Chapter 5

Getting There is Half the Fun

The next day was Saturday,and for once was relaxed, no promotionals, no battles, not even recovery. After lunch, as the family started on with their afternoons Harry asked for a word with Bill and Fleur.

"Sure Harry, what's going on?"

"Well I wanted to talk about what I see as a potentially mutually beneficial situation."

Bill smiled, "Someone has learned a bit this summer."

Harry nodded with a grin. "Things change."

"In ze best of ways, 'arry."

"Thank you, Fleur. But getting to the point here. I own Grimmauld place. It has a lot of upsides. The guards and wards, it's location in London, it's honestly not a bad building. It just needs some cleaning and remodeling. I, however, am not available to do the work. I have 2 more years of school."

"Agreed, so far."

"You two, I have spent enough time together this summer I actually call friends."

"Agreed," Fleur smiled.

"And this summer I have seen you two lovebirds, make do under the the Burrow roof. Which by no means is not bad, but… well I'm not stupid and we'll leave it at that."

The engaged couple smiled, but Bill raised his hand. "Harry, I'm not going to let you give me Grimmauld Place. We're not that bad here."

"Wasn't thinking of that. What I was suggesting was hiring you, well more specifically Fleur, as I understand yours was always intended as a temp job anyway. I was thinking of, I think the term was, steward. On paper, in Fleur's name just to avoid any trouble with Gringotts and you Bill, but realistically I see you two share the role. I would love to see someone I trust live there while I finish school, fix up the place, I'll cover all expenses, including a respectable salary, say twice your current rate Fleur? And I'm not suggesting you DO the work, I'm suggesting you supervise it. People you trust. You're in the Order already Bill, so you can play nice with their needs too."

"You two then, get a decent place to start, at a separate address, that you get to make better. You get some space to yourself, in London, with an extra line of income to squirrel away for whatever you want to do."

Both of them had a shared smile… clearly the idea had merit.

Harry wanted to add a few points. "I then get to know my place is being watched over while I'm gone and that I have a nice place to live when I graduate. Fleur, I trust your decoration choices. Make it as french as you like. My request would be simple. Don't mind me if I pop in occasionally. I seem to have one of those lives. I would like to have my own room in my own house, but frankly I'd like Sirius' old room reserved for me. You two take the Master Bedroom."

Bill smiled and nodded. "You make a hell of an offer Harry. You'll forgive us if we ask for a few days to think about it."

"Of course, That's why I wanted to talk now. Was hoping to maybe get an answer before I go to class?

"That's fair, Harry. Give us a few days."

"Happily."

Saturday, 30 August 1996

The last week of summer came, and mercifully it was quiet compared to the weeks beforehand. Final supplies were picked up. Ginny even had a package from Nimbus sent over to which she simply replied, 'Don't worry about it."

Realizing he wouldn't have the ease of access, Harry went a little heavy on new outfits, but considering he was building a wardrobe from scratch, he didn't feel too guilty. He also took a trip out to muggle London to pick up some mundane gear as well for both class work and for their 'extra curricular activities'. Harry fell into an almost perpetual planning mindset. Ginny could often see him just sitting at his desk with paper and quill, planning, listing, thinking. More often than not she was the one to snap him out of it. It probably was good her joking policy 'knocking is for people you don't snog' otherwise there would have been time Harry would have completely missed meals.

Ginny felt she could hardly complain, Rule 4 was the Man Becoming and this all felt like he was trying for once to plan and prepare for … whatever this next year, the year of the Second Wizard War, would bring. On the last night of summer though, Ginny declared an intervention. She went down to his room to see him deep in planning and thought again. She just smiled and shook her head. She came around behind him, hugged him, kissed his neck, whispered, "You're done, Harry."

"What?" he said, coming out of a focus tunnel vision.

Ginny came around to sit on his lap, becoming a literal wall between him and his desk. "You're done, honey." She wasn't mad, wasn't scolding, again had a look of love and understanding. "You've spent more time this week trying to prep for this year than any of your other years combined."

Harry tried to object and she put a gentle finger to his lips. "The stores are closed. We leave for class tomorrow. Our trunks are literally packed." She gestured to all four of their waiting trunks between his bed and bathroom. "What would you do if this was one of Hermione's overboard study sessions?"

Harry smiled, "Well, I don't think I'd kiss her."

"Girlfriend privileges." she shrugged unapologetically as she scratched the back of head with her fingernails. "Fact remains, I know you've been trying to be prepared this week. I'm telling you, you are as good as you can be. The best thing you can do tonight is relax with your friends. We're getting a bonfire going. There's plenty of butterbeer, and I won't take no for an answer."

Harry smiled, "How about a 'yes, dear' then?"

"Good answer," Ginny smiled.

The pair walked up and joined Ron and Hermione already around the fire. Ron met them a few steps early, handing over a pair of drinks. "Good to see you, mate."

"Thanks, Ron. Sorry, I guess after Diagon Alley and everything, I've got a little paranoid and obsessive. I guess I have a dream of a normal year."

"Define normal? Because I don't think any of us know normal."

"My brother has a point." Ginny said as she took a drink and had a seat by Harry on one of the surrounding logs.

"Thanks Ginny."

Starting to relax, Harry looked ahead. "Alright if it's not obvious. Officially no workout tomorrow."

Cheers from the other three.

"Such a benevolent master." Hermione joked.

"Moreover, I can just see how tomorrow will go. We're all showering then grab breakfast and then Molly and Arthur are going to go through extended goodbyes for all four of us."

Ginny laughed, "True, but you'll love it."

"Probably, they have been great. The summer has been great. This place has been great."

Ginny cleared her throat and batted her eyes. Harry smiled. "You haven't been great. You have been bloody brilliant and fantastic."

"Good answer," she rewarded him with a kiss.

"I admit there is a large part of me that doesn't want it to change."

"Harry," Hermione began, "Relax, It's not like you two are going to break up just because we're going back to class." She held it for a beat. "Ron and I on the other ha-"

"NO! Don't you even make that joke 'Mione." Ron jumped as Hermione laughed. "After what your father put me through, no. I want a 1 year minimum out of this."

"Oh, but by that point we'll be completely used to each other and not want to break up." she continued.

"YA! That's kind of the bloody point!"

"Language." she laughed at him.

"I'm about ready to say 'language' next time you even joke about that."

Having run the bit, Hermione apologized. "Sorry Ron. I guess my boyfriend is a bad influence. Love you." She apologized with a kiss. All the while the other pair laughed.

Knowing how Harry can be sometimes, Ginny wasn't even going to joke. "You know that's not in the cards right. I waited too long for you." she said with a gentle rub to his cheek.

"I know." He confirmed. "Same, I remember Rule 2."

"I do appreciate how serious you took all that."

"It got us together, Gin. I'm not chancing it."

He took another few moments, then an idea hit him. "Hang on, I'll be right back."

"What's up, hon?"

"Trust me, Gin." Harry headed back to the Burrow, then was back a few minutes later with his back over shoulder. "It's our last night of summer. I say we savor it all." From his pack He pulled out sleeping bags and threw one to each of them. "I say we crash out here. Enjoy the bonfire, butterbeer, and company for all it's worth."

Ron shrugged. Ginny smiled. Hermione protested.

"Harry, we can't camp out the night before school."

"Why not?"

"Because we're going back to school tomorrow."

"So, enjoying a night and going back to school aren't mutually exclusive options here."

"We'll wake up late."

Harry pulled out his mechanical alarm clock. Even wound it for the evening. Ginny was full on grinning. She loved it when Harry could get like this covering all bases and eliminating all excuses.

"We have class tomorrow."

"Wrong! We ride on a train for 8 hours tomorrow. And how many times have we napped on that trip anyway?"

Ron nodded. "Harry's got a point."

Relenting, Hermione started getting her bag set up next to Ron. "What am I going to do with you two?"

"OI!" Ginny corrected as she snuggled next to Harry.

"Merlin, three now." Hermione groused as the other snickered.

A while later as things quieted down but the fire still burned Ginny's head lay on Harry's shoulder. "You are bloody brilliant," she whispered.

"Hm?" he asked.

"Only you could figure out a way to spend our last night of vacation together, in front of my brother, and it not be weird. Thank you."

"Welcome to dating a Potter. Besides, you're part of the group. We're a quartet now."

Across the fire Hermione was using Ron's chest for a pillow. "I'm actually really proud of you."

"What for?" he asked, brushing a few stray hairs out of her face. She nodded over to Ginny and Harry. "Oh well, After Crimson Witch and her going through 3 battles this year, I can't call her my 'little' sister any more. And if she's going to be dating, Harry is a decent bloke."

"Which is something last year's Ron would be hard pressed to admit. Which is why I'm proud of you. And I'll even admit, I am seeing an upside to this camp out." She said with a squeeze."

"I wondered when you would figure that one out." Ron chuckled.

The quartet enjoyed their last summer night under a star filled sky as the bonfire burned, but all too soon there was nothing left but ember on the ground and a sun rising in the sky. Then Harry's alarm rang, marking the official end to the summer. They packed up their sleeping bags and returned to the Burrow, worked their way through showers and breakfast and threw the last few odd and ends into Harry's half stack trunk room. He had volunteered his room for ease of transport of their trunks and their animals in their cages; owls in the bedroom, Crookshanks in the bathroom with Ginny's new purple Pygmy Puff named Arnold. That simply meant Harry needed to carry one trunk to manage all of them and Grimmauld Place was only a 20 minute walk to Kings Cross station, half the distance as from Leaky Cauldron. Especially, as this wasn't anyone's first year, everyone felt it just made sense for the family to make their goodbyes at the Burrow. It was clear Harry wanted to be the last man out with a moment alone with the Weasleys. Ron and Hermione flamed over first. Then Ginny, already caring his wizard pack, gave Harry an extra tight hug and kiss, "Take your time, I'll be waiting for you on the other side."

Harry finally turned to the two adults who, in the last two months, showed him more love and kindness than any other in the last fifteen years combined. "I - I really don't know what to say. Without a doubt, what you two did this summer for me was truly life changing, probably life saving. I will never be able to express how much this has meant to me."

Molly snatched him up and hugged him and kissed his cheek. "Harry, darling, our only regret is we didn't get you sooner." she comforted patting his back. "You are always welcome. Always and forever. There is not a single thing in the world that could change that. Keep the name Potter, honor and remember your birth parents, but in any way that matters, you're one of us. You're my son now too."

Harry finally moved over to Arthur who also hugged him strongly, but not quite as long. Rather he stepped back to look at Harry eye to eye and man to man. "I don't think I have a greater privilege in my life than to see you this summer transform into the Man Becoming that stands before me. Now you keep at this. I look forward to watching you grow further. Keep an eye on Ginny, keep her safe. Make sure all four of you are home for Christmas."

"Yes sir, I promise."

Arthur shook Harry's hand, "Master Potter, it has been a pleasure and an honor."

"Thank you, sir."

When flamed through, Ginny was right where she said she'd be, sitting on the kitchen table waiting for him. "The others are outside. We didn't know how you'd be, so they wanted to give you privacy if you needed."

"And you?" Harry asked with a grin

"Girlfriend privilege." she smiled. "If you really want privacy, I'll slip outside too, but most of the time I'm an exception."

"Well that's because you're exceptional, Gin." Harry nodded as he walked over to her and hugged her resting his chin on his head. "I am okay. Better than I've been in a long, long time. And apparently I'm under orders to keep an eye on you."

"Well then," she smiled. "I promise to give you an eyeful as often as I can."

Harry took a few moments, and several deep breaths filling his nose with the flower scent of Ginny's hair. "You have been doing that so much lately."

"Doing what?"

"Smiling more, more often and brighter."

"Well, silly that's you." She gave him sweet back scratches as she spoke. "First you're just getting more time with me so you're going to see more. Second, we're together. Which subtracts so much frustration, doubt, other crap. Then it's replaced with, love, comfort, admiration, appreciation. I feel so much freer this way. Thank you." Then she sealed the sentiment with a kiss.

"So in about a twenty minute walk away, we are officially diving into the pool of the student body. Most of them are going to be some range from shock to disbelief about us."

"Jealousy too. Harry, I know you won't believe it, but I swear to you, most of the girls are going to hate me with jealousy. And I don't care. I choose you. I won. Besides," and he smiled turned to her Crimson wicked grin. "I have a plan."

"Well if we are losing our ease of privacy soon. Let me do one last thing." as he bent down, pulled Gin as close as he dared without hurting her and kissed her as deeply and as long as a single breath would allow.

"Mmmm, thank you. That's the way to start a school year."

The walk to Kings Crossing was mundane and simple even. It was bright enough to trigger the sunshade in Harry's glasses. They fell in with the small flow of students already making their way through the station. Walking through to Platform 9 ¾, Ron sighed, "Harry, you know I would prefer to hanging with you-"

"You and 'Mione have some Prefect stuff to do. Go. I'll catch you on the other side." Then he grinned, "Just like don't accidentally find a secluded corner with your girl or anything."

"You cheeky bastard." Ron laughed. Hermione looked at him and Harry could tell she felt she should be annoyed, but wanted to laugh, because the thought had crossed her mind. Finally, Hermione led Ron off to the Prefect carriage.

Luna's distinct long white hair made her visible from a distance. Ginny called her name. She turned around and joined them. She was wearing a pair of plastic psychedelic spectacles which made her look very owl-like. "Hi Luna, nice to see someone else with glasses." Harry greeted.

"Hello Ginny. Harry, you know I don't really need these glasses."

Harry smiled. Ginny got to her first. "He knows Luna, but we're friends so he was giving you a friendly welcome."

"We're friends?" she asked

Both Ginny and Harry rolled their eyes. They double teamed a hug on the odd girl. Harry, "Luna, I swear I thought we've had this talk. Yes, we're mates. We're friends. You've gone through two battles with us. You ride with us whenever."

"That's sweet, thank you. Since you two are together now-"

"Why does everyone think that? Harry, do I have 'bitch' written on my forehead or something?"

"As someone who spends a fair amount of time looking at you I will confidently say, no, you do not."

Ginny took a hand out to Luna. "The only difference is you'll see Harry and l are a little cuddlier, some public affection, and I'll admit we're in better moods because we make each other happier. If anything I'm going to need you around to keep to talk about Harry with."

"Thank you, Ginny." Luna smiled, Harry shook his head at the absurdity.

"Master Potter," a familiar voice came from behind him. Harry turned around, already smiling.

"Master Longbottom," they shook hands and held the respectable expression for a whole three seconds. Harry broke first. "Hey mate, how are you doing?" He looked over. "Hanna, good to see you. Keeping him in line?"

Ginny smirked, "Harry, if anything, she's the one getting him in trouble." The two girls definitely shared smiles.

"Alright already," Neville said with only fake annoyance. "You three find a compartment yet?"

"No, but you two with us is fine with me, Harry?"

"Of course, but should cap it there, Ron and Hermione are on Prefect duties so they'll be with us.

As they walked down the aisle and got themselves a private compartment, Ginny and Hanna sat by the door, Harry and Neville next to their ladies and Luna by the window. The ladies resting head on the lad shoulders, Harry even letting Hanna kick her feet up on his lap.

Neville leaned forward. "Harry, is it me or were people seeming to watch us as we were walking?" Harry and Ginny shared looks.

Harry put his hand out. "Harry Potter, Chosen One, How are you doing?"

"Crimson Witch, pleased to meet you."

"Right, I suppose I should have thought of that."

"Actually, " Luna said, "Even I have been noticing more glances my way, and I am used to being looked at. I think it has to do more with Diagon Alley."

"Told you, Nev," Hanna said. "You're going to have to get used to that. You're becoming important."

Harry smiled, "Hey man, I think your girl is onto something."

"Thank you, Harry. Oh, and I owed you a thank you anyway."

"What did I do Hanna?"

"Your suggestion about Madam Pomfey. She does have a Healer's Apprentice course line she offers. She just prefers to have students come to her and show interest so she doesn't have to deal with a classful of students who aren't. So I will be starting that this year."

Ginny sat forward. "Wait, so you're we're going to have a properly trained healer around this guy?" She pointed to Harry. Hanna smiled and nodded yes. "THANK YOU!"

Ginny turned to Harry, "Sorry babe, but-"

"I had the same reaction, don't worry. Hanna, I mean it, You need anything, I am happy to support."

"My parents are too, but thanks Harry. If something comes up, I will let you know."

They all sat and caught up with their summers, Luna going into detail about her trip to Sweden with her father looking a Crumple-Horned Snorkack. When she finished Ron and Hermione found them. "Room for two more?" Hermione asked.

"Only if it's you two." Neville replied.

They slipped in and Hermione continued. "You will never guess who is NOT a Prefect this year."

Harry looked at Ron, "I'm sorry mate, I wish they'd told you sooner."

"Actually, no I'm fine. Draco."

"Malfoy's out?"

Hermione nodded. "I don't know if he quit or was relieved of the position but either way, he's not one anymore."

As if saying his name actually did summon him, the singularly unique profile and signature blonde hair of Draco Malfoy appeared in the doorway.

"Well, well, well, if it's not the golden shower trio… now with a fourth wheel, the Crimson Bit-"

Malfoy's sentence was cut short by Ginny simply outstretching her hand and drawing her wand from her sleeve. In her seat she had the perfect angle to aim straight for Malfoy's groin.

She looked him straight in the eyes with her Crimson Fire and wicked grin. "Well… ? Come on big boy… finish your sentence. Or do you have problems… finishing?" Not that Ginny was absolutely terrifying on her own, what was more unsetting was the rest of the compartment… didn't care. No one tried to restrain her. Hanna didn't even move her feet off Harry's lap. Ron still kept wand arm around his girl who in turn acted like she couldn't care less.

Harry gave him a good minute of panicking. Then he finally spoke. "Here's the thing Draco. What did you do this summer? Well nevermind, I really don't care. But us, we won two fucking battles of the actual Wizard War. So if we're operating on that level now, do you really think we give a crap about you any more?. But, since your father WON'T hear about this, what with the whole you know Azkaban thing, you can do me a favor. You can go tell your dad's boss…" and Harry began to growl, "We're coming for him."

Harry turned, "Ginny dear, could you let the big boy go? He needs to go deliver a message for me."

"Anything for you love," Ginny purred as she retracted her wand.

"You may go now." Harry said, giving him a dismissive wave.

Try as he might, he couldn't completely hide the tremble in his body as he backed away bumping into the widow and tripping forward as he left.

Hanna looked across to the redhead. "Ginny, you can be pretty terrifying when you want to be."

"I know, isn't it great." which got the teens laughing.

"Mental note," Harry said, "Never piss off Ginny."

"Mate, I've been telling you that for years." Ron reminded.

Then the door slid open to reveal a breathless third-girl, jittery with nerves. "I'm looking for Neville Longbottom."

"Hello." he said.

"Ron Weasley?"

"I didn't do it!" he reflexively said.

"Ginny Weasley?"

"Hi."

"And H - H - H-"

"Bloody hell, Harry Potter?" Harry finished.

The nervous girl shook her head emphatically yes and then passed papers to each of them then ran in panic.

Neville read his and asked, "Lunch invitation. Anyone else?"

The other three nodded.

"Oh joy, I'm certain absolutely nothing could go wrong from this." Ron replied sarcastically.

"Let's go face the music." Harry said as he led the way.

When they reach Compartment, per the invitations, Slughorn jumped at the sight of them.

"Harry, m'boy, good to see you." he welcomed as he shook hands.

"Now this has to be our Crimson Witch." Ginny nodded.

"The hair tells me this is Ron Weasley." Ron nodded.

"Making you Mr. Longbottom." Neville shook his hand and they could tell Slughorn was surprised by the signet ring on Nevilles hand.

From there Slughorn began to introduce the rest of the guests.

Ginny whispered to Harry, "I think I just had my first experience of NOT liking being addressed by your fame names. I understand you more now." Harry rubbed her back in comfort.

Then it was Ron's turn. "Why the bloody hell am I here?"

As subtle as he could, Harry simply whispered, "Smile and nod, I'll try to fill in details later."

Lunch felt more like theater than a meal. Fine china put out for meals that seemed more decorative in nature than for the comfort of the tongue or tummy. All the while Slughorn introduced the guests gathered together. Neville recognized what was happening immediately and Harry wasn't far behind. This was the Hogwarts generation of major figures. From business to ministry to finance. Slughorn clearly knew how to do his homework well.

Slughorn continued with introducing Neville the 'proud son of two celebrated Aurors' and having relive Neville a good ten minutes of history he didn't want to. But as Harry watched he could see Neville bear it well even lightly rub the inside of his signet ring. "Thank you professor. These days I do try to stand on more current events. I fully admit herbology is my strong suit, but that runs in the family. I've been proud to stand on the line Harry, Ron and Ginny here. As of late I'm getting more involved with the house affairs. So… one does keep busy."

"Really?, marvelous." Slughorn replied and Harry could see a twinkle in the Professor's eye.

Then he moved on, "Ron Weasley, veteran of both of the major battles this summer I believe?"

"All three actually sir, If you include the Ministry of Magic."

"Three battle veteran, at 16?"

"I feel the same way Professor, but these are strange days in which we live and unorthodox strategies seem to be successful at the front.

"Outnumbered every time?"

"Yes, sir. We don't know the numbers at the Ministry. But from what the Aurors tell us it was roughly 2 to 1 at Diagon Alley, and 4 to 1 at the Burrow."

"What did the Ministry have to say about any of this?"

"Well, Harry, Neville, Ginny, please correct me where I'm wrong, but I think the only statement we received came from the Aurors, and it was; "Don't you think you were a little violent?"

Ginny picked it up from there, "You are absolutely correct, Ron. And I believe your response was, 'Yes.'"

Harry and Neville smiled and nodded in approval.

"That brings us to you-"

"Ginny Weasley." she jumped on, unafraid to control her own introduction. "Veteran of the same battles of these fine young men. Inventor of Battle Brooming and currently the fastest broom flyer on the planet."

"How fast is your record?"

"I was scryed at 160 miles per hour. If you know someone faster, I would love to shake their hand." she said with her Crimson wicked grin.

The four of them looked at the collection of their 'peers'. The privileged, pampered, future leaders in the wizarding world. All sat in shock and awe of the four of them, and Harry hadn't even spoke yet.

Which brought Slughorn, 'To the man who needs no introduction-"

Harry learned from Ginny's example and took control with a grin. "So let's be merciful to our fine friends here. Everyone knows me, and my ego doesn't need another introduction." Harry won the crowd with that one and got them chuckling. "Hi everybody, " he greeted with a wave. Which continued with more laughs and even got Slughorn smiling.

"No, I suppose you don't."

The 'pleasantries' continued on a while longer but at the first opportunity the four of them excused themselves. Nevil and Ron heading directly back to their original compartment. Harry could tell Ginny was unsettled at best when she grabbed Harry and pulled him forward. Not so much into the next compartment but in the space between them where there was an element of privacy.

"Harry, could I just please get a hug?"

"Absolutely," as he wrapped around her shoulders. Sensing her mood. Harry even pulled his invisibility cloak over them to further hide them.

"Merlin, you always know what to do, don't you."

"I just try to help. Slughorn calling you Crimson did not sit well did it?"

"No, I felt like I was some sort of trophy or prize. And not in the way you hold me. From him I felt like I was just some kind of hollow status symbol. Has this happened to you before?"

"Yep. And now do some of my statements make more sense?"

She nodded.

"How do I help, Ginevra? What do you need?"

She smirked, "Wow, you are concerned if you're using my full name. From you, Harry, anything is fine. Gin, Ginny, Crimson, "

"Love?"

She smiled, "Well that one is a definite favorite. And thank you. But that's all because you've done more than anyone else for me. I'll shake this off easy enough,... just maybe, can I play the girlfriend card and get you to stick close the rest of the day please?"

"As you wish," he replied. Squeezing tightly. After a few moments they emerged from the cloak and finally returned to others.

"You two okay?" Ron asked, seeming actually okay.

"Harry answered, "Ya, we just stole a moment." and flashed him a look with his eyes of 'Please leave it alone.'

Which Ron seemed to actually understand. "So Harry, if you don't mind, what the hell was that?"

"Oh, what's wrong Ron, don't you think you're cut out for high society?" Harry asked as they had a seat and he slipped his arm over Ginny's shoulders.

"No!" he laughed, "No bloody way."

"Language... and Ron, I think after meeting my father you would know you can fit in far more places than you thought. I wish you would give yourself more credit.

"Actually 'Mione, he did." Ginny confirmed. "Three time war veteran, valiant hero of the war. He had the other students completely shocked."

"See, thank you Ron, next you tell me that."

"Oi, just because I pulled it off doesn't mean I think I belong there."

"Well… be open?"

"I'll try 'Mione, fair enough?"

"That's all I ask." and she rewarded Ron with a peck.

"Harry, that was the Professor that Dumbledore wanted you to charm the other night, right?"

He nodded, "Ya Gin. He's a Potion Master and from what I can tell, he wants to be some talent scout. Find the future major players and get them early starts."

Neville smiled, "He a politician. He wants the help out when we're young, so when we succeed down the road, 'we'll owe him' and he can collect."

Harry nodded his head. "I hadn't thought that far down the line, but ya Neville, I think you have a point there."

"And this is the bloke Dumbledore WANTS on staff." Ginny asked.

"I get the vibe he wants him for more than just teaching, but beyond that, I don't know. Dumbledore is playing chess again." Harry explained.

By the look outside the sun was setting and the experienced students knew they were getting close to their final destination. They got their robes on and Ron and Hermione left for more Prefect duties. Harry paused for a moment looking at his new Captain pin.

Ginny, scratched the back of his head while resting her head on his shoulder. "Compared to the D.A. this should be easy for you….Captain."

"Thank you, Gin"

"And I know you will be ridiculously noble and make me try out and earn any position on the team." she mockingly exaggerated.

Harry smiled. "And I have enough confidence in your skills. I'm not worried about you earning your spot."

"Good answer."

As the trains stopped Harry grabbed his half stack trunk with one hand and Ginny with the other as they walked to what most would think would be horseless carriages. But when Harry saw the thestrals he paused for a moment. At least this time, he didn't think he was going mad, thank you Luna. Then he looked to both her and Neville and could tell by their expression, they saw them too.

"You can still see them, can't you?" Ginny asked.

"Yes." he nodded.

"I hoped as happy as you've been this summer that maybe that would have changed."

"Hey, hey, hey, Look at me." Harry said gently rubbing her cheek. "You have been great, I still AM happy.. I just still have history. That's life, but don't you ever feel bad about that. Okay?" he asked with a hug.

"Okay, but if you need to talk or anything."

As Ginny mentioned seeing and talking, and Harry was looking back, he could see Daphne Greengrass frozen from her walk off the train. Her eyes bulged looking at the necrotic horses at the front of the same chariots she hand ridden for years. "Guys," Harry pointed out.

Ginny encouraged him. "Go talk to her. If anyone can sympathize it's you. We'll wait for you."

"Neville mate, take my trunk please?" as he handed it over.

Harry was slow and calm and tried to have a friendly face as he came to Daphne. He hated they were already in the house robes, so many stupid psychological things came up with the house colors, and here he was wearing Gryffindor red trying to help Slytherin green. He already knew this was going to blow up but he at least wanted to say he tried.

Daphne's breathing was shallow, and her eyes seemed to dart from carriage to carriage. She remained frozen in place like a rock in a stream as students flowed around her.

"They're real." he began with.

That seemed to make her remember there was an outside world. "What? What do you want?" she said poorly covering her emotions.

She started to walk away, before Harry continued. "Those creatures that you've never seen before that look like horses from the grave with giant bat-like wings. They are real."

She turned around, and just looked at him. "H-h-how do you know?"

"Because several of us who share similar … events like you did 2 weeks ago, have the ability to see them. Myself, Luna Lovegood, Neville Longbottom. They have always been there. They're called thestrals. There's a magic to them that requires you witness death before you can witness them. I know when I first saw them, before Luna explained it to me, I thought I was going mad. I thought I'd try to spare you that."

"That's… decent of you, Potter." she brushed some of her bags back behind her ear. "I suppose I do owe you and that team of yours a thank you for saving my life."

"I'm not looking for that, Daphne. If I'm doing anything here I'm just trying to offer a white flag. If you'd like something as simple as company with people who have half a clue what you are going through, we're willing to say to hell with the house colors and just be decent people together. … I don't expect an answer now. I'm just giving a standing invitation. I'll be around, Daphne."

Harry turned to head back to his group in a waiting carriage, but was stopped. "Potter." Harry turned around, "You seem like a decent bloke."

"You seem like a decent lady. That's why I suggested we just be decent together."

She visibly tensed when he called her a lady, and Harry knew why. When she brushed her hair away, Harry saw a house signet ring on her finger too. This wasn't the time or place for any further discussion. Susan and Neville he had time, history, and trust with. Daphne, this was literally their first conversation. Let alone the tendencies of so much of Slytherin. Merlin, Harry was not ready for all these political games.

He climbed into the carriage where the other four waited.

"How did it go?" Hanna asked."

"Considering that was our first conversation ever and the house differences, decent. She even thanked all of us for saving her life, so … we'll see. Luna, Neville, I mentioned you two and I can see the thestrals, and I did volunteer us all if she wanted to talk."

"That's just being decent mate, no problem." Neville nodded.

"Why would we not want to talk to her?" Luna asked in her almost childlike innocence.

Ginny accepted Harry's arm over her shoulder as she just smiled at her friend. "Don't ever change Luna. You are a fantastic person."

As they started riding, Ginny did look over to Harry kindly. "I do wish I could see like you do sometimes."

"Love, considering the cost, I'm glad you can't." But then Harry had a thought. "Maybe there is a way." Harry rubbed the elbow of his glasses to cast his mage vision, and the arcane aurora around him glowed to life. The thestrals clearly had a cloud of black necrotic energy around them. He looked ahead and saw Neville's aurora as a strong dark greed reminiscent of a spruce tree. Hanna was a much lighter green something akin to a garden in high summer. Luna's aura was shimmering silver and seemed to flow with its own wind and power. He looked down at his girl. Ginny's aura was fire incarnate, and Harry was not surprised.

"Ginny, put these on for a moment."

"Harry, I enjoy stealing your shirts but not your glasses."

"These are the glasses your brother charmed. Just trust me and try them." Ginny was careful with them, but then once she did look through them she was jarred, and taken aback. "You okay, love?"

"Ya, it's just … description is one thing. Seeing is another." She looked around to her classmates. "And this is how you see us?"

"Only when I turn the mage vision charm on, which is rare. Basically when I think there's something going on."

"Harry, may I?" Hanna asked. Harry nodded.

Then he looked down to the blurry Ginny in his arm. "So what do I look like?"

She rubbed his cheek. "Beautiful, you look beautiful."

"Um, Gin, I'm bloke. We generally prefer handsome."

"And I stand by my statement."

Luna took a turn with the glasses. Then she took them off. Then put them back on again. Then shrugged and gave them back to Harry. As unique as Luna was, Harry wasn't surprised she was hard to impress.

Finally their carriage came to the main entrance. Harry carried his trunk and stacked in on the pile for Gryffindor. He double checked his name and room tag was still on it and that it was securely locked. Then he noticed he still had both keys clipped together to his Gringotts key. As he escorted her to the Great Hall, he slipped one off the ring and gave it to Ginny.

"Harry, are you giving me a key to your room?"

"Yes, why wouldn't I."

She happily took it and pocketed it, then hugged his arm. "Bloody perfect you are."

"Meh, I try," he grinned. Then as they entered the Great Hall and the assembly of all the students, it was as if a great wave flowed through the student population, as gasps and the sounds of surprise as every eye turned to look at the pair.

"Told you there would be jealousy, babe." Ginny reminded.

"This, no. You just look ravishing in the Great Hall's candle light."

Ginny smiled warmly. "Flatter will get you."

"Can win if you don't score." he replied.

The audience's attention was clear and unending so before they reached the seats that Ron and Hermione had saved for them, Harry whispered, "Followed my lead." As he took Ginny's hand and gave her a dance spin before they sat down. That succeeded in generating a few laughs and a few 'ah's.

"How are you two?" Harry asked his friends.

"Oh, we're fine." Ron smiled, "We had about half the room eyeing us. Till you got here."

Hermione confirmed, "Indeed, you two seem to have the eye of EVERYONE here. I think some of the professors are even watching.

Ginny smiled and shook her head. "I wondered if I would have to do this." She looked over to Harry and took his hand. "Harry, do you trust me?"

He could read her mind already. He flashed his cockiest grin, "Absolutely."

Hermione started smiling because she could already see what they were planning too.

Ron… was underestimating his sister though. "Ginny, what are you thinking?"

The ever fearless Ginevra Weasley got out of seat. Stepped up on the bench and then up onto the Gryffindor table, smiling ear to ear, and with no hesitation she raised her voice so the whole Main Hall that was watching them anyway could hear, answered their elephant in the room. "YES, HARRY POTTER AND I ARE DATING AND IN LOVE."

Harry followed right behind her and gently held Ginny by her waist and kissed her straight on her lips with both of them smiling. Needless the crowd erupted with mixed emotions. Many hoots and hollers. To Harry's surprise, but not Ginny's, many girls cried out 'nooo'. Hermione, Neville and Hanna just broke out laughing. Luna watched like it was the sweetest thing she had ever seen. Ron, just kind of took a breath and sat through it, waiting for the moment to pass. Not mad or anything but had the expression of 'why me' on his face. When the pair broke apart, Harry spoke out. "THANK YOU, GOOD NIGHT!" as he bowed to his right and left and offered Ginny and hand down to their seats.

"I think that should answer most questions, don't you, Harry?"

"Very much, I think we got our point across. Let's eat."