Chapter 8

Start the Presses

Hedwig ran a letter back and forth to the Grangers. It was decided Ginny would get an early birthday present and Hermione would stay and start her visit early. There's always room at the Burrow. The Weasley's spent the afternoon getting Hermione brought up to speed with recent, crucial events; 'crucial' clearly meant something different to Hermione. The camp bed moved from Ron's room to Ginny's, and as soon as the door shut Hermione pounced. "TELL ME EVERYTHING! How? What happened? Is he a good kisser?"

Ginny was already in the process of casting a silencing charm, looking like the cat that ate the canary. "It honestly just grew. First day after Mum patched him up, she and Dad talked with him for a while, then he went up to Ron's room, and we just started talking - honestly talking. And I swear I was just trying to be a friend to him. He was clearly depressed, even now he still has his moments, but he was actually open. Dad's been talking to him a lot, that's been helping. And Monday, we had an accidental date -"

"How do you have an accident date?" Hermione interrupted.

"Well, apparently Harry has been paying more attention to me than even Ron. Remember that stupid 'Dean' comment I made on the train?" Hermione nodded. "Well, Harry accepted it, he even respected it!" Hermione nodded again. "Harry needed to go shopping, so I tagged along for some friendly company - which he said he appreciated even though I had a boyfriend. Then I asked him: 'what boyfriend'?"

Hermione nodded, following along.

"So we sussed that out and he didn't waste any time chatting me up. "

"Harry Potter chatted a girl up?" Hermione asked, her eyebrows raising in disbelief.

"Pretty well too, I was kinda teasing him about Phlegm, he came back saying he 'has a thing for redheads now."

"Harry Potter!"

"I admit I was encouraging him, you know, normal little flirts. But he kept right up with me. Very give and take - he even pulled a few stunts that I will not be sharing."

Hermione looked at Ginny suspectly.

"Nothing bad, sweet if anything! But he'll catch hell and he doesn't deserve that. But not long after we figured out we were both available," Ginny paused, and Hermione waited for her to continue. "and had the day, we agreed to make it a date. And it was great!"

"Define 'great'." Hermione demanded with glee. "This is the infamous 'Harry and Ginny date.' We both have been waiting for this. Don't you dare be stingy with the details." Hermione smiled in joy of Ginny achieving her dream.

"Hermione, you should have been there when he got his dad's ring, I don't think he's ever had something so sentimental. I damn near cried for him. We did a little shopping. You'd be proud, he bought next year's class books and started studying."

"He's studying ahead?" the brightest witch looked shocked at such and idea.

Ginny nodded. "Now this next part, remember, I've never really gone to your muggle world before."

Hermione nodded.

Ginny's smile was stretching from ear to ear. She brushed away a few hair that had fallen loose from their laughing. "Well, for lunch he made it seem like this big secret deal. He flamed Mum to let her know everything was fine, then took me outside to this muggle place. He ordered me my first … cheeseburger?" Ginny looked to Hermione to make sure she got the name right. Hermione nodded.

"Look," Ginny continued, "I know he was playing it up and making some story about it being a 'sacred tradition', but I don't care! It was so much fun!" Ginny bounced on her bed on glee from the memory, looking smiling like an idiot and not caring. "Then I talked him into getting a suit, an actual suit! Y'know, for school dances, weddings, House Potter stuff -"

"House Potter?" Hermione asked, her face scrunching.

"House Potter! It's a thing, He is 'Master Harry James Potter of House Potter.' Dad's been like really focusing on Harry's coming of age next year and I think it changed Harry's point of view. Helping him understand what it means. Harry's views on things have changed, and I think that's really part of it. Somewhere he's gotten some confidence, and damn it shows."

"Okay, but his family estate doesn't open till next year. Isn't this a little… premature?"

"The Potter estate, yes," Ginny nodded, "But, Sirius left him the Black estate. Bill says that should be released within the month."

"So in the next few weeks, Harry is going to inherit one of the oldest wizarding estates? And then do it again next year?" Hermione questioned, and Ginny nodded with a ridiculous grin.

"And the most extravagant thing he bought was a trunk room to have some space, and privacy while he stays here. He could afford to buy a damn mansion, but he just adds a bed and bathroom to the Burrow," Ginny laughed.

"I can't believe I talked him into getting a suit! Hermione, you can't imagine. Don't take this the wrong way, but if you've ever thought about Harry before -" Ginny paused to give a sultry smile and raised her eyebrows. " That's still nothing compared to real life, I lasted long enough to get back to Leaky Cauldron. And I admit, I was worried he wouldn't try anything. You know 'noble gentleman' and stuff so… I kissed him, but he returned it. He absolutely returned it!"

"You kissed him?!" Hermione exclaimed, covering her mouth with her hands.

"Grabbed him by the necktie with both hands!"

"AND?"

"BRILLIANT!" Ginny confirmed, her eyes lit up like stars and cheeks flush, but not embarrassed. "He knows what he's doing."

"So after doing probably the hardest thing a person can do, he's coming back better? Like being confident, flirting, fighting… even snogging?"

"YES!"

"Ginny, that's fantastic. Really, I am happy for you. Both of you," she smiled but, Hermione had to ask. "Anything else happen? Do we need to talk about a potion?"

"No, not that. Lots of talking. Which is really the biggest difference. Like all day Monday and when we have time 'round here. You ask him a question, and often you can see him, like summon up the courage to do it, but he'll talk to you. Or at least to me. Ron, I don't think has pushed much."

"And… love?"

"Oh Merlin...I was hoping you would let that one go!" Ginny groaned, briefly covering her face with her hands. "I was a giant sap, I'm not really proud, but it was a really big heart to heart. Do you remember like a year or so ago I said if Harry and I ever did start together, there would be conditions?"

"Ya, like only one chance, respecting you, and you were going to make him say the words. I remember you were very firm on that."

"Because I was so sure it would never happen! Figured that would be the final nail in the coffin. Nope! He did it. He said the words! Agreed to it all!" She spread her arms wide like emerging form a quidditch match. "And, no I'm not complaining. This whole thing makes me so deliriously happy. Merlin, just talking about it is making me want to tear up."getting another tear," she paused, then looked at Hermione. snapped at Hermione "You saw nothing," Ginny added sharply.

"Your secret is safe with me."

"But I just use it as an example! This isn't the same Harry from a month or two ago."

"And fighting destiny?"

"If anyone can… it's him."

Hermione sighed. "It's so aggravating that that is such a legitimate argument though."

"I know, but I love him. So I'm going to help, whether he wants it or not." "Me too, Gin. Me too."

Then a rap at the door brought the conversation to a halt. "Come in!" Ginny called. Then waited a moment. Then she remembered her silence charm.

She opened the door to see Ron with a serious look on his face, and Ron was never serious. "Dad wants us. Something is up."

Ginny turned around to look at Hermione, who obviously knew less than Ginny did. When they both came down stairs, they saw the Twins had flamed in with other familiar faces, and joined where the rest of the family had gathered. Ginny relaxed a little when she saw everyone was more in thought than concerned.

"What's going on?"

Tonks was standing firm reporting to the group. "Rita Skeeter is outside." Tonks reported, standing firm in front of the group. For security, We have her detained for the moment. But that reporter's patience will only last so long."

"The reporter?!" Ginny cried.

Bill noted. "Apparently, last night's activities is in the news."

"Luna owled me, word is out something happened." Hermione added.

"We have maybe 10 minutes to decide how we want to handle this," Arthur said, grimly.

Then Ron asked the obvious question: "What's the problem? We didn't do anything wrong."

"Agreed," Bill nodded, "but as publicity comes in, privacy goes out."

"Zo we tell 'er 'no'".

"You can't." Harry stated clearly. "Trust me, I know," he added as he walked over to the window. "There's no way to keep the story quiet. Hermione is here already because the news is going around, and I don't even blame Luna for that."

Harry continued to look at the scars of the nights work. "This, all of this, was too big to avoid. The only choice we have now is what light we want to try and be shown in. If we don't play nice with them, the papers will still get written, just more slanderous."

"Arthur and I are too old to worry about people's opinions." Molly said, affectionately rubbing his shoulder.

Hermione's mind started calculating. "Wait, don't you get it?" She started smiling. "This isn't a problem. It's an opportunity."

Hermione's intellect had rarely steered him wrong before. "What are you thinking?" Harry asked.

"We can handle Rita, like we did a few months ago. This time we have the success of the last article to bolster our requirements."

Bill raised a finger, "Hermione, please forgive me, but Rita Skeeter is a major reporter. How can you 'handle' her?"

"Fair question, Bill. No doubt you are aware of Ron, Harry, and I's propensity for mischief and discovery?"

Snickers around the room. But Bill did answer, "Yes, there's been more than one dinner conversation about that."

Hermione unoffened, continued, "Doing that, I discovered … certain facts about Ms. Skeeter that she would rather not have come to light. We agreed that if she would limit her reporting of Harry to honest and factual, I would have no need to report these facts about her."

"So… you blackmailed her?" Bill deduced.

Fred and George nodded in approval.

"I prefer to think of it as aggressive negotiations."

Bill smiled, "Hermione?

"Yes?"

"After graduation, put an application in at Gringotts, I'll give you a recommendation."

"Or Aurors Intelligence," Tonks quipped.

"Thank you," she replied. "but for now don't you see! You don't run from this. You embrace it. You build on it. You make this an inspiration!"

"Inspire who?" Ron asked.

"Everyone!

Bill, was putting the numbers together. "You want us to try and play ourselves as heroes?"

"You are heroes." Hermione confirmed. "Ever since the last war, people are afraid to even say his name. People refuse to fight, because they fear him. But you, two loving parents, when attacked by squadron of forty Death Eaters, as you said, Mr. Weasley, told them 'no'. We have two Triwizard Champions here, one of whom is engaged to one of the family, and everyone loves a good love story. Ron and Ginny literally rained fire. And all of this, over an adopted son, not even your blood, who happens to be the Chosen One. Our champion."

Every eye turned to Harry. "Seriously?"

"You made the battle plan, Harry."

"Mate, you've outflown a dragon!'

"Triwiazrd 'schampion."

Arthur put it pointedly, "How many lives have you saved over the years?"

Ginny then took his hand. "Harry, you want to change destiny, this is how. You want to fight Vol- Riddle, this is how."

Harry reached up and rubbed Ginny's cheek. "If we do this, you will very quickly become a public figure. The girlfriend of the Chosen One. You'd likely get your own nickname."

She kissed the inside of his hand and smiled. "I've fancied you for years. Do you honestly think I hadn't thought of that? I knew what the score would be before I kissed you and especially before this morning."

"Alright," Harry took a courage breath. "We embrace the press and try to woo the court of public opinion. There are two details I would like to keep private. First, what Dumbledore said to me the night of the Battle of the Ministry of Magic, and second why I moved out from the Dursleys."

Hermione then spoke up, "I can't see any reason why the headmaster's conversation with you would be relevant. But people will want to know why you're living here."

"Coming of age." Fleur answered simply with a grin.

"I'm with her, The Black estate." Bill agreed. "It would make all logical sense for you to come to handle affairs."

Ron added, "And like you said earlier, it's no secret you've been close to this family since first year."

Harry nodded in agreement, it was a good plan, all true statements. "Okay, final thing. We do this. We are a united front. No internal fighting." He looked at the ladies of the room. "We faced death together, we should be able to face the press together. "

After nods of agreement from around the room, He took a courageous breath. "Alright, let's meet Rita Skeeter.

Ron slipped behind Hermione, "Hey."

"Hey, you okay?" she asked.

"You know me, not one for crowds. Now, I'm being interviewed."

"You'll be fine," Hermione reassured him, reaching out to adjust Ron's shirt. "Just keep your chin up, look straight at Ms. Skeeter, when you answer a question. When in doubt be bold, but brief."

"Thanks, um, can I ask a favor?"

"Sure, what do you need?"

"Well, when it starts, if you don't mind, could you at least be around? I mean, I know you weren't here last night, but still… could you be where I could see you when they start talking?"

Confused, she nodded. "Ah, sure Ron, might I ask why?"

"This may sound dumb, but I find it easier to be brave when you're around."

Hermione was taken aback. "Ronald, I think that's one of the kindest compliments you've ever given me. Of course, I'd be happy to provide support."

"Thanks, 'Mione."

Hermione was still slightly dazed when she walked over to Tonks. "OK, we'll go get Ms. Skeeter and remind her what the rules are." Tonks nodded approvingly. While walking out the door Hermione reminded them, "You all get situated. And remember you are heroes. "

Tonks went out to usher the reporter in, as everyone took their seats. Only this time Ginny started primping Harry. She adjusted his glasses, touched his hair, and undid the top button of his shirt. "Gin, what are you doing?

"Final touches on our champion. Remember to use that cocky grin of yours, you're devilishly handsome when you do," she said with a wry smile .

"I have a cocky grin?" he asked.

Every woman looked at him deadpanned.

"Okay… nice to know. Well if I'm doing that, you're losing the ponytail."

Ginny tilted her head to the side. "What, why?"

Harry took her to their spot on the couch. "Ginny, this is the point in our relationship where I explain that you know full well you are beautiful regardless, but keeping your hair loose and down is a multiplier. And after twirling your hair in my face so many times, I know you know. And just keep a fire in your eyes, you will outshine everyone."

Ron rolled his eyes, but the other two couples smirked.

Tonks marched down the lane eyeing the work of the other Aurors around. It appeared the evidence gathering was completed and the other Aurors were moving out into more security and guard positions. Two Aurors kept Rita at bay, but that didn't stop her from watching everything.

Tonks nodded to the other officers, who stepped out of the way. "Ms. Skeeter, I believe you are familiar with Miss Granger."

"Yes," Rita replied, dryly. "You were a part of this? I should have known."

Hermione forced a smile, "How are you doing Ms. Skeeter? How have things been since our last interview working together?." she gave the reporter a knowing grin.

Tonks nodded, "That's right! You wrote that interview on Harry Potter in Quibbler, The return of You-Know-Who. That was some of the best reporting I've read in … I don't know how long."

"Yes, well, we all just do our jobs. But thank you very much."

"I agree as well," Hermione chimed in. "So much so… that the same rules will apply today."

Rita narrowed her eyes at Hermione. "What is your involvement here?"

"I'm the… press secretary for Weasley Warriors." she replied, thinking quickly on her feet. "If you want the story of a common family fighting off forty Death Eaters…"

"Forty?!" Rita balked.

"Actually initial Auror Investigation confirms that to be a minimum estimate, and you can quote me."

The confirmation made Rita pause for thought and Hermione pounced on it. "That last story did very well, and that was just Harry reporting a tragedy. This… " Hermione gestured with a grin. "You have seven beautiful young people under a happily married couple. No tragedy, but a victory of the underdog over dark forces. There's courage, there's love, there's action. Frankly, Ms. Skeeter, if you can't find a story here, I'd question your journalistic abilities."

"Which… which paper do you expect to be published in?" Rita asked tightly.

"So Daily Prophet took you back, eh? Excellent." Hermione smiled slyly. "Frankly, my concern is the reporting of the facts. So long as what is printed is what's true. We don't care what rag you print in. Go ahead and collect your fee. So long and you share the truth… I won't feel the need to share anything … with any of my friends." Hermione finished with a glance drifting to Auror standing next to her.

"How beautiful are they?"

"One is a veela," Hermione grinned. "And she's engaged to quite the handsome Curse Breaker. Two lovers fighting against the odds… but what readers want to hear about that?"

"Who else, why are you here?"

"One Mister Harry Potter, a name that's been known to boost sales."

Rita looked up to the Burrow so ripe with opportunity, she could taste it. "You win Granger."

"Come right this way."

The Weasleys were all sitting in place when Arthur opened the door. "Welcome to the Burrow." he greeted.

As she crossed the threshold, she was a bit surprised at how ready they were to receive her. "Well thank you, but thank you more for the opportunity to hear and share what has to be, by the look of outside, an incredible story."

"Certainly." Arthur nodded as he sat down next to Molly. Rita brought a chair out and sat in the center of the circle. Hermione slipped behind her, sitting by the wall, and gave Ron her most encouraging smile. He nodded back and he seemed to sit back straighter and more confidently. Simply from a smile? Hermione thought to herself. That doesn't make any sense.

Meanwhile, Rita was getting everyone's names for the article.

"Arthur Weasley, Misuse of Muggle Artifacts Office."

"Molly Weasley, wife, mother, homemaker, other duties as needed."

"Fred Weasley."

"George Weasley."

"Weasleys's Wizard Wheezes," they said in unison.

"Ginevra Weasley, Hogwarts, 4th year graduate."

Rita completely skipped Harry, to which, yes, he grinned.

"Ronald Weasley, Hogwarts, 5th year graduate," then he took a breath to look over Hermione, who responded with a nod.

"William Weasley, Curse Breaker."

"Fleur Delacour, 'ould you like it spelled this time?" She asked, reminding Rita about the first article written of her.

"No, thank you, apologies," Rita replied.

"Very good. I am Villiam's fiancée."

"Well, I would say you are a bit more than that, Miss Delacour."

"Good, make sure you do when you write your article."

Granted Fleur was being a bit aggressive, but considering the last eighteen hours, this was easy. The Weasleys all smiled. Bill's arm was already around his lady's shoulders but her spirit was earning supportive shoulder rubs of approval.

"Of course," Rita replied tightly, then finally she returned to Harry.

"And of course, the young man who needs no introduction."

"Hello again, Rita." Harry greeted. But this time and for the first time with Rita, he tried to take Ginny's advice and be charming.

The reporter's eyes immediately saw Harry's arm around Ginny's shoulder. "You say 'again', but you have clearly changed since our last interview."

"Things change." Harry countered.

"Has the Chosen One, chosen one?" Rita quipped to turn a phrase.

Ginny seemed completely unfazed. "We're enjoying each other's company, yes," she replied very directly, maturely even, void of any hint of fan girl or childishness.

"When did this happen?" Rita asked.

Harry raised a hand. 'Smile, remember to smile.' he thought but said "Rita, Is that really the story you want to ask about? I thought you were after… bigger game."

Rita looked at Harry suspiciously. "You have improved your game quite a lot in the last few months, Mr. Potter."

"I had a good teacher."

Rita opened her mouth to reply, but especially with the entirety of the room, she was rendered speechless.

The Weasleys could see Hermione smile widely in the background.

"Well then," she transitioned, "Why don't you all start by telling me in your own words what happened?"

"Well," Arthur began, "in the simplest of descriptions, they came for my son, and we told them 'no'." But he only let that line hang for a moment before starting from the top again. With each of them adding details in .

"Harry came up with the plan." Bill noted.

"After Gin first suggested we fight, and after Ron came up with the idea of using the balcony as a sniper's nest."

"Well, taking a shot at someone's fiancé is a quick way to incur their wrath, so I admit I was an easy sell to the idea."

"Agreed," Fleur replied, "At least zat is how it is in my country."

"And taking the high ground is standard battle strategy." Rod added. Then looked to Hermione, who nodded in approval.

"Fred, George, a smoke dragon with sparklers and fireworks?

"Well, this may have been our first battle."

"But, far from our first distraction."

"And the flying broom aerial assault?"

"Quidditch," Ginny replied as she leaned forward, letting the passion flare in her eyes. "You see, I'm ever so wicked on a broom. And throwing fire from the sky? Well… I never knew until last night, but I highly recommend that to anyone seeking vengeance."

"Vengeance?"

"Vengeance, self-defense, what else would you call it?" Ginny replied, settling back into Harry's arm.

Ron picked up where his little sister left off. "They came to us. They shot at us in the middle of family supper. They taunted and called us out," He paused and looked up to Hermione, then simply finished. "We answered."

Hermione nodded and gave a subtle thumbs-up with a grin.

"Aren't any of you afraid of You-Kn-"

"Riddle," Harry finished casually and as calmly as saying anyone else's name.

Rita looked at him for clarification. "Come again?"

"His name is Riddle, Tom Marvolo Riddle."

The Weasleys all nodded in support.

"You say those words very casually, Mr. Potter."

"I choose not to live in fear, Ms. Skeeter."

"Don't you think it is wise to fear the Dark Lord?"

"No."

"No? Care to explain to the readers?"

"Well firstly, let us even look at his claim of 'Lord.' I've seen him in various forms from spirit to flesh. He is no God. And if we are looking at the more noble claim to the title, frankly, I would have a better one." He held up a finger. "... and no, I don't want to be called 'Lord'. Not even by my lady." Harry said, looking at Gin, letting the cocky grin run.

"Secondly, all of these … titles that he gives himself, and that the Ministry and fine publishers create for him, all seem to be rooted in a sentiment of fear. The concept of 'if you even speak his name he shall appear.' I think it is a tragedy that so many people have let one man rule them so much out of fear."

"You make a good point about seeing him. Why? Why not someone like Professor Dumbledore or the Minister for Magic? Why you specifically?"

Sitting close to Ginny, Harry could feel her muscles tighten. He, however, had been expecting this question, so… he shrugged. "I couldn't say. Believe me, I wish he would move on to someone or something else. Maybe Riddle's ego is so fragile that the thought of that one kid escaping his wrath is unacceptable? Maybe Riddle is afraid of the Professor and the Minister? In either case, with such clear flaws, shouldn't that be additional evidence to deny his claim as a 'lord'?"

Rita was getting truly connected to Harry's debate. "Whatever name you do or don't use for him, there is no question that he is a powerful and dangerous individual. Does that not make you afraid of him?"

Harry continued looking at Rita. "It's good to see we agree on important details. Yes, Riddle is powerful and dangerous. He is cause for concern. But I have looked at the face of evil. I have faced monsters, and I will fully admit that I have taken my beatings doing so. But I stood back up. I sit here today because I found the courage to stand and act, and I've found friends willing to do the same. I think it is long past due that we, the wizarding world, started doing that. You are correct that, yes, Riddle is a powerful and dangerous individual. Fortunately, there are many mages I have had the privilege of meeting that I could describe the same."

Rita smiled. "You've learned to turn a phrase, Mr. Potter. But speeches don't save one against evil wizards."

"I suppose that depends on what you call a victory. Personally, after seeing how educated people so versed with arcane arts so often cower in fear, I feel one wins every time we say 'no'. Every time we call him who he is: Riddle. Every time we stand up against him, we have already won. But if you want something more tangible, well, it was this belief that led us to the events of last night. Which is why you sit here now…. And you can quote me."

"Oh you can be sure I will." Rita asked a few more detail questions of everyone, but nothing as far deep. She took photos. A group of them all together, everyone had an individual shot, and the couples each had photos. But she only truly engaged with Harry. Preparing him for his solo shot, she whispered to him. "You've learned to play a dangerous game, Mr. Potter."

"The only type worth playing, Ms. Skeeter." he replied.

Shortly thereafter she said her polite goodbyes. The moment the door was sealed, Molly was working on a silence charm. They all waited for her, and once down they all let out a collective breath.

Ginny leapt up to hug Harry, "Bloody brilliant!" Then once close to his ear, whispered, "I am snogging you so hard when we get alone next," and then let go of her boyfriend.

Reflexively everyone looked at Molly and she just waved that one off, because it was brilliant.

Ron fell back on the wall and leaned. "Harry, how the hell do you keep up with the stress?"

"You get used to it, mate."

"Well played, Harry." Bill said with a hand open. "Where did you learn all that?"

"Hogwarts, the Malfoy's. I kept running through my head, how would the Malfoys act, but said the words I wanted to say. Frankly, I think I'd rather face off against another dragon over a reporter again."

Molly made a sweeping declaration. "Alright, it has been a high-stress day for us all. I will put the kettle on for tea, and set up the table for sandwiches for an 'eat when you're hungry night'. Everyone find something to eat and for the love of mercy, relax!"

"Um, 'Mione, I could use some air, care for a walk?"

Hermione blinked in surprise, "Yes, Ron, I would love a walk."