agrees to help you with Ministry orientation that'll help a lot too. It's everything about how it's organized, internal procedures, which forms to fill out for different situations, and so on. It's only slightly more tolerable than History of Magic with Professor Binns, but you'll manage. I'll talk to Gawain when I report my meeting with Malfoy," Harry promised.
"Thanks, mate," Ron said gratefully. "I'd really appreciate it."
Anytime...partner. "I guess Hermione would love it if you stayed at Hogwarts," Harry mused, casting a sidelong glance at his friend.
Ron didn't answer, he just smiled. Weasley, you're a lucky bastard.
By lunchtime the next day, Harry Flooed to the Leaky Cauldron. He felt a lot better about this meeting after his discussion with Ron. And the fact that his friend might join the DA training had lifted Harry's spirits exponentially. Despite meeting Malfoy, Harry felt buoyant. As soon as he stepped through the fireplace, the patrons recognised him immediately. Harry made his way straight for Tom, who was, as usual, working the bar.
"Mr Potter, it's an honour," he heard someone say.
"Thank you, but really, I'm not all that special," Harry replied as he reached Tom.
"Hello Tom. I'd like a table and lunch for two."
"Certainly, Mr Potter." Tom led him to a table by the wall. It was a good table to talk without being overheard, but still very public. Harry ordered a Butterbeer and waited for Malfoy. The wizards and witches in the tavern kept stealing glances at him, as if they couldn't believe that the person they've heard and read about so much was truly real. Five minutes later, Malfoy arrived and sat opposite Harry.
"Potter," Malfoy said.
"Malfoy," Harry replied.
Both of them exchanged glances. Clearly, neither of them liked the idea of being seen together. Tom served their lunch.
"All right, let's get straight to business," Harry suggested.
"Good. I'm not keen on this little lunch date," Malfoy sneered.
"The DA will study Auror Field work among Muggles. The office you're working in stores files where the Muggleworthy Excuse team had to assist the Auror Office. Gawain has authorized me to get those files and I want you to dig them out of the archive."
"That will be so much fun," Malfoy said ironically. "But I'll get you those files, Potter."
"Thanks. I know you will."
"I'll send an owl when I have them so we can decide how to deliver them."
Harry nodded and finished his meal. "I think our business is finished for now."
"Yes."
With a handshake, they parted and left the Leaky Cauldron. Harry headed straight for the Ministry and Gawain Robards, who expected him. "Come in, Potter," he said in answer to Harry's knock. "Well?"
"Mission accomplished. We were definitely seen, but we left before any reporters caught up to us."
"Great work, Harry," Gawain said.
"If anyone heard us they won't be able to tell the reporters anything other than that there was a polite hostility in our conversation, and that we met on official DA business."
"This is a good start. Kingsley can use his influence at the Prophet to make sure there's a small article about your meeting."
"Good. Gawain, I have a question for you concerning another matter," Harry said.
"I'm listening."
"Ron Weasley wants to join the DA Auror Training Program. May I accept him?"
Robards smiled broadly. "I wondered how long he'd hold out. He'll have a lot to catch up with, but if he's willing to work hard, he is a most welcome addition."
"Thanks, Gawain. He's eager to get started."
Harry left the ministry and Flooed back to the Burrow. He, Ginny, Ron and Hermione headed to Ron's room. "Ron, Gawain said it was all right," Harry told him on the way up.
Once inside the room, Ron grinned and kissed Hermione soundly as Harry closed the door. "What's all right," she asked.
"I'm joining the DA Auror Training Program, love," he told her. "I'll be at Hogwarts full-time." His sapphire eyes danced as he watched Hermione's reaction.
Her eyes opened wide with delight. "Really? Honest? Oh Ron, this is wonderful," she gushed. "I'm so happy they accepted you! I missed you so much last term." She threw herself into his arms and planted kisses all over his face. "I love you!" I want you. I need you.
Harry and Ginny looked on with twinkles in their eyes. "We'll be together again at Hogwarts," Ginny said excitedly. Oh, the possibilities!
"Ron, we better practise duel every day until we get back to school. You haven't duelled since the battle. In class the DA duel several times per week, and they're really good."
"Right. Hermione, will you help me with all that Ministry stuff," Ron asked hopefully. "I have loads to catch up on without loads of time to do it in."
Hermione sighed. "You know I will, but it'll cost you... I'm prepared to negotiate how much snogging you'll have to do," she grinned.
"In that case, money is no object," Ron said, embracing her again.
"So, Ron and I are becoming Aurors and Ginny is a Chaser on a professional Quidditch team. What will you do after graduation Hermione," Harry asked.
"I'll apply to work for increased rights for magical creatures," she said.
"Taking up SPEW again," Ginny asked.
"Not exactly. I'll work on behalf of all magical creatures, not just house-elves."
"With your grades and your fame, you can get any job you want," Ron assured her.
The morning Prophet had indeed printed a small article about the meeting between Harry and Draco. In an "official" statement, Robards commented that their meeting had to do with the DA. Since the DA was not part of the Ministry, there was nothing strange about them meeting at the Leaky Cauldron.
Old Enemies Meet at the Leaky Cauldron
Yesterday afternoon, Harry Potter was seen having lunch with none other than his schooldays arch-nemesis, Draco Malfoy. What would bring these two drastically opposed young men together over lunch at the Leaky Cauldron? Upon further inquiry with the Auror Office, Head Auror Gawain Robards made this statement:
'Harry Potter and Draco Malfoy did, in fact, have a lunch meeting at the Leaky Cauldron on official DA business. The DA is independent of the Ministry and having no affiliation, it is therefore our opinion that there is nothing untoward about them meeting there,' says Mr Robards.
We can safely assume, then, that Mr Malfoy and Mr Potter have formed a working relationship, strained as it may be, and that Mr Potter, for whatever reason, has placed his trust in Mr Malfoy.
"Nothing like stating the obvious," Ginny said, handing the paper to Ron.
"Ya think? Ginny, that's exactly what the Ministry wants," Ron replied. "They're putting up a front for the investigation, hoping to keep Malfoy honest and this Death Eater person interested."
"Harry, did Draco say or do anything that would make you not want to trust him," Ginny asked.
"No, not really. He was definitely nervous, but so was I. So far, though, he's been up front with us. He even let me use Legilimency on him once to prove he wasn't hiding anything," He told her.
"We're talking about Draco Malfoy—The Platinum Prince of Slytherin, right," Hermione said, disbelieving. "Moody's—er—Crouch's pet ferret?"
"The same, Hermione. I know it's hard to believe, but from all I've seen, he's trying to turn over a new leaf since his dad's safely tucked up at Azkaban," Harry confirmed. "I guess the prospect of becoming a guest at that little country club and then avoiding it might've adjusted Malfoy's attitude. But only time will tell."
"Yeah, but we have to be careful, mate. This cloak-and-wand stuff is pretty dangerous," Ron said darkly. "Just go with your instincts, Harry. They're usually right."
Harry and Ron had taken to practice duelling for a couple of hours every day before they returned to Hogwarts. Harry beat him soundly every time, but it wasn't for Ron's lack of skill; he was merely a little rusty and definitely out of shape, even though he'd buffed up with all the heavy lifting he'd done for George at the shop. His reflexes definitely needed work.
Ron also duelled at a distinct disadvantage. Harry wasn't rusty, but the surge in his powers and all that practise with the DA last term made him virtually unbeatable. To Ron's credit, though, he'd improved over a short period of time as his stamina increased.
"You are getting back into shape," Harry encouraged him, out of breath himself.
"Yeah? Are the rest of the DA this good too," Ron gasped, bending over with his palms on his slightly bent knees.
"I usually beat them, but not easily. You'll be amazed at how much they've learned," Harry said. "Ready for some more?"
"Bring it on, mate!"
Harry and Ron duelled for another hour out in the orchard before lunch. As Ron fired spell after spell, Harry demonstrated how Susan's tumbling manoeuvres greatly improved one's chances of avoiding a deadly curse allowing for a return volley at the same time.
"Blimey, that's wicked! You say Susan Bones came up with that," Ron asked, once again out of breath.
"Impressive, yeah? When we first saw her doing it, we were stunned, Ron. Stunned! I immediately implemented it into our training regimen," Harry replied. "You should be able to catch on pretty quickly, though. It's not really that hard. We also do weight training, so you'll be in top physical condition in no time. Besides, we can work out outside of class, too. Ginny even wants to get herself into better shape before she goes off to Holyhead." That's going to be hell.
"Where do you work out? Hogwarts doesn't exactly have a weight room," Ron asked.
"Where do you think? The Room of Requirement serves as an excellent gym. When the weather breaks, we can run laps around the Quidditch pitch before breakfast," Harry suggested.
"Hey, that's not a bad idea. We ought to be quite fit when we take our exams, yeah?"
"That's the idea, mate. That's the idea," Harry laughed. "Those practicals are brutal!"
They were just about to launch into another series of hexes and jinxes when Molly called from the house, "Lunch, boys!" She had to have cast Sonorus for her voice to have reached them that clearly all the way down to the orchard. But if she did, they heard her in London.
"Great! I'm starved," Ron said rubbing his now-hardening stomach. "I could eat a hippogriff!"
"Same here, mate," Harry replied as his own stomach growled. "I think we need to remember to bring refreshments down here with us when we train—especially something to drink. In fact..."
"What? In fact, what," Ron asked as they trudged toward the kitchen door.
"I was just thinking. There are Muggle sports shops that sell equipment for athletes—workout clothes, special trainers, canvas equipment bags, water bottles, stuff like that," Harry said.
"Okay, so...what," Ron asked, not catching on yet.
"I was thinking that maybe, since we're all so hell-bent on getting fit and fast, I might present the DA with an after-Christmas Christmas present. Stuff exclusive to the DA in Auror Office colours—maroon and gold, I think."
"Oh I get it. Like we're our own sports team, yeah? I mean, we are a team and all..."
"Exactly. Let me think on it for a bit and then you and I can Apparate to London and order it all to be delivered...bollocks! Where," Harry exclaimed.
"Why not your cousin's place? Just owl him and tell him to expect the stuff and then we'll go pick it up... a shrinking charm... a rucksack... all done" Ron suggested.
"You're a genius, mate. Let's eat!"
Molly was bustling about in the kitchen making sure there was enough food to feed her hungry sons. Ginny and Hermione had just started eating when their men came through the door. "There you are, dears. I was just about to send out a search party for you two," she scolded good-naturedly. "Now wash up, quickly now! Your lunch is ready."
Ron and Harry washed their hands and splashed water on their sweating faces before they returned to the table. Molly had made them all some hot chocolate, since they'd been out training in the cold. Harry sighed contentedly as the smooth chocolate slid down his throat. "Molly, this is fantastic! Hot chocolate never tasted so good," he said.
"Yeah, Mum. Great idea," Ron agreed as he shoved a third sandwich into his mouth.
"Gods, Ron! Are you eating those sandwiches or inhaling them," his sister teased.
"Oh leave him be, Ginny," Molly said in her youngest son's defence. "He's a growing boy!"
Hermione looked over at the ginger-haired man seated next to her. "Yes, he is growing isn't he," she said silkily. "Just look at those..."
"Okay, okay. Forget I said anything," Ginny giggled. "And speaking of growing boys..." She cast an appreciative look at Harry. "Hermione, have you noticed..."
"Enough, you two. Our men are quite handsome, but let's not go overboard," Molly chided them. "At least... not in front of them!"
Ron and Harry blushed crimson as Molly, Hermione, and Ginny had a good laugh at their expense. "She wouldn't do that if Dad was here," Ron muttered to Harry. "Feckless hens."
"Erm...Molly? Is there any more hot chocolate in that pot," Harry asked. He didn't want to stand up unless he had to. At his fiancée's silent appreciation of his body, the lion began to stir.
Molly smiled knowingly as she smirked privately at her daughter. She waved her wand over the pot. "Of course, Harry dear. Help yourself," she replied and began to snicker.
Ginny, finally cottoning on, stole a look at Harry's lap and fell over in fits of laughter.
"Sadist," Harry grumbled. "I'll get you for this, my girl."
"Is that so," Ginny teased. "Then I shall be on my guard."
Harry grabbed her and began to tickle her mercilessly. Ron had just reached for a fifth sandwich when his best mate began to take revenge on his snot of a sister. Hermione and Molly held each other as they howled. "So you thought you had me, is that right," Harry teased as he tickled her.
"Harry! Stop! I can't breathe," Ginny protested amid screams of laughter. "You're in big trouble, Potter!"
"Hmmm, that's odd. It seems to me that the one in trouble is a certain beautiful redhead screaming for mercy," Harry countered, giving her a chance to catch her breath. "Do you give?"
"Never!"
"Well, if you're sure..." He resumed his attack on her ribs and belly.
"Harry... J-jame... James... P-potter, stop it... this... inst... instant," she cried trying to fight him off.
"Do you give," Harry repeated.
"Yes! Yes! Anything, just please stop," she begged.
"All right then," he said calmly and let her breathe again. He returned to his lunch.
"I'll get you for this, Harry James Potter. I will get you for this," she said determinedly. I've been doing some reading and I have a big surprise for you, Mister!
"All right, children," Molly said, wiping her eyes with her apron. Let's clear away so Harry and Ron can get back to work."
Ginny and Hermione arose and began to clear the table and wash up. Molly had asked them to help her with supper, but the real motivation was to keep the girls from distracting Harry and Ron while they worked to catch Ron up the best they could before the beginning of term. Hermione would work with Ron on the theoretical and manual-related material after supper each night.
When they weren't duelling, Harry had begun to teach Ron Occlumency. Harry had lately tried only to break into the minds of DA members, but he had scanned Malfoy's mind under consent. He noticed how much easier it was to enter Ron's mind than those of the members of the DA, but over those last days at the Burrow before the new term began, Ron had begun to get the hang of it, making it more and more difficult for Harry to break through.
"Good job, mate. You're getting better. You made me work for it this time," Harry complimented Ron. "With a little more practise, you should be able to shut me out completely."
"Yeah, I'm just beginning to understand what it feels like to have someone in your head. It's like having a little snake wiggling through your brain," Ron observed.
"Creepy as that sounds, that's about the best description of the sensation I've heard yet," Harry said. "You need to bring that up to the rest of the DA in class. If they teach someone else, they can tell them what to look for."
Ron's skill at Wizard's Chess came in handy. His prowess at the game honed his tactical skills to a fine point. Harry knew his friend's sharp wit would be invaluable in planning raids and executing manoeuvres. Harry also guessed that Hermione inspired Ron to become more organised during their study periods after supper. Ron had a talk with George, telling him why he was leaving his job at the shop.
Ron knocked on his brother's bedroom door. "Uh...George? Could I have a word," Ron asked.
"Sure, little bro," George said. "Sit. What's on your mind?" George thought he knew what his younger brother was going to say. He'd often watched as he trained with Harry in the orchard and he knew he'd been studying something with Hermione after supper every night.
"Erm... well... I... uh. I'm quitting," he said nervously. "I have to, George. I want to be an Auror like Harry. It's what we've wanted to do since fifth year when Umbridge told Harry he'd never make it. That's when we both decided that's what we wanted to do."
"So... you're going back to Hogwarts then," George asked. "You're joining the DA trainees?"
"Yeah, Harry worked it out with Gawain Robards. He's the Head Auror at the Ministry," Ron replied, relaxing a little. "I'm a bit behind, but Harry's been training with me in the orchard every morning, and Hemione's been helping me study the theory every night after supper."
"You're really keen on this, aren't you," George asked with a slight grin. "I saw this coming, you know."
"Yeah? How'd you know," Ron asked.
"Simple. Ever since Harry and the girls came home for Christmas break, you've all but interrogated him about the DA class," George said.
"You're right, I guess. But I don't want you to think I'm abandoning you or..."
"No worries, brother. I'll manage. And this way I can offer your job to Angelina."
"Speaking of Angelina, whatever happened after you wrote that letter," Ron asked.
"She wrote back, we met, and we're together now," George smiled.
"I do hope you plan on helping her with the stocking chores," Ron grinned. "She's a bit smaller than me."
"Again, no worries. Looks like I'll be bulking up now," George laughed.
The last day at the Burrow found Harry, Ginny, Ron, and Hermione packing their trunks for their last term at Hogwarts. While he was emptying his dresser drawers, he came across the manual on the legal use of Unforgivable curses by an Auror. He had completely forgotten about it, so he sat down to read it. Kingsley had told him it wasn't as bad as he thought, but Harry couldn't imagine how casting an Unforgivable curse couldn't be as bad as he knew.
The killing curse could be used as a last resort against a criminal in order to save innocent lives. Since there was no known defence it wouldn't bounce off a shield charm, like a stunner might do. It was never to be used in a duel under any circumstances.
The Cruciatus curse could be used very much under the same pretences as Veritaserum. If lives depended on getting immediate information, Veritaserum could be administered or, if time didn't allow bringing in the potion, the Cruciatus curse could be implemented.
Finally, the Imperius curse was authorized for use only as a planned part of an operation. This meant the Head of the Auror Office had to approve the use of Imperius curse beforehand and had to be aware of what the Auror intended to coerce the Imperiused person to do. This was important because Imperiused persons could not be held over for trial for their actions under an Imperius cast by Aurors, because that person would not be responsible for his or her own actions.
It was recommended that the use of Unforgivable must include at least two Aurors. All Aurors involved had to agree to having their memories scrutinised in a Pensieve or submit to questioning under Veritaserum, should there be any doubt as to the propriety of the use of an Unforgivable. Still, Harry didn't like that he had to learn to cast them and then teach the DA to do so as well. I don't want this for my team. We don't hate. He was interrupted by Molly who demanded his and Ginny's presence in the kitchen immediately.
"All right. Here is the guest list for the wedding, but you must add your friends," Molly said. "And here is a long list of suggestions for the feast. Please look at it."
There was no doubt that Molly was going to give them a grand wedding, and she probably wanted to make up for Bill's and Fleur's interrupted one. Harry read the guest list and stopped at Vernon and Petunia Dursley. "Is she going to invite them?"
"I think she put them on the list for us to consider. It's our wedding after all. What do you think about it," Ginny asked him. She knew he was torn between mercy and justice. His turmoil coursed through their bond.
"Well, they are my aunt and uncle...but they treated me worse than a house-elf. I guess the proper thing is to invite them. They probably won't come anyway," Harry said.
"And we have to invite Aunt Muriel," Ginny added, rolling her eyes.
"But isn't it a good thing that the famous Quidditch star marries the famous Chosen One," Harry asked ironically.
"You never know anything for certain with aunt Muriel. She's quite good at being rude and mean to everyone."
The next name on the list was Dudley Dursley. "I actually want to invite him,...and Penny," Harry said. "I guess that's it for family."
"Pretty much," Ginny agreed. "What about our friends?"
"Well, I think the guest list from the New Year's party sums it up rather nicely, don't you," Harry asked.
"I'll be Hermione still has it. I'll be right back," Ginny said as she sprinted up the stairs to Ron's door. She knocked. No answer. She knocked again. No answer. Realising what was happening, she crept away from the door and back down the stairs.
"Did she have the list," Harry asked.
"Uh...well, I don't know yet," she replied, reddening. "They...uh...didn't answer the door when I knocked."
Harry was about to get up and go see for himself when dawn broke over his horizon once again. "Oh...oh...uh...I guess we'll have to just add names and check them against Hermione's list after supper."
Once they'd added their friends' names to the list, they realised it was shaping up to be a big event. Perusing Molly's suggestions for the menu turned out to be lot more fun. Molly had included all of their favourite foods on the list.
"Molly, are you really going to be able to pull this off? It's a huge undertaking," Harry said with a worried look.
"Nonsense, Harry. I want to do this."
"At least let Kreacher help then. He'll feel bad if he isn't included in the preparations."
Molly sighed and looked at them. "All right. I suppose you're right. I could use his help. House-elves are efficient little creatures, that's for sure," Molly admitted.
"Kreacher," Harry called.
Crack! "Yes Mas—Harry called Kreacher?"
"Yes, I did. Listen, Ginny and I want to invite you to the wedding. Would you like to come," Harry asked the old elf.
"Kreacher is honoured to serve... invite...Wizards doesn't invite house-elves, " he said with his house-elf smile.
"This wizard does," Harry said. "And I would also like to ask you to assist Molly with the preparations."
"Kreacher, this is going to be a big job. Would you mind helping me with the preparations," Molly asked him kindly.
Kreacher looked at Harry. "Kreacher is honoured to attend...Kreacher is glad to assist Madame Weasley in any way he can," he said with a huge elf-grin. "Madame Weasley has only to ask."
"It's settled then. Kreacher, when Madame Weasley calls, you answer her, all right," Harry said.
"Kreacher will answer," he said, bowing.
"Thanks, old friend. You may return to Grimmauld Place or join us at Hogwarts. Whichever you prefer," Harry told him.
"Kreacher shall return home, Mas—Harry."
"Very well. Goodnight, Kreacher." The House-elf disappeared with a crack!
Since it was her last chance to stuff her children before they returned to school, she prepared a veritable feast for supper that night, including as many of their favourite foods as the old scrubbed oak table could hold. She dabbed at her eyes with her napkin throughout the entire meal, her eyes especially falling on Ron and Harry. Her two youngest boys were training to become Aurors—the elite of the Ministry's Law Enforcement Department. She couldn't be prouder...or more worried.
After supper, Ginny asked Hermione for her guest list from the party so they could finalise the one for the wedding. She and Harry sat at the table and made whatever adjustments needed to be made while Hermione and Ron studied Ministry infrastructure. George had gone out for the evening, presumably with Angelina and wouldn't be home until late. Molly and Arthur had repaired to the living room where they listened to the wireless while Molly knitted baby things for their unborn grandchild. She'd bought a specially charmed yarn that would be able to assume a pattern once they knew if the baby was a boy or a girl.
As if no time had passed at all, the old clock struck ten. "All right, dears," Molly called from the living room. "Bed. You've got a long day ahead of you tomorrow." Hermione and Ron closed their books and Harry and Ginny handed Molly their finalised guest list.
"Here it is, Mum," Ginny said. "It's all ready to go."
"Molly, are you sure about this? There've got to be two-hundred-fifty people on that list at least."
"I'm sure Kreacher and I will manage just fine, dear," Molly replied patting his cheek. "Don't you worry about a thing."
"Come on, Harry. There's no point in arguing," Ginny sighed, pulling him toward the stairs.
"Good girl," Molly said, shepherding them toward the stairs behind Ron and Hermione. "Goodnight."
"Night," they all chimed in chorus as they disappeared into their respective rooms.
Harry and Ginny undressed and climbed into bed to cuddle a bit before they went to sleep. Ginny lay her head on Harry's bare chest and listened to his heartbeat. She could still feel a little bit of conflict through their bond.
"Harry, Love."
"Yeah, Gin."
"What's bothering you?"
"Why do you think something's bothering me?"
"I can feel it. I could feel it while we were working on the guest list, too."
"Is it that obvious?"
"I'm afraid so, Love."
Harry sighed. "I found that manual today while I was packing."
"What manual...oh. That manual."
"Yeah. That manual. I read it."
"And..."
"Well...there are some pretty strict rules and guidelines that go with using them, but I still don't want my team to resort to it."
"So you learn them and then forbid them to use them. That simple. That way, you satisfy the training requirements and still maintain control of your team, keeping your conscience at bay."
"But you're my conscience and I certainly don't want to keep you at bay," Harry said with his Harry-grin.
"You're feeling better. The conflict is gone, but you're feeling a bit randy..."
"Gin, I'm always feeling a bit randy. I'm a bloke, remember?"
"This is true. You know what? I owe you for lunchtime the other day, you know."
"Uh oh. Why do I feel like I'm in trouble?"
"Because you are. She drew her wand and imperturbed the bedroom door. Then she turned it on Harry. "Incarcerus."
Invisible bonds held Harry immobile. "Gin, what are you doing?"
"You'll see. Payback is a bitch, Potter," she purred as she began to kiss him from his lips to his chin and around his throat. She began to run her hands over Harry's chest and belly as she moved further south with her kisses. She took her wand in hand once again. "Evanesca!" He was naked and at her mercy.
