Disclaimer: All charcters and world concepts are property of J.K. Rowling

Disclaimer: This is not the work of CNG25 but that of Lilausty, originally published on harrypotterfanfiction-dot-com.

Chapter 20: Lines in the Sand
"My Lord, I have news on today's attack."

Red eyes glinted, fury and hatred reflected in their depths, "I have already heard that it was a complete failure. That nearly half of the force sent was killed, completely out matched. What could you possibly have to tell me?"

"My Lord, even though the attack was a failure, some good has come from it."

Lord Voldemort considered the image of his loyal follower, "Explain."

"As you know, McGonagall and Potter had been at each other's throats for months now. I have done my best to keep it that way, but despite my input, they recently started to mend their relationship. McGonagall was starting to give Potter what he wanted and in turn, he was starting to help her."

"You are not explaining how today's failure was actually a success my loyal Death Eater. My patience is limited. Get to the point!"

"My apologies My Lord, I was simply trying to elucidate the situation at Hogwarts. Tonight, after the attack, the Headmistress asked to see Potter and his friends. She was, shall we say, distressed at his actions during the battle."

"His actions?" Lord Voldemort's eyes narrowed to slits.

"Yes My Lord, he and his girlfriend, the Weasley girl, were the only ones who killed your followers. My apologies, but I thought you already knew this."

Voldemort hissed, "No, I didn't. It would seem some of my followers are too cowardly to tell me the truth. They shall be punished most severely. So, it was Potter that killed them mmm? He obviously didn't learn that from the old muggle loving fool. Perhaps he may turn into a worthy adversary after all." His gaze sharpened and returned to the image of the Death Eater. "Continue."

"McGonagall had gathered several of the key members of the Order and they berated Potter for being a 'monster.' He tried to explain to them that his actions were right and justified and that the only way they could possibly win is if more people are willing to kill. Thankfully, none of the other members were even remotely willing to listen to him. Not even his friends were happy with his decision, only his pathetic girlfriend."

Voldemort stroked the head of Nagini who had curled up onto his lap, "So…Potter has finally realised what would be required of him, if he wishes to fight us." He mused.

"My Lord, it gets better." The Death Eater said boldly.

"Continue then."

"McGonagall laid down some very restricting laws upon Potter and he completely brushed them off. They are effectively at war now, once again at each other's throats, and this time I do not think there will be any reconciliation. Potter still has his private army of school children, but McGonagall is going to be clamping down hard on their meetings and their membership. I cannot see Potter being able to convince others to his way which is good news to us."

Red eyes considered the masked figure, "Has Potter shown any indication of wanting to leave Hogwarts?"

"No My Lord. I find that confusing, especially in light of this recent development. Potter certainly has his own home, so I am curious to find out why he wishes to stay."

Voldemort sniffed, "Probably to remain in the same place as the gravesite of the old fool Dumbledore. He is such a soft hearted weakling." He paused, "Still, considering he killed 8 of my followers today, I should not underestimate him any longer. He is a man, however much a weak one." He pierced the Death Eater with a stare, "Have you found out where he got the training?"

The kneeling figure almost flinched, "No My Lord, he has not been forthcoming even to his friends. The Order pushed him hard tonight to try and find out, but so far nothing has been revealed. I believe that only his girlfriend and perhaps the phoenix know the truth."

"Then that is your mission from now on. Do what you can to keep Potter and McGonagall away from each other, and try to undermine Potter's efforts in recruiting. But most off all, find out where he is getting the training from. More importantly, who is training him, for the boy is so thick, I doubt he is doing it on his own."

The Death Eater bowed low, the hood almost touching the ground, "It will be done My Lord."

"You have done well, now go!"

The four Gryffindors were walking back towards the common room, and Harry was fuming. Ginny, obviously aware of his inner anger, was holding his hand tightly. However, she could offer little comfort, being furious herself.

Ron was stalking up ahead of them, obviously annoyed as well, though Ginny had no idea what could possibly have angered him. The only one that seemed to be under any emotional control was Hermione.

Suddenly Ron stopped and faced the other three. His eyes almost flashing in his anger settled on Ginny, "Gin, could you please go back to the common room, there is something Hermione and I need to talk to Harry about but it is kind of private."

Hermione threw a startled look to Ron, obviously not expecting to be dragged into whatever his problem was. Harry merely raised an interested eyebrow but Ginny stared to glower, "Why should I leave Ron? There is nothing you can say to Harry that I shouldn't be involved in. I thought you had realised that I am as much a part of this group as you are!"

He shook his head furiously, "No, not this time. This is purely between us!"

Ginny looked like she was going to spit fire, but Harry merely sighed, "Gin, if he feels that strongly about it, maybe you should go. If it is something that you should know about, I'll tell you later, ok?"

Obviously surprised that Harry was so bending so easily to Ron's demand, she didn't argue any more. Merely nodding, glaring at her brother and stomping off down the corridor.

Once she was out of sight, Ron proceeded to the nearest classroom and opened the door. The other two followed him into the room and he faced them. Harry sighed again, "Yes Ron? What is it that you need to talk to me about. Remember I am already pissed off at McGonagall."

Hermione had a very nervous look on her face, but Ron dove right in, "Alright then, I'll get straight to the point. What the hell were you thinking? Dragging Ginny through all of that?"

Harry's eyes narrowed, "She is a member of the DA and a very capable fighter. I needed her where she was, fighting the Death Eaters. We all knew that when we organised the DA, we would be required to fight. I thought you understood that."

Ron seemed to swell, and even Hermione's hasty calming hand wasn't enough to contain his anger, "WHY THEN COULDN"T SHE HAVE COME WITH US? YOU SAID IT YOURSELF THAT WE WERE GOING INTO DANGER AS WELL! WHY DID SHE HAVE TO STAY WITH YOU?"

Harry almost took a step back, completely shocked by the fury evident on his best friend's face. "Ron, I-I I did what I thought was best at the time. I do not understand why you are so angry, we all came out fine, no injuries and we turned back their attack. I couldn't have done that without her!"

Ron, if possible, looked even madder, "AND THAT MAKES IT EVEN WORSE! YOU – YOU THE PERSON WHO NEVER HAS A CLUE WHAT TO DO IN A CRISIS, MAKING THE DECISIONS! OR DO YOU FORGET WHAT HAPPENED THE LAST FEW TIMES YOU HAD TO DECIDE? DUMBLEDORE? SIRIUS? RINGING ANY BELLS?"

"Ron, please settle down! Think who you are yelling at!" Hermione pleaded, tears glistening in her eyes.

Taking several deep breaths, Ron managed to control the volume of his voice, "You are not qualified to lead the DA Harry, you have never been one for thinking things through. This attack just made things worse!"

Harry, torn between anger and grief simply stared at the red haired boy, "Ron, if you didn't want me in charge of the DA then why the hell did you say I should re-start it?"

He scowled, "Momentary lapse of judgement. For a moment, I forgot what you were truly like!"

That hurt.

"And exactly what am I truly like Ron?" Harry spat.

Obviously terrified about the argument that was taking place, Hermione stood between the two males ,"Enough, maybe we should sit down before things get to heated!" she exclaimed, placing a hand on each of their chests.

They looked at her, Harry nodding first, "Very well Hermione, but I still want an answer."

Ron was quiet and before Harry could question him again, Hermione said, "Harry, there is only one thing that worries me."

Green eyes locked on hazel, "Oh? Let me guess, the killing?"

She nodded, "Killing, even in the heat of battle, is wrong Harry! We cannot win this war that way, if we could, do you not think Dumbledore would have encouraged violence?"

Harry shook his head, "Herm, did you ever hear the stories that Remus used to tell about the last war?"

"No, I never liked to listen to them." She said, frowning.

Harry sighed, "Perhaps you should have, so that you know what we are up against. But, that is not the point, he told me that even back then, there were a few members of the Order that had no qualms about killing the Death Eaters. Mrs Weasley's brothers were some of them. Why do you think they were targeted and killed? Because they were a threat! Why do you think she was so horrified when she found out that Ginny killed them? It wasn't that her little girl had killed, but more of fear that she would now be targeted even more."

Ron chose that moment to come back into the conversation, "Well she is right isn't she!"

Harry looked back to him, "What?"

"Mum, she is right! Ginny is going to be targeted even more. Notice the wording? EVEN BLOODY MORE! Harry I was happy when I found out that you dumped her! It meant that she was out of the firing line, that she could be relatively safe. Being your girlfriend is like painting a dirty great big target saying HIT ME! If you loved her, you would let her go and that's that!" he snarled.

Harry gave a humourless smile, "Been there, done that! And you know what? It didn't work! Neither of us are willing to live a lie, and we both know we love each other."

Ron shook his head, "Harry, do not make me go to my parents to break you two up. I don't want to hurt Ginny, but if you don't dump her, she is going to be hurt!"

Harry glared at him, "Don't threaten me Ron! It is no one's decision but Ginny's. If she wants to date me, then I will. If she decides it is too dangerous for her and wants to back out of the relationship, I will not stop her. But I will not dump her just because I am afraid she will get hurt. She is not a little girl anymore, and I am not a –a."

"Guilt ridden boy." Hermione filled in softly.

Both of them turned and turned confused stares onto her, so she clarified, "Harry, as this year has progressed, we have seen that you have changed. No longer are you confused and scared about your role in the war. I think you are taking it too far, but at least you have stopped blaming yourself for things that are beyond your control."

Ron looked incredulous, "So you think it is fine that Harry is willing to put the people that he cares about into direct danger? For crying out loud! He has no problems killing people, and no issues about people on his own side dying. Didn't you hear him when he reinstated the DA? The whole 'some will live and some will die' thing? Does that strike you as the caring and compassionate Harry that we have all grown to love as family? What happened to the attention seeking, hero playing Harry that we all knew? Where was the whole 'I don't want anyone to get hurt because of me' routine? Huh?"

Harry sighed, "He grew up Ron."

"Well bloody grow back down again. Because this Harry, the one that has no problems putting his friends in danger, and sacrificing his own morality to achieve an end is not the same one I became friends with!"

Hermione gasped, "Ron!"

Harry's face was a frozen mask, "Are you drawing a line in the sand Ron?"

The muscles in the taller boy's jaw clenched, "Shite Harry, I am just trying to get you to see sense! You are the best mate a bloke could ask for, and I do not want to lose you. But you are going down a path that I cannot see the end of, and I am not sure I want to see the end of it!"

Harry shook his head, sadness evident in his eyes, "I am sorry Ron, but I am not going to change. I have to kill Voldemort, that much is plain, but even if he dies, his followers are still around unless they get the same treatment. I will not longer shut myself away, and I will no longer stop those who wish to help me, no matter how much I may fear them getting killed. That goes for you two as well. I notice that you have no problem having your girlfriend in danger with you."

Ron scowled, "That is different and you know it Harry! She is already in danger, simply for being a muggle-born, and has been you best friend since first grade. It wouldn't help her if she left now!"

"And it wouldn't help if Ginny left now Ron. Can't you see that? Voldemort must know that I love her, so even if we break up, she will still be in danger!" Harry exclaimed in exasperation.

Ron shook his head stubbornly, "No that is not true Harry."

Sighing once again Harry replied, "I am not going to try and force you to see things my way Ron. But obviously you have some major problems with me. It saddens me to think that when our relationships should be growing stronger in light of the darkness, they are shaking and failing."

He stood up and glanced at Hermione, "Herm?"

She knew exactly what he was asking and tears started to pour from her eyes, "Harry, I am so sorry! But I-I agree with Professor McGonagall in terms of your actions today. I just cannot see any good coming from you killing people, and teaching others to kill as well. But I won't stop fighting, you are right, this is a war and you need everyone you can get."

She was obviously grief-stricken, not angry and Harry gave her a small smile, "Hermione, I appreciate you being honest. I am not going to change however, so either take me as I am, or go with Ron, there is no middle ground."

Ron gripped her hand fiercely, "You shouldn't make her choose sides Harry!"

Glaring at him Harry replied, "I have not been the one to draw the line Ron! You have, and now you have to face the consequences!"

He turned back to Hermione who was shaking, "I-I am sorry Harry."

That was all she said, but Harry understood anyway and he nodded, "So be it. Know though, that if you change your minds, you know where to find me." With that he turned and walked out of the room leaving two very shocked and emotionally unstable people behind him.

He made it only a couple of steps before he heard a sniffling sound. He turned around and saw a figure huddled by the wall, her head buried in her knees.

Instantly recognising Ginny, Harry rushed over to her and knelt down, "Oh Gin." He murmured and gathered her into his arms.

She clutched at him as if he was her only life line and cried. She looked up into his face, "H-h-how could he? After everything th-that you have been through? To throw it back into your face?"

"Shhhh Gin, I do not hold it against him. I can see where he is coming from, purely 'cause I was there myself once. I have moved on, he hasn't; but perhaps one day he will. Come on, let's get back to Nest, we have some serious decisions to make."

They got up and proceeded to make their way to the Nest. They were only halfway there when an angry voice cried out "GINNY!"

The red haired girl stiffened and a guarded look crossed her face as she turned to look at her mother. Harry recognised her posture and knew that she was literally on the edge of all control. She had been through so much that day that Harry's aching heart went out to her.

"Yes mum? Did you want something with me?" she asked, her voice tightly controlled.

"Yes I most certainly do! You are to come back with me NOW. I am pulling you out of school, you are to be homeschooled for the rest of the year." She replied, trembling with fury.

Ginny gave a humourless smile, "Well considering this year is only a little over a week to go, that isn't much of a homeschooling. But despite your invitation I am afraid I must decline your request."

The older woman bristled "It wasn't a request Ginny, it was an order. You will come with me now and pack up your belongings. You will then come with me to the Headmistresses office to return home."

Ginny shook her head, "I am sorry mum, but I cannot do that. I am not leaving Harry and the DA, they need me."

"You will not disobey me child! You are simply a little girl who has no business fighting a war that has nothing to do with her."

"Nothing to do with me?" Ginny cried out in astonishment, "Have you forgotten what happened to me in first year? I have been targeted for years, and hiding away at the Burrow is not going to make that stop!"

"She is right Mrs Weasley, don't you think it is better that she learns to defend herself?" Harry asked softly.

Immediately she whirled to him, "Don't you dare talk to me! You- the person that I have welcomed into my home with open arms - have betrayed me one too many times!"

Unlike with Ron, Harry did take a backwards step at her words, feeling like he had been slapped. This woman, who had been the only mother he had ever known was rejecting him completely. "Mrs Weasley…? Please I-I don't understand." He begged.

She snarled, "Everything bad that has happened to my family has happened because of YOU! Ron being injured in first year, Ginny nearly dying in second, Ron again being injured if third." She started to gasp for air, "Ron being dragged under water for the Tri-wizard tournament, both Ron and Ginny having to face Death Eaters in the Department of Mystery. Arthur being forced to guard something relating to you, and he nearly died! Bill being attacked last year and he has never been the same since! It is all to do with YOU!" she practically screamed out the last word.

Harry, completely shell-shocked, had tears rolling down his face as all of the troubles that he had caused the woman were thrown into his face.

While Harry was stunned into silence, Ginny snapped. In a spitting image of her mother in her younger days, she started to yell back, "HOW DARE YOU SAY ALL THAT TO HARRY? DON'T YOU THINK HE KNOWS ALL OF THIS? DON'T YOU THINK HE HAS ENOUGH TO DEAL WITH? YOU DON"T EVEN KNOW THE TRUE BURDEN THAT HE BEARS!" she took a breath, "YOU SAID YOU LOVED HIM, WELL SHOULDN'T THAT MEAN IT IS UNCONDITIONAL? THAT NO MATTER WHAT HE DOES YOU WILL LOVE HIM? ESPECIALLY SINCE HE HAS BEEN UNLOVED FOR MOST OF HIS LIFE! YOU STAND THERE ALL RIGHEOUS AFTER COMPLETELY BREAKING HIS HEART! HOW BLOODY DARE YOU!" she screamed, her face almost looking like it was going to explode.

Taken aback by her daughter's outburst, Mrs Weasley simply stared. After a moment she glared, "You, my real children take first precedence in my life Ginny and no matter my feelings for any lost little waifs that may cross my path, you come first! Yes I care for the Harry that Ron brought home several years ago, but that Harry is gone! I will not allow you to be in danger simply because of an attention seeking, egocentric maniac that has no trouble harming those he professes to care about!"

Her words echoed Ron's and Harry winced, realising how far she had been pushed. Ginny however was having none of it, "You may think that you are right, but you are not and I will not obey you my dear mother. So you can take you order and shove it up your…"

"Gin!" Harry admonished, almost cringing at the look of outrage on the older woman's face.

Ginny looked up at him and her face softened. She took one last look at her mother before yelling out, "FAWKES!"

Realising her intent, Harry grabbed her hand as Mrs Weasley yelled out "NO!"

There was a flash, and the angry woman and the hallway disappeared to be replaced with the warm beauty of Phoenix's Nest. Ginny collapsed into Harry who fell onto the couch, cradling her gently as she started to sob in grief once again.

"Harry? I heard what was said, but you mustn't listen to them. They are the ones that are wrong, not you! What she said was cruel and unworthy of such loving person. Pay them no heed." Fawkes commanded, his eyes glistening with a mixture of sadness and anger.

Harry nodded tiredly as the secret door opened and in came the four founders, all of whom looked absolutely furious. Helga especially looked like she was going to spit fire.

"HOW DARE SHE?" she started to yell, but Harry held up his hand to forestall another screaming woman.

"Please Helga, don't start. I know that you guys were watching everything and I know you are probably outraged. But please, don't say anything, I don't think I could take it, and I know Ginny can't." He gestured to the girl on his lap, still crying softly.

Immediately Helga's face softened, and Rowena pushed forward, wrapping her arms around the shaking girl, "Oh Gin, I am so proud of you that you stood up for what you believe in. I know it hurts, but she loves you deeply and this has not destroyed your relationship."

Gin raised a tear stained face and gave a shaky smile, "I am more shocked than anything. I mean, how could she say those things to Harry?"

Harry stroked her hair, "Because she loves her children and wants them all to be safe. And let's face it, any where within 50 miles of me is not safe." He sighed and looked at the male founders who had fairly blank stares, obviously keeping their emotions to themselves, "I think I have worn out my welcome here. I am going to go to my castle, will you guys come?"

They nodded Salazar replying, "yes, though I think you should come back after the holidays, if only to keep up appearances."

Harry gave a slight nod of agreement before turning to Ginny. She smiled again, "yes Harry, I will of course come with you. I didn't escape my mum's clutches simply to bum around here while you head off home."

He kissed her gently before pointing his wand at the ground and concentrating hard. There was a loud pop and suddenly a trunk appeared. Ginny nodded her thanks, realising that he had summoned her belongings so that she didn't have to return to Gryffindor.

Harry walked over to his trunk and shrank it to pocket size before turning to his Gringotts trunk and opened it saying "Potter Castle" The inside shimmered for a second and Harry turned to the founders, "Do you guys need to get anything before we go?"

They shook their heads, Godric already summoning the few possessions that they had acquired in their short stay in the present. Harry smiled at them before turning concerned eyes to Gin who had shrunk her own trunk. She locked eyes with him, "I am not going to change my mind Harry James Potter. Now come on, let's go!" She marched over to him and placed her hand into the trunk. Immediately she disappeared and the others followed her hastily, Harry calling Fawkes over his shoulder before he to disappeared.

"Master Harry sir! We is not expecting you, has something happened?" A high pitch voice exclaimed as soon as he arrived.

"Yes Nodsy, I am afraid we will be staying here for Christmas. I am sorry to cause you hassle but…"

"Oh it is no hassle Master Harry! We is happy to have you here, it gives us something to do!" the little elf interrupted, bowing low.

Harry grinned at him, "Thanks Nodsy, I expect Dobby will be arriving any minute, when he realises that I have left Hogwarts."

Nodsy nodded in agreement and disappeared with a crack after receiving requests for some food and drink. Harry looked at the founders, "Well, welcome to Potter Castle, please make yourselves at home. Normally I would show you around, but I am too exhausted at the moment."

Helga patted him on the arm gently, "Oh Harry that is completely understandable. Not only have you been in a battle today, but you have also been betra…"

"No!" he interrupted firmly, "I have not been betrayed, they are simply saying and doing what they believe to be right. I do not blame them, no matter how much it hurts."

Helga nodded sadly, "I was more referring to McGonagall, but I understand your feelings Harry."

"Besides, we don't really need you to show us around Harry, we have been here before. I am sure some things will have changed since our time, but it is the same castle." Salazar announced, looking around the entrance.

Harry smiled at him, "That's handy, I am going to show Gin where her room is, you guys can pick your own. Something tells me this Christmas is going to be much more solemn than the last few."

The others nodded in agreement, Ginny still wiping tears from her eyes.