Chapter 21

Wizard Tag

Ginny and Harry joined Hermione with Mrs. Weasley for healing lessons to the non-Weasleys. True, Hermione was a lesson ahead but when Harry was motivated catch up wasn't an issue, and healing spells were something he had no shortage of motivation. Molly started with the very basics: health scry, mending cuts, calming burns, minor pain relief.

"You two practice and get those down and then we'll add more." she said with a smile. "Now, go fetch your cauldrons and I will share with you our family recipe for a simple healing potion."

"Oh, I didn't bring my school supplies." Hermione added. "I didn't plan on staying this long. No complaints though, I am-"

Molly raised her hand calmingly. "Ginny dear, I trust you wouldn't mind lending yours for the day?"

Ginny leaned over and looked and jokingly looked at Hermione. "I guess I can trust her." The pair shared a smile. When they returned, they had the best potions lesson that Hermione and Harry had ever had. They weren't insulted once. Never were they even vaguely threatened. Ginny assisted as Molly actually offered instruction and waited for the pair to make notes as they went. By mid afternoon, both students successfully created their own healing potions, which Molly rated 'quite good'.

"Each of you keep those." she said as they were bottling them. "Merlin, knows you will need them."

"Sorry ma'am," Harry apologized.

Molly just looked at him. Then nodded to Ginny, who issued the needed gentle tap to the back of Harry's head.

"What was that for?" he asked with a smile.

"Apologizing too much." Molly clarified as she turned around and started washing up Both Ginny and Hermione grinned.

The afternoon went normally as four of them there made supper prep easy. After supper Molly asked the boys to move a box of empty tins out to the barn for recycling.

"So how are you holding out as the only bloke in the Burrow during the day?" Ron asked with a grin.

"Really, not that bad. Your mum is a good teacher. I really didn't know you could brew a potion without being yelled at. I thought that was part of the magic." Harry joked.

"Snape would make you think that, wouldn't he?" Ron replied. He gave it a moment. "So Harry mate, you got a week left. Sixteen next week. What do you want for your birthday? And remember, Dad got promoted, most of us have been working."

Harry smiled and shook his head. "Nothing, just a continuation of this." he said with a nod to the Burrow. "Weasley normalcy is a blessing."

Ron smiled, "I knew you'd say that. You realize Mum's never going to let that fly, right?"

"Ya, I wish she would, but I know she won't. If it's possible, like literally just a cake will be fine."

Ron, stopped and turned, to look at Harry, accidently dropping one of the tin cans to the ground noisily. "Have you met Mum?" He smiled. Then continued to the barn, but instead of actually picking the tin up. Ron just kicked it down the right direction. Harry smiled and watched the tin bounce around. Then an idea came to his mind. "Ron, hold on a minute mate."

"Um, sure."

Harry jogged back into the house and walked into the kitchen. "Mr. Weasley, if the tin cans are about to be binned, can I use them for something?"

"Well, sure Harry. Can I ask what?"

"Well," nodding to her, "Gin mentioned out here, Aurors aren't really worried about low level spells, especially when there are some of age people around."

"Generally, that's right," Arthur nodded, then he started to grin. "I think I know what you're getting at. And I'll give you a hand." as he rose.

"What are you up to Dad?" Ginny asked.

"Come along if you are curious. I'm sure the boys won't mind."

Harry gave a smile and an inviting nod. "Bring your wand, both of you." with a look at Hermione.

Arthur led them out and waved Ron over. Then they started to walk out to the back corner of the property. "When I was younger than you four, my brothers and I used to lose entire days and weekends to this. I loved it! But when they passed Trace laws after the War, I just figured the time had passed. But ever since the attack… well I can't say as I care that much now."

Ron and Ginny exchanged smiles.

Towards the corner of the property there was a small depression in the land only about four feet deep but about twelve feet across where the stone fence line crossed. With the ample rock around when the wall was built, they kept the same height across the top as the ground dipped beneath. The result being a section of stone wall eight to ten feet tall.

Still smiling, Ginny asked, "Dad, what are we doing here?"

"Watch and learn my darling daughter. Ronald, would you please just throw those tin out?"

Puzzled, "What, right here?"

"Yes, please. Harry, are you ready?"

Harry grinned wider than most had seen him in a long while with wand in hand. "Ready and willing."

"I know a spell to help. Ronald." the father nodded.

Ron threw the entire box of tin cans out to the ground. But before the touched grass, Arthur flicked his wand out, "scopum aliquet" he called. With that the cans themselves began to float into the air.

Immediately, and to their surprise, Harry started pinging the cans with small silver bolts. Everyone looked to see a very satisfied Harry. "Target practice." he said with a grin. The teens needed no further encouragement. They soon joined in, blasting the cans from the air. Everytime a can was shot, it fell back a few feet, but then gently floated back to its starting position.

Arthur watched on and after a few rounds, said. "That's a great start. How about we change it up, scopum movens." Rather than just hag in the air. Now the cans started dancing and moving in random directions.

Here Arthur needed to coach. The shooting slowed down and more concentration was needed. "Lead your target. Anticipate. Nicely done Ron. Slow it down Ginny, you're shooting like an American."

"How is that?"

"Lose a lot of shots and hope to Merlin you hit something. Otherwise called 'pray and pray. Remember, one good hit is often better than several misses."

They started to get some accuracy, Arthur warned them. "Let's open this a bit more, scopum effervo. The floating moving cans now moved from being a relatively flat wall now started to fly around the four teens surrounding them as a dome. Their smiles grew as the game became more and more immersive.

"This is brilliant, Mr. Weasley, better than I planned." Harry cheered as he cast.

Arthur couldn't help but be just a bit ornery. He was a Weasley after all. "Oh, don't thank me yet, Harry. I still have one trick up my sleeve. scopum impetum. With this last incantation the cans didn't just orbit the four of them, Now they started to come fly at them.

"Ahh!"

"What the-"

"Dad!"

The teens instinctively took a knee to dodge the empty tin cans randomly flying at them.

Arthur's grin was beaming. "What? Do you expect whoever you're shooting at won't shoot back?" he laughed. He crossed his arms and watched his children to see how they would deal with this final variable.

Gin and Harry shared wicked grins. Even though this was just practice, there still was the element of combat that engaged the thrill. With that charging him, Harry was inspired, "Gin, buddy up, back to back!"

She needed no further encouragement. They both immediately snapped up back to back. Out of instinct Harry's left arm wrapped around Ginn's midsection to keep them close. They covered each other's backside and only needed to cover half the range. Ron and Hermione only watched them for a moment before they followed suit.

As the cans orbited and flew at them, Ron finally did the math. "Harry, not buddies, four corners!" Instantly the two couples all met up back to back, now only needing to focus on a quarter of the area. Arthur let the cans fly, till it seemed they had a stable hold, then finally dismissed the spell. Everyone had a light sweat from intense casting but everyone was smiling.

"Who wants to learn how to cast the targeting spells?" Arthur asked with a smile.

Arthur switched and taught all of them the four levels of the target practicing spells. When he felt they grasped the basics, he smiled in pride, and bid them due. "I'm heading back to the Burrow, you kids just get back before midnight please." There were still several hours left in the summer evening, might as well let his children enjoy nights like that while they could.

The next day Harry got his normal routine in. Exercise, breakfast, chores, self studies and Mrs. Weasley's healing lessons, then lunch. As soon as the lunch chores were done though, Harry was starting to head out the door with a gleam in his eye.

"Going for another round Harry?" 'Hermione asked.

""Absolutely, Target practice scratches so many itches. Spell casting, training, improving aim. Feels like I am actually trying to do something to keep my arse alive."

"Mind a partner?"

"Feel free."

On the walk to the orchard, Harry could tell there was a thought on Hermione's mind, but for some reason, she wasn't saying it.

"For my own reference, do you just want company or are you still working up the nerve to say whatever it is."

She smiled, "I'm obvious."

"Just to the three of us, I'm sure. We've just put the time in. Problems with Ron?"

She shook her head. "No, just the opposite."

"Okay, good to hear. Wait, safety question. Have I accidentally stumbled onto a conversation that should be a girl talk between you and Gin?"

Hermione smiled, "No Harry, but thank you, she would know less than you."

"Careful there, that's my girl." he grinned. Finally he stopped and leaned up against a tree. "'Mione, take a minute and think of what I've shared with you. What do you got? Talk to me. We're mates."

"All right, things have been truly good and sweet and dare I say even lovely with Ron."

Harry nodded.

"I - have - never - "

"I don't need to know. 'Mione."

"Not that Harry. Well I haven't done that either, but that isn't what-"

"MOVING ON 'Mione!"

"Quite, okay different tact. I'm fairly close to my parents. When one is an only child that tends to develop stronger bonds between the child and parents. When I'm at school and even stay here, I do try to write often and honestly with them."

Harry held up a hand. "'Mione, you love your parents. They love you. Good. Just because I got the short end of the stick on that one, doesn't mean I don't understand the concept."

"Is this conversation okay?"

Harry hung his head in silent frustration, then looked back at her. "Yes, please."

"Sorry, thank you." Finally Hermione took a courage breath. "My last few letters I have found myself omitting Ron from the letters home. Because I don't know how to tell them. And I know I need to. And when Ron has been such a major focus of my attention you can imagine that drastically reduces the topics I feel comfortable in discussing and … the spiral continues. Am I making any sense?"

"You are circling making sense. But I think I catch your drift. Look, have a seat, let's talk." Hermione sat down and leaned up against the same tree. "Can I ask you a few questions?"

"I trust you, Harry, anything."

"Okay, now the three of us have put in five years together. I have to believe that your parents know Ron exists, right?"

She laughed. "Yes, Ron exists. They are up to date with everything up to my visit here and they even know he is okay. They just don't know how okay he is. And I feel like now I waited too long…"

"What? 'Mione, you haven't been here long enough for it to have been too long."

"Thank you. It's been-"

"A crazy month, I know. Okay connected question. Yule Ball, I assume they at least know about Viktor?"

"Yes, letters before, and after, and a few conversations…including the talk." the annoyance was palatable.

"Sorry, but I mention that as proof that your parents are already aware that you at least stepped your toe into the dating pool."

Thinking through Harry's position. "Logical argument."

"Comparative argument. How bloody obviously stupid were Ginny and I being, and for how long?"

She smiled. "Very, and for a long while. Sorry, Harry."

"I admit to it. But in that spirit, can you acknowledge that you and Ron were the same damn way!"

She signed. "Yes, we've even admitted that to each other."

"Okay, well if the Weasley's are any indication, there is a significant chance your parents are aware too, and this likely won't be any surprise to them."

"OH MERLIN, that's even worse."

"Why?!"

"What the must assume is going…"

"Merlin, 'Mione, relax! From what I gather from Mrs. Weasley if there was that assumption going on you would have heard by now if not had a personal visit. I'm telling you, 90% of all this is in your head. You are having a you think too much moment."

The recognition of that was a registration of cold water she needed. "Thank you, Harry."

"Can I make a suggestion?"

"Please."

"Sometime in the next month you need to go back home, get your Hogwarts trunk, and stuff, right?"

"Yes."

"Take Ron with you. Have him play big strong boyfriend, Meet the parents, have dinner, hell, maybe even ask permission to date you."

"Oh, that's such an old fashioned concept…"

"To you. Mr. Weasley gave me his blessing with Ginny. School is different as we are away so long. But school's not in session right now. Even if it is old fashioned, and if Ron doesn't feel the need for himself. It may just help calm your nerves down. Can't be more open and honest than asking for your Dad's blessing."

"That… that actually does sound sweet and nice. Which is a lot better than the mental dizziness I've been in. Thank you, Harry. "

"This is why you keep me around."

"Question?"

"Shoot."

"When did Mr. Weasley give you his blessing?"

"Night after the Battle. Apparently, coming to Ginny's defense when she went down and beating the crap out of the Eater who had the Crucio was enough."

"Harry… I doubt that."

"Not kidding, that happened."

"I know that happened, but I mean I am certain you had their approval long before the Battle."

"Ya… no Mr. Weasley used it as the bridge point to ask if I even knew I loved her. Which I did, but from outside observers, it was a fair question. But regardless, it is highly likely that Ron will not need to fight any Death Eaters for your parents okay, Even if they do, he has experience." Harry ended with a smile.

"Do you think Ron actually would be willing to?"

"Merlin, I think you are having this conversation with the wrong bloke, but since we are here. I would just lay it out for him. You know 'This is important to me, would you please do this for me.'"

"Merlin, Feelings make things so damn much more complicated."

"True, but they also make things so damn much more enjoyable."

"True, thank you Harry."

The pair head to the orchard again for another round of target practice. They added more variety to it also, shuffling what type of target spells were up., where in the orchard they were shooting. If Hermione were honest with herself, which she was more and more these days, even she appreciated the practice. That was clearly evident when it came time to pack up and move locations again. After the target spell had been dismissed Harry was actually picking up the cans, Hermione on the other hand was still shooting them where they landed. Harry didn't care, it was nice to see her have fun for once.

That was until when he reached to pick up the same can she was targeting. Harry yelped quite loud when the shot hit his hand. "'Mione! Watch it."

"Oh, sorry." she said sheepishly, still trying not to laugh.

Especially with the laugh but with the jubilant high he was riding he went for it. Quick as he could he drew and shot Hermione with the same ping prick getting her in the left shoulder.

"Mine was accidental, THAT was intentional!" she yelled as she shot back, but anticipating that, Harry threw a shield up.

"Maybe, but at least the score is still even."

"You are just as bad as Ginny with competition, I swear." as she threw two other pings at Harry, he shielded one and dodge the other.

Then they paused in a realization of what they were doing. In a single mind they realized what they had just discovered.

"Wizard Tag!" they both yelled in realization. Instantly they dove for cover behind trees to start hunting each other. Pop and shoot. Shield and run. Run, hide, fight. All those situations quickly presented themselves. They broke for supper, then brought Ginny and Ron out. It took Ron less than five minutes to grab a pair of old dish rags and stick to add flags to capture and defend.

After a few rounds Ginny had to admit, "Harry, this is amazing. Do you know what you've developed here?"

Harry grinned. "Wargames."

As the quartet attacked each other throughout the evening Arthur took his evening cup of tea to the upper balcony to watch the lights dance across the orchard. Molly joined him soon after. 'It is rather pretty from a distance, isn't it."

"That it is, love."

"Do you think they know what they are doing?"

Arthur nodded. "Harry certainly, with Ginny right behind. The other two, I am sure they know it in their hearts if not in their minds."

"I truly wish they didn't need this. All four of them should have the chance to court, and live, and laugh."

"Oh, Mollywobbles," Arthur said, slipping behind his wife. ,"I'm certain they're getting their laughs in and we've already seen them start courting. Regardless, this is the time we all live in. The way I see it, the more we let them practice, quicken their draw, tighten their aim, everything else practice does for someone… the more likely they will make it out on the other end of this war."

"I know, it's just… I'm a mother. I don't want any of my babies involved. And I've come to care about all of them, Harry, Hermione… Merlin… even Fleur."

"You've come 'round to Fleur? What brought that about?"

"The night at the bunker, she made a valid point of being defined by your actions… and from the Battle to her devotion to Bill… her actions are respectable. You?"

"Oh I'm a simple man. Some steps up to help defend you in battle, they pretty quickly earn high marks in my book."

"Do you think we're doing the right thing?"

"Yes dear, I do. I would say let's just help them as we can and enjoy them while we can. Try to let them have what happiness they can before the war comes more for them."