Chapter XLVI — Life Isn't Always As Perfect As It Seems

Harry felt like life was just perfect. Everything was going exactly how he had always wanted it to. He was engaged to the most amazing woman in the entire world, who he happened to be madly in love with, but what still surprised him was how much that she loved him back; he had a promising career in Quidditch as a seeker to look forward too; he was planning his wedding; and he had managed to somewhat make amends with his relatives. He couldn't believe the shift that his life had taken, not that he was complaining of course. He grinned broadly to himself when Ginny came outside to sit next to him under the large oak tree.

"Hey, what are you doing out here all alone? Did Mum scare you away when she started mentioning table cloth colours?" Ginny asked.

Harry laughed. "No, though I'm glad I left. Who cares what colour the table cloth is?"

Ginny grinned. "Well, it has to coordinate with everything else?"

Harry laughed. "I suppose. Nah, I was just thinking about how great everything is going."

Ginny snuggled closer, grinning when his arm came around her. "Yeah, life sure is getting good. I need to talk to you about something though."

He looked down at her and gently brushed a piece of her hair out of her eyes. "Sure, love, what's up?"

She smiled and stretched herself out so that her head was lying in his lap and she was looking up at him as his fingers ran through her hair. "Well, you know how I've been going to St. Mungo's and well sort of training with some healers and things?"

Harry nodded. "Yeah, you've gone for what a week now?"

"Yes. But I'm not sure if I want to be a healer anymore."

Harry looked down at her in surprise. "Really? What brought that on?"

Ginny shrugged. "I don't know. I think it's been sort of a combination of things. One I was thinking that you're going to be a professional Quidditch player and sometimes you'll have to travel for a bit and I don't really want to sit around and wait for you. I want to go with you. I love you and I want to spend as much time with you as possible."

Harry grinned down at her and kissed her softly. "Liar; I love you too, but that's not the reason."

Ginny grinned. "Well, maybe not, but I think it has some part in my choice."

"So what is the other reason?"

"Well, I've been helping Hermione out with that school idea and … well, I really like it, Harry, I think I'd like to maybe work with her on getting that off the ground, maybe teach."

"Really? I think that's great. I wasn't lying when I told Hermione that I thought it was a great idea. Do you really want to do that?" Harry asked.

Ginny nodded. "Yeah, I think I would. Of course we're still getting everything organized and we've got to bring the matter to the ministry." She grinned. "Good thing Dad's the Minister; we might stand a better chance since he loves muggles so much."

Harry laughed. "Yeah, I suppose you're right. So when are you going to bring the idea up to him?"

Ginny shrugged. "I think tomorrow." She grinned and sat up, her hair falling to frame around her face, making Harry sigh. She was so beautiful sometimes she just took his breath away. "Hermione made a formal meeting at the ministry to discuss the idea. Want to come with us tomorrow? Ron is coming too."

"Sure, I'd love to hear how Hermione is going to propose this idea."

Ginny laughed and stood up. "Me too, but you know that she's going to make sure we all say something about it. Come on, let's go inside it's time for dinner."

Harry took her hand in his and they walked back up to the Burrow, hand in hand.

The next day, Harry, Ginny, Ron, and Hermione headed down to the Ministry of Magic to propose the idea of a primary school for magical children. When they arrived in Arthur's office, the secretary directed them to the board room. They would be proposing the idea in front of the entire council of the Ministry of Magic, as well as Arthur. They took their seats and Arthur gave them all smiles before speaking.

"Now, Hermione, you mentioned to me that the four of you had come up with some type of plan for the school system. I admit that you have me very curious at what this idea entails."

Hermione smiled and stood up. "Yes, I do. It came to me a couple of months ago when we were coming back from the D.A. meeting where Harry asked the members if any of them were interested in joining in the final fight against Voldemort. I forget exactly how the conversation started but it was something that Ron had said and I asked him why he didn't understand, didn't he go to school before Hogwarts? Ginny had informed me that it is up to the parents to teach the children everything that they need to know concerning life before they go to Hogwarts; that they didn't go to school and that most young witches and wizards in fact do not go to school before Hogwarts. Both Harry and I found this very strange, as we had both gone to school in the muggle world before we learned that we were a witch and a wizard. Then I began to ask myself if muggleborns were somewhat smarter or more knowledgeable then purebloods or students who had grown up in the magical community, and I realized that on some level we are. Harry?"

She sat down and Harry stood up, after learning that morning that Hermione wanted him to explain, he didn't mind at all, though he did hope he did it right. After all, she had technically told him what to say. He sighed, Ginny was always right.

"Yes. So what Hermione is proposing is that we start a primary school of some sorts for the children of the magical community. Like muggles they would start school at four or five years old, go for about five or six hours, and come home in time for dinner. The younger children, as in the four and five year olds would only attend school for half a day though, while ages six to ten would attend for the full day. They would attend until the summer they left for Hogwarts. We also believe that it would improve the relationship with muggles, because we would be teaching both muggle things as well as magical things, which would of course give them a much better understanding of the muggle world. Ginny?"

Ginny smiled at Harry and stood up. "How many of you guys are like Ron and I, where you know next to nothing about muggle life? We are interested in knowing, and it's sad to say, but we are very ignorant of how muggles live. Sure we learn our basic reading, writing, and mathematical skills from our parents before we go to Hogwarts, but is that really enough? Harry and Hermione have told us that they learned history, geography, science, English, and of course the basic math and reading and writing. Why shouldn't young witches and wizards get to learn this too? Ron?"

Ron stood up as his sister sat down. "I think it would be a good idea. By doing so we could get a chance to learn all about muggles, but it would be better because it would be taught by witches and wizards who have left Hogwarts, so we would also be getting a glimpse at the magical community. Hermione also suggested that it would be good to teach the basics of Latin as well, since most of the spells and things that we learn are in Latin; it might make spells easier when we arrive at Hogwarts if we know some Latin. Hermione?"

Hermione smiled as she stood up. "Exactly. It would benefit the entire magical community and it would help the students later on in life. Muggle Studies is an elective course at Hogwarts so this leaves many students very ignorant of muggle life. We would of course teach them how to read and write; basic mathematical skills; however we would also teach the basics of Latin; geography, simply where the different countries in the world are and where the magical communities are hidden in muggle communities around the world, and of course how they are hidden from muggles; English, which in muggle schools is much more than the language itself, the students would read books and plays both written by witches and wizards as well as muggles, learn how to write essays and reports on them so that they are better prepared when they get to Hogwarts; science, we would teach them about how muggles have invented things in replace of magic, such as electricity and transportation like trains and planes and cars; and of course history, which I personally think is the most important. European history is extremely interesting, and both Harry and Ron have told me they have had family members fight and die in muggle wars such as the Franco-Prussian War, and of course the two large world wars of the twentieth century. As we run through muggle history, we will of course offer a time line of where the magical community was at that point in history and then tell the students that Professor Bins will explain that when they get to Hogwarts. Both Ginny and I plan to teach at this school as well as Lavender Brown, Parvati Patil, Angelina Johnson, and Katie Bell, both who have decided to retire from Quidditch. We all think that it would be for a good cause. We would of course need to find a secure location for the school and to come up with a list of prospective students. And hopefully come up with a few more professors. But that is the plan. Thank you." She sat down and Harry saw Ron clasp his hand tightly in hers under the table.

Arthur nodded at them before speaking. "Well, this is an interesting and I must say intriguing plan. However, the council and I will need a few days to discuss it. We will send for you when a decision has been reached. For now, you may go."

The four of them nodded; thanked everyone for listening and left the room. As soon as the door closed behind them, Hermione let out a huge breath. "Oh my God; that was terrifying!"

Ron laughed. "Terrifying? You were bloody brilliant!"

Harry nodded. "You really were. I didn't know that Angelina and Katie were considering quitting Quidditch?"

Hermione nodded. "Yeah, she said that she had her fun, but now she wants to do something else and she thinks that this school idea is a really worthwhile cause. Angelina is getting very serious with Fred from what I've understood, so I'm not sure why she is quitting Quidditch, possibly because Katie is, but she also really likes the school idea."

Ginny smiled. "I think it's wonderful! I just hope that it will go through."

"Me too." Hermione said.

Harry grinned. "Well, why don't I take you all out to lunch after such a stressful morning?"

Ron laughed. "Food, well I'm in."

Ginny rolled her eyes. "Big surprise. Alright, let's go."

The four of them had spent the day having fun. Ron and Harry were due to start their training for Quidditch in a few days, so they spent the day shopping and wandering around, doing nothing in particular. Hermione had even convinced them to go see a movie. Both Ron and Ginny were amazed by this as neither one of them had even watched television before, let alone go to a movie. Harry had suggested the latest action flick and Ginny and Ron had looked confused when Hermione had sighed and called Harry a typical guy. When they had finally arrived back at the Burrow it was later on in the evening, but still in time for dinner. They knew that Arthur would still be at the Ministry of Magic and that Molly was probably in the house by herself. They were laughing when they apparated in the paddock of trees outside the house and then they had stopped cold when Ginny had gasped and grabbed Harry's arm.

The Burrow was gone, burned to the ground, leaving nothing but ash behind.

Harry held Ginny back as she tried to run inside. "No, stop, you're too emotional right now. It might not be safe. I'll be right back."

Harry knew that she was in shock when she merely nodded at him and watched him head into the rubble, Ron behind him. Hermione had grabbed Ginny's hand and they just stood back and watched, tears pouring down their cheeks, both of them too shocked to move. To his surprise the house may have been completely gone and burned to the ground, but everything inside was still standing, not a scorch mark in sight. He looked around bewildered, how was that possible? All of the furniture, minus pictures or anything that had been hanging on the walls was all in perfect condition. He headed into the kitchen, Ron at his heels and they found Molly lying on the ground, her face battered and bruised.

"Mum!" Ron gasped, hurrying over and falling to his knees in front of her. "Mum, are you alright?" He turned her over and sighed in relief when he felt a pulse. "She's alive, Harry."

"Good, at least that's one good sign. Can you lift her?"

Ron nodded and he picked her up into his arms just as Harry called Fawkes to him, who appeared. Harry told the phoenix to take Molly to St. Mungo's right away. Fawkes flashed them away and Harry searched the house again with Ron, but he knew that Molly had been the only one there. Yet he still felt relieved not to find anyone else in the house. He stepped back outside to his friends.

"Everything is still in perfect shape, except the house is gone. Look, Ron and I found your mum unconscious in the kitchen, but she was still breathing. I had Fawkes bring her to St. Mungo's. Why don't Ginny and Ron head down there to make sure she's okay? Hermione, will you help me get all of the stuff to a secure location? With the house gone, I'd at least like if all of their belongings are kept safe."

Hermione nodded. "Sure." She gave Ron a hug.

Harry did the same to Ginny and soon the two were gone.

Hermione turned to Harry. "So, do you think Molly will be alright?"

"I think so. She was a little beat up, but I think she'll be okay. Let's hope so anyway." He turned towards the house. "I want to send everything to Potter Manor; they may have lost their home but they won't lose their belongings as well. Besides, that's where everyone is going to be staying." Just then Hedwig landed on his shoulder. Harry pulled a spare piece of parchment from his bag and scrawled a quick note to Dobby with instructions to store all of the belongings in the living room for now and to make space for them, before he sent Hedwig on his way. "Alright then, let's get to work."

Hermione nodded. "Yeah. Harry, have you ever heard of a spell where the house would be completely demolished like, this but all of the belongings stayed completely in tact?"

Harry shook his head. "No I haven't, which is why I'm sending it all to safety. It doesn't make sense."

"I'll look up possible spells like this when we get to Potter Manor."

Harry laughed. "Yeah, you do that." Within two hours, every single belonging in the Weasley house was safely at Potter Manor.

Harry sighed as he looked around at the house. "Well, it's gone for now."

"Yeah." Then she grabbed his arm. "Harry! The rest of the Weasleys don't know what happened!"

Harry sighed; she was right. He was trying to be as calm as possible but on the inside he was fuming. He knew who had caused the trouble, and it was eating him up not to be doing anything about it. "You're right. Look you head to St. Mungo's; I will go tell everyone what's going on."

"Are you sure, Harry?" Hermione asked. "You don't want me to go with you?"

Harry shook his head. "No, you go make sure everything is okay. I'll contact everyone."

Hermione nodded and Disapparated. Harry took one quick glance at the rubble and felt the anger zip through him. He would find them and they would pay.

When Harry arrived at St. Mungo's an hour later, he wasn't the only person who was angry. All of the Weasleys were in a right temper at what had happened to their home even if they were grateful that Harry had saved their things. The entire family was in Molly's room when he arrived. Ginny was sitting on her mum's bed holding her hand, Arthur was on her other side, Ron and Hermione stood behind Ginny holding hands, Fred was holding hands with Angelina as George stood next to him, Bill and Fleur were there as well, Charlie stood off to the side. He had only just arrived back from Romania that morning. The only person missing was Percy.

George was the first person to notice Harry. "Harry, so glad you could make it."

Harry nodded then he looked over at Molly. Her face had a few cuts on it, but the healers had obviously healed most of the bruises. "How are you?"

Molly smiled at Harry. "I'm doing much better, dear, thank you for what you did."

Harry shrugged. "It was no problem. I'm glad that you're alright. Does anyone know what happened?"

Molly nodded. "It was Death Eaters. They broke through the wards on the Burrow. I didn't even realize that they had gotten inside until I turned and this horrible woman with dark hair was standing there laughing. Then before I could grab my wand from the counter she cursed me. I remember being beaten with something and seeing five other Death Eaters standing around watching them hurt me and then the house crumbled down around me." Harry's eyes flashed and Arthur noticed.

"It's a good thing that you're alright, Molly, that's all that matters. Harry, can I talk to you outside for a moment?"

Harry nodded and followed Arthur outside. Arthur closed the door and looked at Harry for a long moment before speaking. "Harry, you know that the six escaped Death Eaters who burnt down your aunt and uncle's house have still not been caught? I believe it was the same ones."

"I know. They obviously want me. Arthur, I'm so sorry, by living there, I've put your family in danger and –"

"Harry," Arthur interrupted. "You are not the cause of this, and I want you to get that out of your mind immediately. Two of the escaped Death Eaters are Malfoys, who have hated me and my family for decades. This could very well have been a vendetta against me as well. Do not blame yourself. Now Hermione told me that you have sent all of our belongings to Potter Manor, I can't tell you how much I appreciate that."

Harry nodded. "It was the least I could do, sir, after everything that you and Molly have done for me."

Arthur smiled. "It's been our pleasure. Thank you for finding Molly when you did; if you four hadn't … well it could have been too late. I'm so thankful that the four of you arrived when you did."

Harry shrugged. "It was no problem. I'd like for you all to come and stay at Potter Manor until another house can be built."

Arthur smiled. "Thank you, Harry, we'll take you up on that. Now come on, let's go back inside and figure out what to do about these escaped Death Eaters that seem to still be causing problems."

Harry nodded. "I say we start a manhunt for them."

Arthur sighed. "I'm afraid that you might be right. That might be our only option left."

Harry followed him back into the room and clenched his fist tightly; if he found any of them first, there would be hell to pay. He was tired of that black shadow of death looming over his life and for once he had found true happiness … he was not going to let them ruin it … even if he had to kill them himself. Though he hoped it wouldn't come to that, as killing a Death Eater was nothing like destroying the darkest wizard in the world, he would be killing a human being in cold blood, and no matter how much they deserved that, he couldn't help but think how so much more like murder it was then killing Voldemort had been. Voldemort had technically already been dead, but he was still alive through magical means. He sighed; he didn't care, if they tried to hurt anyone he loved again there would be hell to pay, he would make sure of it.