Chapter 5

The End of Things

Saturday, 02 August 1997

-Delacour Manor, France

It was four in the morning when Philippe Delecour closed the doors to their rooms as they all seemed to finally exhale and breathe again. Perhaps it was because Hermione's brain could never let a question rest. Perhaps it was a more pleasant distraction from the last several hours. Regardless, Hermione's eyes were focused on Harry.

For his part, Harry didn't care. He walked to the cold cupboard. "Getting a butterbeer, anyone else?"

"Please," Ginny replied.

"I'll take one." Ron volunteered.

"I'll just make it a round." Harry said, as he passed a pair to Ron and gave the third to Ginny.

"So let me get this straight," Ginny asked, "This is your idea of 'on the run.'?"

Harry took a drink. "Nope, this is the Delacour's idea. Would you all prefer a tent in the woods?"

"No, but thank you." Ron said as he raised his bottle.

"Harry," Hermione finally began pointing the way Philippe walked off. "Did I hear what I think I heard?"

"It's been a long night 'Mione." Harry simply replied.

"Don't you dare try that with me. I know what I heard and I know your tricks too. That's the second time someone has called Ginny 'Lady Weasley'. Why?"

Ginny was tired, and frankly she was never one to be embarrassed anyway, and certainly not about this. "Fine, yes. Harry proposed. I said yes. Ring and everything,"

"You what?!" Hermione cried.

"Mione relax," Harry tried to calm his friend as he gently rubbed Ginny's back.

"Relax!? It's marriage!"

"No, it's an engagement." Ginny clarified with a smile like she had won something. "Marriage happens after... " she turned to look at Harry, "my N.E.W.T.s. right? You weren't planning on much longer were you?"

Harry nodded. "Yeah, that sounds good, after your N.E.W.T.s before you start quidditch. Make sure your uniforms all say 'Potter'."

"I don't believe you two." Hermione said.

Harry nodded, "I'm sorry. Hermione's right."

"Thank you!" Hermione said relief and finally took a drink.

"I assumed Potter." Harry grinned. "But it is the Twentieth Century. Were you planning on Weasley-Potter?

"Oh gods no," Ginny laughed. "Six brothers, plenty of Weasleys. I'll be proud to be a Potter."

"You haven't even graduated yet!" Hermione yelled.

"We already covered that, Mione." Ginny winked. "Try to keep up."

Hermione turned to her boyfriend in desperation. "Ron! Your little sister has just gotten engaged! Aren't you going to say something?"

Ron had been grinning from ear to ear. "Oh! Oh, yeah, welcome to the family Harry… again. Nice to see you stepping up and taking the lead."

Ginny was visibly shocked. "Er... Thanks... Ron."

"Yeah, thanks man." Harry nodded.

Hermione shot a flash of red. "Ron! Not that! They're too young!"

"What? It's Harry and Ginny," he said with a waive to the couple. "Writing's been on the wall for forever. And they're not getting married now, they just said Ginny's getting her N.E.W.T.s. Harry, not a huge deal, but I'm assuming you're getting your N.E.W.T. s too?"

Harry smiled, "Looks like it's become the war first, then N.E.W.T.S, but yeah, even planning to go for the badge."

"Nothing surprising there, and it sounds like a plan." Ron said with actually a touch of cheer. "Mione, you've been telling us for forever we need to start thinking of our futures. Sounds to me like he is."

"After the war…" Hermione repeated as her gaze went afar and she seemed to almost fall limp.

"Babe?" Ron said as he caught her and gently sat her down by the table. "You okay?"

"I-I just realized," she said softly. "We're not going back to Hogwarts this fall, are we?" she said looking at the three of them.

There was an uncomfortable silence for a moment. Harry took the brave step and said it aloud, "Probably not."

"I'm not going to graduate," she muttered.

"Babe," Ron comforted with a hug.

"Hang on," Harry said, leaning on the table. "We just said Gin and I are getting our N.E.W.T.s. Why wouldn't you?"

"Because if I'm not in class this year, I'm certainly not going to graduate next spring!"

"Mione!" Ginny yelled, "Get a grip! A few hours ago, our goal was to live to see another day. Remember? Live today and Harry buys you a new dress tomorrow?" Ginny did elicit a laugh from the lads and a smile from Hermione.

Ron pressed a kiss to Hermione's temple. "All this is, is a delay. Okay? We get this pesky war thing out of the way. I'll get you back to Hogwarts surrounded by all the books and quills and parchment you like."

Hermione nodded in understanding. But she took a moment, and to breath. "I'm sorry, I guess the day is finally hitting."

"Nothing to apologize for, Mione." Harry replied soothingly. "You're first is all. I imagine we will all be following you soon enough." Ginny reached out to kindly rub Hermione's hand.

They all took a moment. "Don't get me wrong," Ginny finally said, "I'll be right back, but I really need to get out of this dress."

"That's the biggest tragedy of the day." Harry groused.

"Harry!" Ginny laughed and playfully slapped his shoulder.

"Mate!" Ron said as he shook his head.

But most importantly Hermione shook her head and the stupidity and smiled. "Harry, you are such an idiot sometimes."

"Yep," Harry admitted with a nod and a raised glass, "but you're smiling now."

"Thank you," Hermione said. "I think Ginny has the right idea. I wouldn't mind my trousers and trainers.

The pairs split and Harry followed Ginny into their room. A thick navy blue carpet on the floor greeted them. Harry immediately felt guilty for stepping on it with his shoes and kicked them off next to Ginny's heels. She was standing in awe of the suite. A full marble bathroom was off to their right. There were beautifully textured beige walls with gold trim. A king size bed with a gold comforter rested, seemingly waiting for them. An armoire stood on either side of the bed. To the left was a smaller sitting area in front of a dresser and then their own private window and balcony.

"This is mental!" Ginny said in disbelief. "We're on the bloody run."

Harry walked up behind her and wrapped her up. "I assumed it would be nice. Mostly I knew it would be safe, which is all I gave a damn about. I thought the Ministry may want to sell us out. I didn't think it would fall, damn."

Ginny raised her arms up to hug Harry's. "Thank you," she said simply but deeply.

"You're worth it, Gin."

She held her hand up to look at her engagement ring again. "I still want this Harry, even with the Ministry, and the war-"

"I wasn't going to suggest otherwise," he said gently, cutting her off. "I may be slow but I do learn, eventually. I'm never asking again." Ginny closed her eyes and treasured that. After a moment's embrace then broke apart to finally change. Harry grabbed a grey henley, black cargo pants, and a pair of combat boots. He had gotten used to them over the last year. When he turned around Ginny was already in a red tank top and jeans. Harry had an idea. He grabbed the dress shirt he had been wearing and draped it over Ginny's shoulders, then wrapped around her again. He could feel her sigh in comfort.

"How did you know?" she asked with a smile.

"Been a year, I have noticed your preference to snag my shirts," he quietly replied.

""Guilty," she confessed as she threaded her arms through the sleeves. "They smell like you and that brings extra comfort and-"

"Gin, you don't have to explain. It's flattering," he squeezed.

Ginny turned around to hug him properly. "Harry…" she said with a moment's hesitation. "I'm rattled."

"Me too babe," Harry admitted, then he pressed a kiss into her hair.. "I would be more concerned if you weren't. Best we can do is wait our day, see what Bill says. Go from there."

"If it's bad?" she asked.

"Then we brace for the long haul. We work the case, even it's a big one. Merlin have mercy, even if it means we learn french."

Her smile and laugh was priceless to Harry.

They rejoined the others who had both changed into jeans. Ron had put on an orange Cannon's hoodie and Hermione was wearing Ron's jersey. They had moved the drinks to the couches around the firepit and Ron was trying to tune in a wireless. He nodded as Harry and Ginny claimed a couch. "I don't expect we'll hear about the wedding, but maybe something about he Ministry? I dunno. I-"

"Ron," Ginny smiled, "It's a good idea."

"Yeah," Harry agreed. "Hear what's going on."

Ron set the Wireless on the stones when he finally got what sounded like a news channel tuned in. 'In the continuing coverage of the London Bombing, authorities are still working through the wreckage. Search and Rescue is still taking the lead as, after only eight hours in, hope are high rescuing more survivors of what many are calling the 'worst bombing in living memory' with elder generations saying this feels like 'echos of the Blitz'.

They sat together two hundred miles from home, listening to the new reports of the wreckage of their world. With nothing left to do, and their adrenaline dried up, their exhaustion caught up. Hermione was the first to pass out with her head on Ron's lap and his hand protectively on her belly. Ron fell asleep soon thereafter. Ginny was sitting fully on Harry's lap and wrapped her arms around him. She rested her head on his chest and took comfort with the strong steady heartbeat until she too fell asleep. Harry was last. He had half a mind to stay up and keep watch but exhaustion plus his girl, he knew his number was soon up. With his wand he snuffed the lights and silenced the radio. With a wand in his right hand, Ginny wrapped up under his left arm and his mates sleeping next to him, Harry finally fell asleep.

It was a low and powerful purring that woke Harry. It was deeper and louder than he had ever heard from Crookshanks. And it sounded slightly … feminine? As his eyebrow raised, it was the first time Harry had been confused awake. Ginny was still wrapped up around him, seemingly content as ever. Harry finally opened his eyes to look out the window to a late morning sun. Despite everything, the sun still rose over a new day. But despite the beauty of the sunshine, the sun was not purring. Harry reasoned the Delacour's had a cat that he hadn't met yet. He looked around, but no feline was around. Stirred by Harry's movement, Ginny awoke and squeezed him. "Harry?" she whispered.

"Hey," he replied quietly.

"Do I hear… a cat?" she asked.

"It woke me too," Harry replied. "But I haven't found it yet."

"It's so loud, kitty has to be close," she said as she joined Harry looking around.

Finally, they all seemed to come to the realization separately but at the same time. Then looked over and clear as day, the purring was coming from Hermione. She wasn't snoring. She wasn't breathing loud. She wasn't talking in her sleep. She was beyond the shadow of a doubt, purring. And Harry and Ginny couldn't stop but smile at it.

But seeing to feel their gaze upon her, Hermione soon began to sir. The purring stopped as she blinked her eyes open and was mildly surprised to see Harry and Ginny first thing. She rolled from her side to her back to see Ron arched back on the couch still asleep. Then the rolled back to the awake pair. "Morning."

"Morning," Harry greeted with a smile. "How did you sleep, Purr-mione?"

Ginny couldn't stop herself from smiling and giggling.

"What?!" Hermione said in embarrassment, as she shot up. "Why would you say that? What did you hear?"

"Mione, relax." Ginny said as she finally slipped off Harry's lap and onto the couch properly.

But there was no relaxing Hermione. "I'll tell you what you heard, nothing! Because there was nothing to hear!"

Harry sat, shook his head and grinned. "Hermione… six years."

"Ohhhh, alright!" Hermione whined. Ginny crossed her legs, sat upright, and smiled in anticipation of a good story. "Ron already knows, and I truly don't care if you two know… but!" she warned sternly with a pointed slowly waiving between Harry and Ginny. "No further!"

"Promise," Ginny agreed.

"On my honor," Harry replied, holding his hand up to show no crossed fingers even.

Hermione took a breath. "I trust you remember the polyjuice incident of our second year?"

"Ron and I became Crabbe and Goyle, you accidentally grabbed a cat's hair."

"And was in the hospital for three weeks recovering." Hermione groused, then she took another breath. "Regardless, it wasn't until that summer that I found out when I am comfortable enough… I sometimes… purr in my sleep."

"What? When?" Ginny asked. "You've slept in my room often since then."

"On a camp bed," Hermione corrected. "It used to be pretty rare. Only a few times at home after a very good day or something."

"Respectfully," Harry interrupted, "Yesterday was not a good day."

"Completely agreed," Hermione nodded. "A greater variable in the equation…" she said with a look over to her boyfriend, "...is the company."

Ginny shook her head in understanding and smirked. "Okay… I get it… Ron. Ron makes you comfortable enough… you purr."

"This is so stupid and embarrassing," Hermione admitted.

"No!" Ginny reassured, "No it's not. I swear. I mean… I may not purr. But I totally understand comfort from the one you love."

Harry smiled in agreement. "After everything we've gone through, if all you do is purr when you are happy because you are with your boyfriend… Mione, that's nothing but sweet." Harry smiled kindly to Hermione, then looked over to the still sleeping Ron. "Especially if it's with a bloke who sleeps through everything!" he yelled in mock annoyance.

Ron remained sitting back on the couch with his head arched back on the cushion. He was still breathing but otherwise dead to the world.

"Waisting your breath, babe." Ginny waived dismissively. "I am relatively sure I could fireball him and he'd sleep through it."

"Oh!" Hermione said with a smirk. "you just need to know the trick." She curled up close to Ron, she took a breath, fought a smile, then loudly yelled. "Oh god! Mrs. Weasley!"

"Mum!" Ron shouted as his head lurched forward looking ahead then side to side in a panic. Hearing the laughter then actually registering what was going on he turned to Hermione. "I hate it when you do that!"

"Learn to wake up normally then. The three of us were talking and Harry even yelled at you."

"Oh… sorry mate." Ron said apologetically.

"No worries," Harry replied dismissively.

"Do we… know … anything more?"

"No, we're all just waking up." Ginny clarified. "We all just kind of … passed out on couches."

"I 'spose thats better than sleeping in one of the orchard trees." Ron shrugged then pulled out his watch. "Dang, half past eleven."

"So we slept through breakfast." Hermoine deduced.

"Yeah, but no one's going to care. Let's just start off with connecting with the Delacours for lunch. I know they said they understand we have our own schedule and stuff but…"

"Be polite house guests." Hermione finished.

Lunch was already being prepared. A fruit, veg, and cheese selection to begin with. Followed by soup and sandwiches. The conversation was mild and stifled. But everyone understood why. All of them were holding their breath, waiting for the other shoe to drop. The Delacours continued to be lovely and supportive hosts. They had received word that Giselle had portkeyed back home with Étienne, Margaux and Jean-Luc. Apolline and Philippe seemed to cling slightly more to etiquette and traditions, but in their actions, expressions, and in their eyes… they were just as loving and caring as the Weasleys. They saw four young people escape hell as it came for them. And they were determined to be as welcoming as possible for them.

Apolline took the lead in a tour of the grounds. After the library and dining room there was the largest swimming pool Harry had ever seen, a fully equipped gym, a ball room that Apolline said 'Fleur equally dueled and danced' in, billiards and games room, and the entire wing dedicated to the family perfume business. The grounds had much land given to about every flower Harry could think of and several more. There was already a paved path that guards patrolled at the edge that Harry knew he would likely be taking a run on. Apolline explained the grounds were already under a long held guard and ward spell.

Supper was a similar affair, with conversations opening up about the house and grounds which opened up more talk about the family perfume business. All wonderful distractions to try to pass the time. It was almost a play. Everyone acting their part so that the show may go on until the appointed hour. But knowing that the odds of a happy ending… everyone was too polite to call it out as such. After dinner, everyone retired to their rooms and started cycling through showers.

Rested, fed, anxious, Harry diligently started getting the equipment put together in their private living room. They never specified how they would contact each other, because planning could only do so much. He slipped his link on his ear. Then grabbed his two way letter and laid it open on the table. The others followed suit. Finally, Harry set the mirror up. With ten minutes left they all sat in the quiet and waited for their fate.

Finally… first contact came on Harry's letter. "Are you there?"

"All four, yes." Harry replied.

"Do you have your mirror?" Bill asked.

"Yes." Harry wrote as they all moved their chairs to huddle together.

Moments later the mirror glowed to life with Bill's face, who looked potentially more tiered than they felt. "Hey everyone," smiled warmly. "It's really good to see you. Are you all alright?"

"We're fine, Bill." Ginny quickly replied.

"Worst we had were some cuts and scrapes." Ron explained with a dismissive wave.

"Our hosts are being wonderful, Bill." Hermione nodded.

"Everyone, let the man speak." Harry said with a grin. "Bill, please, what do you know? And for reference, Philippe did tell us about your rescue of them, Fleur, and your visit to Luna's for Gabrielle."

"Good," Bill said with a nod. "I've been making flames and taking notes. Forgive me if this not prof-"

"Bill!" Ginny cut in, "We're family."

"Just talk mate." Ron nodded.

"How are our parents?" Harry asked.

Bill took a moment and nodded in understanding. "They are okay. They were questioned, but D.M.L.E. sent some fresh lieutenant that it sounds has seen less time in the field than you four. Mum and Dad handled him fine. They left last night and the Burrow has been quiet since. Dad feels they are being watched but they are fine."

A breath held for a day was released by all four of them.

"Dad said their floo was scryed so I wouldn't flame anyone in Britain. Let me just read some notes. It seems both sides of the family get along fine. Charlie and George both brought a Delacour cousin back to George's flat." Then realizing how that sounded. "Actually as a rescue."

"Nobody here cares, Bill." Harry said.

"No first years here." Hermione reminded.

Bill looked up and clearly looked at each of the four of them, then let out a small smile. "No, clearly none of you are. For reference, Isabelle was with Charlie, Sylvie with George. Fred snagged Theo and Martie. Muriel portkeyed and I believe Giselle did too.

"We can confirm that here, yes, with Étienne, Margaux and Jean-Luc." Harry nodded.

"I'll let Fleur know, thanks." Bill nodded, making notes, then scratched the back of his head. "As I understand it Hagrid took two soldiers out on his march out. Remus and Tonks secured a route out for a lot of the wedding party. Hermann and Wilfred were detained and questioned but released before Mum and Dad. I haven't heard from Linden yet, but not surprised. He preferred a low profile in normal situations. I don't want to bore you with the whole wedding list, but we got off lucky. Some stuns, some detainees and questioned, all released by now. No fatalities."

Another sigh of relief. "How is Tonks, if she works for the Aurors?" Harry asked. "Moody too."

"They are assuming they are released. They haven't been contacted and aren't reaching out. Tonks and Remus were already summering with her parents. Moody … won't say where he's at."

"Constant vigilance." the four of them all said.

Harry sat forward. "Bill, do we know anything from the Ministry? Kingsley make it?"

"Barely but yes," Bill confirmed. "He and Moody both took some major burns in the attack. Those two, and Percy, so far are the best view of what happened. We are still piecing it together. From what we understand they approached from multiple points. Staff on the inside brought in the major officers of the Death Eaters. There were confirmed sightings of Bellatrix Yaxley, Antonin Dolohov, they're not familiar with her but based on your description of age, proximity to Bellatrix and the hair, your Delphini was involved. With the explosions started, Percy counted at least six Killers being hexed at the Scrimgeour. Kingsley confirmed he saw the body, that's when he sent his patronus. Percy went for the Auror's office, but met Moody on the run away who was apparently squaring off with Thicknesse. It's a mess. They hit hard and brutally. This was a terror attack. They purposely were trying to spill as much blood as they could."

"If Scrimgeour is down," Harry forced himself to ask, "Who is Minister of Magic now?"

"Just announced this afternoon, Thicknesse. Who, make no mistake, was fighting alongside the Death Eaters."

"So.. effectively Riddle is in charge of magical Britain?" Hermione said.

Bill nodded. "Not just by Thicknesse, most of the surviving leadership seems to be loyal either voluntarily or otherwise."

"Bloody hell," Ron groused. All of them nodded in agreement.

There was a moment of silence as they let it set in. Finally, Hermione spoke up. "Bill, I know you've been busy. I don't blame you. But could I possibly ask a favor?"

"Hermione, I fear I may know where you are going… but please, of course."

"I don't expect you go into detail, but could you reach out to my parents, let them know-"

"Hermione…" Bill began.

It was the tone Bill used that shook Harry and the Weasleys to their core and they just knew…. the worst was yet to come.

"Your parents were the first place I looked into after speaking to our parents. They didn't answer when I knocked, and forgive me, this was important enough I apparated in through a window I could see through. No one was home."

"Oh… they're probably working. Saturday's busy day. I can give you the address of their locations." The other three could tell Hermione was strictly working with her intellect only, another problem to solve. She didn't even notice Ron wrapping around her more, bracing to catch her from the fall.

"I noticed you have a family calendar in the kitchen. Last night was marked 'Old Shades'."

"Their favorite spot. They love the library feel," Hermione confirmed.

"Hermione, 'Old Shades' is located over part of the Ministry. During the attacks gas lines were hit. 'Old Shades' suffered a massive explosion and fire.

"W-w-what?" Hermione stuttered.

"On the surface, I know that doesn't mean anything so I had Tonks do some work and ask some questions through her muggle contacts in the local police. They found their car pretty quickly. Once they had a name to compare medical records too… I'm sorry, Hermione, they're gone."

"What!? NO! Why!?" Hermione wailed as the tears poured down her cheeks. "But… but they're not even a part of this! They're muggles!" Finally, the realization crashed to Hermione as she leapt up and leaned forward towards Bill, the bearer of bad news. As her hands came to the table they fell on her and Ron's pair of two way letters. "No!" she screamed as she grabbed the portfolios and threw them off to the sides, "Gods damn it anyway! NO!" she screamed as she rose from Ron's lap and staggered to the sitting area. "It's not fair!" she bellowed with fist raised at no one.

"Mione," Ron whispered as he reached out, also with a tear down his cheek. Harry and Bill exchanged glances explaining they'd talk later.

"No!" Hermione called out, "I have done everything right! I've studied! I've helped fight! Why god damn it! WHY?!"

That cut Harry to the core. How many times had he screamed those exact words. "Mione…." he said as started… searching for something to say.

Ginny didn't even know what to say. Words evaded her. She barely even knew what to do with her hands as her own tears released. She held hands vaguely forward trying to offer some form of comfort to her adopted big sister.

Hermione would have none of it. "God damn it no!" She screamed again as this time she threw her wand across the room. Then she seemed to choke on her own broken heart. "Air," she choked out. "I can't breathe… Need air." she squeezed out as she staggered to the balcony doors.

Harry flashed Ron a look, but he didn't need to. Ron, who was trying to let Hermione have her space after batting him away, wasn't about to let her cross a line.

In a desperate fit of agony, Hermione tore open the door to step outside. She breathed in more of the night air than anyone would have thought possible. With every ounce of strength possible she bellowed out a final, "NOOOOOOOOOOOOO!" out to the cruel and debatably empty heavens.

With all her energy forced into that cry, all focus or recognition left her eyes. Her whole body seemed to wobble and stagger for a moment… then fall.

Quickly Ron ran and snatched her, wrapping around her waist and this time not being batted away. That was her breaking point. She more melted and fell onto Ron than anything else, broken with tears, crying out audible anguish.

Ron was unable to come up with anything of meaning. He was way out of his league of experience, but he'd be damned if he were anywhere else. "I got you 'Mione. Let it out." Very quickly four other arms all wrapped around Hermione as she emotionally crumbled.

Just days ago she had hugged her Mum and kissed her Dad goodbye. Just another weekend in the country. Hermione's biggest question was if she wanted to go for mastery of anything in school. Now, she wasn't even returning to school. Now, she didn't even have parents or a home to go back to. She wailed until her voice gave out. She cried until her tears ran out. In the end she wasn't even standing under her own strength, but her arms gripped to Ron like a lifeline.

Some time later, who cared to look at clocks. Hermione was silent but, at least still breathing. "Mione, babe," Ron whispered, "It's late and this is the second massive day in a row. I think we ought to get you to bed. At least a lie down." Hermione didn't respond, but Harry and Ginny both nodded that it was the best idea. Ron swooped up Hermione's legs as Harry got the door for them.

Harry closed the door, to a very shaky Ginny with red eyes and tear stained cheeks. Not a single syllable needed to be said. She quickly came to him and wrapped around him burying her face in his chest. "What the hell are we going to do Harry?"

Harry squeezed Ginny tight. Not unaffected, but accustomed to tragedy, Harry was at least more functional and steady. So again he took a courage breath to stay steady for them all. "Specifics, I don't quite know. In general, we be her mates, hell we be her family. It is going to suck for a while. I will be surprised if she comes out of that room tomorrow."

"Merlin," Ginny whispered. "I can't even imagine."

Harry rubbed Ginny's back. "You don't need to. You don't need experience or imagination to do what Hermione needs now. She doesn't need empty apologies. And condolences or most of the words you hear people say."

Ginny backed away enough to actually look at Harry and talk to him. "Lightning, I'm sorry to ask… but you have been there before…"

"What does she need?" Harry finished. Ginny nodded apologetically. "That's fair Gin, Don't fret that." He kissed her in understanding. "Keep in mind my ages when things happened. Frankly, Sirius is a better frame of reference for me. But the biggest thing she's going to need isn't sympathy, it's company. We're all going to have to do a crappy awkward dance between giving her space and being there for her. And that is something you are very experienced with."

"Harry…" Ginny began feeling like she wanted to apologize.

Harry flashed a small grin. "It's okay. History is what it is. We just try to make things better going forward." Ginny nodded in understanding. "Look… Ron was right. This is two hard days in a row. We're all going to need sleep. Why don't you go to bed? I will be along shortly. I just want to pick up stuff. Mione may have thrown it away tonight but in a few days she'll want that wand back."

She hugged Harry tightly. Then she took a deep breath. "This is not how I planned this weekend to be. And forgive me if the mood … isn't…"

Harry returned the hug. "Gin, I'm an idiot, but I'm not that big of an idiot. I think I figured out your belated birthday plan. We'll get there. Don't worry about it."

"Last damn noble gentlemen," she muttered.

"You love me for that," he offered a grin.

"I do." Ginny nodded her head in agreement. "I really, really do."

COMMING SOON:

"Well it is obvious, no? You will address them. You will regale them with tales of your deeds and plans for revenge and victory and you will begin recruiting your army, no?"