Chapter 12 – Silence Is Golden

She read the Daily Prophet, thinking about a small notice about Draco Malfoy and Harry Potter meeting at The Leaky Cauldron.

"I thought those two hated each other," her servant said.

"Yes, this is troubling. Is it something to catch our attention and a ministry trap, or is it a possibility," she mumbled mostly to herself.

Everything depended on her true goal being kept secret. The longer the Ministry thought she was planning to take over the Ministry of Magic, the better. That meant she had to play along with Malfoy. Yes, he was important to causing the Ministry to focus on the wrong objective, but apart from that, he was expendable. On the other hand, she couldn't deny that Malfoy might serve another purpose if he had access to Harry Potter. Of all the people she knew who had contact with Harry Potter, Malfoy was the only one who ever expressed sharing Death Eater values.

Potter was too well-protected to Imperius someone close to him. They would notice. Potter spent a lot of time with the Aurors, and that filthy Mudblood Granger girl was too intelligent to miss even the tiniest detail. Potter was the one she wanted to hurt more than anyone else, so any knowledge she might glean about him might help to make his suffering greater.

She glared at her servant. "We can't risk doing anything hasty. Ask Malfoy for details about his meeting with Potter, but don't make him any promises," she ordered.

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Harry stared out the window from his and Ginny's room at Hogwarts. Despite a warm fire he felt chilly. He thought a lot about the plot and the mysterious Death Eater. At this point, the best thing he could do was to wait for Draco to find those reports, and work harder with DA. Harry felt loads better now that Ron was back at Hogwarts. His absence last term left Harry often feeling as though a part of him was missing, like an arm. Hogwarts just wasn't Hogwarts without Ron Weasley. Seamus had been happy too, because he had been living alone in the Gryffindor DA boys' dorm. With Ron back, they shared that dorm again, just like old times. Harry had promised to visit them later on. But no one was happier with the return of R.B. Weasley than a certain H.J. Granger, who beamed with happiness almost constantly.

Following the Beginning of Term feast, the DA gathered around Harry, Ginny and Hermione included, as Harry took stock of his team.

Seamus had learned so much control—he had become much more focused and less cocky.

Terry had made great strides with the theoretical subjects, being a Ravenclaw, but he had really become quite good at duelling too. However, Auror work demanded a lot more than skill at duel. Terry still needed to focus.

Anthony had proven why he'd been a good prefect, displaying outstanding leadership qualities.

Susan was a very down-to-earth girl, and it seemed nothing rattled her. She was one of the best at Occlumency and her fighting skills had improved a lot, much of it owing to the expert tumbling skills she had been able to implement into her duelling style.

Lavender, such a girly-girl, was now so different from the ditzy blonde who had constantly wrapped herself around Ron in their sixth year. It had taken a long time for her to recover from her wartime injuries, but she was a seasoned veteran now. Yes, Lavender was still girly, but very dangerous if underestimated.

Cho was the one who'd come the farthest since the programme began. Once she was finally able to come to terms with Cedric Diggory's death, she had found the emotional control needed to train with focus. She was among the best in both Legilimency and Occlumency and in a duel, her spells were powerful because of her strong emotion.

Finally Ron, his best friend, was still a bit out of shape, but added strength to the group. His size alone was intimidating, but he was also a seasoned veteran. Except for Harry, no one had faced more dark arts than Ron. Harry trusted him more than any other in the DA. Ron was his best mate, and eventually, he would become his partner if he, Harry, had anything to say about it.

"We resume training tomorrow morning," Harry told them. "We'll continue duelling as usual, but there's a lot more to cover in the Field Manual. We'll begin with a special section covering the Unforgivables."

"What," Susan asked in shock.

"I know, I know. I don't like it either, especially after the discussion we had about the Cruciatus and killing curses last term. But there are circumstances in which an Auror is authorized to use the Unforgivables. The upside is that there are very strict rules as to their use and strong repercussions for not adhering to those rules," Harry explained.

"Merlin, I didn't know that," Anthony said, shaking his head.

"The rules are very strict." Harry added. "And just between you lot and me, I'd rather not use them at all. In fact, on my team they are...as the Germans would say...strictly verboten! This team does not operate like that. However, we still have to learn them. It's part of the training curriculum and we're stuck with it."

There was an uncomfortable silence. All of them had seen, many been targets of, the Unforgivables in use and knew perfectly well why they were classified as Unforgivable curses. Cho looked around and smiled. "It's so good to be back at Hogwarts. I missed duelling practice," she said, changing the subject.

"Me too," Lavender agreed.

"One more thing: I think Professor McGonagall has our teaching schedule for Defence Against the Dark Arts. I expect she'll give it to me tomorrow so I can give you your teaching assignments," Harry said. "Now, if anyone has no further questions, comments, or observations, we're done for tonight." With that the informal meeting ended.

Harry, Ginny and Hermione joined Ron and Seamus in their dorm. "Did they somehow add the dorm this year," Ginny asked.

"Yes. Haven't you read Hogwarts: A History," Hermione asked with a sigh.

"No, 'Mione love," Ron said patting her hand. "You're the only one who ever has."

"Judging by you lot, that's probably true. The basic layout of the castle can't be changed, but additional dorms or classrooms can always be added...or removed," she explained, looking flattered rather than intimidated by Ron's remark.

"It looks like a smaller version of our old dorm," Harry said.

"And it will be so much better with Ron living here, too. You sure you don't want to join us, Harry," Seamus grinned, the familiar impish twinkle in his eyes.

"If you could convince Ginny." Harry said ironically. "Which I can guarantee you won't."

Ginny looked at Seamus. "Madame Pomfrey would have to brew something stronger than Skele-Gro to put you back together, Finnegan," Ginny said.

"So do you think you could defeat an almost-Auror in a duel," Seamus challenged, half-joking, half-serious.

Bollocks. Both Harry and Ron tried to hide, seeing the fire in Ginny's eyes.

"I don't have a lesson tomorrow morning, Seamus. I could join the DA class and wipe the floor with you if you like," Ginny said accepting the smarmy Irishman's challenge.

Harry looked at Seamus and shook his head in warning. To voluntarily place oneself at the receiving end of any one of Ginny's curses was not wise, almost-Auror or not. Ron's face was screwed up in an expression like an Acromantula had appeared in the room.

"All right," Seamus said disregarding Harry's and Ron's warnings. "You're on, Miss Weasley."

Harry smiled. "This'll be fun. But to be clear about this: I'd never leave Ginny's and my room."

"Good, Harry, because you'd find yourself in the bed next to Seamus' in the hospital wing hoping for your bits to grow back if you did," Ginny said snarkily.

A while later, Ron walked Hermione to her dorm while Harry and Ginny headed back to their room.

"I'm going to miss you tonight, love," Ron whispered to Hermione in front of the huge fireplace in the Gryffindor common room. "I got used to holding you all night."

"I got used to being held," she confessed laying her head against his chest, "among other things."

"Well let's see..." Ron replied, looking around. "Ah! A sofa—a rather large sofa. Shall we?"

They sat down together on the sofa. The common room was all but deserted, since everyone else had either turned in for the night. Ron pulled Hermione into his lap to stare into her eyes. The firelight played on his red hair, creating the illusion that he glowed. He is Apollo, my ginger god.

"What are you thinking, 'Mione," Ron asked her. "You've got the most peculiar look on that lovely face of yours."

"I was thinking about how handsome you are," she said softly. "And how much I love you."

His blue eyes sparkled in the firelight. "And what else?"

"How fascinated I am that you've competed with your brothers since birth, but there's really no contest," she said, stroking his hair. "You are an absolute god, Ronald Weasley. You put them all to shame. You're kind, loving, brave, gallant, strong, gorgeous...all the qualities of a god. And when the firelight plays off your hair, you shine like a god." She pulled his head down and pressed her lips to his. "And I am your most humble devotee."

Ron didn't know what to make of this. He recalled how, in the throes of passion, Hermione had called him her ginger god. This beautiful creature in my arms—a goddess in her own right—really thinks of me as a god. "Gods need goddesses, 'Mione, and if I'm a god, then you're my goddess.

"Oh Ron, I'm not..."

"What do you mean, you're not. You're smart, funny, beautiful, kind, sexy..." He leaned in and claimed her lips with his own. She whimpered softly and arched into him, twisting her fist into his flaming locks. He ran his tongue along her bottom lip and then slipped it into her eager mouth. "I love you so much," he said, his voice becoming raspy with emotion.

Hermione moaned as Ron nibbled at her pulse point, kissing and biting. She threw back her head, tossing her curly mane over his arms as they held her. "Ron...that feels so good," she groaned. She slid her hands under his jumper and tee-shirt. She could feel his defined chest muscles ripple under her touch. She growled softly and crushed her mouth to his and all conscious thought left her.

Ron moaned like distant rolling thunder and grabbed a fistful of her brown locks, returning her kiss with the fierceness of a great, roaring beast. "'Mione, my 'Mione," he groaned as he slipped his free hand under her blouse and caressed her stomach. "So beautiful...so mine."

They were firmly ensconced in a full-out snog, both knowing they dare not go any further. The Prefects would be returning from rounds soon and they both needed to get to bed. Hermione would be diving headlong into her studies to prepare for her NEWTs and Ron had vigorous training in the morning with Harry and the DA. Besides, Seamus was upstairs and if he didn't hear Ron come up sometime soon, he'd be sure to come down and investigate.

Hermione lay in Ron's arms on the sofa. They shared a few kisses and caresses as they came back to themselves and grim reality. "I suppose you should get to bed," Ron said kissing her forehead. "You've got a lot of work coming on."

"And you've got some very physical training ahead of you," Hermione replied as she reluctantly slid off his lap.

He stood and escorted her to the staircase that led to the girls' dorm. "Then this is goodnight then, my goddess," Ron said as he leaned in for a goodnight kiss.

"Goodnight, my ginger god," she whispered and returned his kiss. "I love you."

"I love you too, 'Mione. See you in the morning," he whispered as he let her go.

Ron watched as she climbed the stairs and disappeared from view. He crossed the room and ascended the stairs to his own dorm. He entered quietly so as not to disturb Seamus, who was sleeping in the other bed. He looked around. It was good to be back. It had been a lot of fun working with George, but Hogwarts was Hogwarts, Hermione was here, and becoming an Auror his dream.

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When Harry and Ginny opened the door to their room, Ginny felt a chill in the air. She shivered and ran her hands up and down her goose-pimply arms. Harry drew her into the warmth of his embrace.

"Allow me, dear lady," Harry said as he waved his hand in front of the fireplace. A blazing fire erupted in the grate.

"Thou are most gallant, kind sir," she replied as she rested her head on his chest. "'Tis wondrous well that thou wouldst do such magic as to remove the chill from these wearied bones."

"Perhaps a kneading then," Harry suggested. "My hands could warm thee."

Ginny smiled slightly and shook her head."Actually, Harry, I'd like to just talk a bit...if you don't mind."

"Sure, Gin," Harry said as he sat down with her before the fire. "What would you like to talk about?"

"I've been thinking about how you broke the news about the Unforgivables to the DA," she replied.

"All through supper, I could tell you were struggling with it, but I didn't say anything."

"I just kept thinking about what you said to me that night. You were right and I knew it," Harry declared. "So I just decided to tell it like it is and hope for the best."

"And it worked out. No explosions, no shouted protests," she said, stroking his cheek. "In fact, I was surprised you didn't get a little argument...especially from Ron, with Hermione there." She felt a surge of panic through their bond. "Harry, I know what happened to her. She told me."

Harry's emerald eyes flashed and darkened. "Ginny, that night was horrible. Hermione's screams..." He choked up a little. "I hated Bellatrix Lestrange for what she was doing to Hermione and it tore me apart that I couldn't stop it. Ron was in his own private hell. Ginny, he literally tried to tear that cell apart with his bare hands to get to her...he was like a caged animal."

Harry began to shake. He hadn't shaken like that in months. Ginny sent the unspoken thing through the bond to calm him. "It's all right, love. It's over." Me and my big mouth.

"I'd never seen Ron like that, Gin," Harry said a bit calmer. "I had never heard a human being cry like that... it chilled me to the bone. It sounded as though his heart and soul were being torn from his chest with every scream. When we finally got to her—I'll tell you how that happened another time—When we were freed from that dungeon, Bellatrix was still torturing Hermione, but that was just play. They were going to toss her to Greyback."

"Greyback! Harry, tell me you're joking," Ginny gasped. "They couldn't!"

"Ginny, Ron went ballistic—mean-angry-mad. What happened next happened so fast, I can't quite remember anymore, but spells and wands flew, Ron had Hermione in his arms, throwing spells and shouting invective like a madman...and then we found ourselves in the garden at Shell. That's when...when Dobby..."

"I know...I know," Ginny cooed as she brushed a lock of hair from his dampened brow. Tears began to well for his friend, the dear house-elf who had taken Bellatrix's knife in the chest to save Harry, his Wheezy and his Grangy.

"Looking back—way back, something occurred to me. When they brought us into Malfoy Manor that night, they wanted Draco to identify us," Harry said slowly shaking his head. "He couldn't...or wouldn't. It was obvious he didn't want to be there, Gin. It's like he was just realising that the whole Death Eater thing wasn't quite the fun and games he thought it would be."

"And this is relevant because..." she asked, truly puzzled as to why Harry would bring Malfoy's name into the conversation.

"Because of mine and Ron's first ride on the Hogwarts Express," he said. "I had met Draco in Diagon Alley when Hagrid took me there on my eleventh birthday. It was at Madame Malkin's. When I walked in there to be fitted for my first school robes, he was there being fitted for his. He was cordial enough to me, but the things he said weren't very nice. He ran Hufflepuff House down miserably. Of course, I didn't have the first clue what he was talking about, so I just let him talk, but I knew already I didn't like him."

"And so what happened on the train," Ginny asked.

"Well, I'd already met your family, obviously. I was sitting alone in a compartment when Ron asked if he could sit with me because the other compartments were full, so I invited him in. We began to talk. He had to get over the famous Harry Potter wicked scar thing, but after that it was like we'd been friends for ages. I bought a bunch of stuff off the trolley I'd never seen before, let alone heard of. Ron was explaining it all, especially about Chocolate Frog cards, when Malfoy and his goons invaded our space," Harry recalled.

"Ron told us about this! Didn't Malfoy say something about associating with the right Wizarding families or something," Ginny asked.

"Yeah. He said that some Wizarding families were better than others and that he could help me there. He offered me his hand. Just to be polite, I almost shook it...but something stopped me. I could never put my finger on it until just now," Harry said, looking into her eyes.

"What, Harry?"

"Your family. Ron. I told Malfoy and his goons that I could choose my own friends, thanks. Ginny, I had never had any real friends before. Dudley chased anyone off who even tried, but for the first time, I had made a friend Dudley couldn't do anything about and I wasn't going to screw that up," Harry confessed. "Gin, your mum's kindness...and Ron...got to me first! Everything I am I owe to your family. I shudder to think what I'd be if I'd shaken Malfoy's hand that day on the train. I could have become...a Death Eater. And then Kingsley handed me that manual...that's why I felt like a hypocrite. Everything I'd fought for, the values I'd embraced, your...our family—Ginny, I was afraid that accepting that manual and what it taught was going to blow it all away. I couldn't bear it."

"But Harry, we've been over this..." Ginny protested.

"I know, Gin. That's why I was able to tell them," Harry said. "I was able to confidently tell them what we had to learn and why, because you straightened me out...because no matter what, you would still love me and never leave me."

Ginny's eyes began to glisten. She could feel the love Harry sent through their bond. "Do you remember what you said to them...us? You said that even though they...we had to learn those curses and be able to cast them, you forbade them...us to ever use them on your team," she said. "That told them what Ron, Hermione, and I already knew. Harry, it told them where you stand and that what you say is more than just words—it's who you are."

"I meant it, Gin. I will not allow it for any reason. There's always a better way...always a choice. Professor Dumbledore taught me that," Harry said thoughtfully. "But if I had to use one of those curses, Merlin forbid, it'd be Imperio. I could coerce the person into spilling his or her guts. If that didn't work, I'd use Veritaserum. No pain, no maiming, no death. And if confessing or passing information might put that person's life in danger, then I could petition the Ministry to take him or her into protective custody."

"What does that mean," Ginny asked.

"There's something I read a few years ago about the criminal justice system. Muggle America has something called the 'Witness Protection Program'. It's meant to protect witnesses for super-high-profile court cases. Sometimes, they have to give the witness a new identity and everything. Muggle Britain has something like it, but I'm not sure about Wizarding Britain."

"And protective custody is..."

"It depends. If the witness is also a suspect, he or she is placed in a gaol cell or prison cell apart from the general inmate population and guarded twenty-four seven," Harry explained. "If the witness is not a suspect, he or she is placed into a lesser form of the 'Witness Protection Program' and taken to a safe house where that person—and sometimes his or her family—are protected twenty-four seven by plain-clothes law enforcement officers. Sometimes they pose as family members, but usually they work in shifts. That one's a bit more complicated because sometimes the safe house is in another city, but sometimes it isn't."

"Isn't that what the Order was doing with you, in a way," Ginny asked.

"Pretty much, yeah. The difference is that the Order of the Phoenix aren't associated with the Magical Law Enforcement Department, even though a few of them, like Tonks and Kingsley, were Aurors."

"So you want to start something like this through the Ministry," Ginny concluded.

"Yes. It might preclude us from ever having to use the Unforgivables," Harry said. "Someday, when I'm a fully-fledged Auror and in a position to do so, Ginny, I'm going to propose this to Kingsley and Robards."

"You've really given this a lot of thought, haven't you? You care so much...sometimes too much for your own good, but I love you for it anyway," she said as she sent a wave of devotion through their bond.

"I love you too, Gin," he whispered and pulled her close, sending the unspoken thing through their bond.

"Harry."

"Yes."

"Will you marry me?"

"I thought you'd never ask."

They held one another in front of the fireplace, teasing and laughing between kisses and caresses, until the fire began to die and it was time for bed. There would be classes tomorrow and for Ginny, the workload was sure to intensify. She would need every ounce of love and support Harry could give her to get her through her studies and the Quidditch season. He picked her up and carried her to bed as a loving parent would carry a sleeping child.

"Come on, Gin. Let's get you ready for bed. You're all in," Harry urged softly. He helped her out of her jumper and jeans, dressed her in one of his old tee-shirts and tucked her into bed. He changed into his flannel pajama bottoms and slipped in beside her. She cuddled up to him as he wrapped his arm around her waist. "Goodnight, Gin. I love you."

"Goodnight, Harry. I love you," she murmured into his chest. They were both fast asleep in a matter of minutes.

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Harry called the DA class to order. "All right, people! We had a little challenge issued in Gryffindor Tower last night. It seems that Seamus, here, thinks he can defeat Ginny in a duel. So to settle this, they'll begin today's class with a friendly duel," Harry announced. Ginny stepped forward to meet Seamus now-intense glare."You know the rules. No spells that'll keep either of you in the hospital wing longer than a few hours."

Ginny and Seamus nodded in agreement, then turned to each other, bowed, and saluted. Seamus took a side stance, knees slightly bent, with his wand at the ready. Ginny, however, stood like a warrior. She took a side stance like Seamus, but she drew her wand back over her head, with her left arm straight out in front of her, her knees slightly bend. Her eyes blazed as she focused all concentration on her opponent. Seamus stared back at her with equal ferocity.

"Duel!" On Harry's command, the duel began. Despite not having as much practice as Seamus, Ginny proved she could hold her own in a fight. What's the matter, Irish? Not what you expected?

They fired hexes and jinxes at one another in rapid succession, leaping and spinning to dodge one another's volleys. Seamus' shielding charm held off any of her curses that might have hit him, but the raw power behind them shook the room.

Seamus began to get nervous. What the bloody hell have I got myself into? He continued to spin, leap, and sidestep Ginny's volleys, but having to move around so fast kept him from maintaining his shield as efficiently as he would have liked. His classmates shouted encouragement at him as he continued to hold off Ginny's advances, but he couldn't help but marvel at her speed and grace.

As he watched, seemingly emotionless, betraying none of his thoughts or feelings to the class, Harry homed in on Ginny's emotions. She was calm and focused, and there was a power growing within her that felt much like his own surges several months before. He also had to admit that that warrior stance she took at the beginning seriously turned him on.

Jets of red and blue light flew across the room as Ginny and Seamus battled on. The shouting from the sidelines had stopped as the class—Ron included—looked on in stunned silence, their mouths agape. Blimey! When did my sister become a warrior queen?

"Stupefy!" Ron was snapped from his thoughts as Seamus flew backward a few metres and landed on his arse, vigorously shaking his head. The force of Ginny's spell shattered Seamus' shield. In the next instant, Ginny cast a non-verbal Expelliarmus, deftly caught Seamus wand in her free hand, and raised it in triumph. She'd beaten an almost-Auror in a fair duel, much to her fiancé's—and her brother's—delight.

"All right there, Irish," Ginny asked as she extended her hand to help him up.

"Great duel, Ginny," Seamus said, his eyes still a little out of focus. Then he stepped closer to her and said, "You ruddy well kicked my arse."

"Yes, it was a lot of fun," Ginny replied and returned his wand. The two shook hands and parted.

"Good fighting, both of you," Harry said and turned to the class. "Now, why did Ginny win?"

Everyone kept silent for a few moments as they analysed the duel. Harry could see they wanted to discuss it amongst themselves, but that wasn't the exercise here and they knew it.

Terry raised his hand. "I think they're evenly-matched skill-wise...and they do have impressive skills...but I think Ginny won on raw power in the end. I have never felt a charm shake a room like that."

"I agree," Cho said. "Seamus and Ginny are equally matched in skill and agility, but Ginny's more powerful."

"I know my sister is powerful; my brothers and I learned it the hard way," Ron confessed. "Seamus didn't know, though, so I think Ginny beat him because he underestimated her." Bet you'll never do that again.

Harry nodded. Ron, ever the tactician. "Right in one, Ron. This is a very important lesson, people. Just because we fought Death Eaters and are in Auror training, we are not invincible. We must never underestimate an opponent in a duel because there's always somebody out there better and more experienced than any one of us."

"I did underestimate Ginny," Seamus admitted and turned to her. "Ya beat me, but quite honestly, I don't know if I could beat you even if I hadn't. And where did ya learn that pose, if ya don't mind me askin'?"

"Thank you, Seamus. I learned that from Tonks a couple of years ago," Ginny said with a slight smile. "I was watching her drill with Moody and Remus at Grimmauld Place, so I practised it in front of my mirror in my room at the Burrow. I figured this would be a great opportunity to try it out."

Ginny gathered up her things and headed for the door. Harry stopped her before she opened it to leave. "You were brilliant, you know that don't you? That warrior-like stance of yours... well...we'll discuss it after classes before dinner." He leaned in and kissed her. "See you at lunch, Love."

"I'll be counting the moments," she whispered and walked out the door.

Harry turned back into the classroom where he was met with wolf-whistles and howls from his team. Ron stood there with his arms crossed on his chest just snickering. "Honestly, mate. You'll snog her anywhere, won't you?"

"Okay, fun's over. Time to get back to work. Pair off and start duelling." Ron squared off opposite Harry. Since Harry had been training Ron himself over the past two weeks to catch him up, he decided that he should continue that until he was sure Ron was polished enough to take on the others. Actually, he had few doubts, but he wanted everyone to be safe.

About a half hour into the drill, Robards arrived. He couldn't believe his eyes. If he didn't know better, he'd swear the eight people in that classroom were fighting a full-scale war against one another. Robards watched in utter disbelief at the speed and agility these young people displayed. They fired spells in rapid-fire and dodged them ably, leaping, spinning, and rolling when they weren't using shields. This Potter kid is bloody fantastic! He let them go on for a short bit, but decided it was time to get down to business.

BANG!

All activity ceased as Robards fired a cannon blast from his wand. "Now that I have your attention..." he said with a hint of amusement in his tone. "Potter, call the class to order, will you?"

"DA, you heard the man," Harry called. Once they settled into their seats, Harry introduced them. "This is Gawain Robards, Head Auror—our boss. Gawain, this is the DA. Seamus Finnegan, Lavender Brown, Terry Boot, Anthony Goldstein, Susan Bones, Cho Chang, and Ron Weasley," Harry pointed out each one as he called his or her name. Each raised a hand in reply.

"This is the supplement to your Auror Field Manual Potter should have told you about," he looked at Harry, who nodded. "Before we go any further, I want you to read it. Now." Harry levitated one to each of them and they settled down to read. Harry leaned against the desk with his arms crossed and stared at the floor.

"Kingsley said you didn't like this," Robards said to him just over a whisper. "What do the DA think?"

"They don't like it either, but they're willing to learn it since it's required," Harry answered. "Gawain, you have to understand what this lot has been through. Most of them have been Imperiused and Crucioed. The thought of using these on another..."

"I know. It turns their stomachs. I understand, Harry. Nobody who's trained to be an Auror yet likes it. It's nothing new," Robards explained. "Call it a necessary evil."

"Evil is never necessary, sir," Harry snapped. "We've agreed to learn them and understand them, but we'll be hard-pressed to ever resort to using them."

"Good man," Robards said, slapping Harry's back. "That's why the rules are as strict as they are, but be careful, Potter. That noble nature of yours might get you killed."

"I have Ron Weasley on my team, sir," Harry said confidently. "He's one helluva tactician. With a good plan and a good team to execute it, there won't be much need for necessary evils."

Soon there was a rustling of parchment and a shuffling of feet. "Uh...Harry? Auror Robards," Ron called. "We're all finished, sir."

"Very good, very good. Thank you, Weasley." He took a stack of parchments from a file folder and distributed them among the class, including Harry. "First of all I want you to read and sign these documents." Harry and the others read their individual parchments. They were the permit that allowed the DA members to cast the Cruciatus and the Imperius curse at each other in class, while supervised by the Auror office.

"This is the most difficult and most arduous part of Auror training and it is taking place now, so we have a lot of time to discuss and deal with it afterwards," Robards told them. "I know this is hard for you. I don't think we've ever had so many in one Auror training group who've seen and experienced the Unforgivables as much as you have. I know what some of you endured here last year, but believe me, this is a necessary part of your training. We're not asking you to like it or even agree with it. You just have to learn it." Gawain paused for effect.

Ron thought about Ginny. What did Ginny endure? "Excuse me, Auror Robards. But why do we have to be able to cast these curses? Aren't they Unforgivable for a reason? I mean, wizards and witches have been handed life sentences in Azkaban for using them. Isn't our use of them rather...uh...hypocritical?"

"Good points, Weasley," Robards replied. "And we've had those exact points raised in every training group for as long as I've been with the Office." He surveyed the class. Harry had moved across the room next to Ron, both of them leaning against the wall with their arms crossed over their chests with identical facial expressions—like brothers. Those two are natural partners.

"We learned the hard way that, in some cases, we had to fight fire with fire. I can't tell you how many good people we lost to the Unforgivables—some killed, some driven mad...some driven to commit suicide or murder under the Imperius curse. You must understand that there are situations where the lack of time and the ultimate protection of the innocent collide and require desperate measures, and sometimes, although rarely, it involves the use of these curses. As Aurors, our main objective is to provide and maintain the safety of our community from the dark arts. That might involve setting personal feelings aside and doing what must be done."

To protect and to serve. Harry thought of Frank and Alice Longbottom, his parents, Remus and Tonks, Ginny's and Ron's uncles, and all the people he knew who had been lost to those horrible curses. It just strengthened his resolve to never use them—at least if he could help it. Ron noticed Harry's reflective mood. "You all right, mate," he whispered as they signed the permit.

"Yeah, I was just thinking, that's all—about Neville's parents."

Robards collected the signed parchments and piled them on the desk. He tapped them with his wand and muttered, "Geminio." Another pile of identical parchments appeared next to them, copies of the parchments they'd all just signed. "I'll be back tomorrow with another Auror. There will always be two of us for this class, just as it's stated in the regs," he said as he distributed the copies. "Keep these copies with you at all times. Now, Potter, if you have nothing to add..."

"No, nothing, sir," Harry said unfolding his arms.

"Well then," Robards announced. "Class dismissed."

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Harry, Ginny, Ron, and Hermione met together at lunch. Harry and Ron told the girls about Robards' speech designed to convince the DA that use of the Unforgivables in some situations and under certain guidelines was acceptable.

"It's horrible that you have to cast them at each other," Hermione said angrily as tears began to glisten in her cinnamon eyes. "There has to be another way!"

Ron drew her close to his side. She had kept quiet the night before when Harry explained to the DA, but Ron knew she was going to break at some point and that point was now. "Love, I know this is bringing back some ugly memories. I've thought of little else today," Ron said "But Gawain is right. I was dying inside knowing that that evil bitch was torturing you like that. If just knowing how those curses work would help me—and Harry—prevent another twisted bastard from ever doing that to you or Ginny or anyone else..."

"Look, Hermione. I know what this must be like for you. I've taken all three of those curses, but the regulations limiting Auror usage of those curses are very strict, very explicit," Harry explained. "None of us relishes the idea, I promise you, but we know it must be. Casting the Cruciatus against Ron or any of our friends is both horrible and necessary. We must be able to cast those curses without hesitation, and if you can do that against a friend, it's easier to do it against an enemy."

Hermione sobbed softly into Ron's chest. She understood but still didn't want to admit it. Bellatrix Lestrange had tortured her mercilessly. That lunatic had an exceptional skill for inflicting pain. There was no one in the DA class nearly capable of that kind of torture. She knew that, but the concept terrified her. "Ron, Harry—promise me you'll be careful. Promise me!"

"Of course, Love. We'll be under close supervision, so nothing horrible is going to happen. We'll get through it," Ron assured her. Then he leaned over to whisper in her ear. "We gods are quite resilient." I hate to see her cry.

"Hermione, you know us," Harry said. "We'll be safe, honest. We might be a bit sore when it's all over, but we'll get over it. A hot shower and maybe a shot of Old Ogden's and we'll be right as rain."

"I'm a bit worried about how we'll deal with it—you and me, I mean," Ginny interjected. "We feel each other's emotions, Harry. I don't really like the idea of feeling you taking the Cruciatus curse. I mean, I know what it feels like..." Oops. Shut it, Ginevra.

Harry caught her slip, but he let it go because he got an idea at the same time. Ron's so busy with Hermione, he didn't hear Ginny's comment. Good. "Gin, what if you send all your love through our bond when you feel it? You should feel it a split second after I do. What if I might be able to withstand the curse that way?"

Both Ron and Hermione looked up at Harry as if they hadn't heard him right. But almost immediately, Hermione cottoned on. "Yes, it might work. Professor Dumbledore was always on about how love is the greatest power in the universe," Hermione said.

"I don't know, Harry. This all sounds rather dodgy to me. I just don't want anyone to get hurt—especially you and Ron," Ginny said as she began to tremble.

"Gin, I'll be fine—we'll be fine," Harry promised and then leaned down to kiss her cheek. "It's your love that keeps me safe," he whispered.

Ginny looked at him and smiled weakly. "If you say so, Love. I'll do what I can."

"You know what? I haven't seen the Munchkins since we've been back! Hermione, have you seen them," Harry asked.

"I saw them for a few minutes this morning as they were climbing out of the portrait hole on their way to class. I don't know where..."

"Ron! Ron," a voice cried, cutting through the din in the Great Hall. "What are you doing here," Erica asked, breathless. As soon as she had spied Ron's red head above the crowd, she knew who it was. "Emma, Patricia, Joseph—Ron's here!"

"Hello, Little Love," Ron grinned, pulling her into a big-brother hug. "How was your Christmas?"

"It was wonderful! Emmy and I told Mum and Dad all about you," she said.

"Yeah, and they were really impressed that you signed our Chocolate Frog cards and that we're friends with Harry and Ginny," Emma said, her fingers entwined with Joseph's.

"Patricia, you're awfully quiet," Hermione said. "Didn't you have a nice Christmas?"

"Oh Christmas was all right, but..." Patricia looked a little sad.

"But what, sweetie," Hermione asked, trying to look into her face.

"I couldn't tell anyone about you—about Hogwarts—except Mum and Dad, but they don't really understand any of this," she replied."

"Yeah, that's pretty tough, isn't it." Hermione completely understood. Muggleborns almost never have anyone at home to talk with about the magical world, since secrecy had to be maintained.

"You know what, though," Ginny began. "We're all back together now, so we have plenty to talk about and loads of people to talk about it with. Now tuck in before all the food disappears!"

The Munchkins dropped into seats at the table and began to eat. Harry noticed that Emma and Joseph ate one-handed and he was able to guess why. It looked as though Joseph wouldn't be carrying Ginny's picture around anymore...at least not exclusively.

"So...Joseph," Harry called to his first-year friend. "What's the good word, mate?"

"Oh...well...we spent the 'olidays with my grandparents in Cambridge. Mum's from there," Joseph replied between bites of sandwich. "It was fun enough, but I missed..."

Harry gave him his signature Harry-grin. "...Emma." He began to chuckle. Soon all of them were laughing as Joseph and Emma blushed and stole glances at each other.

"Well...I don't know about you lot, but I'd say our good mate, Joseph, has fine taste in women," Ron said, raising his glass of pumpkin juice toward the Cockney first year. "Good on ya, mate!"

The eight Gryffindors chatted and laughed and caught up on all the news they could until the bells sounded the end of lunch. The food disappeared and the tables stood empty and shiny. "Well, that's our cue, mates," Harry called, rising from his seat. "See you all at supper, yeah?"

Ginny and Hermione had Transfiguration right after lunch, so Ron and Harry walked them to class. Outside the door, the respective couples kissed goodbye and Hermione and Ginny disappeared through the door. Since Harry and Ron had the afternoon free, Harry decided to the opportunity to show Ron the "gym" in the Room of Requirement. "So... Ron," Harry said. "Would you like to see the gym?"

"Oh yeah, great," Ron replied, though obviously distracted.

"Can't get enough, eh mate," Harry asked with a sly grin.

"Is it that obvious," Ron groaned. "How do you do it, Harry?"

They stopped outside the place in the wall where the door to the Room of Requirement was hidden. Harry concentrated while he paced in front of it three times until the door appeared. He opened the door and they walked in. "Bloody hell," Ron exclaimed. "What is this stuff?"

"Exercise equipment," Harry replied. He took Ron around the "gym" and explained each apparatus and what it was for. "This is the one that's the most fun, though—if that's what you'd call it. It's a weight machine. It works your upper body and your legs, but not at the same time. But you'll want to change into something appropriate. If you look over there, you'll find something interesting."

Ron strode over to the lockers and found one with his name on it. , AIT. Inside, he found a surprise. At the bottom of the locker was a canvas bag. He took it out and looked at it. It was maroon with gold straps. On either side, it read R. WEASLEY. He opened it and found tee-shirts, shorts, socks, sweat bands, a water bottle—also with his name on it—and a pair of brand-new trainers."Harry, is this..."

"Happy belated Christmas, Ron," he grinned. "As you can see, everyone has a locker and gear." They moved along the row, inspecting the lockers: S. Bones, T. Boot, L. Brown, C. Chang, S. Finnegan, A. Goldstein, H. Granger, H. Potter, G. Weasley, R. Weasley. "I owled Dudley from the Burrow. I sent him a thousand pounds and told him what we needed and where I wanted him to get it. I picked it up at his place, like you suggested, and brought it here a couple of days before the beginning of term."

They came out of the changing room in tee-shirts and shorts bearing their first initial and last name with Auror in Training underneath. Harry and Ron spent the afternoon in the weight room working with the various equipment before retiring to the dressing rooms to shower before they met their women at Harry's and Ginny's room. They tossed their sweaty clothes and towels into the hamper on their way out. "Who..." Ron began.

"Kreacher," Harry replied. "Kreacher cleans DA laundry and towels. I set that up the same day I owled Dudley."

"Brilliant," Ron exclaimed. "Now let's go see to those lovely women of ours, shall we?"

"You're on, mate," Harry agreed, and they made for the Defence Against the Dark Arts office. The corridors were crowded as classes had just let out for the day. When Harry and Ron arrived, Ginny and Hermione were waiting for them. "So what were you two up to this afternoon," Hermione asked Ron.

"Erm...Harry showed me the gym. We had a workout," Ron replied. "It was fun, really."

Hermione felt his biceps. "I'm impressed, Mr Hardbody," she teased as she reached up on her tiptoes to kiss him. He wrapped his arms around her and lifted her off the floor. "My ginger god is pumping up," she whispered into his ear.

Desire, thy name is Hermione. "Listen, Ginny," Ron began as he set Hermione down. "Since we're on about working out, would it be okay if...erm...I workedoutwithyouandtheteam?"

"You want to work out with the team? Is that what you said," Ginny asked, eyeing her brother.

"Uh...yeah. That's right," Ron answered, reddening at the ears. "I...er...I'm out of shape and..."

Ginny looked up at Harry and raised her eyebrows. "Harry, was this your idea?"

"Well...yes, sort of. But I told him it was up to you," he replied defensively.

"So...can I," Ron asked hopefully. "Please, Gin?"

Ginny sighed heavily. "Oh all right, but don't get in the...hang on! You're a ruddy Keeper, right?"

"Uh...well...not anymore. Why," Ron asked, as if he didn't know what she was driving at.

"Harry's the Seeker Coach and professional teams have Seeker coaches...but they also have Keeper coaches," Ginny muttered, thinking out loud. "Tell you what, brother-of-mine. You can work out with the team on one condition."

"And that is..." Ron asked, knowing exactly what that condition was going to be.

"You can work out with the team if you agree to be my Keeper Coach. Deal," she asked.

"Keeper Coach? Me," Ron asked, pretending to be surprised. "Uh...sure, Gin. If you really want me to."

"Want you to? This is going to take a load off! I'll be able to concentrate on my Chasers and teach them more of the brilliant stuff I learned from the Harpies," she exclaimed. "We'll be unstoppable! The House Quidditch Cup is as good as ours! Oh thanks, Ron! You're the best big brother in the world!"

Ginny hugged him tightly around the waist as if to squeeze the life out of him. Ron looked over her head at Harry, blue eyes twinkling, and winked.

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Next morning, Harry and Ginny met Ron and Hermione in the Great Hall for breakfast. Hermione was already in a right state, with Ron trying to calm her down. "I'll be all right, 'Mione, I promise," he said gently, stroking her hair.

"Don't worry, Hermione," Ginny said. "They'll be all right. I'm sure Madame Pomfrey is standing by just in case, but really..."

"We'll be fine, Hermione," Harry promised. "Besides, you need to buck up unless you want to explain to the Munchkins."

Harry pointed toward the great oak doors of the Great Hall. Emma, Joseph, Erica, and Patricia were bounding up the aisle to join their housemates at the Gryffindor table. " Miss 'Ermione! Woss all this abou' then," Joseph asked in thick Cockney. "Woss she cryin' for, Ron?"

"Joseph, that's none of our business," Emma scolded him.

"Why ain't it our business, Em? They're our friends, ain't they?"

Ron and Harry couldn't very well be offended by Joseph's straightforwardness because real concern was written all over the boy's face, and the other three girls appeared to agree with him. Ron cleared his throat as he ran a large hand up and down Hermione's back. "You see, kids... Hermione's worried about Harry and me. We have some specialised training exercises this morning and they're a bit...well...tough. She's afraid we're going to get hurt."

Hermione began to sob again.

"Oh now thass not goin' to 'appen, Miss 'Ermione! Not to 'Arry an' Ron! They're 'eroes, ain't they? I'll wager there ain't nuffin' too 'ard for the likes o' them," Joseph declared. "They ain't come up wif nuffin' yet tha'll put 'Arry Potter an' Ron Weasley down. Make no mistake!"

Hermione couldn't help but snicker into Ron's shoulder. Joseph's Cockney seemed to become thicker when he got on about something, and he was definitely on about something. "Don't you worry none, Miss 'Ermione. They'll come out of it wif 'ardly a scratch!"

"Th-thank you, Joseph," Hermione stammered, wiping her eyes. Whether they were tears of worry or amusement was anyone's guess. "That's very k-kind of you."

When the bell rang, Harry and Ron walked Ginny and Hermione to the dungeons for their Potions lesson with Professor Slughorn. They kissed them goodbye, promising a full report at the end of the day.

Harry and Ron arrived at their classroom to find the other six members of the DA already there with looks of trepidation on their faces. They got about as much sleep as Harry and Ron and that wasn't much. There weren't many words exchanged between them beyond one- or two-word acknowledgements.

"You know why we're here today," Robards called. They all jumped, including Harry and Ron. "We'll will start with the Cruciatus curse and get it over with. After a short break, we'll work with the Imperius curse. After lunch, you'll practice the killing curse on our special targets," Gawain told them. "Now, what can you tell me about the Cruciatus curse?"

"It leaves no physical marks, but causes an unendurable pain," Cho answered. The others winced and stole dubious looks at one another.

Harry raised his hand and Gawain nodded towards him. "You have to mean it to cause pain. I guess that's the real trick today, as none of us here has any desire whatsoever to inflict pain on any of the others." Even though Harry had made peace with the necessity to learn and understand these necessary evils, he just couldn't help resenting it. The other seven members of this class were his friends. His noble heart couldn't accept abusing them for any reason, especially his best friend and surrogate brother, Ron Weasley.

"Correct," Gawain said. "You will try casting it at each other, but stop after a few seconds. That'll be enough. Now, Mr Dawlish, here, has been kind enough to let me show you what I want you to achieve." Gawain raised his wand and pointed it to Dawlish. "Crucio" Gawain said and Dawlish yelled out in agonizing pain, falling to the floor.

After only a few seconds, Gawain stopped and a sweating Dawlish took a few deep breaths before getting up again. "If you can hold it for a few seconds, you can hold it longer. Remember, it's used only in extreme situations when lives depend on retrieving immediate information. The pain must be so severe that you will extract whatever information you need quickly. We can never use the Cruciatus curse for extensive interrogations. The risk of causing mental illness is too great."

Everyone was well aware of the seriousness of this particular situation as they all paired up. Harry and Ron started. They cast the curse on each other in turn, but all they felt was a weak tingling sensation. There was no pain. It seemed it was like that for all of them.

"You must forget who you're casting it at," Dawlish told them. "But don't worry. It's always like this in the beginning. I'd have been quite worried if any of you actually cast it successfully on your first attempt."

Harry focused again and tried to forget it was Ron he was about to torture, and thought about Tom Riddle, the murders of his parents, Sirius, and Lupin instead. He tried to channel that anger into his spell.

"Ow," Ron cried. "That actually hurt a bit!" I'm glad Hermione can't feel this like Ginny can with Harry. She'd be catatonic...or hysterical.

Ron tried imagine Harry was Bellatrix Lestrange and managed to give Harry a little twinge. The drill continued and, as time passed, they did manage to inflict real discomfort to one another, but they still had a long way to go.

After an hour, Gawain stopped them. "You've done well. We'll leave it here for your first lesson."

First lesson! We have to do this again? Ron shuddered and looked over at an equally-horrified Harry, who shrugged in resigned defeat. His best friend's eyes told Ron that, like it or not, they would have to tell the girls that this was not the only lesson for this part of the course.

After a short break, they continued with the Imperius curse. Harry threw it off every time, and after about half a dozen tries, both Susan and Cho were able to as well. The others made good progress, but needed more practice. After lunch, they returned to their classroom, where Gawain and Dawlish had prepared person-size white blocks.

"These blocks are magically-charged. If struck by the killing curse, they will darken. If you cast a proper killing curse, the block will go black," Gawain explained. "The trick is summoning the willpower to kill the block."

Jets of green light shot across the room into the blocks with shouts of "Avada Kedavra!" Gradually, the blocks grew a little darker as the horrible spell struck them. Harry tried to recapture the anger and horror he felt when Bellatrix almost hit Ginny with it. He channelled those emotions full into his spell. The block turned pitch black and heaved as if it might blow apart.

"How did you do that," Ron asked.

"I thought of how I felt when Bellatrix almost killed Ginny," Harry replied, breathing heavily.

Ron took Harry's advice and thought of how angry he was as he had to listen helplessly to Hermione's screams as Bellatrix tortured her. Summoning the memory of Hermione's agony and painful screams, Ron cast the curse. His block turned jet black and smoked a little in the bargain. The other DA members took a leaf out of Harry's and Ron's book and summoned their most horrid memories of the war to strengthen their killing curse.

"It's scary that it's so much easier to cast than the Cruciatus curse," Susan said. "I mean, both are terrible curses, but this one kills people."

"Miss Bones is right," Dawlish said. "The killing curse is easier to cast than the Cruciatus. You'd better remember that, because that alone makes it a great temptation."

After class, Ron and Harry headed for their dorms. They were both exhausted and wanted to rest for a while before dinner. Hermione was waiting for Ron in the common room when he stepped through the portrait hole. "Ron! Oh gods, Ron, are you all right?" She ran at him and threw herself into his open arms.

"Yes, Love. I'm fine. We barely got a sting out of each other this time," he assured her.

"This time? This time," she demanded. "You mean there's going to be another time?"

"Probably a few other times. 'Mione, the Cruciatus curse is not something you master overnight," he explained. "I mean, the Imperius curse is pretty easy, since you can use it without actually hurting someone. The killing curse, though. That one is so easy to do if you can summon the right memories...'Mione, it's too easy. It's scary."

"How did you practice the killing curse, Ron," she asked as tears spilled down her face. "How? Did you kill spiders like Mood—er—Crouch?"

"No Love, nothing like that. Robards and Dawlish brought in tall white blocks that were charmed to turn black when a successful killing curse struck them."

"So how did you do it," she asked a bit calmer. "How did you summon hatred?"

"I thought of that night at Malfoy Manor when that evil bitch was torturing you," he said. "I summoned all the anger and frustration I felt as you suffered and I couldn't stop it. I aimed my wand at my block and shouted the curse at it."

"Hermione, the damned thing not only turned black, it smoked!" Harry said surprisingly cheerful.

Hermione was flush with admiration and a little lust at the thought of her man coming to her defence in so powerful a fashion. "That silly block should never have incurred the wrath of a god," she purred.

"Speak not too soon, my goddess, because you should have seen what Harry did to his block," Ron said with a shudder.

"Really? What happened," she asked, planting little kisses across his chest.

"He said he summoned the memory of Bellatrix almost having killed Ginny at the final battle," Ron said, as his heart began to race. "'Mione, that's nice, but if you don't slow down...'Mione, please, Love."

"All right, you have one minute," she purred again. "Then you're mine."

"He...he glared daggers at the thing. It scared the hell out of me. I'd never seen Harry become that...intensely angry, not even at Malfoy. His eyes went all dark, then he literally threw the curse at it. It turned black as pitch and sort of expanded—like it was going to blow up! It was..." Ron never got to finish because his minute had expired and his girlfriend's tongue was snaking its way down his throat.

By the second week, the Cruciatus curse was becoming painful when the DA cast it at one another. Ginny did feel when Harry was in pain and, as agreed, she immediately tried to send him all her love to protect him. When Harry received her love through their bond, the pain did, in fact, diminish to a point that it didn't bother him.

Gawain noticed that each trainee's Cruciatus curse produced the desired results, except when Harry was their victim. "Why doesn't the Cruciatus curse work as well on you as it does on the others," he asked Harry after class one day.

"Ginny is helping me to block it. We're trying to counter it," Harry said. "I didn't want to tell you until I was certain it would work."

Gawain was intrigued. A way to block the Cruciatus curse? Extraordinary! If that was indeed what was happening, Harry was the only wizard ever to have countered all three Unforgivables. "If you like, I can cast a powerful Cruciatus on you to see if you're able to block it."

"Let's try it," Harry said.

"I'll stop after a few seconds if it doesn't work." Gawain promised.

Harry nodded. He did feel a bit nervous taking a full blow of the Cruciatus, since he knew Ginny would feel it too. As soon as the Head Auror cast it at him, he felt the unbearable pain at first, but apparently Ginny responded immediately. He felt her love surrounding him and he imagined it as a shield, protecting him from the pain. The pain disappeared and Harry turned to Gawain. "Expelliarmus," Harry said, and disarmed his boss.

Both Gawain and Harry looked at each other in surprise. Gawain was outright gob smacked. "You countered it!"

"Yes, Ginny's love shielded me. The curse became thoroughly ineffective," Harry replied.

"Harry, this must remain a secret at all costs. You may be able to save lives with this skill. No Death Eater would even consider that the Cruciatus curse could be ineffective. Should any one of those mad bastards attack you, they'll be in for a big surprise," Gawain laughed.

The first week of February, Harry received an owl from Draco. He let Ginny read it:

Potter,

I dug through the archive and gathered all the files I could find about Muggleworthy Excuse Office co-operation with the Auror Office. I know Valentine's Day falls over a Hogsmeade weekend, so could we meet at the Three Broomsticks in the morning? I'll have more for you then.

DM

"All right. Let's make your meeting with him the first thing we do. Then we can spend the rest of the day together," she said, knowing the importance of that meeting.

"Good idea," Harry said and sent an affirmative reply with a specific time.

"What are your plans for Valentine's Day," Ginny asked Ron and Hermione.

"I have something planned," Ron said mysteriously.

Hermione gazed romantically at her boyfriend with a very un-Hermione-ish look. She was a lot happier now that Ron was back at school. Of course, she still studied like a madwoman and as usual, carried a couple of books around with her, but she didn't bury herself in her studies as she'd done last term.

Harry woke up next to Ginny on Valentine's day with a special kiss on his lips he'd saved up just for her—one of her favourite mind-blowers. After breakfast, they headed to Hogsmeade and the Three Broomsticks to meet with Draco. There were loads of people in the tavern. That was good. Harry hoped they would be spotted and with Kingsley's influence, have a blurb in the Daily Prophet again.

Draco had already arrived and was waiting for them at a table. They nodded warily to each other and sat down. Draco looked at Harry and then at Ginny.

"I have no secrets from Ginny," Harry told him. "She can be trusted."

Draco shrugged and placed a pile of files on the table. "Here are the files you requested, Potter. I think you'll find that they're well worth the effort it took to dig them out of the archive," Draco said.

"Something interesting come to light," Harry asked.

Draco slipped Harry a phial containing one of his own memories under the table as he nodded to the files. "Yes, I think you'll find the Muggleworthy Excuse Office's co-operation with the Auror Office more interesting than you might hope for."

Harry received the phial and hid it in his robes. He pulled his wand and shrunk the files, putting them away too. "So, is our business for today concluded," Harry asked.

"Yes" Draco said and nodded to Ginny "I'm sure there are loads of things you'd much rather be doing. And as a matter of fact, I have something planned today too."

Harry was stunned for a moment. Was Draco sharing something other than strict business? "You have a date," Harry asked.

"Believe it or not Potter, but yes, I do." Draco shook both their hands and made ready to leave. "Have a Happy Valentine's Day, you two."

Harry looked at Ginny in disbelief. "What was that all about? Why would he tell us he's going on a date?"

"Maybe he's in love," Ginny said, "And just wanted to tell someone about it."

"Well, I know I'm in love and right now, I want to spend this day with you," Harry said kissing his beautiful fiancée tenderly.

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Ron left the dorm with a stomach full of butterflies. This was his first Valentine's Day as Hermione's boyfriend. He had planned the day carefully and wanted everything to be perfect. Still, he knew he had a knack for messing things up, especially when he was nervous.

He headed downstairs to the Great Hall to have breakfast with Hermione. Harry and Ginny wouldn't be there, because they would have eaten in their room before heading off to meet Draco. Hermione stood waiting for him outside the Great Hall, dressed for Valentine's Day. Ron was perfectly enchanted. How could he have needed all those years to understand what he felt for her? "Good morning, Beautiful," Ron said softly and kissed her.

"I'm so happy you're back at Hogwarts, did I tell you that," Hermione asked silkily.

"Almost every day, but I don't mind," Ron replied with his heart-melting lopsided grin. "Come on, let's get some breakfast, yeah?"

After breakfast, Ron and Hermione left for Hogsmeade. It was still early and the sun had just barely peeked over the mountains. It was rather cold, but it was an otherwise perfect winter day. Outside the gates, Ron took Hermione's hand and spun. They Apparated to a hill outside Hogsmeade with a breathtaking view of both Hogwarts and Hogsmeade.

Hermione gazed curiously at Ron. She was about to say something, but Ron put a gentle finger to her lips to silence her. Hermione understood Ron had something planned and she could see he was nervous. It was so romantic. This vulnerable insecurity of Ron's was a wonderful part of him, so long as it didn't turn him into the greatest prat on earth. She gasped a little when he gave her a red rose with a note attached.

Happy Valentine's Day, my love.

Ron smiled lovingly at her and she felt a wave of affection and anticipation. What is he playing at? He flicked his wand and conjured a second rose with another note.

Hermione, my love, I have a way of messing up important things when I'm nervous, but I have something very important to ask you.

Hermione was intrigued by Ron's air of mystery. He still didn't say anything, but pointed behind her. She turned around as he waved his wand. An ancient-looking quill and parchment appeared in mid-air before her eyes and wrote a third note with gothic letters in red ink.

Thou, fair Hermione, hast captured my heart with beauty and wit.

Now, please answer my question: Wilt thou marry this insufferable git?

Hermione read the note as it wrote itself, and then once more to really be sure of what it said. Great Merlin, he's proposing! She had no idea Ron could be such an incredible romantic. The surroundings, the beautiful Valentine's morning, the intellectual touch with the notes and the quill—Hermione's heart began to flutter and then skip a beat.

She slowly turned around to face Ron. He had dropped to one knee, holding a tiny box containing a ring in one hand and a third rose in the other. She melted. He looked so hopeful, his blue eyes shining with love and devotion. A tear stole down her cheek as she took up the quill and the parchment still floating in mid-air, and wrote her reply. She looked sweetly down at him and held it so he could read it.

Thou brave Ronald, my love, I write thee my answer with this quill.

This intolerable know-it-all loveth thee. Marry thee? Of course I will.

Hermione rolled the parchment with the quill inside and hid it in her robes. She was going to keep that forever. Then she accepted the third rose. Ron stood and slid the ring onto her finger, kissing her soft lips tenderly and warmly. Tears streamed down both their faces and into their kiss. When they finally had to break the kiss to breathe, Hermione took a closer look at her engagement ring. It was a beautiful gold band set with a single diamond. It felt like it belonged on her finger from the moment Ron had placed it there.

Neither of them had yet spoken a single word, for there were simply no words for this moment. Of all the ways she'd ever imagined a man might propose to her, nothing like this had ever crossed her mind. She took Ron's hand and gazed into those hypnotising blue eyes. "Ron," she whispered "I love you. This is perfect."

Ron breathed his relief. He hadn't shared his plan with anyone, not even Harry. He knew he would be even more nervous if he had. He wanted the proposal to be something romantic to remember for the rest of their lives, rather than one of him making an arse of himself. He gazed at Hermione, first at her hand with the ring, and then into her eyes. It was true, he and Hermione were actually engaged to be married. "I will treasure this moment every day of my life," he told her softly, holding her in a firm embrace. "Are you ready to walk down to Hogsmeade now?"

Hermione nodded and they headed downhill towards the village. As they approached, they could see other couples walking through the streets. "This won't be a secret for long, will it," Ron asked Hermione with a nod toward the ring.

"It'll be so well-kept that it'll be all over Hogwarts by noon," Hermione laughed.

"Maybe we should find Harry and Ginny. I'd like to tell them in person, rather than have them hear it as gossip."

Hermione nodded. They knew Harry and Ginny were meeting Draco Malfoy at the Three Broomsticks before starting their Valentine's Day date. As they approached the pub, they saw Draco leaving. "I guess Harry and Ginny might still be there. Come," Hermione said, dragging Ron along by the hand.

They entered and immediately found Harry and Ginny sitting at a table, making eyes at one another. Ron and Hermione approached them hand in hand. "You look happy today," Ginny said. "Please, join us."

Hermione smiled and looked at her two best friends. "We are happy. Very happy, in fact I've never been happier."

Harry looked at her and then at Ron. Ginny suspected what had happened but was still surprised when Hermione showed them her hand with the ring. "Did you pull yourself together and propose," Harry asked Ron.

"That I did," Ron replied, beaming and blushing.

Hermione told them how he had planned it all.

"Ron, since when were you such a romantic," Ginny asked with a sly smirk.

"Ron has a lot of qualities his sister wouldn't notice," Hermione told her. Like he's incredibly hot.

"Congratulations to both of you," Harry said. "This calls for celebration. Rosmerta!"

Madame Rosmerta brought them Butterbeers, since they couldn't have a Firewhiskey because Mr Filch would go spare if he caught them smelling of Old Ogden's. The four of them toasted and enjoyed their Butterbeers. Rather than having separate dates, they decided to spend this day together without thinking about school, NEWTs, Unforgivable curses, or unnamed Death Eaters.

They felt like everyday people for once. They had spent enough time in Hogsmeade recently, that people didn't feel the need to mob them anymore. On their way back to Hogwarts, they stopped by Hagrid's hut. They visited him as often as they could, but on this day they really wanted to tell them Ron's and Hermione's happy news.

It was already dark as they approached Hagrid's hut. Light shone warmly through the windows and smoke puffed from the chimney. They knocked on the door and Hagrid opened it. "Can we come in Hagrid," Harry asked.

"O' course, yer always welcome," the big man replied as he ushered them in. "Let me get yer all a cuppa. Had a good Valentine's Day, did yer?"

Hagrid put a kettle on the fire and set the table with cups. Unfortunately, he seemed to be out of the homemade biscuits Madame Maxime had taught him to bake. " I've never had a better Valentine's Day," Hermione said with a tone that even Hagrid understood meant something special.

"Oh," he asked. "Why's 'at?"

"Ron proposed today," she said, showing him her ring.

"We wanted you to hear it from us, because at dinner, I think everyone else'll know already," Ron added.

Hagrid was an emotional man, even though he was half-giant. He'd never doubted their friendship, he was still amazed sometimes that they, the greatest wizards and witches of their age, wanted to be friends with him. They reminded him a lot of Professor Dumbledore, who'd befriended and trusted people and creatures the rest of the Wizarding world would not.

"Tha's wonderful! Congratulations ter yer both," Hagrid said, wiping a huge tear from his beetle eyes. He served them tea as Hermione told him how Ron proposed.

"What have you been doing today, Hagrid? Have you seen Madame Maxime," Ginny asked.

Hagrid shook his head. "Nah, Olympe's in France. A ruddy meeting or summat. It's been me an' Fang today," Hagrid said and patted his dog. They chatted together about the old days over their tea, but soon it was time for supper at the school and they needed to get back. Hagrid decided to trudge on up with them, since he was now Head of Gryffindor House. He liked being about the castle because it enabled his students to contact him regularly without having to troop down to his hut.

When Hagrid, Harry, Ginny, Ron and Hermione entered the Great Hall, it became quite evident that news of the engagement had made the rounds of the student body. The hall went silent as the five of them headed for their seats.

When Hagrid was seated at the head table, Professor McGonagall rose and tapped her goblet. "I heard a rumour today, a very happy piece of news. Seeing Miss Granger entering the Great Hall I noticed the rumour was true," She said pausing. Nothing escaped professor McGonagall's sharp eyes. Hermione had been walking as casually as possible, but still the professor noticed the ring on her finger. "Let me propose a toast to Mr Weasley and Miss Granger," Professor McGonagall said raising her cup.

Everyone rose from their seats, including many of the Slytherins, and raised their cups too. Ron blushed crimson. He just wasn't used to so much positive attention. "To the newly-engaged couple and their happiness," she called. Once the hall was seated, Professor McGonagall clapped her hands and the food appeared. This turned the attention from Ron and Hermione, and Ron's face returned to its normal colour at the sight of all the food.

After supper, a crowd of girls gathered around Hermione, who showed them her ring and told the story numerous times. They all sighed and gasped in all the right places as friends congratulated Ron with handshakes and backslaps. The Munchkin girls hugged him tightly around his waist and neck, while Joseph pumped his hand furiously. "Good on ya, mate," he said, smiling up into the tall man's face.

"Merlin," Ron gasped."I'd better send an owl to Mum! She'll never forgive me if I don't tell her today." Everyone within earshot laughed at his respect for his mother, but if they had known Molly Weasley, they'd understand the urgency. Ron sat down and wrote a quick letter to his parents. At the same time, Hermione composed a press release for Lee Jordan to feed the press. Hermione also wrote a letter to her parents, telling them her happy news.

The next morning, Harry and Ginny found Ron busy with his breakfast in the Great Hall, but Hermione was conspicuously absent. "Hey there mate," Harry called. "Where's your fiancée?"

Ron looked up from his eggs and bacon. "I don't know—probably in the library. She didn't get any studying done yesterday," Ron replied. "You know how she can be." It was a guess as good as any other, but ten minutes before the seventh-years' first class Hermione still hadn't shown for breakfast. Ginny headed towards Gryffindor tower to see if she might be in the dorm.

Ron leaned in toward Harry. "Professor McGonagall told me that Hermione and I will have our own room, similar to yours," he said conspiratorially.

"That's great news Ron," Harry agreed. "But Seamus won't be too thrilled." Harry was so used to living with Ginny that he couldn't imagine being without her. Cuddling up together every evening, waking up in her arms every morning, gazing at her in the soft morning light, feeling her close to him, all those little things in everyday life meant so much to him.

Ginny knocked on the door to their dorm and stepped in. She found Hermione crying on her bed. "Hermione, what's wrong? Are you all right?"

Hermione didn't answer; she didn't even look at Ginny, but handed her a letter.

Dearest Hermione,

It's wonderful that you and Ron are engaged. Your father and I are very happy for you. We know how deeply you love each other. We can't wait to see you. There is one thing we must tell you. Since returning to England, we have found work, but we haven't enough savings to give you and Ron the wedding we wish our only daughter to have. However, your father and I will give you the wedding of your dreams somehow, even if it means taking out a loan. Again, sorry for telling you this, and congratulations to both of you from the bottom of our hearts.

Mum and Dad

"Oh dear," Ginny said giving Hermione a hug. "Hermione, I'm really sorry, but Ron's worried about you." Why the bloody hell would they tell her something like this?

"Just give me a moment," Hermione said. "Tell him I'm all right and I'll be along."

Ginny nodded. As she returned to the Great Hall she got an idea. When she reached Harry, she whispered something in his ear. He nodded in agreement. "That's a great idea, Gin! Let's talk to her at lunch. Now you better hurry to class, love," Harry said kissing her.

Following morning classes Ron, Hermione, Harry, and Ginny had lunch together. Harry winked at Ginny and then looked at Hermione. "Ginny and I are investing some money in a new business," Harry said, catching Ron's and Hermione's attention. "We're opening a dental clinic." Hermione looked at him as though he'd grown a second head.

"There's only one problem. We need two dentists to run it for us," Ginny added and turned to Hermione. "Do you know any who might be interested?"

Hermione stared at them in astonishment. "You want my parents to run a dental clinic for you?"

"Yes, they can open it anywhere they like, and after expenses, they keep everything they make." Harry said.

"You mean they could have a clinic in central London," Hermione asked.

"Anywhere they like," Harry repeated.

Hermione was suddenly speechless. She understood they did this to give her parents the means to make more money to afford the wedding, and this way, it couldn't be construed as charity. Her parents would still have to work hard to build a patient base, but with Harry's and Ginny's resources, they'd have the best possible start.

She couldn't get a word across her lips, but hugged both Harry and Ginny for all she was worth. She kissed Ron soundly and headed for Professor McGonagall's office, returning about twenty minutes later. "I'll be gone for a few hours, but I'll be back for afternoon classes," she said. "Ron, you don't have a class until later. Do you want to come along? I need to see my parents."

Harry headed back to their room after lunch. Ginny needed to go to the library to write a Potions essay. When he walked through the door, he spied Draco's phial on the table.