Chapter 22 - NEWT

Once the family were seated around the scrubbed oak table, Molly opened a special cupboard and pulled out a very special bottle of Old Ogden's. Arthur smiled in amusement because Molly was the one who usually returned the very special bottle to the special cupboard. She produced glasses for everyone and poured some Firewhiskey in to each one. Fleur gave her a puzzled expression as Molly flicked her wand at her glass. "Now it's harmless, but the flavour's intact. You can't very well have pumpkin juice on this occasion, now can you?" Molly winked at her daughter-in-law and then raised her glass to the entire Weasley assemblage.

"My dear family, I'm so happy that we're all here together," she said, beaming at Hermione and little Victoire. "We have so much to celebrate today. Our darling Victoire was born just a week ago making Arthur and me grandparents for the first time, Arthur, Harry, and Ron have all been promoted to the top three jobs in magical law enforcement, the capture of our less-than-dear relative, Mafalda, Hermione returning to us, and the great joy of our being together after..." Molly began to falter. She stood stock still for a moment and gathered her thoughts. "After the horrors of Tom Riddle's regime came crashing to a halt just one year ago. To the Weasley clan! Sláinte!"

"Sláinte!" a chorus of voices replied and they drained their glasses.

"Now, Weasleys," Molly said arranging herself in her seat. "Tuck in!"

Everyone dug into the mouthwatering spread Molly had prepared in much the way Ron used to do. Harry found himself just watching them all, thinking about how far they'd come since the Battle of Hogwarts. It seemed like a lifetime and no time at all.

Ginny was about to carve out a mint roasted lamb chop when she sensed Harry's reverie and turned to him. "You look like the Kneazle that ate the Snidget," Ginny whispered. "Sickle for your thoughts."

Harry looked at her and smiled in a very relaxed way. "You know, if I took a Sickle from you every time you offered one for my thoughts, I'd be a very wealthy man," Harry whispered with his Harry-grin. "No, it's just that when I'm with your family, I'm just me, and not... I mean I'm just plain Harry."

Ginny's heart melted. He could say the simplest and sweetest things. She always loved his lack of pretension, his humility, and shyness. They were all things that made Harry Harry. She leaned into him and caught a hint of his woodsy-spicy scent and sent a gentle wave of her love and desire to him. "And we all love you, just plain Harry." She kissed his cheek and resumed carving the lamb chop.

Harry had by now, without ever intending it, convinced the entire Wizarding world that he was the new Albus Dumbledore. This moniker had become the latest in the line of epithets attributed to him: the Boy-Who-Lived, the Chosen One, Undesirable Number One, the Saviour, the New Dumbledore. It was used in every magical newspaper and magazine in print.

The week following the arrest of Mafalda Prewett had been a nervous one for the entire clan and none of the Weasleys took much time out to read the papers properly. Earlier that day, Harry and Ginny had decided to catch up a bit on the news and gossip. Kingsley, Harry and Arthur were the ones the journalists turned into heroes. The Aurors were praised as better and stronger than ever thanks to the fine leadership of Harry Potter and Ron Weasley. Some columnists demanded a seat instantly on the Wizengamot for Harry, while others merely pointed out that after the next elections and change of members he would probably be offered one.

There were a few articles that were nothing but pure rot, the work of tabloid writers and sensationalists the calibre of Rita Skeeter, which the euphoric opinion of the Wizarding community recognised it as less than legitimate journalism. Lee Jordan had his hands full with the new influx of fan mail. Replies from Harry and Ginny had been short during the week, mostly due to Hermione's predicament. Few reporters could imagine Harry like this—relaxed, just one of the family and not so blasted special.

"But you know you're special...to me," Ginny said, breathing deeply of his scent again, as she felt his affection flow into her like the draught of life itself. And if you're a good boy, I'll show you later just how special I think you are.

"That I can live with," Harry replied with a smile.

"I know what you mean, though, Love. I get my share of it too," Ginny said with a sigh. Witch Weekly had voted her the most beautiful witch in the country for forty weeks straight. No one in the history of that publication had ever held that position for so long. Others who steadily sat on the list of top ten magical beauties included Hermione, climbing to second place after gaining sympathy because of her injury, followed by Cho, Lavender, and Hannah (Abbott) Longbottom. In Hannah's case, some jealous readers argued that she in fact wasn't in the country, but in France with Neville.

"Don't complain about facts, Gin," Harry mocked her lovingly. "You are the most beautiful, list or no list."

Ginny didn't care to reply, but stroked his cheek instead and gave him a quick kiss. "Hmm, I think my brother might have something to say about that," she said, nodding across the table. "Look at him, will you? He's eating so slowly tonight."

That was true. Ron didn't let go of Hermione all evening, even at the supper table. He held her with one arm at all times, leaving only one hand to shove food in with. A failed attempt to charm his tableware to feed him had earned him a sharp look from his mother, so Ron accepted the slow pace of eating. He couldn't bring himself to let go of his beloved 'Mione.

Harry continued to take in each face at the table, feeling at peace. Molly and Arthur were the only parents he ever really knew—at least they came as close as any couple could.

Bill was just plain cool, with his ponytail, fang earring, and scruffy dragon-skin boots. He was the go-to big brother Harry never had, and his wife, Fleur, a friend from the Triwizard Tournament, was easy to like too.

Charlie was the fairest-minded of the Weasley brethren, as he called himself and the others. He was the first of the six—well, five—brothers to accept his and Ginny's relationship the day they declared it official to the Weasley clan.

Percy had been hard for Harry to relate to for a couple of reasons. Percy was a pompous git most of the time and had turned his back on his family in favour of a seriously corrupt Ministry. But Percy had gone through some changes over the past two years. He realised that family came before government and took his family responsibilities to heart after Fred was killed, availing himself to George as he mourned his twin. Percy's attitude may also have changed due to the high-ranking law enforcement positions he—Harry—and Ron held with the Auror Office. Percy was still pompous, but more relaxed.

George—and Fred—had always looked out for him during his first years at Hogwarts, and steadfastly supported him during the darkest times of his life, especially during his fifth year at Hogwarts when he had been persecuted as a liar and a nutter by the Prophet and the Ministry. The twins were enthusiastic members of the fledgling DA and did their level best to make Dolores Umbridge's tyrannical tenure as Headmistress as living hell for her. Harry played Quidditch on the Gryffindor team with him and Angelina, who had always treated him kindly and with respect.

Harry's eyes settled on Ron, the youngest of the Weasley brothers and his best mate. Ron was his partner in crime-fighting, his Assistant Head, and his brother. He had stood by Harry's side through thick and thin, and even the occasional disagreements couldn't break their friendship. He loved Ron and that was all there was to it.

Harry looked at Mr and Mrs Granger. He didn't know them very well, other than through a business deal surrounding the dental clinic. Harry liked them just the same, and the way they raised Hermione spoke volumes about their character.

His eyes followed the faces to Hermione, his best friend and surrogate sister. Ron still held her close to him as they ate, but she didn't seem to mind. She was the brightest witch of their age. If it hadn't been for her wit and ability to puzzle a problem out, he and Ron would never have survived their many adventures at Hogwarts and on the run searching for the Horcruxes. He loved Hermione as much as he loved Ron.

Next to Harry sat the most beautiful woman in the world—his Ginny. One look from her alone swept him off his feet. Her flowery scent intoxicated him and her straightforward and compassionate personality captivated his imagination. The closer they got, the more he loved her, but there were no words to describe that love. Their bond, forged in love and sacrifice, tied them closely together for eternity, and never had that commitment or its meaning ever alarmed him. Even if he had wished to break that bond, a concept inconceivable to him, he didn't have the first clue as to how to go about it. I love her more than life itself.

Molly noticed her surrogate son gazing around the table and misunderstood his reasons. "Harry dear, have some more," Molly said, piling more food on his plate. Molly took great pride in stuffing them all, for she was a wonderful cook.

Harry realised it must have looked to her like he was trying to decide what to eat next. Ginny gave him an earth-shaking smile, because she knew Harry appreciated the mothering.

After dinner, Harry and Ginny were saddled with kitchen duty while just about everyone else disappeared to somewhere else in the house or outside. The only ones left at the table were the Grangers and they looked very confused.

"No worries, Mr and Mrs Granger. They're probably just off planning our Stag and Hen nights," Ginny said as she cleared the table.

"Planning our what nights?" Harry had never heard of such things as Stag and Hen nights.

"Didn't you notice their mischievous grins?" Some Auror, not noticing that. Ginny turned to the Grangers. "Hermione told you she's my maid of honour, didn't she?"

"Yes, she did. We know what close friends you are," Mrs Granger answered.

Ginny smiled. "She's like a sister to me. I grew up with a bunch of brothers," she said and flicked her wand at a pile of plates, magically cleaning them.

Harry cast freezing charms over the leftovers and stashed them in a cupboard. The shock on the Grangers' faces reminded him of his own surprise when he saw Professor McGonagall transform into her Animagus cat form for the first time.

Harry and Ginny finished cleaning up the kitchen in just a few minutes, so they joined the Grangers at the table to continue their conversation. They took their seats across from Hermione's parents with Harry's arm stretched across the back of Ginny's chair. "Hasn't Hermione used common household spells," Harry asked, making himself comfortable.

"Hermione hasn't been around much since she came of age. We honestly haven't seen her perform very much magic at all," Mr Granger confessed.

"In fact, we know precious little about her world, but we'd like to learn more since Hermione will live as a witch rather than a Muggle. After all, she is going to marry Ron," Mrs Granger explained.

"Of course, Hermione has told us about the parts you, she, and Ron played in the war and all the things you had to do, but the everyday life part...that's all rather new," Mr Granger admitted.

"You'll learn quite a bit over the next few weeks," Harry assured them. "Molly will insist on celebrating Ginny's and Hermione's graduation here, and shortly after that is the wedding. I guess you'll have been staying here for a while by then."

"Yes, that's true. Arthur insisted we should stay here," Mr Granger replied. Arthur would jump at the chance to have Muggles living at the Burrow, and these Muggles were becoming a part of the family, to boot.

Harry and Ginny continued to play unaware and let the others make their plans, but a couple of days later, it was time for Harry, Ginny, Ron, and Hermione to return to Hogwarts. It was a beautiful Sunday evening, so they decided to Apparate to Hogsmeade and walk to the school from there.

Halfway to the castle, Hermione pulled herself away from Ron. She stopped Harry and stood in front of him, taking his hand in hers. She gazed up into her surrogate brother's eyes as her own began to tear up. "Harry, I... I never really thanked you."

"Thanked me for what? Allowing you to come along so you could lie in a coma for a week in St Mungo's? Really Hermione, you don't need to thank me for that." Harry said with a hint of sarcasm. Guilt over his lack of judgement on that issue still gnawed at the back of his brain.

Hermione stomped her foot in frustration. She knew then that Harry still had a case of the guilts and she was not going to allow him to launch into brood mode. "By Merlin's pink thong Harry! I knew very well what I was getting myself into!" Harry and Ginny had begun to laugh.

"Merlin's pink thong," Ginny howled. "Where did you get that? It's hysterical!"

Harry had a pretty good idea what a thong was, and the picture that had begun to form in his mind was that of Dumbledore almost starkers with a very revealing pink ladies' undergarment strapped across his hips. He fell to his knees, clutching his sides before he fell to the ground barely able to breathe.

Ron just stood there looking around at his fiancée, his sister, and his best friend, wondering what was so funny. "Er...'Mione, what's a pink thong?"

Hermione couldn't help herself. She had been a bit put out that Harry and Ginny were laughing at her, but Ron's ignorance of certain things often made her laugh and love him all the more. He was an adept lover, but so innocent in so many ways. Once she'd been able to catch her breath, she stood on her tiptoes to whisper in his ear.

Ron's eyes grew wide and his face turned red as beetroot. It took a few moments for a mental picture to flash through his own mind before he began to chuckle. Harry and Ginny had only just began to collect themselves when they saw the look on Ron's face. Harry explained what he saw in his mind's eye. Ginny said something about dancing, and they all began to literally scream as they fell all over one another, laughing so hard, they could barely stand.

After several minutes, their mirth spent, they began to settle down, wiping tears from their faces, still giggling and chuckling as they caught their breath. Hermione was the first to calm down. "All right, you three! I'm trying to be serious here."

"But you..."

"Don't you dare say it, Harry Potter. Don't even say it," Hermione warned with a smirk. She knew what joke he was about to make. "Listen to me now, Harry. I really need to say this."

"Okay, Hermione. Okay. I'm listening. We're listening," Harry said, trying to keep his composure.

"Harry, you know very well I wouldn't have taken no for an answer. We'd been through too much. You two had always been there for me. I can't help but think back to that horrible night at Malfoy Manor," she began to tear up again as her bottom lip quivered. "Ron carried me a little way before Dobby..."

"Take your time, 'Mione," Ron said, putting a protective arm around her waist. He'd had nightmares about that night himself. He and Harry were trapped in that dungeon cell, but they could hear every scream of anguish and pain that passed through Hermione's lips as Bellatrix tortured her. He remembered the anger that gripped his very soul and the heartache of being unable to get to her as he clawed at the stone walls of that cell, screaming her name.

"Know... knowing Ron was there and might be hurt...hurting, I had to come...I had to be there for him. It wasn't your fault, Harry," she said as tears flowed. "But what I'm thanking you for is healing me so I could come back to... to Ron... to all of you."

Ginny had said pretty much the same thing to him, but hearing it from Hermione eased his mind and banished the leftover guilt altogether. "I... I just... oh, bloody hell..." Harry said, pulling Hermione into a tight hug. "I'm just glad you're back." They cried on one another in that embrace for a few minutes before they separated and wiped each other's tears away.

Soon the two couples resumed their leisurely walk to the castle. Once inside the gates, they met up with Hagrid, who was stumping back toward his hut from the Forbidden Forest.

"Hi, Hagrid," Ginny called.

"Evenin'," he grunted.

"Hagrid," Harry said.

"Yer back. All right there, 'Ermione?"

"I'm fine thanks," she said, leaning into Ron.

There was a look on Hagrid's face that told them that he was harbouring a secret he was dying to tell them. "What's up Hagrid," Ron asked. "You got some Quintapeds something?" He thought back to the day that he, Harry, and Hermione sat in the gamekeeper's hut and watched an illegal dragon's egg hatch on his table their first year. They'd kept Hagrid's secret and even helped feed it, but Ron had been bitten and the pain was excruciating. Norbert. He named a ruddy Norwegian Ridgeback Norbert.

"Very funny. No. While yer were off fightin' the ruddy Death Eaters and lookin' after our 'Ermione 'ere all week, well...I made an arrangement." They were all curious. Hagrid's plans had a way of leading to some unhealthy situations, despite every good intention. "I got yer bike 'ere. It's in the forest."

"Hagrid! That's great." Harry exclaimed.

"I couldn't let you bring it 'ere, could I? Would be nice 'eadlines in the curs-ed Prophet. The Head an' Assistant Head flyin' all over Englan' on a cursed illegal Muggle motorcycle. Nah, I took it aff Arthur's 'ands meself instead. 'Ope yer don't mind?" Hagrid confessed, looking for approval.

"You and Mr Weasley set this up," Hermione asked.

"Right."

"So it would look better if you, the Head of Gryffindor House, were caught with Mr Weasley, the Head of the Department of Magical Law Enforcement," Hermione asked.

At first, Harry, Ginny and Ron stared at Hermione, then at a blushing Hagrid. "Are you saying Dad came with you," Ginny asked him.

Hagrid nodded.

"Of course he wouldn't miss that opportunity," Hermione concluded.

"He's mental. What if they'd been caught by the Squads? Would he arrest himself? And his old Office would report the incident to the Department Head... him..." Ron yelled, adding the worst for last. "What if Mum finds out?"

That broke the dam. Harry, Ginny and Hermione burst into laughter. Gasping for breath, Hagrid tried to look serious. "Well 'Arry, yer still want ter learn ter ride that ruddy bike," he asked.

"Of course I do," Harry said, looking forward to do something fun after hunting Death Eaters.

He looked up at Ron's expectant face and smirked. "And so does Ron."

"Boys..." Hermione sighed, crossing her arms over her chest with a snort. Flying objects, whether brooms or cursed bikes didn't agree with her. However, she had to admit she'd had several fantasies involving Ron on a motorcycle, with her seated behind him, tucked up close against his back as the powerful machine rumbled beneath them. But none of those fantasies involved flying.

Ginny, on the other hand, smiled wickedly at the possibilities. She whispered something into Harry's ear and winked at him. "You'll get to ride it too," Harry promised. He closed his eyes momentarily, trying to temper the heat building in his belly as he imagined his Ginny dressed in a form-fitting midriff top, a black leather fringed jacket with matching leather slacks hugging her hips, and high-heel boots. He could almost feel her body pressed against his, her arms around his waist with her hands clutching his stomach and chest as the wind blew through her fiery tresses. Gryffindor's lion had awakened and roared its approval.

"Erm...shouldn't we get back to the castle," Ginny asked, passing her hand over Harry's back. "I'm plain knackered after all the celebrating this weekend." Harry's having a hard time holding it together. Excellent.

"Uh...yeah. That's right, Gin-Gin," Ron agreed. Gryffindor's lion roared in more than one alumnus this night. "I could do with a kip myself."

"Goodnight, then, you four," Hagrid said, opening the door. "Good luck on them NEWTs, 'Ermione and Ginny. You'll do great."

"Thanks Hagrid," Hermione said as Ron tugged her away toward the castle. "See you later then."

The two couples hurried into the castle and tore up the stone stairs. They couldn't wait to get to their rooms. They hadn't had much time to themselves over the past couple of weeks and they fully intended to take this opportunity to enjoy some private time before the occupational and academic chaos that would rule the next several weeks took hold of their every waking moment.

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As much as he would have loved to, Harry wasn't able to ride his bike at all that following week. He had fallen behind with his daily reports due to the Mafalda Prewett and Hermione situations, so his primary objective was to finish them. Arthur was also behind, so that took some of the pressure off Harry, since his reports went to him as Head of Magical Law Enforcement. Nepotism did have its advantages sometimes.

Harry's schedule was full of interviews and pre-trial meetings. Ron found himself up to his neck in the workload as well, since he had been the tactical advisor in two of the four missions and a kidnapping victim in the whole affair as well. As a result of their occupational obligations, they returned to Hogwarts late every day.

For their part, Hermione and Ginny had turned their rooms into miniature libraries. They had a lot of missed class work to catch up on and loads of revising for the NEWTs to add to the workload. Both rooms looked like academic refuse dumps with broken quills, bits of torn and crumpled parchment, and books strewn hither and yon all over the place. In addition to the homework clutter, Harry's and Ginny's room had Quidditch robes and gear lying about on any piece of furniture that didn't have academia piled on it.

Ginny had managed to arrange for the Gryffindor team to practice with the Harpies the last week before the Quidditch final. Gryffindor had already won the House Cup, but Ginny wanted her team to go out in a blaze of glory. If they managed to score 430 points, that would be a school record for the most points scored by a single team in a year, so Ginny constantly reminded Dennis to avoid catching the Snitch until the Chasers had scored at least 280 points. She allowed him to use any means possible to keep the Ravenclaw Seeker from catching it first, so long as his methods were legal and not too nasty.

What little time the couples had together was spent either eating or sleeping, although for Harry and Ron, the workload had eased up a bit. They were able to work out at the Aurors' gym and resume regular duelling practice with the other Aurors. They were able to work shorter days and spend the rest of their waking hours offering as much moral support to their women.

On the sunnier days, Hermione and Ginny preferred studying outside on the grounds. The fresh air invigorated them and helped them stay focused on their revision. Harry and Ron kept them supplied with fresh pumpkin juice and snacks the kitchen house-elves gladly gave them. Occasionally, they would make mad dashes to the library to retrieve necessary books or to look up a particular item the girls needed for one subject or another. Madame Pince had tried to tell Harry and Ron that they weren't allowed to come to the library because they were not students.

In a way, that was true, but the former DA class, now fully-fledged Aurors and sort-of- professors, still held student status until the end of the academic year. Madame Pince only wished for less running in and out of her library. Even though she could be cantankerous, Harry was rather grateful that his name meant nothing to her. She treated him no differently than any other student.

That weekend brought the House Quidditch final. Ginny had gone ahead with her team for a final closed meeting and to get ready to play. Harry, Ron, and Hermione made their way across the castle grounds to the pitch. They were on their way to the Gryffindor section when their heard a familiar voice calling to them from the direction of the pitch.

"Luna!" Harry recognised their friend as she walked swiftly toward them. He picked her up in a hug and twirled her around. "Luna, it's so good to see you again!" He put her down so she could hug Ron and Hermione as well.

"Ginny's preparing for her grand finale as captain? I'm quite at a loss here," she said breathlessly. "Do I cheer for my former house or for my friend's team?"

Hermione made the decision for her. "Today you're one of us," she declared, draping a Gryffindor scarf around her neck.

Luna examined the gold and red scarf with two Gs on it. She pulled her wand and changed the second G into a W. "Now it stands for Ginny Weasley." Luna smiled her airy smile, quite satisfied with the solution to her dilemma.

On the way to their seats, they made Luna promise to tell them all about her year in South America after the game. Seamus and Lavender had saved them seats in the Gryffindor section, and across the pitch, they could see Cho, Terry and Tony Goldstein in the Ravenclaw section.

The booming of the game announcer's voice drew their attention away from the crowd as the teams flew on to the pitch. "Wearing jersey number six for the last time as the Gryffindor team captain and star Chaser, I give you Ginny Weasley," the announcer cried. She soared onto the pitch on her beloved Firebolt, the crowd greeting her with a roar of applause and cheers." She buzzed the Gryffindor box, blowing a kiss and flashing her thick fiery ponytail at Harry as he sat there and beamed his love for her.

That this was Ginny's last game as a Gryffindor Chaser was probably all the Ravenclaws wanted to remember when it was all over. Her Gryffindors trampled them like a herd of wild Erumpents with a record-smashing score of 850-40. Ginny's team set a new record for winning by a margin of 810 points, another record for scoring 850 points in a game, and yet another record for scoring more goals than any other house team in one season in history. Ginny set a new individual record for most goals scored by a Chaser in a single year.

The Gryffindors' week with the Harpies had paid off. The Ravenclaw team could only concede and congratulate a worthy winner for a game well-played. Professor McGonagall didn't even bother to hide her bias for Gryffindor House, proudly accepting a Gryffindor scarf from a student as Hagrid cried huge tears of joy and pride, wiping his face with his tablecloth-sized handkerchief.

The student body, led by a swarm of Gryffindors, flooded the pitch to welcome the winning team as they landed. Ginny landed close to Harry, exhausted but exhilarated, yet a bit sad. A few tears had stolen down her cheeks as Harry picked her up in a crushing hug. He heard a little sob escape her throat as he set her back down. "Are you all right, Gin," Harry asked.

"I guess I couldn't ask for more, but still it's a bit strange," she sniffed. "I'll never play for Gryffindor again," Ginny said as she buried her face in Harry's chest.

"Gin, it'll be fine, Love. You're a Harpy now and you're damned good." He wiped her tears away with his thumbs and gave her a very hot and passionate kiss. He pressed his forehead to hers as he held her by her shoulders. "Amazing game today. Congratulations." Ginny smiled as she melted into his embrace. She had probably made the next edition of Hogwarts: A History.

After the game Harry, Ginny, Ron, Hermione and Luna joined Seamus, Lavender, Cho, Tony and Terry at the Three Broomsticks for a little celebration. Everyone was happy for Ginny for having defended the House Cup in the record breaking way, reuniting with Luna, and having a general break from NEWT studies. The group of Hogwarts students and alumni seated at their table had a great time replaying the game in their conversation, but what they really wanted to hear about was Luna's year in South America with the Scamanders.

"I can't say too much about the whole thing because I've written about it for the next issue of The Quibbler," Luna said. "By the way, Harry and Ginny. Dad is so pleased you chose him to cover your wedding. The exclusive rights will help him rebuild The Quibbler."

"We'd never sell those rights to the ruddy Prophet," Harry said with a hint of disgust. "Tell your father it was our pleasure. Now, Luna, what can you tell us?"

"South America is amazing..." Luna said, and seemed to drift off all the way back to South America and said nothing more.

"Yes? So..." Hermione asked with a slightly annoyed tone.

Luna looked at Hermione as if she silently wondered why Hermione had interrupted her. "There are interesting plants that don't grow here. In fact, I doubt British wizards and witches have ever heard of them. I bought a couple of them back for Neville. I left them in Professor Sprout's good care until he returns to England," she said, twirling her hair. "Did you know that the Tentacula Australe is a very friendly and harmless cousin to our Venomous Tentacula? It can be used to hang your laundry on, always pointing it to the sun. But that's all I will tell you. You can read the rest in the next issue of The Quibbler."

"What's wrong with a cleaning charm," Ron asked rather grumpy. Ever since his less-than-pleasant introduction to an acquaintance with Devil's Snare in his first year, he decided he disliked all moving plants.

"Does it actually do your laundry too," Seamus asked with a twinkle and a wink.

"No, Seamus. I thought you knew a plant can't do complex things like that," Luna answered in a surprisingly Hermione-ish way.

Seamus opened his mouth to reply, but nothing came out. He looked rather like a guppy than an elite Auror and the others burst into laughter. Neither Seamus nor Luna understood what it was they were laughing about, making the others laugh even harder. "Was it somethin' I said," Seamus finally asked, feeling pretty stupid.

This made the rest of them literally howl. Hermione finally tried to answer as she gasped for breath. "Quite the opposite Finnegan..." This sent the others into gut-busting screams of laughter, drawing the curious attention of the other patrons in the pub. Their infectious laughter spilled over to other tables, and soon the whole pub had erupted into laughter without having heard the joke. Madame Rosmerta giggled to herself as she served her customers. She knew where the mirth radiated from. For her, having Harry Potter and his friends in her establishment was a pleasure. It brought back the old days when his father, James, and his partner-in-crime, Sirius Black, would come in with their other friends and raise cut up on Hogwarts weekends so long ago. Harry is truly his father's son.

"What are your plans now that you're back in England," Ginny asked as the group finally pulled themselves together.

"I might return to South America, or visit Africa first... but I will go back to South America again. But first I'm looking forward to your wedding. Ginny, you're so lucky. Harry's really a great person."

"Yeah, I am lucky. He doesn't understand sometimes how special he is," Ginny said as she absent-mindedly reached over an slid a hand up Harry's thigh. "I mean, as a person, not as a legendary hero. He's so Harry that he doesn't understand how different he is."

Had Harry been paying attention to Ginny and Luna rather than engaging in shop talk with the other Aurors seated at his table, Hermione included, he might have blushed at Luna's assessment and Ginny's praise of him. Harry and the others regaled Ron and Hermione with the full story about the capture of Mafalda Prewett at Anfield.

"Where did you Apparate to once you had Mafalda, Harry," Cho asked cocking her head. "You never told us."

"Little Hangleton. I'm not sure why; I just did," Harry replied. "I tried to talk her into giving up without a fight, but she wanted a duel, so I gave her one. She lost."

"So how come Ginny was with you when you brought Mafalda in," Terry asked, taking a sip of Butterbeer. "Shouldn't Ginny have been at Hogwarts?"

"Ah. Well..." Harry hesitated. Ginny's hand on his thigh caused his stomach to flip over. "You know how Dumbledore was always on about love as the power the Dark Lord knows not? I decided that perhaps Mafalda needed a demonstration. I sent a message to Ginny asking her to Apparate there. As soon as she arrived, she nailed Mafalda with a stunner and taught her a lesson."

Ron and Hermione knew there was more to it than that, but they didn't press Harry for more. The bond he shared with Ginny was very private and not to be discussed in public. They just sat there with knowing smiles on their faces, as Ron pulled her close and kissed the top of her head.

"So...you didn't really need any help," Tony said.

"Not at all. I had her, but she didn't understand that. DEs don't know when to quit, Tony. You know that," Harry said with a grin.

The following week, Harry and Hagrid were able to begin Harry's driving lessons, with Ron joining them once in a while. Hagrid had cleared a large spot in the Forbidden Forest for their lessons so as not to invite suspicion or the attention of the students and faculty at the school. Their first lesson involved learning how to balance the heavy bike. After all, it was not a broomstick, so it was a bit unwieldy and took a bit of upper-body strength to steady it. Hagrid taught them how to plant their feet flat on the ground to hold it upright while the bike was not moving. That could be done magically, but if they any designs on riding it among Muggles, they had to learn the Muggle way.

The next series of lessons involved the more mechanical aspects of motorcycling, which involved Arthur's assistance. Hagrid taught them how to start it by turning the key and then throwing their weight onto the starter. After several tries, both Harry and Ron were able to start it in one go. Then they learned how and when to shift, where the brakes were and how they worked, and how to adjust the seat for their individual comfort.

It wasn't long before Harry and Ron could guide it slowly around the clearing. As they were able to pick up speed, shift, and make smooth turns around the makeshift course Hagrid set up, they became more confident and became accustomed to the vibrating of the engine rumbling under them. But it would be a while before they could learn to use the charms that Arthur had put on it, including the flying charm. Harry couldn't wait until he felt sure enough about his skills to take Ginny for a ride. Ron decided he wanted one of his own so he could take Hermione riding.

NEWTs began the last few day of May and ran into the first two weeks of June. Harry and Ron hardly ever had to set foot at the Auror Office other than for meetings, training sessions, and other minor official business. Since there was little else to do and most of the Aurors still lived at Hogwarts, there was really no other need for them to leave the grounds. Right now, their mission was to support their fiancées.

Ginny had five exams while Hermione ten. Following her first exam, Ginny looked pale and shaken, but Hermione looked confident, as though this was the highlight of her years at Hogwarts—the very point of studying at all. Following her second exam, Ginny shuffled out of the classroom as though she'd been through the roughest Quidditch match of her entire life, but Hermione remained energetic. After the fourth exam, Hermione's increasing enthusiasm finally seemed to have begun to wane."Aren't your exams demanding," Ginny asked her.

"Of course they are," Hermione smiled.

"I'm up for three more and then I'm finished," Ginny said, checking her exam schedule. "Our next one is Defence Against the Dark Arts. I'm not really worried about that one. Harry's been really good about working with me."

"I am," Hermione said. "Ron's been helping me, of course, but I didn't do as well as I wanted to with my OWL, so it's got me a little concerned." I must earn an O. I can't settle for less.

They had the weekend to prepare, so both Ron and Harry worked hard with them in dueling and theory. "I wonder who will be the one the Ministry sends to hold the exam. Wouldn't either of you know," Hermione asked Harry and Ron, batting her eyes at them. Harry and Ron blushed.

"Now what," Ginny demanded with fire in her eyes.

"Well... it is the Auror Office who helps give the exam in Defence Against the Dark Arts," Harry confessed, stealing guilty looks at Ron.

"Ah..." Hermione said, nodding. "But... it can't be..."

"No, it's not Ron or me." Harry admitted. "For you two, there would be a conflict of interest, but we did make the decision as to who to send."

"And we can't tell you," Ron added before the girls could ask the obvious question.

After breakfast Monday morning, Hermione and Ginny left for their exam. Harry and Ron grabbed a second round of breakfast. Unbeknownst to the girls, their men would be present at their exam. Hermione and Ginny felt a bit nervous as they entered the examination classroom. John Dawlish was there to greet them.

As it turned out, the exam work was actually lighter than their practices with Harry and Ron. Both Hermione and Ginny produced corporeal Patronuses, with Ginny producing hers non-verbally. Ginny gazed at her doe with a smile, thinking of Harry, before it disappeared in a vapour of silver mist.

The next part of the exam was the duel. For this part of the exam, Dawlish bought in Seamus, Cho, Harry and Ron. Ginny and Hermione shot narrow-eyed glares at their men, who just smirked back at them and winked.

"You will duel one of these Aurors. I'm aware you know them, but make no mistake. They will fight to their full capacity and will not let you win," Dawlish explained. He paused and then added, "and because of the personal nature of some relationships in this group, we have assigned your opponents. Miss Granger and Miss Weasley will not duel their respective fiancés."

Dawlish paired Ginny with Seamus. "I hope you've improved since out last duel," Ginny purred, reminding Seamus about the loss he had suffered a few months back.

"Do yer best, Weasley darlin'. I know that I will..." Seamus answered in a friendly but challenging tone, his voice dripping with his sly Irish brogue.

Dawlish paired Hermione with Cho. She knew from what Harry and Ron told her that Cho had become one of the best duellers in the Auror Office. Harry and Ron were paired up with a Ravenclaw and a Hufflepuff they hardly knew at all. Those poor students looked devastated, if not terrified, facing the nation's two most famous wizards. Following the customary duelling proprieties, Dawlish shouted, "duel," and the exam began. Both Ginny and Hermione performed admirably and were really grateful for the practice they had with Harry and Ron.

Ginny considered taking the duelling stance she'd learned from Tonks, but decided against it since this was an official examination. As she worked the duel against Seamus, she noticed that he performed a lot better this time. He respected her and duelled her as an equal. Harry defeated his opponent with relative ease, and so did Ron. However, they offered encouraging words to those students and didn't gloat over them or make them feel inferior.

Hermione held on as long as possible, but in the end, Cho had a few tricks up her sleeve, finally slipping a stunner through Hermione's Protego. Disoriented, Hermione cast a stunner back in the Cho's general direction at the same time Cho cast her disarming spell. The duel ended in a draw, when Cho was thrown across the room and Hermione lost her wand.

Ginny and Seamus fought on even after the others were finished. Dawlish made a move to break it up, but Harry halted him. "Don't stop them, JD. I don't want to deal with Ginny if you do, and this is a bit of a friendly grudge match between them anyway. Irish lost to her last time they duelled. Just let them go," Harry said with a chuckle.

As they continued to watch Ginny and Seamus duel on, Harry began to feel more and more what Ginny was feeling. It was like the experiment. He was able to see the duel from both his perspective and Ginny's. It was a peculiar, yet familiar feeling. Harry knew when Ginny wanted to end the duel. He could feel a power surge from her as she cast one of her scary stunners. She had done so with the same force she had before, making the room shake. No matter how strong Seamus' shield might have been, it wasn't enough. He was hurled backwards and next thing he knew, Ginny finished him by disarming him and then binding him with a non-verbal Incarcerus. Seamus had lost to Ginny Weasley again.

The room fell silent. Ginny's power still crackled through the air like static electricity, her emotions pouring over Harry like a flash flood.

"Very good, Miss Weasley," Dawlish felt compelled to say. He fired a look at Harry as if to say what the hell have you been teaching her? Harry just grinned back at him in his Harry-like way.

She lifted her curse and Seamus got up again. "Ya beat me fair 'n' square, Ginny darlin'. I gave ya all I had. Well done," he said, shaking her hand.

They took a few minutes break before Dawlish administered the written and final portion of the Defence Against the Dark Arts NEWT. Harry and Ron waited for their warrior queens outside the class room. Harry beamed with pride as he scooped Ginny up in his arms, giving her a passionate kiss.

"You beat him again, Love," Harry declared. "And he duelled you as an equal."

"Yes, I know," Ginny shrugged. "I didn't think he'd be so foolish as to underestimate me again. I really appreciated that."

"How strong can your stunner actually get, Gin? I think that if you hit someone with that while he or she was unshielded, it would put them in St Mungo's," Harry said.

"I don't know, Harry." Ginny shrugged. "But I think some of that comes from you somehow."

"How did we do," Hermione asked.

"How did we do?" Ron repeated imitating her. "'Mione, you managed a draw against Cho and Ginny beat Seamus... all the others lost in more or less embarrassing ways. You were brilliant, Love." He took her in his arms and kissed her hard. He couldn't get enough of her, especially since the explosion.

Harry took Ginny's hand. "You know... I had a strange feeling during the duel... it was like...like I could see through your eyes, too." Ginny continued. "It was like the experiment."

Harry nodded. "Yeah, I could too. It was an amazing feeling, but strange."

"Perhaps we can explore that a bit more when we have the time, Head Auror Potter," Ginny suggested with a wicked grin.

"I would like that very much, Miss Weasley. I'm ready when you are," Harry replied as he put his arm around her waist and walked her to lunch.

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The next day, Ginny had a bit of a lie-in since she had no exams scheduled for that day. She'd had a glorious night with Harry experimenting with their bond some more and engaging in other rather enjoyable activities. She lay there thinking about her love for Harry and sent a wave of her love to him through their bond before she rose to take a shower.

Hermione, on the other hand, had been up for quite a while revising for another exam. Ron stayed home with her to help in any way he could. "What might I do to serve Your Worship best, today," Ron asked as he embraced her from behind and kissed her neck.

"Mmm...you're very sweet, my love, but keeping me company for lunch followed by a good neck massage would be a fantastic start," Hermione said. "It's History of Magic today."

"Honestly 'Mione, does anyone else take that exam beside you?" Ron couldn't imagine what was so fascinating about magical history, especially as presented by dry old Professor Binns' ghost. That old bag of hot air couldn't even get our names right.

"No." Hermione had to giggle a bit to herself because she knew Ron couldn't fathom it. He'd always slept through Professor Binns' lectures. He even snored, but since everyone else in the class had been in their own torpor, no one noticed. Not even Professor Binns. No one except her, of course. She'd noticed everything Ron did since they were eleven years old.

"So, you and professor Binns will do this," Ron stated rather than asked. He turned her around to face him so he could gaze into her beautiful face.

"Yes. He was actually very pleased. I'm the first witch in decades to have taken his class at this level. The last one who took this exam was Professor Dumbledore." Hermione's face broke into a shy smile. She gazed into Ron's sapphire eyes. "He even called me Miss Granger instead of Miss Grant." Ron just shook his head, and took her in his arms. He leaned in to wish her luck with a passionate promise-filled kiss.

Following her History of Magic NEWT, Hermione sat her Ancient Runes exam. That seemed to take the wind out of her sails, for she tackled off as the extensive workload began to take its toll even on her. Ron's massaging hands on her neck and back felt marvellous and relieved a lot of the tension and staved off a mind-bending headache. She rewarded his efforts handsomely before they went to sleep.

Ginny sat her fourth exam, but didn't know how she'd manage her last one. She was exhausted and decided to ask Harry to give her a full body massage that night. Over the past several months, he'd become quite adept at manipulating her aching muscles, especially after gruelling practices with the Harpies and the Gryffindor team. She had no idea how Hermione could keep up such a pace, having sat six NEWTs with four still to go. "Tomorrow is my last exam. Potions," Ginny sighed, while Hermione was off taking her seventh exam. "It's worse than a rough game of Quidditch."

"Ginny, look on the bright side. After Potions you're done," Ron encouraged her.

"Harry dear, could you please Bat-Bogey Ron for me? I don't have the strength to lift my arm right now," Ginny grinned, kissing at her brother.

Harry laughed, watching his Ginny as she rested her head in his lap. "Honestly, you never taught me how to cast it."

Ginny shrugged. "Bollocks. I'll just have to have you drink my Potion tomorrow, whatever it is..." Ginny yawned.

"If you brew as well as you cook, it'll be brilliant," Harry said, kissing two fingers and pressing them to her lips.

"Perhaps it'll be a powerful love potion that'll keep you devoted to me for life," she teased, flashing her chocolate brown eyes.

"Then I'm a willing test subject," he said. "I love you forever already."

Following their Potions exam, Hermione continued to her Arithmancy NEWT. Ginny was finished, so she could help her friend with the last of her revision for her final battery of tests. By the time Hermione was finished, she felt as though she'd run a dozen marathons. Ron pampered her, even bringing food up to their room so she wouldn't have to climb stairs. "Here, 'Mione, Love," Ron said softly. "No, no. Don't get up. I'll feed you."

"Ronald, really," Hermione said with a giggle. "You're spoiling me."

"You're worth it," Ron insisted, kissing her forehead. "Besides, I want to."

"Ron..." Hermione began, "I can feed myself. I'm not that knackered."

Before she could say another word, Ron shovelled a bit of mashed potato into her mouth. Ron had such a kind heart even if he was a bit blustery and temperamental. She decided that if he wanted to baby her, she'd let him, if only for today. Hermione had all she could do to keep it there while they snickered at one another as he fed her. He even insisted upon wiping her mouth when necessary. You're a barmy devil, Ronald Bilius Weasley, but I love you anyway.

A few nervous days followed before the seventh-years gathered in the Great Hall. Friends and family had been invited for the ceremony. The following day the entire student body would gather for the final feast and House Cup awards. But today was for the seventh-years to receive their NEWT results.

Hermione, who had kept relaxed through most of her examination schedule was jumping out of her skin the hour before the ceremony. "I've got a T in Ancient Runes," she whimpered. "I just know it."

"Why in the name of Merlin's navel fluff would you get a T," Ron asked in pure amazement over Hermione's sudden lack of confidence. "You're brilliant with Ancient Runes!" Hermione looked very seriously at him, clearly wondering if he really wanted to know. "Yeah, yeah, I get it, you mixed up your words here and there..." Ron sighed. "You'll have great grades. You know that, don't you?"

Before she could answer, he captured her lips in a smouldering kiss as he pressed her body against him. She calmed and melted into his arms."Mmm...how do you do that, Weasley," she whispered as he tucked a few wild curls behind her ear. "Do it again." Ron obliged, only this time she ran her hands under his shirt as a promise of things to come.

Ten minutes before the ceremony would begin, they left their room and met Molly and Arthur talking with the Grangers in the Entrance Hall. "Mum! Dad! I'm so glad you're finally here," Hermione squealed. She launched herself into her father's arms, enormously happy her parents finally got to see the place she had lived and studied in all those years. Hermione hugged her parents before Molly and Arthur hugged her in turn.

"How are you, son," Mr Granger asked, shaking Ron's hand.

"I'm fine, sir. It's pretty easygoing at the moment for the Aurors. Some legal expert in the Wizengamot is preparing the trial for Mafalda. We might have to testify during that trial, but after her defeat, I guess dark wizards are keeping a low profile."

The Grangers had had the opportunity to learn more about the Wizarding world, thanks to the Weasleys, so none of what Ron told them was entirely unfamiliar. Once all the pleasantries had been exchanged, Ron shepherded them all into the Great Hall, past the Ravenclaw table, and to the Gryffindor table where they found Harry and Ginny already waiting for them. After another round of hugs and handshakes, the hall began to settle as Professor McGonagall stood to address the assembly.

"My dear students, family and friends. For seven years, you have studied here within the walls of this castle. With your NEWT exams, your days at Hogwarts are coming to an end. Your years at this school have been dramatic and turbulent, but I dare say that few have shown this school greater loyalty than you, and that includes our DA Auror class. It is my firm belief that you are well-prepared for future endeavours, whatever they may be. Some of you have already chosen and set out on your paths, but others are still considering. In any case, although we, the staff and professor of Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry are no long your teachers, we are your friends. If there is anything we've learned over that past few years, it's the value of friendship."

The assembly nodded at one another as they applauded the headmistress' words. When the crowd quieted again, Professor McGonagall, signalled for the Heads of Houses to stand. "And now for the NEWTs."

Professors Sprout, Flitwick, Slughorn and Hagrid stood, each with official-looking parchments in their hands. Professor McGonagall began calling the seventh-years alphabetically to receive their results and diplomas from their Heads of House and a handshake from the headmistress. Hermione fidgeted as she became more and more nervous. Ginny, on the other hand, was quite relaxed, due in part from the waves of calm from Harry, and from knowing that W fell at the end of the alphabet.

"Granger, Hermione," Professor McGonagall called.

Hermione stood and walked tentatively toward the dais, with Ron whispering words of encouragement to her. Behind the Heads stood the rest of the professors and staff, including Mr Filch and his cat, Mrs Norris. Was that a smile Hermione noticed on Professor McGonagall's face? Hermione felt confused. As she reached Hagrid, he cleared his throat.

"Err...'Ermione, Perfessor McGonagall asked ter say somethin' before I give yer this."

Hermione turned to Professor McGonagall. Oh no, I'm the only one getting a T. "There are many students in the academic history of this school who have achieved amazing results. Miss Hermione Granger, you have taken more classes than any other student this year, in fact than any student in many years. Coping with the strain of attempting ten NEWT classes is something this school hasn't seen more than twice the last 100 years. Hermione, you are the third. Your result equals what only one wizard ever has achieved. That wizard was our former headmaster, Albus Dumbledore."

What? But didn't Professor Dumbledore earn... Professor McGonagall signalled for Hagrid, who had tears in his eyes when he gave Hermione her diploma. Professor McGonagall spoke again.

"Hermione Granger earned herself no less than 10 NEWTs, with a top mark of Outstanding in every single one of them," the headmistress said with a tremble of emotion in her voice.

With that, Hagrid picked her up and placed her on his massive shoulder as the assembly broke out in wild applause and cheers, rising in a standing ovation for Hermione's rare academic success. Ron pumped the air with his fist as he sprinted forward, tears flowing down his freckled face. Still seated on Hagrid's shoulder, she opened her diploma to gaze through her tears at her ten Os. She only just registered the applause and cheers of her classmates, including Slytherin House, as Hagrid carefully put her down on the floor.

"I'm so proud of you Miss Granger," Professor McGonagall whispered to her.

Breathless and shocked, Hermione felt a physical jolt that turned out to be Ron embracing her. He carried her back to the family in his strong arms, kissing her and saying, "I told you so. I told you you'd be brilliant!" Rather than put her down so she could take a seat, he sat down himself with her in his lap, his arms around her waist.

Their tablemates continued to applaud, but she was only partially aware of them congratulating her because she was still caught up in the excitement of having achieved something only one other—a wizard—had ever achieved. Mr and Mrs Granger and the Weasleys were crying from pride as they repeated their accolades over and over.

"Way to go, Sis," Harry called over the din. "We knew if anyone could do something like that, you could!"

As Professor McGonagall proceeded through the roster of seventh-years, W came closer and closer. Ginny's nerves began to take hold, but Harry sensed it and sent her another wave of calm. Finally Professor McGonagall called her name. "Weasley, Ginevra!"

Ginny felt Harry give her a last gentle squeeze before letting go of her hand. She stepped forward to receive her diploma from Hagrid. As he had done with Hermione, he picked Ginny up and placed her on his shoulder as the assembly applauded her success as record breaking captain. When he put her down, Harry was waiting just as Ron had been for Hermione. He took her in his arms and hugged her. Not to be outdone, Harry carried Ginny back to the table too, and set her in his lap.

"Well, open it," Molly urged her daughter. "We want to see too!"

"Okay, Mum," she said, fumbling with the ribbon. "Don't get your knickers in a twist." Ginny finally unrolled the scroll and looked at the parchment.

The first grade was an O in Defence Against the Dark Arts. In Potions, she was surprised to receive an E. The rest of her NEWTs were As. Ginny had landed five NEWTs with a passing grade—a miracle beyond her dreams as far as she was concerned. She passed her diploma to Harry first, and then both girls' diplomas circulated through the gathered family. Harry proudly kissed Ginny tenderly and passionately, knowing how hard she worked to earn those marks.

"I'm so proud of you, Gin," Harry whispered into her ear. "I love you so much."

"I love you too, Harry," she replied. "I couldn't have done this without all your love and support. Thank you, my one and only love." Ginny leaned down to show him her appreciation in the form of a passionate kiss and a massive wave of desire through the bond.

Between Hermione and Ron, it was hard to say who was the prouder of the two. Hermione at least seemed to return to reality, but Ron continued to glow with pride and happiness for his beloved Hermione.

Once the last of the diplomas had been awarded, everyone's attention turned again to Professor McGonagall. "To friends and family, thank you for joining us today. You are welcome to stay for supper, which shall be served at six o'clock. In the meantime, please feel free to tour the castle and grounds with your students." She took her seat amid the applause of the assembly, still beaming at her favourite students: Harry Potter, Ronald Weasley, Hermione Granger, and Ginevra Weasley. Soon, these four would be married—Harry to Ginevra and Ron to Hermione. Severus, Albus: they've come a long way, but they've arrived. By Merlin, they've arrived!

Hermione and Ron spent the rest of the afternoon giving her parents the grand tour of Hogwarts castle and grounds. They showed them the Gryffindor common room and the dormitories they slept in for six years. They showed them Hagrid's hut, the pumpkin patch, the greenhouses, and the Whomping Willow. Hermione even goaded Ron into telling her parents the story about how he and Harry flew that old Ford Anglia to school and crashed it into the massive tree at the beginning of their second year. It might not have been humourous at the time, but as Ron told it, even he had to laugh at his and Harry's adventures in flying.

Harry and Ginny relaxed in the grounds with Arthur and Molly. There was no need to give them a tour. They were alumni. So they just sat by the lake and talked.

"How are your nerves with the wedding coming up," Arthur asked them.

"So far, so good," Ginny assured him. "Since we're already bonded, the wedding seems like more of a confirmation of our bond. I don't think I can tell how much I want it to be the twenty-fourth."

Harry agreed. He was already Ginny's for life. "You know that's less than two weeks away."

"Harry, you're right! Less than two weeks..." Ginny cuddled into him on the bench with her eyes twinkling.

"You are so sweet, dears," Molly smiled.

"Molly, how are the plans for the wedding coming," Harry asked.

"We're all set, thank you," Molly replied. Arranging Ginny's wedding had been a dream for Molly for many years. Now, just a little more than two weeks before the big day, she had it all planned and most of it already prepared.

The day passed quickly. After Arthur and Molly left, Harry and Ginny stayed up late staring into the fire on the rug just talking and snuggling. When they finally climbed into their bed, they were the last awake in Hogwarts castle. After a good snog, they lay in one another's arms, too tired to do anything more. Ginny's head rested on Harry's bare chest as she listened to his heartbeat. "Harry, we haven't quite decided... where will we live?"

"Your mum'd curse us if we didn't stay at the Burrow until the wedding. After that, we're going on our honeymoon. After that...have your pick. We do own quite a number of places, you know," Harry replied softly."

"Where do you want to live?"

Harry had given that some thought. "Not in Godric's Hollow. After visiting it, I don't really feel at home there," he said thoughtfully. "Actually I had one idea. Remember all that land we own around Ottery-St Catchpole? What if we build a home right there, not too far from the Burrow?"

Ginny felt a jolt in her body. Even if her parents wouldn't be more than a Floo or an Apparition away, wherever they would live, she immediately felt she would love to remain in Ottery-St Catchpole. "That would be...a dream," Ginny said kissing her wonderful Harry on his chest.

"It would be our home, Ginny. We can build it the way we want and make sure we can add more rooms whenever we need them. I don't want to live in an inherited Potter or Black residence," he said resolutely. "I want our home to be completely ours, lived in only by us."

"Me either. Our own home. I love that, Harry, and I love you."

Harry glanced down at Ginny. "Do you think we could live at the Burrow until our home is ready?"

"Harry, both Mum and Dad would love having us there, you know that. It would probably only be for the summer anyway."

"All right then. We build," he said, giving her a squeeze. "Goodnight, Ginny Love."

"Goodnight, my darling Harry."

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When Harry, Ginny, Ron, and Hermione arrived in the Great Hall for the feast, their favourite first-years were there waiting for them. They hadn't had much time with them since Harry and Ron went to work at the Ministry and Ginny and Hermione had thrown themselves headlong into their NEWT studies.

"Munchkins," Harry called, as Emma, Erica, and Patricia flew into his open arms. "How's my girls?"

"We missed you, Harry," Emma cried. "But we've been reading all about you in the Prophet. Everyone has!"

"Hey, where's my hugs," Ron asked with mock sadness on his face. "Don't I count?"

"Ron," Erica cried and threw herself into his arms. "We were so worried about you," she said, holding on to his waist for all she was worth.

"Well, I'm fine now," he said. "No worries. Nothing bad happened to me."

"But Hermione..." Patricia said, hugging her favourite of the four. "We thought you were going to...to..."

"Oh no, sweetheart," Hermione said. "I was just having a good sleep." She winked at Ron.

"That's right, Pat," Ron said. "She'd had a rough day one day, so she decided to take a long nap."

"Mr Ron," said a cracking Cockney voice. "We ain't babies. We know Miss 'Ermione was sick. It was in the ruddy Prophet. But we're glad she's all righ'. We knew in our 'eart of 'earts that she would be, but we was worried jus' the same." Joseph turned to Harry. "Are you really the 'Ead Auror, 'Arry?"

"Yes, I am. And Ron's the Assistant 'Ead...er... Head," Harry replied. "His father's our boss now too."

"That's keeping it all in the family, isn't it," Hermione said with a smirk.

"I think I'd like to be an Auror someday, meself," Joseph said. "Jus' like you lot. You really did somethin' when you caught that Mafalda person. Right chuffed I am!"

Emma gazed at Joseph with pure adoration on her face. Even at the tender age of eleven, she knew she'd found the man of her dreams. "You really want to be an Auror like Harry, Ron, and Mr Finnegan, Joseph?"

"I do, Emma. I'd be the first in me 'ole family to go inta law enforcement," he said, puffing out his chest.

"Then ye'll need ta study hard, mate," Seamus cut in. "Ye'll need to earn top marks in all yer classes, especially Defence Against the Dark Arts and Potions."

"Then that's wha' I'll do, Mr Finnegan, sir. An' I'll be catchin' dark wizards righ' along wif ya someday, I will," Joseph promised.

"Then we're looking forward to having you on our team, Joseph," Lavender declared. "Right Harry?"

"Absolutely!"

The Aurors and the Munchkins chatted and caught up on all the news, congratulating Ginny on her Quidditch victory with all the new records and exclaiming over Hermione's NEWT. scores. Patricia had worked very hard to make top grades so Hermione could be proud of her. She had earned Os in Defence Against the Dark Arts, Potions, and Muggle Studies and Es in History of Magic, Charms, and Herbology.

"Well done, Patricia," Hermione declared, hugging her. "We Muggleborns can show them how it's done, can't we?"

"Yes, but I have three Es I have to bring up so I can be like you, Hermione," she said.

"I didn't earn all Os my first year either. In fact, my Defence Against the Dark Arts OWL was an E," Hermione reassured her.

"Yeah, and it was the end of the world as she knew it," Ginny snorted. "She cried."

"Shut it, you," Hermione said. "You'll do it. Just keep at it."

"I will, Hermione. I'll read up all summer and be ready for next term," Patricia promised. "Maybe I'll be an Auror too, like Lavender!"

"I've created a collection of monsters," Harry said, slapping his palm to his forehead as they all had another laugh.

The Hall had filled up as the students assembled one last time. Professor McGonagall called the student body to order to award House points. "In fourth place, with 350 points, Slytherin House; in third place with 360 points, Hufflepuff House; in second place, with 400 points, Ravenclaw House; in first place with 500 points and the House Quidditch Cup, Gryffindor House! Well done, Gryffindors! Well done!" She clapped her hands twice as Professor Dumbledore had always done and the Great Hall was suddenly festooned with banners and draperies in the Gryffindor colours of red and gold. Gryffindor's lion roared from the banners overhead, as the student body applauded the winning house.

Ginny's heart swelled with enormous pride as she led her team forward to receive the House Quidditch Cup. They had been given individual trophies the day they won the last game, but tonight's was the formal presentation. Lifting it over her head, facing the Gryffindor table filled her with joy and a bit of sadness knowing this part of her life was coming to an end. One look at Harry cleared that right away. Her new life was going to be even better, she knew that. Getting married, building a home, and playing Quidditch with her beloved Harpies. What could be better?

Soon all the awards had been presented and Professor McGonagall called for quiet. "Another year at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry has come to an end. This has been a remarkable year in many ways. For me personally, it was my first as headmistress; for this school, its rebirth after the destruction of the war; for some of you, the last one; and others the first of a seven-year journey." Professor McGonagall paused to allow the student body their applause.

"We have also had the pleasure of hosting Dumbledore's Army as they trained here in a rather unique arrangement. These eight students are now trained and fully-fledge Aurors, led by Head Auror Harry Potter and Assistant Head Auror Ronald Weasley." She paused again to allow the student body to applaud. But before she could continue, the DA stood and assembled together in front of the dais, intending to honour their headmistress. Unbeknownst to Harry, Ginny, Hermione, Dennis Creevey, and a few of the other original members stood and sneaked up behind them to wait for the command.

"DA," Harry barked. They all snapped to attention. "Salute!" As one, they raised their wands to their faces and dropped them to their sides in one precision movement. The student body went wild, while tears streamed down Professor McGonagall's face.

"Face," Harry barked again. They all made an about face to the assembly. Harry about fell over at the sight of Ginny, Hermione, Dennis, and the others standing there with them. "Salute!" They repeated the salute. "Dis-missed," Harry barked and they returned to their places at their house tables. That sneaky little minx. I wish Neville could've been here...and Colin...and Fred.

Once the applause died down again, Professor McGonagall rose once more, still dabbing at her eyes with a lace handkerchief. "And now, let us end this year with a glorious feast prepared by our loyal house elves."

Ron looked at all the food that had appeared on the table. "This I will miss the most," he said digging in.

Harry smiled, enjoying the delicious dishes, including his favourite treacle tart.

The next morning, it was with mixed emotions that Harry, Ginny, Ron and Hermione walked out of the Entrance Hall toward the main gate for the last time as students. To their surprise the centaurs, the house elves, and the staff were all standing there, waiting to act as a sort of Honour Guard to accompany the four of them to Hogsmeade Station. Harry and his friends were perfectly speechless and not a word was spoken among them or their entourage. The only sound was the sweet twitter of a songbird somewhere in the trees.

Slowly, they walked out towards the gates hand-in-hand, nodding at those they knew. The silent homage touched them deeply, for they never expected anything like it. The line of people and magical creatures continued and behind them, the staff followed the students and Aurors, trailing out half way between the castle and the gates. This was a final tribute to the four of them in recognition of their great accomplishments and loyalty to the school.

The procession arrived at Hogsmeade to a throng of townspeople waiting on the platform. There were no cheers—just silent tears of gratitude. Aurors Dawlish, Thompson, Smith, and Collins—all who were left of the Senior Auror staff—saw to their trunks, Crookshanks' basket, and Pig's cage. They escorted their Chief, their Assistant Chief, and their ladies onto the scarlet and black train and into a compartment before the other students were allowed to board. Except for muttered thank yous, still not a word had passed anyone's lips.

Ginny and Hermione cried softly into Harry's and Ron's shoulders. Harry and Ron tried to blink back their own tears, but the solemnity of the entire affair touched them too deeply. Finally, Ron broke the silence as he sniffled and wiped his eyes. "That was... emotional." The other three nodded, wiping at their eyes.

Once the Aurors left the train, the other students began to climb aboard, dragging trunks and animal cages in tow. The four honourees in the compartment slowly began to realise how quiet it still was. It should have been a cacophony of students passing between the cars, stowing their gear, and settling into compartments. Theirs had been sealed against noise and intrusion and it was just too surreal for them. Hermione drew her wand and whispered, "Finite," and their compartment filled with the muffled sounds of the chaos that would punctuate the end of their magical education.

"So," Harry said brightly, reaching into the a pocket of his Auror's robes. "Anyone up for a game of Exploding Snap?" The four of them burst into laughter as Ron conjured a table between their seats. Harry shuffled the deck and distributed the cards to begin the game that they had made part of their year-end tradition on the homeward-bound Hogwarts Express.

"I'm going to miss this," Ginny said, snuggling into Harry's shoulder. "This train... Hogwarts... our friends..." The nostalgia had stricken all of them, but Ginny gave it voice. She choked down a sob and blinked back stinging tears. She hated to cry, especially in front of Harry.

"Yeah," Ron agreed. "This is really 'it' for us, isn't it?"

Hermione had begun to sniffle again as she climbed into Ron's lap and began to sob. She realised, as did the others, that this was just one more rite of passage in their lives, and in less than a week, Harry and Ginny would pass through another. Soon Ginny crawled into Harry's lap and they all sat there for the last hour of their journey back to King's Cross Station just holding one another as their emotions washed over them.

Soon, the Hogwarts Express began to slow and their tears began to come again in earnest. Finally, the train came to a stop at Platform 9 ¾. The Senior Aurors escorted the four friends off the train and into the waiting arms of their family.

"Welcome home, dears," Molly said with tears glistening in her eyes. "We're all so proud of you." She drew them all into tearful hugs as she and her husband helped them with their trunks and animals. This was the last time Molly and Arthur Weasley would meet the Hogwarts Express for any of their seven-plus-two children, and, it would be many years before they would see another of their own flesh and blood onto that train to Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry.