A/N: Finally, back for more, I have had a busy summer. We pick up at dawn, Harry and Ginny having camped overnight in the Forest of Dean just for the peace and quiet.

Dawn quietly wasn't too far off, and after Lilly and James spent the night alone in another part of the forest, they began trotting back towards the couple whose souls they shared to wake them in time to perform the necessary incantation for the Animagus ritual. They were mid-conversation.

"James, you know he loves you. Maybe he's just afraid you will turn very personal stuff into a joke. You and Sirius didn't exactly grow out of that," Lilly said, tilting her head expectantly.

"Yeah, but I am a bit jealous of you, Lill… You can hug him." James said passively.

"You do realize I'm merely acting through his girlfriend, a woman who could pass for a blood relative to me, his mother." She reminded him bluntly. "He will come to you when he's more cheerful, James, but that's highly fleeting right now. She finished somewhat subdued.

"Harry was always attached to you more, even as an infant," James recalled with a chuckle.

"He had plenty of fun with you." Lilly reminded her husband tenderly.

"Yes, I was a fun dad, but from the second he was born, he was attached to you; the healer who came to the house to assist with labour said he never saw a baby take so easily to breastfeeding from birth." James chuckled.

"True, and even labour was hardly a fuss," Lilly recalled quietly.

"See, and the second you held him, he was perfectly calm." James sounded pleased with his recollections at this point, and he turned serious as he went on. "All I'm getting at is… I don't think that such powerful protection happened just because of your love for him. It was his attachment to you that also mattered. If he had been a little older, I'm confident you would have survived too, but magic isn't potent enough in anyone younger than three."

James' words touched Lilly. "You think so, Prongs?" Lilly asked, caught by surprise.

"Yeah, he loves us both like most children love their parents, but you had a bond as mother and son before he was even in the world. You had no problems the whole time, another thing that baffled healers." James finished with nostalgia.

"I'd forgotten, with ending up dead and all, how easy it all was for me before that night, how attached he was, how attached I was," Lilly said softly.

"You felt it again; you both did, the moment he summoned us at the edge of the forest… I saw it, and that's when I knew you would not be able to rest a second time…" James said gently.

There was heavy emotion as she spoke. "The ironic thing is it was Ginny first, last summer. I couldn't leave her to be crushed by her loneliness, and I was going to rest after she was okay again, but then Harry summoned us that night, and I saw the longing in his eyes to know me, and I couldn't deny him," Her voice wavered from sympathy.

"I know Lilly and I couldn't stay on the other side either, not when we had the choice to return, even like this."

"It was wonderful spending time with you," Lily said, nuzzling his head affectionately with her own. "Make an effort to talk to Harry. I might have an emotional connection with him. I don't think you know how much he idolizes you."

James was contemplative now. "I think I will leave it up to Harry when he wants to see me. I don't want to make him feel like he has to talk to me. You have not pressured him either, only helped him through some of his struggles. Maybe sometime soon; we can ask them to let us take their reigns for a dance," James finished thoughtfully.

"I'd like that." Lilly agreed cheerfully.

"We're back, just in time for dawn. Let's go wake those lovebirds." James said quietly.

They looked in on the sleeping forms of Harry and Ginny. She was lying on her stomach on top of him. He had one hand wrapped tightly around her back; the other stretched over his head, his usually restless features looked completely happy, and an almost childlike smile on his face. Ginny was small enough to fit on top of Harry like a puzzle piece; her head was turned to the right, and her arms stretched out on either side of the bed.

As the magical light of his mother and father drew near, Harry started to stir. "That time already, is it? Thanks, both of you," He said groggily.

Harry gently woke Ginny and went outside to perform the incantation (Hermione had been superstitious about doing while bathed in the light of the rising or setting sun) for the Animagus ritual.

"Have fun last night?" James asked with amusement when they came back into the tent.

"James, don't embarrass them." Lilly scolded him in exasperation.

"Hey, I never got to. What kind of father would I be if I didn't embarrass my kid and his better half,"

Harry rolled his eyes, "Okay, it's time to go home."

Once James and Lilly returned to their younger hosts, Ginny looked fondly at Harry. "I did have fun last night, you know."

"So you liked me working down there then?" Harry asked, a bit surprised.

"Trust me; you were brilliant." She told him with a praising smile.

"You are a great teacher," Harry said with a playful smile back.

"I'm just glad all I experienced whenever I was inside that damn book is good for something," Ginny said with quiet solace.

"I'm sorry, Gin… I wish I could have saved you from such awful experiences." He said sadly.

She dismissed this, shaking her head. "You saved me when it mattered most." Ginny cupped his face in her hands. "I love you."

"I love you too; let's go," Harry said softly.

Apparating back home, Harry decided to shop for a new broom, and Ron went with him. Retreating to Ginny's room with her, Hermione wore an eager face.

"Well, how was it?" She asked expectantly.

"Hermione, we haven't gotten that far," Ginny said with annoyance rolling her eyes. "It was about spending time together."

"Okay, How far did you get?" Hermione asked delicately.

"A lot of foreplay, once I gave him the general idea, he was fantastic if a bit fast." Ginny blushed. "We've come a long way.

"So, do you think you'll shag soon?" Hermione asked bluntly.

"I'm not worried about when that happens, but I want to make sure that he feels worthy of us; he still has trouble believing it," Ginny said seriously.

"You want to practice now?" Hermione asked, noticing the fire in Ginny's eyes.

"Yes," she said, quite determined, taking out her wand.

"Remember, look directly at me, and put all your thought and emotion as you maintain eye contact into the spell." Hermione reminded her instructively.

"Okay… Legilimens."

There was a long silence for several minutes; Ginny focused, doing everything Hermione told her.

After fifteen minutes, Hermione's face formed an emotional smile. "Ginny, this is wonderful; you're both so happy. It's the perfect thing for Harry to understand."

"I did it then?" Ginny asked uncertainly.

Hermione was overcome with silent tears smiling. "You did. It was brilliant of you to think of using Legilimency in this way."

"Harry feels and remembers so much pain all the time. I want him to know his life won't always be that." Ginny said emotionally.

"A picture is worth a thousand words, but Harry needs something that will help him start believing he deserves lasting happiness. That's why this is perfect; it's something tangible to latch onto and never let go." Hermione said quietly.

"Hermione, I want you to know how much I love you. You are my sister," Ginny said warmly.

"Hermione teared up again, pulling Ginny into an emotional hug. "I feel the same way, Ginny."

"Can you help me with Harry's birthday by making sure we are not roped into a party?" Ginny asked, pulling away. "I'm going to ask Harry to marry me on his birthday."

"You're going to propose, and on his birthday! Hermione squealed excitedly. "Oh, does that mean you are getting him a ring?" She asked curiously.

Ginny smiled softly. "He can still get me a ring. I just want to ask him to marry me. It stops my breath to think about a life with him. It's been woven in my mind for years, and now it's a full picture waiting to be made real." She was full of emotion now. "I have been in love with Harry before I even met him, almost my whole life; I want to ask him for marriage, even if he does the ring later."

"That's lovely." Hermione swooned.

"We don't need to rush into married with children, but I am ready to be Harry's fiancee," Ginny said adamantly.

"That makes sense, and I'll do whatever I can to help make sure that you have his birthday completely alone with him this year!" Hermione told Ginny reassuringly.

"We are house-sitting for Bill and Fleur while they are in France, but they leave a few days before Harry's birthday."

"I'll run interference. I'm sure you are staying there because you want a vacation from well, everyone." Hermione said with an empathetic smile.

"Thanks, Hermione." They hugged again.

The week before Harry's birthday, a violent lightning storm surged in the atmosphere; it seemed to make it impossible for Harry, Ron Ginny, or Hermione to sleep, yet the others in the house snoozed soundly, making the foursome believe the time had come for the Animagus transformation.

"I reckon this is it," Harry told the other three out loud as they stood outside the Burrow in clothes appropriate for a downpour amid frequent lightning.

"Gee, you think!" Ron said irritably.

"We check the potion if it's blood-red, then we need to move someplace open before we drink the potion to transform." Hermione reminded them loudly over the noise.

"Do you think it's even safe to move with the potion on us? Ginny asked with worry.

"From what I gathered, as long as the potion is blood red, it's immune to further chemical changes, so we can pocket then and go to a more suitable area," Hermione said quickly.

Sure enough, all four potions were blood red. They all pocketed them.

"Great, any idea where we can apparate so we can safely transform away from people? The storm seems to follow us." Harry asked the group at large.

"The Albanian Forest, it's deserted?" Harry suggested off the top of his head.

"Have you gone mad! Ron snapped incredulously. "Bringing the storm into a forest that could catch fire and kill us all!" Ron finished sarcastically.

"Right bad idea, anyone else." He asked, feeling utterly stupid now.

"With proper charms, we could use my house?" Hermione said with a shrug. "Nobody is there, and we can repair any damage later."

"No, we should go back to the bank where we landed after jumping off of the dragon." Ron thought automatically.

"There's no way we're going to find that again," Harry said automatically. "Do we have to be outside, Hermione?" Harry asked, rubbing the back of his neck thoughtfully.

"I don't think so, as long as we drink the potion and say the incantation during the lightning storm." She shrugged.

"We'll use my parent's house; it's already abandoned and damaged beyond repair; if we do more damage while transforming, it won't matter." He said a little too calmly.

"Harry, are you sure?" They all said quietly.

"Yes, I'm sure Hermione can ward us from any lingering eyes while we're there," Harry said with an air of finality.

Nobody wanted to argue with Harry, so the four of them apparated to the partially destroyed monument that was his parent's home; Hermione began casting every privacy spell she knew while Harry stood silent as if being this close to the house. None of the other three minded standing in the pouring rain, knowing how strange being here must have felt for Harry.

Hermione broke the silence somewhat breathy when she finished her spell work. "Okay, nobody will be able to see or hear us; I've gone around blanketing the whole area of the house in privacy spells."

"Harry, are you sure you are alright?" Ginny asked delicately.

The sound of his name made Harry alert again. "Two of us should be inside and two out, four of us all together is not a good idea." He announced evenly.

Lightning was still actively cracking the sky as Ron announced loudly over it. "We'll stay out here." Ginny looked back at Ron and Hermione with a grateful nod.

Harry put his hand on the front doorknob but found his hand wasn't steady enough to open the door. Ginny's hand joined Harry's, and he let out an audible sigh of appreciation before they opened the door together and walked into the house. As they shut the door behind them and looked around, Harry and Ginny felt Lilly and James stir and conjured them both.

"16 years worth of dust, sure does age a house, Tuney would have a heart attack if she saw," Lily said calmly. Harry managed a slight smile.

"It is just as we left it," James said, unusually subdued.

"What's the best room to use?" Harry asked tonelessly.

"The living room, you can move stuff around, but Harry, you have to be willing to embrace your animal side." James cautioned.

I am, dad." He said with meaningful conviction.

Lilly was concerned as they left the room. "Is he?"

"Yes, the danger is in fearing the animal within; he has no such fear," James assured her calmly.

"And Ginny?" Asked Lilly.

"They will be fine. With so much PTSD, they all need the freedom of becoming an animal." James said thoughtfully. "Let's return to them."

Now alone, Harry and Ginny pulled out their potions and wands. "Why did you pick here?" Ginny could not help asking.

"Another place I'm talking back, I suppose, " Harry said quietly. "You ready?"

"We've created enough space, so yeah., only we should take off all our clothes first, don't want them ripped to shreds from the transformation," Ginny said calmly.

"I didn't even think about that," Harry admitted sheepishly.

"Good thing I'm here then," Ginny said with an amused smile.

Together they took off their clothes, and then Harry flicked his wand, and they zoomed out of the house. "I put them in Hermione's beaded bag." He said at her curious look. "We should put some space between us, just in case." Harry finished calmly.

"I'm not worried about that; our souls are bonded these days, sure that counts as animagi too." She smiled at him then brought the potion to her face. "Drink the potion, say the incantation over and over with our wand tip over our hearts… You ready?" She asked one more time.

"Yeah…" They retreated to opposite ends of the living room. The furniture had been moved so that the middle of the room was empty. "Same time, okay, and don't forget, whatever happens, let the animal within out, don't fight it." He said calmly. She nodded.

Together with their wand tip over their hearts, they said "Amato Animo Animato Animagus' a final time before drinking the potion (it tasted better than Polyjuice, but that wasn't saying much) over the loudest strike of lightning. For a moment, they felt nothing, but then fiery pain surged through their bodies—Harry likened this to popping blood vessels but feeling it throughout his body, along with an intense double heartbeat in his chest, making Harry close his eyes. A picture formed in his mind, and the next moment, he felt every muscle in his body react involuntarily.

Don't fight the transition; this is your animal side. Embrace it. Harry firmly reminded himself.

As if in obedience, his body went to the floor stretched out on all fours, and Harry slowly and painfully became the animal that occupied his mind. The pain was not for the faint of heart, it felt like being stretched and impaled all over, but he willed himself to embrace it, even as every part of his body changed, giving way to its animal self. Harry's body shrank and stretched, growing black fur as his human limbs became four legs with paws. Meanwhile, his head, nose, and mouth all became that of a wolf, a howl escaping him as he finished transforming.

Ginny also became a wolf though her fur was as bright red as her flaming human hair. It was clear that some human features carried over in some people, and Ginny's hair was undoubtedly too distinct not to leave its imprint on her animal self. The transformation also did not seem to ignore scars from dark magic as all were present on both of them.

Initially, Harry did not open his eyes until he felt recurring wetness on his face. Something was licking him affectionately. Ginny had cantered over to him, instinct took over, and Harry found himself extending the affection by lightly pouncing onto her back and nuzzling her face. It was odd yet freeing to communicate by way of noises and physical touch. It was several minutes before they rolled themselves to an upright position again. The silence was broken by an intruding noise in the kitchen, which the two of them ran towards instinctively.

"Woah, it's just me, Hermione!" She said hastily. "You, you both recognize me, don't you? I mean, nothing, nothing went wrong?" She finished nervously, giving them both nervous looks.

Harry and Ginny registered the voice and responded by bounding up to Hermione and licking her face affectionately. "I'll take that as a yes then." Hermione could not help but fondly pet both her brother and future sister-in-law on the head and stood up again. "Wolves, I didn't expect that. Well, anyway, the storm is gone. Ron's just running around out there now." She gave them curious expressions. "Have you transformed back yet? You just picture your human form clearly in your mind, but before that, " She continued with amusement. "We saw your clothes zoom into my beaded bag. Why didn't you just charm your clothes to transfigure with you?" "You don't know how?" It took Hermione a moment to remember that she was talking to animals, and she blushed. "Well… It's a good thing I came in here to give them back." Hermione sighed deeply, remembering where she was now. "Right, I'll wait outside then."

Harry and Ginny were both surprised that returning to human form wasn't easy. It took around fifteen minutes before they managed to do it successfully.

"I hope we get used to transforming. It's quite painful at first, isn't it," Ginny said tiredly.

"Yeah, I'm sure it will; we have to practice," Harry said with a yawn.

Harry and Ginny collected their wands from underneath the dusty old couch and decided to magic their clothes back on because of exhaustion.

"Do you want to see the place, so you can finish taking it back?" Ginny asked quietly.

"I will come back with you when I'm not completely knackered. It's nearly two in the morning," Harry said with an even more enormous yawn.

"Come on then." She kissed him and led the way back outside, where Hermione and Ron were waiting.

"Oddly freeing turning into an animal, isn't it," Ron said casually.

"I was worried you were not going to change back. You took to it very well." Hermione said with amusement.

"Yeah, I prefer four legs to two, so would you if you were tall and gangly like I am," Ron said defensively.

"What do you both become anyway?" Harry asked Ron and Hermione curiously.

"I'm a Jack Russel Terrier, like my Patronus, you know. Hermione is this cat-lion hybrid thing." Ron said with a shrug.

"I'm a Kneazle, and only my tail is lion-like; everything else is a cat." She went on proudly. "Kneazles are highly intelligent and independent, among other things."

"I would think it was made up if I had seen it for myself," Ron said honesty.

"Honestly, Ron, Crookshanks is half-Kneazle; they have always been real. They are just native to the magical world." Hermione told him impatiently.

He nodded kindly to Hermione; then gave Harry and Ginny a curious look. "She told me you both become wolves. I was anticipating deer." He grinned.

They both shrugged."You are full Kneazle then?" Ginny asked with interest.

Hermione gave herself space to transform, her wand over her heart as she muttered the magical mantra with her eyes closed… The moment Hermione dropped to the ground, Ron summoned her wand and pocketed it. Her body stretched and morphed, gaining four legs and a distinctly lion-like tail. Brown fur replaced her human hair, and she grew long triangular ears larger than her head. All while she hissed and meowed like a cat.

"I remember reading about Kneazle in Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them; I'm not surprised that's your animal form, Hermione," Ginny said, stroking her fur fondly.

They smiled at Hermione as she transformed back to human. "It's not comfortable transforming, is it," She said thoughtfully.

"Haven't done it enough, I suppose," Ron said with a shrug.

"We'll spend more time as animals tomorrow, but I am officially knackered," Harry said with a yawn.

"Harry, Ginny, before I forget, to charm your clothes to transfigure with you—Ron my wand." He handed it back to her. "Right, so you tap them with your wand and say transverto vestimentum." She demonstrated each of them.

"Thanks, Hermione, let's go," Harry said with another tired yawn.

"We'll have to register ourselves at the Ministry tomorrow, no putting it off, alright." Hermione reminded them firmly.

They all disapparated right to their shared rooms in the Burrow; after taking off most of their clothes, besides undershirts and underwear, Ginny embraced Harry.

"So, did you become what you thought you would?" She asked him quietly.

Harry shrugged. "No, but it just goes to show not everyone becomes what they think they will or what is typical."

"It still makes sense, honestly. I wonder if people can become things like dragons or phoenixes." Ginny wondered with a thoughtful tone.

"They exist, so I bet it's possible, but it's probably a good thing I didn't. I would only be human when necessary."

Together they climbed into bed, Harry on his back and Ginny on hers, nestled comfortably on top of him.

"I find it funny you prefer to use me as a bed." Harry chuckled softly in her ear.

Ginny sighed. "Well, I'm small, so might as well take advantage of it." She took his hand and continued quizzically. "Are you looking forward to your birthday? It's next week, after all."

"I'm honestly looking forward to having two weeks alone with you, even if it is house-sitting for Bill and Fleur, but I suppose an uneventful birthday is a nice bonus too," Harry admitted cheerfully.

"Quiet, sure, but it won't be uneventful." Ginny teased softly.

"Oh, right, your big birthday plans that you still insist on being cryptic with me for some reason," Harry recalled with a smirk.

"It will be your most memorable birthday. Now let's get to sleep," Ginny said calmly.

Harry wasn't sure what could top finding out he was a wizard, but he admired her confidence and very much looked forward to his coming birthday.

The following morning the four of them slept in from the exhaustion of finally completing the Animagus ritual; it was noon before they were awake and downstairs.

Molly eyed the quartet with amusement as she watched them all trudge into seats at the kitchen table. "Good afternoon sleepyheads, your Hogwarts letters came early this morning." She said promptly, taking them out of her pocket. "Quite a bit thicker than usual"

Harry, Ginny, and Hermione opened their letters, noting that there was quite a bit of extra parchment in addition to the usual start of term notice and necessary school supplies list. They read the additional information while Ron got everyone leftover breakfast. As you agreed, Mr Potter, you will be a student-teacher this year in the subject of Defense Agonist the Dark Arts; this is admittedly Hogwart's first-ever implementation of such enrollment. When teaching, I expect you to present yourself with dignity and professionalism! Now it is up to you how you wish to teach; unlike the Muggle schools you grew up in, Hogwarts leaves this to the teacher's discretion. I would advise you not to pull a Barty Crouch Jr. on younger students, however. You have used this subject more than anyone who has taught it in your previous six years at school, so whatever your curriculum looks like is fine.

Now, there are other things unique to your school year I must discuss. First, you, Miss Weasley, and Muss Granger may, as requested, share living quarters. I will personally direct you to it after the start of term feast is over on September 1. Second, you should know that I have chosen you and Miss Granger as head boy and girl. It quite frankly saves me the trouble of having to backtrack through the students in Gryffindor house (between you and me, it has been a general annoyance to do that with the other houses). It isn't very objective, but school privileges were suspended last year under the Death Eaters rule. I am headmistress now, so I'm making at least one thing easy for myself—

Harry chuckled to himself that Minerva McGonagall admitted to giving Hermione and himself the responsibility of Head-boy and girl out of laziness. An uncharacteristic squeal made him look up from his parchment.

Harry raised his eyebrows in concern. "Ginny, what's up?"

"I'm—I'm Quidditch Captain…" She said slowly, clearly surprised.

"That's great, Ginny!" Harry and Ron shouted together.

"I thought for sure it would be you again, Harry." She said in a quiet voice of wonder.

"I had my go of it already." Harry reminded her. "I'll have enough to be getting on with anyway, what with teaching a class and being head-boy on top it." He grinned at her. "You'll be brilliant, Gin!"

Ginny shrugged uncertainly. "It's going to be difficult building a team primarily from scratch. Except for us, Harry, most of the staples are gone." She turned to her youngest brother. "Are you sure you won't come back, Ron?" There was a slight plead in her request.

"Sis, I love you, but there's no way," Ron said bluntly.

Harry turned to Hermione. "I thought you would be giddy. Why so quiet?" Harry asked, staring at her.

"I wanted to make head girl because I earned it, not because of bias!" Hermione moaned in disappointment.

"Hermione, that bit was meant for me," Harry told her with a laugh. "Trust me, if anyone earned head status, it's you," Harry assured her.

"Yeah, Mione, everything about you is head-girl material; she would have been stupid not to give it to you," Ron told her affectionately. Hermione's mood lifted, and she began to eat while Harry returned to his parchment.

The head boy and girl are expected to attend all staff meetings. You will inform prefects of their responsibilities on the train ride to Hogwarts. You overrule prefects in all matters regarding discipline and can and should take points away give any abuse of power by Prefects. You will help manage emergencies within the school. You will have a shift patrolling the entire castle an hour before curfew in cooperation with the other head boys and girls to help ensure a checks and balances system as many prefects neglect or abuse their duties. You will oversee a meeting with prefects once a month to ensure they are doing what is required.

Some final notes: There is the ceremony honouring the Battle for Hogwarts. I realize you and your closest friends do not like the spotlight, but addressing the school will go a long way towards boosting confidence and morale. Students will be nervous returning here given the last year. I hope you all are willing.

Sincerely,

Minerva McGonagall,

Headmistress of Hogwarts.

"I'll have so much to keep me busy this year; it's brilliant!" Harry said enthusiastically.

"You are happy about all this stuff?" Ron asked, alarmed that Harry was grinning. "Is this more of the quiet year you want?"

"I want my slice of normal because I've never had it. It's always been stones, and chambers, and basilisks, and Dementors, and tournaments, and Voldemort and prophecies and war and death…."

"Well, when you put it like that, I get it," Ron said sympathetically.

"I'm sure we'll get specific details about patrolling the castle our first day back," Hermione said eagerly.

"Yeah, I'm sure, and we can discipline power-hungry perfects," Harry said, sighing in relief.

"It would have been useful with Malfoy," Hermione agreed bluntly.

"It looks like the three of us will have to go shopping after we register as Animagus with the Ministry," Ginny said thoughtfully.

"I'll register with you, but I'm coming back here to study more for Auror training," Ron said, having finished his food.

"Oh, the badges!" Hermione exclaimed abruptly. "We nearly forgot them!" She turned her envelope upside down, and a large badge fell out with 'Head Girl' on the front in a gold frame. Harry did the same and found a similar badge with 'Head Boy.' Ginny did the same, revealing a large silver C surrounded by a frame of snitches.

Molly reentered the kitchen a few minutes later, drawn to the increase in noise. "What's going on?" She asked curiously.

Harry, Ginny, and Hermione turned to face Mrs Weasley blushing with their hands closed around their badges

"I was picked as Captain of the Gryffindor Quidditch team," Ginny said with an air of bewildered excitement.

"And Harry and Hermione are Head Boy and Girl, and they will be a student—teachers." Ron cheerfully announced for his two best friends with a grin.

"How wonderful!" She beamed at each of them hugged her daughter. "Ginny, what would you like? Your brother's all got something for their Hogwarts achievements."

"Can I have a broom?" Ginny asked hopefully.

She frowned, looking apologetic. "I would love to get you one, but Fred's casket nearly ran us dry. We'll have enough for your books this year but something that expensive we can't afford right now."

"It's okay, Mum." She said softly.

"I'll at least make a nice cake tonight. Everyone will be thrilled, and we can celebrate." Molly said, smiling at her.

"We will be back in time for that," Ginny said earnestly. "We have a lot of stuff to do."

"Yeah, shopping and Ministry business," Hermione said proudly.

"Do take care then; Arthur says all of you are quite popular these days." Her expression was worrisome and sympathetic. "Oh, and try to coax Luna into shopping with you. She spends most of her time in her flowerbed lately." They all nodded.

"I can let her know that you three will be in Diagon Alley once we're done at the Ministry," Ron said automatically.

"Time to go then," Harry said promptly; those returning to Hogwarts pocketed their school lists and slung bags or rucksacks on their back before everyone disapparated.

London was busy on this particular Friday in the second to last week in July. Everyone was thankful to make it inside the Ministry without a fuss. Harry wore bulky Muggle clothes and a hoody over his head to hide his face, staying as far back as possible to avoid attention.

Hermione approached the front desk casually. "Excuse me, where would someone register as an Animagus?"

The receptionist thought Hermione was too young but answered anyway.

"Level 2–Department of Magical Law Enforcement, Improper Use of Magic Office." She said tonelessly.

"Thank you very much," Hermione said evenly.

They all filed into the lift, and after a little while, they arrived at their destination. There were few people here.

"Hello, the four of us, " She gestured to the others smiling, "Are here to register as Animagi."

A man spoke formally. "Second room on the right. You must submit to human ID first, then transform yourself so that your animal and any unique markings may be identified and kept on record with this office, No more than one at a time, please."

The party of four walked into the second room on the right and was greeted by a witch only a few years older than them.

"Hello, I'll be with you…in one moment." She looked shocked at so many people. "Four? I don't think that has ever happened." She narrowed her eyes. "Wait, you are…your article…the war! That means— "

"Sorry, but we have a busy day," Ginny said stiffly.

"Oh yes, of course, follow me." The young which soon gestured to an isolated part of the room. "I will be performing genetic identification twice on each of you."

"I will go first, " Harry declared; he had no desire to prolong his time at the Ministry.

She responded brightly. "Okay, please step inside the containment chamber. I will scan you first as a human, then again as an animal."

Harry stepped inside and heard muttering of some sort of spell though he could not listen to it, then a few minutes later, there was an audible gasp.

The young woman spoke with contained excitement. "Um, Harry Potter, sir, you can transform now." Harry pulled out his wand and performed the spell Hermione showed him the previous day, then changed into his wolf form. The young woman spoke enthusiastically again. "Identifying marks include a slight outline around the eyes, lightning scar on forehead and several regular scars on the body as well as another magical scar over the heart… Okay, Mr Potter, you may transform back, sir."

Harry did; transforming was still relatively uncomfortable and even painful to a degree. He found himself breathing hard as he stepped out, rejoining the others.

"You sure do have a lot of scars, but I should not be surprised, seeing as you are Harry Potter." She was smiling as though close to bursting.

He was swift. "Um, please don't badger my friends with questions about the war or call me sir. It makes me sound more important than I am." He turned to the others. "Girls, meet me at the Leaky Cauldron when you're done; Ron, we'll see you at home later."

"He does not like being recognized, does he?" She asked guiltily.

"No," They all said at the same time.

Half an hour later, Hermione and Ginny joined Harry at a table in the back of the Leaky Cauldron. Luna had it seemed decided to join them.

"Hello, Ginny, Hermione. Ron told me that you and Harry were going shopping for Hogwarts, and I was invited to come along."

"Hi, Luna." They greeted. "I'm glad you decided to come along," Ginny said to her best friend.

"So am I; Harry and I have just been chatting while we wait," Luna said brightly.

"Did everything go okay then?" Harry asked, looking up from his Hogwarts list as they sat down at the table.

"Yup, we're all registered," Hermione said with a sigh of relief.

"Good, that girl seemed nice enough. I just have a thing about getting noticed." Harry sighed defensively.

"Oh yes, you don't like that very much at all. You could learn to transfigure yourself." Luna offered helpfully.

"I suppose I could."

Ginny turned her attention to the school list. "So, do you need teaching books then?"

"Nothing was included in my letter," Harry said with a shrug. But let's go."

"Do you want to put the cloak on?" Ginny asked with concern.

Harry frowned. "What about you girls? I can't ask you to take the brunt of the crazed public by yourselves."

"We'll be alright, Harry," Hermione said dismissively.

"Alright then, " He smiled softly.

Together they entered Diagon Ally through the magically concealed entrance behind the Leaky Cauldron. Ginny and Luna agreed to take Harry and Hermione's vault keys and get money from their vaults to save them from lingering tension with Gringotts goblins. Under the cloak, Harry noticed that it was well on its way to being as active as it was in the days before Voldemort's return was public but still recovering from the aftermath of the second war. Shops frequented by Hogwarts students were open and seemed in relatively good shape again.

"I'm going to buy Ginny a Firebolt III," Harry whispered to Hermione as they browsed shops waiting for Ginny to return from the bank.

"You want me to distract her," Hermione said predictably.

"Yeah." He said guiltily.

"Okay, but let's get our essentials first." Hermione reminded him.

Ginny and Luna returned with filled pouches of money for Harry and Hermione. She told them that George willingly gave her enough money to pay for her last round of school supplies, which they were pleasantly surprised to hear. They got new robes from Madam Malkin's, and Harry left while the girls were getting fitted, going to Quality Quidditch Supplies to buy Ginny a Firebolt III. Such a large package meant that he had to forgo the cloak, not that he minded. Ginny was worth anything. People grew unsubtly curious about the man in so much layered clothing that he looked out of place.

"I thought you already got a broom, Harry," Ginny asked quizzically.

"I did. This one is for the new Gryffindor Quidditch captain." He said with a smile.

"Oh, Harry, I appreciate that, but I'm not worth that much," Ginny said dismissively.

"Please take it," He said softly. "You are the best flyer I have ever seen and deserve a top broom." There was pride in his eyes.

Ginny was conflicted. "But Mum, I don't want to make her feel bad."

"Then we can hide it until we are back at Hogwarts. Just consider it an early birthday gift from your boyfriend. I know you prefer this over jewellery anyway." Harry said, smiling affectionately at her.

"Thank you, Harry," Ginny said affectionately.

"Now to finish shopping for Hogwarts," Hermione said brightly.

It was another hour before they finished the rest of their Hogwarts shopping. Eventually, books and supplies alike were crammed into Hermione's bottomless beaded bag. With the apparent exception of Ginny's broom, which she had strapped to her back.

"Let's drop in on George at the shop," Ginny said after a bit of silence.

"I'm going to look at some of the magical creatures that are bought around here. That place is a bit too loud but say hi for me. I'll meet you again to leave together." Luna said dreamily.

The others nodded. Fred's death only made Weasley's Wizard Wheezes more popular. It was packed with customers. There was now an "in laughing memory section" that consisted of enchanted tape recorders designed to record laughter and guaranteed to induce it whenever played back. Harry, Ginny, and Hermione found George at the shop's back in the small staff room.

"What brings you three over here?" George asked, greeting them all in a relatively cheerful mood.

"We were out shopping for Hogwarts and wanted to drop by," Ginny said, giving him a half hug.

George noticed her broom. "That must be why Harry bought you a Firebolt III. Wanted the best for his star player."

For your information, I made Captain, not Harry." Ginny said, irritated.

"I hope you are ready to put up with her. She's a female Oliver Wood."

"Shut it." Ginny rolled her eyes impatiently.

"Anyhow, I heard through the great vine that you two would be joining little sis for a final year. Need a refill on products that will get you out of class?" He asked, grinning at them.

"Harry and I are going to be student-professors, and nobody will take us seriously with that sort of nonsense in our pockets," Hermione said impatiently.

George blanched. "Oh dear, Fred is up in that big blue sky personally insulted, and so am I."

"How are you doing, big brother?" Ginny asked, ignoring his attempt at humour.

"Better, which I didn't think was possible," George said quietly. "The extra help from friends makes things easier."

"Ron has already said he is going to help in between his Auror training," Harry mentioned.

"Ron is a good brother," George admitted with a small smile.

"Please, tell him that once in a while." Hermione pleaded softly. "Ron doesn't hear it from his family enough."

"That's what you and Mum are for," George said dismissively.

"You weren't with him when he dealt with that locket, George, just be nice to his face more often. I saw how much he feels like he does not matter to his own family." Harry said seriously.

"Of course he matters!" George said defensively.

"It wouldn't kill us to make him feel that way more often." Ginny agreed with a slight shrug.

"What exactly happened last year," George asked hesitantly.

"Psychological torture, He's still having trouble. We all are, honestly." Hermione said sadly.

"Why would you go back to Hogwarts then?" George asked curiously.

"To be a kid at least once in our lives, if Ron could tolerate schoolwork, he would be going back too," Harry said quite plainly.

"The four of you really did get the short end of the stick in that department, didn't you?" George said sympathetically.

"That's an understatement." They all said with a shrug.

True to her word, Mrs Weasley made sure to throw together a last-minute celebration for those who earned Hogwarts achievements, complete with cake and the other members of the Weasley family, plus Luna.

"Oh, you didn't have to…." They all said sheepishly after being surprised that evening.

"Nonsense dears, it would be unfair not to celebrate as we did for the others." Molly insisted.

"Mum always insists," Ginny said under her breath to Harry and Hermione before hugging her mother.

The atmosphere that evening was relaxed and social. Harry found himself talking to everyone at one point or another throughout the night. Charlie mentioned how he was staying local for work. Harry suspected that this was in response to Fred's death. He was enthusiastic about Ginny making Quidditch Captain, having earned the honour himself and offering advice as a result. Harry noticed that Ginny became increasingly challenged to stay engaged in the conversation the longer Charlie rambled, and when she was still trapped after almost an hour, Harry rescued her.

"Thanks for getting me out of there," Ginny said gratefully, "I mean, I love Quidditch, but I'm going to be Captain my way."

"You're welcome, but it is still not as bad as Percy rambling about being a Head Boy. If your dad hadn't pulled him aside about something Ministry related I might have fallen asleep." Harry said with a bored expression.

"Fair point." Agreed Ginny. "Where are Ron and Hermione?"

"They snuck off to be alone," George smirked.

"How did they manage that?" Harry asked.

"I gave them a distraction," George said, smirking even more now. "Not nearly as much fun without Fred, but I can do the same for you two." He whispered.

They were about to reply when Mr Weasley addressed Harry.

"Harry, may we speak for a moment?"

"Sure, Mr Weasley."

They went to a separate room. "So ministry employees are informed of every newly registered Animagus so we can identify them in case of security breaches. I haven't told the family." He said plainly.

"Thank you."

"Ginny is not as open with us as she used to be."

"She has been through a lot.

"Why does she not want to talk to us?"

"She doesn't want to be pitted."

"Harry, please just let her know that when she is open up to us, Molly and I will be here."

"I will."

"Ginny has always loved you; I thought it was childish fascination until the day I found her crying because she kept dreaming the Basilisk stare killed you before you ever found her down in the chamber. Harry, you make my daughter very happy."

"I was oblivious back then," Harry said honestly. "But I am completely in love with your daughter now and always will be. I need you to (know that Arthur." He finished emotionally.

"I couldn't have asked for a better future son in law. Take care of my little girl, Harry, and know that we are all proud of each of you." He extended his hand, and Harry shook it.

"Thank you, Arthur, for always treating me like another son."

A/N: My animagus choices were took some thought and I did seriously consider the Stag and Doe for Harry and Ginny, but I felt it would be overused. So, I researched other animals that were similarly representative of their personality and wolf fit the most. Black and Red volves do exist in the real world which is a nice bonus. Ron is the one that becomes the same animal as his Patronus. JRT—dogs in general are incredibly loyal and kind so that was the obvious choice. Hermione is full-blooded Kneazle, this is a magical creature, but I felt it fits her personality too much for her to be anything else.