Harry's Future

by swissdog

A possible continuation of the last book of the Harry Potter series suggested by event in the last chapter and the epilogue

3. Chapter 3

Harry's Future, Part 3

"Harry? Harry! Wake up, Harry!"

"Mnph. What? Okay, I'm awake, Mrs. Weasley."

"You'd better get a move on, young man. The car from the Ministry will be here in half an hour to take us to King's Cross," Mrs. Weasley called through the closed bedroom door. "Ginny's been up for an hour."

"Okay, I'll be right down."

Harry dragged himself out of bed and stretched. He was still feeling the effects of trying to fit a summer's worth of flying into a week. But what a week. Having received a clean bill of health from St. Mungo's, Harry had finally been allowed to make use of his Firebolt flying broom. Long flights and Quidditch practices with Ginny had taken the place of his twice daily walks that had been the only physical activity he was allowed during his summer's long recuperation. Ginny had had the advantage of no such restriction and the improbable but highly effective assistance of Kreacher the house elf in honing her skills as a chaser. Harry was feeling rusty but by the end of the week felt he was getting back into flying trim, his natural talents making themselves felt even though his muscles were still trying to cope with the strain.

The soreness was not as pronounced this morning and by the time he was washed, dressed and sitting at the table gulping down his breakfast he was feeling more human, or wizard, as the case may be. Since he hadn't yet gotten his wand back, Mr. Weasley obliged by levitating his overburdened trunk down the stairs. Ginny's was already waiting by the door. That trunk's owner was presently sitting across from Harry and carrying on a decidedly one sided conversation about how excited and happy she was to be going back to school. The prospect of renewed Quidditch competition, showing off her new robes, seeing old friends and in a whispered confidence when her parents weren't nearby that she and Harry would be out from under parental supervision, had her acting more like a giddy second year then a young woman attending her seventh and last year of Hogwarts.

Harry couldn't help but smile around the mouthful of sausage he was currently working on at the sight of this beautiful young redhead who formed the core of all his hopes and plans for the future. He had seen her in so many dire circumstances and life threatening situations that to see her so happy and buoyant struck him to his heart. He reached across the table to take her hand and silently mouthed,

"I love you."

The object of his affections stopped in mid sentence, wide eyed and brought his hand up to her face and then kissed it. She smiled and didn't say another word until he was finished eating. It was just in time, as the sound of a car motor came through the half open front door.

"All right, my dears. Time to be off. Arthur? Are we ready to go?"

"Yes, Molly, dear. I'll handle Harry's trunk, Ginny can manage hers."

Two trunks floated down the short walkway to where the large Ministry sedan waited. The driver, dressed in a dark muggle suit waited with the boot open. The baggage was quickly stowed. Harry had his new barn owl in its cage and he and Ginny slipped in first with Mrs. Weasley. Mr. Weasley took the front passenger seat and when all were secure the car backed around and headed off for King's Cross station in London.

"You realize, of course, Arthur, that this is the last time we'll be making this trip."

"I know, Molly. The end of an era. But a very happy, satisfying end. But don't forget, next month we'll be coming back to begin our vacation. A wizard's tour of the Mediterranean."

"Thank you for that, Harry. It's very generous and completely unnecessary, you know," Mrs. Weasley said.

"Yes, ma'am, I know. We've had this discussion but after putting up with me all summer you deserve a break."

The discussion, sometimes contentious, in a family kind of way, had been a continuation of the one Harry had with Mr. Weasley about the gift of one hundred Galleons that had 'magically' appeared in the Weasleys' account at Gringotts. Mrs. Weasley didn't seem to mind when some of the money was used to buy Ginny her first set of top flight robes but when it was proposed to use the rest plus a small bonus that Arthur had received for his hard work over the summer to go on a vacation she raised many objections. Harry and Arthur used every logical argument they could think of to convince her until Harry fell back on an untrumpable gambit. They were sitting around the table, Harry, Arthur and Ginny, with Mrs. Weasley standing with her back to them doing dishes. Harry stood up, came up behind his 'adopted' mother and gently but firmly turned her to face him. He pulled her into a warm embrace and said quietly, which was now recognized as Harry at his most serious,

"Mum," he started, and he felt Mrs. Weasley shudder a bit, "you have given me so much for so long, why can't I be allowed to give this little bit back?"

It was simple, sincere and absolutely devastating to the objections Molly Weasley had been raising about wasting his money, needing to hold on to it for the future and all other manner of motherly logic. After a loud sniffle from the region of Harry's shoulder she looked up at him and said through teary eyes,

"That was so unfair, Harry," she began. "How am I to possibly argue with that?"

"You can't, that was the whole idea," he said, his bright green eyes alight with mischief.

Harry's 'Mum' laughed, stepped back and swatted him with the dish towel that was still clutched in her hand.

And that was that. They chatted about nothing in particular as the magical car slipped and slid it's way through the muggle traffic and in short order they found themselves on the sidewalk outside King's Cross. The driver pulled the two trunks out of the boot and onto a trolley. Harry placed the owl cage on top of the trunks and was making ready to push it when Mr. Weasley waved him off. He had a funny look on his face for he had seen something Harry was yet to notice.

"Hey, Harry, Harry Potter," called out an all too familiar voice.

Harry whipped around and saw standing some ten feet away the large form of Dudley Dursley. He was standing alone, looking uncomfortable and out of place. Harry took a couple of steps forward.

"Dudley?" he asked incredulously. "What are you doing here?"

"Um, I came to see you, Harry. That strange old lady, Mrs. Figg, came by back in July and told us what had happened. Said you'd be starting earlier this year. I just came up to see how you were." Dudley spent most of the time looking at his shoes.

"Gee, thanks, Big D.," Harry said, which got a little smile from Dudley. "It was kinda rough there for a while but it's good, it's all good. Uh, how are your mum and dad doing?"

"They're Mum and Dad, ya know. I've been working at Dad's business, on the loading platform. He says I gotta work my way up, but its ok, you know. I gotta get going. Dad only gave me a half day off to come up here. Just wanted to see if you were okay, ya know." The last was said with his head up, his eyes questioning.

"Thanks, Dudley. I'm glad you did, it means a lot," Harry said, holding out his hand.

It was engulfed in Dudley's meaty paw. Dudley gave Harry a true smile and then turned and began walking away.

"Hey, Big D," Harry called out.

Dudley turned around.

"Take it easy and don't give Uncle Vernon any trouble. That was my job."

Dudley laughed a bit and as he walked away his head was a little higher and his step a little lighter. Mr. Weasley clapped Harry on the shoulder and Mrs. Weasley smiled at him.

"He's family, you know?" Harry said as way of explanation.

Ginny took hold of Harry's arm and together they walked into the station, found the wall between platforms nine and ten and stepped through. When Mr. and Mrs. Weasley followed through they found Harry and Ginny at the center of a small mob. Hermione was there as was Luna Lovegood with her large dreamy eyes, little Dennis Creevey was bouncing up and down with excitement and dozens of other Hogwarts students were gathered around to welcome him back 'home'. The Weasleys made their way over to the baggage car and stood watching as the porters loaded the trunks in. Mrs. Weasley held onto Harry's owl cage. The conductor was the one who finally had to wade in and bring the impromptu reception to an end.

"All right, you all need to be getting on the train, only fifteen minutes until the express pulls out," the conductor shouted to be heard above the din. "Yes, yes, you can all say hello to Mr. Potter later. Right now he needs to get on the train just as you all do. Mr. Potter if you and Miss Granger would come with me please. I'm afraid the young lady will have to find her way ….what? Well, I don't know…most irregular, well if you insist, please come this way then."

As he spoke the conductor was working to separate Harry and Hermione, and apparently reluctantly, Ginny, away from the well wishers and back to the rear of the train. Mr. and Mrs. Weasley were just able to give them their good byes before they were shown to the last car. Harry couldn't remember ever seeing this car on his previous trips on the express and based on the looks from Hermione and Ginny, neither had they. The conductor led them up the steps and opened the door. The back half of the rear car was given over to a single large compartment appointed with very comfortable looking chairs, couches and a table.

"Compliments of Hogwarts and the Ministry, Mr. Potter, Ms. Granger. Please make yourself comfortable and have a pleasant trip. Gots to go round up the rest of them lot and get 'em on the train."

"Uh, yeah, thanks," Harry said a little dazed.

He stepped into the compartment and said to no one in particular,

"A bit much, don't you think?"

Ginny flounced down onto a big overstuffed chair and said,

"I dunno Harry, might be fun to ride in style for once. The compartments get a little cramped with six people shoved in."

"Come on, Ginny, you know this isn't me. What about my friends? I was looking forward to talking with them on the way up."

"Well, Harry," Hermione began, having taken a seat near Ginny. "First of all most of your close friends, besides us that is, won't be on the train. Ron is already at Hogsmeade, who knows when Neville will show up, and the rest are finished with school or are…"

"Yeah, I know."

"Besides, Harry, no reason you can't invite people back here. I bet this door leads forward. Yup, once we get rolling I'll take a stroll and see who's out there and we can have a little party right here," Ginny offered.

"Ok, I guess that should be alright."

Within half an hour of the train pulling out of the station several friends of Harry, Ginny and Hermione that were on the train were comfortably ensconced in the spacious compartment.

"Wow, Harry, this is really amazing," offered Luna Lovegood. "It's like your some kind of foreign dignitary or something."

"More like they didn't want me starting up some commotion on the rest of the train."

"Come on Harry, don't be so surprised that people want to do things for you," Ginny said, her face looking serious. "Just say thank you and let them do what they can. Trying to turn them down or getting all embarrassed will just hurt their feelings. You spent a lot of years with people trying to tear you down. Enjoy the feeling of them trying to appreciate what you did for them, us. Ok?"

"Ok, Ginny. You're probably right."

"Yes, just remember that I'm always probably right and life will be so much nicer."

Then she laughed and gave him a hug. Harry could only smile. So the little band at the back of the train sat and talked, cleaned out the snack cabinet and played a number of hands of Exploding Snap. It was the best trip to Hogwarts any of them ever had.

As usual the train pulled into Hogsmeade station well after sundown. The carriages were there as usual and Hagrid was there to round up the first years as usual and the station was engulfed in momentary chaos and pandemonium, as usual. Harry, Ginny and Hermione got out of the last car by themselves, their visitors having returned to their original seats to gather their coats and slip on their school robes.

"Alright there, Harry?" boomed Hagrid over the heads of the first years.

"Hey there, Hagrid, yup, doing great, thanks."

"Hello Hermione, Ginny, see ya all in the Great Hall," he yelled. "Alright, all ya first years, follow me ta the boats, great night for sailing.

The three made their way to the last coach in line, Harry seeing the thestrals standing in their traces. The ride up to the castle was short and uneventful. As they strode up the stairs to the main doors, the Gryffindor ghost, Sir Nicholas drifted out to meet them.

"Ah, Harry Potter and Miss Granger. So good to have you back with us. And of course you, too, Miss Weasley. I have been asked to inform you that your place at the Gryffindor table will be at the extreme end of the senior section, denoting your place as the most senior seventh years. Miss Weasley you may sit with them since you'll be in the seventh year section as well."

"Thanks, Sir Nicholas, it's great to be back," replied Harry.

The ghost waved them through the doors with a formal bow, holding his nearly severed head in place with one hand. The Great Hall was abuzz with conversation as the second through seventh years had found their places. Harry and Hermione found their places at the end of the Gryffindor table and Ginny slid in beside Harry. Many of the older Gryffindors waved at them from along the table. There were further acknowledgements from the other tables, even a wave or two from the Slytherin table. Harry made sure to return them as best he could.

"May I have your attention please," Professor McGonagall said as she rapped the gavel.

That she was addressing the assembled students indicated that she was at least still acting Headmistress. The students applauded loudly. More gaveling finally got them settled.

"Yes, thank you. Welcome back to another, and I hope successful, year at Hogwarts. I hope that all of you had a good summer and that you return ready to work hard. As you know we are here a week early to allow for a review period to assist you to get back on track for this year's studies. For those of you who had been removed from the school early last year and now find yourself repeating, we hope this period well help ease your transition back into the school. The faculty stands ready to help you in any way, but regardless of what has transpired in the past, we will expect you all to uphold the standards and traditions of the school. As you may have noticed, contrary to what you were told by me the last time we met, it was decided that the first years would likewise be called in to start the school year early. It was felt it would allow them to become acclimated to the school in the usual way and feel a part of the effort to get us back to normal."

"So now if you will, let's welcome our new first years. Professor Sprout, if you would."

The short, rotund Professor of Herbology made her way down the aisle between the Gryffindor and Ravenclaw tables followed by a double line of eleven year olds. It appeared that there was no shortage of new students, combined with the returning muggle-borns minus the few junior students who were lost to Voldemort's forces, it looked like Hogwarts would be a little crowded this year. The Slytherin table looked to be the most affected with fully half the seats vacant. Professor Sprout lined them up along the front of the raised dais that held the faculty table. From Harry's distant view point it was hard to make out the small faces but he could only imagine that they looked anywhere from apprehensive to down right terrified at what was to come, especially those who were born of non magical parents and had no idea what was to happen. As the sorting hat began its annual recitation Harry's thoughts drifted back to his time at the front of the room. Barely aware of his real heritage and all that lay ahead of him he recalled what the hat had said to him, about the courage, the talent, and the strength of mind, of his need to prove himself. He also remembered his fateful decision to beg the hat not to put him in Slytherin where it first thought to place him. Perhaps it had picked up on that piece of Voldemort that resided within. He was pulled out of his thoughts by the applause at the end of the hat's performance.

"Wow, did you hear that Harry?" Ginny said excitedly.

"Hear what? I was a little distracted."

"The hat, Harry, the hat. It called on all of Hogwarts to follow your example for bravery and selflessness and perseverance. You didn't hear it?" Hermione said with some exasperation.

Harry just shook his head and realized that the applause wasn't for the hat, it was for him. Everyone in the Hall was standing up and applauding and looking right at him. He groaned inwardly and could only offer a smile and wave. Professor McGonagall must have used a Sonorous spell because her voice boomed out over the hall.

"Alright everyone, that's enough. On to business please." She switched off the spell and then said,

"Professor Sprout, if you please."

The portly professor unrolled the scroll of parchment and began calling out names in alphabetical order. Harry applauded loudly for all the selections although a bit more for the new Gryffindors. Soon it was over.

"Now, enjoy your dinner one and all."

The welcoming feast appeared as always and Harry began to serve both Ginny and himself. He was still a bit taken aback by what had occurred but as Ginny had said he needed to adjust to it and let things take their course. As he ate he looked about the room for familiar faces and lamenting the loss of those either through graduation or death that he wouldn't see again. He looked up at the faculty table and caught sight of Bill Weasley who was having a quiet conversation with Professor Slughorn. Hagrid was there of course, bigger than life. He recognized other teachers as well. It gave him a sense of comfort. During dessert the heads of houses walked along their tables handing out schedules. Bill was taking over for Professor McGonagall and when he got to Harry he said,

"Here you are' Harry, quite a load you're carrying. Shouldn't be too bad though compared to last year," Bill said, his scarred face showing half a smile.

"Thanks, Bill..I mean Professor Weasley," Harry said with a smile.

"As you can see, your first DADA class with the first years is Tuesday right after lunch. I'll be there to introduce you then you're on your own."

"Yes, sir," he replied with a wink and got one in return.

"Let's see your schedule, Harry," Hermione said.

He slid the paper over and she began to read it.

"It's a full week and no mistake, Harry, but I think we can sort it out. Let me hold on to this and I'll jot out some notes and give it back to you in the morning. I see we have a few classes together so we can study together. How about you Ginny, any thing in common?"

"Um, let's see, yes, Defense Against the Dark Arts, Charms, and Potions. Looks like we have three together. That'll be cool."

Harry leaned over and whispered but not very quietly,

"Or very distracting."

Ginny giggled and Hermione rolled her eyes then laughed. Harry was glad that his new school bag was a good size. He didn't think he'd have time to sprint back to the tower to exchange books midday. The conversation went on for about fifteen minutes until Professor McGonagall gaveled for silence.

"Now that you've all gotten a look at what busy schedules you have it's time for you to retire and get ready for a very full year. My best wishes for your success. You are dismissed."

The students all rose and began moving out of the hall. The Gryffindor Prefect motioned for Harry and Hermione and then walked over to join them.

"Mr. Potter, Miss Granger, we've made arrangements for your rooms. You'll find them at the very top of the tower using your respective staircases. They are a bit small but you'll have them to yourselves. With extra students we've had to make some changes. Third, Fourth and Sixth years have six in a room for the boys. The common room is going to be a bit crowded this year," he said with wry grin.

"Oh, thanks, um…" Harry grasped for a name.

"It's Tom, sir. Tom Medford."

"Medford? Are you related to Dr. Medford of St. Mungo's?"

"Yes, sir. He's my uncle, my dad's oldest brother."

"Wow, he'd been a lot of help to me this past summer," Harry replied with a big smile.

"That's good to hear, he couldn't tell us a lot about what he was doing. Doctor patient confidentiality. But he did say it was the most interesting case he's ever worked on. You know, I thought my first name was going to be of more interest to you, all things considered." His face looked a little anxious.

"Don't worry about it, Tom," Harry laughed. "I'm not going to go around hexing everyone I find with that name. Oh, and it's, Harry."

"Ok, Harry. Duty calls," he said then called back over his shoulder. "Alright, Gryffindors, lets get moving. First years, keep up and stay in order. It's easy to get lost at first."

Harry hung back with Ginny and Hermione and let all the Gryffindors go past, then fell in behind. He wanted to be able to talk to them and at the same time figured they could help herd the first years along. He remembered how confusing it was his first time.

"Private rooms. Very swank, you two, I'm jealous," teased Ginny.

"Probably some old attic they threw beds and a desk into," Harry said.

"Now, Harry, you know full well they wouldn't do that to you. I'm sure it's going to be very nice no matter what size," Hermione mock scolded.

"Well, if nothing else, it will make it easier, what with having Kreacher along. I'm still kind of surprised they agreed to let him stay here."

"I dunno Harry, it was Professor McGonagall's decision and since it was mentioned how much help he was with my Quidditch practice and you know how she feels about the cup and all," she said with a grin and a shrug.

"You know I never thought about that, but she's the Headmistress now, she can't be partial anymore."

"Harry, you are just so cute when you're so clueless. Of all the things the Professor is, being a Gryffindor supporter is the thing she is most," Ginny said giving Harry her most superior look.

"I guess you're right, Ginny. Hey, you, first year. Watch where you're going, you almost fell down the wrong staircase."

"I'm sorry, sir, Mr. Potter, sir," the young boy said.

"Don't be sorry, just be careful, okay?" Harry said kindly.

"Yes, sir," the boy replied as he hurried forward to catch up with his classmates.

"Well, Professor Potter, you handled that pretty well," Hermione said.

"Thank you, Miss Granger," Harry said with his most haughty tone, his nose pointed to the ceiling.

Ginny clouted Harry on the shoulder while Hermione poked him hard in the ribs with her fist. Harry laughed and darted forward to escape their mock wrath. They finally found themselves at the portal to the Gryffindor common room. The Fat Lady was still on guard although her portrait was swung back out of the way to allow entrance to the students. Harry ducked around and said,

"Good evening, ma'am, good to see you again."

"Hullo, Harry, it is very good to see you," she then leaned forward and said in a low whisper. "Should they neglect to inform you, the password is 'better days'".

Then she gave him a conspiratorial wink. Harry laughed and winked back. He then waved and came back around in time to see Hermione climb through the hole. Harry followed through and the portrait swung closed on its own. All of the students were packed into the common room while Tom Medford read out the rules for the Gryffindors and room assignments. This was mostly for the benefit of the first years, many of whom didn't have any idea what was going on. Harry hung back by the end of the entrance tunnel. He didn't wish to create any more of a distraction than was possible. It was a gallant but mostly futile gesture. Heads were constantly turning in his direction; a second year actually fell over a low footstool when she tried to get a better look at him and took a misstep. The Prefect rolled his eyes and his shoulders drooped. He looked over at Harry.

"Ok, Tom, I had hoped to avoid this but, everyone, can I get your attention for a minute. Yes, I'm Harry Potter. No, I'm not ten feet tall or covered in ogre skin or anything else even more ridiculous that you might have heard. It wasn't all that long ago that I was a very confused first year like you are," he said looking pointedly at the youngsters huddled by the fireplace. "And I'm just as excited as those of you returning to what ever year you're in. Maybe I'm more excited since I may actually get through a year with out some major disaster," he said with a lopsided grin.

This got a few laughs and the tension in the room began to dissipate.

"And yes, you will see me as an instructor in the Defense Against the Dark Arts classes, but I'm a teaching assistant, not a professor, so please, don't let my presence in the tower cause you any anxiety. Ok?"

He got mostly nods and a few 'ok, Harry' from the older students and a few high pitched 'yes, sir' from the younger. Harry smiled back and said,

"Ok, Tom, hopefully they'll pay attention to you now," he said with a smile.

"Thanks, Harry. Right, now as I was saying, boys to the left, girls to the right, you'll find your rooms labeled and your trunks already placed inside. Harry and Hermione will be at the top of the tower in their own rooms. No one, and I mean, no one, is allowed up there without their expressed permission, understood?"

This got a more vocal response.

"Alright you lot, up you go. See you in the morning."

Harry, Ginny and Hermione hung back until the rest of the students made their way up the stairs. Ginny then gave Harry a hug and brief kiss and whispered,

"See you in the morning, my hero," she said, only half playfully.

"Good night, my love," he replied softly.

Harry watched her ascend the stairs to the girls' side of the dormitory rooms.

"Good night, Harry. I'll make a few notes before I go to sleep and return your schedule in the morning."

"Thanks, Hermione. I know with your help I'm going to do just fine this year."

"You're welcome, Harry," was all she said but gave him a hug and then she went up the stairs.

Harry walked up the stairs to the room at the top of the tower. It was a fair way up but any Hogwarts student was well accustomed to stairs so Harry didn't mind too much. When he got to the door he found the brass key in the lock so he took it out and opened the door. It wasn't so bad. It was about the size of the room he had shared with Ron, Neville, Seamus and Dean, perhaps a bit smaller. It held the traditional four poster bed but the curtains were left off since he had all the privacy he needed. There was a desk, a wardrobe and a larger storage cabinet. His trunk was at the foot of his bed but it was empty. All his clothes had been put away and his pajamas were laid out on the bed. There was also a good sized window that gave a fine view of the lake, Hogsmeade and the mountains. What he didn't see was Kreacher. He knew he had been there since all his things were put away but he wasn't to be seen or in any of the cabinet spaces.

"Kreacher?" Harry called out.

With a pop the house elf appeared.

"Yes, Master Harry?"

"There you are. Thanks for taking care of all my stuff, Kreacher."

"It is Kreacher's task and…" he appeared to be searching for the right world, "Kreacher's pleasure to attend to Master Harry's possessionsarry. Master finds all is well?"

"Yes, Kreacher, it's great. Um, where did you put your basket and blanket, Kreacher?"

"If Master Harry does not object, Kreacher would like to find a sleeping space with the other Hogwarts house elves. Kreacher has found welcome with the other elves and it would make Kreacher happy to spend time with the Hogwarts elves."

"Well, sure, Kreacher. I think that would be really great. I don't mind at all. By the way, have you given any thought to what I've asked you about being free and working for wages?" Harry asked him.

"Yes, Master Harry, and Kreacher is beginning to understand what Master Harry is talking about. Kreacher will tell Master Harry soon."

"Ok, Kreacher. That's fine."

"If Master Harry has no need of Kreacher tonight, may Kreacher retire for the night?"

"Sure, Kreacher. Have a good night."

The house elf bowed and popped out of sight. Harry smiled at the thought of Kreacher socializing with the Hogwarts house elves. He remembered from his look at his schedule that tomorrow he had Potions first and then Charms. He laughed at the thought of how depressing it would have been to have Potions first off. How things had changed. He pulled his books down and then it hit him. He was supposed to have talked to Professor Dumbledore when he returned to Hogwarts, plus he needed his wand for tomorrow's Charms class. He made sure he had his door key, closed the door behind him and hurried down the stairs, through the common room and out through the portal. Technically it was still within hours for students to be out and he wasn't sure if his status as a teaching assistant would allow him more latitude but he hurried to the Headmaster's office as quickly as he could.

In short order he found himself at the statue that served as the door to the stairwell that led up to the office anteroom. What he didn't have was the password that would move the statue aside. Harry was feeling more then a little foolish. He knew that Dumbledore was fond of sweets as passwords but he had no idea what Professor McGonagall would use.

"Quidditch cup."

The statue didn't budge. Harry began to run through a dozen different words and nothing happened. As he stood there scratching his unruly hair, the statue moved aside without his prompting.

"Come up, Potter," the acting Headmistress called down.

Harry hurried up the stairs and found Professor McGonagall waiting for him at the top. She smiled at him and said,

"Go on in, Harry, he's waiting for you. I'm off to my room so you can let yourself out. The password is 'hope'."

He walked toward the office door as he heard Professor McGonagall's footsteps fade and then the grinding of the statue moving back into position. He hesitated a moment then grasped the handle and pushed the door open. He stepped into the dimly lit room. It was just as he remembered. He did notice that Fawkes was not there nor his stand. He could hear the snores coming from the various portraits but he was pretty sure most of them were fake. When he focused on the portrait of Albus Dumbledore he found the former Headmaster fully awake and alert watching Harry with the same twinkle in his eye and small smile that Harry remembered so well.

"Good evening, Harry. It's very good to see you looking so well."

"Thanks, Professor. It's great to see you again."

"First of all, Harry, you will find your wand there on the desk. Please feel free to reclaim it."

Harry looked down at the desk and there in the middle was his wand. He walked up to the desk and reached out and took it. The wood felt warm in his hand and he got a tingle up his arm as he held it. Without a word he took it and tucked it inside his robe.

"Harry, I've said this before, but allow me an old man's tendency to repeat myself. You have performed more magnificently than I could possibly have imagined. I am overjoyed that you are alive and well and back here at Hogwarts."

"Thank you, Professor, I'm glad to be here. Really glad. But I wonder if I can ask you something?"

"You may, Harry. I will hold nothing back. The time for that has passed."

"Did you think that there was any way I was going to live through all this?"

"I had always hoped, Harry, but quite frankly I thought the probability to be very, very slight. It seems Tom Riddle wasn't the only one to underestimate the power of your mother's love for you, Harry. I thought that at the least, the last encounter with Riddle would have been the end for you."

"But you were willing to send me out against Voldemort anyway, weren't you?"

"Yes, Harry, I was. Many lives had been lost to him over the years. My hope had been that if you did die, you would be the last. I will make no excuses nor offer any apologies, my boy. This was war and sacrifices had to be made. But it does not diminish my joy at your success and my boundless admiration for you. You, on the other hand, have every right and reason to think much less kindly about me."

Harry took in a deep breath. It answered many questions and he let them work their way into his mind. As he looked around the room he saw a fully set wizard's chess board. The analogy wasn't lost on him. He walked over to the board and looked at the two kings. He laid them both down on the board and then picked up a pawn. He placed it in the middle of the board.

"Something like this, Professor?"

"Yes, Harry, something just like that. Both kings dead and the pawn survives. But Harry, you were, and are, far more than a pawn, but I accept your analogy."

"No, Professor, I don't believe I will think less kindly of you. Your choices in this were few and desperate. You made your moves for the greater good. I can't hold that against you."

From the portraits came a smattering of 'here, here', 'well done him' and from one up high near the rafters,

"Mark my words, he'll be on this wall one day."

Harry could only smile and shrug, who knew what the future held? He spent some time telling Dumbledore of his summer and when they got to the matter of his unaided 'Arresto Momentum' spell again there were murmurs from around the room.

"Yes, Harry, Professor McGonagall told me about what had happened. Truly incredible. It would seem you possess unexplored depths. I would encourage you to take the time you have this year to explore them. I will of course always be at your disposal to offer what I can, but as always Harry, the true answers will come from within you. As such I have ever confidence that you will succeed. Now I suggest you get along to bed, you have a busy day ahead."

"Yes, sir, a good many of them. Good night, sir. Good night, ladies and gentlemen," he offered to the other portraits.

"Good night, Harry," replied Dumbledore.

There was a chorus of good wishes and a few comments about what fine manners he had for one so young. Harry walked out of the office and through the anteroom and down the stairs. He said 'hope' and the statue swung away. He took his time as he considered what he had been told. It was true, that in the battle between Voldemort and Dumbledore he had been like a chess piece, perhaps not a pawn, maybe a night or bishop but a piece none the less. One that would have been sacrificed if it had been necessary. And they thought it would be. Very sobering thoughts but ones that he could now handle based on the outcome. He climbed the last staircase feeling strangely at peace. He had come to understand his place in the greater scheme of things and he could accept it. It's amazing what survival can do for ones outlook.

"Better days," Harry said to the portrait who swung aside slowly, the Fat Lady looking sleepy.

"Thank you," Harry said.

He crawled through and made his way up to his room. He changed into his pajamas and climbed into bed. He lay with his hands behind his head staring up at the ceiling, his eyes tracing the cracks and knots in the exposed ceiling beams. His mind was full of images and this triggered the memory of his session with Dr. Medford and how the use of the TV analogy had led him to quickly deal with thwarting the remnant of Voldemort. He wondered if using that same kind of imagery might help him with other aspects of magic. He'd have to give that some thought. Another thought that bubbled up out of nowhere was that wizards and witches performed a lot of magic without wands. They Apparated and Disapparated without wands, used floo powder, flew on brooms and communicated with their owls without wands. There were many questions he hoped he could find the answers to this year. Without the fear of Voldemort hanging over his head he thought he could finally try and learn something significant about magic. If he wanted to pass his NEWTs he better learn. He finally drifted off to sleep.

*****

"Master Harry must wake up."

"What? Oh, ok, thanks, Kreacher. Guess I don't need an alarm clock with you around."

"Kreacher does not know what an alarm clock is but it is Kreacher's task to awake Master Harry in the morning. Master Harry's things are laid out and Master Harry may use the Prefects' bathing room. A note was left under the door by the one named Tom."

"Ok, thanks."

Harry dragged himself out of bed and pulled on his robe and slippers. He made his way down the stairs, bumping into the occasional sleepy eyed Gryffindor. The door to the Perfects' bathing room opened at Harry's touch and it looked much the same as it had four years earlier when he used it to discover the secret of the second clue, the Mer peoples' song in the dragon's egg. He pulled off his pajamas and stepped into the shower stall. The initial rush of cold water helped wake him up and then the eventual warm water made the shower a pleasant experience. He was washed and back in his room by seven thirty and down to breakfast by eight. Ginny and Hermione were already there and when Harry walked up to his place at the table, Ginny bounced up and gave him a big hug and a peck on the cheek.

"Good morning, Harry, how did you sleep last night?"

"Not too bad, took a bit to drift off but no problems. How about you?"

"It took awhile, we had lots to catch up on," she said with a giggle.

"Oh really? I can imagine," he said.

Both Hermione and Ginny began to laugh and Ginny pulled Harry down to his seat on the bench. They ate their breakfast and as there were no notices to be read, students began moving to their respective classrooms about fifteen minutes before nine o'clock. Harry, Hermione and Ginny along with the few other Gryffindor seventh years taking Potions made their way to the dungeon classroom that had held so many bad memories for the three of them. As they entered, Professor Slughorn was there to greet them.

"Good morning, everyone. Welcome to Potions. Please find places for yourselves. Choose what partners you'd like and let's get on with our review. As you know, we will take this week to remind ourselves about what an accomplished sixth year should know and be prepared to deal with as seventh years seeking a successful outcome on their NEWT."

Harry and Ginny paired up without even thinking about it. Hermione found herself paired with a Gryffindor seventh year girl. The other students, apparently a mix of Gryffindors and Ravenclaws continued to file in. Last to make her way into the room was Luna Lovegood. She gave Harry and Ginny an airy wave and settled into the back of the room.

"Harry, I'm glad to see you looking so well. My potion was helpful, I trust."

"Yes, sir. A healer from St. Mungo's came out and helped me deal with my dreams and I didn't need it after that, but it was very effective while I was using it."

"Well done then. And that is an important lesson to learn," he directed to the rest of the class. "Healing potions can be marvelous things, but it is never good to rely on them longer then they are intended. This is something we will discuss as the year progresses."

And so began his first class of his last year at Hogwarts. It opened up a whole different world to Harry. He found himself hanging on every word, eager to learn. He began to understand the excitement that Hermione must feel when some new bit of information took its place. During that week he absorbed significant amounts of information either new that he hadn't picked up when he went through his sixth year or were so far down in his subconscious that they needed to be dredged up again. Two classes that week were note worthy. The first was his initial charms class that first morning. Tiny Professor Flitwick stood atop his pile of books on his desk.

"Good morning, class, so good to see you all again. I trust you are all in good health and that you have your wands well cared for and ready. We will do some preliminary exercises to get you warmed up, although I dare say some of you have had plenty of practice in the recent past," the little Professor said with a wry grin.

"Please pair off and practice the following charms together, Levitation and Lumos. Harry, if you would I'd like to speak to you over here please."

This request left Ginny and Hermione to practice together while Harry walked over to the Professor's desk.

"Harry, I'm sorry that I haven't had the time to speak with you before this, but based on what Professor McGonagall has told me about what happened on your birthday, we need to proceed carefully. What you were able to accomplish in that moment of stress is an indication of what might be possible with your wand. We need to probe that and the first step will be a little demonstration. I don't mean to put you on display but it is an important lesson. This is an advanced class and your situation presents an advanced opportunity. Is that all right with you, my boy?"

"Sure, Professor, whatever you think is best," Harry replied.

"Excellent, let's move over to the other side of the room. Everyone," he called out. "Please halt your practice and take a place on that side of the room.'

He pointed to the far side with the windows. Using his wand he moved a large wooden mannequin and placed it a foot in front of the stone wall directly opposite the window. The mannequin's arm was held up with a false wand in its hand.

"You are all advanced students that have obtained high marks on your OWL. You show excellent potential to do very well in your NEWT otherwise you would not be here. One thing that you must learn is that you cannot just point your wand, yell out the name of a charm and wait for the results. The results could be more then what you want. You must also learn to control the amount of power you put through your wand, like you would water through a faucet. To demonstrate my point I would like for Mr. Potter to use one of his best charms, Expelliarmus. As you know, this is a disarming charm meant to remove a weapon from an opponent's hand which is well within the capabilities of the average witch or wizard. A strong wizard or several acting in concert can knock down or even throw the opponent some distance."

Harry flashed back to his duel with Malfoy in his second year when he tossed his nemesis backward with the Expelliarmus charm.

"With Mr. Potter's assistance we will explore what can happen if that power is not properly controlled. Harry, if you would please, use the Expelliarmus charm on that mannequin with as much force as you can muster."

"Um, ok, Professor, if you say so."

Harry took out his wand and took a dueling stance. He took a deep breath and let it out. He pictured in his mind's eye a dark wizard preparing to cast a curse at his classmates. He felt a tingling in his hand. He waved the wand and shouted,

"EXPELLIARMUS!"

The result was spectacular to say the least. The air between the tip of Harry's wand and the mannequin appeared to burn a bright blue. The mannequin slammed against the stone wall and shattered into hundreds of shards that sprayed around the far end of the room. The sound was like a small clap of thunder. Harry stood dumbfounded as he looked at the damage he had caused. He was afraid to turn around.

"Thank you, Mr. Potter. As you can see, class, the use of unrestrained power can have dire consequences. As you progress through the year, this will become more and more important. Now, why don't you all pitch in and levitate those fragments into the rubbish bin over there. Harry, if you would, please?"

"Yes, sir," Harry said as he slowly turned away from the wreckage his stunned classmates were starting to clear up.

"As I said, my boy, we have some things to work on. I hope that my doing it this way hasn't upset you but I could talk to you for hours and it wouldn't mean as much as a simple demonstration."

Harry doubted that this was a simple demonstration but he understood what Professor Flitwick was driving at. He just nodded.

"Good. I'd also ask you not to make use of your wand without my direct supervision for a while, unless it's an emergency. We don't want any accidents, alright?"

"Yes, sir, I understand."

"Very good. Now, I'll ask you a question. How do you think you can best deal with this?"

Harry sat on the edge of a desk and looked down at the floor for a moment. Behind him he could hear the sound of small bits of wood being dropped into the trash bin and the murmur of students casting the Wingardium Leviosa spell. He thought about his ideas on imagery and looked back at the little wizard.

"Well, sir, over the summer I had some success in using images in my mind to deal with some complex magical issues."

He went on to explain the work he had done with Dr. Medford in taming the last little shred of Tom Riddle and the ideas he had about using it for other situations.

"Yes, Harry," Professor Flitwick said excitedly. "I think you may have the right of it. Let me consider it and we'll work on it at the next class. Alright everyone, let's take our seats and begin our review."

Ginny came to sit next to Harry and she gave him a questioning look. He smiled back at her and gripped her hand to reassure her that he was ok. She smiled back and they turned their attention to the Professor as he began his review.

The next interesting event was, as could be expected, Harry's first Defense Against the Dark Arts class for the first years. Harry entered the classroom before the students had arrived and found Bill Weasley waiting for him, standing by the big desk in front of the room.

"Well, Mr. Potter, are you ready?" Bill asked, his scarred face split with a grin.

"Yes, I think so, Professor Weasley, as ready as I'll ever be."

"That should be more than sufficient, Harry. Ah, and here they come now."

The scene could only be described as comical. Two houses of first years, Ravenclaw and Hufflepuff, timidly walked into the room, with its glass display cases and dragon skeleton hanging from the ceiling. It didn't help that at the instructors desk was the tall, broad shouldered Bill Weasley, his scarred face and long hair given him an almost wild look. And there was Harry Potter, the Harry Potter, not nearly as tall or imposing looking yet every bit, if not more, awe inspiring. Even the muggleborns knew about him by now. Bill could see their confusion and spoke up,

"Alright everyone, please find your places and settle down. That's right, all of you come along and last one in close the door. Great, thank you. My name is Professor Bill Weasley and this young man, if you haven't been paying attention the last couple of days, is Mr. Harry Potter. It will be Mr. Potter's task to introduce you to the subject of Defense Against the Dark Arts. Despite his age, his experience is unparalleled by all but the most senior Aurors working for the Ministry of Magic. I suggest you pay close attention. What he has to tell you may save your life some day. Mr. Potter, I leave them in your capable hands."

"Thank you, Professor Weasley."

Harry stood next to the desk, looking out over the faces of the first years. He smiled at them and then propped himself on the edge of the desk. He had given this moment some thought.

"The idea of the Dark Arts can conjure up all kinds of images in your mind. Some of you, born of magic families have lived with the idea for a long time, particularly the last couple of years."

He saw many heads nodding.

"Those of you who come from non-magical families might have a harder time coming to grips with the idea. You might hear the term Dark wizard or witch and think of a movie character or something from an old nursery rhyme. Yes, I know of those things. Although my dad and mum were wizard and witch I was raised by muggles and knew nothing of all this until my letter arrived. Make no mistake, it's all real. The man who just left received all those scars from a werewolf attack. This scar here was the result of a curse thrown at me by a dark wizard. As you walk around this stately old building you may see a few marks or scars from the largest open contest between the good and evil in the wizarding world in history. I could talk to you until the end of the week, but I think showing you something might mean more. Please leave your books and follow me."

Harry opened the door and strode out of the room, quickly followed by twenty or so perplexed students. He moved them quickly through the halls and out the front door of the castle, down the road and out through the Hogwarts gate. In a matter of fifteen minutes or so they all stood at the entrance to the memorial park that had been the grounds of the Shrieking Shack. Harry had slipped down after dinner the night before to say his private good byes to so many friends, known and unknown and the one special member of his family.

"This is the last resting place of the final fifty victims of the most evil wizard of this or possibly any generation. This is a hallowed place and I expect you to conduct yourselves accordingly. Follow me please."

Harry led them in double line along the path that wound though the grounds. The design of the park had been laid out so that the walkway followed the path of least resistance, around a hill as opposed to over or through it. This allowed for graves to have some space between them and not just placed in a rank and file. Lupin and Tonks had been placed together; most of the others had their solitary place, allowing those who would come to visit to have some privacy. A small stone bench had been placed at each site along with varying flowering bushes, one assumes to provide a favorite color. Familiar names tugged at his heart. When they had completed their tour and once more stood at the entrance to the grounds Harry asked a question.

"How many of you saw the names of family members there?"

Four small hands were raised. So was Harry's.

"How many saw the names of someone known to you or your family?"

All the magical born students raised their hands. Harry also raised his hand.

"I thought so. This is the lesson I want you to remember. Getting involved with the Dark Arts rarely begins with something big. It usually starts with something small. Being lazy, greedy or looking for revenge for something insignificant. Once it takes hold, it's hard, very hard, to walk away. It's up to you to be aware and resist the temptation. All that you see here is the result of something that started small. I trust you understand. At least I hope you do."

Harry led a very subdued group of boys and girls back up to their classroom.

"Well, we have about fifteen minutes left, does anyone have any questions?"

A small hand was raised in the back of the classroom. Harry pointed and said,

"Yes, what is your question?"

A diminutive girl with long black hair and dark eyes stood up and said in a quiet voice,

"Sir, my name is Abagail Westwood. I come from a non magical family. It really is all true then, isn't it? After I got my letter I started to read about Hogwarts and witches and wizards and such. There were stories about you and what happened when you were a little baby and then stories about your time here at Hogwarts. It's all true, isn't it?"

Her dark eyes were bright and shining, her lower lip had just the hint of a quiver, her hands were clasped together in front of her.

"Well, Miss Westwood, I can't say if everything that you've read is true because some pretty outrageous things have been written about me in the past, but I can tell you that yes, my parents were killed, as were so many others, by an evil wizard who went by the name of Lord Voldemort but who's real name was Tom Riddle. He had many followers and twice he tried to take over the wizarding world. In my time at Hogwarts I've had run-ins with his supporters and with he himself. The last was just this past May and with the help of many wizards and witches he was defeated and destroyed. The damage he has caused the wizarding world is starting to be repaired but will take years to fully erase. You here are a great first step in that work. My hope is that you will all grow to be strong witches and wizards who shun the Dark Arts and do what you can to help the wizarding world grow and prosper. Does that answer your question, Miss Westwood?"

"Yes, sir. Thank you," she replied, her voice even lower.

"Well, I guess this would be a good time to wrap things up for today. When we meet next we'll take a look at some of the ways the Dark Arts pop up and the kinds of creatures that make use of them. Class dismissed."

Harry stood by his desk as the students walked past him, many offering polite good byes. Abagail was the last to leave and she slowed as she approached Harry. Suddenly she darted toward Harry and threw her arms around his waist and pressed her face against his chest. He could hear her crying. He stroked her long hair and tried to soothe her. When he felt she was calming a bit he pried her arms from around him and pushed her back a step so he could look at her face. Tears were streaming down her cheeks.

"Miss Westwood, what's the matter? Don't you like it here at Hogwarts?"

"Oh, no, sir. I like it here just fine. I've always loved the idea of magic and wizards and witches and fairy creatures," she said through her tears. "That's why as soon as we knew that my acceptance letter was real, we went to Diagon Alley and bought my books and some extras and I spent the whole rest of the summer reading."

Harry thought about a first year Hermione who had already amassed an encyclopedic knowledge of the history of wizardry.

"So what's all this about then?"

Those dark bright eyes fixed on Harry's bright green ones and after a few sniffles she said,

"I'm an orphan too, Mr. Potter. I live with my granma and granpa and they're nice enough and all but it's not the same as having real parents."

At this point Harry's throat started to tighten.

"I read the stories about you and what that Wizard Moldywort or whatever his name was did to you and then the newspaper articles. Did you know that someone named Lovegood has a book with all those nasty articles about you and then the one written by some mosquito lady that told the truth? It's just been so unfair and it made me sad but I wasn't really sure what was really true, until just today."

Her eyes began to fill up again as Harry's were beginning to mist over. He pulled the small child close to him and laid his cheek against her hair and held her for a few minutes. Then he picked her up and sat her on his desk. He placed both his hands on her shoulders and looked her right in the eye.

"Abagail, I want you to know how much I appreciate your concern for me. You and I are a lot alike. You want to know something I found out?"

She nodded vigorously.

"You and I are not alone. We belong to a much bigger and special family. The family of witches and wizards. Yes, there are some bad ones out there, but so many, many more are good, decent and kind people. They're like your brothers and sisters, and aunts and uncles, and if you're really lucky you find someone that's like your mum and dad, like I did. You never have to feel alone or sad again. I don't. I have friends and a family that loves me and a very special girl that I hope to spend the rest of my life with. You don't need to feel bad or cry about me ever again. Ok?" He asked with a big smile.

She sniffed and wiped the tears off her face with the back of her hand. She nodded and gave Harry a shy smile.

"So, you mean, it's like you're my big brother?"

"Yes, something like that."

"Wow," was all she said.

"So, you feel better?"

"Yes, sir."

"Ok, well, you can't show up for class looking like that. I'll walk you to the nearest washroom and you can get cleaned up and I'll escort you to your next class. Where are you supposed to be?" he asked her as he helped her down.

"Transfiguration with Professor McGonagall."

"Yes, ok. Let's go, shall we."

So they walked side by side down the corridor, the little first year practically skipping to keep up with Harry. While she was washing her face he stood quietly in the hall thinking about what she had said. He thought about another orphan, his godson, Teddy Lupin and wondered how he was doing. He would send a message by owl tonight to his grandmother. When Abagail came out they proceeded to the Transfiguration classroom. Since Harry had let them go a bit early they arrived only a few minutes late. Harry tapped on the door as he stuck his head in.

"I beg your pardon, Professor."

"Yes, Mr. Potter, what is it?"

"I needed to have a few words with Miss Westwood, here," he said as he shooed her in the door. "I apologize for making her late to your class. Please don't hold it against her."

"As long as you are vouching for her, I'll let it go this time. Please don't make a habit of it, Mr. Potter," she said, her face stern but Harry was sure he saw an amused smile, just around the corners.

"Thank you, Professor. I won't."

As Abagail walked past Harry she looked up at him and mouthed a silent,

"Thank you."

Harry winked back. He made his way to his next class in a thoughtful mood.

That evening, Harry, Hermione and Ginny were at dinner a bit early and were able to watch the students filing in. A group of Ravenclaw students came in and one was little Abagail. As she walked past she waved and smiled at Harry and said in her quiet voice,

"Hello, Mr. Potter."

"Hello, Miss Westwood," Harry replied with a smile.

He watched her as she skipped her way down the aisle to her place at the far end of the Ravenclaw table. When he looked back he found Hermione and Ginny looking at him, questions plain on their faces.

"Her name is Abagail Westwood, a Ravenclaw first year in my DADA class."

He then proceeded to tell them the story of what went on in class that day concluding with the episode with Abagail in the classroom and then with Professor McGonagall. When he was done, Hermione was all misty eyed and smiling. Ginny had both hands over his right one and said,

"It's like a day doesn't go by that I don't find some new reason to fall in love with you all over again. You were just wonderful with that poor sweet child."

"Harry the wizard killer has a soft spot after all, huh?" Harry said with a touch of sarcasm.

"Harry, how dare you," Hermione cut in. "You've always had a soft spot. Sometimes it was hidden behind a very thick skull but it was there. It's better that you care about your students then treat them so horribly like some Professors we've had."

Ginny was looking down the table trying to catch site of the little Ravenclaw but was blocked by all the Gryffindors. Her face was thoughtful. Dinner appeared on the table and the three of them began to eat. Harry and Hermione continued their discussion about teaching which became broad ranging. Ginny ate in silence and kept glancing down the table. When dinner was over and the tables began to empty Ginny gave Harry a kiss on the cheek and said,

"I'll see you in the tower a little later, ok?"

"Ok, love, I'll see you later," Harry replied, a little confused.

Then he saw where Ginny was headed and he looked at Hermione and said,

"I think someone just found a big sister. Well, let's go dig into some of that homework. I thought this was a review week."

"Harry," Hermione said with some exasperation. "Homework is the best way to review."

Harry laughed.

*****

The review week gave way to the start of regular classes and things got really busy. Harry was taking six classes. Potions, Charms, DADA, Transfiguration, Herbology and Care of Magical Creatures. The first four were standard Auror training requirements. He felt Herbology would be a good compliment to potions and some plants were dangerous enough by themselves to be used by a Dark Witch or Wizard. He thought Care of Magical Creatures could be of some use since Hagrid would be a font of knowledge about the more aggressive and dangerous critters and it also gave Harry a chance to be around one of his favorite people in all the world. Added to his teaching duties he had a very full schedule as Hermione had first remarked.

Oddly enough, he loved it. Without the stress of life and death situations and dark prophecies he was able to immerse himself in the study of magic from so many aspects and it fascinated him. All the topics had relevancy and they fit into a pattern that was shaping itself in his mind. Even Hermione, the quintessential student was astounded at how Harry was able to absorb and process everything that was coming his way. His ideas about imagery were paying benefits in Charms, helping him master his control of his prodigious magical strength. He never got a potion wrong and Professor McGonagall could hardly recognize him as the unruly sidekick of Ron Weasley who like as not would put legs on a tea cup. And it was all fun.

The second Saturday after the official start of school was the day to try out for the house Quidditch teams. Gryffindor had the pitch after Ravenclaw so Harry was sitting in the stands with the other Gryffindor hopefuls watching the tail end of their tryouts. He noticed that there were several strong players in the sky for Ravenclaw including a very good seeker. Ginny was there as well.

"Their seeker looks pretty good," he said to her.

"Yeah, so does their keeper and one chaser. They should have a strong team this year if they can get any production from the rest of the squad," Ginny replied.

"Hey, looks like they're done. Ok, Gryffindors, hit the pitch."

This was said by the team captain for the Gryffindors, a sixth year named Ernestine Applebee. She insisted on being called Bee, don't dare call me Ernie. As Harry and Ginny walked passed she dropped into step with them.

"I still don't get it, Harry. Why aren't you captain?" Bee asked him.

"Simple, Bee, I turned it down. It's too much work on top of what I've got going now. You're the perfect choice, a reserve chaser as a first year, you've got lots of experience, your OWLs are behind you and no NEWTs this year. I'll be happy just making the squad so I can get some time in on my broom."

Bee snorted as if to say, 'like there's any way you'd not make the team'. As they walked past the group of Ravenclaws who were watching a small voice called out.

"Hi, Mr. Potter, hiya Ginny."

"Hello, Abagail," they replied in unison.

"Good luck," she piped.

"Hey," a Ravenclaw second year said, "you don't wish luck to someone from another team."

"I can if I want to," she retorted, "we're all one family."

And then she stuck her tongue out at her housemate. Harry and Ginny laughed as they walked onto the pitch.

"Ok everyone, into the air, get warmed up and let's see how you fly."

Harry's Firebolt was the class of the day followed not too far behind by Ginny's Nimbus 2001. Harry had noticed a few 2000s but most of the brooms were lower model Comets and the like. Once Harry felt he had the kinks worked out he kicked it into high gear and took some flat out laps of the Pitch. His turns were so fast and tight he was literally laid over on his side. He then straightened out and power climbed until the field below looked like a child's sand box and the air was biting cold. He rolled over and power dived, the wind whipping past his ears with the sound of a freight train. He pulled up when he was level with the upper boxes and could hear the yells and screams from the stands. He did a power slide turn and came to a hover over the goals at one end of the pitch. He sat and watched as the others went through their paces, Ginny looking particularly flight ready. Bee waved them in. When they were hovering in a circle above mid field, she looked at him and said,

"Good grief, Harry. That was a sight to see. I don't think I've ever seen anyone that fast. Do you think you can snare a snitch going that fast?"

"I dunno, Bee. I was just stretching out my broom and showing off I guess," he said with a laugh. "Let's get the snitch out and see what's what."

'What' lasted for about two hours. While Ginny and the other prospective chasers worked on ball handling, blocking and scoring, Harry and one other seeker candidate were chasing a practice snitch high above. It was no contest. Harry was faster, quicker and had a better eye. Meanwhile, Ginny, relying on the skills honed by Kreacher's practice sessions was running circles around most of the chaser hopefuls. By the end of the two hour session it was pretty clear that Harry and Ginny would be on the team, if not the outright stars. Bee was a very effective chaser as well and there were two who could fill the third chaser spot. Jerry something or other, as Ginny had called him was back as a sixth year for one beater spot. Bee would need to select a second beater and the keeper from the group of hopefuls. While no one stood out there were some solid looking players with which to work. Bee was obviously very pleased.

"Harry, you're a lock for seeker. I just hope you leave us some time to actually play," she said with a laugh. "And Ginny, you were good in the past but good grief, what were you doing this summer? I couldn't believe some of those exchanges you were making."

"That's thanks to my personal coach. If you're interested I think we can persuade him to help us out."

"Really? Wow, that would be great. Who is it?"

"That's our little secret, you can meet him tonight after dinner," Harry chimed in.

"Jerry, you're back as one of our beaters. I still have to decide on the second and our keeper and the third chaser. Great job everyone. I'll post the roster before breakfast in the morning. Hit the showers."

Harry looked at Ginny and winked, she nodded back and as the rest of the flyers dropped to the ground to get ready for lunch, Harry and Ginny zoomed back up into the sky and did a series of barrel rolls and loops and in general just had a really good time flying together. After another twenty minutes they came in for a landing, laughing and hugging. As they made their way to the exit from the Pitch Harry could see Abagail sitting on the first row of seats looking at them, her eyes wide, her smile bright.

"Hello, Abagail," Harry called to her. "You like Quidditch?"

"I've never seen it played, Mr. Potter. But I do love to watch people fly on the brooms," she said, her quiet voice full of excitement.

"Have you had your first flying lesson yet?" Harry asked, already knowing the answer.

"Oh, yes, sir. But I'm not very good. Madame Hooch says I'll get better as I get bigger."

"Well, then I'm sure you will, nobody knows as much about flying as Madame Hooch."

"I bet you could teach people how to fly really good. You were amazing up there."

"Well, actually that's not really true, Abagail. In fact, Ginny would be a much better flying teacher than I would."

"Harry, how can you say that?" Ginny said incredulously. "You can fly rings around me on my best day."

"I think you're exaggerating more then just a little, Ginny. But I didn't say you were a better flyer. I said you'd be a better teacher. When I first saw you fly you were good, not great, but good. But you've worked and worked and got better and better. I've never had to really figure out what it takes to fly well, I just could do it. You'd know how to explain the techniques better because you've had to think your way through them to get better."

"I guess I never thought of it that way, Harry. You might be right about it after all," Ginny said thoughtfully.

She looked up at Abagail and smiled, "If you need any help or anything, you let me know, ok?"

"Ok, Ginny, thanks a lot."

Harry and Ginny smiled and waved at Abagail as they walked off the pitch and she waved back enthusiastically. Ginny took Harry's arm in both her hands and pulled him down a bit so she could kiss his cheek.

"She's a special little girl, isn't she, Harry?"

"Yes, she is. Something about those eyes that just look right down into your soul."

"Well, you would be the expert on eyes, Harry," she said looking into his bright green ones.

He could only smile and give her a quick kiss. The walked hand and hand back up to the castle, their brooms over their shoulders. They left their brooms and practice robes in the common room closet and hurried down to make sure they got lunch. A number of students were calling to Harry.

"Great flying, Harry." and "Way to fly, Harry."

He could only assume that his high altitude antics were visible from the castle grounds. He looked at Ginny, his face pinkish with embarrassment. She could only laugh and shake her head. Hermione was sitting at the Gryffindor table by herself but she looked pleased.

"Harry, Ginny, sit down. So how did it go this morning? I know Harry has been up to his old tricks but how did your tryouts go?"

"Great, Hermione," Ginny replied. "Harry is in as seeker and I'm a chaser. Ernestine Applebee is the captain and one of the other chasers. Jerry, um, something or other, is a beater. The others haven't been decided yet. And yes, Harry was up to his old tricks. He had that broom doing some pretty amazing things. And look at him; he's all red in the face. That's something new, a show off that gets embarrassed."

"I am not a show off. I just felt really good this morning being out there and I just wanted to fly. I would think that you of all people would understand just wanting to fly," he said with some asperity.

"Oh, my dear," Ginny said soothingly. "Yes I do know and I did my share of it, too. I just love to be able to tease my hero, you know that."

"Yes, I do know, my redheaded beauty. And it's not so bad really. Give people something to talk about besides my shredding that mannequin in Charms. It was all you heard for a week."

"Well, you have to admit, Harry, it was pretty spectacular," Hermione said. "I don't think I've ever heard or read about such a thing."

"I guess," Harry responded. "Anyway, you're looking awfully cheerful this morning. What's up?"

"I was down in Hogsmeade this morning. Ron and George were working on the store. They are just about ready to open. And they had some help," she smirked.

"What do you mean? Who was helping?" asked Ginny.

Hermione leaned in and whispered, "Angelina Johnson was there lending a hand and she and George where very friendly, if you get my drift."

"Really, oh wow, that's so cool," Ginny said.

"Well, they've known each other a long time, all those years on the team together. Maybe it's not a bad idea to be friends for a while first. Some people just take time to discover its more than just friendship," Harry said looking right at Hermione who started blushing.

Harry laughed and started to serve himself and Ginny lunch. Hermione decided to change the subject and began to talk about homework. The three spent the rest of the day wading through the copious pile.

They had settled into a steady routine. Classes took up their daytime hours. After the tryouts they added Quidditch practice three days a week for an hour and half. While it was hard work, the physical exercise helped relieve the stress of studies for Harry and Ginny while Hermione found time to visit Ron in Hogsmeade. The Weasley brothers had faced a delay getting some of their items manufactured due to the disruption caused by Voldemort and his followers. This delayed their opening but they were finally able to get things ready for their grand opening on the first Saturday of October. Harry, of course, was invited as a special guest. Argus Filch had already posted a notice on the message board that any Weasleys Wizard Wheeze product found on school grounds would be confiscated. This would prove to only exacerbate the problem as anything Filch didn't want in the school must have been worth having.

To say the opening was a success was an understatement. Since this was the first Saturday that the full school, minus first and second years was allowed into Hogsmeade, the store was mobbed from the moment it opened its doors until they sold out all their stock by mid afternoon. Despite his status as a special guest and silent partner, Harry found himself pitching in and moving stock from the storeroom, collecting money from sales and trying to maintain order. Ginny, Hermione and Angelina were pressed into service as well. By the time they pushed the last of the customers out of the door and locked it, they were all exhausted.

They were all sitting around the now empty store, the bare shelves testimony to the success of the day, and the likelihood of chaos in and around the school. George and Ron were understandably overjoyed.

"Well, mate," Ron said to Harry, "I think it's correct to say your investment is safe. It just took a little while to realize it."

"What do you mean, Ron, his investment?" Hermione asked.

"Harry gave George and Fred the thousand galleons he got from the TriWizard Tournament to get things started. He's a silent partner in the stores."

Hermione, Ginny and Angelina all looked at Harry and he just shrugged.

"I didn't feel right about taking the money after what happened. I tried to give it to the Diggorys but they wouldn't take it. I figured this was the best use to put it to."

"Yeah, and he's not even taking back his profits."

"George!" Harry groaned.

"What? Harry, is this like the Firebolt II deal?" Ginny asked.

"Geez, you guys. It's impossible to keep a secret around here."

"Spill it, mate. We're all friends here."

Harry just waved at Ginny to go ahead and tell the story. She told in fulsome detail the story of Harry meeting Mr. Pinewood on the pavement outside the Quidditch Supply store and Harry agreed to allow his name to be used and the money that the Nimbus Company offered him was to be placed in the relief fund that the Ministry was using to help Voldemort's victims. Ron nodded and added that he and George were talking to Harry late in the summer about formalizing their business relationship and he told them that the agreement was this. Fifty percent of Harry's portion of the profits would be placed in his account at Gringotts. The other half would go directly into the Ministry relief fund. Once his thousand galleon investment was paid off, all his profits would go to the Ministry fund. Harry sat closed mouth as his financial arrangements were laid bare.

"Harry," Angelina said. "If you're so intent on providing all this money to the relief fund, which is bloody brilliant by the way, why take back your investment?"

"I have very special plans for that money," was all he said.

It was obvious that Harry was very upset right now and Ginny felt pain that was almost physical when she knew he was unhappy. She moved closer to him and took hold of his arm and looked at his clouded eyes.

"Why are you so upset, sweetheart? These are wonderful things you are doing. And we're all your friends. Hell, we're family. Why can't we share this with you?"

"You want to know why? I'll tell you why, and then I don't ever want to have to talk about it again, ever," he snapped back.

His arms were folded across his chest and he was staring at some point on the wall across from him. Then he looked at Ginny and his eyes softened a bit but his face was still set.

"When Voldemort killed my parents all I was left with was a vault full of money that I didn't know I had until I was eleven. When Sirius died, I was left a bigger vault full of money that I didn't know I had until this past summer. It was everything the Blacks had and you can imagine where that came from over the years. I lost the most important people in my life at the time and all I was left with was money. Even after I watched Cedric Diggory killed I was left with a bag full of Galleons and I had no idea what to do with it. Now I have important people back in my life. I still have a lot of money. Did you know I'm one of the largest single accounts at Gringotts? And now more money will be coming in."

The look on Ginny's face told him she didn't understand where he was trying to go with his explanation. He wasn't sure himself. He took a deep breath and let it out slowly. He was holding both her hands in his. He was so focused on this girl who was the core of his life, that he wasn't aware of the impact on the others around him. George and Ron were dumbfounded. Hermione was holding on tightly to Ron, her eyes brimming. Angelina, who was a friend of Harry's but not fully aware of his past was both confused and upset. She had one hand in George's and the other was involuntary reaching toward Harry. He took one more breath and continued,

"I don't want any more money, Ginny. For me, money equals death. I want life. I want a life with you. We'll be comfortable but we won't be rich. All that money is going to be used to help people who have been ruined by Tom Riddle," Harry said, then looked down into his lap. "I don't deserve all that money. Other people died for me to have it. I have to find a way to make something good happen with it and this is the only way I can think of right now."

Ginny was almost in a panic. Harry sounded very much like he did that afternoon back in May when he said he thought he was a fraud. After all the happy times they had over the summer and the first weeks at Hogwarts it was obvious that Harry was still harboring a large amount of pain. Her mother had told her of the talk she had with Harry just before his collapse and it seemed that there was still a deep well of hurt that was coming to the surface. She looked up over Harry's head and mouthed to her brother George,

"Go get Mum."

George nodded and got up quietly and moved into the back room where he could Apparate back to the Burrow. His parents should have returned from their vacation trip by now. In the main room of the store the others sat there, Harry with his head bowed over his lap, the rest transfixed by the bizarre twist to what had been a very happy day. Ginny was trying to coax him to talk more but he was just sitting there. In the quiet they heard the soft popping sound of someone Apparating into the store room. Ginny saw her mother, looking tan and healthy but with a face that could have been cut from stone. Angelina jumped up and backed away so that Mrs. Weasley could sit next to Harry. She wrapped her arms around his shoulders and began to speak softly to him. Mrs. Weasley looked around her and motioned with her head towards the door. Ginny slid her hands from Harry's and stood up, hesitated and then walked out the door ahead of Ron, Hermione and Angelina. George had come around from the side of the store, apparently shooed out the back way by his mother.

Angelina looked bewildered, Ginny heartbroken and Hermione at a complete loss. Ron and George made a great study of the slate walkway.

"I don't understand what's going on. He seemed so happy and full of fun today," Angelina said softly. "He was joking with the customers, talking about flying with me. What happened to him?"

"Harry bottles so much up, he always has," Ginny began. "I think he has been genuinely happy but sometimes something will trigger a thought or feeling and everything comes boiling to the surface. There is so much pain, and if you can believe it, guilt. He feels guilty about Fred and Tonks and all the others. I honestly think that he feels guilty that he's alive and all the others are dead. You heard him. He doesn't think he deserves what he has. I just want to scream. Do you know that he found out one of his first year students is a muggle born orphan and he took the time to comfort her because she felt so bad about how unfair his life has been. He was comforting her. He convinced her that she was part of a larger family of witches and wizards; that he was like her big brother. He can do that for others but he can't do it for himself."

The last was said through a steady stream of tears. Hermione pulled her into a hug and the taller Angelina draped a long arm across the shoulders of each. Ron looked at George,

"This might take some time, maybe we ought to take a walk, you know."

"You might be right," George replied. "Girls, come on, let's take a walk."

Reluctantly the three young women agreed but remained linked arm in arm as they walked down the main street of Hogsmeade. George and Ron walked silently behind them. It was nearly sundown and the five of them were still wandering aimlessly, waiting for some signal from their mother that they should return to the store. The streets and stores were still full of Hogwarts students but no one approached them, sensing something was wrong, and small knots of people were gathered here and there, whispering. Finally, a small pop behind them announced the arrival of Kreacher.

"Would Master Harry's is friends return to the place called Weasleys' Wizard Wheezes, please?"

The little house elf popped out of sight. The five hurried toward the store. When they arrived they hesitated to open the door but finally Ginny couldn't wait any longer and slowly pushed it open.

"Come in, children. It's alright," came the voice of Molly Weasley.

As the five young people entered the store they saw Harry standing with his back to them, apparently staring at the wall.

"Harry?" Ginny asked, whole volumes unspoken in that one word.

"I'm sorry, Ginny and I hope that's the last time you ever have to hear me say that. I'm feeling very foolish and ashamed right now. Your mum, our mum actually, says I shouldn't, that you all understand what I'm going through, but I'm saying I shouldn't be dragging you through it with me. I have so much to be happy about but sometimes it just seems so…so overwhelming."

His head started to droop. Ginny was at his side in several quick steps.

"Look at me, please, Harry. Please, love."

Harry turned and looked down into the face that represented all he wanted out of his life. Ginny reached up and brushed back his unruly hair and ran her hand down the side of his face.

"You don't drag me anywhere, Harry. I walk willingly at your side every step of the way. I intend to share every joy and every sorrow you have or have ever had. And you should never, ever feel ashamed or foolish for telling me how you really feel about anything at anytime. I love you because you are the dearest, sweetest, bravest and now I find the most generous person I could ever expect to know. And if you feel melancholy every now and again that's alright too. You deserve that if nothing else."

Harry didn't speak, he just reached out and took hold of the anchor of his life and pulled her close. Mrs. Weasley watched them closely looking for a sign. The rest just stood and stared, afraid to even breathe. Harry turned to look at them, his arms still around Ginny.

"I won't lie to you and say I'm ok. I'm better but I'm not ok. But I think I can see a way to get there. Angelina, I'm sorry you had to be here for this. These guys are used to my mood swings."

"Harry, we've all been through some petty tough times together. I always thought you were a pretty tough customer, a scrappy little kid who grew up to be the bravest man I'm likely to ever know. You don't have to be sorry for anything. I'm here to help in anyway I can."

"Thanks. Thanks to all of you. Bloody hell, I'm tired. Walk me back to my room?" the last directed at Ginny.

"Of course," she said.

Harry turned to Molly Weasley. He gave her a wan smile and said,

"Thanks, Mum. I'm turning out be more trouble than all the rest."

"Oh, Harry darling, you couldn't do that if you lived two lifetimes. Go and get some rest, have a good lie in and send me an owl in the afternoon and let me know how you feel. I'm for home, I'm sure Arthur is worried. Good night, my dears."

She gave Angelina a special smile. Then she Apparated home.

"If Harry and Ginny are headed back to the school, what say we go find some dinner, my treat," offered George.

"That sounds good," replied Ron. "Harry, sure you're alright going back, mate."

"Yeah, Ron, you guys go ahead. Ginny will see to it that I'm ok."

"Always and forever," she said.

Harry and Ginny left the store, his arm over her shoulder; hers wrapped tightly around his waist. The others followed them out, George closing and locking the door. They stood on the pavement and watched as Harry and Ginny slowly made they're way down the street through the rapidly thinning crowd.

"That's was scary," Angelina said quietly, her hand held in George's.

"Harry and I spent a lot of time together last year," Hermione said. "He can seem so strong but at the same time he's so fragile. All these years it was Voldemort as the enemy, now it seems like the enemy is him, attacking from the inside. I feel so helpless."

They all nodded in agreement and as the object of their attention disappeared from view they shared a collective sigh and went off to find some comfort in a shared meal. Harry and Ginny continued their slow measured pace, barely noticing any of the people that passed them, some offering acknowledgement but most sensing that something was amiss and passing without comment. The most difficult part of the trip was getting through the Gryffindor common room. A number of students were present and the moment Ginny and Harry came through a chorus of greetings rose up but the look on Harry's care worn face and Ginny's silent promptings from behind him cut them all off. Harry was oblivious to the stares so deep in though was he. He made his way directly to the staircase with Ginny at his side. Reaching the top, he produced his key and unlocked the door. Ginny hesitated then followed him through, shutting the door behind them. Harry kicked off his shoes and climbed up on his bed, lying on his back, his head on the pillow.

"Ginny?"

"Yes, Harry?"

"Would you mind staying for a while?"

"Of course, Harry, for as long as you want."

Harry held out one hand and Ginny quietly moved to the bedside and took his hand. He gave a gentle tug and she responded by lying down at his side wrapping her arm across his chest with her head on his shoulder. He wrapped her in both his arms and held on tight for a moment and let his grasp relax. He closed his eyes. He was physically exhausted from the work at the store and emotionally drained from his black mood. But his mind wasn't ready for sleep yet. He hovered in that twilight place between sleep and being fully awake. He stepped through the events of the day. It had been a lot of fun in the shop. Crazy, and full of manic energy but fun. Why was it then that he had sunk so deep so fast over the mention of money? Everything he said about it was true; he did equate his growing fortune with the deaths of those family and friends. Was Mrs. Weasley right? Did he feel guilty about being alive and being the object of such good fortune while others lay dead or lived in ruin? He was fortunate, it was true. He had gained a family and a future and the beginnings of a plan to help those who had lost so much. But did he deserve that good fortune? Mrs. Weasley had gently tried to argue with him that he above just about anyone else deserved what ever good life brought his way after what he had been through. That he needed to stop punishing himself and accept what came his way and do what he could to help those less fortunate.

It all made perfect sense, of course, but why then the ease with which he slipped into such despondency. As a result of his practice with the idea of imagery to help control his magical ability he found he almost always slipped into that mode when he thought about anything for more than a moment. He did so now. The darkness behind his eyes lightened a bit and what he saw was a short dark corridor with a deeper blackness beyond. He smiled a little inwardly. They did call it the pit of despair after all. And the path was an easy one to follow. Should he just wall it off? Turn it off like he did with the little piece of Riddle on Uncle Vernon's TV?

No, that didn't seem right. Bottling all that emotion up wasn't the way. But what would be? As he sought a solution he felt Ginny shift and squeeze him a bit. The answer became obvious. Just in front of the entrance to that dark tunnel and off to the side a bit he firmly fixed in his mind's eye the face that never ceased to quicken his pulse and he imagined that face as he remembered it after Ginny took her first flight on her Nimbus 2001, the wide grin, the dancing eyes and the long tussled hair. As that face took shape, the image of the tunnel faded, grew gray instead of black, and while it didn't disappear it no longer seemed so ominous. The pit would not disappear but it would never again beckon so strongly nor intrude so darkly. From that moment forward for the rest of his life he would never again slip into such a dark place. Times of sadness, certainly, especially during special occasions where familiar faces were absent but the times of darkness were over. He let out a long sigh and slipped into a deep dreamless sleep. Ginny could sense the transition and she too sighed and snuggled in tighter and drifted off to sleep.

Sometime around midnight Harry stirred and felt the warm, comforting weight of Ginny still at his side. He smiled. He was feeling better. He closed his eyes and went to that place and found her smiling face there waiting for him. He opened his eyes and said,

"Ginny? Ginny. Wake up, love."

"Hmmmm? Harry? What is it, are you alright?"

"Yes, I think so; I think I'm really alright. Thanks for sticking with me tonight, but I think you should get to your room. Imagine what people would say."

"They'd say what they already say, what a lucky girl I am," she said lightly then kissed his cheek.

"Do they? Well, that's only half the story because I'm a very lucky guy but you still need to go."

"I know, but before I do," she said.

She snaked her way up a little higher on his shoulder and with his face turned towards her she leaned in and kissed him. It was one of the long slow passionate kisses that Harry would remember and look forward to all his life. He responded and it was some minutes before they finally pulled apart. She gave him an arch look and said,

"Yes, I'd say you are feeling better. I'll go now but remember what Mum said, sleep in and I'll see you when you get up, ok?"

"Yes, ma'am," he said with a little smile and he watched her as she got up and moved to the door. She turned and blew him a kiss and then quietly left the room. He lay back looking up at the ceiling beams. He knew he would sleep more but for the now he just wanted to enjoy the moment. He knew he would need to send a message to Mrs. Weasley, letting her know how he was doing but he had some other messages to send off. He wondered if there would be someone at Gringotts on a Sunday. He had ideas and he needed some advice and that was the first place he could think of to get it. It was around one in the morning when he drifted off to sleep again.

In the meantime Ginny had made her way down the stairs to the common room. She thought she was going to just make her way back up the stairs to her own dormitory room but there sitting in the big overstuffed chair by the low fire was Hermione. She had been reading a book and looked up as Ginny came down the last flight of stairs.

"How is he?" she asked

"He says he's better. When we got back he asked me to stay for a while. So we wound up just cuddled up on his bed, you know? He was lying on his back with his eyes closed and I was just holding on to him, to be there for him. After a while he just let out a long sigh and drifted off to sleep. It was like all the tension went out of him. He woke me up just a little bit ago and told me I should get to my own room or people would talk. But he sounded better, you know, happier. I guess we'll see in the morning. I reminded him he's to sleep in as best he can. What do you think?"

"I think he's felling better. He might try to fool someone else, but not you, not after today. But like you said, we'll just have to keep an eye on him and see. And you and I should get to bed as well; it's been a very long day."

Ginny simply nodded and she and Hermione made their way up the stairs and to their rooms. Hermione was able to get to sleep very quickly, Ginny however was bombarded with questions from her roommates and it took some time before she was able to sleep.

*******

Harry was, if nothing else, a very resilient young man. By the time he awoke that Sunday, late in the morning, he was feeling much better. He found his clothes and bathing kit laid out and concluded he definitely needed a shower. As he made his way down the staircase the few Gryffindors still in the common room eyed him warily so he went out of his way to smile and say 'good morning'. This gesture was greeted with looks of relief and cheerful responses. By the time he was showered and dressed it was time for lunch and Harry made his way to the Great Hall. Fortunately the senior end of the Gryffindor table was very close to the entrance door. He could see Ginny and Hermione already there so he moved quickly and sat down next to Ginny before anyone could really notice.

"Harry," Ginny squealed in surprise and joy.

She threw her arms around Harry's neck and held him tightly. Harry looked over her shoulder at a smiling Hermione and said,

"I think she's glad to see me."

"We both are. How are you feeling, Harry?"

"Good, real good, thanks. I slept a lot and had some time to think and get things straight in my head. I feel a lot better. Plus I'm starving, I skipped dinner last night."

Ginny released her hold on Harry's neck and pulled back a bit. She gave him a brief warm kiss and then began filling his plate with the offerings from the table.

"Then you better eat, Harry. Mum'll have my head if she finds out you're going hungry," she said with a mischievous smile.

Although he tried not to pay much attention he could tell that people were trying to covertly observe him. It was obvious that his return to the school had been the cause of some discussion. So as he did in the Gryffindor common room, he made an effort to smile and if he caught the eye of someone he knew, to wave or otherwise acknowledge them. Hermione took notice and asked,

"What's with you, Harry?"

"I'm sure my return last night in a big blue funk didn't go unnoticed, especially by anyone in the Gryffindor common room, so I'm just trying to let my improved mood show a bit."

"Not a bad idea really," Ginny said with approval. "You should have heard all the questions I had to answer when I got to my room last night. This morning at breakfast was no better. Uh, Harry, less smiling, more eating. Ok, sweetie?"

Harry snorted but resumed shoveling in the remainder of the steak and kidney pie that Ginny had heaped on his plate. As he finished up the last morsel and pushed his plate away he had to admit he felt much better for the meal.

"Any plans for the day, Harry?" Ginny asked.

"Well, first I have to write out a couple of messages, the first to Mum to let her know I'm ok and then another to Gringotts. I have a couple of ideas and I'm going to them to get some information. If I'm going to be burdened with all this money I might as well put it some good use."

Despite repeated questions the two girls couldn't get any more information out of him but it was obvious he was in good spirits and it was getting contagious.

"After that I thought I'd like to do some flying. Would you care to come along, Ginny? How about you, Hermione?"

Although Harry's face showed nothing but sincere consideration underneath he knew that the one thing in the wizarding world that Hermione had not then, did not now, and most likely never would, enjoy was flying on a broom, or a Hippogriff for that matter. She looked at him through narrowed eyes.

"Very amusing, Mr. Potter. You know full well my feelings about flying on those things."

"Yes, I believe I remember you screaming something about it in my ear once. So I guess that's a no."

"Hmm, correct. I will be here later though if you two would care to do some homework."

"Yes, that would be a good idea, too," Ginny agreed.

"Sounds ok to me," Harry agreed, "but first those messages."

Hermione made a little sound of exasperation and hauled her bag up onto the table. She pulled out a quill, ink bottle and several sheets of parchment. Harry looked at Ginny and smirked,

"She's a handy girl to have around, isn't she?"

"Yes, indeed."

They all laughed and then Harry got down to writing. His letter to Mrs. Weasley read,

Dear Mum,

I wanted you to know that I'm feeling fine, much better than yesterday. I had the chance to think about what you said, and have been saying, and you were right. I can accept how things are and work on ways to make what might be better. I have some ideas and will work on them. Hope to see you soon.

Love from your non redheaded son,

Harry.

He let Ginny see this message and she gave him a smile. She then laughed and said,

"You know she's just gonna cry all over that parchment, Harry."

"I'm betting she smiles."

"She can do both, you know."

The other message he kept hidden from the girls as best he could and at one time had to fight Ginny off as she tried to pry his arm away. Hermione had to rescue the ink bottle from being spilled.

"Really, you two, everyone is looking."

"Good, then maybe they'll stop thinking Harry is some kind of basket case."

Harry looked at Ginny and said,

"Who thinks I'm a basket case?" he said.

"A few people this morning were commenting, that's all," replied Ginny. "Oh, Harry, I almost forgot, you should have heard Abagail. She was standing off to the side trying to hear what we were saying about you and when someone made some crack about you going bonkers she tore into him like you wouldn't believe. Poor guy almost fell all over himself trying to calm her down and apologize. You have got one very big fan there."

Harry could only smile and he tried to look down toward the end of the Ravenclaw table. Through the gaps in the thinning ranks of the Gryffindors still at the table, Harry could make out the small form and long dark hair of little Abagail.

"I'll be right back," he said as he stood up but he took the Gringotts message with him.

Ginny and Hermione looked at each other and shrugged. Harry made his way down the aisle between the Gryffindor and Ravenclaw table. He could hear some whispers as he passed but he ignored them. He was nearly there when Abagail turned and saw him coming. Her face lit up with a smile but there was a question there as well.

"Hello, Miss Westwood."

"Hello, Mister Potter. How are you feeling?"

"I'm feeling much better, thank you. Had a bit of a rough patch yesterday but that's all over with. I understand I have you to thank for this morning."

"What do you mean, sir?"

"I hear you came to my defense after someone questioned my sanity."

"Oh, that, that was just some silly boy from Slytherin trying to be clever. It didn't work and I just told him so. It was nothing really," she said brightly.

"Well it was more then nothing to me and I wanted to thank you for it. How is your flying coming along?"

"Ok, I guess, well maybe not so ok. I'm still having trouble getting the broom to do what I want it to do."

"I'm sure Madame Hooch can help you get it straightened out but if you think you'd like some more help, Ginny Weasley and I will be down at the Quidditch pitch in a little while. If you happened to be there I'm sure she would be glad to give you some pointers."

"Oh, that would be great, thank you, sir."

"Not a problem, Miss Westwood. See you later."

As Harry turned to rejoin Ginny and Hermione, he heard a Ravenclaw second year sitting across the table say,

"Abby, the teacher's pet."

Before Abagail could respond Harry turned and pinned the youngster with a green eyed stare.

"In my years here at Hogwarts," he began quietly "it has been my great privilege to have known several of the faculty very well. They are largely responsible for my still being alive and able to stand here and talk to you. I strongly suggest you consider the example Miss Westwood is setting and take your education here at Hogwarts more seriously. Am I'm making myself clear?"

"Y-yes, sir." the boy said in near panic.

"Good, have a good afternoon, everyone."

With that he strode down the aisle where he gathered up his other message and with Ginny and Hermione in tow headed up to the owlry.

"What was all that about, Harry?" Hermione asked.

"I wanted to let Abagail know I was ok and to thank her for what she did this morning. I also asked her about how her flying was coming. When she told me she was still having trouble I let her know Ginny and I would be practicing this afternoon and if she would like some tips she could come down. As I was leaving a second year called her a teacher's pet and I took a moment to correct his view of things. That's all."

"Harry, you and Ron and the others used to think I was a teacher's pet," Hermione chided him.

"I know, and we were wrong. If Abagail has even the slightest chance of becoming someone like you, Hermione, I'll do all I can to encourage her."

Harry realized that Hermione was no longer walking along beside him. He turned around and saw her standing there staring at him. Ginny stopped as well, holding on to Harry's hand.

"Hermione, what's the matter?" Harry asked.

"How can you do that, Harry? How can you throw off such a wonderful compliment to me and yet you routinely fail to recognize all that is so good in you?"

Harry couldn't answer because he didn't know an answer. He thought he was just stating the obvious.

"You scared the hell out of us yesterday, Harry. And I know you had Ginny twisted in knots that afternoon while you were convalescing. You beat yourself up about things that aren't your doing and don't give yourself any credit for the things you do. You were the first to really be my friend despite my being a prissy little know-it-all. No, don't deny it, I know. You befriended that wonderful child and you hold in your hand a plan to put your fortune to work to revive those closed businesses in Diagon Alley and provide scholarships to Hogwarts."

By this time Hermione had moved to within arms length of Harry, who still stood with his hand being held tightly by Ginny. His mouth was open but the last part surprised him into silence.

"Oh, come on, Harry. I can read upside down very well, even your sloppy scrawl. So let's stop all this nonsense. You can still throw out all the compliments you want, they feel very good coming from you, but you better start giving some to that face you see in the mirror every morning, ok?"

He reached out with his free hand and pulled Hermione close and held her tight against him. He pressed his cheek against her bushy hair and said,

"Ok, I give in. No more trips to the pit of despair or whatever they call it. And no more whining about why me, I don't deserve it. I kind of came to that conclusion last night. Like I wrote to Mum, Ginny. I'll accept what comes my way and just do what I can to make things better. And when I need some help, I'll look for it from my family and friends. Although, I think in Hermione's case she's more family than friend."

"Congratulations, Hermione, I think we've finally gotten through to him."

"It took him long enough," she said in her best exasperated voice.

They all laughed and then proceeded to the owlry to assure Mrs. Weasley and to begin Harry's campaign to help his wizard family.

*******

Harry's coming to terms with his demons came none to soon. The first Quidditch match of the year, Gryffindor versus Ravenclaw, was scheduled for the next Saturday. In Harry's opinion the Gryffindor team was the strongest he had ever seen. Based on Ginny's performance at the try outs, Bee had been more than interested in meeting her personal coach. When she was introduced she was less than impressed. Most wizards born to wizarding families considered house elves to be somewhat lesser beings. However, once Harry and Ginny provided a demonstration, she was convinced and ever since Kreacher was present at the Gryffindor practices, sitting unobtrusively in one of the high boxes working his magic on the quaffle and putting the Gryffindor chasers through ever increasingly challenging practices. As individuals and in combination the three chasers learned to anticipate and handle quick changes, loose quaffles and complex maneuvers. As a bonus, once Kreacher had the chance to observe how the other positions were played he also helped the beaters deal with bludgers and even lent Master Harry a hand with his practice. The results were impressive to say the least. Professor McGonagall herself commented that the team appeared to be superior to anything she had witnessed in all her years at Hogwarts.

The day of the match dawned bright, clear and cool. The Gryffindors were confident but still nervous. No amount of practice, no matter how effective, guaranteed success. After a quiet breakfast, they trooped down to the Quidditch pitch to get ready. The student body likewise was headed to the stadium, excited about the first fully fledged Quidditch match in nearly two years. Both teams were circling the pitch, stretching their wings as it were, and getting themselves ready to play. When it was time, Madame Hooch gave the first signal to get into position. When all were ready she released the balls and play began.

As seeker Harry's one and only concern was catching the snitch. An ancillary concern was avoiding a bludger but his was a more singular task. The snitch had quickly disappeared after it was released so Harry took a quick climb to a suitable altitude and began to circle the pitch. From up here he could steal the occasional glimpse at how the game was going down below. He could also hear the announcer, a fifth year Slytherin with a powerful speaking voice that was amplified by a Sonorous spell. Within minutes it was obvious that it was going to be a rout. Gryffindor was up by 80 points to nil and it seemed Ginny was doing most of the damage with Bee adding a couple of goals as well. The Ravenclaw seeker was frantically searching for the snitch, as their only hope was to catch the snitch before the lead exceeded one hundred and forty points. Harry caught a glint of gold near the Ravenclaw goal and he kicked his Firebolt into a steep dive.

He caught the Ravenclaw seeker cold and he was rocketing toward the snitch. It made a quick move taking it behind the goal and Harry had to peel off, just in time to avoid being hit by the quaffle as it was fired in by Bee for the ninth goal. Harry climbed and rolled to try and re-establish contact with the snitch. Having been behind him, the Ravenclaw seeker was in a better position to see where the snitch went and he had thrown his broom into a skidding turn around the goal posts and was hot on the snitches tail. Harry kicked his broom over into another dive and with the superior speed of the Firebolt he was soon neck and neck with his opponent and was closing on the snitch. The snitch then made a sharp turn skyward and rocketed away. Harry pulled back on the handle and urged his broom skyward. He had the broom almost vertical in its climb while the other seeker had to take a less steep climb for altitude. Harry was starting to feel the broom lose the battle with gravity and was slowing when the snitch decided to reverse course and began diving toward the earth. Harry then threw the broom over and began a power dive right behind it. As he came back into range of the announcer's voice he was able to hear him comment on the high altitude battle.

"Ladies and gentlemen, what a performance, the Gryffindor seeker is putting on a World Cup class show for us today. He's diving on the snitch now while the Ravenclaw seeker tries to close the distance but he just doesn't have the speed. Ok, Potter is pulling out and leveling off as the snitch appears to heading for the far end of the pitch…Holy cow, fans, did you see that? I wouldn't have thought it possible but Potter has just reversed course and gone into a dive within a brooms length, how did he do it…wait, Weasley scores again, it's now one hundred and forty to nil."

What had gotten the announcer so excited was when Harry had been flat out about one hundred feet above the ground chasing the snitch it suddenly reversed course again and dived below Harry. Without even thinking about it, Harry pushed down and wrenched sideways on the broom while pushing the visual idea of what he was trying to do right to the broom. The result was the broom digging its nose in and pitching it's back end over in an arc while twisting 180 degrees around its long axis. This left Harry facing the other direction and pointed at the ground at a shallow angle. He put everything he could into the broom and he tore after the fleeing snitch, his robes straight out behind him, the wind rushing past him so hard he couldn't hear over it. The Ravenclaw seeker tried to pull his broom around but it skidded wildly and into the path of one of his own beaters. They collided with a sickening thud, but managed to stay airborne. Meanwhile the snitch pulled level only a dozen feet above the ground and Harry was right behind it, his fingers outstretched, and with one more burst his hand closed around it. As he did he realized he was within yards of the far wall behind the Gryffindor goal. He hauled back on the stick and rocketed skyward again clearing the wall by just a few feet. The stadium went berserk. He continued to climb and then did a couple of victory rolls before diving for the ground. He could see that his team had already landed and were huddled together jumping up and down and hugging each other.

Harry pulled to a halt next to Madame Hooch and handed her the snitch. His face was red from the wind and his smile wide and his eyes bright. Madame Hooch was looking at him in amazement.

"Good lord, Potter. That was amazing. How did you pull off that move? You should have come completely adrift."

"Well, ma'am, I think that's because the broom handle was trying to split me in two so I was sort of stuck right on," he laughed and so did she.

By this time the rest of the team had come up to Harry and were swarming around him. The final score was 320 to nil. Ginny had scored 120 out of the 170 goal points and she looked fit to burst. The field celebration went on for some minutes until fans from the stands found their way onto the pitch and picked up the seven players and carried them from the field and all the way to the Gryffindor common room. As they were given the seats of honor in the large stuffed chairs around the fire, the din was overwhelming. About a half an hour into the celebration the Fat Lady swung open and Bill Weasley was climbing through the hole. He then turned and helped Professor McGonagall make her way through. It got pretty quiet.

"Well, it would appear that congratulations are in order. That was a truly masterful performance. Well done, Miss Applebee. You have that team doing amazing things," Professor McGonagall said. "Potter, Miss Weasley, your flying was magnificent, the best I've seen in years."

"Ginny, Harry, it was truly spectacular. I could not believe that reverse dive you pulled off, Harry. Not even Charlie could have made that move. How'd you do that?" Bill asked.

"I just pulled hard and thought harder and it went where I wanted," Harry said with shrug.

"Well, Mr. Potter it was truly inspired flying however you did it," Professor McGonagall added. "I'd also like to take a moment to make an announcement that will affect Gryffindor. I received word from the Board of Governors that my appointment as Head of Hogwarts has been approved effective immediately."

It got pretty loud. The students cheered and applauded and crowded around the Professor to wish her well. She smiled and her eyes got misty. She held up her hands for quiet.

"Thank you. You can't imagine how this makes me feel. In addition, for the rest of the year, Professor Weasley will be head of Gryffindor house."

This set off another round of applause. Bill got a big hug from his little sister and Hermione and handshakes from Harry and many of the other Gryffindors. The new school Head looked at Bill and said,

"Well, Professor I leave you to your house, try not to let things carry on too long."

"Yes, Headmistress, we'll keep it to a dull roar," replied the acting head of house.

Bill assisted Professor McGonagall back out through the portal and then came back in to congratulate each team member individually and meet the other students personally. Someone managed to get food brought up from the Great Hall. Harry had his suspicions about that. All in all it was a terrific day. The celebration lasted until just before dinner at which point the entire house marched down to the Great Hall. The Ravenclaws were understandably subdued but they showed good grace when the jubilant Gryffindors made their entrance. Harry made some points when he sought out their seeker and offered a sincere 'well flown'. Professor McGonagall gaveled the assembled students to silence.

"Yes, yes, well played Ravenclaw and Gryffindor and congratulations to Gryffindor for the victory. Now before we begin our dinner I have two announcements to make. The Board of Governors has communicated to me today their decision to make my appointment as school Head official and permanent."

Once more there was thunderous applause. Professor McGonagall gaveled for quiet.

"Thank you, and I have appointed Professor Bill Weasley as head of Gryffindor house."

And again, the applause was loud as Bill was proving to be a very popular teacher, with his frank, practical approach to DADA after so many years of problematic instructors. Of course the Gryffindors were the loudest and most raucous. The new Head gaveled them quiet aided by some hand signals from Bill.

"The second announcement is that as a way to celebrate getting things back to some normalcy here and to thank all the students and faculty for all the hard work I've seen so far, the usual Halloween dinner will be expanded into more of a party to include music and dancing. For those of you who remember the TriWizards Tournament ball, this will be a bit less formal and open to the entire school. Further details will be posted on the memorandum board as they become available. That's all for tonight, enjoy your dinner."

"Wow, a dance, won't that be great, Hermione?"

"It will if I can get Ron to come. He's not exactly big on dancing."

"Not many boys are but I bet you can convince him. How about you, my hero? Brave enough to dance with me?" Ginny teased Harry.

"You're the one who's going to have to be brave, Ginny. Your toes will be in deadly peril the entire night," he laughed.

"Harry, are you going to tell me after that display of aerial ballet you put on this morning that dancing is going to be a problem?"

"A world of difference, my sweet, but you know that if you want to go, I'll go. Besides, it'll give you a chance to show off your new dress robes."

Ginny's eyes were dancing and her smile was wide. The prospect of a party with dancing seemed to be more popular with the witches then the wizards. As the students ate there were a number of conversations both pro and con about the prospects. Harry was glad that at least this time he wouldn't have to worry about finding a date. But he held no illusions about his ability to dance. He would definitely need some help, and an idea began to dawn on him. As dinner was coming to an end, Harry excused himself and went up to where most of the faculty was still lingering over a last cup of tea or coffee. Harry motioned to Bill Weasley and when he came over started to talk to him in low tones. When Harry was done, Bill nodded once and smiled and clapped Harry on the shoulder. When Harry came back to the table, Ginny was looking at him with raised eyebrows. Harry's face was the picture of innocence.

*******

Harry was finishing his breakfast the next morning when his barn owl deposited a large scroll in front of him. He accepted the few scraps of bacon that Harry had left on his plate then flew off to the owlry.

"What did you get, Harry?" Ginny asked.

"It's from Gringotts. They know who owns two of the shops that are still closed in Diagon Alley. They both are interested in reopening but lack the resources to do so. They've started talking to them. But no one has any trace of the Fortescues. It doesn't look like poor Florean had any close relatives. It's a start as least."

Ginny just smiled and gave his hand a squeeze. Harry smiled back and then saw Bill Weasley standing at the entrance to the Hall. He got up and walked over to him, again they talked in low tones and both walked away with smiles. Harry went back to Ginny and said he needed to go and do some work for class and would she meet him for lunch.

"Of course, Harry."

She couldn't be entirely sure but she suspected Harry was up to something. When they met again for lunch it looked like Harry had been hard at work but he was smiling. The two weeks that followed leading up to the Halloween Party were filled with anticipation, planning and for some, dread. Harry was concentrating on his studies, his class and Quidditch practice. An occasional message from Gringotts arrived and Harry appeared satisfied with the progress that was being made but he was still rather closed mouth about it all.

Ginny was getting more and more excited about the dance and when Harry asked her why, she explained,

"Because, Harry, you and I have never been on an official date, that's why. Sure, we've spent lots and lots of time together but never something like this. I can't wait to walk into the Great Hall on your arm, all done up in my dress robes, you looking all handsome and heroic," the last said with an impish grin. "These things mean a lot to a girl, Harry."

"I kind of got that feeling from when we had the TriWizards Tournament, guess I forgot about that. I'll try not to forget about it in the future."

She stood up on her tip toes and kissed his cheek. When the big day arrived Harry was given explicit instructions to make sure he looked his very best. Kreacher had been a big help in that regard. He made sure that Master Harry's robes were cleaned and neatly pressed, that his dress clothes were likewise cleaned to perfection and his shoes were polished to a gleaming shine. Harry even took the time to shave the little bit of stubble that was starting to show. As he stood waiting in the Gryffindor common room he found that he was actually nervous. He and Ginny had spent very little time apart in the last five months but now, with all the preparation and anticipation, he had butterflies as he waited for her to appear on the staircase. He was checking the shine on his shoes for the hundredth time when he heard,

"Hello, Harry."

He looked up and his heart skipped a beat. She stood at the top of the last set of stairs leading from the girls dorm to the common room. Her long red hair was combed to fall over both shoulders and down both the front and back of her robes. The deep green of the gown made the perfect background for her hair and the whole formed the perfect frame for her face, which was radiant. The only thing Harry could bring himself to say was,

"Wow."

"I assume you mean that as a compliment, Harry," she said with a little smile.

"You sure can. Ginny, you look gorgeous."

"Much better."

Her smile went full and her eyes twinkled as she descended the last staircase. She came to a stop a few feet from Harry and gave him a thorough examination. She nodded her head and said,

"And you, Mr. Potter are looking very handsome tonight. Even your unruly hair seems to be cooperating a bit more this evening. Shall we go?"

Harry offered his arm to Ginny and they made it as far as the hole that led out of the Gryffindor common room and stopped. Harry laughed,

"Well, so much for a dignified exit. May I offer to assist you, Miss Weasley?"

"Why thank you, Mr. Potter. You are most gallant," Ginny replied with a giggle.

Harry climbed out of the hole and then offered his hands to Ginny and helped her through. She stood up and checked herself and then reinspected Harry for any damage. Satisfied, she took his arm again and they proceeded down the several flights of stairs to the Great Hall. Many other students were likewise making their way looking or trying to look their finest. Harry was convinced that Ginny was the most beautiful girl there but he had to admit he was a bit biased. When they entered the Hall they could see it was arranged in a similar manner to the TriWizards Tournament Banquet with many smaller round tables, a large central area cleared for dancing and a long table along the wall opposite the faculty dais, set for a buffet dinner. The long faculty table was gone and likewise smaller tables were set. Harry looked up and saw that Bill Weasley was there and so was Fleur. As always she looked absolutely breathtaking. Her long hair shimmered like brushed silver and you'd swear she positively glowed. When she saw Harry and Ginny come in she rose from her seat and swept down the stairs that led down from the side of the dais. She was working her magic and the boys that were already in the Hall stopped what ever they were doing or saying to watch her go by, resulting in a number of whacks from disgruntled dates. Harry could only smile.

"'arry, Geenny, oh eet ees so good to see you again. I've missed you both so much."

She gave her sister-in-law a big hug and kisses on both cheeks. The she pulled Harry into her arms and held him tightly, kissed both his cheeks and then held his face in her hands and looked him in the eyes for a moment.

"And what of you, mon ami? 'ow do you fare, 'arry?" she said, her expression serious.

"I'm doing fine, Fleur. The most dangerous thing I've had to deal with is my own flying."

"'arry, do not try and fool me," she said. "I know all about what 'appened to you that afternoon een the store. Now tell me again, 'ow are you."

Harry reached out again and pulled Fleur back into his embrace. He looked over at Ginny and gave her the 'why don't people believe me' look.

"Fleur, I'm fine. Yes, that was a bad day, but it's over and I've come to grips with what caused it. I can give you all the details but not tonight. Tonight is for fun and good food and bad dancing."

"Bad danceeng, 'arry? Oh no, not after all that work."

Harry looked panicked and Fleur's hand flew to her mouth. Ginny looked at both of them with narrowed eyes.

"What work? What have you been up to?" she demanded.

Before they could answer music began to play and Fleur said,

"Excuse me, my 'usband awaits for our first dance."

She hurried away to where she met Bill at the bottom of the stairs from the dais. Ginny turned her full attention on Harry.

"What did she mean, Harry? Out with it," she insisted.

"Better to show you, my love. Would you care to dance?"

Before she could answer he took her hand and led her out onto the dance floor and began to lead her in a simple but elegant step that she found easy enough to follow. Ginny was very impressed. She remembered the dance at the Tournament Ball and Harry wasn't all that good. She let herself be carried along and lost herself in the rhythm and movement. When the music died away and they swirled to a halt she looked up at Harry and said breathlessly,

"Oh, Harry, that was wonderful. Where did you learn to do that?"

"Well, you gave me the idea, Ginny. When you said that thing comparing dancing to how I flew during the first match I started to think about how I did it. I did it by visualizing what I wanted the broom to do as much as anything so I thought if I could get someone to show me how to dance, what moves to make, then I could try the visualization trick to practice and get good at it. I asked Bill if he and Fleur could help me."

"So that's what all that sneaky talking stuff was about a couple of weeks ago."

"That's right, Ginny. I spent that Sunday morning with them going through dances that Fleur knew and had taught Bill. Then at night Kreacher, of all people, would help. He can conjure up a pretty good image of you, more than a ghost but not really real and I practiced every night."

"You went to all that trouble just for me?" she said quietly, her eyes wide.

"Of course. I told you I'd do anything for you and that means it's no trouble. It was fun."

"But if you saw Fleur so recently what was all that about you… well, you know."

"Well she played it up a bit in the beginning but when she was asking me about how I was feeling, doesn't matter how long it's been since we've seen each other. She still thinks I'm on the verge of falling apart at any minute. It's really kind of sweet but it does get to be a bit much after a while. Hey, another song. Let's go."

He took her in hand and they danced again to a livelier tune and when they were done they were both laughing and out of breath. Bill and Fleur had come to a stop near by and Ginny waved them over.

"So, I have you two to thank for Mr. Twinkletoes here, do I?" she asked with a big smile.

"We helped, Ginny, but Harry did most of it. He caught on very fast," Bill said.

"Oui, Geenny, your 'arry ees quite the natural dancer once 'e sets 'ees mind to eet. In fact, I believe he owes me a dance. 'arry?" The last was as much command as it was a request.

"Ok, Fleur, it would be an honor."

"Ginny, do you mind dancing with your big brother?" Bill asked.

"Oh, if I must," she replied haughtily then giggled.

As with everything else Fleur did she danced with flair and elegance. She and Harry cut quite a swath across the dance floor and were being watched by just about everyone in the hall. The boys were envious of Harry for having such a beautiful partner and the girls were wishing that their partners could dance that well. It wasn't that Harry was doing anything difficult or fancy, they were really simple steps but he did them so well that they appeared more masterly. When they were done they got a smattering of applause and a few 'well done's. Harry got another big hug from Fleur and that was always a good thing. The hall was crowded now and the early dancers left the floor to make some room and grab a bite from the buffet table. Bill insisted that it was okay that Harry and Ginny join he and Fleur at their table on the dais and it afforded them a good view of the dance floor. Despite many stated misgivings it looked like mostly everyone was having a good time. He could see that Hermione even got Ron to show up and they were making a small circuit on the floor with Hermione coaching Ron through some steps.

As they worked their way through their meal Harry spied a familiar head of long black hair standing with some other first year girls watching the dancing. As could be expected all the first year boys were on the other side of the Hall acting like, well, eleven year old boys. Harry leaned over to Ginny and whispered in her ear,

"Excuse me, but I see another pretty girl that I would like to dance with."

She looked startled and then followed his glance. Then she smiled and gave him a brief kiss and said,

"My hero."

Harry smiled, then stood up and walked down off the dais and came to a halt next to Abagail.

"Excuse me, Miss Westwood. Would you do me the honor of dancing with me?"

Abagail looked up at Harry, obviously startled.

"But I don't really know how to dance, Mr. Potter," she replied although the look on her face said she really wanted to.

"Oh, I think we can take care of that. Please?"

She nodded and smiled very wide, the girls around her goggling and giggling. Harry took her by the hand and walked her out to the floor where a small space opened for them. Harry took her other hand and placed it on his upper arm. The he closed his eyes and whispered 'Wingardium Leviosa' and heard a gasp. When he looked, the top of Abagail's head was a lot closer and her hand could now reach his shoulder. She was looking at him with wonder in her eyes and as he began to waltz her around, her feet a foot off the floor, she began to smile and laugh. When the music finally came to an end, for it did seem to have gone on longer then the usual songs, Abagail slowly floated to the floor.

"Thank you, Miss Westwood," Harry said. "You're a very fine dancer."

"That was the best thing ever, Mr. Potter. Thank you very much."

"Well, after all, what are big brothers for?"

She laughed again and ran over to her friends who all huddled together and began to chatter and giggle. Harry walked back to his table, all the time his eyes fixed on those of Ginny who had watched him the whole time. As he got near the table she stood up and pulled him into a fierce embrace. When she let go and stepped back she looked at him with shining eyes and gave her head a little shake.

"That was just beautiful, Harry."

"Thank you, love."

They sat down and Fleur pulled his head to her and gave him a big kiss on the cheek. Bill broke in,

"Harry, look."

Harry turned and looked back at the dance floor just as a boy who looked to be a Hufflepuff second year shyly came up to Abagail and asked her to dance. When they started it was awkward, difficult and entirely enthralling to watch. Abagail appeared to be having every bit as much fun as when she danced with Harry. Hermione and Ron skirted around the little couple and came up to join the rest at the urgings of Bill.

Sitting back and watching all the students in the Hall, some dancing, some eating, most smiling and then back at his 'family' at the table Harry could finally admit that now, in this place, in this time, he was happy and that was enough.

***********