Chapter 46

Prewett's Last Stand

Harry did what he did best, maybe even better than defensive magic, he obsessed. He read and reread Sirius's journal as the warning his godfather had written two years ago seemed uncomfortably close. Truthfully, his fate he was less worried about. For years now, Harry had come to some relative acceptance of his likely death. But Percy's warning now put Ginny's head in the gallows and he wasn't about to let that happen, destiny be damned. Harry planned, revised, made lists, revised those. Hogsmeade weekend was coming and he didn't want to waste it. As his list grew he could tell it was going to be a very busy weekend, especially with it being the slightly belated birthday celebration for the Twins. Especially after Harry's Valentine's weekend seemed to garner no questions, the Quartet had agreed they would slip back to the Burrow for the weekend.

Friday, 5 April 1997

Harry pulled a string with Tonks and was released out of the last two hours of class early and quickly changed into comfortable civilian attire of jeans, green sweatshirt, and his bomber jacket. He squeezed Ginny close. "I'm sorry I'm going to be running around so much tonight."

"Noble idiot," Ginny smirked. "You're trying to set things up to protect us all. I think I can forgive that." Harry nodded appreciation of her understanding. Ginny did grin as she continued. "Please don't be offended though if I say I hope all your efforts are wasted though."

Harry kissed her cheek and then hugged goodbye. "Me too babe. Meet you at the Burrow."

Tonks and Remus had taken the squad outside for training. Pack over his shoulder, he headed to the Training Hall and flipped the shields and fields and unlocked the floo. "Grimmauld Place," he ordered as he cast the powder and stepped through the green flame. Quickly he relocked the Training Hall's floo and shut the link down.

"You're home early," Fleur began as she came downstairs, then she recognized the visitor. "Welcome 'ome 'Arry." she smiled. "Forgive me, I didn't expect you. I thought plans were for you to stay at the Burrow this weekend."

"They still are." Harry began, with clear nerves. "I'm running some errands today. And one of them is… I need to talk with you."

"Me?" Fleur asked, raising her hand to her chest. "Of course, but why? Lady's opinion on something for Ginny?"

Harry swallowed hard. "Fleur, we're friends… right? Like I know, we're friendly, but you and I are good with each other, right?"

The expression of kindness and concern that came to Fleur's face was heartwarming. Harry could again see the real reason why Bill was marrying her. "Arry, come, sit." he waved him over to the table as she joined him there. "Of course we are friends. We are special friends. How many people 'ave faced a dragon? Technically, you and I 'ave been friends longer than Bill and I. You are the longest friendship I 'ave on this isle."

Harry nodded his head as Fleur confirmed his thoughts on the matter. She could tell there was a weight around his neck so she took a page from her fiancee. "Let us not forget. We also made the same brave choice."

"The Tournament?" Harry asked, wondering if Fleur had forgotten how little choice he had in the matter.

"No," Fleur shook her head and smiled. Then reached out to take his hand in comradery. "We both are choosing to marry Weasleys."

The bright light in her eyes was contagious and finally brought a smile to Harry's face and they both laughed. Fleur continued. "If the Tournament was crazy, then this is utter madness!"

Harry joined her in another laugh and nodded. "Thank you, I needed that."

"You are welcome, mon ami. Now, what brings you 'ome to speak with me."

Harry took another breath. "Well first feel free to tell Bill all of this. I don't want to make it seem otherwise. I just wanted to have this chat privately." Fleur nodded but continued to listen. "And that brings me to my second question. I assume you and Bill talk? About Percy's warning?"

"Oui," Fleur agreed with an agreeing nod. "So you are taking it seriously. Bon."

"Yeah." Harry took another courage breath. It had been a while since he needed to. "Fleur, we've been talking. If the Ministry goes the way Percy warns, all of wizarding Britain is going to be after Ginny and I. If it were just me, I wouldn't worry so much. I could handle hopping from some of the safe houses and bunkers we've set up and stuff."

"But it is not just you anymore, is it?" Fleur clarified, with her thumb rubbing against her own engagement ring. "So you will do things you normally never would, to keep the ones you love safe."

"Yes!" Harry replied exasperated. He was amazed she could put into words his feelings so much clearer than he himself could.

"What is it you wish to do, plainly?" she asked.

"This is likely an oversimplification, but if Britain isn't safe, then logic suggests getting out of the country. You're my best contact for anyone out of the country. Coin isn't a problem. I was wondering if you could recommend, I don't know, a quiet cottage in France somewhere. Someplace we could set up, hopefully never need or use, but could apparate too or maybe even set up portkeys."

Fleur smiled and shook her head. "You still sell yourself so short." She rose and led the way back to the floo. Then gestured to the picture of she and her family in front of her home in France. "Arry, look at the ladies in this picture. My mother and myself, do you recognize the third?"

Harry could tell where Fleur was leading him, but he knew it was too late and protests would be useless. "Of course, I recognize Gabrielle."

"Good," Fleur nodded. "Because she is alive because of your actions. None of us care what Dumbledore said about his plans and precautions. We both know how often plans fail." Fluer reached over to press her hand over Harry's chest. "In our hearts, our family agrees that Gabrielle breathes because you broke the rules to save her 'Arry. Now you are telling me the day may come where you need safety? Mon ami, you will come to Delacour Manor. I will write to Father, but there will be no objection, only preparation. This picture, it is also a portkey back to my home. My family insisted I have one before I moved. You will be welcomed, protected, and honored."

Harry tried to object. "Fleur, I'm not try-"

"No." Fleur replied with a hand raised, and an expression that showed the discussion was over.

Finally, Harry accepted it. Relief washed over him as a very large piece of problem fell into place better than he hoped. "Thank you, Fleur. Very very much."

"You are very welcome 'Arry. How many should they expect? Just the two of you? All of the Marauders?"

Harry shook his head. "Four; Ginny and I, Ron and Hermione."

Fleur shook her head dismissively. "That is no problem at all." Seeing Harry's expression of disbelief, she stepped in to hug him. "'Arry, French or British, mage or muggle, this is family."

Harry chose not to ruin the sentiment. He kept his mouth shut, hugged back, and nodded.

Bill continued to study the rune work on the rubbing on his desk, and making notes as he did. When there came another knock at the door. "Enter." Bill answered without even looking up from his work.

"Mr. Weasley," the goblin announced. "Master Potter wishes to meet with you."

That got Bill's attention. He put his quill down and looked to the door. "Then send him back, please." He continued to clear his desk as he waited. Harry soon appeared and Bill met him at the door smile, shake, and hug. "This is a surprise, but not a bad one. What's going on that couldn't wait for this weekend?" Bill asked as he went back to his seat and gestured Harry to his own.

Harry sat nervously. "Frankly Bill, I wanted to have a talk with you under your goblin grade wards."

"Really?" Bill replied as he sat back in his chair. "Logic suggests this has to do with Percy's warning then?"

Harry nodded.

Bill's face became very terse and angry. "Good."

"I hope we're all wrong. But I refuse to let history repeat itself." Bill nodded in understanding as Harry took out a folder from his bag and passed it to him. "In truth, I hope we get these things set up and they just are ignored and gather dust."

Bill opened the folder and started reading. He whistled and his eyes popped. "This is aggressive Harry… and impressive."

"Tell me she's not worth it." Harry replied coldly as he laced his fingers and stared ahead.

"That I never will. And I'm not surprised you're putting something together, this is just … larger than expected." Bill replied.

"Go big or go home," Harry quipped with a grin.

"Or not as the case may be."

"Is this the point where you give me a lecture on ethics and morals?" Harry asked.

"Not at all," Bill shook his head. "You're doing what you always do, trying to protect people, chief of whom is Ginny. No Harry, no objections from me. Though for some of this I will need some photo-"

"Turn the page." Harry said, cutting Bill off.

Bill did and nodded. "Wizard and Muggle photographs? You are being thorough."

"I have a mate at school who is talented with a camera." Harry explained. "And I don't expect this to be cheap. That's if Percy agrees."

Bill nodded. "I suspect he will. I don't think he will be happy, but he agrees that you, like the rest of the family, are putting Ginny's safety first."

Harry nodded in confirmation.

"I'm afraid I couldn't give an estimated time frame, Harry. This isn't my usual forte." Bill chuckled.

Harry joined him. "I'd be very curious what you'd gotten into if it was. Just deliver them as you can when you can. Drop me a message one way or the other when you do."

"Right. So just so I am aware. Who else is coming into this confidence? The four of you of course." Bill asked, raising the folder.

"I talked with Fleur before I came here." Harry explained.

"I can already see why. Clever." Bill nodded.

"I'm shopping and picking up supplies after this as well as I plan to commission the twins for a few pieces of kit. I am going to try to tell them what I need without going into this level of detail."

"They're part of the Order, Harry. They know what's going on. And they trust you. They'll be happy to help."

"And… out of respect… I will likely have a chat with your dad."

"Likely wise Harry, but I truly think that will go better than you fear."

Harry left Gringotts for the twin's joke shop. He was happy to see George at the counter working on some charm notes who looked up and smiled. "Harry, welcome back. You're beating the Friday night rush."

"Yeah, I'm doing that on purpose. Fred around? I wanted to talk about some more commission work."

"Sure, he's in the back. Angelina, mind the till please?" he asked as he looked across the floor to her, who nodded understanding and waved to Harry.

George slipped an arm over Harry's shoulder and led him to the back room. "Oi Fred, Our silent partner's here to inspect his investment." Harry shook his head at the joke, but appreciated the warm welcome.

Fred looked up from the workbench and pulled the googles he'd been wearing up over his head. "Harry mate, how are you? What brings you by?"

Harry sighed. "Well to start, Happy Birthday, but unfortunately, business, mostly. Er… before we get started… how secure are we here?"

"Oh in this room?" George laughed.

Fred gave a dismissive wave. "With everything we get up to here, we keep it very locked down."

George leaned up against a supply shelf. "Bigger question is why do you need the security? What's up?"

Harry took a breath. "How up to speed are you with Bill and Percy?"

Flashes of rage came to each of the twins' faces. "Very." they said together.

Harry let his own anger rise around his brothers. "Yeah, well I'm not letting it bloody well happen. I need some kit. A lot of it is just modifications to what you have on the shelf. Money is no object. This is for Gin."

"If this is for Ginny…"

"...then your money is no good here."

Harry made rounds through Diagon Alley again, quickly making his way down the list he and the others had made. He was actually happy Ginny wasn't with him at some of the purchases. The totals would have made her tense immensely. After the Alley, he caught a cab to a camping supply store. The trickiest part was after purchase finding someplace out of sight so he could slip the shopping bags into his apparently bottomless backpack. Fortunately behind a bin in an ally provided enough cover for the moment he needed. He repeated the process at a hardware store then a wardrobe shop. With his list complete he took a final look around, and he very quickly apparated back to the Burrow. On the walk back from the apparition point, Harry could smell supper was ready and through the windows saw the family gathered around the table.

"Sorry for the late arrival everyone," he greeted with an awkward wave as he walked in.

"Nonsense," Molly replied as she walked over and hugged him home. Harry couldn't help but grin and the other three fully smiled as it was Harry's turn in the hug each of them had been welcomed home in.

"Ginny said you had some errands needed running?" Arthur asked.

"Yes sir, and with the birthday party tomorrow, I wanted to get them done and out of the way."

"Makes sense." Arthur nodded.

"Were you able too, Harry?" Hermione asked with an expression of curiosity far more than concern.

Harry nodded as he took his seat and Ginny's hand. "Yes, I need to wait on a few minor details, but the big things have already settled, all good."

"Splendid," Arthur welcomed with a smile. "Let's tuck in then, eh?"

Supper was as to be expected, comforting. Harry was always amazed at how the Weasleys could always make the troubles of the world seem to stay at bay. Whatever the challenge or news of the day were, it seemed no foul evil stood a chance against the warmth of the Weasley home and hearth.

Ron had been a mate and brought Harry's trunk room home with him, even set it up in its normal spot in the living room corner. After supper and assisting with the dishes, Harry went to his room, He noticed a long box at the base of the stairs. He checked the label on it and smiled. It was to Ginny, from Nimbus Racing. and set to work unpacking and sorting.

It was about an hour later that Ginny's curiosity finally got the better of her. "Harry?" she asked by the top of the stairs.

"I'm fine babe, come on down. Bring Ron and Hermione too if you like."

Soon the other three walked down to Harry's room which had a bin overflowing with leftover packaging. "I think we'll have plenty for the bonfire tomorrow," he greeted them. The most glaringly obvious thing was on his bed were four olive colored waxed canvas european style backpacks. They were identical except for the carry handles, each covered with different color tape.

"I have color coded as much as I could think of, based on our elementals. I'm white, Gin's red, Mione is pink. Ron is blue. I suggest we throw our coats and a few days of clothes in. We all have sleeping bags, canteens, cook kit, binoculars, belt holster, wrist holster, broom-"

"You got us all brooms?" Ron asked.

"I did." Ginny replied, "Reign of Fires, Harry said he wanted a broom in each pack I wrote Nimbus. By the way, Mr. Whitehorn said their locations are all here in Britian, but we're welcomed anywhere no questions asked."

"And did you ask about the Nimbus and Crimson Witch?" Hermione asked.

Impersonating Mr. Whitehorn, Ginny replied. "It wouldn't be the first storm I've weathered. It won't be the last."

"Thanks, Gin." Harry said. "I wanted these emergency bags done a.s.a.p."

Ron smiled, "Mione, you may be getting your first broom lesson tonight."

Hermione looked nervous to say the least. "Perhaps, but can that wait until I pop back home briefly? You three may live here but, I take it the goal is to get these bags squared away to be ready at a moment's notice?" She looked to Harry for confirmation, who nodded. "Then there are a few things I would like to pick up from home. You three may actually live here but I still live in London."

"Take it and go, " Harry said pointing to the pink handle.

"Mione, want company?" Ron asked, grabbing his pack.

"You are always welcome, but there is a fair chance we will run into my parents." Hermione warned.

"Problem?" Ron asked with a smile.

"Look at you all confident." Hermione smiled as he kissed his cheek. "Come along then." The pair quickly hopped up the stairs.

With room on the bed now Ginny took a seat against the wall. "How are you Lightning?"

Harry sighed deeply and rolled in his chair in front of her. "I hate that we need to do this… " then he looked up to meet her gaze and she saw the deepest resolve she had ever heard of, and she knew it was for her. " … but I will be damned if I let something happen to you, not when I have the ability to help."

Ginny sat forward and took his hand in hers. "Both of us. Partners, we protect each other, remember?"

"I remember, Gin." Harry smiled. "Check the white pack, I even have a copy of Seventh year books in there."

"You bought a copy of Seventh year?" Ginny asked with a grin. "Who are you and what have you done with Harry Potter?"

"I absolutely am Harry Potter, but I'm now the bloke who wants to win and survive the damn war. But I also have a girl and a life I would like to have. So N.E.W.T.s seem more important now." he grinned as he talked about an after war future to her. "I got Hermione a set also, she'll want it more than me. I thought about Ron but…"

Ginny smiled. "I get it. Any kind of situation where we're out of school, we don't see Ron wanting to crack open the class work."

"I admit it will be a stretch for me." Harry nodded in honesty.

"And me?" Ginny asked with a smirk. "Or am I just supposed to lay back and look pretty?"

Harry nodded and snickered. "Well you nail the' look pretty' part, but I've never known you to just lay back. If you want a fresh set yourself, feel free, but I thought, after the term ends in a few months, I would give you my Sixth years books to you. One person, one use, just me. And like with Potions brewing I converted a lot into muggle measurement already. I know you use that too."

Ginny smiled and kissed him in appreciation. "That's nothing like a book that's made it's way down all seven Weasleys. That is incredibly sweet. Thank you." Ginny took her bag and looked through it.

"Throw some clothes and… whatever you think you would want or need for… plan on weeks minimum, maybe longer."

"Really?" Ginny asked with realization sitting in. "You're taking this seriously are you?"

Harry met her gaze strongly. "Yes. Look, I know you said you knew what you were getting into when we started dating last summer. But this…" He gestured to the packs. "...running from Riddle is something I've known has been a real possibility for years. And now that you are wrapped up in this, I am doubling down. I probably should have done this last summer." Harry stopped and grinned up at Ginny. "But I was distracted by this great girl I started seeing."

Ginny chuckled. "Happy to be a distraction." She sat upright and Harry could see in her eyes she grew more serious. "I see a lot of camp gear. "Fleur couldn't help?

Harry shook his head. "No, she came in better than we hoped. Instead of just a cottage, she … invited us to the Delacour Manor. The camp gear is like … I don't know Plan D at this point?"

"Delacour Manor?" she said with surprise. "That's your plan for a run from the Ministry? I thought we were talking about a cottage someplace. "

"That's what I told Fleur. But she has a portkey, so we could get there easy. And her family still respects me from Gabrielle and the Second Challenge. Then we are out of the country and even with some friendlys."

Ginny nodded. "Damn, yeah you're right Harry. That's pretty decent. What's the camp gear for then?"

"Just in case. If we have to run sometime before or after. We can hide off the grid in the bloody woods if we need to."

"Right, Merlin," Ginny said, shaking her head. "Harry, is it all right to say I hope we're all over reacting?"

"Merlin, I hope so. I really hope so, Gin."

Saturday the twins arrived for the birthday lunch celebration. Molly made a slightly larger cake with two rows of nineteen candles on it, one for each. "It's a good thing we can light them with a spell, " Ron quipped, "Else we the first one would be melted before you lit the last.

Molly looked sternly at her youngest son. "I'll have you know, young man, there is life after 40."

Chastised enough at a party, Ron let it drop. "Yes ma'am."

With the family fully versed with the war, it became the unofficial rule to ignore it unless they needed to address it. Everyone there was doing their part, no need to dwell on it. Rather the Weasley again choose to keep their table warm and welcoming, this time reminiscing about some of the twins' pranks of past. It's amazing how honest they were willing to be, now that they moved out and had their own business and address.

After the festivities, Harry realized the time had finally come. As Arthur was sipping a tea Harry leaned up against the floo. "Er… Mr. Weasley, can we talk?"

Arthur looked up and cheerfully smiled. "Of course Harry. What's on your mind?"

Harry nervously looked around seeing Molly and Bill with dishes and knew the others in the living room… and for the first time truly felt the only curse of the Burrow, total utter lack of privacy.

Reading the room and Harry's expression, Arthur rose. "Care for a walk, Harry?"

"Please," Harry pounced on in relief.

"Right," Arthur nodded. He walked over to kiss Molly. "Just be about the orchard. Back in a bit." Molly nodded with a smile.

Arthur led the way out the door and off to the stone property line. Harry fell in step beside him looking out to the orchard trees rich with pink buds. The trees at least didn't seem to care there was a war on. Somehow that was very comforting to Harry.

"I wondered when you'd finally ask to talk." Arthur joked as they slowly walked the path that Harry had made his morning runs last year.

"Am I that obvious?" Harry asked with a smile.

Arthur chuckled as his hand gently glided over the hip high stone wall. "Son, you've been as nervous as a long tailed cat in a room full of rocking chairs. So, why don't you tell me what's on your mind already."

"Okay, let me ask a few questions to see how briefed you are?" Harry asked and Arthur nodded. "Are you aware that Percy, and some of my own sources, have been warning of changes in the Ministry?"

Arthur nodded. "I don't have Percy's access but I've seen several changes also, so yes."

"Are you familiar with Percy's report from about a week ago?" Harry asked.

Arthur shook his head. "No, what do I need to know?"

Harry sighed deeply. "Well from what it sounds like there is growing concern within the Ministry and their ability to actually win the war. So much so that they are discussing negotiation options with Riddle."

"Negotiate…with Riddle?" Arthur shook his head, then looked up to the heavens. "Poor sods. They're frightened."

"Some yes sir, but I'm really starting to think a lot of them aren't just scared. I think many of them are on his side. I don't know who and I don't know voluntary vs cursed…"

"I get it Harry." Arthur said, patting his back. "The war is making the Ministry murky."

"Yes sir. Percy'a access had gotten him onto strategy meetings. They're talking about some pretty dark crap, but the most damaging to us…"

Arthur stopped mid step in realization and his jaw clenched. "They want to hand you over to Riddle, don't they?" Arthur guessed. "Treat you like some sort of sacrificial lamb scapegoat."

Harry nodded, and figured it was best to get everything out. "Ginny too."

Arthur's jaw tightened, his hands clenched into fists which started to tremble. His cheeks and ears grew as red as his hair with clear rage. Losing the battle of will, he finally slammed his fist into rock as strongly as Harry had seen him do anything. "Gods damned cowards!" the elder wizard yelled at the top of his lungs, frightening a flock of birds out of the nearby tree.

Harry gave him a moment. He was just Ginny's boyfriend, he couldn't imagine the Ministry agreeing to turn over his child to the greatest evil in recent history.

Arthur needed several deep breaths, but finally was able to continue talking. "Right, well I guarantee that's not bloody going to happen." Arthur looked up to Harry and met him eye to eye. Harry could tell Arthur was seeing the man before him. "You're a clever man. Do you have a plan yet?"

As confident as he could muster, he replied "Yes, sir. We're-"

"Stop." Arthur cut him off with a raised hand. "I don't want to know. I don't want anyone to know. Because if we don't know, we can't say." The seriousness in his statement was clear. "All four of you I assume?"

"Yes sir," Harry confirmed.

"Good, you all compliment each other." Arthur nodded with approval. "How confident are you so far at success? Compared to some of your prior antics?"

Harry nodded his head positively. "Percy's warning gives us time. Unless things turn this weekend, pretty good. Big pieces I will have done in the next week."

Arthur nodded, looking past Harry now looking beyond to the Burrow and the family within. "Good. Thank you Harry."

This level of acceptance shocked Harry. "Sir, how… how can you be so relaxed about this? If things go south and two of your kids just … disappear?"

Arthur actually smiled, which compared to the rage Harry had just seen was welcome. "Well first Harry, I think you're miscounting. If you remember Christmas, all four of you are family now, son."

Harry smiled, "Thank you sir, but still."

Arthur crossed his arms and sat up against the rock wall. He nodded for Harry to have a seat next to him, Harry did.

"Harry, how much have you heard about Molly's brothers, Fabian and Gideon Prewett?" Arthur asked honestly.

Harry replied in kind. "A singular mention from Captain Moody. I could see the family resemblance in a photo of the original Order is why it stuck. He said they died in the last war, against five other Eaters. Molly doesn't really talk about it much and obviously, I never felt it right to ask."

Arthur nodded. "Understandable. They were elder brothers, Gideon by two years, Fabian by four. You'd gotten on well with them. Fabian didn't like bullies either and Gideon was no stranger to a fight. They didn't see the sense of all that blood purity business either. When the first war was starting Dumbledore opened a few seats in the Order to them. They started to earn the nickname of the 'Wrecking crew' because when they were deployed, they would get the job done, but…" Arthur looked up and shook his head as he smiled in memory, "... Merlin, they were not subtle."

"I like 'em more already." Harry grinned.

"It was fall of '71, first day of school in fact. War was early, but getting nasty. Riddle, we didn't call him that then." Arthur reminded Harry, who nodded in understanding. "We don't know how, but somehow Riddle got ahold of the names of the new first years students. There was a pair of muggleborn First year girls up in Cokeworth. Riddle and Dolohov had developed some… sort of crystal prism charm that, well we're not sure exactly how it worked, but best guess it was some sort of blood purity detector. And being the bastard he was, he thought those two little girls would be the best test subjects for it."

Arthur's eyes were already wet from the memory, but Harry wasn't going to dare tell Mr. Weasley what to do at his own home.

"Dumbledore got word and Fabian and Gideon flamed up on the dot. Most of this we're basing on what the second girl could tell us. She was a lovely child. Hair color could almost blend in with the family." Arthur smiled with that. Harry recognized the cheer for the sake of sanity amidst despair. He felt horrible that Arthur felt the need to relive this. "They didn't get in time to save the first girl. But it sounds like it was her screams in agony are what lead Fabian and Gideon to find them in the old mill there. Any way you slice it, it was a hell of a fight Dolohov had at least four Death Eaters with him. From what she said, Gideon held position in a bottle neck hallway to give Fabian a chance to get the girl out of the anti-apparition field. He did, but just barely. In fact…" Arthur couldn't stop the tears anymore. "Dolohov did get the hex in on him as he apparated. Fabian was able to get her to Hogsmeade. Rosmerta there got Dumbledore but…" he took a deep breath… "By that point Fabian was gone."

Arthur needed a moment. "That was when they called me in. Moody and I went back to Cokeworth, they needed someone to identify the body." Arthur shut his eyes again, trying to shield from the memory. "I am very glad Molly never had to see that, but what those monsters did to Gideon and that first girl. I still have nightmares."

Finally, Arthur looked up and met Harry's gaze. "Night of the Burrow, you asked me a question. Do you remember?"

Harry nodded. "Did I go too far?"

"And I told you no. And I still believe that, Molly too. These are not good people we are fighting. They are monsters, Harry. And any man worth his salt ought to be willing and capable to keep the monsters at bay. You wonder why Molly and I are so relaxed and accepting of you and Ginny. All I have to do is think back to what happened in the last war, and realize it will happen again. Then I thank Merlin for you, Harry. Someone willing and capable to protect my baby girl? Someone who makes her as happy as I have seen her in years? Oh no, Harry, don't you worry about us. At the end of this war, you just get the four of you back around our supper table, everything else we will figure out."

After the cleanup Ron didn't even really say anything. He just took Hermione's hand and walked her out to the barn. From the rack he grabbed his old Shooting Star broom, and rested it over his shoulder. "It's time Mione. Harry's doing his part, I'm doing mine. We're getting your first lesson in. Same place I learned and on the same broom."

Hemione nodded but nervously asked. "Be gentle."

Ron smiled and kissed her forehead. "Trust me babe. This is how we all learned."

Ron hovered the broom off the ground. "I'm going to buddy fly to begin with. When you are comfortable, you will fly solo with me at your side. Show me your wrist please."

Hermione did, smirking at how much enjoyment Ron was in being the one teaching. "Yes, sir."

"Good," he replied as he buckled a leather bracelet with a crystal on her wrist. "Featherfall charm," He held his wrist up to show he was wearing the same. "So you are even safer than when I learned."

"It's actually probably best to learn this from your boyfriend." Ron began. "We're going to be close on the broom."

Hermione smirked and nodded. "Uh huh sure."

Ron didn't bite. In fact, he was actually acting very straight. "Not kidding Hermione. Balance is a thing on these things. Balance is actually a very important thing. So yeah, we're going to be sitting close. And I'm going to be adjusting your hips and your waist and stuff." Ron was very direct. There was no malice in his voice, but he was serious that this was going to happen. "You know, I am going to be moving you, adjusting you, correcting you, and you bloody well are going to listen because I'm the one that knows what I'm doing on these things, okay?"

It was okay that got Hermione. It was filled with all the love and care that Ron wanted to put into the rest of his instruction, but for the sake of quality, and expediency, he couldn't.

Ron swung his leg over and sat back on the broom. "You trust me, right Hermione?"

Hermione took a deep breath. "Absolutely." She swung her leg over the front of the broom and felt Ron's right arm slip comfortably around her waist.

"Alright, slide back and lean forward, comfortably. Grab the broom with both hands."

Hermione nodded and spat out a nervous "Okay."

"Alright, first things first, balance." Ron began. "I'm going to take us up just six inches. Just enough that you know the broom is what's keeping us up. And I'm going to have us go slowly forward because forward momentum helps a lot with this. We're just going to do laps around the barn to get you used to balance."

Hermione nodded, but then quickly yelled as they crawled up and forward. "Oh gods, no, this is a bad idea!"

"Nope this is fine." Ron reassured. "The whole family can fly these things, you're learning this babe. Relax and trust me." His hands slipped back to her hips and shoulder. "We're in a bit of a turn here, babe. Lean into it."

"Okay," Hermione agreed, trying to follow instructions.

"Try to relax. There is a lot of feeling your way here." Ron coached. "Now we're going to leave the barn. Let's go fly over the pond."

"What if I fall?" she asked timidly.

"Well, lucky for me, you look good wet."

"Ronald!" She cried as she looked with a look of mirth.

"Hey, you're smiling now." Ron pointed out. "Hermione Granger is on a broom and smiling." Hermione laughed as yes, her boyfriend's plan had indeed worked.

Then flew circles over the pond. With Hermione's comfort increasing Ron picked up the speed. Soon Ron started having Hermione do the steering. Then both the steering and speed, flying the broom herself. After that it was less a lesson, and more just a couple sharing a broom ride. Knowing every stick and branch of every tree in the orchard Ron took them up and over the perimeter of the Burrow. With the greater area and distance, he could quickly add more speed into the broom. As the rush of the spring air flew past her cheeks, she could see why so many appreciated broom flight.

But she still wasn't going to learn quidditch.

Author's note:

The little girl saved.

.

.

.

It was Lily Evans.