Hunting Horcruxes ( my rendition of the 7th book)

Chapter One: Back to the Dursley’s

Harry Potter and his friends have just completed their sixth year of school at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardy. That’s right Harry Potter is a wizard. He is a wizard of legend. He survived as a child the killing curse performed by the Darkest Wizard known to the Magical World. For this alone has he been put down in Wizarding History.

Harry however has done much more than just survive the Dark Lord’s, Voldemort, killing curse. When he was eleven he saved the sorcerers stone from Voldemort. One year later at the age of twelve he fought and killed Slytherin’s Monster a Basilisk. At the age of thirteen he fought of numerous dementors to save himself, his godfather Sirius Black, and his friends. At the age of fourteen he was entered into the Triwizard Tournament and won his way through three dangerous task only to be transported to a graveyard and there witness the rebirth of Lord Voldemort. He escaped Voldemort and returned back to Hogwarts. When he was fifteen he and five other students rode to the Ministry of Magic and fought Voldemort’s followers the Death Eaters over a prophecy. Once again Harry comes face to face with Lord Voldemort and once again for the fourth time he escapes Voldemort making him the only person who has defied Voldemort four times. At the age of sixteen Harry battles through his school year and at the end of the year suffers with the death of Albus Dumbledore.

As I was saying, Harry Potter and his friends have just finished their sixth year at Hogwarts. Harry fresh from Dumbledore’s death is staring out the window on the Hogwarts Express. The train ride to platform nine and three quarters is a somber one. Ron and Hermione watch Harry the whole way to London and help him off the train.

“Thanks Ron. Thanks Hermione. I will see you in a couple of weeks.” replies Harry after he gets his trunk and Hedwig from his two best friends.

“Harry what are you talking about? We’re coming with you to your Aunt’s and Uncle’s house,” responded Hermione a little upset with Harry for trying to get rid of them.

“Well then both of you will need to find a way to Privet Drive because there is not enough room in the Dursley’s car.”

“Harry you forgot me and Hermione are allowed to use magic now,” said Ron

“Oh that’s right I forgot that both of you are seventeen now,” exclaimed Harry.

“Right, so we will…er…see you at your aunt’s and uncle’s then?” asked Ron a little uncertain.

“Sure see you there,” said Harry feeling slightly better about his final trip to the Dursley’s.

The car ride home for Harry was a little uncomfortable he had to tell his aunt and uncle that his two friends were going to be at their house when they arrived. Uncle Vernon did not take the news too well.

“WHAT DO YOU MEAN YOU ARE HAVING YOUR FRIENDS OVER FOR A COUPLE OF WEEKS BEFORE YOU LEAVE?” screamed a furious uncle Vernon.

“Yes, I am having Ron and Hermione stay with me until we go to Ron’s house. This will be the last time you have to worry about me in your house. After this time I’m leaving and I’m never coming back.” yelled Harry trying hard to control his emotions and trying not to use magic on accident. After this uncle Vernon shut up and the rest of the ride home was in complete silence.

The next two weeks were the best ones Harry could remember at Private Drive. Not only because he had his two best friends with him but also because it was the last time he would have to put up with the Dursleys who were so scared of Ron and Hermione they were actually treating Harry better than usual.

Three days before Harry, Ron, and Hermione were to leave for the Burrow, Harry went to his aunt and uncle one last time.

“Aunt Petunia and Uncle Vernon I want to ask you something,” asked a cautious Harry.

“Yes, boy what is it?” replied Vernon who could not hide his puzzled look.

“Well, I want to know different things from both of you. First, Aunt Petunia will you tell me about my mother? I would really like to hear from her sister what she was like. Secondly, Uncle Vernon I know you do not like me or agree with me, but promise me that you will contact me if you need me to do something for you. You may wonder why I am saying this. It’s because how ever much we loath each other you are still my family and I have learned that family is important no matter who they are or how they treat you.” said Harry in such a low voice that it shocked both Petunia and Vernon.

“Well, okay Harry I will tell you about my sister,” replied Petunia shaking a little “well me and my sister were opposites. She loved the fact that she was a witch. I hated the fact. But she wasn’t a bad person. I knew that someday I would have to come face to face with the fact that I couldn’t pretend that my sister never lived. As you said Harry family is important and to me Lily was my sister and I couldn’t ignore that she existed. I found out much about the magical world that I never would have thought. And I found out that my sister was in danger and that’s when it hit me that well even though we have are arguments, we were sisters. I found out that day I cared much more about the magical world than I ever wanted to and I have lived to this day pretending to hate it.”

“So the past fifteen almost sixteen years you have treated me poorly and yet you could have helped me through some of my troubles?” replied an astonished Harry.

“Yes, I could have and I am sorry now that I did not”

Harry could not believe his ears. What was going on his aunt was actually sorry that she had not helped Harry be a wizard. Harry could not figure things out and what Vernon had to say shocked Harry even more.

“Boy, from the day you arrived in this house I always knew that you would be a wizard. For some reason this angered me but now I realized that you are not just a wizard you also a good person. I guess wizards are just like what is the word you use…” asked Vernon.

“A muggle?” replied Harry

“…yes, well I guess wizards are like muggles there are good ones and then there are bad ones. I have to say you are a good wizard and if I need anything that only a wizard can help with I will be sure to get a hold of you.”

Harry could not believe what he was hearing. Did Vernon just call him a good wizard? He had to talk to Ron and Hermione about what his aunt and uncle just said. With that Harry excused himself from Petunia and Vernon and ran up the stars to the bedroom he was sharing with Ron and Hermione.

“Ron! Hermione! Listen to this, My aunt and uncle were not acting like their usual self” said Harry. With that he went on and told Ron and Hermione his whole conversation with his aunt and uncle.

“Whoa weird. Are you sure they weren’t joking?” asked Ron

“Yes, the Dursley’s do not joke. This is so unexpected. Do you think that they just did not want me here and now that im leaving do you think they realized how terrible they have been to me?” asked Harry

“Harry I’m sure that’s it I mean you’re leaving and you never expect to see them again they must have some good feelings towards you,” said Hermione

“Yeah I guess. But they never have shown any inclination of compassion…wait my aunt has…when I told her that Voldemort was back. She looked at me like that she felt sorry for me and that she knew what Voldemort being back meant.” said an astonished Harry.

“That’s it Harry you’re aunt and uncle do care about you they just don’t show it” exclaimed Hermione.

At this Harry fell silent and stared out the window. He had just found out that his aunt and uncle cared for them but never showed it. Why? Wondered Harry for a long time. Petunia came up the stairs and told the three of them that dinner was ready. Harry and his friends got up and went down stairs to eat.

“What?” wondered Harry as he looked at the table and saw that it was a feast.

“I just thought that you and your friends would like to eat a good meal before you left for your friend’s house,” exclaimed Petunia.

“Mrs. Dursley, how did you know that Harry, Ron, and I were leaving for Ron’s house tonight?” asked a bewildered Hermione

“Oh well you don’t grow up with a witch and not know certain things,” said a smiling Petunia.

“I see,” said Harry “well where is Dudley?”

“Oh we sent him over to the Plokiss resident for a little bit,” said Vernon.

Harry and his friends sat down to the wonderful meal and ate. They had cleared the table of food and were ready to leave for the Burrow when Petunia suddenly bent down and hugged Harry.

“Oh Harry please do be careful,” she said with smile on her face and tears in her eyes.

“Aunt Petunia, I’ll try my hardest to be careful, though, what I am about to do is very dangerous.” replied Harry a little taken back by his aunts show of emotions.

“Yes, though don’t worry Mrs. Dursley Hermione and I will be there to help Harry, so we’ll keep him out of trouble,” smirked Ron.

With that the three got up and went up stairs to get everything packed and organized for their trip to the burrow. They would be taking the Knight Bus since Harry and Ron could not apparate yet.

They walked down the stairs with their trunks and all of their stuff and with a last “good bye” Harry walked out of the Dursley’s house for what he thought was the last time. Once on the street they summoned the Knight Bus and told them where they wanted to go. They were the third stop so they just sat down and waited with out speaking.

The Knight Bus pulled up to the Burrow and let them out. The three looked at each other and smiled. They were here at last their last stop before their dangerous mission.

“Well, we should probably go inside and greet everyone,” stated Hermione “they all probably want to talk to Harry anyway.”

And with that, the three of them walked up the lane to the Burrow. Harry looking once more in the direction he just came from. Then he turned once more and walked up to the Burrow with his two friends.

~~**Hey if you have a reply for some reason (something i should put in my story, maybe suggestions, anything) send me an owl**~~

Chapter Two: The Burrow and the Wedding

Harry, Ron, and Hermione dragged their heavy trunks up the lane to the Weasley’s kitchen door. There Ron sent Harry’s and his trunk up to the room they always share. Hermione sent hers to Ginny’s room. They both looked at Harry and Hermione weakly smiled at him.

“Hey are you ready to enter yet?” asked Hermione, she obviously knew what was bothering Harry.

“No I’m not ready but I have to do this,” said Harry trying to keep the sadness out of his voice.

“What are you two talking about?” asked a confused Ron “Harry you have always been comfortable at my house. What is different this time?”

“Ron, how could you be so insensitive? This will be the first time Harry sees Ginny since he broke up with her,” said Hermione furiously, trying not to hit Ron. This made Harry chuckle to himself.

“Well let’s go. I’m ready now. I don’t know what’s going to happen but I’ll ask if she wants to take me back or not,” stated Harry to no one really.

Ron opened the door and called out to his mother that they were home and that Harry and everyone was fine. His mother came into the room and instantly noticed that the three of them had grown closer over the two weeks.

“Harry, dear, how are you? It looks like you’ve been treated well at your aunt’s and uncle’s,” asked Mrs. Weasley her voice full of affection.

“Yes, they did treat me well. Thanks to Ron and Hermione. My uncle and aunt I think were kind of afraid of them,” chuckled Harry.

“Well, Harry, what would you, and the rest like to eat for breakfast?” asked Mrs. Weasley “everyone else should be up in a little while.”

“Well, mum, how about a simple breakfast like what you usually fix us?” asked Ron who did not want to over stress his mother, who had been struggling with wedding plans lately.

“Okay dears, I think you all should go up and lay down a bit before breakfast, you don’t have to sleep just rest,” replied Mrs. Weasley.

“Okay, we’ll do that. But first I need to talk to you real quick alone Mrs. Weasley if that wouldn’t be a problem.” asked Harry hoping Mrs. Weasley wouldn’t be angry at what he was going to talk to her about.

“Why of course you can talk to me. Ron and Hermione please go upstairs while I talk to Harry. I’ll send him up when we are done talking.”

“Okay mum. See you in a bit Harry. Come up to my room when you’re done.” Ron told Harry.

“Okay, I will,” said Harry in reply.

After Ron and Hermione went up stairs and were out of earshot Harry waited for Mrs. Weasley to ask the first question. After a few minutes of silence, he realized that Mrs. Weasley was waiting for him to talk and so Harry spoke up first. “Mrs. Weasley, this is…er…kind of hard for me to say. But has Ginny been angry--”

“No Harry, Ginny has not been angry with you. She is upset that you feel the only way she will be safe is without you. Harry, Ginny still wants to be with you, but you have to realize that,” replied Mrs. Weasley in a tone that made Harry the happiest in the world. It was not an angry tone. It was a tone that pleaded with Harry to realize his mistake.

“Mrs. Weasley, thanks that’s all I wanted.” replied Harry feeling happy “and I will tell you that I still feel deeply--”

“Harry always call you feelings by their correct name. You know you love Ginny do not deny your feelings just because I am her mother.” replied Mrs. Weasley feeling better that Harry still had feelings for her youngest child.

“Yes, Mrs. Weasley, I love Ginny and I wanted to make sure that if I ask Ginny to take me back that you wouldn’t be angry at me.” replied Harry feeling better that he was being told to say he loved Ginny by the one person he wanted acceptance from.

“Yes, now the problem is Ginny herself, I don’t want her to get confused. Therefore, Harry, I want to tell you to be careful how you bring it up. I think if you two were alone then that would be the best chance,” replied a smiling Mrs. Weasley, “now Harry I have deprived Ron and Hermione of their closest friend long enough. Go upstairs and tell them that breakfast will be in an hour. Have fun and please rest. You look tired.”

Harry got up and just about skipped up the stairs. Half way up the stairs, he saw the youngest Weasley. He decided to talk to her a bit before meeting up with Ron and Hermione. Before he could say “Hello” though he found himself in a bear hug with Ginny.

“Hey, Ginny, could you…er…let up a bit you’re squeezing all the air out of me,” laughed Harry who returned the hug affectionately.

“Sure Harry,” replied Ginny letting go of Harry, “Harry I want to ask you something.”

“Er…okay, Ginny, shoot,” replied a confused Harry.

“Harry, I want to be with you…” Ginny paused before she said, “I love you Harry, and I want to be there every step of the way with you. So, Harry, will you please go back out with me?”

At this point, Harry started laughing. This making Ginny angry with Harry she yelled, “What’s so damn funny about that?”

Harry replied, calming down, “Ginny, that’s exactly how I feel. I want you to be there every step of the way with me. I love you Ginny.”

With that, Harry and Ginny shared a kiss that signified a start to their relationship, again. After a while, Harry and Ginny made their way up to Ron’s room and knocked on the door out of politeness. Harry knew that Ron and Hermione were an item and did not want to walk in on a compromising scene. Just as he thought he heard Ron and Hermione scramble around the room before Ron called, “Come in.”

“Hey, mate, what have you been doing while I was talking to your mum?” asked Harry with a smile trying to see if he would get a straight answer.

“Uh…er…well…er…me and Hermione were…er…we were just…fine! Hermione and I were snogging” he said furiously as he saw the laughter on Harry’s and Ginny’s faces, “you know we’re a couple now.”

“Yes, I know you are. That’s why I was trying to embarrass and annoy you,” replied Harry with Ginny snickering.

At this point Ron looked down, saw Harry and Ginny holding hands, and smiled. “Are you two back together?” he asked.

“Yes, we are. We just got back together in the hall while I was coming up here,” replied Harry turning and smiling at Ginny.

“That’s great Harry, but won’t Mrs. Weasley be upset with you?” asked Hermione and realized that Ginny felt a little uneasy about the point Hermione just made.

“Yeah, I think mum is going to be in a right state when she sees you and Ginny together,” replied Ron.

“No she won’t Ron, which is why I talked to her. I asked if she would be angry if I asked Ginny to take me back. Your mum even tried to help me with getting back together with Ginny. However, I did not get to use your mum’s tips. Ginny beat me to the punch,” replied Harry chuckling and seeing everyone faces lighten up, grabbed a pillow off Ron’s bed and threw it at him. Ginny following suit, grabbed a pillow, and threw it at Hermione. This led to a furious pillow fight which at the end left everyone exhausted. Harry, then, told everyone that breakfast should be done soon, so they all got up and walked down the stairs to the kitchen and waited.

Mrs. Weasley looked up as Harry, Ron, Ginny, and Hermione walked in and smiled because Harry and Ginny were holding hands and Ron was holding Hermione’s hand. She sat them at the table and piled the food between them. Just then, Fred and George appeared and sat down at the table.

“How are you Harry?” asked Fred “I heard that you broke our dear sisters heart over some stupid reason” Harry noticed that Fred had been a little nervous to bring this up seeing as Harry was their biggest investor.

“Oh well I did. Nevertheless, you can’t hold that against me now. Not after Ginny asked me out again and I accepted after realizing I couldn’t get on without her,” replied Harry who smiled at the twins and encouraged them to eat with them. After that, the conversation soon turned to the upcoming wedding. After all the food was gone the six of them decided to go out and lounge around in the shade of the trees. The day was a warm one with a cooling breeze bringing with it the smell of the wild flowers all around the Burrow.

When lunch was ready, everyone went inside for a wondrous meal. Bill and Fleur had checked to see how everything was going. After everyone assured them that everything was fine, they left and went back to where they were staying. Mrs. Weasley wanted their wedding to be a surprise which both Bill and Fleur were happy to agree with. They did not want the stress of planning a wedding on their shoulders and also did not want a row between Fleur and Mrs. Weasley.

After lunch, the guys went out and degnomed the garden while the girls stayed inside and helped Mrs. Weasley clean the house. The degnoming took most of the afternoon and the guys free from the girls all took off their shirts to keep themselves cool in the blazing sun. When the boys came in tanned from their long hard working in the sun they grabbed some water and relaxed while they watched the girls finish their cleaning.

Once the girls finished cleaning Mrs. Weasley started cooking dinner. Arthur Weasley arrived home from work shortly before dinner was ready which gave him enough time to talk to Harry. When he found that Harry and Ginny were back together he was somewhat suspicious until Ginny came over, hugged, and kissed Harry. Mr. Weasley from that point on was fine with his daughter dating one of the most famous wizards of all time.

After dinner, which included all of Harry’s favorite courses and desserts, Harry and Ron went up to Ron’s room to talk for a little bit before bed. When they reached Ron’s room, they were surprised to find that their beds were already occupied. Ron asked very confused, “What are you two doing up here?”

Hermione and Ginny had just got out of the beds, grabbed their boyfriend, and kissed them. Ginny and Harry stayed in Ron’s room while Hermione and Ron apparated down to Ginny’s room. Harry was led over to his bed by Ginny who forced him onto the bed and they started snogging. The kept snogging late into the night until Ron and Hermione showed back up and suggested they get some sleep. Tomorrow was a big day, Bill’s and Fleur’s wedding. Everyone agreeing, Harry and Ron got into bed as Hermione and Ginny snuck down stairs to their room. Ron and Harry both fell into dreamless sleep and the next thing they knew they were being awaken by Ron’s mum.

“Get up you two the wedding is in an hour and I want you to be dressed and ready in half an hour so we can get some pictures taken,” yelled Mrs. Weasley.

“Okay mum, we’re up,” replied a groggy Ron.

After everyone was in the kitchen, Mrs. Weasley took all of them out to the garden for pictures. Once the pictures were over, everyone was led out to the tent where the ceremony was to be held. The ceremony was a small one only family allowed. Harry and Hermione who spend almost every summer with the Weasley’s were considered family. The ceremony itself lasted an hour at the most. The after party, which, went until the sun came up the next morning, was a blast for everyone there. Ron and Hermione danced to a few songs and then they went away to who knows where to do who knows what. On the other hand Ginny and Harry stayed at the after party to dance and laugh with the bride, the groom, and the family.

About two hours into the after party Bill, Charlie, Fred, and George pulled Harry over to the side to talk about Ginny. Bill was the first to talk. “Harry you know that we love our sister very much, and we love you, too. However, if any of us finds out you have mistreated Ginny then you will have to answer to us four.”

“I understand you guys. I would never hurt Ginny. I love her too much. Anyways if I mistreat Ginny there may not be anything left of me for you guys to uphold your threat on as Ginny would probably fillet and kill me.” Harry said everybody laughing a little at this.

“Yea, your right Harry. Now that I think of it you’re either very brave or very foolish,” joked George.

“No I’m not foolish I’m cautious,” laughed Harry.

“Okay as long as we have t hat covered you can get back to your love. Though Harry one more thing. We hear you are planning something big for her. Good luck with it,” winked Charlie “though it would be good if you proposed to her…well…I think it would be good.”

“Yeah Charlie I know what you mean. Actually while you’re here I was wondering if you guys would help me propose to her.” asked Harry trying to decipher the looks on each of the faces before him. The twins were smiling mischievously and the other two were trying not to laugh. Fred finally spoke, “Sure we will Harry, and we will make it so perfect that she would say yes to anyone.”

“Okay just please be serious with me on this one, I love Ginny and I want to make her happy not angry.” replied Harry

“Wow, I am astounded that you would think that any of us here wouldn’t take our dear sister’s heart seriouslly.” replied George acting like he was hurt, “but seriously Harry just let us do the work all you have to do is tell us when you want to propose to her.”

“Okay well I’m leaving tomorrow night for Gordric’s Hollow stated Harry, “could we do it before I leave?”

“Of course soon to be brother, at least we hope so,” said Fred with a small wink.

The rest of the night was uneventful as Harry went back and danced with Ginny before they both fell asleep on the sofa in the house. The next day passed in a gray fog as Harry got ready to go to Gordric’s Hollow with Hermione, Ginny, and Ron. At about seven that night Fred and his brother put their plans into action. Harry did not know anything about what the twins had planned. He found out that Fred and George had transfigured their faces and started chasing Ginny around, and at about seven thirty that night Ginny came running into the room and gabbed Harry and hid behind him. The next thing he remembered was turning around looking in her wonderful, brown eyes while dropping to his knee. Only Hermione knew what this meant and she was squealing in excitement.

“Ginerva Weasley would you do me the great honor of marrying me in the muggle fashion as well as the wizard fashion?” asked Harry staring into her wonderful eyes.

Ginny who was shocked and speechless did not know what to say. Hermione rushed forward and said something about answering Harry. Ginny then turned around with tears and love in her eyes, “Yes, Harry James Potter, I would love to marry you.”

Ron who had no idea of this fell down from shock. Everyone turned to him and helped him into a chair where he fainted. Harry turned around and kissed Ginny. When Ron came to Harry told him that it was time for them to go to Gordric’s Hollow, and there he would make his decision on what he would do with his life.

Chapter Three: Gordric’s Hollow and a Wedding Planed

Harry, Ron, Hermione, and Ginny all walked out to prepare for their trip to Gordric’s Hollow, when suddenly Hermione stopped and asked Harry, “Where exactly is Gordric’s Hollow?”

“I don’t know Hermione, I never found out where it was.” replied Harry feeling like he had let down everyone. Suddenly there was soft music playing somewhere. Harry knew what music this was because he had heard it numerous times before. Ron, Hermione, and Ginny who all had heard it once did not know what it was until a second later. With a flash of scarlet and gold there sat a phoenix before Harry. Harry who was shocked could only stare at the phoenix that appeared only seconds before. Suddenly the phoenix flew up to and landed on Harry’s shoulder. Hermione was starting to recover from her initial shock and realized who this phoenix was. She asked in a startled voice, “Fawkes?” the phoenix nodded its head.

“Hermione, are you telling me that this phoenix is Dumbledore’s?” asked a bewildered Ron.

“No, No Ron, this is not Dumbledore’s phoenix this is Harry’s phoenix. Once the owner of a phoenix dies, the phoenix has the option of picking a new owner or leaving forever, and obviously Fawkes has picked Harry as his new owner,” replied an excited Hermione.

“What, I own Fawkes now?” asked a startled Harry.

“Yes, you do, if you don’t believe me ask Fawkes yourself,” replied Hermione

Harry who was unsure of what was going on asked Fawkes “Are you mine now?” Fawkes just nodded his head and Harry just stood dumbfounded in the same part.

“Harry, you know what this means right? We can use Fawkes to find Gordric’s Hollow.” replied Hermione. Harry was unsure and did not trust himself to speak just yet. But when he did it was to Fawkes.

“Can you show me and my friends where Gordric’s Hollow is?” asked Harry. Fawkes slowly nodded. The next thing the four wizards knew they were standing in front of a ruined house. Harry stared hard at it then turned around. He saw a graveyard and with out knowing what he was doing he started sprinting towards the cemetery hoping to find his parents graves.

After an hour of searching he found their graves and dropped to his knees and started crying. His friends came up twenty minutes later after combing the grave yard for him. Ron and Hermione just stood their not knowing how to comfort Harry. Ginny pushed past the couple and sat down next to Harry and just held him. After a while she asked him, “Harry, what’s wrong?”

“I don’t know, it is just so hard to see my parent’s graves. I never pictured this moment to be so hard.” sobbed Harry

“Harry, it’s okay to cry now, just don’t push me away,” said Ginny and Harry realized that he had been shielding his eyes and turning away from Ginny and his other friends afraid to show them his tears.

“Harry, it’s okay to cry. If you, who has suffered more than anyone standing before you now, let me change that, suffered more than almost the whole Wizarding world cannot cry, then who can? Harry, no matter who you are, you’re human. You feel emotions just like the rest of us. Sooner or later your emotions need to come out. It’s okay to cry.” said Hermione bending down with a handkerchief and wiping away Harry’s tears. It was Ron’s turn to say something to Harry

“Hey, mate, why are you hiding from us. We’re in this together. I expect you to be human, I don’t expect you to be able to handle everything without showing how you feel, I mean jeez, that would make anyone go crazy if you held it all up inside,” said Ron pulling Harry up off the ground and for the first time Harry could remember Ron gave him a brotherly hug.

Harry who was feeling better at this time decided that they had better go up to the house and see what they could find up there. For two hours Ron, Hermione, Ginny, and Harry searched the place where Harry’s life started. Harry made his way through the house and found a broken crib. He squatted down and picked up a piece of wood from it. Tears started swelling in his eyes and for the second time that day Harry broke down and cried. He cried for his lost family at the hands of Lord Voldemort. He cried for his friends who he was taking on this dangerous mission to destroy Lord Voldemort. Everyway he looked at it. His past and their future would end up in his hands and his ability to destroy Voldemort.

After a while Harry came back to his friends who were standing at the entrance of the house. He embraced each one and then he made the announcement everyone was expecting, “I don’t want you guys coming with me anymore. I couldn’t stand my self if you guys got hurt or killed while I hunt down and destroy Voldemort.”

“Harry, listen to us. Don’t push us away, after everything we have gone through together you still care about us getting hurt. Harry there was a point where all of us could have turned back and left you alone. Did we? No, because we love you Harry we want to be there for you every step of the way.” replied Hermione a little forcefully trying to get her point across.

“Harry, you aren’t leaving me behind. You and I are going to get married sometime. Until then I am not going to be away from you. I love you Harry James Potter, and I want to be with you every step of the way. Though you will have to fill me in on what ever you are doing before you face Voldemort.” replied Ginny giving Harry a quick kiss on the cheek.

Suddenly there was a small pop and ten Death Eaters appeared right out side the house. Harry grabbed everyone and pushed them, away from the door, behind some debris. Then he faced the nearest Death Eater and yelled the first incantation he knew, “Petrificus Totalus!” and the nearest Death Eater fell.

Hermione grabbed Harry and pulled him behind the debris everyone else was hiding behind. They asked him what they could do. Then it hit him. His friends were there. They were willing to go to any length even die. They knew the risk and he couldn’t help but smile. Harry choked out the plan as fast as he could, “Ginny you and Hermione go through that door and you will find a crib. Light the wood on fire, Ron and I will get the Death Eaters in here and we will trap them with the fire giving us time to escape.”

Harry enjoyed the next scene as he saw Hermione and Ginny run through the door and immediately set everything on fire. Harry grabbed Ron and they started firing jinxes and other spells out the window. Just as Harry expected the Death Eaters entered the house but could not find Harry or Ron. Pretty soon Harry and Ron stunned all but two Death Eaters. Hermione and Ginny came through the door just as the two Death Eaters found Harry and Ron. Hermione stunned both of the Death Eaters. She grabbed Ron and Ginny grabbed Harry and both disappeared through the front door of the house to the lawn. From there they called on Fawkes to take them home. As soon as they got back to the Burrow Harry pulled everyone aside and told them that they needed to inform the Order. Ron was the first to speak, “Harry do you want me to inform everyone, I mean I don’t want to put you under any more stress,” informed Ron and then with a little more force, “Harry take Ginny out to the garden and I want you two to be together. You two need to make plans for a wedding, and not be questioned.”

“Okay, sure anything,” replied Harry and with that he grabbed Ginny’s hand and they walked off to the garden.

“Harry, I love you and I think we should have the wedding soon, I think we should only have the people who are here at the time attend.” replied Ginny making the first move.

“Thanks, and yes I think we should have a small wedding. Though we have to invite my aunt, uncle, and cousin. My aunt and uncle would probably like to be here.” replied Harry hoping this wouldn’t anger Ginny

“Of course they are invited, we just have to get them here,” replied Ginny smiling at Harry.

Meanwhile in the kitchen Ron explained everything that happened at Gordric’s Hollow. He told them how Harry found his parents grave, though he left out the crying scene, and how they went up to the house where Harry relieved some old memories. He finally told them about the Death Eaters and how they attacked the four of them and how Harry came up with the plan to get away without being harmed. He finally ended his speech saying, “Harry and Ginny are in the garden making their wedding plans. The only questions you are allowed to ask them are about their wedding. I will not stand for you to put Harry and Ginny into an uncomfortable mood when they should be able to express their love for each other.”

“Yes son,” replied Mr. Weasley feeling so proud of his son. For the first time he could remember Ron was standing up for his friend and not only standing up for him he was protecting him.

“Hermione, what do you think about me and you going out and seeing if there is anything we could do for Harry and Ginny?” asked Ron with a slight smile.

“Ron, I think that is a wonderful idea, Mr. And Mrs. Weasley I ask that you let me and Ron talk to Harry first and we can give you their plans and then you can ask about specifics later.”

“Yes dear, “ replied Mrs. Weasley fully appreciating that in such times, the amount of love these four had between them was enough to make everyone happy. With everything said Ron and Hermione walked out to the garden to speak with Harry and Ginny. When they came around the corner they decided to make their presence known not wanting to walk in on something private.

“Harry, Ginny where are you we want to talk to you,” yelled Hermione.

“Over here, its okay we’re not doing anything,” replied Ginny and when everyone arrived she continued “well me and Harry decided we want very few people at our wedding. There is going to be you, Hermione, all the Weasley’s here and Harry’s aunt, uncle, and cousin.”

“Wow sounds like both of you have this thing planned out,” replied Ron astounded.

“Well Ron, we do,” replied Harry “we want a muggle wedding we already have the rings,” Harry showed two wedding bands to Ron and Hermione “they were my parents I found them in the ruins of Gordric‘s Hollow, on a different note I know your parents will be disappointed but that is what Ginny wanted. Besides my aunt and uncle are going to be here we don’t want a wizard’s wedding because it will scare them.”

“Ah, I see your point and I’ll make my mum see it too if she isn’t happy about you and Ginny getting married muggle fashion.” replied Ron.

“Thanks big brother,” replied Ginny giving Ron a bear hug.

“…er…,” wheezed Ron, “Ginny…I…can’t…breathe!”

“Well, that’s about it I suppose so me and Ron will leave you two alone to do what ever you want.” replied Hermione with a mischievous smile on her face. Everyone just laughed and with that Harry and Ginny were alone again watching Ron and Hermione walk back to the house.

Harry pulled Ginny to him and gave her a deep kiss that made her melt right into his arms. The night air was cool as the sun was going down just behind the Burrow giving Ginny and Harry enough light to stare deep into each other eyes before making the next move in their relationship. Harry asked, “Ginny are you sure you want to do this? I mean I don’t want to rush you or make you feel obligated.”

“Harry, shut up and kiss me,” replied the fiery red head.

With this last statement Harry pulled Ginny close to him and gave her what she wanted. A deep passionate kiss. With that they both laid underneath the stars and fell asleep in each others arms.

Chapter Four: A Wedding and A Special Night

Harry woke up the next day feeling good. Tomorrow was his birthday and his soon to be wife was resting peacefully in the garden. Harry decided to go into the kitchen and make Ginny some breakfast. He whipped up some bacon, eggs, and pancakes, and took them out to Ginny. Harry woke her up and set the plate in front of her and asked, “How are you feeling today Ginny?”

“Oh, I’m feeling fine. Harry when do you want to have the wedding?” asked Ginny taking Harry by surprise.

“Well, Ginny, I was going to see if your mum could do it tomorrow,” replied Harry “ I want a good birthday this year, also one that I will be able to remember.”

“Well then, I guess we should go in and get everything worked out. I’m sure my mom will want to spend the day planning out the wedding,” replied Ginny

After they finished eating; Harry helped Ginny up and picked up the plates, and took them inside. When they got to the kitchen they found Mrs. Weasley sitting at the table. Harry went over and pulled up a seat next to her. He asked, “Mrs. Weasley, I have a question for you, do you think that you could get the wedding ready by tomorrow?”

“Why, Harry, I could but may I ask why?” replied Mrs. Weasley confused

“Well, it’s just that I have never really had a great birthday, and well I was hoping that my birthday this year would be a good one. What better way to have a good birthday than to get married on it?” replied Harry.

“Also, it makes it easier for Harry to remember our anniversary,” joked Ginny.

“That’s true,” laughed Harry. At this, Mrs. Weasley chuckled, She was happy. Her daughter had grown up so fast, and soon she would have a new son, though she already considered Harry as a son. Harry and Ginny were just about to leave when Mrs. Weasley spoke, “Harry, Ginny, I’m so proud of you two. I have never seen such love and passion in anyone so young, You two are amazing, The amount of love between you two is enough to shine through these bad times. I’m sure Dumbledore would be happy for you both.”

With this Harry remembered back to Gordric’s Hollow. He remembered the decision he had made, even though he hadn’t told anyone. When he at last spoke it was to Ginny, “Ginny, I am going to go back to Hogwarts for my seventh year. Though I have to talk to Professor McGonagall about certain aspects of the year,” replied Harry.

After a while Ron and Hermione came down and Harry told them the great news. Hermione however asked, “Harry, who is going to be your best man? Also Ginny, who is going to be your maid of honor?”

“Well Hermione, Ron is going to be my best man,” replied Harry.

“Why Hermione, you’re going to be my maid of honor, duh.” snickered Ginny.

With that settled the four went out side to lounge around in the garden. Around noontime Professor McGonagall showed up and gave each one of them their Hogwarts list. Hermione and Ron accepted their letters, However Harry got up and asked to speak to Professor McGonagall privately. She accepted and they walked away from the group a little, Harry spoke first, “Professor, if I return to Hogwarts I need to know that I will be able to leave the school anytime I feel fit. I need to hunt down and destroy the remaining Horcruxes that Voldemort made. Only then will I be able to defeat Voldemort.” Harry expected McGonagall to deny his request

“Harry, I understand, I know also that Ginny, Ron, and Hermione will probably be going with you. Just one thing, please be careful. I’ve had to cope with too many deaths lately I don’t need to be coping with yours, too,” replied McGonagall.

“Thanks, for understanding,” replied Harry sincerely and giving her a hug, “also me and Ginny are getting married tomorrow, you are invited and if you wouldn’t mind you could invite Remus, Tonks, and Moody. I am sure they might enjoy some happiness, too.”

“Yes, I’m sure they would be delighted to come,” replied McGonagall smiling at Harry

“Thanks…er…well I should be getting back…I need to tell everyone that I invited the four of you,” replied Harry and walked back over to Ron, Hermione, and Ginny.

Once he told them that he invited McGonagall, Remus, Tonks, and Moody to the wedding they kind of just sat in silence. When Mrs. Weasley brought them out some lunch she told Harry and Ron to go try on their tuxedos she had bought them. Then she turned to Ginny and Hermione and asked them to go try on their dresses. Once Ron, Ginny, and Hermione were gone Harry asked Mrs. Weasley, “Mum, why don’t you let me repay you for those tuxedos, I mean I don’t want you to be spending money on me and everyone just for my wedding. I’ll pay you back for them.”

“No dear, I wanted to buy them but if you insist I will only let you pay for your own tuxedo. It was ninety-nine dollars in muggle money. I will accept no more that twenty Galleons.” replied Mrs. Weasley and so Harry gave her twenty Galleons and let her be.

When he got up to Ron’s room he found Ron wearing his tuxedo already. So Harry quickly put on his and they both commented on how each other looked. Both saying something along the lines “man, these are more comfortable than they look,” or “ you look older now.” The boys decided to wear their tuxedos down and show Mrs. Weasley. When they got into the kitchen Mrs. Weasley exclaimed, “Oh, my dears, you look so wonderful. You look so grown up the two of you. Ginny and Hermione should be down in a minute which I think Harry should leave following the muggle tradition of not seeing the bride in her dress before the wedding.”

With that the boys went back up to the room they were sharing, and took off the tuxedos. Harry thought for the first time about apparation. Tomorrow would be his first time taking the test, and he really wanted to pass. It was going to be Ron’s second time. He didn’t want to show up Ron, but he wanted to pass because then he could legally do it and not get into trouble. Ron catching sight of Harry decided to ask, “hey, Harry, what’s bothering you?”

“Oh, it’s nothing. Just my apparation test tomorrow,” replied Harry.

“Harry don’t worry about it. You can do it, I mean, you have already apparated with Dumbledore,” replied Ron

“Yeah, I did. Thanks Ron and don’t worry, you’ll pass too.” replied Harry, giving him a pat on the back.

With that, the boys decided to take a nice afternoon nap. Harry was surprised to wake up in the middle of the night, and with Ron’s snoring Harry decided to go down to the kitchen to see if he couldn’t gather some food. When he got to the bottom of the stairs he realized someone else was down there. He could only make out some bushy hair, so he asked “Hermione, is that you?”

“What, oh, Harry, oh, its just you, yes it’s me.” replied Hermione

Harry realized that Hermione was crying so walked over to her and asked, “What’s wrong?”

“Oh Harry, I love Ron, but sometimes I wonder if he likes me at all. I don’t know I just don’t get how you and Ginny don’t have to tell you each others emotions. I want that between me and Ron but I’m afraid it will never get that far,” replied Hermione sobbing.

“Hermione, the reason me and Ginny know each others emotions is because we are in love. I know you and Ron love each other but it has to be a deeper love. It will become deeper you just have to give it time. Also, not getting upset at Ron for being himself might help some, too,” replied Harry giving Hermione a pat on the back, “why don’t you go up stairs and rest. We have a big day tomorrow…er…well today. I want you to be feeling your best.”

With that Hermione left the kitchen and made her way up to her room. After a while Harry thought he should might as well go and relax. He did after need to relax and rest some before his apparation test which would be right before his wedding. As he opened the door to Ron’s room he found Ron on his bed staring out the window. Harry knew something was wrong because he always did this when he was preoccupied, “Hey what’s wrong?”

“Its about Hermione, I love her and everything but well, I don’t know, I think she feels the same way about me but it isn’t like you and my sister,” replied Ron, at this point Harry couldn’t stop himself from laughing, “what the bloody hell is so funny?”

“Oh, well me and Hermione just basically had this chat a few minutes ago. I told her that you two love each other but it isn’t as deep as the love Ginny and I have for each other. You just need to give it time. Also, talk to her about possible things that annoy her and try not to do those anymore,” replied Harry climbing into bed, “well me and you have a big day tomorrow, apparation and then a wedding, why don’t you try and get some rest.”

When Harry woke up the next day he got Ron up. They both dressed in their tuxedos deciding that they didn’t want to bother changing after the apparation test. When they got down stair they got some food and sat down at the table. Before they were finished, however, the apparation tester arrived and requested that they do the test then. So grudgingly Harry and Ron got up and went outside. Ron was first to go, he passed. Harry felt more nervous because he wasn’t sure if he would pass or not. Ron came up and calmed him down some. He was asked to apparate into a small box twenty meters away. Harry concentrated and felt the squeezing through the tube sensation and he knew he did it. When he open his eyes the tester was filing out a slip and handing it to him, Harry read the slip and sighed with relief, he passed. Now he turned all his efforts to the wedding. He and Ron did not have that much to do. Just get in place when the wedding was going to start. The ceremony was small. There were only going to be eighteen people attending and participating in the wedding. There would be Harry, Ginny, Ron, Hermione, Mr. Weasley, Mrs. Weasley, Bill, Fleur, Charlie, Fred, George, Moody, Tonks, Remus, McGonagall, Petunia, Vernon, and Dudley, they were all to be in their respective places at noon.

When noon came around Harry was standing at the alter getting really nervous. He thought he was an idiot for trying to do this. Once the wedding started there was no turning back. When music started playing Harry whipped his head around, looking down the isle he saw his soon to be father walking his soon to be wife down the isle. She looked gorgeous. When Ginny got to the alter she turned and faced Harry.

The wedding only lasted about forty-five minutes, the after party, however, went all the way to the early hours of the morning. There were muggle bands and wizard bands there. Harry and Ginny danced until dark before they stopped to rest some. They got some cake and punch and headed over to a table to sit down and talk. They spotted Ron and Hermione at a table alone so they went over there. Once they got there Harry spoke first, “Hey you guys, we need to talk. I’m returning for my final year at Hogwarts but I have gained permission from McGonagall for all four of us to leave the castle’s grounds at any time we feel necessary. Ginny this is new for you, we are hunting down and destroying things called Horcruxes.”

“What is a Horcrux?” asked Ginny totally lost.

“Well sis, a Horcrux is an object with a part of someone’s soul in it. We are hinting down and finding Voldemort’s Horcruxes.”

“Okay, well, not meaning to be rude or anything but I want to get back out on the dance floor. Why don’t you two join us?” asked Ginny.

“Well okay,” replied Hermione.

With that the four of them made their way onto the dance floor close to the stage. When one in the morning came Harry got up on stage with Ginny and announced that the party was almost over Harry and Ginny had two songs picked out for each other and were now going to dance to the songs. Harry got up to announce his first, “Ginny, when I think about you and me together it makes me happy. That is why I have picked a song titled You and Me. The one sung by the muggle band Lifehouse.”

“Okay, now its my turn. Harry ever since I met you I knew what you had to do. I don’t know how but I figured you were going to save us all one day. Now I know that you wont stop until you have saved us. That is why when I look at you I see all the hope in the world. When I look at you all my hope returns to me as I see that there are still people out there, willing to give their life to save others. You’re a true Gryffindor. That is why I have picked the song sung by the muggle band Skillet, You Are My Hope.”

With the introductions done both bands walked out on stage and set up. Life house was to go first and everyone that knew the words sang along. But when Skillet started to play Harry and Ginny stopped dance and sat down to listen to the lyrics.

Times are hard
Times have changed
Don't you say
But I keep holding on to you
It's hard to keep the faith alive day to day
Leaning on the strength I've found in you
You're the hope of all the Earth …

With that everyone got up and started dancing. Dancing to because it was such a great song to dance too. Not only because of the beat but because of the lyrics. When the song was over everyone made to leave but when Mrs. Weasley got up on stage everyone turned around and watched. She looked very nervous when she finally said, “Hello, I am the mother of the new couple and I would like one more song performed tonight. This song is meant for everyone to dance to except for the new couple. For them this song is to enjoy sitting down and relaxing. With that said, please help me welcome to the stage Green Day, who will be performing the hit, Good Riddance . This song I believe is a great dong for this young couple.” With that said, Green Day started playing and Harry and Ginny both sat down and listened to the song. When it ended everyone got up and left the dance floor.

Harry and Ginny found Hermione and Ron talking to Fred and George so they decided to join the conversation. The all congratulated the new couple and started talking about their favorite bands. Fred started the conversation by saying, “I loved the muggle band Creed though Linkin Park wasn’t bad.”

“Yea, they were good but I liked Simple Plan, but there were too many to choose from,” replied Ron.

“Well I don’t know them but I liked the last three bands, well their songs at least,” replied Hermione.

Ginny and Harry who both didn’t have a particular favorite just kept quite They decided that they were going to go to bed. Telling the others they walked off towards the room that was prepared for them.

When they entered the room they found rose petals, candles, and soft music playing. Harry turned and gave Ginny a deep kiss before slowly closing the door. The door was to remain closed until Mrs. Weasley woke them up the next day.

Chapter Five: Diagon Alley

When Harry and Ginny came out of their room they found out that their day was going to be spent in Diagon Alley buy what they need for school. Bill showed up and gave Harry some gold from his vault since it would take too long for him to get it out once they got there. They were all apparating there since everyone had a license except for Ginny, she would be going with Harry. They all agreed to apparate to Fred’s and George’s shop. Once they were all their they decided on what to do. Harry made a suggestion, “Well Ron, Hermione, Ginny, and I could go get potion ingredients, and our books, while also shopping around for maybe a wedding gift?”

“Well, I would like us all to stay together but if we did that then there would be too many people and it would be hard for us to get around,” replied Mrs. Weasley, “well alright. I want you all back here at three o’clock so we can leave.”

With that Ron, Harry, Ginny, and Hermione made their way to the Apothecary. On their way Harry asks Hermione, “Do you think Hogwarts will be as full as it usually is this year?”

“No Harry, I over heard McGonagall talking. She hasn’t picked prefects or the head boy or head girl yet, she is waiting to see who comes back to Hogwarts this year,” replied Hermione.

“Really?” asked Ron

“Yes, she is worried about how many students she will have,” replied Hermione.

“Well isn’t it safer at Hogwarts because there are so many wizards there, I mean it must be safer than anyone’s homes?” asked Harry.

“Well I would say, yes though, parents want to keep their family close to them in this time of peril. Parents will be less willing to send their kids away from home for a school year,” replied Hermione.

“So I wonder who will come this year?” asked Ron to no one really. But by this time they stopped talking as they approached the Apothecary. Once inside they bought their potion ingredients and decided to go get their books. They didn’t speak this time on the road. They remained silent all of them thinking about the same thing. Would anyone they know return to school and possibly help them?

When they got inside Flourish and Blotts, they got their schoolbooks; Hermione also grabbed about five others and, quickly telling Harry, Ginny, and Ron that they would help, bought them. When everything was paid for the four left the store and ventured off to do some shopping. Ron and Hermione wanted to get Harry and Ginny a wedding gift but didn’t know what to get them. They decided that in the interest of their secret mission they would get the newly weds a nice diary that can only be read by the writer or writers.

By the time Harry, Ginny, Ron, and Hermione left the stores burdened with packages it was nearly three, so they decided to go back to Fred’s and George’s. When they got there they were startled to see it empty of everyone but the twins. Once they entered the twins grinned at them while they welcomed them. They just told Harry about a new line of theirs when Mrs. Weasley showed up and ordered them to apparate back to the Burrow. Once they were there they showed Mrs. Weasley all the stuff they had bought. Harry who was thinking about the Horcruxes was trying to decide if he should tell Mrs. Weasley what they were doing or not. He wanted someone in the Order to know what was going on but didn’t want the whole order to know about it. He, finally, decided to tell Mrs. Weasley, Harry figured that if anyone in the Order needed to know it was her. Seeing as two sons, a daughter, and a girl she counted as a daughter were involved, Harry thought it would be polite to tell her.

When everyone finished showing Mrs. Weasley their gifts and books they got up to leave the room, all but Harry. When Hermione turned around and looked quizzically at Harry he just replied, “Go on, I’ll be up in a minute to talk with you three.”

“Okay Harry,” replied Ginny sensing that Harry was about to reveal their mission to their mother.

When everyone was out of the room Harry stood up and put a pot of water on the stove to make tea. Harry walked back over and embraced his mother. When he pulled apart from her he sat her down before he said, “There are certain things you need to know, however, you cannot reveal any of this to anyone else. Not even dad. You must be the only one to know. In any case we fail then and only then can you tell the Order what we were up to. Do I have your word that you wont tell anyone?”

“Why sure Harry, I understand that this is very important and very crucial, I understand from what you said that it also, mainly deals with secrecy,” replied Mrs. Weasley, “therefore I give you my word as your mother, that I will not tell anyone about what you are about to tell me.”

“Thanks mum, now don’t worry, Ron, Hermione, Ginny, and I are all going back to Hogwarts. We’ve decided that we don’t know enough yet to fully undertake this mission we are on. However, this mission is possibly the most dangerous thing I can be doing outside of facing Voldemort right now. See Voldemort as he is right now, this very instant, is as immortal as a human can be. He cannot be killed. Why? Because he created six Horcruxes. Horcruxes are objects that you put a part of your soul in the object to make sure that you are bound to this world. Voldemort has created six of them and we have destroyed two so far. My job as well as Ginny’s, Ron’s, and Hermione’s job is to find these four items and destroy them. In doing so this will make Voldemort just a man, meaning I will have a chance at killing him. I have been given permission from McGonagall to leave the school at anytime I feel it is necessary. She does not know what I will be doing but she knows it has something to do with finding a way to defeat Voldemort. Now I’m not asking you permission to do this, I have to do this, so the best thing you can do is to keep in contact with us four, If we do not return your owls, or other ways of communications then keep trying. If after the fifth time you do not get a hold of us, you may tell the Order what our mission was.” replied Harry not daring to look up into his mother’s eyes.

“Oh Harry, I knew you were going to have to face Voldemort in the end, but I never expected you to have to do so much in order to defeat him. Oh Harry I love you son and you know that you can count on me to help in any way I can,” replied Mrs. Weasley giving Harry a giant hug.

“Thanks mum, well I think I should get going now. I think Ron, Hermione, and Ginny need to know that I told you about our mission. Also, I need some more personal time with Ginny. Is the room Ginny and I used on our wedding night still available for us?” asked Harry.

“Yes, it is, though I don’t want any grandchildren too soon,” replied Mrs. Weasley with a smile and with that she got up smiling to herself and walked out of the kitchen. With Harry smiling to him self he got up and decided to go up and talk to his two best friends and his girl friend. When he got to Ron’s room he found that there was only one bed in Ron’s room so he knew that Mrs. Weasley had the bedroom set up for Harry and Ginny till they went off to school. Harry started talking first, “Hey, I know we want only a few number of people to know about our mission, but our mom Ron and Ginny needs to know about it. I mean she considers all of us family and we know sooner or later that we all will be legitimately family.” With this Harry smirked at Ron and Hermione. Ginny just laughed while Ron and Hermione both blushed.

“Yea, I know Harry, and well it is nice to know that mum knows what we are doing that way she isn’t totally annoying u,” replied Ron.

“Yea, that’s true,” replied Hermione.

“Well Ron, not to be rude or anything but I think Harry wants me to go with him to our room for some privacy,” replied Ginny

“Yes, that’s true,” replied Harry

“Yea, fine…er…just I don’t want any nephews right now. Don’t worry your mum told us that already,” replied Harry laughing.

With that Harry and Ginny made it to the room that they shared their first night as a couple in. When they got the into the room, Harry closed and locked the door, not wanting to be interrupted. Ginny grabbed Harry and pulled him over to the bed. Harry leaned down and kissed Ginny on the fore head. Harry stood back up and started putting on his pajamas, while Ginny did the same.

Once they were situated they climbed into bed, Harry gave Ginny a deep passionate kiss, then asked her, “My love, what would you like to do tonight?”

“Harry, I want you. I need you,” replied Ginny.

With that Harry and Ginny started snogging. They felt their hands roaming over the other’s body, like they had a mind of their own. When the clock stuck midnight all was quite. Harry and Ginny had fallen asleep in each other’s arms.

The rest of the time at tee Burrow flew by too quickly for Harry and Ginny. Everyone was having a great time even though the knew what would await them at the end. Harry and Ginny decided to treat the school year as a test of their relation ship, they were figuring that they wouldn’t be able to be together at the castle. They decided that if they could get through the school year together with out any major fights, then they would be fine once they left school.

Ron and Hermione on the other hand were not really looking forward to the upcoming school year. No one knew why either. When Harry or Ginny asked any questions neither one would speak and both would try to change the subject. Harry decided to give it a rest, well at least until school started. He turned his attention from Ron and Hermione to his last few weeks with the girl he loved.

Ron, Ginny, Harry, and Charlie, who was staying in England to help the Order, would spend their time with friendly dueling. Hermione who at first was part of the group was so good with her spell knowledge that no one could hit her. Hermione soon grew bored and told everyone she would just watch. Harry was by far, the best of the four, and Ginny was as close to second as anyone could get. Ron after being hexed by Ginny one time asked furiously, “How in the name of the heavens did you get so good with a wand?”

Ginny yelled back, “Well some of us has more important things to do than ‘nothing’ at school,” with that Ginny stormed off leaving Ron feeling guilty. Harry excused himself and went off to find Ginny, when he finally found her, he was startled to realize that she was crying. He walked over and sat down next to her, grabbed her hand, and said, “Ginny, my love, what just happened back there?”

“Harry, I don’t know. I guess I’m just sick of Ron thinking of me as his younger sister. I wish people would realize that I am more than that. I want people to think of me as an equal,” replied Ginny.

Harry knew this feeling, too well, “Ginny I know how you feel, you feel isolated from what everyone says,” he paused wondering what to say, “ You and me have something in common, we both want to be equal to other people. However, me and you are special cases to our friends. You are the younger sibling and everyone wants to think that the younger sibling is still a kid, meaning they don’t expect you to be a great witch. Well, you have to forgive them, they are now realizing that their baby sister is now stronger than them. Me I had to learn that hey everyone is going to annoy me I might as well try and learn to live with it.” with this Ginny started to laugh.

“I know what you mean Harry, and yes I know I’ll always be the baby sister, but I was aggravated. I know you have it worse than anyone else, but now you have me. I want you to talk to me about this or anything, I mean we are married,” replied Ginny which earned a laugh from Harry.

With that the couple got up and decided to go apologize to Ron. They made their way to the kitchen and found Ron sitting there alone. When he looked up he started to speak, “Hey sis, I…er…well… I’m sorry.”

“Big brother, its okay. I know why you said what you did. You think of me as your baby sister still and you are just realizing that I’m growing up,” replied Ginny

“Yea, that’s exactly what it is,” replied Ron

“Yea, I know it is, that’s what I told Ginny. You have pulled that with me some, but I am just glad that you two can get over this.”

With that said both said sorry, and they decided to go out side and ambush Hermione and Charlie. Ron and Harry both filled balloons with water. Ginny then moved them all into position. When everyone got to their positions they started bombarding Hermione and Charlie with the balloons. When everyone was thrown the walked out of the house. Hermione grabbed her want and pretty soon everyone was soaked with water enjoying the wonderful sun filled day. After about an hour, they all decided to let the heat dry them off. They sat down and started talking about quiditch, school, and the war with Voldemort. When Mrs. Weasley called them into the house for dinner, they all rushed in. After dinner everyone went to their room, they were ally tired.

The rest of Harry’s, Ron’s, Hermione’s, and Ginny’s stay at the Burrow went by with out any more fighting. They normally spent their days out in the garden and their nights helping Mrs. Weasley. When they were not needed they spent time in their rooms. They started packing their trunks early for Hogwarts, hoping to avoid a last minute struggle to pack everything.

Chapter Six: The Express and the Request

Although, Harry, Ron, Ginny, and Hermione tried to avoid the last minute struggle with packing, they could not. When they all woke up they were running around the house trying to make sure that had not left anything at the Burrow. When they finally got everything they owned up to King Cross Station Harry and Ron went first, through the barrier. Ron had told Harry that they all could get a compartment this year since Hermione and Ron didn’t have prefect duties because no one knew who was one. When the others had come through the barrier, Ron and Harry, grabbed all their luggage and put it onto the train. While walking back to Hermione and Ginny, Ron pulled Harry aside. He was apprehensive about this Harry could tell, when he finally spoke he sounded nervous, “Harry…er…well you know…er…that me and Hermione…er…are a couple…well I thought you should know…that me and her are…well…we’re going to get married.”

“Hey that’s great, when did all this come about?” asked Harry

“Well, me and Hermione have been sneaking into each others rooms, and well one night we were talking and we decided that hey during this school year or after it, we’re going to get married.” replied Ron.

“That’s great. My two best friends are going to be my friends for ever. That’s by force not by will, but I wouldn’t have it any other way,” replied Harry laughing.

“What are you talking about?” asked a confused Ron

“Well we’re brothers, and brothers from what I have heard are pretty good friends, for the most part. If you marry Hermione, then me and her will be brother and sister, meaning we’ll all be one big happy family, and most likely friends until the end,” replied Harry

“Ah, I see, I got it now,” replied Ron.

“Well, we should get back to the girls, we don’t want them gossiping too much about what we do in our private time,” joked Harry and with that both men walked off the train.

Saying goodbye was hard for everyone. Hermione gave Mrs. Weasley a hug and a kiss on the cheek. Then she whispered something in her ear that no one else could. When Harry went and gave his mum a hug she pulled him close. She whispered to him only, “Stay out of trouble, I need you to help me out at Christmas, it wont do any good if you have gotten yourself blown up.”

“Will do mum,” Harry whispered back. Then he allowed everyone else to say their goodbyes before they got onto the train.

On the train Harry and Ginny spent their time finding out who left school and who was coming back. They walked down the corridors, Harry found that Dean, Neville, and Seamus all had returned. Though Hermione was going to have a lonely year in her dorm as she was the only one left of her year, well at least from Gryffindor. Ginny found some friends of hers and told them all about her and Harry getting married. The looked around and noticed that a lot of Gryffindors and Ravenclaws came back. There were not too many Hufflepuffs, nor were there too many Slytherins, not that Harry minded. He had never gotten along with Slytherins, nor would he probably ever.

On their way back to their compartment they found that it started getting darker out. Figuring that they were getting closer to Hogwarts they decided to go change into their robes. When they got to their compartment they were startled to see Ron and Hermione sleeping. They quietly entered the compartment grabbed their robes and started to change in another compartment.

Once they got back they decided to wake Ron and Hermione up so they could change into their robes. Hermione decided to leave their compartment followed by Ginny. When they left Harry told Ron who all they had seen on the train, Ron replied, “Well I expected Hufflepuffs and Slytherins to stay away, Slytherins because most are evil gits, and Hufflepuffs because their parents would want them at home. Not surprising Gryffindors and Ravenclaws came back as Gryffindors wouldn’t be afraid to and Ravenclaws would still want to learn magic.”

“Yea, that’s true, though me and Ginny couldn’t find any of the girls in Hermione’s dorm. Looks like they all were yanked from the school. Seamus told us that he yelled to his mom as he stormed out of the house that he was returning this year. Everyone is afraid of what’s going to happen but I’m glad that some people have enough sense to come back to school,” replied Harry.

“Yea, I know what you mean. Well I should really start changing into my robes, we should be to Hogwarts in any minute,” replied Ron.

Sure enough as Ron just finished changing the train started to slow down as they pulled into Hogsmead station. Hermione and Ginny burst into their compartment as the train stopped and dragged Harry and Ron out into the carriages. They were silent on their ride up to the castle. Once they got out McGonagall came up to Harry and stated flatly, “Harry, I need to see you in my office right before the feast. Please come up and don’t worry about the password you don’t need one.”

“What? Okay, I will be right up there,” replied Harry, he couldn’t think of anything he had done to get into trouble so early this year.

Harry said bye to Ron, Hermione, and Ginny before he headed up to McGonagall’s office. Once he got up there he found the portrait of Albus Dumbledore staring at him. Harry walked over to his portrait, wondering if he would have time to Dumbledore. Harry decided to speak with his old headmaster, “Er…sir…I was wondering…do you think it was a good choice for me to return to school this year?”

“Harry, you do not need to call me sir any more. You and me are friends, not teacher and pupil any more. First off, I think it was a very smart choice for you to return to Hogwarts this year. Secondly, I have asked McGonagall to allow you to come up here to speak with me when ever you need to. I can help you with the Horcruxes, however, you will have to do all the physical stuff by yourself, with your friends of course,” replied Dumbledore’s portrait.

“Yes, sir…er…Dumbledore,” replied Harry.

“Call me Albus.” replied Dumbledore.

“Yes…er…Albus,” replied Harry.

As Harry and Albus Dumbledore finished talking McGonagall entered the room. She knew that Harry and Dumbledore had been talking, so she sat down at her desk. When she finally spoke it shocked Harry, “Harry, as I know you and Ginny are married I am giving you and her a special dorm in Gryffindor tower. Also, know that if the need arises you will be allowed to leave tee castle at any time, though I would recommend that you tell one of the teachers before leaving. Furthermore, I have decided to make you Head Boy, you duties this year will not be strenuous as I have shifted almost all the power of Head Boy and Girl to the prefects. The only thing you and Hermione Granger, who I have made Hear Girl, will have to do is assist the teachers in classes should they need help. I trust this job only to you and Hermione as I know that you two are some of the top in your class in all your subjects. I will now let you go back to the feast. Unless you would like to stay here and talk with Dumbledore.”

Harry had to think for a while, he wanted to go down to the feast, but he also wanted to talk to Dumbledore. When he finally decided he asked, “Professor, would you allow me to stay up here, but also send up Ron, Hermione, and Ginny?”

“No, problem Harry, and as you are more of a colleague than a pupil you do not have to call me ‘professor’ any more,” replied McGonagall, “ I will send Hermione, Ron, and Ginny up as well as some food. I am sure I can get Dobby to serve the four of you.”

With that McGonagall left the room to go get Ron, Hermione, and Ginny. Harry turned to Dumbledore and found him smiling at him, he asked Dumbledore, “ Albus, why are you smiling like that at me?”

“Ah, Harry, I knew you loved Ginny, however, I did not know if you would allow yourself to continue with her, now that you have to hunt down the Horcruxes and also Voldemort. I am happy to hear that the two of you have gotten married, I wish you a long and joyful life together,” replied Dumbledore as Ron, Hermione, and Ginny came into the room.

Dumbledore greeted everyone of them, as everyone sat down. Dumbledore was the first to speak, “ I am glad that Harry here has invited all of you up here. I wanted to make a request of all of you. I need you to promise me that you will not let Harry go through this year alone. I need to know, I do not think that even Harry himself could do this alone, he needs his friends, but mostly he needs the love you have for him. As I have told him in the past, it is this emotion, that will be the down fall of Voldemort. So will all of you, especially Ginny, promise that no matter what happens, to love, and stand by Harry?”

“I will,” replied Hermione.

“Of course I will, I mean he cant get away from me, were married,” joked Ginny.

“Well, I don’t know. I mean Harry is my best mate, but do I really want to sacrifice everything for him? Well my decision is as easy as counting to one. Yes I will stand by him,” replied Ron making everyone laugh with his joke.

Dumbledore replied, “Ah, laughter, a magic all by itself, I am glad to see that you four are living life to its fullest, even in these dark and dangerous times. I hope you can get others to laugh and lover as you do. Those two things, as well as, friendship are the most powerful things we can use against Voldemort.”

“Yes, Albus. Well I was thinking, we might want to head off to bed now, we have classes bright and early tomorrow and we can always come back later and talk with you,” replied Harry.

“Yes, sure, you all need to get some rest. I am sure you will like your new professors,” replied Dumbledore as the four students got up and left the room.

The four were walking up to the Gryffindor common room when they realized none of them knew the password. As they got to the Fat Lady, they found Neville standing outside waiting for them, “The password is Nitwit. I think they are honoring Dumbledore in every common room. Well come on all the first years want to meet you.”

With that Harry and the rest crawled through the portrait hole. What waited them on the other side was a big pillow hitting Harry in the face first. Then turning and rounding on all the others. The Gryffindors had a pillow fight until the early hours of the morning when everyone decided they should get to bed. Harry and Ginny made their way to the room McGonagall has set up for them. Once in the room Harry and Ginny not even bothering to change just laid on the bed and fell soundly asleep.

Chapter Seven: The New Professor and the Old One

When Harry and Ginny woke up the next day they made their way to breakfast. Once there they got their schedules from McGonagall they sat down with Ron and Hermione to talk about courses. Hermione was the first to speak, “Harry, did you see who is teaching Defense Against the Dark Arts?”

“No, I just got my schedule, so who is teaching the subject?” asked Harry.

“Why it says Tonks, but then also you,” replied Ron.

“Wow, I’m helping Tonks, that’s cool, me and Hermione as Head Boy and Girl get to help the teachers this year. That’s our only job. I think McGonagall is training me and Hermione to become professors here after we graduate,” replied Harry

“Wow, that’s interesting. Hey I just noticed on my schedule it says I’m helping with potions and transfigurations,” replied Hermione.

“Hey, it says I’m helping Flitwick with Charms,” replied Ron.

“Yea, well I see that Horace Slughorn is still teaching potions. Also, Kingsley Shacklebolt is teaching Transfiguration. Wow this year should be fun,” replied Ginny.

“Yea, it looks like my first class is Defense Against the Dark Arts, so the first class of the year is the class where I help teach in, cool,” replied Harry.

With that Harry said bye to Ginny as she went off to Transfiguration. Harry, Ron, and Hermione went to Defense Against the Dark Arts. Once he got there Harry went straight up to Tonks who welcomed Harry with a hug. She turned and then addressed the class, “Wotcher, this year you will be learning about N.E.W.T.s. It is essential that you pay attention not only to me, but also the student teacher Harry Potter. He is the best student in Defense Against the Dark Arts, he knows more about the defense needed than I do, actually. So it is my honor in telling you that this year. You will be taught mostly by Harry. I have approved this with the Ministry and they will allow Harry to make his own N.E.W.T.s course and test.”

Everyone in the room stood up and clapped for Harry, when he finally got the class to quiet down he put down some guidelines, “Since I will be your teacher this year, you wont call me professor but Harry, I also will expect hard work, dedication, and most of all, improvement. It is okay to be the best at defense magic, but if you can improve and adapt then you will not stand a chance at surviving. Trust me, I know. Now I want everyone to separate into pairs. We are going to test reflexes. One person will trying to hit the other with either a stunning spell or a disarming spell, only. The other person when they see the spell being fired will try to jump out of the way. It sounds simple, but trust me facing the Avada Kevadra curse is not pleasant, especially if you can jump out of the way of it.”

With that everyone split into pairs and started testing their reflexes. Ron was superb at dodging spells, and Hermione wasn’t bad either. But other than them, Harry felt, that the class was not very good at dodging spells. For homework he gave them the task of writing a foot on why dodging spells is important. After the class he caught up to Ron and Hermione, “Hey guys, how did I do as my first class?”

“Harry, you were great,” replied Hermione with a smile.

“Yea, you were, though you didn’t have to give us homework,” replied Ron sulkily.

“I know but the only people who were really any good were you and Ron. Then came Neville, that’s only because the three of you have had practice out there fighting.”

“Yea, well I hope you don’t give us too much homework Hermione,” replied Ron.

“Oh, I’m not sure it will be up to me. I think I will just be helping Kingsley with transfiguration not teaching the class,” replied Hermione.

“Yea, I guess so. Well I hope we don’t get a lot of homework. I mean Harry has given us a foot, I am sure we will get homework in potions, and probably also charms,” replied Ron.

As they rounded the corner heading their way up to Gryffindor Tower for their first free period they ran into Ginny. Harry gave her a hug and a kiss, “Hey, do you have class right now, or is it a free period for you?”

“I have a free period, but I don’t have any homework, Kingsley said he wouldn’t be giving any homework this year. He said it was all going to be practical. So I am lucky there,” replied Ginny

“Hey that’s great. Looks like I will only have one subject of homework I have to do tonight,” replied Harry

“Yea, funny, you give us homework and you don’t have to do anything. Well hey I guess if you wanted you could always help us with our essays,” replied Ron.

“Yea, I could, but I think you can get through my class easy Ron, with out my help. You need to start trusting in yourself,” replied Harry.

“Yea, I guess you’re right,” replied Ron as he found out he wouldn’t be receiving help.

Everyone laughed at him and they made their way up to Gryffindor Tower. When they entered the common room they found a notice on the board stating that Tonks, was the new head of Gryffindor House. Harry and Ginny decided to go down and congratulate her, and also help with her other classes. So they left Hermione and Ron in the common room as they made their way to Tonks’ room.

When they reached her room they knocked, when Tonks opened the door they walked in and saw that she had a group of first years. Harry smiled at them and walked up to Tonks, “Sorry for just dropping in like this but good job on making head of Gryffindor House. Also, we thought we might be able to help in your class if you wanted us to.”

“Why thanks Harry, I actually think that there maybe a way for you to help me. We were just going over the basics, I was wondering if you could show our class the disarming spell, and also maybe the stunning spell,” replied Tonks.

“Why sure, no problem. I will be the victim, where as Ginny will be the caster of the spells. Both spells can be performed yelling an incantation. Ginny would you like to demonstrate the disarming spell first, then the stunning spell?” asked Harry.

“Sure Harry, pull out your wand so we can begin,” replied Ginny and when Harry had pulled out his wand she yelled, “ Expelliamus!”

With that Harry’s wand flew out of his hand. He recalled it instantly with the summoning charm, “Accio!” This shocked everyone in the room because Harry had just performed wandless magic, which is extremely difficult.

Harry then asked to be stunned. Ginny yelled the incantation, “Stupefy!” With that Harry sank to the floor. Tonks walked up to Harry and muttered the spell to wake him up, When he got to his feet everyone clapped. Tonks, however, thanked Harry and Ginny for their help and asked if they wanted to stay. They both declined and decided to go spend some time alone. As they left the class room they walked up to Gryffindor Tower. Once there they asked Ron and Hermione to get them before the next bell rang, then they went to their room. The decided to talk about classes. Harry started, “Hey Ginny, I want you to come to me if you need any help, not that you will need it, I just like to be with you while you are doing your homework. So please allow me to join to study,”

“It’s okay, I will tell you when I am studying. Though you will need to study a lot, too. I mean you not all brains,” replied Ginny mockingly.

“No, I am not, that’s Hermione, but I am pretty knowledgeable myself,” replied Harry laughing a little.

“Well, we can always work with each other, I mean this year it seems like all the teaches are working with practical magic, not theoretical magic,” replied Ginny.

“How true you are, but well I think we should go check to see if Ron and Hermione have finished doing my homework,” replied Harry with a mischievous smile.

“Sure, lets go,” replied Ginny.

With that they sneaked out of their room, they found Ron snogging Hermione on the sofa. Harry stepped out of the shadows, “Ahem, I do think that you two have some homework to be doing. If you can show me the finished assignment I will let you two be,” replied Harry laughing.

“Very funny Harry, but you don’t have any control over us, though what you did was pretty mean. Why cant you give me and Hermione any privacy?” asked Ron.

“Well we were just going to our next class and we decided to have a laugh, that’s why we didn’t give you any privacy,” replied a laughing Ginny.

“Well, that’s great but if we don’t get going we will be late to our next class. I wouldn’t put it past Slughorn to make us work on a difficult potion the first day,” replied Hermione.

“Okay, well lets go. Ginny I’ll see you at lunch. Then I be in McGonagall’s office working with Dumbledore for my after lunch free period,” replied Harry, “if you all want to come, that’s no problem.”

With that Harry, Ron, and Hermione headed off to the dungeons and Slughorn’s class. They were right in guessing that had to create a difficult potion. The one assigned today took the whole class to brew and wouldn’t be ready for testing until the next week. Until then they had to stir the potion the correct number of times before allowing to simmer. Hermione’s and Harry’s potions were the best in the class. Even though Hermione was the student teacher she made the potion as well, wanting to get practice. Harry had indeed learned much from the Half-Blood Prince, since he did not have the book he was at the same odds as everyone else. He, however, picked up a few tips and made Harry a great potion maker. At the end of class everyone pilled out of the dungeons and went to lunch.

After lunch Harry, Ron, Hermione, and Ginny all went up to McGonagall’s office. When Harry entered he asked to speak with Dumbledore. When McGonagall left Harry turned to Dumbledore and asked, “Why are Ron, Hermione, and I helping to teach classes this year?”

“Harry, you surely can guess why,” replied Dumbledore.

“Well, for me you want me to gain more experience, also you want me to show them what it is like. Hermione needs to learn more about the areas she is helping with, just like Ron needs to learn more with charms,” replied Harry

“Well done Harry, I knew you would understand if you thought about it,” replied Dumbledore.

“So what about Ginny? What is she supposed to do?” asked Harry.

“Well that is for you to decide, what will you teach her? Only you know, but trust me, you and Ginny have enough power in you love. Ginny is strong enough for all of you, she is wise beyond her age. I think she will be fine,” replied Dumbledore.

With that everyone fell quite, when Hermione spoke it was to Dumbledore, “Excuse me, I think I just remembered something about a possible Horcrux. I think I know where one may be. I was thinking that Rowena Ravenclaw must have written some sort of book, really old with really powerful magic. Well who do we know that has a really old Library?”

“Hermione what are you talking about?” asked Ron

“I’m talking about Harry, he now owns Sirius’ house, and Sirius had a big library in his house, also, remember that locket no one could open when we were cleaning the house out a few years ago? That could be a Horcrux. We know who could have taken it, too. Sirius’ brother. If his middle initial started with an A then he would be R.A.B. it makes perfect sense,” replied Hermione

“Hermione you’re a genius, I know remember, we need to go there over Christmas, that way the Order can come with us if they want,” replied Harry.

“Well not meaning to be rude, but we need to go to our next class,” replied Ginny.

With that everyone said bye to the old professor and went their separate ways until dinner. When Harry, Ron, and Hermione got to transfiguration they took their seats. Kingsley set them all to transfiguring sticks into chairs. By the end of the lesson Harry and Hermione were the only ones to create the soft arm chairs. Harry was slightly better than Hermione’s who had a hard back but soft arms and seat. After dinner Harry, Hermione, and Ron walked up to Gryffindor Tower where they met up with Ginny. Harry having had a long day decided to go to bed. When he got into bed he found a note, it was from Ginny, it said:

Dear Harry,

I love you very much, as much as it pains me to say it, but you need to search for yourself a little while before I join this bed again. Not to be rude or anything, but I want you to get a good start on find the Horcruxes, I think it might be a good idea to see if you can’t use Dumbledore’s old pensive. It might help you. I know that once you find out how to organize your mind, then you can search in your thoughts, once you can do that then I will be able to come back to your bed.
Love,

Ginny

“Wow,” thought Harry, “She cares so much about me and my mission that she will not hinder me, I miss he, but well, I’ll talk to her about the note tomorrow.”

With that Harry laid his head down on his pillow and fell asleep. His dreams were about Ginny and the Horcruxes. He had just found all of the Horcruxes except for Nagini, but he could not destroy them. No matter what he tried, they would not relinquish the part of Voldemort’s soul that were in them. He turned around and shouted for help, He expected Ron or Hermione to come, but he wasn’t shocked that Ginny came. She walked up to him and said, “The way to destroy a Horcrux live in here,“ and she patted Harry on the chest where his heart was. Harry just stared as Ginny left. He then turned around and picked up each Horcrux and they just dissolved. Harry spoke to himself, “Wow, love destroyed them all, they were created with hate, and love destroyed them.” With that Harry woke up to find that it was only five o’clock in the morning.

Harry decided to get up since he figured, that there was no reason for him to go back to sleep. He made his way to the common room to find Ginny sleeping on the sofa. He walked over her and gave her a quick kiss on her forehead, “Thank you,” he replied while pulling her blanket back up and tucking her in. Harry then walked out of the common room, he knew the one place he had to go, most of all, he knew the one request he had to make. With that he started making his way to McGonagall’s office, he had to ask Dumbledore for the pensive.

Chapter Eight: The Pensive and the Note

As Harry made his way to McGonagall’s office he wondered if she would be there or not. When he walked up to the door and knocked no one answered. He tried the door and lucky for him it was unlocked, it silently opened revealing the Headmistress’s office. When he stepped through the door he saw that Dumbledore’s portrait was not sleep as he expected but wide awake. Harry was the first to speak, “…uh…er…Albus…er…I was wondering…er…well who does the pensive that you had belong to now. I was wondering if it was yours or if it belonged to the Headmaster or Headmistress of the school?”

“Well, Harry, I have to say that the pensive was mine, and well I was waiting for this day to come. You came sooner than I expected,” replied Dumbledore.

“You knew that I was going to ask for the pensive from you?” asked Harry.

“Yes, though like I said, I didn’t expect you so soon,” smiled Dumbledore.

“Well, I didn’t actually come here on my own instincts. Ginny left me a note telling me to see if I couldn’t use your old pensive,” replied Harry a little embarrassed.

“Yes, I know Ginny wrote you the note, I told her too. Though that didn’t mean that you would come to me as soon as you did. So, I am wondering what made you come and ask me, what made you think that you need the pensive?” asked Dumbledore.

“Well, I saw Ginny sleeping on the sofa in the common room this morning, she told me in the note that she told me I had to think some things through, well one was about the pensive and the other was about the Horcruxes,” replied Harry.

“Ah, I see, well do you know how you are going to go about finding what and where the Horcruxes are?” asked Dumbledore.

“Well, Albus, I was thinking that well, Ginny could help me organize my thoughts with the pensive and help me sort through them, also figure out patterns. Then when me and Ginny made a connection I would bring up to Hermione and Ron and show them the proof me and Ginny found,” replied Harry.

“Well, it looks like you have thought this all through, I’m glad, I hope you the best of luck with your searching, please keep me informed. Now, it seems like it should be about time for you to go eat breakfast,” replied Dumbledore smiling.

“Okay, but one more thing before I go, how will I get the pensive to my room?” asked Harry.

“Don’t worry about that, I’ll have McGonagall send it up to your room before your classes end today,” replied Dumbledore.

“Thank you,” replied Harry walking over to the door.

When Harry made it to Breakfast he was the first Gryffindor. He sat down and was waiting for his friends when he spotted Tonks, He decided to go up and talk to her about his class today that he was asked to teach, he would be teaching the sixth years for some classes, as well this year. He made his way up to the teachers table, when he got there he asked Tonks, “Hey could we take a walk?”

“Sure, Harry,” replied Tonks getting up from the table and walking with Harry out of the Great Hall.

“So, Harry, what’s up?” asked Tonks.

“Well, class today, what do you want me to teach them. I mean I could test their reflexes, but should I do that, or should I teach them something else?” asked Harry.

“Well, Harry, I think that you should stick with the stuff your doing with the seventh years, I mean the sixth years need to know about fighting just as bad. Well, that’s my opinion,” replied Tonks.

“Well, that’s my opinion too, but I don’t know how much they know, I don’t want to over work them,” replied Harry.

“Harry, I think you shouldn’t worry about that, I mean most of the kids here can handle the workload, they are not stupid,” replied Tonks.

“I know they aren’t, but still, I want to teach them how to fend off dementors, and how to handle other creatures, how to dodge jinxes and curses, and how to turn a battle into their favor. But that’s a lot, I’m not even sure some of the seventh years can handle that. That has taken me six years to learn,” replied Harry.

“Harry, I think that lesson plan is great, and trust that the students can handle it, if they need help then they can come to me,” replied Tonks.

“Okay, well, thanks, I think I’ll go grab some breakfast, as I remember my first class is with you,” replied Harry.

“Okay, try to get there soon,” replied Tonks, as Harry walked away towards the Great Hall.

When Harry walked into the Great hall for the second time that day, he found all the Gryffindors there. Harry made his way over to Ginny, Ron, and Hermione who were sitting away from the other Gryffindors. When he got to them, he found out why they were sitting away from the others, They were arguing about Ginny and him. When he sat down Hermione turned to him and started on a rant, “Harry, I heard you and Ginny are not staying together anymore, Why, I thought you loved her, why would you two be sleeping in two different rooms, what’s going on that Ron and I don’t know about?”

“Hermione, calm down, Ginny told me that she wont share my bed with me until I can figure out what I’m going to do, though I can tell you that me and Ginny will be staying in the same bed tonight. I figured out what I’m going to do. I’ll tell you guys later as I’m due with Ginny in her first class, see you guys later,” replied Harry.

With that Harry and Ginny got up and made their way to Defense Against the Dark Arts, on their way Harry told Ginny what he was going to do about everything. Ginny was so happy she stopped Harry and gave him a deep kiss, “Harry, that’s great, though are you sure you want my help with organizing your thoughts? Wouldn’t Hermione be better?” asked Ginny.

“No, you are better because you make me focus better, also I think my thoughts should be seen by my wife incase something personal comes up,” replied Harry laughing.

“I see now, well that’s okay, but I think we should get into class, I want to get a good seat,” replied Ginny.

With that the two of them entered class. Harry went up and talked to Tonks, while Ginny found a seat. When the rest of the class came in Harry told the class to calm down. The hour went by just as it had with the seventh years. No one except for a few of the class showed any ability in dodging. Harry and Ginny walked back up to Gryffindor Tower, Ginny was upset that Harry had given them homework, but when Harry said that he would help her she changed her attitude, and gave him a quick kiss on the lips.

When they entered the common room both Harry and Ginny snickered as they found Hermione and Ron rolling around on the couch laughing and quick snogging. Harry decided to freeze his two best friends, “Ahem, well now, you two sure look like your having a good time,” said Harry trying hard to keep a straight face, “but I think a better place for you two to do that would be in a room.”

“Ha, Ha, very funny Harry, for your information Neville is in the boys dormitory so we couldn’t be up there,” replied Hermione.

“Well, Harry and I do have a room to ourselves. You two are welcome to use it any time we are not using it. Just remember to tidy up after your done,” replied Ginny barely containing her laughter.

“Hey, don’t I get a say in this?” asked Harry feeling forgotten.

“No, Harry, you don’t,” replied Ginny.

“Well, Ginny, my love, I think we should speak more about this, oh and by the way I do agree with you on Ron and Hermione using our room. But I just want to think that I have a say in what’s going on,” replied Harry.

“Ah, Harry, let me give you one piece of advice, I don’t know who said this but it is a favorite quote of mine ‘There is only one sure way of winning an argument with a woman. Unfortunately no one knows what it is,’ and with that said you and Ginny can talk, but we should be getting to Herbology,” replied Hermione.

“Yea I guess your right,” replied Harry to Hermione, then turning to Ginny, Harry said, “ I would still like to feel that what I say is important.”

With that Harry, Ron, and Hermione left the common room and made their way to Herbology. Once there they found that everyone was standing next to Green House 3, the green house with the most dangerous plants in it. At this Harry and Ron both groaned and started complaining about what they were sure going to be a taxing class both physically and mentally.

Hermione just smiled as Professor Sprout, Head of Hufflepuff, came out and explained that the dangerous plants they were working with today were saplings of whomping willows. Harry, Hermione, and Ron who had too many run ins with the one planted on the grounds were not looking forward to the class periods. They were repotting the whomping willows in bigger pots. This was tricky because as soon as you touched the whomping willows they started punching and flailing.

Harry, Ron, and Hermione were walking to lunch rubbing their aching limbs. Harry and Ron were both waddling as the whomping willow saplings had taken their frustration out on them. Hermione suffered more of the mental weariness, but more importantly the whomping willows had put in Harry’s and Ron’s mind the thought that they might never have kids after today.

Entering the Great Hall they found Ginny and headed towards her. Ginny felt bad after hearing about Herbology, she reached over and patted Harry on the back and whispered, “Harry its okay, I don’t know if I even want kids or not.”

Harry apparently started blushing because Hermione asked, “What’s wrong Harry, what did Ginny say?”

“Oh, nothing Hermione, well nothing you need to be concerned about,” replied Harry.

“Hey, what’s wrong, you can tell us, we wont make fun of you, wait…er…is it about you and Ginny and the future? If so, then I don’t want to know,” replied Ron smirking.

“Caught on did you, now can we stop this so I can eat before Charms?” asked Harry.

“Sure, but tonight me and you are going to be working on those Horcruxes,” replied Ginny giving Harry a small unnoticed wink.

“Okay,” replied Harry knowing that tonight they would breach the topic of Horcruxes but not before getting better acquainted to their room. Sighing Harry got up and left the table with Ron and Hermione making their way to Charms. Harry was too busy thinking about Ginny, or he would have realized that Ron and Hermione weren’t bickering. When he realized that they were at Charms he smiled seeing Ron and Hermione quickly dropping each others hands.

In Charms , the work load was easier than other classes, and the fact that there was so much movement and chaos made it ideal for secret conversations. Today’s class was being lead by Ron, so it was very dull work of practicing old spells, this gave Harry and Hermione time to talk. Hermione brought up the Horcruxes but Harry quickly quieted her, he was not going to talk about them in class. Harry decided to bring up the scene he witnessed in the corridor. He started, “Hermione, why did you and Ron drop each others hands before entering class? You two are not trying to hide your relationship are you?”

“Harry, well, Ron doesn’t think it is the right time to reveal that me and Hermione are a couple,” replied Hermione.

“Hermione what you mean is Ron is too chicken that Dean. Seamus, and Neville will make fun of him,” replied Harry correcting Hermione for what he thought was the first time in his life.

“Er…yea…I guess,” replied Hermione.

“Hey, you two, quit talking and lets see some spell work over there, before I give you a foot on summoning spells, and another foot on banishing spells, and I might throw in some detentions,” joked Ron with a stern and surprising resolve.

“Okay, teach, will do,” Replied Harry, “Silencio!”, yelled Harry at Ron who immediately couldn’t make any sound, “There are you happy now, I’m practicing old spells,” Harry said, between his laughs.

Hermione immediately performed the countercharm, and to Harry’s surprise Ron was laughing, “Great one Harry, though I thought you might use something else, maybe like, banishing a pillow at me.”

“Na, I thought getting rid of your voice would be funnier,” replied Harry.

“Hermione, I haven’t seen you perform a spell yet,” said an impatient Ron.

“Okay, Ron, since you like the summoning and banishing charms so much, Accio Ron!,” replied Hermione enthusiastically, as Ron flew towards her.

“Hey, that’s not cool Hermione, I thought we weren’t going to tell anyone yet,” replied Ron.

“Too late, the whole class knows you and Hermione are going out now,” replied Harry loud enough so the whole class could hear.

“Very funny, Harry,” replied Ron looking relieved that his relationship was finally revealed.

“Well, class, I think that is enough practice today, Harry, Hermione, I’m giving you both 5 points for your wonderful charms, and also for making everyone laugh. We need more laughter in this time of need, now there will be no homework, you are dismissed,” Professor Flitwick said, those were his first words all class.

Harry, Ron, and Hermione made their way to the great Hall, they wanted to get some food before everyone else, Flitwick had let them out of class early, as they wanted to get up to Gryffindor Tower and talk. After they finished eating they left the Great Hall, they ran into Ginny and told her to meet them in her and Harry’s room. Nodding in agreement, Ginny entered the Great Hall as Harry, Ron, and Hermione made their way up to Gryffindor Tower.

Once there Harry opened the door to his room, he was not shocked to find the pensive, but was shocked to find a note. Harry walked over to the envelope of parchment and looked at.

Harry Potter (only)

Harry was confused, who would be writing to him, and why only him? He tucked the note into his robes, he turned back to his friends, “Well now I have the pensive I should be able to get to work on finding the Horcruxes.”

“That’s true, so lets go over the list again, what do you think the Horcruxes are?” asked Ron.

“Well, there was the diary and the ring which are destroyed, then there is the locket, the cup, Nagini the snake, and something of Gryffindor’s or Ravenclaw’s. I think we are looking for something belonging to Ravenclaw, well that’s what Dumbledore thought,” replied Harry.

“I see, well, one clue I can give you is to go through your memories of the Horcruxes, and see if you cant get a clue from there,” replied Hermione.

“Yea, that’s true, Voldemort put the Horcruxes in memorable places for him, there was the Gaunt’s house, the cave, and then he entrusted the diary to Malfoy, so I am thinking that is how were going to find them. Looking for places memorable to Voldemort, or people close to him,” replied Harry, thinking of possibilities for the hiding places.

Everyone was shocked when the door suddenly opened, but then realized it was only Ginny, when she closed the Harry was the first to speak, “That was close, you scared us, we thought you were someone else.”

“Nope its just me, Harry, so what have you guys been talking about?” asked Ginny.

“Well, sis, we have been talking about the Horcruxes, like what we thought they were, and then discussing how V-Voldemort hides his Horcruxes,” replied Ron.

“Well, that’s a good start, but I want to talk to Harry alone, and I’m sure that you two will want to go make use of Ron’s dormitory,” Ginny said, giggling as both Ron and Hermione blushed.

With that Ron and Hermione left the room, leaving Harry and Ginny alone, Ginny started off slow, “Harry, uh, well, I went to Dumbledore’s office today, and I found out and got, Dumbledore’s memories that he had left out, I don’t know what they are but, the are eight of them.”

“Well, they could be the memories of the Horcruxes but I don’t remember seeing eight memories. I think that there might be some memories for us, from Dumbledore,” replied Harry.

“Yea, well Harry would you mind if we tried out the pensive another night, tonight I just want to be with you,” replied Ginny, walking over to Harry and embracing him.

“Sure, though can you give me a moment? I want to go to the bathroom real quick,” replied Harry knowing that would be the only excuse to give him some privacy, he wanted to know what the note said.

“Sure, go ahead, but I want you back here as soon as you can be,” replied Ginny giving him a mischievous smile.

Harry smiled to himself, he knew it, Ginny was after one thing tonight, and well he would not disappoint her, he would be bent to her will. Harry made his way to the bathroom, that would be the only place he could really have privacy out side of his room, when he got into the bathroom he entered a stall closed the door and locked it. Slowly he withdrew the note from his robes, when he read his name again he recognized the handwriting, it was Dumbledore’s, he steadied himself forcing tears from his eyes, he opened the envelope and pulled out the letter.

Harry Potter,

Harry, if you’re reading this then I mist be dead, you must also have asked for the pensive. That was the clause you must complete in order to gain access to my will. Only you will know the full contents of the will, everyone else will just know what they got.

First of all, to Hermione Granger, I would like to give her my extensive library, this is from my personal house, and Hogwarts, all Hermione has to do is take the portkey I have set up for her, you will see it as the object furthest to the left in my glass case on the top shelf. Trust Hermione, she will be able to help teach you enough magic to defeat Voldemort.

The second item goes to Ron, I give him my books on strategy, as he has the mind and quick thinking for strategically maneuvers. The item next to Hermione is a portkey that will send Ron to the place to get the books. Trust his judgment as he will help you in a plan to defeat Voldemort.

To Ginny, I give her something of great importance, first I give her you, you are the love of her life. The love you two have is a key essential to you defeating Voldemort. The second thing I give to Ginny is something only she can know, the item next to Ron’s is a portkey that will take Ginny to this item. You have to believe in your love, because then hope will never leave your heart.

Finally, Harry, most important, to you I give the Order of Phoenix, you will be able to have the Order do anything you need, or want. Most of all, you can finally organize it to fight Voldemort effectively, you have faced and survived Voldemort more than anyone alive, you alone can help the Order more than I did. You can teach them how to act, fight, survive a confrontation with numerous Death Eaters, and Voldemort himself. Now I also, give you temporary Deputy of Hogwarts Headmaster, once you defeat Voldemort you can come back to Hogwarts and be Headmaster, I am sure McGonagall would love to take back her transfiguration job.

Keep this all in mind, use the pensive to look for clues, also if you do not already know, Fawkes is yours, when his owner dies the phoenix goes to the person who showed the greatest loyalty to the phoenixes deceased owner. That would be you. Now Harry, get back to work, Voldemort wont defeat himself.

Sincerely,

Yours Truly,

Albus Dumbledore

Harry folded the letter back up, he left the stall, he noticed that tears had started to swell in his eyes. He quickly wiped them away and made his way back to Ginny. When he got to the room it was lit only by candles. Ginny was in their bed waiting for him, He smiled, he would leave the will for tomorrow, but for tonight he would make his wife happy. The door to their bedroom slowly closed, Harry was careful not to draw attention to the bedroom. Ron and Hermione, who noticed Harry closing the door, slowly left the common room and made their way to the boys dormitory.

Chapter Nine: First Breakthrough and First Detention

The first couple of weeks were, in Harry’s opinion, stress free. Harry did not have too much homework, nor did he have any detentions yet, how ever he was frustrated that he hadn’t been able to get any clues to any other Horcruxes. Sure they knew about the locket, but they had no luck with any of the others. Ravenclaw’s book was just a possibility, they hadn’t found anything proving that it was a Horcrux. As Harry was pondering this, he made his way to Defense Against the Dark Arts, the class itself was beginning to get better. Most of the class could dodge a non-verbal spell, the ones who couldn’t, still could dodge verbal spells.

As Harry entered the class he walked over to the chalkboard, and on it wrote, Creatures, today they would start on various creatures they would need to know about. He thought briefly about making a quick comment on dodging, then decided he should compliment the class on their hard work.

As the class started coming in Harry noticed that most looked annoyed, he smiled to himself. Once everyone was in the room he turned and faced the class, “Everybody, calm down, I want to start off this class with a Good Job, you all have done marvelous in dodging, now how ever we are moving on to creatures, I am going to ask you all to help me on this next part, who can give me some creatures under Voldemort’s control?”

“Dementors are one,” Hermione replied shoving her hand into the air.

“Very good, now how about you Dean, can you name any?” asked Harry.

“Well, teach, there are the werewolves,” replied Dean Thomas.

“Very good, no lets try Seamus,” replied Harry turning to Seamus.

“Well, it is rumored that Voldemort has giants on his side,” replied Seamus not daring to look at Harry.

“Very good, Seamus,” replied Harry.

With that Harry and the class started their long discussion about creatures and how to go about handling them, and acting around them. Harry didn’t give any homework because one they didn’t need to know all of this, just have an idea of it all, and two because he wants more practical lessons. Everyone hearing that they wouldn’t be given homework looked around, they were confused, so far Harry was the only teacher to assign homework each class to them. One student raised his hand. Harry being caught off guard asked, “Yes, er…sorry I don’t know your name.”

“My name is Samantha Forrester, I’m in Hufflepuff, I wanted to know, you have given us homework after every class, why not give us homework now?” asked Samantha almost afraid of what Harry was going to say.

“Ah, I was wondering if anyone was going to ask, Samantha, the reason I’m not giving you homework over creatures, is because, well, I don’t think it is a need to know topic, I believe that as long as you have an idea of how to act around these creatures, you will be fine. With the dodging, you need to know how to dodge spells incase you don’t know how to block, or can’t block them,” replied Harry, relieved that the whole class seemed to think that his reasoning was correct, “That’s it, well, for today, class dismissed.”

With that everyone, except for Ron and Hermione, left the room. Harry was wondering what they thought of his class today, but he never asked, Ron beat him to it, “Harry, great job today, I think that this a good idea, what are you planning next?”

“Well, this is kind of a lead into my next thing, the patronus spell. It has been a spell to save my rear end a few times. Not to mention both of yours on one occasion,” replied Harry.

“Well, that’s great isn’t it, but most of the class already can do a patronus spell,” replied Hermione looking at Harry confused.

“I know they can, but some cant, I would like to give them a chance to learn. I mean, everyone should know how to fight off Voldemort and his minions, that’s what I’m teaching this year. The D.A. already is ahead of everyone, but well we never got to practice the spell on a boggart dementors, that’s how I learned to produce the spell. Also, Tonks can teach us how to send messages with our patronuses,” replied Harry, thinking that this year might be easy now, they had already struggled with dodging. Well winning the fight is a lot harder than dodging spells, how are they ever going to be able to handle that. When he looked around he found that he, Ron, and Hermione were at the Great Hall.

When he sat down at the table, he was thinking, wouldn’t it be a good idea if they had some of the Order helping them look for or destroying the Horcruxes, what about getting access to the vast knowledge in the Ministry of Magic. Surely, gaining access to the magic in the ministry would benefit his cause. Was it an equal trade off, him being the poster boy of the Ministry, just to gain access to strong and powerful magic? Ginny caught something in his face, because she asked, “Harry, what’s wrong?”

“Its nothing, well, nothing that I can speak about here, grab Ron and Hermione and lets go to our room,” whispered Harry as he set off for Gryffindor Tower. Harry was in the common room for about ten minutes before Ginny, Hermione, and Ron came through the portrait hole. He was not surprised to see confusion on all their faces.

After what seemed like an eternity, Harry decided that he would first talk to them about class, then he would bring up the Order and the Ministry. Harry quite didn’t know how to begin and was thankful for Ginny as she asked, “Harry, you can’t fool us, what’s going on, something is bothering you, what is it?”

“Okay first off, I’m worried about teaching classes, I mean you all thought that dodging was hard, well guess what, that’s not it, once we finish with Dementors, which, I expect to spend till Christmas on, or less, after that it is fighting, blocking and then attacking.

Finding a way to get the upper hand, this part for the past six years of my life has nearly killed me. This is the part that scares me to teach, I am not sure that the class, both sixth and seventh years, can handle this.

Based on how they handled dodging, I’m not sure that they have the instinct, the feeling, the want, or the need, to learn what I am to teach them. They don’t know what it is like out there, they don’t know how it is out there, and until I can show them that, they will never be able to handle what I need to teach them. That is why I am going to need the three of you there in both classes to show them,” replied Harry.

“Sure Harry, Hermione and I are in you class so we can help, though Ginny will need to get out of Transfiguration, I don’t see that as a problem since you can get her excused,” replied Ron.

“Yea, the next problem I have is well, it deals with the Order and the Ministry. I was thinking of asking two people in the Order to secretly help with finding and destroying Horcruxes, I’ll give Ron and Ginny one guess at who one of the people I am thinking of, and I’ll give Hermione one guess at the other,” replied Harry.

“Well, Ginny, do you know who Harry is thinking of?” Ron asked his younger sister.

“Well, I have an idea, Harry, are you thinking of Bill?” asked Ginny.

“Yes, I figured his background as a curse-breaker would help us. Now, Hermione, do you know who I thought for the other person?” asked Harry hoping she would figure it out.

“Well…uh…I am guessing, but do you mean Lupin?” asked Hermione unsure of herself.

“You are correct, Hermione,” replied Harry, “I thought that those two could really help us out, now I trust both with my life and that’s why I came to you guys, do you think this is a good idea, or not?”

“Harry, I think it is a good idea as long as you’re sure they will not spill this secret to the other members of the Order,” replied Ginny with a slight smile on her face.

“Yea, I thought of that, but onto the next question, do you think I should become the poster boy of the Ministry? I mean if I did I could gain access to the magic inside the Ministry and that could help me. Plus, I could get Aurors to protect the school, or us, or something. What do you guys think?” questioned Harry.

“Well, I think it would be a smart move on your part, besides if you are allies with the Ministry they wont be following you around and causing havoc when we, meaning all of us, need secrecy,” replied Ron speaking forcefully.

“Well, Ron, I think you are right, now once me and Ginny find something more in my memories something tangible, we’ll let you know. I have some items for you all, how ever, I can’t give them to you, yet. I have to wait I don’t know why, but I have a feeling in me telling me that the time isn’t right,” replied Harry, thinking of Dumbledore’s will.

With this, Harry and Ginny left the common room and went to their room, they wanted to start on the Horcruxes. They decided that they would start working with all their memories at Grimmauld Place. Harry noticed that in every memory he say that he was always staying away from one room, he realized that he tried to stay as far away from the room as possible. Ginny soon picked up on this, “Why did you always stay away from that room?”

“I don’t know, I never really got a good feeling about that room, it felt like there was something inside that was very dark. I never thought about it, I wonder if, there could be something in there, that could help us. Since we’re going to go there over Christmas I think we can take the rest of the night off, what do you think?” asked Harry giving Ginny a smile and a wink.

“Sure, Harry,” Ginny said, not able to hid her excitement.

With Harry and Ginny taking the night off, Harry was wondering what Ron and Hermione were doing. Harry was also, thinking of how to get Ginny out of Transfiguration with out simply asking, Kingsley. Harry doubted that Kingsley would let Ginny join his class for a little period of time, just by asking. Harry finally thought of a solution, he turned his attentions to Ginny, he let himself be controlled by her will.

Up in Ron’s dormitory he and Hermione were talking, they were talking about Harry’s class and how they were going to help him show the class exactly what it was like fighting Death Eaters, and Voldemort. They also were wondering if he was going to have Neville help them out. They started discussing other people Harry might bring in, they were also wondering how Harry was going to get everyone to practice their patronuses on a dementors, that would be too dangerous. They finally fell asleep Ron on his bed and Hermione on Harry’s old bed. When they woke up the realized they slept through their first free period of the day. They were a little disappointed but when they found Harry, the cheered up.

Harry was walking out of Tonks’ office, when Harry saw his two friends he briskly walked over to them, excitedly he explained, “Hey, I was just in Tonks’ office talking to her about getting a boggart to practice on for the patronuses. Also I asked her to get some help to show the class how dangerous it is out there, trust me you might be surprised by this but it will work. Well we need to get to Herbology,” replied Harry, as the three of them made their way to Herbology.

No matter how hard they questioned Harry, they could not figure out who was going to help them show the class the dangers of fighting. The rest of the day went by in a fog for the trio, the only thing they found out was that Harry and Ginny had made a breakthrough with the Horcruxes, how what they didn’t know was that Harry and Ginny had put their plan to get Ginny out of Transfiguration into action. They staged a problem which would have to end up in giving Ginny and the other student detentions, Ginny and Samantha Forrester were the two who were going to be fighting, Harry had asked Samantha this favor, in return for helping her get caught up in Defense Against the Dark Arts.

As Harry, Ron, ad Hermione entered the great Hall they found Ginny and Samantha fighting each other. Harry was impressed with both of them, they both were dodging the others spells quite easily. Hermione and Ron looked stunned, but Harry took action, he walked up and stepped between the two girls, Samantha tried to hex Harry, which, he blocked easily enough. At this Ginny tried to storm over to Samantha and hit her, Harry grabbed her and yelled, “STOP, I don’t know what’s going on, I don’t care either, I am giving each of you three weeks of detention, no questions, no buts. I will talk to both of you later, deciding when your detentions will be. Now get to class before, I start taking house points from both of you!”

Hermione and Ron walked up to Harry with a surprised look on both their faces. Hermione decided to risk a complement, “Well done, Harry, you handled that really well, though that hex that you blocked from Samantha shocked me, also they both learned from you, they were dodging like you,” Hermione started laughing.

“Well, that went smoother than I expected,” replied Harry.

“What are you talking about?” asked a bewildered Ron.

“Well, Samantha, Ginny, and I decided to set up a whole scene like that, to get Samantha caught up to the D.A. in Defense Against the Dark Arts, and to get Ginny out of Transfiguration. I’ll explain to Kingsley why I had to give them both detentions. I had to do it incase Voldemort has people watching us and sees anything to peculiar. Like me teaching students out of class, or bringing a bunch of students into a class,” replied Harry not meeting Ron’s or Hermione’s eyes.

“Wow, Harry, that’s a smart plan, I mean we don’t want to alert Voldemort to anything that we’re doing. I would have never thought of that,” replied Ron.

“Yeah, I have to agree with Ron, that was a brilliant idea, Harry,” replied Hermione smiling at Harry.

“Yeah, well, I’m going to charms now, I want to practice with Flitwick some charms, I know we have a free period but I’m going to use it to practice. The more I know the easier it should be to defeat Voldemort, not that it will be easy. I just want to learn more,” replied Harry as he got up and headed to charms.

When he got to the door, he was shocked to find that Ginny was in there talking to Flitwick, as Harry entered Ginny smiled at him and gave him a hug. Flitwick smiled at Harry, too, Harry found this a little strange. He suddenly wanted to know what Ginny was speaking to him about. He decided to ask Ginny later, Harry wanted to start practicing, “Er…professor…uh…I was wondering if you could…er…help me practice some,”

“Why, Harry, of course I will, you and Ginny both can practice, I was just talking to her about well, you and her, but she also was worried about her skill level at charms,” chirped Flitwick.

With that Harry and Ginny, both started working, they both had mastered some new charms that Flitwick had told them about, he was surprised that the two had mastered them. He didn’t even think that Hermione Granger could have mastered these spells so quickly. When their free period was over Harry stayed and waited for Ron and Hermione, while Ginny left for her next class.

When Ron and Hermione came in they asked Harry about his practicing, Harry filled them in and then they got down to working on some spells, Harry took the class easy, he was a little tired from learning the new spells he did. When the class was over, Flitwick asked Harry to stay back for a second, he wanted to talk to him. When everyone was finally gone Harry asked, “What’s going on professor?”

“Oh, nothing, I just wanted to tell you how proud I am of you, the spells you learned today are very complex, and advance magic. It took me months to get to the point that you and Ginny are at now, I don’t even think Hermione could be where both of you are, even after three weeks. I hope you use these spells well, they work really good against dark magic, and dark objects,” replied Flitwick.

Harry was sure he caught Flitwick wink but wasn’t sure, “Well, thanks professor, but I should go and eat, I really haven’t ate all day.” With that Harry made his way out of the class and to the Great Hall, he was tired but wanted to grab something to eat before going up to bed early.

Chapter Ten: The Patronus and A New Friend

Harry was surprised, it was the second week they were working on Dementors, they were studying the creatures right now, not how to repel them. He was surprised at how serious the class was taking this, he was happy, he was feeling better. He had also started working with Samantha Forrester on her patronus. He started off showing her his, then he asked her to practice the incantation. The second practice session he was shocked, she had been able to produce a corporal patronus. He was even more shocked for some reason, by the fact that her patronus took the form of a badger, the symbol of her house, Hufflepuff. He didn’t know why this shocked him so much, but he was extremely pleased with her progress.

When Harry started practicing their patronuses in class, he made an announcement startling everyone, “Class, I was unable to find a boggart to practice our patronuses on, however, we have found and captured a real dementor to practice on. I assure you very much, that you will be safe, we have brought in some extra people to make sure the dementor does not get out of control.”

“What! You have a real dementor, and you are going to make us practice on that? Are you insane, it could kill us all!” yelled an angry Dean Thomas.

“I assure you all, that you will be perfectly safe, I have brought in some Aurors to protect you,” replied Tonks stepping from the corner, scowling at the class, “I thought you would have realized that you can’t be prepared for the worst, without danger to yourself, Harry here, your teacher, has faced these creatures more than once. How can you stand there and worry about a dementor killing you all, when your teacher has probably one of the most powerful patronus I have ever seen. And yes, this year will be difficult, trust me, it wont get easier, if you don’t want to be prepared to save your life and the lives of others, then you can leave this class.”

With this the whole class shut up, they were scared for their lives, they never wanted to face a dementor but Tonks had a point. Unless they could beat one under controlled condition, how could they beat one when anything could happen? Harry was doing everything in his power to make sure they all live, he was doing this for them, not himself. When Harry spoke again he was calm, and his voice lacked emotion, “My job here is to make sure you can defend yourself, that is what I’m going to do, I have to tell you this. If you think that facing a dementor is difficult, then you wont want to be here at the end of the year, I have decided to test all of you myself, but I wont be the lone tester, there will be me, Tonks, and some other Aurors. Being able to fight us, will be almost exactly like fighting Death Eaters. They almost never attack by themselves. You are warned, I suggest that you work hard. Now please kindly sit still, as Tonks will tell us how to send messages with our patronuses.” With that Harry sat down at the table with his friends.

“My job is to help smooth over places which Harry hasn’t yet learned, one of these places is, sending messages with your patronus. Now this takes focus and concentration, with out this you cannot send a message. It is easier than conjuring a patronus while facing a dementor, which is why we are going to practice now, I want the class to separate into twp groups, each group will have a person they are trying to send a message to.

“You send a message by concentrating of the person you want to send the message to, also concentrate on your message, then you send your patronus off to deliver the message. I want all of you as a group to pick one person to send a message to. Then all pick a message to send. After everyone has gone the person that the message was supposed to be sent to will send a message to someone of their choice. Please split up and move to your corner of the room,” replied Tonks explaining everything she could to the class.

Once the class started practicing Harry and Tonks could both realize that the class was more serious than ever, Harry silently thanked Tonks for her support earlier that day. However, Harry wasn’t happy, his group all decided to send him the message, They all sent different ones which he read out what he got. At the end of the class he, Ron, and Hermione left after everyone else, they wanted to talk to Tonks.

When Tonks came up to them, she wasn’t surprised that Hermione spoke first, “Tonks, uh, well we wanted to know, Harry, Ron, Ginny, and I need to talk to Bill, and Remus. Is there any way you can get them here for one night, the conversation also must be private, no one is to know it is happening or know what is being said.”

“Well, it will be very hard to get them both here, but I don’t see it as a problem, I’m sure that when they do get here, you could use the Room of Requirement. I just hope that you will get what you need,” replied Tonks.

“Thanks, well we should go,” replied Hermione.

With that the three of them left the class room, they wanted to find Ginny and talk about what was going to happen. When they finally found her and told her what was happening, everyone was rushing to get to their next class.

When Harry, Ron, and Hermione showed up in potions, Hermione went up to help Slughorn, which left Ron and Harry to potion making. Harry had sustained his name as an excellent potion maker, even Hermione had to admit that. Ron had also improved, he could make every potion they were asked to make, and receive a passing grade. His potions, however, were not up to the level of Hermione’s or Harry’s.

Once they finished with potions Harry excused himself from Ron and Hermione, he gave them permission to use his room, grabbed Ginny, and made their way to the Room of Requirement. He wanted to have one night where no one could know what they were doing, when they entered the room, Ginny found Champaign, two glasses, and a bed covered in rose petals. She knew what would happen, and she would welcome it, she had wanted it to happen since they got married, but she wanted Harry to pick the time and the place. Finally, he had, the night would be the best night of the couples young lives.

The next morning when Harry and Ginny made it to breakfast, they found Ron scowling at Harry, and Hermione smiling, Ginny noticing Ron’s scowl snapped at him, “Harry and I are married, we can do what ever we want, it is perfectly legal. We wont be having a kid anytime soon, so you don’t have to worry about that.”

“Ginny, I care about what is going on, I mean I needed to talk to Harry last night and you for that matter, but I couldn’t. I’m not worried about you and Harry. Promise that you two will meet me in the Room of Requirement later,” Ron said, he added the last part in a whisper to Harry and Ginny.

“Okay, sorry big brother, “ replied Ginny.

The rest of the day went by without a hitch, when it was time to meet Ron in the Room of Requirement, Harry and Ginny excused themselves from Hermione’s presence. As they reached the room they found Ron waiting with the door open, once they got in Ron closed the door. Harry and Ginny saw that Ron was nervous but they did not know why. When Ron finally spoke, it was with caution, “Uh, well I wanted to ask you, Harry already knows about this, but well, me and Hermione are getting married, I’ve already proposed to her and she has accepted. She doesn’t know about the wedding, that’s why I’m here, Harry knows somewhat about it. Harry you found out about it but didn’t know what it meant, I’m having the wedding over Christmas. That’s what mum meant about she was going to need your help, now Ginny I would like you to be Hermione’s Matron of Honor. Harry of course you’re going to be my best man. Now I wanted to know if you will help me and our mum plan the wedding?”

“Why of course brother, I was wondering when you were going to tie the knot,” joked Harry, “but seriously, I will help you.”

“Well, I’ll help,” replied Ginny.

“Well, thanks for your help, I want to get back to Hermione, so I’ll leave you two alone,” replied Ron and he left.

The next few moments Harry and Ginny were just sitting there holding each other thinking about their wedding. They were happy for Ron and Hermione. After about ten minutes of reliving old memories they decided to get up and go back to Gryffindor Tower. Once they were out of the Room of Requirement they ran into Samantha Forester. Harry wondering what she was doing asked, “Why are you up here?”

“Well, I was just lonely in Hufflepuff, so I was just walking around. What are you doing up here?” asked Samantha.

“We were just talking to our brother, my older brother, Harry’s brother in-law,” replied Ginny.

“I see, well you can call me Sam, I was wondering if you wanted to hang out, I also have to tell you two, Ron and Hermione something. It will help you on your way to finding the items you seek. Don’t worry, no one told me anything, but I think we should have this discussion with Ron and Hermione, maybe somewhere private,” replied Sam.

“Yeah, sure, we were just going back to Gryffindor Tower we can go there together,” replied Harry smiling. With that the group of three walked to Gryffindor Tower, when they walked through the portrait hole they found the common room empty. They decided to check their room before the boy’s dormitory, sure enough, there were two people in Harry’s and Ginny’s room. When Harry knocked two people jumped.

Harry opened the door and led the two ladies in, Ron and Hermione were both surprised to see Sam there. Ginny, seeing their confused faces, explained, “Sam is here because she wants to tell us something about the Horcruxes.”

“Ginny!” exclaimed Hermione.

“It’s okay, Hermione, she knows about them, she found us in the corridor and was talking to us about them,” replied Harry, “what I want to know is how Sam knows about them, and what she wanted to tell us.”

“Okay, well first off, as Harry might have suspected from my patronus, I’m the heir of Hufflepuff, there was a prophecy made about me, it had to do with Harry hunting Voldemort’s Horcruxes. That’s how I know about them, I have a particular ability I haven’t told anyone about. I can feel the Horcruxes when I’m near one, I have Hufflepuff’s cup. The only problem I know is I can’t destroy them, neither can you Harry, but someone, well, two people in this room can. That is Ginny and Hermione, they were also in my prophecy. Now that you know I want to help you guys,” replied Sam, not daring to meet their eyes afraid of what she would see there.

“Hey, Sam, it’s okay, you can help us, I mean we really couldn’t do this with out you. I just hope that we don’t lead you to your death,” replied Harry.

“Harry, I know what I’m getting into. I’m not like Dean, or Seamus. I know what it means to be out fighting, I don’t know how to do it, but I understand what it means. That is my other ability, I can sense the feelings of people, also I can sense how they feel, during the roughest time of their life. So I know how it feels to face Voldemort, and his minions,” replied Sam, realizing that these people sitting before her were happy to have her.

“We thank you for your courage, and welcome to our team, well looks like I have to go speak with McGonagall. I’m going to have to get you a room in Gryffindor Tower. I mean that way you can be here when we need urgent meetings, that is unless you want to stay in Hufflepuff’s dormitory,” replied Harry.

“Wow, of course I want to stay here, I have no one else in my dormitory,” replied Sam, not being able to hold her excitement in.

“Sam, why don’t you stay in Hermione’s dorm tonight, ill go talk to McGonagall right now, Ginny want to join me?” replied Harry as he got off the bed and made his way over to the door. Ginny got up and left too.

When the two teens were outside of McGonagall’s office, they stopped and turned to each other. Harry startled Ginny when he spoke, “Ginny, you know that the addition to our group balances everything else. Soon four guys will know what were doing and four ladies already know what were doing, I hope you can understand why I’m allowing Sam to come, it’s because well I need all of you, but someone that can help me pinpoint the Horcruxes will be a great addition, it will take the stress off, you and me, but also allow us more time.”

“Harry, I know why you’re allowing Sam to come, and I don’t care, I just want you,” replied Ginny giving Harry a bear hug, “but we should speak with McGonagall.”

With that Harry and Ginny knocked on McGonagall’s door. When McGonagall let them in they sat down in two chairs that Harry made appear out of thin air, they were large, soft, and comfortable. McGonagall couldn’t stop herself, “Harry, when did you learn to perform such complex transfiguration?”

“Oh, well, with a friend like Hermione, its practice, practice, and more practice. I just worked my rear end off, I practiced harder than I have ever did before, now I’m just as good if not better in some areas of transfiguration,” replied Harry, smirking at his old transfiguration teacher.

“However impressive Harry has become at transfiguration, that is not the reason we are here,” replied Ginny getting the two back on track, “we need to ask a favor of you, McGonagall.”

“Well, what is this favor, surely its not something stupid, I mean I was about ready to go to bed,” replied a scowling McGonagall.

“Ah, well this request is important to my mission. I need to get Samantha Forrester, from Hufflepuff, moved to Gryffindor Tower. We are allowing her into our mission, therefore, we want her close to us that way we can talk to her easier. I also think it would be less obvious if she is moved to Gryffindor Tower, than if I just keep coming to her and spending loads if time with her compared, with my wife, and my best friends. She is the only one in her dormitory so by moving her to Gryffindor Tower, you are just moving her, because she is alone,” replied Harry.

“I see, well if I understand she is staying in Hermione’s dorm room already. That should not be a problem, I’ll allow it,” replied McGonagall smiling, “now get back to bed, that way I can get some sleep.”

With their request accepted, Harry and Ginny made their way back to Gryffindor Tower, they both were exhausted and were ready for a good nights sleep. On their way back, however, they met Peeves the school’s poltergeist, Peeves was back to his usual. He was chucking anything and everything he could, when he spotted Harry and Ginny, his face lit up, “Harry Potter, and his wee little girlfriend, too. What are they doing out so late, I don’t know,” with that he started chucking trash cans at the two.

Harry and Ginny was, finally, able to get away from Peeves by ducking into a secret passage that had saved Harry many times before. Harry and Ginny now walked through the secret passages of Hogwarts, the ones that Harry’s night time wanderings had given him such an extensive knowledge of the school.

Once Harry was safely in bed, his thoughts turned to Sam, and how thankful he was that he had someone like her, she could help him so much. So couldn’t all his other friends, but Sam could make his hunt for the Horcruxes so much easier. He though about how he had four of Voldemort’s Horcruxes destroyed, or in his possession. He also thought about his wife, she was the most important part of this mission. She was his heart, his hope, and his life, he could not do what he was doing without her support. He would have cracked, he couldn’t see how anyone could do this, especially with worrying about the love of their life. He silently thanked anyone he could ever remember helping him. He got up as quietly as he could, made his way over to the pensive, and started emptying memories into the pensive. When he felt that he could successfully sleep without disturbing dreams, he got back into bed and fell peacefully to sleep.

Chapter Eleven: The Week Before Christmas

Everyone was looking forward to the Christmas break, all their classes had become more difficult. To no one’s surprise Defense Against the Dark Arts was the toughest class. Harry had his class dodging spells while completing an obstacle course each class, and with each class the obstacle course would get harder. Everyone was excited for the break in school work, but some were anxious about the Christmas break. There were five people inside the castle who looked like they were anything but ready fro Christmas. Harry Potter and his friends were as anxious as anyone could be for Christmas, they had not talked to Remus, or Bill, and four of the five, minus Hermione, had to plan a wedding without the bride’s knowledge.

Harry and his friends were about to break from stress when one afternoon, during a free period, Tonks burst through the portrait hole, “They’re here, Bill and Remus have just arrived, come on, you wanted to talk to them, lets go now, they cant stay long.”

With that the five students, Ron, Hermione, Sam, Ginny, and Harry, followed Tonks to her office. One they got the Tonks let them into her office then left, Harry was the first to speak, before Bill or Remus could ask, “We need your help, Bill we need your experience as a curse breaker. Remus we need your ability to wander without drawing attention. We, meaning the five sitting before you, need your help in locating and figuring out how to destroy certain objects, these objects are the key to Voldemort’s downfall. These objects are Horcruxes.”

“WHAT! Voldemort created Horcruxes, are you sure Harry,” replied Bill with an expression of total shock.

“Yes, I am sure, that is where me and Dumbledore went on the night of his death, we were finding a Horcrux, the Horcrux we picked up, however, was a fake. Though we think we have located the real Horcrux. We need you to help us, we know the Order wants to keep a watch on us, we want the two of you to accompany us, for one day to Grimmauld Place. That is where we think the Horcrux is, also, if you don’t want to, then I’m afraid I’ll have to Order you two, as it states in Dumbledore’s will, I have inherited the Order from him. I can show you the paragraph where it states what I have inherited, but that’s it,” replied Harry, the announcement that he was now the leader of the Order shocked everyone, but Lupin.

“Harry, don’t worry, Bill and I will accompany you to Grimmauld Place, but I must insist that Hermione stay back on this mission, while we are at Grimmauld Place we need to talk about some facts that involve the rest of you, but not Hermione,” Remus looked to Hermione, when she nodded he went on, “Harry, I also knew of you ownership of the Order, but I was unable to say anything because you had to make the announcement first. Now that you have, we can tell everyone, and set the Order up how you want.”

“Er…thanks…but, we just needed to get your help, also this is a secret mission, I forbid you to tell anyone what you have herd here,” replied Harry sternly, taking on his role of the leader of the Order.

“Yes, Harry, one question, will you make us call you sir? I mean we are you elders,” joked Bill with a huge smile on his face.

“You know what, Bill, I might make you the only member of the Order, who has to call me sir,” joked Harry, then seriously, “no I will not answer to sir, because as you said, you are older than me, I may be more experienced, that’s what Dumbledore said, but you can call me by name.”

“Well, Harry, I’m sure that you would like to go over what you would like to teach everyone, Bill will leave on another mission. I will stay and help, Harry, give a quick test before Christmas break, also I am the one who is to lead you to the Burrow for Christmas,” replied Lupin, “but for now, I think you all should go to your last class of the day.”

With that the group got up and left the office, they all went to their respective classes, thinking about what they had just learned. Harry was the most relieved to have Lupin back, now he could fully test the students. They would hate him after their next class, Harry was going to make sure of that, but he would make it up to them. All Harry had to do was talk to Remus, and form a plan.

That night Harry woke Ginny and the two got underneath Harry’s invisibility cloak, then they made their way to Lupin’s room. They checked the Marauder’s Map every so often, they didn’t want to be caught off guard. The only reason Harry brought Ginny was because he was going to make the suggestion that Ginny be tested for her N.E.W.T.s.

When they got to Lupin’s room they knocked on the door, when Lupin opened the door, he was confused, Harry quietly whispered, “Lupin, it’s me and Ginny, we want to talk to you.”

“Harry, do you know how dangerous it is for you to be out?” asked Lupin seriously.

“Yes, well, I know the risks, its always the same, but don’t forget I am the leader of the Order, I need to talk to an Order member,” replied Harry mocking Hermione’s know-it-all tone.

“Yes, Remus we need you help,” replied Ginny.

“Oh, alright, come on in,” replied Opening the door for Harry and Ginny, “what do you two need?”

“First off, we want Ginny to take her N.E.W.T.s with the seventh year this year. Secondly, I want to talk about the test were going to give to the class,” replied Harry.

“Well, the first answer, is you can test her for the N.E.W.T. if you want, you are the teacher. The second answer is one I don’t think we should be talking about in front of Ginny,” replied Lupin.

“Er…right…I guess,” replied a reluctant Harry, “Ginny I’m sorry for this, muffliato, there Lupin, now we can talk.”

“Okay, well I was thinking that we transfigure the room into a scenery, like mountains, to shake them up a bit, add in a few obstacles, then have us shooting spells at them. Though I think they need to realize the danger of this, so I think we should have a dementor as an obstacle, also the spells we shoot at them should be a little more dangerous. I think some curses or hexes that cause physical damage would be best,” replied Lupin.

“Yeah, that is a smart idea, that will be a way to convince them how dangerous it is out there, though Is there anyway we could make it dusk, I think that would be the best advantage to them,” replied Harry.

“Actually, that is a great idea, though I think we should save that for the N.E.W.T. test,” replied Lupin, “I think that just mountain terrain will be a good enough test. Would you like to do it tomorrow, I’m sure you can get out of all your classes. Just ask McGonagall and tell her you are setting up a test.”

“Yeah sure, though I think we could use McGonagall’s help with the transfiguration. I mean I’m sure she could be a huge help to us,” replied Harry.

“Okay, but I think you and Ginny should get back to bed now, I’m sure she will need her rest, and you will want to get an early start tomorrow,” replied Lupin, getting up and opening his door.

Harry and Ginny got up and without another word they made their way back the Gryffindor Tower and their room. Once there they both fell immediately asleep. They both slept peacefully, dreaming about each other.

Harry was the first to awake, he wrote a quick note explaining that he needed to talk to McGonagall and get the test set up for the classes. He left it on his pillow and quietly left the room. He went straight to McGonagall’s office, when Harry arrived he walked straight into McGonagall’s office. This shocked McGonagall, but Harry started speaking before she had a chance to speak, “McGonagall, I apologize for barging into your office like this, however, I need the day off to set up the Defense Against the Dark Arts classroom. I am going to test the students I’ve been teaching. Lupin, Tonks, and I will be testing the students on what they have learned, we have a dementor being handled by three experts. We need to transfigure the room into a mountain scenery, we were thinking that you might also be able to help us with the transfiguration.”

“Well, you certainly handled this situation professionally, you got my attention, made your demand, then also appealed to me, I’m proud of you, Harry. Yes, you can have the day off, and yes, I will help you and Remus. Although I don’t agree with your idea of the dementor, I trust you, I know you are teaching the students to live and survive out in the world. Now lets go transfigure the classroom,” replied McGonagall.

With that the two walked to the Defense Against the Dark Arts classroom. Once they got there they found Tonks and Remus moving the desks into a maze. Once Remus realized that Harry and McGonagall had arrived, he transfigured the first desk into part of the mountain. Harry and McGonagall realizing what to do started transfiguring anything and everything into the mountain terrain. McGonagall was surprised at how fast Harry was advancing in his transfiguration. Pretty soon they had transfigured the whole classroom into a mountain, they started forming hiding places and placing obstacles.

Most of the obstacles were physical, though a few were spells that activated if you walked past them. Harry took the first run through, he was surprised at how hard it was. He however made it to the end of the maze perfectly fine, he had dodged all the spells and trap spells. He got scratched, however, on the physical obstacles which took some fight out of him. He was very happy with the course, he thought that anyone getting through the maze would be fine in the real world, for as little as they know.

Harry excused himself from the classroom around dinnertime, Lupin, McGonagall, and Tonks looked extremely pleased with the young wizard. They knew, however, that he was exhausted. He had worked harder than they had, he had transfigured the terrain, then gone back through and picked out the spots for hiding and transfigured them. He had done more than the others combined, not only did he make the maze, he went through the maze five times to make sure the trap spells moved randomly.

When Harry got to the Great Hall, he found his friends, grabbed some food, and ate in silence. Once he finished, he told them all that they had just finished setting up the test, and that they would be tested tomorrow. Everyone was anxious, they noticed Harry was beat up, tired, and he was very tender. They were worried, because, if Harry was in that condition, what condition would they be in?

Everyone decided to get a goodnights rest, they thought they would need it. When Ginny walked into their room, she found Harry passed out on the bed, she quietly changed into her pajamas, and got into bed. She leaned over looking at her husband, giving him a quick kiss on the forehead, the she wiggled right up next to him. Harry subconsciously put his arm around Ginny. Pretty soon Ginny fell asleep dreaming that her and Harry had just got done with the War. They moved into a house of their own, and had two children, one girl, and one boy. Her dream seemed so real, when she woke up, she turned over and watched the love of her life sleep.

When Harry finally woke up, the two of them got dressed and made their way to breakfast. Harry had arranged for McGonagall to call off classes for that day, all except for Defense Against the Dark Arts for sixth and seventh years. Harry, however, forgot to tell McGonagall to mention that after this test, the sixth and seventh years would have no more classes until after break.

When Harry, Ron, Hermione, Sam, and Ginny showed up for Defense Against the Dark Arts, they were surprised at the room. Ginny turned to Harry and uttered in complete shock, “Harry, wow, did you do this? This is amazing, so I’m guessing that we are going have to get through a the terrain?”

“Yes, that’s exactly what you have to do, however, the maze is the easy part. I’ll explain more when the classes get here,” replied Harry.

The class started arriving a little later, when they arrived they just whispered in awe. Apparently everyone was amazed at the classroom. When everyone finally arrived and the whispering started to quiet down, Harry made his announcement, “Class, today we test your ability, and after today the rest of the week is yours, I have gained permission for your break to start after you are done with the test. However, this won’t be an easy test, it will test you physically and magically. I know you will all do fine, but here is what the test consists of. First off, the test is a maze, you will have to work your way through it by passing some trap spells. Tonks, Lupin, and I will all be in the maze trying to hit you with physically damaging spells. This is to show you, on a smaller scale, what will happen in the real world. If you want to by pass the test then just send red sparks up and I will lead you out of the maze. I wish you all the best of Luck, now line up, you do not have to be in classes.”

Harry then walked into the maze to his hiding spot, he called the first person in, he wasn’t sure who it was, but they did not do so well. Harry ,overall, thought that everyone was doing fine, he wasn’t surprised when the last four people were his closest friends. He was very happy with his friends. They were the best in the class, they all got past the dementor quite easily, navigated the trap spells fairly good, and all dodged extremely well. Ron and Ginny were the best, followed by Sam, then by Hermione. Harry knew that Hermione was the smartest witch he knew, but she wasn’t very good at physical challenges.

After everyone completed the course Harry dismissed the class, he told them to have a great break and then joked, “Now I don’t want to see any of you doing any homework, otherwise I’ll give you detention.” Everyone immediately started laughing, then everyone left to enjoy the rest of their break.

Ron dragged Harry, Sam, and Ginny into Harry’s and Ginny’s room, he wanted to talk about the wedding. They had decided on a muggle wedding, Ron liked his younger sisters wedding, and decided that they would let his mom do the rest. That was her thing, she wanted to make sure everything would fit nicely with her. Ron had no objections to this, though he objected when Harry offered to buy Hermione’s wedding dress and Ron’s tuxedo, he also would buy the rings. Harry explained it would be his gift to the groom and bride, but Ron was embarrassed by the gift. Harry decided to tell Ron that it was also his way of thanking his mom, “Ron, this is my way to thank your family for all they did for my wedding. You mom bought all the clothing and wouldn’t let me pay for any of it, I want to pay for everything at your wedding to pay back your family. You have to let me do this, come on mate.”

“Oh, alright, but I expect you to buy some nice things not really cheap trashy ones,” replied Ron.

“Would I buy trashy things for my best friends? I think not, you hurt my feelings by accusing me of such things,” joked Harry, “but seriously, I would never buy anything but the best for you two.”

With that Harry and Ginny got up and left the room, they went to talk to Lupin. When they got to his room, Lupin was standing outside his door waiting for them. Harry was chocked but before he could speak Lupin replied, “Harry, I was wondering when you were going to come and talk to me.”

“Er…yea, Lupin, I want to go to Grimmauld Place before we go to the Burrow, Ron and Sam are sending wedding plans to Mrs. Weasley, for Ron’s and Hermione’s surprise wedding. We want to give her as much time as we can to get the wedding organized. That’s the only reason,” replied Harry.

“Well, Harry, I’m not sure what’s going to happen at Grimmauld Place, I mean we don’t use it as head quarters anymore,” replied Lupin.

“Well, Remus, I think we will be fine, I mean we have the order behind us, and we are all very able wizards,” replied Ginny, “also, we have Harry.”

“That’s true, though I’m not sure that just because we have Harry, that we’ll be alright,” replied Lupin.

“Yea, that’s not the point, so we’re going to go to Grimmauld Place before the Burrow right?” asked Harry anxious to get an answer.

“Yes, if that’s what you want,” replied Lupin.

“Yes, thanks, we have to go, we’ll talk to you later, bye,” replied Ginny grabbing Harry’s hand and dragging him away.

The rest of the week dragged by, Harry was anxious to get to Grimmauld Place, he, however, had a rough time thinking about anything but Ginny. Ginny helped Harry by distracting him, during meals, and free time, she would always have a mischievous smile on her face. She would try to entice him during meals by rubbing her leg on his, or during free time, she would lay her head in his lap and just smile mischievously at him. Harry knew some thing was up, he couldn’t tell what, but he soon found out. Ginny wanted to push their relationship further, which he agreed to her request. Ron and Hermione were spending most of their time together, as well.

On the day they were to leave Lupin showed up in the Gryffindor common room. He ushered everyone to a room where they would be able to apparate to Grimmauld Place. Once in the room he told everyone to apparate before him, that way he knew they all had left. Soon there were five small pops and Harry, Ginny, Ron, Hermione, and Sam had disappeared. Remus apparated shortly after, smiling to himself, today would be an interesting day.

Chapter Twelve: Grimmauld Place and Surprises

When Remus arrived at Grimmauld Place he could not find any of the kids, he was worried, where had they gone. When he heard pots banging around he decided to check the kitchen, when he entered he was surprised at what was happening. Hermione, Ginny, and Samantha were busy getting the pots out, starting the stove, and getting ready to cook. Remus walked up to Harry and Ron, “What’s going on here?” he asked bewildered.

“Well, they decided that we needed dinner, so while you, Ron and I look for the locket, they will cook dinner, afterwards, we all will search to see if there is anything out of place, or anything that can help us here,” replied Harry with a bemused smirk on his face, “they all look like they just can’t wait to cook for us, wow, I cant wait till Ginny and I get a house to ourselves.”

“Well, Harry, you already have a house, if you want, we could fix it up, and also perform some wards to keep you and whoever is inside safe. That is, only, if you want to do that,” replied Lupin looking somewhat embarrassed.

“Well, this house is mine, we would have to throw out almost everything, but that’s no problem, as I do have money. I just hope Ginny would like to live here. Wait a second, if it is okay with Ginny, you and Hermione could live here too, same with you and Tonks, Remus,” replied Harry looking hopeful.

“Well, mate, that would be great, if Ginny allowed us to live here,” replied Ron.

“Yeah, well, Tonks and I don’t want to intrude into your private life Harry, I mean I’m sure we could find a house where we can live together,” replied Lupin not daring to meet Harry’s eyes.

“Hey, Lupin, you and Tonks are my family, your as much family as anyone. It would not be a problem if you lived here, there are plenty of rooms. There are at least five or six rooms, that means we all get a room. So I don’t want to hear that you would intrude, that’s not possible. I hope you will think about it, though I still have to get it approved by Ginny, she is the boss you know,” replied Harry smiling and chuckling.

With the fact of a possible home fresh in his mind, Harry, Ron, and Remus left the kitchen to find the locket. After a while the three men were growing more frustrated, they could not seem to find it anywhere. It wasn’t until Harry looked around and found Ron starring stupidly at Harry that he knew something was up, “What is it Ron?”

“Harry, we have been wandering around this house for an hour, why don’t you just call Kreacher here. I’m sure he could help us find it, even if he doesn’t want to help. You could call Dobby here as well, I’m sure he would love to help you,” replied Ron.

“Ron, you’re brilliant, why didn’t I think of that, Kreacher get here now!” demanded Harry, “Dobby you can come if you want.”

Suddenly there were two loud cracks and Kreacher and Dobby were standing in front of them. Kreacher was starring at Harry with loathing in his eyes, Dobby on the other hand was smiling broadly at Harry. “Master called,” croaked Kreacher, he added in an undertone, “Filthy master, wish Kreacher belonged to respectable master, not a filthy half-blood, he standing there, friends with mudbloods, and blood traitors,”

“What ever Kreacher, I want you to give me information, you cannot tell anyone in anyway shape or form about this except for Ron, Hermione, Samantha Forrester, Ginny, Remus Lupin, and I, got it?” asked Harry.

“Master thinks of everything,” said a loathing Kreacher, “what does master want to know?”

“We want to know, where Slytherin’s Locket is, it is essential for us,” replied Harry.

“Kreacher stole it from the bag master threw it in, it is in Kreacher’s bed,” replied Kreacher looking at Harry with such loathing in his mouth.

“Ron, can you go check it out, if it is there, grab it and bring it,” replied Harry, “If it isn’t then, Mundungus probably stole it.”

“Right, Harry, I’ll be right back,” replied Ron as he ran to check Kreacher’s bed.

Harry and Remus waited in the tension filled hall, when Ron got back he was smiling triumphantly. Harry felt his fear fade a little as he saw Ron holding the locket, “Great job Ron, now let me see it,” replied Harry as Ron handed over the locket, “Kreacher go back to Hogwarts, and reveal nothing, of what we talked about, to anyone in any form.”

With a loud crack Kreacher disappeared, Dobby was confused as why he was there. Harry seeing his confused look replied, “Dobby I was wondering, if you would like to assist Hermione, Samantha, and Ginny, who are in the kitchen, then I would very appreciate it if you would think of helping Mrs. Weasley at the Burrow?”

“Dobby would love too, Harry Potter,” replied Dobby with a large smile on his face.

“Okay, well, since we have the locket, why don’t we all go down to the kitchen, we can wait till dinner while helping the ladies, if they need us too,” replied Remus.

“Sure, lets go,” replied Harry. He was glad to have the locket with him, that mean that two thirds of the Horcruxes were in their possession, with two to go.

When they made it down to the kitchen they were surprised, it seemed that the ladies had done nothing. They were all sitting at the table drinking a butterbeer. Ron was the first to speak, “What’s going on? I thought you guys were going to cook dinner.”

“Well, we were going to, but we need food first. We have everything ready to cook we just need food to cook,” replied Ginny starring down her brother.

“I see, that’s no problem, Dobby, can you get these lovely ladies some food?” asked Harry.

“Sure Harry Potter, Dobby would love, too,” replied an excited Dobby and with a loud crack Dobby disappeared.

“Well, while we are waiting, do you need our help with anything?” asked Remus, “I’m sure there is something we could do.”

“Well, you could all keep us company while we cook, we don’t want you all to do anything, we want to make you all a special dinner,” replied Samantha.

“What why?” asked a startled Harry.

“Well I for one, want to personally thank you, Harry, because of how nice you have been to me,” replied Sam.

“I want to make sure that you all are comfortable, I mean, Harry, you of all people should get to relax a bit,” replied Hermione, “also I like to cook, and I wanted to cook for everyone.”

“Well, my reason is selfish, I wanted show Harry what he could expect when we got a place of our own,” replied Ginny with a smile.

“I see, all great excuses, but, Ginny would you take a walk with more for a little bit?” asked Harry, “and when Dobby comes back tell him to come get us.” With that Harry and Ginny left the room.

“Well, what do you want to talk about?” asked Ginny.

“Who said I wanted to talk about anything?” replied Harry feigning anger.

“Harry, you are not good at subtle hints, what do you want?” replied Ginny laughing at Harry’s attempt at an angry scowl.

“Oh, alright, well, I was talking to Lupin today while we were getting the locket. Well, he told me that since this was my house, he could put some wards up to keep people we don’t want away, and the people inside safe. I was wondering what you thought of that?” asked Harry slowly he was afraid of what Ginny would think.

“Harry, that is brilliant, I would love to live here with you, although everything in this place would most likely have to go, well except for the stuff we could use like the kitchen ware.” replied Ginny while Harry just laughed.

“Yeah, of course, and I’m going to ask Dobby if he would like to help us out, maybe work for us, and Winky, too. Though, what would you think of having the house a little more full? I mean there are at least five or six bedrooms here, this is a big house. Do you really want to live in it just us?” asked Harry hoping she would take up on the hint.

“Harry, I would love to have others live with us, I mean Hermione and Ron could, I know that they could use the help, and then also Remus and Tonks, they need a house to live in, also Sam. She doesn’t have anywhere to go, she doesn’t want to go home,” replied Ginny her face lighting up with a smile.

“Wow, of course Sam can stay here, I forgot about her, I feel bad about that. I had already thought of the other two couples. Wow, it would be so good to have this house full,” replied Harry pulling Ginny close to him.

Suddenly there was a loud crack and Dobby appeared, “Great timing Dobby, I know we’re wanted in the kitchen now, but before we go, would you like to answer a question?” asked Harry.

“Harry Potter wants to ask Dobby something, what is it, sir?” asked Dobby.

“Well, there is no need to call me sir, and you can just call me Harry. The thing I wanted to ask was, would you like to work for me? You could also get Winky to come here is she wanted to. I thought you might like that idea, and I’m sure Winky wouldn’t mind being kept busy,” replied Harry looking at Dobby’s growing smile.

Dobby would love to work for Harry, Dobby is sure that Winky wouldn’t mind either, I’ll got get her if you want?” asked Dobby smiling.

“Sure, Dobby, you go do that, and bring her to the kitchen. We will wait for you two before we make an announcement,” replied Harry.

With a loud crack Dobby disappeared, Harry and Ginny made their way back to the kitchen. Once there Ginny joined in with the cooking, while Harry sat back and watch Ron and Remus play a game of wizards chess. Ron was narrowly beating Remus, they both were divulged in the game. Ron’s face suddenly light up when he made his next move, “Check mate.”

“Good move, I never saw that, that was the toughest game of chess I have ever played,” replied Remus.

“Thanks, you gave me a great game,” replied Ron.

Hey, Ron, you already knew the outcome, I have never seen you been beat before,” replied Harry jokingly.

“Yeah, that’s true, though I thought that Remus was going to beat me,” replied Ron with a smile.

“No, I can’t beat the best, and I have to admit you are the best,” replied Remus smiling.

They were all distracted as two house elves appeared with loud cracks. Harry jumped up and walked over to Dobby who was beaming, and a worried looking Winky, “Hello Dobby, and Hello Winky, how are you?”

“Winky is fine sir, Wink is curious at why you want her sir?” asked Winky.

“Well Winky, call me what ever you want, I was wondering if you wanted to work for me? You will get anything you want and you will receive nothing that you don’t want. I have asked Dobby to work for me and he has agreed, we thought that you might feel better working in a household and not a school,” replied Harry looking at Winky with care in his eyes.

“Winky, sir, is honored to be asked to work by you, but you don’t wants Winky sir, she is a bad house elf, she got clothes from her last master,” replied Winky.

“Winky, I know that, but you are not a bad house elf, I would very much like you to work for me. Would you be up to the task of working with Dobby as well?” asked Harry sincerely.

“Winky will work for Harry Potter, and she will work with Dobby if she needs to,” replied Winky looking up at Harry smiling.

“Thank you Winky, now if you wouldn’t mind, would you and Dobby go into the kitchen and do what ever the ladies need?” asked Harry smiling.

“Yes, sir,” replied both house elves in union, as they went off through the door into the kitchen to help.

“Whoa, what just happened?” asked Ron bewildered.

“Well, this is my house, Lupin, would you be so kind as to get the people out here to make this house as safe as possible?” asked Harry, “this is my house, and this is where I’ll be living.”

“You are going to redecorate right?” asked Ron.

“Yeah, I will, I’m going to get rid of all the Dark Magic items and replace them with better items, though I am thinking of making another Library. I could use the one the Blacks put together, though I want a Library that would be fun and interesting for us,” replied Harry laughing a little, “I also now have two house elves that work for me.”

“That’s cool, but Hermione will flip, remember S.P.E.W.?” asked Ron.

“Yeah, I do, though I’m not going to mistreat the house elves. They are going to be helpers, they are going to help clean the house, prepare the food, and help protect the house,” replied Harry, “they’re not going to be slaves.”

“Okay, I just wish the food would get here already, I’m starving,” replied Ron.

Just as Ron finished his last statement the door to the kitchen opened. The three ladies, and the two house elves all were carrying plates, food, and drinks. When everyone got to the table and got situated Harry stood up with Ginny, “We have an announcement to make, Ginny and I will be living here, however, we do not want to live alone.”

“So Harry and I are inviting all of you to live in our wonderful house, once it gets redecorated,” replied a laughing Ginny, “Remus, when we invite you, we also invite Tonks to live here.”

“I know, Harry already talked to us about that, I sent a message to the Order to get some members out here, they are going to put wards on the house that way we’re all protected,” replied Remus.

“Thanks, Lupin, and now I have to say, lets eat,” replied Harry lifting his butterbeer off the table.

The group all finished their meals and decided that they would search the house for any Horcruxes, then they would all apparate to the Burrow. Before the search Harry told Winky to go to the Burrow and help Mrs. Weasley with a wedding.

The search of the house turned up nothing, but they all found what rooms they would be staying in, Harry and Ginny got the best room since it was their House. The others decided to stick close to the couple picked rooms around them. Once they all got settled in they returned to the kitchen where they would floo to the Burrow. Harry pulled Dobby aside, “Nobody but Order members are allowed here, Remus will floo last so he will tell you who to admit.”

With that Harry entered the emerald green flames and flooed to the Burrow. The group waited for a little while for Remus, once he appeared in the grate, they all entered the Kitchen to find Molly Weasley with tea for everyone. Harry knew that tonight they would relax, and tomorrow they would throw the wedding, after that who knew what would happen.

Chapter Thirteen: A Special Christmas

The night that they arrived at the Burrow was a peaceful one, Harry went over and asked his mother, “Is everything ready for tomorrow, do you need any help?” asked Harry.

“No, no, everything is set and ready, you all just need to get some rest, it will be a very big day tomorrow,” replied Mrs. Weasley offering Harry more tea.

“Okay, well I think that Ginny and I will go to our room, will it be Percy’s room?” asked Harry.

“No, I think you can still use the room that you used over the summer,” replied Mrs. Weasley sweetly smiling up at Harry.

“Mum, if that’s what you want then Ginny and I will stay there,” replied Harry as he grabbed Ginny and Sam and made his way off to their room.

When Harry opened the door to his and Ginny’s room he let the two women enter before him. He stayed around the door while waiting for the two women to get comfortable, when they finally were he walked over and conjured a chair. He sat down and looked from Sam to Ginny, “There is going to be a problem tomorrow, the wedding is going to be a mid-morning wedding. Does anyone see the problem with this?”

“Well, Ron wont be awake yet,” replied Ginny understanding what was going to happen.

“Exactly, now what are we going to do to make sure that Ron is wide awake for this wedding?” asked Harry with a mischievous smile on his face.

“Well I’m thinking that Sam and I can get Ron up while you go and get the stuff at Diagon Alley, remember you need the dress and the suit, also the rings,” replied Ginny.

“Yeah, but I want to know what’s going to happen,” replied Harry wishing he would have been able to partake in the plot.

“Well, Sam, what do you think about a tickling charm, followed by a fray of pillows, and ending in a cold shower of water?” asked Ginny giggling.

“That’s good, but I think we should levitate him to the sealing, use a sticking charm, then do everything you said,” replied Sam barely containing her laughter.

“Well I like Sam’s idea, here is and idea. I think you perform a nonverbal spell, the incantation is levicorpus, all you have to do is say the incantation in your head and the spell will work, it will wake Ron but while he is confused stick him to the ceiling hit him with the tickling charm and go from there. The spell I just told you just makes the victim float upside down,” replied Harry, “just don’t tell Hermione about the spell.”

“Okay, well you two can sleep in here, I am going to the Leaky Cauldron tonight. That way I can just get up get the stuff and get back here,” replied Harry as her got up.

He gave Ginny a quick kiss before he left the room, he walked over to Mrs. Weasley and told her what he was going to do. Harry and Remus then left the Burrow and got a room at the Leakey Cauldron. Remus, thinking Harry mature enough, bought Harry a drink. They made their way over to a table and Remus asked, “Well, what are we going to do for headquarters? You can’t reach out headquarters, so where should we move it to?”

“Well, we could use Grimmauld Place again once all the wards are up, but its all up to you,” replied Harry.

“Why is it up to me? You are the leader of the order,” replied Remus with a smile.

“Well it’s up to you because, you are who I trust, you are my consultant, I will do something you suggest,” replied Harry smiling back at Remus.

“Oh, alright, I think it would be fine to use your house as headquarters again,” replied Remus.

“That’s good, Lupin, I want Ron, Hermione, Ginny, and Samantha, as well as myself, officially inducted into the Order,” replied Harry becoming more serious.

“Harry, you are the leader, you get to chose who you want to join,” replied Remus.

“Okay, well I trust your judgment, so, I want to know that you are fine with what I’m deciding,” replied Harry.

“Yes, I’m fine with the five of you becoming official, who better actually? You, Ron, and Hermione have all faced so much at school, Ginny was amazing at the Ministry of Magic in your fifth year, and Sam, she is smart, quick thinking, and will add another level to the Order,” replied Remus smiling, “In fact if you hadn’t joined, I would have been shocked.”

“Yeah, I know that my friends and I don’t really follow the rules too much,” replied a laughing Harry.

“Yeah, though that’s good, because the opponent doesn’t follow the rules either, that is why it is pretty good that you’re running the Order now. Though how ever grateful that I’m you trusted advisor maybe you should talk to Moody, he knows more about Dark Wizards than anyone else I have ever met,” replied Remus.

“Thanks, Lupin, great idea, I could use Moody’s help with the order. Are you willing to work with me and Moody to make sure everything is running smoothly?” asked Harry.

“Yes, of course,” replied Remus.

“Great, well, I’m getting kind of tired, I think I’ll go to bed, are you coming or are you going to sit up a little while longer?” asked Harry.

“I’ll be up in a second, I’m just going to decipher this list you made,” joked Remus, “but really I can’t read this list, all I can read are the two column names, Ron and Hermione.”

“Very funny,” smiled Harry, “But really I can read it, I just am ready for some sleep, I’ll see you in the morning.” With that Harry marched up the stairs to their room and collapsed on the nearest bed.

When Harry woke up the next day it was early, he figured he could get an early start, and then get back to the Burrow earlier than anyone expected. He marched off through Diagon Alley picking up the rings, and also a present for the bride and a present for the groom.

Harry smile to himself, he got Ron some Chudley Cannons quidditch robes, while he got Hermione a book he heard her talking about. It was called Charms, Curses, and Jinxes: A way to defeat the Dark Arts, Harry read a few pages in the book and figured that he would like this book to read. The book and Robes had both been really expensive, but he didn’t care they were for his best friends.

He then left Diagon Alley to enter a muggle formal ware shop. Here he bought a dress, according to the measurements Ginny had given him, and a tuxedo by the measurements that Ron had given him. The dress was a beautiful, white, strapless one, it wasn’t too fancy, but it wasn’t simple. The dress had sequences running down the sides which made the dress shine in light, the dress being strapless would be perfect with Hermione’s hair. The tuxedo was all black with a white shirt and a deep red vest, he got a bow tie. He paid for the tuxedo and dress and went back to the Leakey Cauldron.

Once there he placed the dress in one box and the tuxedo in another. He placed the book and the robes in the same box with a note to the bride and groom. He then finally looked at the rings, they were both yellow gold, Ron’s was just a simple band. Hermione’s had a pattern of diamonds all around the ring, with a small but eloquently cut diamond for the focal point of the ring. Harry put the rings both in the same box and then wrapped all the boxes in brown paper. When Remus came into the room Harry noticed that Remus was holding a package similar to his but smaller. Harry asked, “Are those for Ron and Hermione?”

“Yes they are,” replied Remus smiling, “I got them both invisibility cloaks, I figured that yours was getting too small for the three of you.”

“That’s a great idea, I got Hermione a book she wanted, and Ron some quidditch robes, I also got Hermione’s dress and Ron’s tuxedo as well as their rings,” replied Harry.

“That must have cost a lot of money,” replied Remus.

“Oh, it did, but its for my best friends, they have been with me every step of the way, they deserve everything I got them, well Ginny and I got them, she told me to buy the quidditch robes,” replied Harry smiling.

“Harry, you’re a great friend, and a great person, I’m glad that you’re on our side and not on the other side,” joked Remus.

“Yeah, I know, well I think we should get back, its earlier than anyone expected, as its not even breakfast time, but I’m sure they wont mind,” replied Harry and he and Remus got up and left the bar to apparate back to the Burrow.

When they arrived at the Burrow they were not surprised to see Molly up and about. When Harry walked in she walked up to him and gave him a big hug, “Go get Ginny and Sam up, also get Ron up too.”

“Yes, mum, the dress is in the blue box and the tuxedo is in the red box, the wrapped gift is for Ron and Hermione and the black box are the rings,” replied Harry and he handed over the parcel in his hand to Mrs. Weasley.

Harry then quietly walked into the room Ginny and Sam were sleeping in, he quietly woke them up and smiled mischievously at them, “Ready to wake Ron up?”

“Yeah, sure, and now you can do the first spell, since you know it,” replied Ginny.

“Okay, well lets go quietly, bring the pillows, we will use the water charm, and not buckets of water,” replied Harry.

The three of them made their way to the top room of the house, there they quietly opened the door. Harry performed the first spell as Ron woke with a start, Sam placed the tickling charm on Ron then started fling pillows at him, Ginny started using her wand to douse Ron in ice cold water. After they thought Ron had enough, Harry let him down and asked trying to hold back his laughter, “Hey, are you awake yet?”

“No, I’m not,” replied Ron sarcastically.

“Well, good because mum wants us down stairs, everything is set up outside, you need to get into you tuxedo. Ginny, Sam, want to go wake Hermione?”

“Sure, Harry,” replied Sam enthusiastically.

“Okay, go downstairs first and get Hermione’s dress from mum, Ginny, then wake Hermione up, and tell her to put on the dress, tell he that we’re having a formal day with people from the Muggle World that dad invited over,” replied Harry.

“Great, you thought of everything didn’t you?” asked Ginny.

“Yes, with help from Lupin,” replied Harry truthfully.

With that everyone walked downstairs and separated, Sam and Ginny grabbed the dress and ran upstairs to Hermione’s room. Ron grabbed the other box and went to put on his tuxedo, Harry decided to relax and start planning on his changes with the Order. First off, he was going to change how fought the Death Eaters, Tonks had told him that his students were better fighters than some of the Order. After that he would talk to Moody and Remus, he thought the Order was doing a fairly good job.

When Ron came down in his tuxedo, he was rushed outside to wait for the wedding. He was waiting in a tent where it would all take place, the wedding wasn’t for an hour and was frustrated. Harry soon joined him though in his tuxedo, and he had brought chess to pass the time. Ron questioned Harry several times on what they, Harry and Remus, had gotten them. Harry wouldn’t respond so Ron finally turned his attention back to the chess game.

In the house, Hermione had already came down in her dress, Mrs. Weasley did her hair, while Hermione put on her makeup. It was almost time for the wedding when a crowd of people, all wizards dressed up in formal muggle attire, arrived. Hermione asked who they were but she never received an answer. They were of course, all friends of Ron and Hermione, also family members.

When the wedding started Ginny and Sam led Hermione out to the tent, where Hermione immediately blushed as she realized what was going on. Everyone stood up and turned around and watched her walk down the aisle towards the man of her dreams.

The wedding was wonderfully put together, no one there realized that it had been put together in a day, not even the bride. Everything ran so smoothly that it was over by lunch time and the reception had already started. There were only a few bands there, Creed had shown up as well as a few solo artists, the reception wasn’t nearly as big as Harry’s and Ginny’s wedding but that didn’t bother the bride or the groom.

When it started to get dark everyone started to leave, Ron and Hermione turned and grabbed Harry and dragged him into the house. They put him into a chair and asked, “How can we ever thank you for everything you have done for us?”

“There is no need to thank me, I did it as payment for all the times you have helped me, saved me, and everything. It was a thank you, from me to you two,” replied Harry standing and giving his two friends a hug, now you didn’t open mine or Remus’ gifts, please do so now.” Harry handed his gift to Ron and Remus’ to Hermione. Ron opened Harry’s first and was shocked at the quidditch robes as Hermione was shocked at the book.

“Harry how could you afford this? This book was 50 galleons,” replied Hermione.

“It was nothing, and those quidditch robes are authentic, they cost a little more than the book, but I still got them,” replied Harry smiling at his two friends.

Hermione then opened Remus’ package and was shocked at the contents, “I can’t believe it, he got us each an invisibility cloak, amazing,” she replied.

“Yeah, I know, I almost got you those instead, now about the rings, I was thinking that you two would want to get them engraved? Well I know a spell, well learned a spell, that will engrave what you want on them,” replied Harry.

“Really, would like to engrave them for us?” asked Ron.

“Well, I will just tell me what to write,” replied Harry. Ron and Hermione both told him what they wanted engraved and he did it as simple as counting to three.

By that time everyone was coming in and Mrs. Weasley was ordering everyone to get to bed. She said they all needed rest and that today had been too long of a day for everyone. No one disagreed and everyone went off to bed, and fell asleep, too tired to talk.

The next few days up till Christmas were spent relaxing, Everyone went off to Diagon Alley at different times to buy gifts, some making two or three trips. On Christmas morning Harry awoke and quietly got out of bed, He went over and started making some tea. Mrs. Weasley was the first one up and she accepted some tea from Harry. As others started waking up they moved into the living room, they were all discussing plans for the day when they all heard that the presents had been laid out on everyone’s beds. Everyone decided to go open their presents before doing anything else. Harry made his way to his room and found that Ginny had already opened hers. He asked, “Did you get anything good?”

“Yeah, I got some good things, I got a new broom, and some other stuff, but I couldn’t find a gift from you? Did you get me one?” asked Ginny.

“Why, yes I did, I just thought I would give it to you myself,” replied Harry withdrawing a small box from his pocket, “Here you go.”

Ginny opened her gift and was shocked, “Harry, oh my god, they are beautiful, how could you ever afford something like this?”

“Come on, I couldn’t go cheap on you, I wanted you to have a matching necklace, and earrings for your ring, I bought it as a set, and paid the jeweler for the rest of the money I owed him when I was in Diagon Alley last, I put a down payment on them so he wouldn’t sell the set,” replied Harry giving her a hug.

“Oh, they are wonderful, I’m sorry I didn’t get you anything like this,” replied Ginny holding up Harry’s gift.

“I’m glad, I’m not a big fan of jewelry,” joked Harry, “but seriously, I don’t care what you got me, knowing that you love me is the best present in the world.”

“Aw, thanks Harry, well do you mind if I help you open your presents?” asked Ginny.

“No, I don’t mind, come on,” replied Harry tossing her some presents.

Harry thought overall that this Christmas was pretty good. Ginny had gotten him a mirror that allowed him to see anyone he wanted. Harry turned and hugged and kissed Ginny after opening this gift. From Hermione he received a new watch that had to be expensive, and from Ron he received a Chudley Cannons sweat shirt, a muggle item that the quidditch teams were coming out with. Fred and George sent him new items from their joke shop, while Remus gave him a nice winter cloak. Mrs. Weasley gave Harry some fudge and another sweater. He put the sweater on as he made his way to the kitchen with Ginny. Once there Ron and Hermione both looked upset, Harry soon found out why as Ron spoke, “Harry, you shouldn’t have gotten us Christmas gifts, you already did so much for our wedding.”

“Hey you two, I have the money to spend on this, so I am going to use that, I wanted to get you gifts so I did, I don’t want to hear another word about it,” replied Harry forcefully as he stood straight up, everyone in the room suddenly backed away slightly, as Harry imposed his will on his friends.

“Alright, Harry, we were just saying we feel guilty,” replied Hermione.

“It’s okay, I don’t care, but you’re the second and third person today to tell me off for spending money on you,” replied Harry calming down then smiling, “Ginny thought I spent too much on her.”

“Well, Harry, I know how to fix that, but I can show you how till later,” whispered Ginny in Harry’s ear so that only he could hear him.

Unfortunately Ron must have heard because he replied quietly, “Ginny! Don’t talk about that kind of stuff in public.”

“Wow Ron, sorry,” replied Ginny and everyone started busying themselves with food. The rest of the stay at the Burrow was pleasant. Harry was looking forward to getting back to classes, though he could tell that everyone else wasn’t quite excited about going back to classes. He wasn’t bothered because the first few weeks of class would be review. Everyone just wanted to relax for the last night before returning to Hogwarts the next day, knowing that they would be tested in all their classes.

Chapter Fourteen: A Talk

The first couple of weeks back, all the teachers were just reviewing the information that they had taught before break. Harry didn’t want to start stressing his students right after break, so he decided that he would give his class an extra week. One morning Harry, Ron, and Hermione were at breakfast waiting for Ginny to arrive, Hermione put down the Daily Prophet and asked, “Harry, when are you going to start teaching again?”

“I don’t know, I was thinking of giving you guys an extra week to relax, why?” asked Harry curiously.

“Well, there was a break out of Azkaban, all the Death Eaters that were caught at the Ministry were freed, also there were two killings in London. I think you should start teaching us, soon,” replied Hermione.

“Okay, well what should I start teaching? I’ll talk to Tonks about bringing in some people and practice dueling one on one. Does that sound good? Then when everyone becomes adequate, moving onto two against one?” asked Harry.

“Hey, that’s sounds great, though I think you should work in a room that’s transfigured into like a forest or something. I don’t know some kind of landscape,” replied Ron, adding the last part casually.

“That’s a smart idea, I’ll have McGonagall set up a classroom like that for us, and I’ll get Tonks to bring in people to battle against. I’ll talk to Rufus also and make the deal with him. That way we can get some Aurors to practice on,” replied Harry.

“That’s good, well we should be able to relax today, I mean we don’t have anyone to fight against,” replied Ron, hopefully.

“I don’t think that’s how I’m going to teach today, though I’ll let everyone take their frustration out on me. I’m going to batter each student individually, to see how strong they are as a fighter,” replied Harry smirking at Ron and Hermione, “good luck today in class.”

Harry and his two friends, realizing that Ginny hadn’t come to breakfast, got up and left for class. Once there they were surprised to see the class full. Harry knew the reason why, everyone was afraid of the attacks, and the break out. They all wanted to get started right away, Harry agreed so he pulled out a list, and called the first person forward.

They were all pretty good fighters, but once they started defending they lost control of the battle and were soon overcome. When Harry got to Sam, Ron, and Hermione, he was glad to find that they had learned quite a bit from him. Not only did they last the longest, but they each got a few spells landed against Harry.

Harry was exhausted after the three fights against his friends, he took more damage in those three fights than any of the other fights combined. Harry called an end to class and graded everyone’s fight. Most received A’s but a few received E’s, Harry gave out no O’s because those were reserved for the people who could control the fight and win the fight. Harry knew by the end of the year, everyone in the class would be receiving at least E’s and a few might receive O’s, but now they were not to that point, yet.

Harry left the class with his friends, the rest of the day sped by as Harry wanted to find Ginny. After dinner he ran up to his room to see if Ginny was there, he found Ginny laying on the bed with a note, she asked with concern in her voice, “Harry, what’s wrong?”

“Oh, nothing, I just didn’t see you today and was worried about you. Who’s the note from?” asked Harry looking at the note.

“Oh, its just from some guy who said that he wanted to prove that his love for me was greater than yours. That’s a total lie, don’t worry. Though I do have a question for you, you don’t have to answer but its something I’ve been wondering since I returned from Christmas break,” replied Ginny starring into Harry’s deep green eyes.

“What is it, you know that you can talk to me about anything,” replied Harry, pulling Ginny closer to him, “I love you, and I’ll answer you truthfully.”

“Okay, well, Harry, I’ve been wondering, why did you decided to start going out with me again?” asked Ginny, a tear forming in her eye.

Harry reached over and wiped the tear, that had just leaked out of her eye, away and replied to her, “Ginny, my decision to go back out with you, took a lot of pondering. All the time at the Dursleys you were in my mind, I just couldn’t stop thinking of you. I had a good time because of Ron and Hermione, but at night, I felt empty. I know why now, you weren’t in my life, also I started thinking of my lessons with Dumbledore, one lesson he told me of a power I have. One that Voldemort doesn’t have, that power is love, now I was pondering this, how can I defeat Voldemort with love when I’m pushing the one I love away? That was a turning point in my battle with dating you. I also thought that, in these dark times, there should be light, hope, happiness, and more, I thought that well, it would please Dumbledore the most if I proved to myself that I was more mature than everyone thought. Everyone figured that I was being stubborn and stupid about breaking up with you, well I realized I was wrong, so I changed my decision.”

“Oh Harry, wow, I never thought about what was going through your head. I knew you still cared about me and everything, but I thought that you’d be able to put it in the back of your mind and get on with you life. You always seem to do that,” replied Ginny breaking down in more tears.

“Ginny,” replied Harry lifting Ginny head up, kissing her lightly while wiping away her tears, “Ginny, I’m not that strong, everything I do, every action I make, I sit at night and think, ‘was it the right choice’, and I never find an answer.”

Ginny got up from the bed and threw herself into Harry’s arms, “I love you Harry, I was wondering, would you mind looking at some happy memories, instead of looking for the Horcruxes, tonight?”

“Sure, I have a few that might make you smile, and a few that might make you blush,” replied Harry slightly chuckling.

“Same here, Harry,” replied Ginny giggling.

The two spent the rest of the night enjoying memories, a few funny, a few happy, a few passionate, and a few sad. They were interrupted by Ron and Hermione who joined in, reliving some of their memories. Overall it was the best night that the two young couples had during their six or seven years at Hogwarts.

The fought through the rest of the week, on Friday they decided to have another memory night, they invited Sam to join them, thinking it would be good for their friendship. When everyone arrived Harry found a way to project the memories up onto the wall, they loaded the pensive with their memories and sat back to watch the show.

They all were laughing when suddenly a sad memory came up, Everyone could tell it was Harry’s. Harry got up to remove the memory when everyone in the room told him to stop. Harry spoke, “I don’t think this memory is appropriate, it shows some things you should see.”

“Hey, I think we should see what you deal with, I mean you may be my best friend, but you deal with more than anyone of us,” replied Ron.

“Oh, okay,” replied Harry sitting down. The memory was still playing and now it showed Harry sitting by the lake, he was 15 years old, he was sitting by himself having just heard the prophecy, he was told everything, well almost everything. He suddenly broke down and started crying, Harry put his head down while Ginny squeezed his hand, the grief was so great that everyone could tell he was mourning. Harry heard Hermione mutter something about Sirius Black to Ron and Samantha. In the memory Harry looked up and saw flaming red hair, he saw Ginny Weasley, everyone noticed the way he looked at her, they saw yearning in his eyes. Everyone was surprised, Harry just looked down, the memory still went on, with Harry, his face in his hands and then quietly muttering, “Why is my life so screwed up, why is life so twisted. The girl I want is the girl I cant have, and in the end, it still comes down to either I am murdered, or I have to kill. That will definitely destroy any chance with Ginny.” Everyone was so shocked that Harry stood up and stopped the memories.

When Harry turned around, everyone saw that he had started crying. Ginny stood up and walked over to him, she grabbed his hand and pulled him over to the bed. When she spoke it was with love and caring, “Harry, I love you, I didn’t know you liked me back in your fifth year and my fourth year. I knew you were going through a rough time. I knew that you blamed yourself for Sirius’ death, I knew both those things, yet I did nothing to help you.”

“Ginny, it wasn’t your fault, I never showed my feelings for you, like always I kept to myself, I’ve never had anyone to help me with my feelings,” replied Harry.

Everyone fell silent, they all got up and just gave Harry a big hug, everyone promised to stay the night, they conjured beds and everyone laid down. After everyone saying brief goodnights everyone laid down to sleep. Harry was the last one to fall asleep, he turned over on his side and watched Ginny sleep, he thought she looked like an angel. Soon he fell into a pleasant and restful sleep.

When Harry woke up everyone else was already up, the five decided to spend the day in the common room. Harry called Dobby and asked if he could wait on them, Dobby said he would and so they spent the day playing chess, laughing at jokes, telling stories, reliving good memories. It was silently agreed that they would stay away from the memory they saw the last night.

When Monday came everyone made their way to the Great Hall, they were startled to see five new people at the staff. Then Harry muttered to everyone that those must be the Aurors that Harry asked for. Everyone gaped at him until he replied, “When you all fell asleep Friday night I sent an owl to Rufus and told him they I’d be the poster boy for the Ministry if he would let me have anything I wanted and would request it. He agreed to me being able to ask for something and him seeing fit that I get what I need.”

When they finished eating breakfast Harry bid farewell to Ginny before making his way to class. The room was transfigured into a forest, and the five Aurors were standing off to the side. Harry briefly told them what they would be doing, agreeing Harry called the class forward and demonstrated a fight, he fought three Aurors and defeated them all pretty easily. Everyone was amazed at his ability, when he replied he sounded more like Hermione, “Well what did you expect, I couldn’t have faced Voldemort so many times and defeated him, with out some skill.”

With that Harry divided the class and had them duel the Aurors, a few actually beat the Aurors and Harry decided to test those people. He forced those who had beaten an Auror to fight a two on one fight. In this kind of fight, no one got close to defeating an Auror, Harry figured that he had just tested his students too much for their first fighting lesson. The rest of class was spent taking notes on what Harry was saying about turning a battle to their favor.

After dinner Harry decided that he should go talk to Dumbledore, he made his way to McGonagall’s office dreading what he was going to talk about. When he got to the door he knocked, and was slight surprised when the door sung open. He was shocked to find what was inside.

Chapter Fifteen: Enemies Become Allies

Harry walked into McGonagall’s office to find Severus Snape and Draco Malfoy. He looked up to McGonagall, who then looked at Dumbledore’s portrait. Harry was the first one to speak and he asked, “What’s going on?”

Dumbledore’s portrait replied, “Harry, Severus and Draco come at great peril, they wish to help you destroy the Horcruxes. Now I’m glad that you were rational when you entered this office. I’m going to tell you what Happened last year, Severus here made an Unbreakable Vow with Narcissa Malfoy, the vow was about Draco’s mission. His mission was to kill me, and Severus had to try and help Draco, the very last part of the vow was one Severus didn’t want to do. The last part of the vow was, if it looked like Draco would fail, that he, Severus would have to kill me. I think you might have realized something of this nature but quickly dismissed the thought?”

“Well, yes sir, because I knew that Snape close to you, I just didn’t think of how he could kill you. Then I started to tell myself that he was evil, and that he was a Death Eater, and so killing was his job. Then it became easier to hate Snape, and Draco both,” replied Harry.

“I bet it did, but remember, Harry, you need to forgive, because forgiveness is part of love. I would be happy if you agreed to work with Severus and Draco, it would make things a lot easier. They can also help you organize the Order, they are working for Voldemort and know what’s going on,” replied Dumbledore.

“Yes, I know, but wont it be hard for both of you to remain undercover?” asked Harry to Snape and Draco.

“Yes, it will, that is why, I’m turning away from Voldemort, the Order will try to protect me, but I must say, I think I have a better chance around you, Potter,” replied Malfoy coolly.

“If, you think so. Dumbledore, where will Draco be staying?” asked Harry.

“Why, Harry, I think he will be staying in you old dormitory. There is still your bed open,” replied Dumbledore.

“Oh, that’s great, stick him with four people that couldn’t stand him before he helped get Death Eaters into the castle,” replied Harry, he turned to Draco and said, “I’ll talk to everyone, they will understand the whole situation, if they don’t then you can hex them, everyone but Ron. If he doesn’t understand I’ll hex him.”

“Thanks, but I can handle them all myself, I don’t need your help, I mean it’s not like their learning how to fight the Dark Lord here,” replied Draco coldly.

“Draco, that’s where your wrong, I’m the Defense Against the Dark Arts Teacher, and I have been teaching how to fight, by the end of the year, everyone should be able to fight and survive against Death Eaters should they be attacked. It would be a great asset if you would assist me in teaching that class,” replied Harry trying to keep things polite.

“Why are you being so nice to me, all I have done to you for the past six and a half years have been torment you and pick on you,” replied Draco calmly.

“Draco, you need to realize that there are things worth dying for, and with that comes change, you need to change. Me, my whole life has been made to destroy Voldemort, the prophecy your dad didn’t get proved that. I’m the ‘Chosen One’ but I’m still willing to fight for what I believe in. If I have to change along the way, then I have to change. That is how I can be nice to you, you are going to help me in the long run, so the best thing I can do is try to forget the past, and move on. You need to do that, too,” replied Harry, “though one piece of advice, don’t call Hermione a mudblood, then you might actually get hexed into next week.”

“So, I’m guessing, that Weasley has finally gotten together with Granger,” asked Malfoy.

“Yes, they are married, just like Ginny and I, so I will not tolerate you being rude to any of us,” replied Harry staring at Draco.

“Okay, fine,” replied Draco.

“Well, I think I should go, I have class tomorrow, and I also want to start working on a lesson plan for my next class. Draco you will be helping me demonstrate a fight to the sixth years,” replied Harry.

“Fine, we will talk when we get to your common room,” replied Draco nastily.

“Draco, how I see it, I can make your life here easier, or I can make it difficult. You don’t have to be my friend, I don’t want to be yours, but I think it would be beneficial for us to work along with each other and be polite to each other, if we cant be nice to each other,” replied Harry coolly.

“Okay, I’m sorry for my tone, but you must realize that we have been arch rivals, for six and a half years, I just cant forget all of that,” replied Draco.

“Well, either can I, in fact, I don’t expect you to, hopefully you can use that to your advantage while fighting me,” replied Harry looking intently at Draco.

“Okay, what ever, lets just go, that way we can talk and then get to bed,” replied Draco hotly, then added in a cooler tone, “I’m sorry, I’ve had a long day, and I’m tired.”

Harry and Draco both got up and left the office, on their way to Gryffindor neither talked. When they got in front of the Fat Lady’s Harry stopped Draco and told him, “Draco, I’m serious, I’m going to try to make your life at Hogwarts easier, but I’ll need your cooperation. You can start by listening to me when we get into Gryffindor Tower, I’ll explain what you doing here to the only ones who need to know, the others I’ll threaten to give them detentions,” replied Harry.

“Thanks, but I don’t think you need to go out of your way to cause any comfort for me, I can take care of myself,” sneered Draco.

“Yea, I know you can, but well, who knows, its always nice to have some place where you can go, and be around people who wont bother you. Trust me, it helps,” replied Harry, “even though we wont be friends, or like each other much, I’m willing to give you a person to confide in, and even be around if you need one.”

“Thanks” replied Draco not know what to say, “Can we go in now?”

“Sure, the password is, Cockroach Cluster, the passwords have been to remember Dumbledore,” replied Harry as the portrait swung forward.

As Draco and Harry entered the common room, everyone was quiet. Harry quickly grabbed Ron. Hermione, Ginny and Samantha and dragged them all into his room as well as Draco. Once they were all in there Harry performed the silencing spell on everyone in the room, to prevent interruption. Harry started shortly after checking to make sure the spells were working, “Now, all of you, Draco is here to help us with the Horcruxes, while he is here, you all will treat him politely, if not nicely. I have put aside petty differences, I will help Draco this year, as he will help me with classes. I hope you four will do the same, though I can understand if you don’t.”

Harry removed the silencing spell on everyone and Hermione was the first one to speak, “Harry, how do we know we can trust him?”

“Well, I trust him, because Dumbledore explained the situation last year, I know understand, and you will all understand too, in due time. That’s all you need to know now,” replied Harry.

“Well, that’s fine with me, though where will he stay,” asked Ron.

“Well, he will stay in my old bed, right next to yours, Ron,” replied Harry smiling.

“You think this is funny don’t you, Potter,” sneered Draco.

“Why, I do think its funny,” replied Harry laughing, “Though, no one will be hexing anyone, or you will be answering to me.”

“Oh, like your any problem, I can defeat you in like three seconds,” replied Draco coldly.

“We’ll see tomorrow, we will fight each other as a demonstration, then we will test the students’ strength,” replied Harry sternly.

“Okay, that’s fine by me, well I’ll see you in the morning, I’m going to bed,” replied Draco as he left the room, Hermione and Ron both left right after him, Ron wanting to keep an eye on Draco, Hermione worried about Ron. Sam left some time after, she had been passive all conversation and expressed a few ideas for classes, before she left. Soon Harry and Ginny were all alone, they both were sitting on the bed thinking. Ginny, looking over at Harry, asked, “Harry, let me guess, your thinking about whether or not your doing the right thing, about helping Draco. Am I right?”

“Yes, you are, I don’t want Draco to suffer, his family is in grave danger now, he will be in grave danger. He doesn’t have any friends here, I feel bad for him. I don’t know why I feel bad for him though, we have been enemies ever since we met, how can I feel bad for him?” asked Harry looking up at Ginny for an explanation.

“Harry, it’s because you can love, you know how he feels, you know how tough life can be, you feel for him as anyone close to you feels for you. You may not like him, or ever be friends with him, but you care about him, he is like you, you see this so you feel for him,” replied Ginny scooting over on the bed and wrapping a comforting arm around Harry.

“I guess, but why? I mean what good will it do me? I’ll spend the whole year trying to help him, and in return I’ll just be sneered at and everything,” replied Harry.

“Harry, that’s why its going to be you to destroy Voldemort. You who have gone through so much in you life, that you can still care for people, and not just people but your enemies. There’s a quote that says, ‘its hard to lose a friend, but its harder to lose an enemy.’ I don’t know who said it but its true. Your enemies push you more than your friends, so by losing Draco as an enemy it’s harder to look at him like you used to,” replied Ginny.

“I know you’re right, you’re always right, I love you,” replied Harry feeling better, He kissed Ginny goodnight and allowed himself to fall into a restful sleep. Ginny stayed up watching her husband sleep, he looked so peaceful, he also looked younger Ginny realized. The trials of his life, it seemed, had aged Harry too fast, not only physically, but mentally and magically. Ginny couldn’t think of any wizard that was as strong as Harry, at the age of seventeen. Ginny fell into a peaceful sleep soon after Harry had, she had pleasant dreams and curled right up next to Harry.

Ginny was awaken in the morning by Harry, he had brought breakfast up to her in bed. She was so shocked, she never expected Harry to do this at Hogwarts. He was always so busy, she always figured that he forgot about her in the mornings, sometimes. Harry saw her confused look and spoke in such a caring tone, “My love, Ginny, I would never forget about you, you are my light, my hope, and my life. Every morning I wake up and see you there, is another perfect morning, which turns into a good day. Don’t forget that, I’m sorry I don’t show you how much I’m thinking of you, but to tell you, there is rarely a moment when I don’t think of you.”

“Oh, Harry, that was so romantic,” replied Ginny pulling him into a kiss causing him to spill some juice, “Oh, I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to.”

“No problem,” replied Harry as he pulled out his wand and removed the juice stain.

“Well, thanks for the breakfast,” replied Ginny slightly embarrassed.

“Okay, I also got your school clothes out for you, I expect you in class in half an hour. I have to get down there with Draco now, were setting up some stuff,” replied Harry smiling at Ginny.

“Thanks, and I’ll be there, but I wish you could stay, oh well, that’s what being married to a famous hero does for you,” joked Ginny as she got out of bed and started changing.

Harry left the room, not wanting to, and made his way down to the Defense Against the Dark Arts class room. As he and Draco requested, the class room was transfigured into the graveyard that Harry and Voldemort fought in the night of Voldemort’s rebirth. When he entered Draco was hiding, Harry knew that Draco wanted to get a quick fight in before class. Harry knowing Draco as well as he did quickly found his hiding spot, he sent a few jinxes towards Draco, Draco dodged them easily. Pretty soon the two were fighting like there was no tomorrow. Both enjoying themselves, while taunting the other. They never heard the class arrived and were shocked to find everyone screaming when Harry hit Draco with a nasty curse. Harry and Draco both turned on the spot and faced the crowd, Harry knew exactly what to do, “Class, you thought what just happened was bad? Guess what, that was nothing, I’ve stared Death Eaters in the eyes while dodging the killing curse. The curses Draco and I are using are not serious enough to do any real damage, they are just big annoyances. In a fight against Death Eaters you’re facing a lot more than these curses. You’re facing the Unforgivable Curses, but also fear, I’ve never been more scared in my life than while I knew the next thing coming could be the last second of my life.”

“Harry is right, I hate to admit it, but when facing Death Eaters, your staring death in the eyes. I hope you can face your fears, you must, if you want to live. Harry and I both agree, we want you to live, you may wonder why I want you to live. It’s because I don’t like who I’ve been. The first night I was here, my arch rival for over six years turned a blind shoulder to my wrongs, and gave me a second chance. If Harry can do that, than why cant I care for others, I’m here for one purpose, I want to show you exactly what you’re up against. That wont happen till later, you’re not ready to face the Unforgivable Curses yet, but by the end of this year, you will be. Now split into two groups, Once form a line in front of me, the other form a line in front of Harry,” commanded Draco.

The class split up and spent the rest of the class sending spells at either Harry or Draco. Harry wasn’t shocked at the progress the students made since the beginning of the year, but was shocked by the skill level. The sixth years were just as advanced as the seventh years. Harry even thought that they could qualify as seventh years, Harry started making a mental note of who to test for N.E.W.T.

After the class Ginny stuck around Draco and Harry was talking about the class. Ginny was surprised when Draco spoke to her as a friend, “What did you think of class?”

“It was fine, you took everyone by surprise though, with the whole caring about others thing,” replied Ginny.

“Yeah, well, the truth is surprisingly strong, everyone in the two classes, sixth and seventh, need to know that,” replied Draco.

“Hey, Malfoy, why don’t we give it a rest, we never got to finish our fight, want to? First person to disarm, and stun the other wins?” asked Harry.

“Sure, Potter, Weasley, I’d take a seat if I was you, you’re about to see your husband lose,” replied a laughing Draco.

“You wont be laughing when I wipe that smirk off your face,” replied Harry laughing too.

Draco suddenly sent a spell in Harry’s direction, the two were off. Ginny had never seen two people fight like these two, they didn’t fight, they danced. It was almost as if they knew what spell was coming and where it was going. Harry made use of his surroundings where as Draco stood boldly out in the open, Harry made use of this advantage. He would shoot spells from his hiding places before moving to another place. Draco was getting very frustrated, which cause carelessness, Draco sent a spell across the room laving him wide open for the disarming spell. Harry quickly took advantage and disarmed Draco then stunned him. When Harry and Ginny revived Draco he accepted defeat and the three decided to go to the Great Hall. The rest of the day flew by and by the end of the day, even Ron and Hermione were having fun with Draco Malfoy.

The week flew by, and on Saturday Harry threw a party in the Gryffindor common room. There was no reason, but Harry thought that everyone should relax, he and Draco had talked, they thought that it would be beneficial to test the students to their limits. They made arrangements with the Minister to have trained healers on hand. The tests they were going to give the students would almost surely injure them all, if not take them out of classes for a few days.

The test was to be held Sunday night, before classes started on Monday. Harry went to bed early on Saturday night and let his students enjoy their night. Sunday he woke up early, dreading what he was about to do, these students were all about to be thrown into the his and Draco’s world, a world of pain, a world of suffering.

He got up out of his bed, left a note for Ginny, and made his way to the classroom where the test would be held. He waited for an hour before Draco showed up, the two didn’t speak. They both waited till the class showed up, after today, no one would be the same person. After today, Harry and Draco would most likely be the two most hated students in the school. Both were snapped back to reality when the door opened.